Free Web NovelSecond person (kaishakunin).
In the land of cherry blossoms, only those who need to commit seppuku (ritual suicide) require a second.
Especially for professionals, their physical constitution is incredibly strong due to the attribute bonuses.
It is almost impossible to commit suicide by seppuku in a normal way, because the wound is not fatal.
The so-called second is more like an executioner.
Its purpose is to completely end the other party's life.
Shinichiro Nakamura asked knowingly.
He couldn't believe or accept that these words would come from the mouth of his most respected teacher.
Looking at his disciple's face, which was filled with shock and confusion, Ōmiya Yoto smiled smugly.
There was not a trace of fear of death in that smile, only relief and acceptance.
"As the last remaining master craftsman in the land of cherry blossoms, do you think the Kujo family will let me go?"
"They might not kill me."
"But they will do everything they can to get me to forge more equipment and more deadly weapons for them."
As the old man spoke, a chilling look of disgust flashed in his eyes.
"My hammer is wielded to protect."
"My iron burns for my beliefs."
"I will never allow my equipment to fall into the hands of those butchers who despise life."
He slowly turned around, and his large, calloused hands patted heavily on Shinichiro Nakamura's shoulder.
"Rather than live a life of humiliation and suffering, it is better to die to prove one's integrity."
"Nakamura, this is the teacher's last wish."
Can you finish it?
His tone was extremely sincere, even carrying a hint of pleading.
"teacher......"
Shinichiro Nakamura could no longer hold back his tears, which streamed down his cheeks.
He knows his teacher very well.
This old man possesses a craftsman's unique, almost obsessive pride and stubbornness.
Once he makes up his mind, no one in the world can persuade him.
Shinichiro Nakamura's lips moved as he tried to persuade him, but he found that his throat felt like it was blocked with cotton, and he couldn't utter a single word.
He knew that everything was beyond repair.
I hesitated for a long time.
I struggled for a long time.
Finally, through his blurry, tear-filled eyes, Shinichiro Nakamura saw his teacher's eyes, which were full of pleading and trust.
He clenched his teeth tightly, letting the salty tears flow into his mouth.
Finally, he nodded slowly and heavily.
"Boom!"
Just then, a series of rapid footsteps came from the distant corridor, growing clearer and clearer as they approached.
The disciples of the Omiya family, having probably received the news, rushed over.
They wanted to stop their uncle from doing this most reckless and foolish thing.
There was no surprise on Omiya Yoto's face.
He glanced at the heavy stone door of the forge and said to Shinichiro Nakamura.
"Go and close the door."
"No one is allowed to come in until I'm finished."
Shinichiro Nakamura wiped away his tears and nodded heavily.
This door was designed by the teacher himself.
It was carved from a single block of obsidian mined from deep within a volcano, and is inscribed with dozens of complex defensive formations.
Once closed from the inside, it is impossible to open from the outside unless one possesses a force powerful enough to shake mountains.
Shinichiro Nakamura used all his strength to push against the cold and heavy stone door.
"boom--"
With a muffled thud, the stone door slowly closed.
Outside the door, anxious shouts and violent banging sounded almost simultaneously.
"Uncle! Uncle Yaodou! Are you inside?!"
"Open the door!"
"Don't do anything foolish! We still have a chance!"
"We can make a comeback!"
"You are the last hope of our Gong family! You can't be harmed!"
Each mournful cry was like the sharpest knife, stabbing again and again into Shinichiro Nakamura's heart.
He leaned against the cold stone door, his body slowly sliding down until he collapsed helplessly to the ground, burying his face between his knees and letting out a suppressed, beast-like wail.
Hearing the desperate cries from outside the door, a hint of pity flashed in the eyes of the old man in the forging room.
But he quickly suppressed this emotion.
He raised his voice, which penetrated the heavy stone door and reached everyone's ears clearly.
"Go back, everyone."
"My mind is made up."
"From now on, the Ōmiya family will depend on you."
Don't let this old man down!
After saying that, he ignored the noise outside the door.
The whole world seemed to fall silent at that moment.
In a daze, Omiya Yoto's thoughts returned to a few days ago.
That was in his attic hut on the top floor of the Divine Craftsman's Heart, a quiet place that belonged only to him.
The afternoon sun shone through the wooden lattice window, casting dappled light and shadow.
The air was filled with the bittersweet aroma of tea and a faint scent of sandalwood.
He and Kosuke Soma sat facing each other, and on the low table in front of them, a set of antique teaware was steaming.
Kosuke Soma picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and a satisfied expression appeared on his face.
"The tea here is still the most authentic."
Omiya Yoto didn't say anything, but simply picked up the teapot and refilled his cup.
Kosuke Soma looked at the clear tea in his cup, remained silent for a moment, and then suddenly smiled.
"Yaodou, I will make my move against Kujo Hiroharu in the next few days."
"At that time, whether I succeed or not, I will die."
"I have no regrets if I can drink your tea before I die."
Omiya Yoto's hand, which was refilling his teacup, did not tremble at all.
He raised his eyes and quietly looked at his old friend whom he had known all his life.
Time has etched deep marks on Kosuke Soma's face, but his eyes remain clear, carrying a hint of worldly wisdom and detachment.
Omiya Yoto didn't offer any words of advice.
He knew that when Kosuke Soma said those words in that tone, everything was already ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) set in stone.
He slowly put down the teapot and straightened his clothes.
Then, he bowed deeply and heavily to Kosuke Soma.
Please. ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm
There were no extra words, just these three words.
Yet it carries the future of the entire Omiya family and the heaviest entrustment of his life.
Seeing this, Kosuke Soma smiled and waved his hand, gesturing for him to sit down.
"We've known each other for over sixty years, there's no need to be so formal."
"Sit down and drink these last few cups of tea with me."
Omiya Yoto sat up straight as instructed and smiled.
He picked up his teacup again and raised it halfway up the glass.
"Let's send you off with tea instead of wine."
Kosuke Soma also raised his teacup and gently clinked it against his, producing a crisp sound.
“If you succeed this time,” Ōmiya Yoto gazed at him and said, word by word, “I will erect a monument for you under the largest cherry blossom tree on Sakuramine Mountain.”
"Let the world forever remember that there was a hero named Kosuke Soma who gave his all to protect this country."
Kosuke Soma just smiled and didn't say anything.
Omiya Yoto paused, his voice becoming lower and more resolute.
"If you fail, I will go with you."
"On the road to the underworld, I can keep you company and not be alone."
The two smiled at each other, just like the two boys who first met under that cherry blossom tree sixty years ago.
There were no grand pronouncements, no sorrowful cries.
There is only the deepest tacit understanding and promise between men.
