I Was a Swordsman in Ancient Japan

When Ogata put the Yasha pill into his arms, he casually asked Shuntaro:

"Wu Liu, Shiranui is gone now, what are you going to do after your injury heals?"

"I had planned to leave Shiranui before to practice martial arts."

"Now that Shiranui is gone, I naturally plan to start martial artist training."

Shuntaro answered without any hesitation.

"I plan to travel all over the world to experience my body, mind and technique."

"So, Yidao Zhai, maybe we will meet somewhere again in the future."

"However, to practice martial arts requires a certain amount of travel expenses."

"And my deposits are all in Shiranui's home."

"I can now say I'm penniless."

"So I'm going to start by doing some work and saving some money."

"After the incident of Ah Chang being kidnapped, I see that Meiwu is recruiting new thugs in order to prevent such incidents from happening in the future."

"I might go to Jianmeiwu to work for a while in the future - the premise is that after I recover from my injury, Jianmeiwu is still recruiting people."

"Warrior practice..." Ogata smiled, "Then you should work hard too. I look forward to seeing you with more advanced skills somewhere in the future."

"I would like to borrow your good words. Wait until then, let's try again." Shuntaro's eyes were full of fighting spirit.

However—at this moment, Shuntaro suddenly seemed to remember something.

The light in his eyes froze.

Then he slowly put on a serious face.

"Almost forgot about that..."

"Yi Dao Zhai, let's talk about light topics first."

"Let's talk about... something a little more serious."

"A serious matter?" Ogata raised an eyebrow.

Seeing Shuntaro suddenly put on such a serious face, Ogata couldn't help becoming serious along with him.

"Ittosai, do you know Toyotomi?" Shuntaro asked.

"Toyotomi? I know." Ogata nodded, "I just heard people talking about Toyotomi."

"Just heard someone talking about Toyotomi?" Shuntaro frowned.

"Huh? Shuntaro, don't you know about that?"

Ogata succinctly relayed to Shuntaro what he had just heard from a passerby about "the attack on the Kitamachi Magistrate's office".

"There is Toyotomi's family crest on the wall of the Kitamachi Magistrate's Office?" Shuntaro's face was full of horror.

After clenching his hands subconsciously, Shuntaro said in a deep voice:

"One Dao Zhai... Let me remind you first - what I'm going to tell you next,

It may make you unbelievable, so prepare yourself mentally. "

Shintaro told Ogata about Shintaro and Keitaro in as short a sentence as possible.

After Shuntaro's voice fell, Maiogata frowned.

"The remnants of the Toyotomi Clan..." Ogata couldn't help muttering in a surprised tone.

Although just after seeing Shuntaro put on such a solemn expression, Ogata vaguely guessed that what he was going to say next should be something very serious.

But he didn't expect it to be so serious.

Ogata never expected that there are other forces behind Shiranui.

"The incident you mentioned about 'the attack on the Kitamachi Magistrate'...I doubt it was really done by Toyotomi's remnants." Shintaro said softly, "Before Shintaro told me that they no longer care whether the world knows or not I know that Toyotomi's bloodline still remains..."

"I didn't expect what he said to be true..."

"Tootomi's family crest is painted on the wall of the Kitamachi Magistrate in such a grand manner..."

"Ittosai, let me ask you: If it were you, when would you stop caring whether people in the world know that Mashima Goro is Ogata Itsuki?"

"Of course, it doesn't matter even if people in the world know that Mashima Goro is Ogata Itsuki..." Ogata said softly.

"That's right." Shuntaro smiled wryly, "That's the reason... So for Toyotomi's remnants, it doesn't matter whether the world knows their existence..."

"Therefore—be more careful in the future, Yi Dao Zhai."

"The reason why I tell you this is just to remind you."

"During the journey ahead, be careful Toyotomi."

"No one knows what this group of people who no longer care about whether the shogunate knows about them will do anything in the future..."

"...Yes." Ogata nodded, "I see. Thank you for reminding me."

——Toyotomi...is it...?

Ogata murmured softly in his heart the surname that should have been extinct for 200 years.

Boom boom boom...

At this time, footsteps suddenly sounded outside the door.

Then the voice of the woman named "Hefeng" sounded outside the door:

"It's time to change the medicine."

"Is it time to change the medicine so soon..." Shuntaro's face darkened, as if he heard the whisper of some demon.

"It's about time for you to rest." Hefeng's cold voice sounded again, "Your body is still very weak, don't chat for too long, it will be very bad for your wound recovery."

"Hurry up and prepare, I will bring the medicine later."

The voice fell, and the footsteps sounded again.

But this time, the sound of footsteps was from near to far, and it was the sound of leaving.

After Hefeng left, Ogata said to Shuntaro in a joking tone:

"It seems that you don't like changing your medicine very much."

"Who likes a medicine that tingles when applied to a wound?"

"To each other. I hate changing dressings too..." Ogata grabbed Da Shitian who was placed beside him, and stood up.

"Then—in order not to disturb your dressing change and rest, I will take my leave first."

"Are you leaving?"

"Well. If I stay here any longer, I will disturb your dressing change and rest."

"And I still have places to go now, and other people who want to say goodbye. So let's talk about it first."

Shuntaro is not a mother-in-law either, seeing that Ogata was about to leave, he didn't say anything else, just smiled.

"Then I will see you in the future, Yi Dao Zhai, remember not to neglect the practice of swordsmanship."

"Yeah." Ogata nodded seriously, "Five or six, see you in the future."

After saying this sentence, a touch of sadness emerged from the bottom of Ogata's heart uncontrollably.

When I was saying goodbye to Taifu, Shirobei and others just now, I also felt a similar sadness in my heart.

In this era of underdeveloped communication, after parting, who knows when we will meet again next time?

Silently suppressing the sadness, Ogata quietly exited Shuntaro's room...

...

...

In the current residence of Edo, Ogata and others, in Uncle Kei's room——

"Well, not bad." Ah Ding, who was kneeling behind Uncle Qing, looked at Uncle Qing's wound carefully several times, and joy appeared on his face, "The wound has recovered very well. In half a month, Uncle Qing, your wound It will probably heal."

After finishing speaking, Ah Ding took the medicine jar next to him, and slowly applied the ointment contained in the medicine jar to Uncle Qing's wound.

When Ah Ding was helping Uncle Qing apply the medicine, Uncle Qing said to Ah Ding who was sitting behind him in a helpless tone:

"Machi, I can move about freely now, so I don't need to help me every time I change my medicine."

"That can't be done." A-Ming said without thinking, "Your wound is located in your flank. If there is no one to help and you are alone, it will be difficult to apply medicine to your wound."

Seeing that he couldn't say anything to Ah Ding, Uncle Qing could only look away, shook his head with a wry smile, and stopped talking.

Uncle Qing sat cross-legged silently and asked Ah Ding to give him medicine.

Ah Ding also silently changed Uncle Qing's medicine.

The room fell into a peaceful stillness.

But this tranquility didn't last long, Uncle Qing suddenly raised his hand slowly, looked up at the ceiling above, and then asked Ah Ding abruptly, breaking the tranquility.

"Machi, when will you and Ogata-kun leave Edo?"

Hearing Uncle Qing's question, Ah Ding froze for a moment.

The speed of administering Uncle Qing's medicine also slowed down unconsciously.

He pursed his lips and said softly:

"Not sure yet, but probably only in a few days."

"A few days later..." Uncle Qing muttered softly for a while, then laughed a few times, "A-cho, if you are not happy with Ogata-kun in the future, just go back to Edo and find me."

"I plan to settle here in Edo from now on."

"Uncle Qing, are you planning to live here in Edo for a long time?" A-cho's eyes flashed with surprise.

"Yes. I can do a lot of handicrafts." Uncle Qing continued, "I plan to rely on handicrafts in the future to spend the rest of my life peacefully."

"So, if you are unhappy with Ogata-kun in the future, Ah-machi, just go back to Edo and find me."

"There is still a home in Edo that you can return to."

"Hmm..." A smile mixed with emotion and gratitude bloomed on A-Ming's face, "I will."

After finishing speaking, Ah Ding stopped talking, and continued to concentrate on applying medicine to Uncle Qing's wound.

But her silence lasted only a moment.

"... Uncle Qing." A-Ming said softly, "I'm sorry... I finally met you again, and I have to separate from you again, leaving you alone in Edo..."

"Hahahaha." Uncle Qing laughed a few times, "What is there to apologize for in such a matter?"

"You are not a little girl who is only a few years old."

"You are already 18 years old this year. You have already been an adult on your own."

"As an adult, you should do what you want to do, instead of staying with the elders all the time."

"If you plan to stay in Edo with me, I will be troubled instead."

"If your father Setaro is still alive, you will be very happy to know that you now have your own ideas and don't have to rely on us elders."

Speaking of this, Uncle Qing sighed lightly, and the color of reminiscence appeared in his eyes.

Setaro - the name of Machi's father.

Ah-cho's parents are Shiranui's ninja, and his mother, Yui, died in a mission when Ah-cho was 5 years old.

His father, Setaro, also followed in the footsteps of his wife when Machi was 15 years old, and unfortunately died in a certain mission.

After both parents passed away, Uncle Qing, who had a close relationship with his father, became Ah Ding's only elder at present.

Hearing his father's name from Uncle Qing after a long absence, Ah-cho couldn't help but recall the past when his father was still alive.

"Setaro is the person I admire the most in my life."

Uncle Qing said slowly while recalling this deceased friend.

"There's a lot that I admire about him."

"What I admire most about him is that he is a person who has always carried out his own will."

"Even if others are obstructing and saying all kinds of sarcastic remarks, he will do what he wants to do wholeheartedly."

"Everyone says that firearms are useless, insulting him is just making some useless scraps of copper and iron. He is unmoved at all, and has been concentrating on studying his favorite firearm."

"A-Machi, do you still remember the tunnel in your house?"

"Yeah, I remember." A-cho nodded, "It's the tunnel that was supposed to be used for escape, right?"

A-Machi clearly remembers—when she was still young, maybe only 6 or 7 years old, her father Setaro spent a lot of effort secretly digging a tunnel at home to Shiranui.

At that time, the home of Ah-machi and the others happened to be located in the outermost area of ​​Shiranui.

Therefore, the total length of this tunnel leading directly to Shiranuiri is actually not long, only about 300 meters.

Ah Ding remembered that Uncle Qing seemed to have participated in the excavation of this tunnel.

The two worked together to successfully dig out the tunnel.

According to what Setaro told Acho at the time: The reason why he dug this tunnel was just in case.

If you can't get along in Shiranui in the future, you can take the whole family and escape along this tunnel.

It's a pity that after the tunnel was dug, it was only used once.

It was the time when he assisted Feng Mo and his subordinates to escape.

Ten years ago, Shiranui and Fuma no Sato went to war.

Yan Mo captured Feng Mo's subordinates, intending to blackmail Feng Mo.

But who would have thought that Fumo would single-handedly hit Shiranui, and rescued all his subordinates with his own strength.

While Fuma was leading his subordinates, he was looking for a way to leave Shiranui smoothly.

When Fumo and the others ran away, by chance, they happened to arrive at the door of A-Ming and his family.

At that time, Machi's father extended a helping hand to Fuma and the others.

At that time, the tunnel in A-Ming's house had just been dug.

Setaro asked Fuma's subordinates to escape from Shiranui along this newly dug tunnel.

It was also at that time that Fuma became attached to A-Ming and his family.

The tunnel in Ah-cho's house was only used once.

After the dispute with Fuma no Sato ended, Balrog, who had suffered the humiliation of "the base area being attacked", decided to redeploy the house layout in Shiranui and transform Shiranui into a fortress-like village.

Because Balrog redeployed the house layout in Shiranui, Acho and his family had to move, and had to fill the tunnel that took a lot of effort to dig.

After moving to the new home, there were more neighbors around the new home. There were neighbors in all directions, and there was no way to dig tunnels. Therefore, after moving to the new home, Ah Ding's father stopped digging tunnels in the new home.

"That's right." As soon as Ah Ding finished speaking, Uncle Qing nodded, "That's the tunnel."

"At the beginning, your father and I worked together to dig that tunnel."

"It was a thrilling time."

Uncle Qing showed emotion.

"I've always been on tenterhooks, for fear of being discovered that we are actually doing such a rebellious thing."

"Fortunately, your home was located in a quite remote place at that time, and there were almost no neighbors. Until the tunnel was dug, no one discovered the existence of this tunnel."

"Machi, although the tunnel is indeed as you said just now, it is just in case, if you can't get along in Shiranui, you can use it to escape."

"But—do you know of another use for this tunnel?"

"Huh?" Ah-Ming showed surprise, "Is there any other purpose for that tunnel?"

Uncle Qing nodded lightly:

"Your father has always hated Shiranui."

"I hate the depressive atmosphere in Shiranui, and hate all kinds of unreasonable rules in Shiranui."

"So when he decided to dig a tunnel directly to Shiranui, his other purpose was to use this tunnel to help those who were oppressed by Shiranui and couldn't get through Shiranui to escape."

"That's why 10 years ago, after meeting Fuma Kotaro and the others, your father resolutely extended a helping hand to them."

"To be honest, after the 'Fengmo Rebellion' ended, when I learned from your father that he had assisted Fengmo and the others in their escape, I was so frightened that I almost sat on the ground paralyzed."

Uncle Qing smiled wryly.

"If the Balrogs find out about this kind of thing, both you and your father will be finished."

"This kind of thing that ordinary people don't have the guts to do, your father can do it according to his will."

"I feel both helpless and admirable for your father's behavior of being able to carry out his will all the time."

"A large part of the reason why your father and I can become good friends is because he and I hate Shiranui."

"They all sympathize with those who are oppressed by Shiranui and who are about to be unable to live in Shiranui."

"I'm not a very courageous person."

"But in getting along with your father, unconsciously, I was also influenced by your father."

"I also gradually began to do what I wanted to do like your father."

Speaking of this, Uncle Qing let out a sigh of relief.

Then he turned his head and looked directly into Ah-Machi's eyes.

"Now Shiranui is dead. Machi, let me tell you what I have been keeping from you."

"A-Machi, I actually started to secretly help the 'Girls' escape a long time ago, when you were only a child."

"Huh?" Because of being too surprised, the hand that was helping Uncle Qing to apply the medicine stopped unconsciously again.

The uncle I have always respected has been doing such a dangerous thing for a long time—this kind of thing, Ah-Machi only knows now.

"I don't remember when it started, I just remember that a long time ago, I really wanted to help those poor 'dirt'."

"But I've never had the courage."

"Until I got acquainted with your father, until I was gradually infected by your father, I slowly started what I always wanted to do but didn't dare to do—to help the 'smell' escape from this hell in Shiranui."

"You were only 14 years old when I successfully helped a 'Goul' escape for the first time."

"At that time, your father also assisted me."

"It's a pity...not long after I officially started helping the 'Goul's' escape, your father passed away, and I was the only one left to fight alone."

"Because we were afraid of hurting you, your father and I never told you that I have been doing such a dangerous thing."

"In addition to helping the 'Goul' escape, I also frequently suggested to the Balrog to loosen the oppression of the 'Goul', but it's a pity that these suggestions of mine have never been adopted..."

"I have always insisted on extending a helping hand to 'Gu'."

"Even after I moved my base to Edo, I still persisted."

"It's a pity that after moving to Edo, I couldn't continue my previous good luck. Some time ago, the Balrogs finally discovered my behavior, and they had to defect."

"If it wasn't for meeting Ogata-kun by chance, I might have been cleaned up by the pursuers in Shiranui..."

A-Machi has been listening quietly.

After Uncle Qing's voice fell, Ah Ding looked as if he had suddenly realized something and said softly:

"I understand why, Uncle Qing, you were forced to become a traitor just because you helped the 'filth' escape..."

"I also understand why you didn't run away with me when you tipped me off and told me that I was degraded as 'dirt' and I told you to run away with me."

"Uncle Qing, are you trying to stay in Shiranui and continue to help those 'smells'?"

"...That's just one of the reasons." Uncle Qing smiled slightly, "There is another main reason, because I ran away with you, and it would only hurt you."

"I'm a Jonin. As for you, Machi, you should also know that the higher the level of rebellious ninja, the more he will not let Shiranui know."

"If I run away with you, it will only attract more ninjas to hunt us down."

"So I couldn't go with you no matter what at that time."

Speaking of this, Uncle Qing involuntarily let out a long sigh full of emotion.

"Think about it carefully... Fate is such a wonderful thing..."

"Our uncle and nephew were both rescued by Ogata-kun..."

During these days when Uncle Qing was recuperating in this house. He had already heard about what happened to her in Kyoto from Atachi.

"Yeah..." The smile on A-Ming's face became more tender, "Without A-Yi, I don't know what we would have become."

"...A-Machi." Uncle Qing suddenly put on a very serious tone, "Let me confirm that you didn't decide to be with Ogata-kun to repay the kindness that Ogata-kun has shown you, right?"

"Of course not." Ah-Ming said without hesitation, "The kind of person who marries someone else in order to repay a kindness should only survive in the mouth of a storyteller, right?"

Uncle Qing pursed his lips, as if he was thinking about something.

After a while, Machi said seriously:

"Amachi, to be honest. If you are not happy with Ogata-kun in the future, you can come back to Edo to find me at any time."

"Understood." Ah Ding smiled helplessly, "Uncle Qing, you have already said that just now."

"I'm just afraid that you forgot..."

Speaking of this, Uncle Qing was silent again.

Atachi, who noticed that Uncle Qing looked different, was about to ask what was wrong with Uncle Qing, when Uncle Qing said in a low voice:

"Machi... To be honest... I don't really support your marriage with Ogata-kun..."

"Huh...?" Ah-Machi's pupils shrank slightly, "W-why?"

"...Amachi, I have always regarded you as my daughter. Parents... would definitely not want their children to be with a wanted criminal... and the most wanted criminal that the shogunate wants to catch at the moment. of."

Hearing Uncle Qing's words, Ah Ding was momentarily at a loss for words.

And Uncle Qing went on to say:

"You follow Ogata-kun... you will have to wait for some time in the future before you can live a stable life without worrying about officials from the shogunate coming to your door..."

"I have also been in contact with Ogata-kun during this time."

"He is indeed a man who deserves to give the rest of his life to him."

"But...Compared to Ogata-kun who may not be able to find a serious job in the future and live a stable life, I hope that you, Machi, can find a more ordinary man..."

Following Uncle Qing's voice, the room fell into an eerie silence.

After an unknown amount of time passed, a smile appeared on Machi's face again.

"... Uncle Qing, I understand your worries."

"But for me, as long as I can be with Ayi, and Ayi can always be safe."

"As for Uncle Qing, you mentioned the difficulties of not being able to find a decent job or a stable place to live..."

Ah Ding gave Uncle Qing a sly smile.

"Just wait until we really encounter these difficulties in the future, and then work together with him to find a solution."

"These difficulties are not so easy to solve..." The bitterness on Uncle Qing's face became more intense.

"Maybe. But I have already made up my mind that I will share weal and woe with Ayi for the rest of my life."

"I will always carry out my will."

A-Ming raised his eyes and looked directly into Uncle Qing's eyes without any fear or avoidance.

"Just like you and your father have been carrying out their respective wills."

As if Uncle Qing didn't expect Ah Ding to answer him like this, he was stunned.

After slowly returning to his senses, Uncle Qing showed a helpless smile and sighed softly.

"Looks like... A-Machi, you've really grown up..."

"Not only do you look more and more like your father now, but your words and deeds are also more and more like your father..."

"Then it's a good thing." Ah-ding grinned.

...

...

Edo, Huofu Thief Kai Headquarters, Hasegawa's office——

Hasegawa cast complicated eyes on Ogata who was kneeling in front of him.

Just now, Hasegawa, who was at work, suddenly received a message - a samurai who called himself Goro Mashima visited and expressed his desire to see Hasegawa.

He froze, showing shock on his face, and immediately asked his subordinates to let this samurai who called himself Mashima Goro bring him over—the above is that Hasegawa learned of Mashima... no, it should be said that after learning of Ogata's visit, a series of responses.

After asking his subordinates to bring Ogata to his office, there was this scene of Hasegawa and Ogata sitting opposite each other.

The relationship between Ogata and Hasegawa has always been complicated.

We fought once, but we also fought side by side in Kyoto.

After their reunion in Edo this time, they cooperated with Hasegawa again, working together to thwart Shiranui's attempt to revive his reputation by relying on the "Imperial Trial".

In Ogata's mind, Hasegawa is also one of those people who must go to someone else.

So just after leaving Yoshiwara, Oosuke rushed to the headquarters of Huofu Bandit Kai without stopping.

"... Yidao Zhai." After looking up and down Ogata with complicated eyes for countless times, he closed his eyes and sighed softly, "It's been a while since I saw you..."

"Yeah. It's been a while." Ogata nodded.

"Before you say what you are here, let me ask you a question."

Hasegawa sighed again before continuing:

"The attack in Shiranui...you must have been involved, right?"

Although Hasegawa's sentence is an interrogative sentence, the tone is that of an affirmative sentence.

It was as if he already knew the answer to this question.

"That's right." Ogata replied without any hesitation.

"... Sure enough." Hasegawa's eyes showed a touch of helplessness, "I guessed it right... After I learned that Shiranui was attacked by unknown people, I vaguely guessed that you must have Put a foot in..."

Ogata was not surprised that Hasegawa guessed that he was involved in the attack on Shiranui.

After all, when he agreed to cooperate with Hasegawa before, the condition he proposed was to inform them of the approximate location of Shiranui's base, and to inform him of Shiranui's movements as much as possible.

Although Ogata didn't tell Hasegawa at that time that they were going to trouble Shiranui, Hasegawa was not an idiot.

Even if Ogata and the others didn't say it clearly, Hasegawa guessed that Ogata, who asked about the approximate location of the Shiranui-ri base, was definitely not there for friendly sightseeing there.

Ogata had just asked for the approximate location of Shiranui's base, but after a while, Shiranui disappeared—it was difficult for Ogata not to doubt it.

"The shogunate has been investigating who attacked Shiranui during this time." Hasegawa said softly, "You are really brave enough to appear in front of me, a shogunate, so brazenly."

"Because I know you won't do anything to me." Ogata smiled and shrugged.

As soon as Ogata's words fell, a faint smile appeared on Hasegawa's face.

"Overall - Yi Dao Zhai, I also want to thank you."

Like Ogata, Hasegawa folded his arms around his chest.

"Shiranui is gone, those officials in the shogunate who hate Shiranui are ecstatic."

"Although Shiranui was extinguished by unknown people, for those officials who hate Shiranui, as long as Shiranui is gone, they don't bother to care about who is extinguishing Shiranui."

"Shiranui disappeared, and I got a lot of benefits along with it."

"Yidao Zhai, you should still remember it? The reason why I cooperated with you and let you participate in the 'Imperial Trial'."

Ogata: "Of course I remember."

Hasegawa was originally a neutral person, but a high-ranking official who hated Shiranui suddenly came to Hasegawa, and wanted Hasegawa to help deal with Shiranui.

What the high-ranking official asked Hasegawa to help was to mobilize the elite soldiers and strong generals under his command to participate in the "Imperial Trial", to obstruct Shiranui's attempt to restore his image through the "Imperial Trial".

The high-ranking official promised Hasegawa that as long as Hasegawa is willing to help, he will strongly support Hasegawa's "human foot camp" afterwards.

Thus, Hasegawa joined the "Anti-Shiranui" camp, and Hasegawa proposed cooperation to Ogata and other follow-up events.

"Shiranui suddenly disappeared before the end of the 'Yuqian Trial'."

Hasegawa continued.

"It also seems to have completed the plan to prevent Shiranui from getting a good ranking in the "Yuqian Trial" in disguise."

"Those officials who hate Shiranui are very happy now."

"They've promised me -- they'll put in a few good words for me afterwards and support my career as best they can."

"With their support, my pressure can be a little less..."

"It's not easy for you to run your foot deposit..." Ogata couldn't help but sighed softly.

Ogata naturally knew what Renzushouchang was. After all, Mamiya and the others had introduced to Ogata what Renzushouchang was when they were discussing whether to cooperate with Hasegawa with Lin and the others.

To put it simply, Renzu Jichang is a labor camp.

Built by Hasegawa, some people with lesser crimes are imprisoned, and then they are taught a skill, so that they can have a skill when they regain their freedom in the future.

Ogata still admires Hasegawa, who spared no expense in establishing and operating the Renzu Yoyo.

In this old society with a strict hierarchy and full of oppression, it is really rare for Hasegawa to have the idea of ​​​​establishing an idea to help prisoners reform, and the ability to carry out this idea.

After hearing Ogata's emotion, the smile on Hasegawa's face became more meaningful.

"Renzujichang is my painstaking effort."

"I will do whatever it takes to keep the Renjiao site in operation."

"As a matter of fact - for the sake of the people, I did go all out."

Speaking of this, Hasegawa let out a few self-deprecating chuckles.

"In order to raise enough funds, I started doing something a long time ago. If the people above find out, maybe they will ask me to apologize directly."

Ogata raised his eyebrows while showing astonishment.

"Apology by harakiri? Mr. Hasegawa, what did you do?"

"It's not such a glorious thing." Hasegawa smiled wryly and shook his head, "It's better that you don't know."

"Okay, let's talk about your business."

"One Dao Zhai, today I came to the headquarters of Huo Fu Thief Kai, why?"

Hasegawa didn't want to say more about the matter that would make him apologize directly, and it was inconvenient for Ogata to ask more.

Seeing Hasegawa asking about his intentions, Ooyo said:

"There is no special purpose."

"I'm leaving Edo soon."

"So I just came to say goodbye to you."

"You're leaving Edo?" Hasegawa raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"Well, we'll be leaving in a few days."

"Did you come to me specifically just to say goodbye to me..." Hasegawa chuckled a few times, then sat up a little more, "I wish you a good journey."

"And—hope we two never run into each other again."

Speaking of this, Hasegawa's face gradually revealed complicated emotions.

"After all, you and I fought together in Kyoto, and fought against Shiranui here in Edo."

"So I don't want to do anything to you."

"But—in any case, I'm an official, and you're a thief."

"It would be fine if we met in private."

"But if we meet in full view... I will have a hard time."

Ogata nodded slightly: "Well, I can understand."

"but--"

Ogata changed the subject and changed to a tone that was full of jokes.

"Although I think the two of us have always been destined, I don't think we should be destined to the point where we can always meet again in a certain place."

Ogata has always felt that he and the two groups of people are very destined.

The first group of people was the Huluwu group.

Ever since he ran into Mamiya at Tatsuno Fan... no, it should be said that he has become attached to Gourd House since he got the secret book of Wuga Dual Swords Style from Hirose Fan.

The second group of people is the official servants headed by Hasegawa.

The first time I met Hasegawa was in the Tatsuno clan at the beginning of this year.

Then, in the summer, they reunited in Kyoto and Hasegawa.

Only a few months later, we met again in Edo and Hasegawa.

The fate with Hasegawa made Ogata feel a little bit astonished.

Hasegawa seemed to be amused by Ogata's words just now, after a smile, he said:

"All in all—good luck with your journey."

"In the years to come, remember not to do bad things."

"Especially don't steal or set fires."

"I don't want to suddenly receive an order to chase down the arsonist Itsuze Ogata one day in the future."

As soon as Hasegawa's words fell, Ojai immediately nodded:

"I will do my best to make your target to be chased without the name 'Ogata Itsuki' as much as possible."

...

...

After saying goodbye to those who needed to say goodbye one by one, Xu went back to his residence.

For the rest of the day, Ogata and A-Machi devoted themselves to preparing for the journey.

Buy all kinds of necessary props needed for a long journey, buy enough thick clothes, buy enough dry food...

Finally—three days later, on November 15th, they completed all preparations for the long journey.

Then it was decided to officially set off on the morning of November 16th...

...

...

In the second year of Kanzheng, November 16——

Edo, somewhere in the northern suburbs——

It is morning.

It was cold and windy.

Although it is very cold and windy, the Huluya team still insisted on coming to see Ogata and A-machi off.

In addition to the Huluwu group, Uncle Qing, Kondo and Guasheng also came to see him off.

Ogata and Atachi stood in front of them.

Both Ogata and A-Machi are now carrying a thick bag and wearing a bamboo hat on their heads.

The luggage is full of dry food, clothes, money, and various necessary items for a long journey.

Looking at the people who came to see him and A-Ming off, it was impossible not to feel sad.

When saying goodbye to Shuntaro, Hasegawa, Taifu, Shirobei and others one by one before, Ogata felt a little sad.

But now when facing these people in front of him, the sadness is even stronger.

Because these people in front of him can be said to be his closest friends.

There are no mobile phones in this era, and the long-distance communication between people can only rely on letters.

Helin, Yuanyi, Kondo, and Guasheng said goodbye this time, and it will be unknown when they will meet next time.

Traveling to this era for more than a year, Ogata understands more and more why those ancient people often wrote poems to express their sadness and reluctance when they parted with their friends - because it is inconvenient to exchange information in this age In this era, parting with friends is indeed a very sad thing.

Ogata and Atachi stepped forward and said goodbye to everyone one by one.

"See you in the future, Kondo." Ogata walked up to Kondo first, "Continue to hone your skills, and remember to clearly distinguish the occasions when you use 'Ogata-ryu'."

"Yeah." Kondo, whose eyes were slightly red, nodded vigorously, and then stepped forward to hug Shimogata, "Master, you have to take care."

Ogata walked up to the person standing on Kondo's right.

The person standing on Kondo's right is Guasheng.

"Master Ogata, take care." Guasheng said first, "When you return to Edo in the future, you can come to me at any time."

Guasheng's eye sockets were slightly red like Kondo's.

Then, Ogata walked up to Uncle Qing.

"A-Machi can be regarded as my daughter." Uncle Qing looked at Ogata with complicated eyes, "So... take good care of my daughter."

After saying goodbye to Kondo, Guasheng, and Uncle Kei, Ogata began to say goodbye to the people in Gourd House one by one.

In the gourd house, the people who have the best relationship with Ogata are undoubtedly Genichi and Mucun.

After all, Yuan Yi is a person who has seen all kinds of storms and waves, and also experienced all kinds of joys and sorrows.

So facing Ogata who doesn't know when he will meet again next time, Genichi's performance is quite calm.

He just smiled and said softly:

"Ogata-kun, pay attention to your body. On the way to Ezo, don't forget to neglect your swordsmanship."

On the other hand, Mucun is more excited now.

Makimura is a very emotional person.

He directly gave Ogata a big bear hug, which made Ogata die of breath.

Finally—Ogata came to Lin.

Lin was the last person he was to say goodbye to.

Lin's farewell was also brief.

"Yidao Zhai, I wish you a smooth journey and peace."

"Yeah." Ogata smiled and nodded, "I also wish you all the success of Calabash House."

After saying goodbye to everyone, Ogata and Machi stood side by side in front of everyone.

"Everyone, thank you for coming to see us off."

From just now, Ogata's face has been covered with a touch of sadness that cannot be concealed.

"I believe our fate will not end here."

"When the time is right in the future, we will meet again."

After all, Ogata and A-Machi bowed and thanked everyone who saw them off in the cold wind at the same time with a tacit understanding.

...

...

Ogata and A-Machi walked side by side on the main road that left Edo and went straight to the north.

But Lin, Yuanyi, Uncle Qing, Kondo, and Guasheng did not leave immediately.

Instead, he continued to stand where he was, watching Ogata and A-machi off.

Until the two of them can no longer be seen.

...

...

When the time came to about 9 o'clock in the morning, the weather became a little clearer, and the sun peeked out from behind the thick clouds.

Because of the warm sunshine, the chill was slightly relieved.

But it's only a little less.

"I heard that there are snow-capped mountains everywhere in Ezodi." Ah-machi warmed his hands while talking to Ogata beside him, "I don't know how cold it will be..."

Ogata: "When we get to Ezo, we can buy Ezo's clothes to wear. Since Ezo can survive in such a cold place, their clothes must be very warm."

"Huh? Ayi, what's the matter? What's on your mind?" A-Ming keenly noticed that Ogata seemed to be a little absent-minded now, as if he had something on his mind.

"I don't have anything on my mind." Ogata smiled wryly and scratched his hair, "I just always feel... as if I forgot something..."

"Did you forget something?" A-cho asked.

Ogata shook his head: "No. I've checked it many times, and I've brought everything I need."

"Did you forget who to say goodbye to?"

"People who should say goodbye well, I should say goodbye to everyone..."

After parting with Lin and the others just now and officially leaving Edo, Ooman felt as if he had forgotten something.

But I just can't remember what I forgot.

"Since you can't remember it, don't think about it." Ating smiled, "Relax first. After you relax, you may suddenly remember what you forgot."

"...That's true." After taking a deep breath, Ogata stretched out his left hand and grabbed A-Machi's right hand.

After being suddenly attacked by Ogata, Machi let out a small cry.

"Machi, let's speed up our pace a little bit." Ogata smiled.

"What are you doing?" A-Machi blushed slightly, subconsciously swung his right arm, trying to shake off Ogata's hand.

After all, it is still an ancient society. Although the atmosphere of ancient Japan is still open, holding hands in public is still quite a bold thing in this era.

Ogata ignored the shy A-Machi, instead of letting go of A-Machi's hand, he held it even tighter.

Seeing that she couldn't shake off Ogata's hand, Ogata didn't intend to let go of her hand at all, A-Machi could only blush, and Ogata was still holding her hand.

The two walked north all the way.

After walking for another hour, the two saw a tea house on the side of the road.

"Want to drink some tea and take a rest?" Ogata asked.

A-cho nodded: "Okay. I just happened to be a little thirsty."

Ogata and A-Machi came to the door of this teahouse, and shouted to an old woman who was busy inside the house:

"Mother-in-law! What kind of tea do you have here?"

"Only green tea and oolong tea."

"What would you like to drink?" Ogata asked Machi.

"Oolong tea bar."

"Then I'll drink oolong tea too, mother-in-law! Then have two cups of oolong tea!"

"Okay! You two sit down and wait for a while!"

Ogata and A-Machi sat on the bench outside the tea house, silently waiting for the tea.

But while waiting for the tea, Ogata heard bursts of conversation coming from the tea house—it was two people dressed as samurai talking there.

"Did you go to see the 'Imperial Trial Match'?"

"Of course it is worth watching! There are still many masters in the martial arts test of the 'Yuqian Trial'."

"Yeah, I also enjoyed watching it very much. The 'Yuqian Trial' held by Mr. Laozhong is really good. I really hope it can continue."

Hearing this conversation between the two samurai...

No, it should be said that Ogata's pupils shrank suddenly after hearing the word "old Chinese" from the conversation between the two samurai.

Then screamed involuntarily.

A-Machi was taken aback by Ogata's sudden scream, and quickly turned to ask Ogata:

"What's the matter? Why did you suddenly yell?"

"I remember what I forgot..." Ogata put on a gesture like a famous painting, "I forgot to give Lao Zhong an answer..."

Previously, Ogata was invited by Matsudaira Sadanobu to be his surname because he was appreciated by the old Nakata Matsudaira. Will not hesitate to reuse and promote.

At that time, in order to avoid trouble, Ogata neither agreed nor refused. Instead, he used the "dragging formula", saying that he would give him a formal answer after the "imperial test" was over.

After that, Ogata was too busy and encountered too many things, so I gradually forgot about it...

It wasn't until now that Ogata heard the word "Lao Zhong" from passers-by, that he finally remembered this incident.

"Huh? So what should we do now? Are we going back to Edo?" A-cho asked anxiously.

Ogata thought for a moment, then—

"...Forget it, ignore it."

As he spoke, he sighed lightly.

"I've already left Edo so far, and I don't bother to go back."

"Anyway, there should be no chance to meet Lao Zhong again in the future."

"Let's just say that the incident of 'the old Chinese invited me to be my surname' never happened."

Ogata said so confidently.

...

...

At this very moment—

Edo, the residence of Nakamatsudaira Sadanobu——

"Tachibana."

Sitting behind the table, looking at a letter, Matsudaira Dingxin softly called his surname.

As soon as Matsudaira Sadanobu's voice fell, the door next to him was immediately opened.

"My lord, what's your order?" Tachibana, who was kneeling on one knee outside the door, asked in a loud voice.

"Go and help me gather the Wakinians." Matsudaira Sadanobu slowly put away the letter in his hand, "I want to have a good discussion with them about sending troops to completely wipe out the gang of traitors in Ezo."