Chapter 65: The Wind Rises, Foretelling the Coming Storm
Evening.
Mord and his companion finally arrived at Kyoto, the capital of Jappon.
As the most densely populated city in all of Jappon, its prosperity was naturally incomparable to small towns like Asakusa.
There were many shops lining the streets, the roads were paved with stone, and in the distance, one could see temples, as well as the imperial palace—now the Shogunate.
Suddenly, a commotion broke out ahead on the street.
Mord lifted his gaze to look.
Shinpachi, standing nearby, followed Mord's gaze and explained, "They're apprehending a criminal. The police are chasing someone who violated the sword ban. Such incidents occur frequently in Kyoto."
The task was handled by swordsman police—officers granted special permission to carry blades. Membership was restricted to elite inspectors of first-class rank or higher who demonstrated exceptional swordsmanship.
"Sir, let's go this way."
As a native of Kyoto, Shinpachi had long grown accustomed to such scenes. Though officially labeled as arresting sword ban violators, it was essentially a crackdown on remnants of samurai still loyal to the former daimyo.
Commoners like them knew better than to provoke these officers, keeping their distance whenever possible.
"Is this your home?"
Mord eyed the building skeptically. It resembled a kendo dojo far more than a merchant's residence.
"This was my father's dojo," Shinpachi replied, pushing the door open. "After his passing, it was completely abandoned. Now it's secluded—no one disturbs this place, making it suitable for your rest."
The dojo stood utterly empty.
Only a plaque remained, bearing the flamboyantly inscribed name "Shintō Munen." The altar that once displayed swords now held nothing but dust.
"Some items here are of no use to me," Shinpachi said. "But you, sir, being a true warrior, might find them valuable."
He led Mord to a storage room. As the door swung open, clouds of dust billowed out, revealing years of neglect.
"These books contain my father's writings on his understanding of swordsmanship," Shinpachi remarked, pulling a volume from the shelf with nostalgic tenderness. "You asked earlier why I believed you could save me. It's because I see my father's reflection in you."
"Like you, he was a true samurai. When I was young, I witnessed his blade cleave through solid boulders with ease."
Mord's interest stirred at these words. A sword slicing effortlessly through stone suggested Shinpachi's father had mastered "En"—the application of spiritual energy in this world.
Turning to Shinpachi, Mord inquired, "Have you never considered practicing swordsmanship? Inheriting your father's dojo?"
With martial skills, Shinpachi wouldn't have needed to rely on miracles when facing those bandits.
A bitter smile touched Shinpachi's lips.
"I was born with a congenital illness—unable to practice martial arts since childhood. And now, with the nationwide sword ban, dojos will likely fade into history."
So that explained why Shinpachi's life force felt weaker than most—his congenital condition.
Mord nodded.
"Thank you. These will be very helpful."
Without further ceremony, Mord began studying the sword manuals intently.
Since arriving in this world, he had never received systematic training in swordsmanship nor learned any formal techniques. His combat relied purely on speed and raw strength.
Shinpachi's father was a true master of swordsmanship, and his experience in the way of the sword was precisely what Mord needed most at this time.
For the next several days, Mord immersed himself completely in the dojo.
He never even stepped outside.
All three daily meals were provided by Shinpachi.
As for missions and such, it seemed he had completely forgotten about them.
...
Meanwhile, at the Shogunate.
"Well? Have you found the whereabouts of the border intruders? How many are there, and where are they now?" A middle-aged man full of authority, with a scar on his face, knelt formally on a cushion and spoke gravely to the black-clad ninja kneeling before him.
The black-clad ninja lowered his head, somewhat panicked, and replied, "Reporting to the General, we are still investigating. Just a few days ago, a ninja went missing in Asakusa Town on the outskirts of the capital. Combined with the corpse we found earlier in the coastal rainforest, judging by the route, the other party should have already reached the capital."
"Baka! Useless fools!" General Kubo roared angrily, his voice heavy with displeasure. "What use are you? Whether it's the princess or the intruders, so much time has passed, and you still have no leads. Do you only react when someone comes to take this general's head?"
"This subordinate deserves death ten thousand times!" The black-clad ninja pressed his body even lower, his head tightly against the floor.
"Enough." General Kubo waved his hand, his tone softening slightly. "Set other matters aside for now. I entrust the arrangements for the birthday banquet entirely to you. Make sure none of those remaining rebels escape. If there's nothing else, you may leave."
"Yes!" The black-clad ninja accepted the order and quickly withdrew. Before leaving, he glanced at the corner of the room, feeling as though someone was there.
But how could there be anyone else in the General's chamber?
The door closed, and the light in the room dimmed instantly. General Kubo, facing the empty room, suddenly spoke.
"Alright, you may state your purpose."
A figure slowly emerged from the shadows. The earlier ninja leader's sixth sense had not been wrong—there was indeed a third person in the room.
His presence was extremely faint; even now that he had stepped out of the darkness, if one wasn't looking directly at him, it was impossible to sense his existence.
This was a manifestation of having cultivated Zetsu to a certain level.
"I am Bat, representing the Teno Family to discuss business with General Kubo."
"Business?"
"Our Teno Family can provide General Kubo with all kinds of firearms you desire to suppress the samurai rebellions. In exchange, we request the gold from your country's mines, as well as women and children. Since your country is rich in gold mines, this decision should not be difficult for you, General."
"I have one more condition," General Kubo said gravely.
...
Elsewhere, also shrouded in darkness, Hanzo slowly opened his eyes. A young girl was watching over him.
"Your Highness, I have confirmed the intelligence. In two days, it will be that traitor's birthday celebration. I will surely avenge the daimyo then."
"I leave everything to you, Uncle Hanzo."
...
As the Shogun's birthday drew nearer, Kyoto appeared unchanged on the surface, but beneath the calm, turbulent undercurrents were already swirling.
Those with insight knew this was the lull before the storm.