In the Edo period, it was a serious crime to secede from the feudal clan.

In order to maintain feudal rule, the Edo shogunate not only restricted class mobility, but also restricted population mobility.

Since its establishment, the Edo shogunate has promulgated regulations: samurai and common people in each domain are not allowed to leave the domain to which they belong without permission.

Those who leave the feudal state without authorization are regarded as "renouncers".

Once those who leave the feudal domain are caught, they will be immediately deported back to their original domain and sentenced to severe punishment.

In other words, once he breaks away from the feudal clan, he will immediately become a wanted criminal nationwide.

Itagaki and the others did not hesitate to break away from the feudal clan, but they also came to hunt down Ogata and avenge Toyama - their determination really made Ogata not know what expression to put on.

"...Have there been any new changes in Hirose Domain after I left Hirose Domain?" Ogata asked softly.

"After you killed Matsudaira Gennai, the newly appointed feudal lord's abilities are not outstanding, but fortunately he is also a normal person." Ishikawa said slowly, "Under his rule, the people of Hirose Domain are not considered to be overachievers.

No matter how good it is, it’s still infinitely better than before.”

"Where is the Sakakihara Sword Hall? Is the Sakakihara Sword Hall still there?" Ogata asked.

"The Sakakibara Sword Hall is still there." Ishikawa continued, "Probably at the beginning of last year, the feudal government seemed to be planning to demolish the Sakakihara Sword Hall."

"But it was opposed by many people in the domain."

Having said this, Ishikawa showed a smile filled with memories.

"Your righteous act of killing that tyrant Matsudaira Gennai won a lot of hearts in the Hirose Domain."

"Those who support you are all over the countryside, cities and towns, business circles and feudal government."

"With their joint efforts, the domain government canceled the plan to razing the Sakakibara Sword Hall."

"That's it..." A smile burst out from Ogata's cheeks, "It's good that the sword hall is still there..."

"Not only is the Sakakibara Kenkan still there, but it is also very well maintained. Many people voluntarily go to the Sakakihara Kenkan to clean it."

"Especially a mother and daughter who own an izakaya. They will go to the Sakakihara Kenkan every 7 days and clean the inside and outside of the kennel."

"A mother and daughter who own an izakaya?" Ogata was startled, then quickly asked, "Are those mother and daughter called Asaki and Afu?"

This time, Ishikawa was startled: "Yes. Are they two acquaintances of yours?"

"I have received a lot of care from them in the past." Ogata put on an expression that looked like he was relieved, "Ha...it seems like they are living a very peaceful life now..."

Ogata tilted his head back and leaned on the wall behind him.

"Obviously I have only been away for more than a year, but just listening to your narration has already given me a feeling that things are different and people are different..."

"You can find an opportunity to come back to Hirose Domain in the future." Ishikawa said, "Unlike those feudal kingdoms that are located in dangerous areas and are difficult to cross, if you want to sneak into Hirose Domain, there are still many ways and paths.

"

"If I were still alive, I would consider returning to my hometown." Ogata responded in a half-joking tone.

While talking about this, Ishikawa just finished bandaging Ogata's wound.

"Okay, the wound is wrapped. Check if it's wrapped too tightly."

"It's perfect. It's neither too tight nor too loose." Ogata raised his hand and gently stroked the thick linen wrapped around his wound, and then changed to a joking tone, "Speaking of which - Ishikawa-sama, you

His heart is really big enough.”

"You didn't even ask me what happened to me just now, or where I got this injury. You just helped me bandage the wound and gave me clothes."

"Because I think these are stupid questions." Ishikawa smiled at Ogata, "It's just a common thing for a person of your status to be suddenly attacked and hunted by others, isn't it?"

"Haha, that's true. There is really no need to ask a 'most wanted criminal in the country' why he is so scarred."

Ogata stood up slowly while holding on to the wall of the room.

"Master Ishikawa, thank you very much for your help. I will never forget your help."

He once again expressed his heartfelt thanks to Ishikawa.

"You're welcome."

Ishikawa stood up together with Ogata with a smile on his face.

"The reason why I extended a helping hand to you was to make amends."

A faint feeling of guilt emerged in Ishikawa's eyes.

"Ogata-kun, I have always felt guilty for you and Toyama."

"If I were a qualified teacher, if I could discipline them well in Yuanshan, perhaps the series of tragedies wouldn't have happened."

"Secondly, it's also to say thank you."

Ishikawa stretched out his finger and pointed at himself.

"I am also one of the people who was moved by your righteous act of killing the tyrant."

"I also hate that beast Matsudaira Gennai very much."

"It's just...I don't have the courage and strength you have."

"I came here three times... so that you can continue to live well."

Ogata was stunned: "Let me continue to live?"

Ogata can still understand the first two reasons for helping him that Ishikawa just mentioned.

But Ogata is a little confused about the third reason.

Ishikawa chuckled: "The news that you conquered Nijo Castle in Kyoto was introduced to the Hirose Domain at the end of last summer."

"I didn't understand you very much at that time."

"Killing Gennai Matsudaira is an undoubted act of justice in my eyes."

"But I can't link it with the 'righteous act' of conquering Nijo Castle."

"I thought you had degenerated and become a violent thug."

"But after I left Hirose Domain in search of Itagaki and others, my mind changed."

"This is the first time in my life that I have traveled far away."

"After leaving the Hirose Domain, I witnessed with my own eyes how miserable the common people everywhere were under the rule of the Edo Shogunate."

"I can only say this to you, Mr. Ogata: After witnessing these tragic scenes, I began to doubt whether the current Edo shogunate is still worthy of our following."

"This has also changed my original idea of ​​viewing you as a 'degenerate thug'."

"After witnessing the incompetence of the Edo shogunate's rule with my own eyes, I began to think that your attack on Nijo Castle in Kyoto and the massive defeat of the shogunate's army in Ezo was a righteous act."

"At such an old age, I am destined to never achieve any great achievements until my death."

"But Ogata-kun, you are different."

"You are still young and you have power. And it is the kind of power that might be able to change the world."

"Your various actions may be able to force some new changes in this world."

Ishikawa's eyes slowly became sharper, and his tone gradually became firm.

"So - I don't want you to be killed by some unknown cat or dog. I hope you can live."

Ishikawa raised his hands and pressed the shoulders of Ogata, who was much taller than him.

"I don't know whether your existence will make the world better or worse in the future."

"But I'm happy to wait for it and see it with my own eyes."

Sonorous and powerful—this idiom is probably the most suitable to describe what Ishikawa just said.

Looking at Ishikawa in front of him who was pressing his shoulders hard, Ogata looked surprised at first.

Then the surprise on his face turned into a helpless smile.

"Master Ishikawa, thank you for your kindness."

"But I am actually not interested in changing the world at all."

"What I have always done has not changed - I will swing a knife at anyone who swings a knife at me and the people around me."

"The only thing I can promise you is-"

Ogata changed into a firm tone like Ishikawa just now.

"Even if it's a disease, I won't let it take my life easily."

"As for whether the world will change due to my existence... then let it go. Anyway, I will not take the initiative to get involved in such troublesome things as 'changing the world.'"

Listening to Ogata's words, Ishikawa's face did not show any dissatisfaction, displeasure or embarrassment.

He just smiled and patted Ogata on the shoulders.

Ogata, who smiled along with Ishikawa, took a deep breath and then slowly exhaled the air in his lungs.

"Lord Ishikawa, can you make a deal with me?"

As he spoke, Ogata put his hand into his arms.
To be continued...