My Gang of Swordsmen

Chapter 411: Chapter 151: Watch Closely, Aoto—This Is How It’s Done!

When Abi brought in the tea, most of what needed to be said had already been discussed with Nagakura and the others.

Now, it was just a matter of waiting for a response from the three of them.

The first to reply was Fujimura.

With an embarrassed look, he scratched the right side of his head with his index finger, bowed apologetically to Kondo.

"I’m sorry, Mr. Kondo, I’m still studying at the Ito Dojo, and Teacher Yidong doesn’t allow our names to become disciples or retainers of other sword dojos while still registered as students there..."

Fujimura tactfully refused Kondo’s invitation.

In the face of Fujimura’s refusal, Kondo was not at all annoyed. He laughed heartily a few times and assured Fujimura with several "no worries."

"Speaking of which, Mr. Fujimura, I’ve heard your name long ago." Kondo grinned with his mouth wide enough to fit an entire adult fist and changed his tone, "I heard a long time ago: In that famous Ito Dojo, there’s a young man named Fujimura Heisuke with exceptional swordsmanship talent and skill."

"You’re much more handsome than I imagined! Hahaha!"

"Thank you for the compliment..." Fujimura smiled shyly.

Kondo’s sudden "I’ve heard of you long ago" left Fujimura pleasantly surprised, a noticeable gleam of joy in his eyes.

At only 16 years old, Fujimura exhibited a youthful innocence and impulsiveness, displaying his emotions openly.

At this moment, sitting in the middle of the three, Nagakura, who had been pondering silently, suddenly spoke up:

"Uh... forgive me for speaking bluntly."

With his arms crossed in front of his chest, Nagakura looked Kondo directly in the eye, speaking in a muffled tone.

"Recruiting famous people into your sword dojo to attract others... isn’t this little trick somewhat underhanded?"

Upon hearing Nagakura’s somewhat sharp questioning, Aoto, sitting slightly forward of him, couldn’t help but smile wryly.

Although he hadn’t worked with Nagakura and the others for too long, Aoto had a certain understanding of these three subordinates’ temperaments.

Nagakura... in a word—extremely straightforward, to the point of stubbornness and foolishness. He would say whatever came to mind, never bothering with twists and turns, being so frank that it often felt he had no filter.

He intensely disliked anything underhanded or unjust, whether fighting or handling other matters, Nagakura preferred things to be aboveboard, hence his usual straightforward, bold style.

The phrase "just face it head-on" perfectly summarized Nagakura’s approach to things.

And his fighting style was the same—care for nothing! Just confront head-on and keep slashing!

Despite being used to Nagakura’s bluntness, Aoto couldn’t help but smile helplessly upon hearing him directly question Kondo, whom they hadn’t met long ago, in such a sharp manner.

Hearing Nagakura’s challenge, Kondo paused, about to say something when Hijikata, beside him, intervened with a smile:

"Mr. Nagakura, you’re mistaken there."

"This plan we’re using for the dojo’s development is indeed the most aboveboard."

"Hmm?" Nagakura’s eyes widened, casting a puzzled look at Hijikata.

"You see, are we keeping our plan secret?" with a smile, Hijikata spread his hands, "We openly invited you, and then candidly laid out our plan for you."

"We openly invited you to join our Shiwei Hall, and should you choose to, we’ll openly announce that several impressive samurais have willingly joined us."

"Isn’t this sufficiently aboveboard? Isn’t it honest enough?"

Hearing Hijikata’s explanation, Nagakura was momentarily dazed.

Then he lowered his head, rubbing his chin, pondering intensely and racking his brain to digest Hijikata’s explanation.

From his furrowed brow... it seemed he was struggling to digest it.

Nagakura had a weakness, his brain... wasn’t very quick.

Perhaps due to his honesty, Nagakura’s mind was rather thick, with inflexible thinking.

This wooden-headedness and rigid thinking were also key reasons why his actions were often straightforward and blunt.

Additionally, due to his rigid thinking and lack of insight, he was frequently easily persuaded and swayed by others.

Sure enough—after thinking hard for a while, he lightly nodded as if partially understanding: "Hmm... it does seem that way..."

Just as Nagakura’s muttering concluded—

"... I only want to specialize in my spear technique, so becoming a disciple of your dojo is out of the question."

Harada, who had been silent, spoke up.

Sitting cross-legged, he braced his right elbow on his right leg, propped up his chin, and continued with a grin:

"But if you want me as a retainer, I’m very open to it."

Harada’s statement instantly enlivened Kondo and the others.

In surprise, Kondo asked, "You’re willing to join our Shiwei Hall as a retainer?"