This morning I discussed with the editor about the special series.
In fact, I don't really want to put the special bonus at the end of the chapter. This is not only inconvenient for book friends, but also inconvenient for me to manage myself.
So after discussing with the editor, I decided to serialize long special extras like "The Legendary Adventure of the Sword Master and the Wind Demon" in "Work Related".
In other words, carry out [free serialization].
For those who like special extras, this should be an ecstasy (laughs)
However, the update frequency of special bonus extras is naturally very unstable.
I will only write a few words occasionally when I feel like it.
Some book friends expressed their loss in the last chapter because they were not that interested in the special extras, but were forced to spend money to subscribe.
I think what they said makes sense, this pot is mine.
I'm very sorry that people who don't want to see the specials are forced to watch the specials.
So in order to make it up to you all, I will update one more chapter today.
This chapter is about 4,000 words long (the same length as the special bonus chapter of the previous chapter), and is a [free] relaxation.
Wow, I am such a conscientious writer (laughs).
Not only did we decide to serialize the bonus extras for free, we also released the main text for free.
Please look at my conscience and give me more monthly votes!
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"...Sakura-sama."
Hasegawa said solemnly.
"Is it really confirmed? Shiranui plans to send Jitarō, one of the 'Four Heavenly Kings', to participate in the 'Gozen Trial'."
Sakura nodded.
"I have confirmed it repeatedly."
"In order to restore the damaged image since the 'Nijo Castle Incident' in Kyoto, and to prove their strength to the Shogun and others in the shogunate, Shiranui has decided to send their Jitaro to participate in the 'Gozen Trial'."
"Their goal is simple - to win the first place in the 'Imperial Trial Combination' martial arts test."
"Let everyone know the strength of the shinobi in their Shiranui."
After being silent for a while, Hasegawa sighed softly.
"I didn't expect... Shiranui actually planned to have a hand in the 'Gozen Trial Match'..."
"I never thought that they would use this method to restore their image that was damaged by the Nijo Castle Incident."
Sakura sneered.
"They are now in a critical condition and have sought medical treatment. Although their Enma was made a banner just a while ago and became the shogun's direct subordinate, there are still many people who are extremely dissatisfied with Shiranui."
"Including Lao Naka-sama himself, he also criticized Shiranui, who showed his ugly face in Kyoto."
"If they don't find a way to save their image quickly, they may really be abandoned by the shogunate."
"Since it has been confirmed that Shiranui intends to have a hand in the 'Gozen Trial Combination', we cannot ignore it."
"No matter what, we must destroy Shiranui Ri's attempt in the 'Gozen Trial Combination'! Let Shiranui Ri's plan to win the first place in the martial arts trial and restore their image fail!"
"...Sakura-sama." Hasegawa crossed his arms on his chest, "Are you really planning to fight Shiranui to the end?"
"Of course." Sakura said without hesitation, "I hate ninjas the most."
"And I hate Shiranui Ri very much."
"Hasegawa-sama, you must have heard a little bit about the various cruel systems in Shiranui, right?"
"...I have heard of it." Hasegawa nodded.
"Of course, my dislike of ninjas - this is just one of the small reasons why I have to fight against Shiranui to the end and wholeheartedly destroy the shogun's integration of Shiranui."
"Hasegawa-sama, I have never told you before. I will now reveal to you a little bit of the inside story about Shiranui."
Sakura picked up the teacup on the side, took a sip of tea, and then said in a deep voice to Hasegawa:
"Hasegawa-sama, do you know why the shogun wanted to recruit Shiranui?"
"I'm not sure." Hasegawa shook his head, "I'm just a military attache, and I don't know much about these twists and turns."
"The reason why the Shogun wanted to recruit Shiranui is known to many people in the shogunate."
"It's just that no one dares to say it openly..."
Sakura held out three fingers.
"For 3 purposes."
"The first purpose is to replenish the shogunate's existing combat power."
"The second purpose - to monitor and collect intelligence on the Lucia Kingdom, which has frequently reached out to Ezo Land in recent times."
"As for the third purpose..."
Sakura's face slowly darkened.
"It is to monitor the civil and military officials in the shogunate, and to monitor the feudal lords like Satsuma and Chosu who are at odds with the shogunate."
"Lord Hasegawa, I wonder if you know about the Jin Yiwei of Tang Tu."
"Of course I know." Hasegawa responded without hesitation.
"The Jinyiwei is a special military force of the destroyed Ming Dynasty. One of its main responsibilities is to help the emperor monitor all civil and military officials."
"Shogun, he plans to imitate the system of the Ming Dynasty and let the ninjas in Shiranui become his 'gilded guards'."
Sakura's face became more and more serious.
"If the purpose of incorporating Shiranui is just to monitor the Lucia Kingdom, as well as Satsuma, Nagashu and other powerful lords, then I will definitely welcome the arrival of Shiranui's ninjas."
"But if we monitor foreign countries and lords, and also monitor us... I can't stand it."
"Hasegawa-sama, 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."
"There might be a Shiranui ninja hiding on the ceiling at home."
"I don't want to live a life where I'm constantly being watched by ninjas."
"This is the main reason why I want to fight against 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 tilted up slightly, revealing a smile.
"Since Shiranui plans to restore their image by getting first place in the 'Gozen Trial' martial arts test, then we will make it impossible for them to get first place!"
"As long as we can make Shiranui Ri's plan fail, we can take the opportunity to attack, criticize their ninjas as useless, further damage Shiranui Ri's image in the minds of the Shogun and other people who support Shiranui Ri, and isolate Shiranui Ri!
"
"The 'Imperial Trial Combination' is personally conducted by Mr. Lao Zhong."
"Even I can't interfere with it."
"Therefore, the only way we can choose is to send one or several highly capable people to participate in the 'Gozen Trial' and let them defeat Ji Tairou so that Ji Tairou cannot get the first place in the 'Martial Trial'."
"So - back to our original topic."
"Hasegawa-sama, are you willing to lend a helping hand to destroy Shiranui Ri's attempt in the 'Gozen Trial'?"
"The fire thieves under your command are full of talented people. They are both powerful and have sufficient practical experience, just like the 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'!"
"Looking across the entire Edo, I have powerful subordinates under my command, and the only person I can trust is you, Hasegawa."
"I hope you can send some of your most powerful subordinates to participate in the 'Imperial Trial' and defeat Gokutaro."
"How? Are you willing to cooperate with us?"
Hasegawa did not respond immediately to Sakura.
Instead, he crossed his arms, lowered his head slightly, and remained silent.
Looking at Hasegawa who remained silent, Sakura slowly frowned.
"Hasegawa-sama, you must have heard what I just said, right? If Shiranui gets out of Edo, it will only be good for you as a fire thief-turned-commander."
"You don't want to live a life where you will be watched by the ninjas in Shiranui at some point, right?"
"...Sakura-sama." Hasegawa sighed, "You and I have been friends for many years, so I won't hide it from you. I am not that interested in trying to drive Shiranui out of Edo...
Passionate.”
"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 what Hasegawa would say, and there was no wave in the expression on her face.
After taking a long breath, Sakura said slowly:
"Master Hasegawa, you are still the same as before. You have always stayed away from this kind of political struggle."
"Aren't you willing to participate in this complicated struggle..."
"Then - Lord Hasegawa, let me make you a condition."
"A... condition that makes you willing to participate in this complicated struggle."
Speaking of this, a meaningful smile appeared on Sakura's face.
"Hasegawa-sama, as far as I know - there has been a big problem in the operation of your foot lodging facility recently. Am I right?"
After Sakura finished speaking, the expression on Hasegawa's face changed slightly.
"Master Lao Zhong thinks that your foot rental is just a waste of money, and he has always wanted to destroy your foot rental."
Sakura continued.
"In order to force you to close down the football field, the old and middle-aged adults have used various methods to put pressure on you."
"It must be very uncomfortable for you to be under such great pressure, right?"
"Hasegawa-sama, I can help you."
"As long as you can help me drive Shiranui out of Edo, I will help you maintain the human foot facility in the future."
"I can say that I am also a souvenir fan, and I have a lot of say in the shogunate."
"With my help, your stress will be much less."
"How? Are these conditions enough for you to make up your mind to cooperate with me?"
A strong look of struggle appeared on Hasegawa's face.
After an unknown amount of time passed, Hasegawa breathed a sigh of relief:
"...Sakura-sama, you are still so powerful."
"He accurately made an offer that I couldn't refuse..."
"This cooperation... I accepted it."
"It's a pleasure to cooperate." Sakura smiled.
"It's just...Sakura-sama, there is something I must tell you."
Hasegawa said seriously.
"Most of the elites of my Hufu Thieves Reform are not in Edo at this time."
"There is a vicious thief in the Tohoku region who committed arson a while ago - Aoi Ichiro."
"Because I heard that Aoiichiro is proficient in archery and Kodachi swordsmanship, and has many companions and subordinates, I sent most of my elites to the northeast to capture Aoiichiro."
"Although there are still some skilled people staying in Edo...but I don't think they have the strength to defeat Gokutaro."
"I have heard a little bit about the strength of the 'Four Heavenly Kings' in Shiranui."
"With the 'Four Heavenly Kings' as my enemy, I don't think my subordinates can defeat them."
Hearing Hasegawa's words, Sakura frowned.
"How come at this moment, most of your elite men are not here..."
After curling her lips, Sakura continued.
"So, Hasegawa, do you know anyone who is very skilled?"
"Anyway, as long as it prevents that Ji Tairou from getting the first place in the martial arts test."
"So it doesn't matter if he's your subordinate or not. As long as he's skilled enough."
"I am a civil servant. The only military attache I know well is you, and I don't have many friends with good skills around me."
"And since you are a military attache, you should know some very skilled people in Edo, right?"
"...Sakura-sama." Hasegawa smiled bitterly, "I...have a good relationship with the current Yamada Asaemon."
After hearing the name "Yamada Asemon" from Hasegawa's mouth, Sakura's expression changed instantly.