I Was a Swordsman in Ancient Japan

The latest website: This morning I discussed with the editor about the serialization of special codes.

In fact, I don't really want to put the special code at the end of the chapter. Not only will it be inconvenient for book lovers, but it will also be inconvenient for me to manage.

So after discussing with the editor, I later decided to serialize long-form special episodes like "The Legendary Adventure of the Sword Master and the Fuma" in "Related Works".

In other words, [free serialization] is carried out.

It should be an ecstasy for those who like special episodes (laughs)

However, the update frequency of the special episode is naturally extremely unstable.

I also only occasionally write two strokes on a whim.

Some book lovers expressed a loss in the last chapter, because they were not that interested in the special episode, but were forced to pay to subscribe.

I think what they say is very reasonable, this pot is mine.

I'm very sorry, those who don't want to watch the special code are forced to watch the special code.

So in order to compensate everyone, I will add an extra chapter today.

This chapter is about 4,000 words long (the same length as the previous chapter’s extra episode), and it’s [free] to relax.

Wow, I'm such a conscientious author (laughs).

Not only did they decide to serialize the extra episodes for free, but they also released the main text for free.

For the sake of my conscience, please vote for me more!

*****

*****

"...Master Sakura."

Hasegawa said in a deep voice.

"Has it really been confirmed? Shiranui plans to send Jitaro, one of the 'Four Heavenly Kings', to participate in the 'Imperial Trial'."

Sakura nodded.

"I've double-checked.

"

"In order to restore the image damaged after the "Nijo Castle Incident" in Kyoto, and to prove the strength of their Shiranui to the general and other people in the shogunate, Shiranui has decided to send their Ji Taro to participate in the "Gozen Trial".

"Their purpose is very simple - to win the first place in the 'Imperial Trials' military test."

"Let everyone know the strength of the ninjas in their Shiranui."

After being silent for a while, Hasegawa sighed softly.

"I didn't expect...Shiranui really planned to have a foot in the 'Imperial Trial'..."

"I didn't expect them to use this method to restore their damaged image due to the 'Nijo Castle incident'."

Sakura let out a sneer.

"They are now in a hurry to go to the doctor. Although their Balrog was named the banner and became the general's direct minister a while ago, there are still many people who are extremely dissatisfied with Shiranui."

"Including the old middle-aged man himself, there are quite a few complaints about Shiranui, which is full of ugliness in Kyoto."

"If they don't quickly find a way to save their image, they may really be abandoned by the shogunate."

"Since it has been determined that Shiranui intends to play a part in the "Imperial Trial", then we cannot ignore this."

"No matter what, we must destroy Shiranui's attempt in the 'Imperial Trial'! Let Shiranui's plan to win the first place in the military test and restore their image fail!"

"...Sakura-sama." Hasegawa put his arms around his chest, "Are you really going to fight Shiranui to the end?"

"Of course." Sakura said without thinking, "I hate ninjas the most."

"And for Shiranui, I hate it very much."

"Master Hasegawa, you should have heard a little about the various cruel systems in Shiranui, right?"

"...I have heard of it." Hasegawa nodded.

"Of course, I hate ninjas—this is just one of the small reasons why I want to fight against Shiranui to the end, and wholeheartedly want to destroy the general's acceptance of Shiranui."

"Master Hasegawa, I've never told you before, let me tell you a little bit about the inside story of Shiranui."

Sakura picked up the teacup on the side, took a sip of the tea, then said to Hasegawa in a deep voice:

"Master Hasegawa, do you know why the General-sama was incorporated into Shiranui?"

"Not sure." Hasegawa shook his head, "I'm just a military officer, and I don't know much about these twists and turns."

"Many people in the shogunate know the reason why your lord general wants to incorporate Shiranui."

"It's just that everyone dare not say it clearly..."

Sakura stretched out 3 fingers.

"For 3 purposes."

"The first purpose - to supplement the existing combat power of the shogunate."

"The second purpose - to monitor and collect information on the country of Lucia, which has frequently reached out to the Ezo land recently."

"As for the third purpose..."

Sakura's face slowly sank.

"It is to monitor the civil and military officials in the shogunate, as well as to monitor Satsuma and Changzhou, who are at odds with the shogunate."

Hearing Sakura's words, Hasegawa's brows twitched.

"Master Hasegawa, I wonder if you know Tang Tu's Jin Yiwei."

"Of course I know." Hasegawa replied without hesitation.

"Jinyiwei is a special bodyguard team of the Ming Dynasty that has perished. One of its main responsibilities is to help the emperor monitor civil and military officials."

"Master General, he intends to imitate the Ming Dynasty's system and let the ninjas in Shiranui become his 'Jinyiwei'."

Sakura's face became more and more serious.

"If Shiranui is incorporated just to monitor Lucia Kingdom, Satsuma, and Changzhou, then I have nothing to say, and I will warmly welcome the arrival of Shiranui's ninjas."

"However, if we are monitoring foreign countries and feudal clans, and monitoring us by the way... I can't stand it."

"Master Hasegawa, can you imagine what it would be like if the ninjas in Shiranui were used to spy on us?"

"Everything we say and do will be monitored."

"On the ceiling of the house, there may be a ninja from Shiranui hidden at any time."

"I don't want to live a life of being watched by ninjas at any time."

"This is the main reason why I want to fight Shiranui to the end."

"Many people, including me, are racking their brains, thinking about how to get Shiranui out of Edo."

"And this 'imperial trial match'—is a great opportunity."

The corners of Sakura's mouth curled up slightly, revealing a smile.

"Since Shiranui intends to restore their image by winning the first place in the "Imperial Trial" martial arts test, then we will make it impossible for them to get the first place!"

"As long as we can make Shiranui's plan fail, we can take the opportunity to attack their ninjas as useless, and further attack Shiranui's image in the minds of the general and other people who support Shiranui, and isolate Shiranui! "

"The 'Imperial Trial Match' is personally organized by Mr. Laozhong."

"Even I can't get in the way."

"Therefore, the only way we can choose is to send one or several powerful people to participate in the "Imperial Trial", and let them defeat Ji Taro, so that Ji Taro can't get the first place in the "Martial Trial"."

"So—back to our original topic."

"Master Hasegawa, are you willing to help me to destroy Shiranui's attempt in the 'Imperial Trial'?"

"The Huofu thieves under your command are full of talents. They are both powerful and have sufficient practical experience. They are like crucian carp crossing the river."

"In terms of strength, the experienced elites under your command are much stronger than the current warriors who can only wield the 'Dojo Sword'!"

"Throughout the entire Edo, there are powerful subordinates under my command, and the only person I can trust is you, Hasegawa."

"I hope you can send several powerful subordinates under your command to participate in the "Imperial Trial" and defeat Ji Taro."

"How? Are you willing to cooperate with us?"

Hasegawa did not immediately respond to Sakura.

Instead, he folded his hands on his chest, lowered his head slightly, and remained silent.

Looking at the silent Hasegawa, Sakura slowly frowned.

"Master Hasegawa, you should have heard what I said just now, right? If Shiranui gets out of Edo, it will only be good for you, who is the leader of the Huofu bandit, but not bad."

"You don't want to live a life where you will be watched by the ninjas in Shiranui at any time, right?"

"...Sakura-sama." Hasegawa sighed, "You and I have been friends for many years, so I will not hide it from you. Regarding the matter of trying to drive Shiranui out of Edo... I am not that serious Enthusiastic."

"Although it would be good for me if Shiranui got out of Edo, I don't really want to get involved in these complicated political struggles."

Sakura seemed to have expected that Hasegawa would say such a long time ago, the expression on his face did not show any waves.

After taking a long breath, Sakura said slowly:

"Master Hasegawa, you are still the same. You have always kept a respectful distance from this kind of political struggle."

"Aren't you willing to participate in this complicated struggle..."

"Then—Master Hasegawa, let me make you a condition."

"A... condition that allows you to be willing to participate in this complicated struggle."

Speaking of this, a meaningful smile appeared on Sakura's face.

"Master Hasegawa, as far as I know—the operation of your foot yard has had a big problem recently. Am I right?"

After Sakura's words fell, the expression on Hasegawa's face changed slightly.

"Old and middle-aged adults think that your foot station is just a waste of money, and have always wanted to abolish your foot station."

Sakura continued.

"In order to force you to shut down the Renzu farm, the old middle-aged man tried various methods to put you under various pressures."

"You must be very uncomfortable under such a lot of pressure, right?"

"Master Hasegawa, I can help you."

"As long as you can help me drive Shiranui out of Edo together, I will help you maintain Renzu Yoyo together in the future."

"No matter what I say, I am also a performer, and I also have a lot of voice in the shogunate."

"With my help, your pressure will be much less."

"How? Is this condition enough for you to make up your mind to cooperate with me?"

Hasegawa's face showed a strong expression of struggle.

After an unknown amount of time passed, Hasegawa let out a sigh of relief:

"...Master Sakura, you are still so powerful."

"Precisely offered a condition that I couldn't refuse..."

"This cooperation... I accept it."

"Happy cooperation." Sakura smiled.

"It's just... Master Sakura, there is something I have to tell you."

Hasegawa said seriously.

"Most of the elites I am paying thieves to change are not in Edo at this time."

"A villain who committed a serious crime of arson a while ago appeared in the Tohoku region—Koi Ichiro."

"Because I heard that Aoi Ichiro is proficient in archery and Kodachi, and has many companions and subordinates, I sent most of my elites to the northeast to capture Aoi Ichiro."

"Although there are still some good people staying in Edo...but I don't think they have the strength to defeat Kyutaro."

"I have heard a little about the strength of the 'Four Heavenly Kings' in Shiranui..."

"With the 'Four Heavenly Kings' as the enemy, I don't think those subordinates under my command can defeat them."

Hearing Hasegawa's words, Sakura frowned.

"Why is it that at this time, most of the elite under your command are not here..."

After curling his lips, Sakura continued.

"So, Hasegawa, do you know anyone who is very skilled?"

"Anyway, as long as it makes that Jitaro unable to get the first place in the martial arts test."

"So it doesn't matter if it's your subordinate or not. As long as you are skilled enough."

"I'm a civil servant, and the only military officer I know well is you, and I don't have many friends with good skills around me."

"And you are a military officer, you should know a few people with good skills in Edo, right?"

"...Sakura-sama." Hasegawa smiled wryly, "I... have a good relationship with the current Yamada Asemon."

After hearing the name "Yamada Asemon" from Hasegawa's mouth, Sakura's expression changed instantly.