My Gang of Swordsmen

Chapter 415: Chapter 152: Mukiwa: "Mr. Tachibana, Are You Free Tonight?" [Mass Update 10k]

A moment later, strange noises came from the bedroom of the youngest daughter of this samurai household...

...

Just before dawn, Hijikata successfully delivered the nine cherry blossoms he had casually picked from that cherry blossom tree.

...

...

Neither Nagakura nor Harada had much luggage, so after agreeing to join the Shiwei Hall as guests, the two of them moved in overnight with their belongings, which could be wrapped in a single piece of furoshiki, officially taking residence at the Shiwei Hall.

After Nagakura and Harada moved into the Shiwei Hall, the once again bustling Shiwei Hall became even more lively.

Except for Abi, who was still troubled by the issue of "not wanting to spend money to support two people who may not contribute to the development of their Sword Dojo," everyone else at the Shiwei Hall welcomed the addition of Nagakura and Harada.

Aoto was naturally pleased to see Nagakura and Harada move into the Shiwei Hall.

After all, now that he would be living and eating with them, Aoto no longer needed to worry about them being late for work.

Following Saito, there were now two more people who would accompany Aoto on the commute between the North Guard Station and the Shiwei Hall.

The next morning, Aoto led his significantly expanded "attendance team" as they majestically made their way to the North Guard Station.

Today was another very stable and peaceful day.

No major incidents occurred, nor were there any troublesome official duties.

Amid this tranquility, time quietly flowed, slowly turning the morning glow in the sky into the evening sunset.

As the golden glow of the sunset stained the ground with the color of twilight, Aoto said farewell to Fujimura, who did not choose to stay at the Shiwei Hall, with a "See you tomorrow." Then, he prepared to head back to the Shiwei Hall with Saito, Nagakura, and Harada.

Just as they exited the gate of the North Guard Station, the slightly muggy twilight made Aoto lower his eyelids involuntarily, using his long eyelashes to filter the somewhat dazzling light.

After a few moments passed, and his eyes had slightly adjusted to the light, Aoto raised his eyelids.

"Hmm?" As soon as his field of vision returned to its proper range, Aoto noticed a familiar figure outside the gate of the North Guard Station.

Gazing at this familiar figure, Aoto couldn’t help but be momentarily stunned, letting out an astonished "Hmm."

The figure that was quite familiar to Aoto was none other than Mukiwa.

As usual, Mukiwa was dressed in a bright red kimono and wore red-strapped flat wooden clogs, sitting on a stone step outside the North Guard Station gate.

From Mukiwa’s current posture, it was not hard to see that she seemed quite bored now.

Because of the warming weather, her fair feet were not encased in fabric socks.

With her right foot’s big and second toes she clamped the red strap of the clog underfoot, lifting and swinging it...

She drooped her head, aimlessly watching the clog swaying in mid-air under her toes’ manipulation.

At this moment, she suddenly glimpsed Aoto emerging from the North Guard Station from the corner of her eye.

Then, she jumped up excitedly from the step, pushed her feet into her clogs, and quickly approached Aoto: "Mr. Tachibana!"

Mukiwa smiled, greeting Aoto with an energetic tone.

However, when her gaze shifted to the three men standing behind Aoto—Saito, Nagakura, and Fujimura—she returned to her shy and timid nature. Blushing, she whispered a "Hello" to the three with a voice as soft as a mosquito.

"Hello, Miss Kinoshita." Aoto smiled and warmly responded to Mukiwa.

They were still standing outside the gate of the North Guard Station.

It was easy to obstruct others entering or exiting the North Guard Station by chatting here, so Aoto straightforwardly asked Mukiwa:

"Miss Kinoshita, why are you here?"

"I’ve been waiting here for you."

Upon hearing Aoto’s voice, Mukiwa swiftly emerged from her "shy" state, smiling as she folded her ten interlocked fingers in front of her.

"Mr. Tachibana, Mr. Kiryu has something to discuss with you; he hopes you can go to the Thousand Affairs House alone and quickly."

"Boss Kiryu?" Aoto raised his eyebrows.

"Yes." Mukiwa nodded her small head vigorously.

—Does he want me to hurry to the Thousand Affairs House alone now?

Aoto furrowed his brows in confusion.

"Miss Kinoshita, did Boss Kiryu tell you what it’s about?"

"He didn’t say."

"...I understand." Aoto nodded solemnly, "I’ll go now."

Since he was asked to go to the Thousand Affairs House now... it probably wasn’t an ordinary affair—keeping this in mind, Aoto directed his gaze and asked Saito, Nagakura, and Harada to go ahead of him.

Nagakura, the straightforward and honest fellow, and Harada, the absent-minded dullard, nodded without hesitation, indicating "got it."

However, the reliable and taciturn Saito asked, "Do you not need my escort?"

Since Mr. Kiryu had explicitly stated that Aoto needed to go to the Thousand Affairs House alone, Aoto declined Saito’s suggestion, asking Saito to return to the Sword Dojo with Nagakura and Harada, assuring them not to worry about him.

Since it was the employer’s request, Saito had no choice but to comply.

After watching Saito and the others leave, Aoto solemnly said to Mukiwa: "Miss Kinoshita, let’s go."

It was currently "rush hour," and the streets were evidently busier.

As they cautiously maneuvered through the dense crowds and streams of people, Aoto and Mukiwa proceeded in the direction of the Thousand Affairs House.

With her red-strapped clogs, Mukiwa followed closely alongside Aoto, constantly lifting her gaze to surreptitiously observe him.