Chapter 13 Auction 5

"Oh, it seems my lord has something to ask you," Mikazuki said with a smile, looking at Tsurumaru Kuninaga sitting opposite him.

"You and Ran Toushirou come from the same citadel. I want to know how you ended up being auctioned off."

Hanshu wouldn't ask the short swords these questions because they were still relatively inexperienced and lacked the open-mindedness of the Mikazuki, Tsurumaru, and Genji brothers, who possessed swords that had existed for a thousand years.

Whether as her former sword or as a sword that has survived for a thousand years since the Heian period, Tsurumaru Kuninaga possesses a powerful spiritual core. Therefore, Hanshu's choice to inquire about the situation from him is also an expression of trust in Tsurumaru.

Tsurumaru Kuninaga naturally didn't hide anything about his predecessor. His predecessor's codename was Mizutani, and he was male.

Mizutani's relationship with the tsukumogami was rather ordinary, more like that of a somewhat stern superior. This wouldn't have been a problem initially, but everything changed after Ran Toushirou revealed himself.

This Saniwa disliked Ran Toushirou, who dressed as a woman, and even loathed him. Her attitude was extremely hostile; Ran Toushirou would avoid the Saniwa whenever possible within the citadel. Because of this dislike, Mizutani forbade Ran Toushirou from participating in battles, drills, and even daily sparring.

Tsurumaru Kuninaga, on the other hand, was disliked by the quiet Mizutani because of his boisterous nature. Like Ran Toushirou, both of his swords are currently only at level one.

Another reason is that they ended up being auctioned off.

"I accidentally discovered that he was colluding with the Time Retrograde Army," Tsurumaru Kuninaga said with a very serious expression.

"He was worried that maliciously breaking swords would attract political attention, and he was also concerned about the swords in the citadel becoming corrupted. That's why he secretly auctioned me and Ran off. I guess... he'll use his disappearance as an excuse."

The government's decision to dismiss the disappearance of the tsukumogami, which had lasted for a week, as an accidental breakage of a sword was blatantly dismissive.

Upon hearing this, Mikazuki's smile faded. He lowered his gaze to the tea stems in his teacup.

"Colluding with the Time Travel Army...?"

They all knew that reporting it to the government would be pointless. There was no crucial evidence, and they didn't trust the government.

"I understand." She glanced at the clock hanging in the office. "Go to the main room. I'll keep your past with me a secret."

Although Tsurumaru Kuninaga chose to tell her about it, it doesn't mean he's moved on from the past. Only those who have experienced these things have the right to decide whether or not to speak about their past.

Tsurumaru Kuninaga's soft laughter was exceptionally clear in the quiet office, his golden eyes gleaming with joy.

"You are still the same as always"

So gentle, as always.

The summoned sword spirits sat obediently in their places; Han Zhou had never summoned everyone before. They all vaguely guessed that there might be something important to say.

At that moment, Hasebe, noticing the two short swords that had suddenly appeared beside Ichigo Hitofuri, sensed Hizamaru's hidden wariness towards them and asked directly...

"Lord Ichigo, you didn't forge any swords today. So... could you please explain?" Hasebe was a very responsible and conscientious person; even when Kanshu wasn't in the citadel, his attendants still had their duties.

As luck would have it, today's attendant was none other than Hasebe. No one knew the situation at the citadel better than him, even though he had just returned from a campaign.

To his surprise, Higekiri instead came to Ichigo Hitofuri's rescue.

"This is the head of the family's order! Are you going to disobey the master's command, Yachi?"

Even though he knew Hasebe hated being called "Yashikiri," Higekiri insisted on calling him that. If it were the original Hasebe, he would never have doubted his lord's orders.

But... this was Hasebe, who had been persuaded by Hanshu, and he remained unmoved by Higekiri's words. Even though he knew that Higekiri was Hanshu's former sword, and knew that what he said was true.

"As my attendant today, it is my duty to check on the situation of the citadel. My lord did not request any sword forging before leaving today; I need to verify their origins."

Hasebe met Higekiri's gaze directly, showing no intention of backing down. At that moment, Higekiri truly realized the change that Kansui had brought to Hasebe.

However... there's no need for Higekiri to explain anymore, Kanpusu has already arrived.

Upon seeing Han Zhou, the sword spirits that were sitting down all stood up and looked towards the door.

"Lord/General/Head of the Clan"

They immediately extended their greetings to Han Zhou; this was not at Han Zhou's request, but rather a heartfelt gesture from the swordsmen.

Ran and Mori, who had just arrived, hadn't kept up with the group, so they were a beat slower. But they were shocked. Because they were both sword spirits, they knew that although this citadel didn't have many swords, they all held Hanshu in high esteem.

These are all from the bottom of my heart.

Including Najin, who is completely different from other citadels, Hasebe's Yukiri.

Han Zhou heard Hasebe's words and was pleased with his growth and transformation. Her cool voice smoothed out the tense atmosphere.

"I'll explain this. Hasebe, you did a good job."

Upon hearing Hanshu's praise, Hasebe immediately placed his right hand on his left chest and bowed slightly.

"It's my duty"

Mikazuki led Tsurumaru Kuninaga to their seats, while Kanshu walked to the front. Looking at the swords seated below, she felt proud of them. Kitsunenosuke was already properly seated at the small table in front of Kanshu.

"Three new companions have arrived today: Tsurumaru Kuninaga, Ran Toushirou, and Mori Toushirou. I brought them back from the auction, and I hope you all get along well."

The explanation for the auction was given to the swords remaining at the citadel by Hanshu just as Higekiri and the others had been.

"My lord, could you please take me with you on the next mission like this?" Ichigo Hitofuri looked at Kanshu, knowing full well that Toushirou mostly used short swords, and that was why he was worried.

"Haha, I also hope I can do my part," Mikazuki said, expressing his own opinion.

Of course, almost everyone who didn't go wanted to participate. Han Zhou slightly raised his hand, preventing a somewhat chaotic scene.

"I will decide based on the situation, but the most important thing is your strength."

Han Zhou returned at noon. The three new tsukumogami were able to have lunch in time. According to the auctioneer's information, there were a total of five such auction venues; she had only destroyed one today, and the whereabouts of the others were still unknown.

Moreover, these auctions are sometimes interfered with by high-ranking political figures, providing convenience for corrupt officials at lower levels.

Currently, the Awataguchi clan has the most swords within the citadel. Everyone seems to accept the newly arrived Tsurumaru Kuninaga well, but they are less accepting of Ran and Mori.

Aside from Touken and Tsurumaru Kuninaga, both from the Awataguchi clan, everyone else was secretly wary of them. This wasn't out of personal bias, but rather due to their own wariness of Kanshu.

Trust is mutual; Ran and Mori don't trust Kanshu. Therefore, Kanshu's spirit, being a tsukumogami, is equally wary of them as outsiders.

Even though Han Zhou didn't mind Ran and Mori's wariness, after all, someone who had been in darkness couldn't adapt to the light in an instant.

The swordsmen of Awataguchi understood and comprehended the attitudes of their comrades.

A note from the author:

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