This sensational assassination in Edo came to an end with the death of the ninja, but the shogunate's fury did not diminish at all. Not only was the sheriff almost ordered to have a caesarean section, but every ronin who escaped from the feudal clan in the Edo hotel was strictly investigated, and even those who stayed in the feudal clan were investigated.
He was also severely questioned at the feudal residence in Edo, but there were still no clues. The major forces sent qualified representatives to visit him under the pretense of visiting. At least they had to make a public gesture to show that they had nothing to do with the matter.
Kogoro and Ohno Fuji divided the invitations into different categories. Some of them had to be received by Sorayama Kazuha in person, others were enough if Kogoro and Ohno came forward, and some were given face by accepting gifts. The two of them knew Sorayama Kazuha was happy.
, carefully selected, and finally "only" selected more than thirty forces that required Kazuyo Sorayama to personally come forward.
Throughout the whole process, Kazuyo Sorayama basically said nothing, but his appearance, etiquette, and posture were impeccable! Even those from the millennium-old ministerial family with the heaviest red tape couldn't help but feel ashamed. If it weren't for Kazuyo Sorayama who always maintained the
If there is such a strong murderous intention, many people wish they could stay in the gym and talk to this swordsman who makes people fall in love at first sight. However, the shaking of their legs gradually increases, which makes them give up this idea.
, in order to avoid losing etiquette, I had no choice but to leave the gift and regretfully leave, blaming myself deeply for the huge gap between myself and the Sword Master, and that I could not withstand the other party's "test".
In the end, many people were proud to be able to see Ichiyo Sorayama. From then on, no one mentioned his name as "Kiichi" again. Instead, he became popular in Edo as "Shenyan", even overshadowing him.
His swordsmanship skills as a sword master. It must be said that no matter in which era, people always look at their appearance...
Ohno Fuji happily held those valuable gifts and hid them away. How could he not be happy! The estimated value of the gifts received in one day was more than the 100-year operation of the dojo. He wished he could have Kazuyo Sorayama receive him 365 days a year.
Those big shots even have the evil idea of hanging Kazuha Sorayama at the door as a mascot. If Kazuha Sorayama, who is already impatient to the limit, finds out, Fuji Ohno will probably say goodbye to the rest of his life...
Fortunately, Kazuyo Sorayama finally sent away the last guest before he completely exploded. Kogoro slumped on the floor, panting and said: "I'm so tired! I would rather be assassinated by a ninja again than meet these big shots."
"Of course you are willing. It was not you who was assassinated, but Senior Sorayama!" Ohno Fuji was also very tired, but at least he could maintain his dignity as the leader of a sect and did not completely collapse on the floor.
However, Kogoro knew clearly that because he followed Sorayama Kazuha, he gained the attention of those big forces this time, and even the big bosses in the domain favored him. The benefits to his future development would be immeasurable!
It can be said that he is the biggest winner of this assassination operation. Thinking of this, he couldn't help but glance at Kazuyo Sorayama in shame, eager to do something for the teacher.
"Kogoro, Ohno," Kazuyo Sorayama ordered in a hoarse voice that was slightly tired: "Send the word for me. I will concentrate on practicing swordsmanship for a while. No matter who it is, I will not see you." "Yes, teacher/senpai."
The two of them answered in unison.
Katsura Kogoro thought for a while and suddenly said: "Recently, a very strange rumor has begun to circulate in Edo, saying that the assassination of the teacher was actually ordered by Beichen Ittoru behind the scenes. However, they neither came forward to clarify nor sent anyone to come.
It’s really strange to visit. But I don’t think Chiba Shusaku-senpai is the kind of person who hires ninjas to assassinate his opponents.”
In fact, as early as the day of the assassination, many forces had already focused their attention on Beichen Ittoryu, because among the public, they were the most suspect. There are two reasons. First, the appearance of Sorayama Kazuha took away the former
Chiba Shusaku's swordsmanship belongs to the supreme position; secondly, Sorayama Kazuyo injured Chiba Eitaro with one move, and almost forced the brother and sister to commit suicide on the spot. Such a shame and humiliation could never be tolerated.
The Beichen Itto-ryu has not responded to this matter, which has deepened this suspicion. Although many people, like Kogoro, firmly believe that Chiba Shusaku, the former Japanese swordsman, would not use such despicable methods.
, but there are quite a few wealthy and powerful disciples in Beichen Yi Dao Liu. Maybe they want to stand up for their mentor?
"No need to make random guesses. A person who can teach Chiba Eitaro and Chiba Sana would not do something like this." Kazuyo Sorayama said in a rare decisive tone: "Besides, doing that will make the sword's heart dusty. This
This kind of person will never reach the realm of a swordsman!"
Katsura Kogoro nodded thoughtfully, "The teacher is right, but if Beichen Itto-ryu doesn't take a stand anymore, he will definitely be reprimanded by the shogunate and become an indelible stain on the school. In fact, it's too late to say anything now.
, the disciples can’t think of how they can survive this crisis safely.”
At this moment, Torataro hurriedly ran over, handed over the greeting card, and said breathlessly: "Senior Sorayama, curator, Kita, Chiba Eitaro of Hokuchen Ittōryu is here again!"
"Only him?" Kogoro asked expectantly. "Yes, he is the only one coming this time." "Let him come in." Sorayama Kazuha ordered. He also wanted to know what the attitude of Beichen's Itto-ryu was.
Chiba Eitaro's injuries were no longer harmful, but his steps seemed extremely heavy. His dark and strong face seemed to be twitching slightly. After saluting, he never really raised his head again. Was the last blow too big?
Everyone thought.
Ohno Fuji spoke first: "Master Chiba, may I ask why you are here this time?"
"This assassination is none of our business," Chiba Eitaro said sternly.
"I know. If there's nothing else, you can go out." Sorayama Kazuyo said coldly.
"Ever since my brother and sister explained the situation to him that day, my father has been practicing swordsmanship in seclusion in preparation for the battle with Master Kongshan. No one is allowed to disturb him. Even everyone in the gym has disappeared. He did not come out until yesterday.
Guan, more than a hundred disciples of Xuanwu Hall can testify." Chiba Eitaro was a little excited.
"You don't need to explain more. I understand the pride of a swordsman better than you. When this matter calms down, I will personally visit the Xuanwu Pavilion."
Hearing Sorayama Kazuyo's words, Chiba Eitaro raised his head in surprise, as if he couldn't believe that the other party was so easy to talk to. Whether it was his own personal experience or external rumors, this sword master was not an easy person to talk to. He didn't expect this
This time I will be so reasonable.
Kogoro interjected: "Senior Chiba, the teacher has never doubted Beichen Itto Ryu. The current rumors have other sources, and... judging from the current situation, we believe it will have no effect. Seniors should think of other ways.
Let’s see how to stop this kind of rumor that is quite unfavorable to your faction. Alas, it’s too late to say anything now..."
Chiba Eitaro still knelt down and did not get up. He twisted his body a few times and seemed hesitant to speak. "Is there anything else?" Kazuyo Sorayama's tone was a little cold.
"There is another important thing in coming to visit this time. Well, actually..." He uttered a sentence with great difficulty: "Actually, the main purpose of coming here this time is to propose marriage for my sister Sana. The Chiba family hopes to marry Sorayama.
Your Excellency will always be married to Qin and Jin, and my father also agrees to this marriage. However, for the sake of the face of the Chiba family, I hope that Lord Sorayama can come to the Xuanwu Hall to propose marriage in person, so please."
After saying that, Chiba Eitaro touched his forehead to the ground and gave a formal salute, perhaps more to hide the shame and anger on his face. This crisis is far more serious for Beichen Ittoryu or the Chiba family than
It’s as serious as outsiders imagine.
On the night of the assassination, the shogunate's spies were swarming outside the Xuanwu Hall, conducting blatant surveillance and conducting detailed investigations into the people who had entered and exited the gym in the past few days. Originally, everyone thought that this matter would fade away over time, but in the past few days,
There were rumors that the recruitment was becoming more and more intense, and even some disciples in the gym began to doubt whether the Chiba family was actually instigating this matter.
According to a senior shogunate official who was also his father's disciple, the shogun himself was quite dissatisfied with the matter. If the Chiba family did not make any further clarifications, they might be punished with a salary reduction. This kind of humiliation was a shame for the Chiba family.
It’s absolutely impossible to bear!
But my father was in retreat, and no one could decide how to deal with it. Instead, my uncle Chiba Sadaikichi personally came forward to invite my father out of retreat.
With Chiba Shusaku's pride, he immediately went to Sorayama Ryu with a sword and had a life-or-death battle with Sorayama Kazuyo to clear his name, but everyone tried to persuade him to stop him. Is this a clarification? I'm afraid it would make him angry in the eyes of outsiders...
...Besides, my father had no confidence in winning, and he had planned to die to clear away the suspicion.
But the younger sister Chiba Sana made a suggestion at this time: marry herself to Sorayama Kazuha. This can not only show the sincerity of the Chiba family, but also eliminate suspicion, and make friends with this promising young swordsman.
It's like killing many birds with one stone! You have to know how many famous ministers are staring at Ichiyo Sorayama, hoping to marry their daughters.
However, in Chiba Eitaro's view, this approach is essentially the same as selling a girl! After all, isn't his skill inferior to others? Although his father also feels that this move lacks the courage of a swordsman, he is responsible for the honor and disgrace of the Chiba family and the rise and fall of the school.
Yu Yishen reluctantly agreed to the marriage after everyone's persuasion.
The Chiba family has considered everything, but they have not considered what to do if Sorayama Kazuha doesn't agree. Not to mention that the Chiba family is a swordsman family, and they are the perfect match for Sorayama Kazuha. Chiba Sana herself is the most famous person in Edo.
One of the beauties, she also possesses a superb swordsmanship. She is the perfect model for a woman from the martial arts family, and there is no reason for anyone to reject her.
"Thank you for your kindness, I refuse." Kazuyo Sorayama said without hesitation.
Everyone present was stunned!
Especially Katsura Kogoro and Chiba Sana are goddess-level figures among the many young swordsmen in Edo. They could not help but be rejected so easily by their teachers. Are all sword masters so ruthless?
"Why, why? Mr. Sorayama has met my roommate, and he must also know that his appearance, swordsmanship, and even personality are the best among women. He will not humiliate you. Why refuse?!" Chiba Eitaro
Suddenly he stood up and said loudly.
At this time, he no longer cared about etiquette, and was rejected so simply. If word got out, not only would Sana commit suicide in shame and anger, but even the Chiba family would suffer an indelible shame! It would even be far more serious than the failure of the two factions to try to unite.
many.
"First, I already have a wife and children, although I will never see them again...Second, I have sworn in this life to serve the sword with all my heart, and will never care about anything else. My sister's marriage to me is really an act of casting a pearl into the dark, or is it?
Let’s find another good match.”
After Kazuyo Sorayama finished speaking, he stood up and left regardless of everyone's reaction. Chiba Eitaro's words made his heart, which had been calm for a long time, once again become turbulent.