Chapter 31 Testing the Three Major Families

Kasen Kanesada's absent-minded appearance was witnessed by Izuminokami Kanesada, who happened to be passing by. Although both were named "Kanesada," the difference in their forging time was not small.

"Hey, why are you so distracted? Are you worried about Sayo Samonji?"

Izumi no Kami Kanesada was carrying a basket of vegetables, and his clothes were clearly dusty, indicating he had just come from the fields. Seeing his unkempt appearance, Kasen Kanesada frowned slightly.

"This is so unrefined!"

Upon hearing this, Izuminokami glanced down at his own attire, feeling quite pleased with himself. However, he didn't argue, instead intently observing Kasen Kanesada's expression.

This further confirmed my earlier guess.

The handsome, long-haired spirit has his hair tied up high for easy work in the fields, making him look exceptionally dashing. Even carrying a basket of vegetables doesn't hinder him at all.

"Shouldn't we be welcoming our new partners right now? What are you worried about?"

Izuminokami Kanesada, as the youngest sword in the citadel, is like a spirited young man. But despite his young age, he has already lived through hundreds of years.

He didn't believe Sayo Samonji was such a fragile sword. Loyalty was their instinct, but don't forget, a sword is a weapon.

If not managed properly, it will backfire.

He believed that since Sayo Samonji had brought his two older brothers to their citadel on his own initiative, he must be a man of strong character who needed time to come to terms with his past, but he would never let it hold him back.

Kasen Kanesada understood the meaning behind Izumi no Kami's words, but before he could speak, he was interrupted by a clear, resonant voice.

"Mr. Ken!"

Wearing a maroon tracksuit, Horikawa Kunihiro strode over to Izumi no Kami Kanesada. He had just gone to put away some farm tools and turned around to find that Mr. Kanesada was gone.

The perceptive Wakizashi had already noticed the awkward atmosphere between the two. After smiling and greeting Kasen Kanesada, he looked at Mr. Kanesada, who was running around carrying a vegetable basket.

Their citadel is very large, and Mr. Kane, having only recently arrived, has no idea where he is. Perhaps noticing that Kasen-dono's mood is off, he changed his mind and decided to go find the kitchen.

"Mr. Kane, we need to take the vegetables to the kitchen, otherwise Mr. Shokudaikiri might run out of vegetables later."

Upon hearing this, Izuminokami Kanesada stopped looking at Kasen Kanesada. Instead, he gestured for Horikawa Kunihiro to lead the way, indicating that some things were best left unsaid.

Watching the two depart, Kasen Kanesada chuckled softly. Turning to gaze at the scenery in the courtyard, he murmured...

"To think I was comforted by Izuminokami... how incredibly unrefined!"

Han Zhou had already arrived at Fei Yu's Honmaru, but this time she didn't bring any attendants with her. There weren't many Tsukumogami; only four went to her own Honmaru.

She looked at the four people with the Samonji and gave Mutsu no Kami Yoshiyuki instructions on what to do after arriving at the citadel, since Kanzuru wouldn't be going back with them.

She needed to follow another group of tsukumogami to Aoki's Honmaru first.

"After you arrive at the citadel, Kiyomitsu will take you to your rooms to collect your daily necessities. You can ask him if you have any questions."

Swords of the Samonji school tend to be more reserved, in contrast to the lively and outgoing Mutsu no Kami. The latter is also quite familiar with Kashuu and his group, as they are swords from the same period.

After teleporting them back to his own citadel, Hanshu turned his attention to the remaining tsukumogami.

The four swords are Imaizuki and Mikazuki from the Sanjo school, and Narukuni and Yagen from the Awataguchi school. Two of them were her former swords.

"Are you ready? I'll take you to Qingye's Honmaru."

After they all nodded in unison, Han Zhou swiftly activated the teleportation array. He and the four spirit mediums vanished instantly from their original positions.

Meanwhile, in Seiya's Honmaru, Ichigo Hitofuri of Awataguchi, along with Iwatooshi and Ishikirimaru of the Sanjo faction, were waiting for their companions in the courtyard.

After a flash of golden light, Han Zhou watched as the figure gradually appeared. Without hesitation, he left the four spirits and went to Qing Ye's side.

Together with him, they watched the Mikazuki group being cared for by their fellow swordsmen.

With fellow swordsmen present, the task of introducing the citadel naturally wouldn't fall to Qingye. He came only with some concerns, but it seems the outcome is good. He has confidence in his tsukumogami.

They believe they can persuade the four swordsmen to stay.

"Last night I discovered someone was trying to attack the protective shield I set up."

Taking advantage of this time, Qingye explained to Hanzhou what had happened to him when he returned to the Honmaru yesterday.

Qingye did not let the spirits in his citadel know about this. After Hanzhou's reminder and guidance, he was able to protect his citadel.

"The three major families are already impatient, and Yu Yuwu's situation is likely the same. They will soon realize that the variable that caused all of this is you."

"I know the affairs of the three major families need to be carefully investigated. The Time Travel Army is composed of negative emotions such as human obsessions and resentment; the appearance of these things is not accidental."

Han Zhou looked at the soundproof barrier set up by Qing Ye beside him, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes.

As a deity, Han Zhou naturally knew that history was not so easily changed. Time itself possessed its own power of correction, a force capable of suppressing factors that could alter history. Even the gods themselves found it difficult to resist.

Gods with the ability to travel back in time are extremely rare. Even for gods, altering history is incredibly difficult due to the powerful suppression of time and space. But here, however, this suppressive force is significantly reduced.

Even something is better than nothing

This is strange; it's as if something has lessened the suppression of time. To find out the reason, we need to investigate the three major families.

"Is there anything Yu Yuwu and I can do for you?"

"Secretly observe those with good character and strength, and secretly spread rumors that the three major families are unreliable."

She wants to see how many truly intelligent people there are in this vast political arena.

This matter wasn't difficult for Qingye and Yuyuwu, given their years of experience working in politics. Even though they rarely contacted other Saniwa, they still had some connections with them.

Meanwhile, in the Honmaru of Hanshu, Kashuu Kiyomitsu awaited his new companion. Upon seeing the familiar figure, he smiled and greeted him.

"Mutsu no Kami, it's been a long time."

Having just recovered from the weightlessness of the teleportation, Mutsu no Kami Yoshiyuki waved to Kiyomitsu when he saw the familiar sword spirits.

"Hey! California, long time no see!"

Kashuu Kiyomitsu noticed the unease and restraint of the Samonji faction, and with a gentle smile, naturally began to introduce the situation of the citadel.

At a certain corner

"Shouldn't we go?"

A sudden remark from behind startled Kasen, who was secretly observing Saya.

Looking at Yamato no Kami Yasusada behind him, dressed in a blue inner robe, he couldn't help but sigh. Yamato no Kami Yasusada realized he might have startled him and gave an apologetic smile.

"Now is not the time."

They had just arrived at the citadel and were not yet familiar with this unfamiliar environment. Even with a trusted blade by their side, they remained vigilant.

After what they've been through, this state is normal. Kasen Kanesada understands that now is not a good time to get close to them.

The fastest way to help them get used to and integrate into the citadel is to let it happen naturally. Don't try to force them to become familiar with you; treat them like ordinary tsukumogami.

Yamato no Kami Yasusada understood Kasen Kanesada's meaning, and his smile widened. He walked to Kashuu Kiyomitsu's side as usual.

"Hey, you've arrived! Welcome to our citadel. Feel free to come find me if you need anything!"

Hearing this, Kashuu Kiyomitsu was displeased, his eyes filled with condemnation.

"What? This is a job that the headmaster gave me. And Yasusada himself has only just arrived at the citadel!"

What does it matter?

"It's very relevant!"

The two, both wielding Okita Souji's swords, started bickering as if no one else was around. This wasn't unusual; they knew they had important business to attend to.

So the person introducing the citadel changed from one to two.

As Yamato no Kami Yasusada and Kashuu Kiyomitsu walked away with the newly arrived tsukumogami, Sayo Samonji inadvertently glanced at the corner behind him.

There was still a corner of clothing that hadn't been hidden away.

"Xiao Ye?"

Soza noticed his younger brother's actions and called out softly.

"It's nothing, Brother Zongsan. Let's go."

Seeing that Sayo didn't intend to explain, Sozo didn't ask any further questions.

Yamato no Kami Yasusada, who was leading the way alongside Kashuu Kiyomitsu, smiled. "Tanka (short swords) are best at reconnaissance," he thought. "Kasen Kanesada will probably be spotted by Sayo as soon as they turn the corner."

Of course... it wasn't just Kasen who was discovered.

Kanshu's main citadel is quite large. Along the way, you can see sword spirits (tsukumogami) working or resting on the verandas. There are also tanto (short swords) playing in the courtyard.

However, upon seeing a white-haired, golden-eyed tsukumogami holding a terminal specifically for the Saniwa, all three Samonji were quite surprised. Mutsu no Kami, on the other hand, showed no surprise; although it wasn't the sword Hanshu had previously used...

However, his former master, Sakamoto Ryoma, also had a connection with Kanshu.

The white crane, sensing it was being watched, temporarily shifted its gaze from the terminal. It saw the newly arrived tsukumogami and, clearly, Kashuu and Yasusada acting as guides.

Tsurumaru Kuninaga greeted them with a smile.

"Yo, we meet again! Welcome to this citadel."

"Lord Tsurumaru, you're messing with the Lord's terminal again," Kashuu Kiyomitsu sighed helplessly, rubbing his forehead. This was clearly not the first time this had happened.

"Haha, since the lord doesn't need it anyway, I'll just play with it for a bit."

Tsurumaru Kuninaga chuckled twice and waved the terminal in his hand.

Shugoku Kiyomitsu took this opportunity to explain to the newly arrived tsukumogami (spirits/ghosts).

"Our lord will not restrict our movements, and we can freely enter and leave the castle tower."

From their vantage point, they could see the office on the first floor of the castle tower. Hanshu wasn't currently in the citadel, but the office door had been pushed open.

The orange-haired short sword was arguing with his older brother beside him, his cheeks puffed out. When he noticed the gazes of Kashuu Kiyomitsu and his group, he waved to them.

Ichigo Hitofuri arrived with his younger brother to greet everyone; Ichigo Hitofuri was today's personal attendant. Ran Toushirou had left his hair tie in his office last time.

I came to pick it up, and Ichigo Hitofuri happened to see me there, as he was helping Han Zhou process official documents in the office. As a result, he got a scolding from his older brother.

"Welcome to the citadel," Ichigo Hitofuri said with a gentle smile.

"Mr. California, when will our lord return?"

Ran Toushirou asked this initial sword

"He'll probably be back for lunch with everyone," Kashuu Kiyomitsu guessed, though he didn't know the lord's specific arrangements. Unless something urgent happened, he'd most likely return before lunch.

"Luan, stop clinging to your lord all the time."

Ichigo Hitofuri was a little troubled, worried that his spoiled younger brothers would disturb Kanshu's work.

"What?! Even the lord doesn't care! Ichigo-nii is making a mountain out of a molehill."

Ran Toushirou puffed out his cheeks in protest, looking as angry as a pufferfish.

Ichigo Hitofuri was gentle by nature, and he also trusted Kanshu. However, his upbringing and habits made him subconsciously maintain a proper distance from Kanshu, who was his lord.

The gentle older brother smiled at the group from California and left with his younger brother, with whom he had been arguing.

Finally, Kashuu Kiyomitsu led the Samonji faction to the empty room that had been prepared for them. On the way, Yamato no Kami Yasusada went to help with the candlestick cutter in the kitchen.

Looking into the spacious room, there were new inner robes, light clothing, and toiletries already prepared for them. On the table in the middle sat a pot of flowers.

Even before they arrived at the citadel, Kanshu had already begun preparing their rooms. The flowers on the table were prepared by Kasen at Kanshu's request.

In Mutsu no Kami's room, there were several models of steamships, and nautical maps hung on the walls. A state-of-the-art camera sat on the table.

Meanwhile, the spirits all received concern from Kanshu and his companions.

—Seiya's Honmaru—

Han Zhou and Qing Ye talked for a while before noticing the Mikazuki group approaching them. Qing Ye also dispelled the soundproof barrier.

"Looks like you're planning to stay here."

Mikazuki smiled noncommittally at Han Zhou's words. She looked at the most beautiful blade in the world, now shining brightly once more, without showing any surprise.

"I'll have to trouble you this time, Lord Hanzhou."

Mikazuki suppressed his smile and solemnly bowed to Kanshu.

"Um"

Han Zhou responded and took out a tin of fine tea from her personal space. It was tea from her hometown, with a fresh and delicate flavor. It was also one of her favorite teas.

Having followed Hanshu for a hundred years, Mikazuki naturally recognized what it was. He accepted it with a smile, letting out a hearty and carefree laugh.

"Haha, I never thought I'd have the chance to taste tea from Lord Hanzhou's hometown one day!"

"Once you've finished drinking, you can have Qingye contact me. As long as I have some left, I won't be stingy."

Han Zhou didn't keep any seeds for this tea. Each time her stock ran low, she would return to pick it and then use her divine power to keep it fresh. This was one of the few pleasures she found in her long life.

She enjoys the process of tea picking.

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