Chapter 29: Direct Contact

Finally, one of the conditions for completing the side quest has surfaced.

Hyakusuke felt quite elated—or perhaps, exhilarated. Of course, he did not rashly rush to make contact with the quest NPC, the wandering shrine maiden Fuyuhotaru.

"In any case, we are about to reach the nearest post town. I recall that the main goal of the NPC Fuyuhotaru on her journey is to find her long-lost younger sister, so she will certainly linger in the vicinity of the post town for some time."

A post town was the equivalent of a waystation in this era, typically consisting of one or several villages. It was a cluster of settlements or a small town that developed along major transportation routes, centered around the traveler's inns known as *hatago*.

There was still a long way to go before reaching Genko-ji Temple, the destination of their escort mission. According to the itinerary, they would rest for a day at the post town.

During the past three days, the low-ranking ninjas, including Hyakusuke, had barely slept. They had to remain vigilant against demons and mountain bandits along the way. They had spent these two days camping in the wilderness, eating nothing but roasted grain rice balls. After three days of travel, both men and horses were exhausted; the horses and the oxen pulling the carts also needed rest. In the post town, there were high-end accommodations specifically provided for parties of demon slayers.

The low-ranking ninjas could also stay for a day in inexpensive, rudimentary lodging houses—the *mokuchin-ya*—to get a good rest and recover their spirits before setting off again.

"I can take this opportunity to properly prepare myself."

He regained his composure and picked up his pace.

...

The surface of the lake in the forest was silent, the rain having finally ceased. However, moonlight shimmered faintly through the clouds; reflected on the water, it was clear that tonight was a half-moon.

Near a hidden mountain hut, a pitch-black bird descended.

"News from the Hafuku Association says that the Kurohime-yama clan has dispatched a group of guards to escort someone toward Genko-ji Temple."

"Should we send someone to investigate?"

"But we don't have anyone decent to spare, and Eldest Sister is still injured."

"Shh, keep your voice down. Eldest Sister is still resting; don't wake her."

"Then again, why are we doing errands for those people in the Hafuku Association? They aren't exactly good people, are you sure?"

"It’s just a temporary measure... After all, our 'Tsukizuki Party' is weak. Even if we wanted to take revenge on the Kurohime-yama clan, we lack the strength and must rely on outside help."

"Even if you say that, it seems like we, the Tsukizuki family, are just being unilaterally exploited by the Hafuku Association!"

"Alright, you two, stop arguing."

The door of the wooden hut opened, and a woman dressed in a crimson kimono appeared. She looked utterly exhausted; her fair skin was covered in bandages, and one of her sleeves hung empty.

The boy and girl outside the door were startled.

"Eldest Sister, are you alright?"

"You really should have stayed in bed longer..."

"I'm fine. I won't die."

Otoraza Saki’s face was deathly pale, her complexion poor. She had suffered heavy injuries. Under normal circumstances, someone with the bloodline of the great demon "Yama-uba" could rely on "regeneration" to recover in a very short time. Even if great demons were severely wounded, as long as they consumed a certain amount of vital energy or demonic aura, they could heal through "high-speed regeneration."

However, she had been injured multiple times; she had lost her right eye and an arm, and she could not regenerate them in such a short time.

"I will go myself to handle this matter."

She said with a grave expression, "No matter what the Hafuku Association is planning, our goal remains the same... I only hope that this time we can find a flaw in the enemy, or at least gain some clues."

...

They arrived at the post town late at night.

After escorting the women in the ox cart into the lodgings provided for demon slayers, Hyakusuke took his companions to find an inexpensive *mokuchin-ya* to stay in.

A post town was essentially a waystation, but because it gathered merchants and travelers from all directions, various inns operated there. The ones for ordinary merchants were *hatago*, which had better accommodations and provided meals. *Mokuchin-ya* were budget inns for merchants' assistants and poor travelers; the fees were low, but they did not provide food. Travelers had to bring their own ingredients. The term "mokuchin" literally meant "firewood fee."

Everyone was exhausted to the point of collapse, and Hyakusuke and his men fell asleep the moment they touched the wooden floorboards.

"Is it morning?"

Hyakusuke was awakened by Tomosaka, the low-ranking ninja who served as his deputy.

"Senior, the porridge is ready. You can eat now that you're awake."

Tomosaka was the young low-ranking ninja who had spoken to him when Matsudaira Inomaro first sought him out.

"Thanks."

Hyakusuke stretched on the floor. "You were in charge of keeping watch over the luggage last night... Thank you for your hard work."

"It's nothing." Tomosaka, sporting dark circles under his eyes, handed over a bowl of porridge. "This is just part of my duty."

"I should still thank you." Hyakusuke patted his shoulder and took the porridge and chopsticks. "Go get some sleep later. I'm going to head out to the market, and I also need to see Lord Matsudaira. I'll buy some snacks as a souvenir for you on my way back."

"Boss, is there any for us too?"

"Yeah... it wouldn't be fair if only Tomosaka got a treat, right?"

"That's right, that's right! We worked hard yesterday, too."

The other low-ranking ninjas who had just woken up chimed in noisily.

"Alright, alright, there's enough for everyone." Hyakusuke could only shake his head. "I'll bring back food for everyone when I return... Considering the upcoming mission, don't go out; stay in the room and rest."

"Understood." The low-ranking ninjas were somewhat disappointed, but they obediently followed orders.

"Looks like I'm going to have to spend a bit today," Hyakusuke muttered to himself.

Because he had climbed up from being a low-ranking ninja himself, he was considered "friendly" toward his subordinates. Yet, there was a vast difference between a mid-ranking ninja and a low-ranking one.

*Although it sounds harsh, I truly hold the power of life and death over everyone here.*

Hyakusuke reached up to touch the back of his neck. In addition to the previous "Toad Curse Seal," he had been branded with another seal by the Kurohime-yama clan after becoming a mid-ranking ninja.

This was the "Dual Curse Seal." Once bestowed with this, he could control the "Toad Curse Seals" on the necks of all his subordinates. If Hyakusuke willed it, he could execute every low-ranking ninja present at any moment.

The curse seal was a reflection of the strict hierarchy within the Kurohime-yama clan. If any low-ranking ninja dared to rebel, desert, or defy their superiors, they would be executed by the curse. Furthermore, if the low-ranking ninjas strayed too far from Hyakusuke, the curse would activate within three days.

The "Dual Curse Seal" on Hyakusuke himself was also controlled by the ninja leader, Sako Takamasa, who hailed from the Sako family.

Mid-ranking ninjas like Saizo, who were gentle with their subordinates, were complete anomalies within the Kurohime-yama clan. Other mid-ranking ninjas treated the low-ranking ones purely as "consumables."

"Then again... if it weren't for this thing, I would have run away long ago." Hyakusuke shook his head.

...

After finishing his bowl of porridge, Hyakusuke left the *mokuchin-ya* and headed toward the market.

In such a public place, he could not wear his black fox mask. Hyakusuke took it off and changed into inconspicuous casual clothes. As a mid-ranking ninja, he needed to avoid drawing attention to himself; to remain as low-profile as possible, he put on a *kasa* (bamboo hat).

"I'll meet with Old Man Matsudaira first to report the situation."

At the center of the post town were the *Honjin* and *Waki-honjin*—lodging facilities specifically for court officials and prestigious demon-slaying clans. The former was the main house, and the latter was for their retainers.

When he arrived at the gate of the post town's *Honjin*, he saw Matsudaira Inomaro dressed in samurai attire. The old man had been waiting for him outside for quite some time.

"Oh, Master Hyakusuke, you've arrived quite early."

"Not at all. How could I let Lord Matsudaira wait?"

"Don't be so formal." The old man smiled. "I felt a connection with you the moment we met. There’s no need for such formalities in private. I am a bit older, so why don't you just call me Matsudaira from now on?"

Hyakusuke could feel the old man's gentle demeanor. The man was of samurai descent; although the samurai class had long been in decline, they still held a higher status than someone like him. Yet, the old man had no air of superiority. It could be said that this attitude naturally won Hyakusuke's heartfelt goodwill.

"You are too kind." Hyakusuke smiled and asked, "By the way, we are resting for the day and leaving tomorrow, right? Is there anything else you need me to take care of?"

"There is, actually." Matsudaira suddenly dropped his smile. "Hyakusuke, you shouldn't have much to do today, right? Good. It’s a rare opportunity; someone wants to see you."

"See me?"

Just as Hyakusuke was feeling puzzled, a pleasant female voice came from behind him.

"Greetings, Master Hyakusuke."

Hyakusuke turned around, his expression stiffening completely. Standing there, dainty and beautiful, was a young girl.

"I am the daughter of the Naka-ya family, Akira."

Her voice was clear, and her manners were poised and natural.

"Thank you for taking such good care of the young master of our house."

Suddenly, this Miss Akira tilted her head slightly.

"Why is your face so pale, Master? Did you eat something unclean this morning that’s upset your stomach?"