Female Swordsman Training Dojo

The girl pouted, her posture exactly the same as Shiranui Ran's just now. Her playful and lively demeanor vanished in an instant, replaced by a deep, calm stillness.

"What else can we do? Since you've already left a batch of goods, just follow Nue or the other members of the Tongxin Society when they go to inspect the goods and see what's going on. Do you think they can find the fire demon inside the Shiranui?"

"Let Koharu or Hoshino go check the barrier over there again, see if there's any way to summon the spirits or track down the Tongxin Society members..."

"By the way, also arrange for a few people to keep an eye on Taira no Shin. Not just anyone can make a magical artifact that can ignore Yakumo Crimson's barrier. We don't know who's behind him, whether they're friend or foe."

"Yes, my lord." Shiranui Ran bowed her head in response and got up to walk towards a window next to her.

The room fell completely silent. The girl collapsed to the floor with a thud, staring blankly at the ceiling like a broken doll. Only fleeting glimpses of something strange could be seen across her cold face, but they never lingered.

"The Unity Society...The Demon Dragon Society..."

The barely perceptible sound faded in the room, the faint candlelight was extinguished by the morning breeze, and the girl closed her eyes.

Meanwhile, Suzuki Ippei, who had stayed up all night, couldn't close his eyes at all. Every time he did, the image of his expensively purchased luxurious manor flashed before his eyes, conjuring up images of the carnage within. Not to mention, even his private experimental facility had been destroyed. Although he had removed most of the equipment beforehand, some things were still left behind and were now completely gone.

More importantly, those dozens of cyborgs who were completely obedient to him and belonged to him personally! The organization rarely gives so generously!

Peaceful! Sunny! Faithful!

He chewed on the name through gritted teeth, as if he were biting into Hiraharu Nobu's flesh, while Suzuki Ryuichi watched with obvious satisfaction. The old man used to say he was too impulsive and lacked the vision to do great things, but now that his own interests were being harmed, he hadn't shown any real vision!

However, he wasn't just happy about it. After all, this commotion would also jeopardize their plans. Most importantly, the goods they had prepared were all in the manor. What if that meddlesome Ping Qingxin found them...

"Don't worry, Ah Long." Nue twirled the fruit knife in his hand and said with a sneer, "The goods are all fine. That Ping Qingxin is indeed good at sensing danger. He took two pieces of trash to test the waters and didn't even put them in the warehouse."

"That's good then." Ryuichi Suzuki breathed a sigh of relief. "I don't want to deal with Lord Yakumo anymore, he's too creepy."

Nue nodded in deep agreement. Although everyone was a yokai, Yakumo Kurenai was really too creepy... no, a creepy yokai.

However, it's better to keep such thoughts to oneself than to say them aloud, so Nue maintained a nonchalant demeanor on the surface: "Don't worry, if something really goes wrong, it's because Yakumo Red failed in her duties and set up a bad barrier. It won't be blamed on us."

"Besides, even if this batch of goods is lost, haven't we already prepared our grand plan?" Nue licked its lips, its bird eyes shining with excited red light. "The Black Dragon of Great Britain, I wonder how it differs from a real divine dragon."

The moment the topic came up, the room, which had been gloomy, brightened up instantly. The most heartbroken Suzuki Ippei transformed into the most excited and proud one, his nostrils practically pointing to the ceiling: "Hmph, what dragon? It's just a lizard. Compared to a real dragon, it's not worth mentioning at all!"

Nue was too lazy to argue with mortals who didn't understand what power was, so she simply said, "Say what you want, the plan is about to begin, isn't it?"

"Of course, it will be in the next few days, just waiting for the remaining blood sacrifice to be completed." Suzuki Ippei revealed a sinister smile.

Chapter 194

"Originally, it would have taken a few more days, but thanks to Hiraharu's efforts, the progress has been greatly accelerated."

"What's the specific time?" Nue frowned. "Have you notified those inferior products?"

“February 10th, the same day as the shipment.” Suzuki Ippei’s eyes gleamed with excitement. “Perfect, this way even if Hirahara Harunobu or those annoying ninjas find clues about the goods, it can actually cover up our real plan.”

"Hehehe..."

"Hey hey hey..."

"Hahaha!"

The three of them exchanged a glance and burst into laughter.

It is now February 2nd.

The author says:

Author's note: Please vote again!

Chapter 182: Fulfilling the Bet

February 5th, 10:00 AM.

Several days had passed since the day the cooperation was agreed upon with Shiranui Ran. There was still no news from her, but Harunobu wasn't too worried, as there was also no activity from the Suzuki Manor. Furthermore, regardless of Shiranui Ran's plans, Harunobu had no intention of abandoning his own course of action.

On February 10th, when the Demon Dragon Society is ready to ship the goods, we'll just go and kill them all.

As for the Demon Dragon Society?

They are now facing imminent disaster.

A few days ago, on February 1st, incumbent Prime Minister Taro Katsura finally succumbed to pressure and convened a parliamentary session. During the session, he cited imperial edicts three times to bolster his position and even attempted to dissolve parliament. However, faced with tens of thousands of people marching and demonstrating outside parliament, and even preparing to storm the building, Katsura ultimately succumbed to pressure and resigned, dissolving the Katsura Cabinet for the third time.

This is a very important political juncture, because it represents the first time that the aristocratic government has been defeated by the constitutionalists and the lower classes. It seems that the Chinese gentry are about to fall—of course, that is impossible—but at least for now, they seem to be gaining a lot of momentum.

Even Harunobu was somewhat surprised, because according to his memory, Katsura Taro was supposed to convene a council meeting on February 5th, and after the failure, he tried to feign death until tens of thousands of people rioted on the 10th, starting a zero-yen shopping spree, which led to the army being deployed to quell the rebellion, forcing him to admit defeat...

Is this due to the unevenness of the world, or is it because he accidentally interfered? After all, Asakusa has been receiving a lot of attention lately, especially the sudden appearance of "Dragon Society members," which is a good handle to use against them.

A certain unnamed lady named Hijikata used it with exceptional skill.

"Hey! Master Ping, what are you thinking about?"

It's true what they say, speak of the devil, and he appears.

Harunobu turned his head and looked at Hijikata Souji, who was being led in by the twins. The latter's face was filled with undisguised joy, and he had no intention of suppressing it.

"What brings you here, Miss Hijikata?" Harunobu asked, somewhat puzzled, but still politely rose to greet her. "Please have a seat. Gemini, go make some tea."

"Of course I'm here to fulfill the bet." Hijikata Souji sat down opposite Harunobu with a broad smile. The same suit she wore when they first met was taut over her chest, highlighting her trembling breasts with excitement.

"A bet?" Harunobu was taken aback for a moment before remembering that when he met Hijikata Souji before, he had played the Seer and made a bet with Hijikata Souji. He had been too busy lately and had completely forgotten about this little matter.

However, that was really a small matter. Even if they won, they would only ask Hijikata Souji to do his best to send the Demon Dragon Society in—at that time, they didn't know that the Demon Dragon Society had the Tongxin Society behind it, and they thought there was only Katsura Gensei.

At present, it seems that Hijikata Soji may not be able to do it.

Hijikata Souji had no idea what Haruno was thinking. She was overjoyed because Katsura Taro had failed, so she didn't notice Haruno's slight change. Instead, she stretched lazily, revealing her amazing curves, and said in a languid tone, "Yeah, it's a pity that even though I rushed as fast as I could, I was still a day late."

So you really got a share?

Harunobu rubbed his temples and silently prayed for Katsura Taro: "I hope something happens to him."

"So, you've managed to send the entire Demon Dragon Society in now?" Harunobu asked without much expectation. Before he knew about the Tongxin Society, he would have been very happy. But now, it wasn't that he looked down on Hijikata Souji; a samurai who didn't even know who his enemy was couldn't possibly win.

“Of course, without Prime Minister Katsura Taro, the Katsura family is now a broken drum being beaten by everyone. That kid Katsura Gensei hasn’t dared to go home for days.” Hijikata Souji’s smile became even brighter. “Those army bastards have also been transferred back. If I wanted, I could capture all the Yakuza today.”

"Then how come you still have time to slack off here?" Harunobu couldn't understand. Given Hijikata Souji's previous enthusiasm for the Demon Dragon Society and the Asakusa police's thirst for credit, if what Hijikata Souji said was true, they should be rushing into the streets to start confiscating Yakuza on a large scale by now, right?

Hijikata Souji understood Harunobu's meaning and said with a smile, "Because I've changed my mind. Rather than letting those scoundrels go to detention centers and prisons to freeload off the country's rice, I think it's better to just make them disappear."

That's a very straightforward statement, but why?

Harunobu blinked as he watched Hijikata Souji stuff daifuku into his mouth, still unable to understand why Hijikata Souji had come to find him. Did he seem extreme and like killing people?

Who spread this rumor?! I'll kill their whole family!

After swallowing a daifuku, Hijikata Souji licked her sugar-coated fingers, her slightly husky, mature voice becoming much sweeter: "Shouldn't this be considered a full-fledged solution? Or does Master Hira have some other ideas?"

That's what she said, but Hijikata Souji didn't think Taira no Harunobu would have any other ideas. Based on her understanding of Taira no Harunobu, she figured he was probably itching to go on a killing spree right now.

She admires this about Hiraharu Nobu.

He possessed the same frenzy and unwavering resolve as the Shinsengumi, suppressing rebels with absolute violence! Unfortunately, he lost this bet and will never see the flag bearing the character "诚" (sincerity) on Taira no Harunobu's body.

But just as she picked up the second daifuku to treat herself, Harunobu gave her an unexpected reply: "Unfortunately, I do have other ideas, and I can't kill them all in the next few days."

The daifuku he had just picked up fell from his hand. Hijikata Souji frowned almost imperceptibly, then smiled again: "What are you thinking? You're not planning to take them in as dogs, are you?"

"They don't even deserve it?" Harunobu scoffed. "I just need to find Suzuki Ryuichi and the people behind him... Speaking of which, would Hijikata-san be interested in participating?"

Picking up the daifuku that had fallen on the table and casually kneading it, Hijikata Souji widened his phoenix eyes and looked at Harunobu: "Explain in detail?"

"Hmm..." Harunobu stroked his smooth chin, pondering whether to bring Hijikata Souji along. Her thought process was rather peculiar, but her influence was indeed considerable, and she could be helpful. Moreover, at least when dealing with the Demon Dragon Society, she was trustworthy.

After thinking it over, Harunobu released the soft twins from his arms and patted their little bottoms: "Go and call Sachiko and the others over."

The busty loli ran off with a thud, while Hijikata Souji devoured the second daifuku. Using the act of consuming the daifuku and the time it took, she discreetly observed Harunobu.

I have a feeling that this person has gotten stronger again.

I really want it.

Even though I already have another woman, it's okay.

A bright red tongue, as vivid as blood, grazed her delicate pink fingertips, rolling the tiny sugar granules into her mouth. Hijikata, the leader who loved collecting samurai, savored the sweetness in his mouth and a smile crept onto his lips.

Chapter 183: The Shocking Pomelo

Soon, Hirako, Koneko, Hosho Amu, and the Tachibana family mother and daughter returned, naturally crowding around Harunobu. It was only because there were outsiders present that things went beyond just close contact.

Hira Yukiko and Hojo Amu sat down most naturally

Chapter 195

They flanked Harunobu, holding his arms. Taking advantage of its size, the kitten snuggled into Harunobu's lap, leaving the twins to pout and brew new tea. Yuzu Tachibana did have plans to compete with the kitten, but Nako Tachibana held her restless daughter tightly, so she could only obediently enjoy her face wash.

"Quite a grand display, Master Hira." Hijikata Souji, who had been sitting lazily, straightened her posture. Although her well-tailored suit wasn't particularly tight, it still accentuated her figure far more than the loose kendo uniforms of the others present. Especially when combined with Hijikata Souji's air of authority, she possessed a unique allure—an irresistible temptation that made one want to conquer her.

This was obviously Hijikata Souji's doing. Given Taira no Harunobu's lecherous nature, wouldn't he be completely bewitched by her? Would he obediently become a member of her Shinsengumi? This was the first time she had used her looks to seduce someone; Taira no Harunobu should really feel honored!

Hijikata Souji's plan was good, but he subconsciously forgot that Harunobu was surrounded by quite a few beauties. In terms of body shape, Hojo Amu, a swordswoman who had been practicing swordsmanship since childhood, was more perfect than her. In terms of breasts, Tachibana Nako was on a completely different level. And if we were to consider both, Hira Yukiko was practically the very core of Harunobu's being.

His only advantage was probably his commanding presence, but unfortunately, Harunobu wasn't involved in BDSM and didn't have those strange hobbies, so that presence didn't appeal to him. Therefore, compared to the instantly flamboyant Hijikata Souji, Harunobu was now more interested in his wives clinging to him.

Hijikata Souji suffered a complete defeat.

Taking a deep breath, Hijikata Souji, with an unchanged smile, roused Harunobu from his reverie: "Master Taira, now that everyone is here, can you tell me what your thoughts are?"

“Of course.” Harunobu first recounted the events at Suzuki Manor, in an abridged version, focusing only on the shipment and mentioning the complete annihilation of Suzuki Manor. He completely omitted anything about Shiranui Ran and the barrier.

Anyway, the girls he truly trusted had already heard the full version of his plan, and this was enough for Hijikata Souji to understand what he was about to say. Harunobu never doubted her intelligence and shrewdness; she was a woman who could powerfully control the Asakusa police. In fact, Asakusa might only be a part of it.

Just as Harunobu had expected, after hearing Harunobu's explanation, Hijikata Souji immediately said, "So, you're planning to catch them all when they ship out their goods?"

Harunobu nodded: "That's right, and Suzuki Ryuichi would definitely have appeared back then, instead of hiding somewhere like he is now."

"So you want me to mobilize people to surround them? But..." Hijikata Souji considered the feasibility, while Harunobu patted the cat's flat and smooth belly and corrected Hijikata Souji's idea: "I would like to, but such a large-scale mobilization of manpower is too easy to leak information. Besides, the casualties would be huge. Suzuki Ryuichi can definitely transform into a yokai, and he must be an elite-level yokai."

"Furthermore, I made a promise with Mrs. Tachibana to let her take revenge. If you just go up and arrest everyone, wouldn't that make me break my promise?"

"So what do you mean?" Hijikata Souji guessed, but was a little incredulous.

Harunobu smiled slightly: "My idea is that when the time comes, Mrs. Tachibana and I will go straight for the enemy's stronghold, while Sachiko and the others, along with Miss Hijikata, will take the people you trust most and wait for my signal before setting off. By then, you can easily take down the remaining small fry, greatly reducing casualties. Mrs. Tachibana will also have time to personally carry out her revenge, and I can also enjoy the thrill of killing... I mean, I can deal with those troublesome demonized enemies."

We should still be a little careful, after all, we're dealing with the big boss behind the police.

Hijikata Souji smiled slightly, about to speak, when Yuzu, who had finally pulled her little head out of the towering mountains, spoke first: "Wait, wait, Shihan, what did you just say? You want my mother to take revenge herself?"

“Yeah.” Harunobu looked at Yuzu with some confusion. “If you’re not here to take revenge yourself, why are you learning swordsmanship? If all you want to do is kill the enemy, then I’ll just kill them all too, and that will end the day faster.”

"No..." Yuzu's face fell like a kitten's, unsure of what to say. Harunobu's arrangement was indeed a good thing, but why so fast? It's only been a short time since she became his apprentice! Her mother could beat... well, given the strength the culprit had shown before, it seemed like she didn't have a chance?

Especially if she helps.

But the timing is really wrong. Mother was just touched once, and her state of mind hasn't reached the requirements of the plan yet. If she succeeds in her revenge now, wouldn't that be... ugh.

Yuzu scratched her head in distress, then was pulled back into Tachibana Naoko's arms: "Sorry, Teacher, Yuzu..."

The young mother bowed apologetically to Hiraharu and Hijikata Souji, whose conversation had been interrupted, looking somewhat troubled. Yuzu, ever since she came to Aozora-kan, has become so mischievous… It's also because she's been too engrossed in sword practice lately and hasn't been disciplined enough.

Juyouzi leaned against the soft mountain, utterly dejected. Her little mind raced, calculating how much time was left and what she could do to help her mother's progress... Finally, she peacefully closed her eyes.

If you can't save him, just wait for death.

Yuzu slept peacefully, while Harunobu looked at Nako tachibana: "Mrs. Tachibana, what are your thoughts?"

“If possible, of course I would like to personally try the murderer who killed my husband.” Tachibana Nako said firmly, then her voice softened, “But if it’s too troublesome, I think safety should come first. I can’t let you, Shifan, be in danger…”

"This little commotion can't hurt me." Harunobu waved his hand. "If I wasn't worried about Suzuki Ryuichi's remaining people, I wouldn't have asked you for help. Mrs. Tachibana, you should think about how to fight the murderer first."

Nako Tachibana nodded without speaking, but her gaze softened as she looked at Harunobu. When Harunobu or anyone else looked over, she would immediately shift her gaze to Yuzu Tachibana.

Oranges and pomelos: peace and tranquility.

Harunobu returned to the main topic: "So, Miss Hijikata, what do you think of this idea?"

Hijikata Souji glanced at Tachibana Nako, then looked at Harunobu surrounded by beauties and smiled, "What objection could I possibly have? We're just here to see you, Lord Hira, display your divine power, aren't we?"

"Not really, it's just that there's something else I need your help with... hmm?"

A knock sounded at the entrance of the Richun Dormitory, interrupting Harunobu's words. A female disciple stood at the open doorway and called out, "Master, there's a letter for you!"

"come in."

The female disciple walked in with a smile, handed the letter to Qingxin from behind, and placed two plump white buns squarely on the back of Qingxin's head.