My Gang of Swordsmen

Chapter 438: Chapter 158: Visit of the Strongest in Edo, Chiba Eijiro

With her mask pulled up to her lower eyelids, Mukiwa buried her small head so low her chin almost touched her collarbone, her eyes fixed intently on her delicate toes, which were wrapped in black tabi and constantly gripping the ground beneath her.

Although Mukiwa had pulled her mask high and tight over her face, it was almost pointless; a bright blush had already spread to her eye corners and forehead.

Even with the lower half of Mukiwa’s face covered, Aoto, who was already quite familiar with her features, could automatically picture her face in his mind as he looked at her masked visage.

Even her eye corners and forehead were flushed... Aoto could well imagine how red the area beneath her eyelids must be right now.

At this moment, Aoto felt a slight touch of emotion.

Judging by Mukiwa’s actions and explanations just now, it was easy to see—Mukiwa was in such a hurry to see Aoto’s injury with her own eyes that she made the unusual request, "Hurry up and take off your clothes and let me see."

Once she confirmed that Aoto’s injuries were not serious and her heart eased, she belatedly realized just how bold her actions had been.

In such an environment devoid of any outsiders, asking a man to take off his shirt... such a thing is bold even in the 21st century, let alone in this 19th-century feudal society.

Mukiwa’s concern for his injuries did indeed make Aoto feel somewhat touched.

Originally, Aoto wasn’t too embarrassed. After all, "taking off clothes to reveal wounds for others to see" was not a big deal for him, especially since it was Mukiwa, not him, who made such a bold request.

However... seeing Mukiwa’s current appearance with her head lowered and cheeks flushed, Aoto couldn’t help but gradually feel embarrassed under the influence of the surrounding atmosphere.

In addition to the embarrassment, Aoto also noticed that itchy feeling in his chest becoming stronger...

It felt like an invisible hand was scratching at his chest... the itch was quite ticklish.

Perhaps influenced by this itchy feeling, Aoto felt his heart racing a bit faster now.

Such a strange feeling... this itchy sensation in his chest, he had never experienced it either in past or present life.

While putting his clothes back on, Aoto pondered what to say to dispel the current awkward atmosphere.

As he was thinking about this, Aoto’s gaze involuntarily fell on Mukiwa.

Something Aoto found quite incredible suddenly happened.

When his eyes focused on Mukiwa, he suddenly realized that the tingling sensation in his chest had intensified significantly...

This sudden increase in itchiness made Aoto instinctively raise his hand to scratch his chest.

Originally wanting to say something to dispel the lingering awkward atmosphere between the two of them, the intensified tingling in his chest left Aoto unsure how to start or what to say.

Fortunately, at this moment, an unexpected sound interrupted, helping Aoto solve the "how to start" issue—

Meow~~ Meow~~ Meow~~ Mew~~

A black cat appeared at their side without them noticing.

This black cat didn’t seem very afraid of people and sat obediently on the ground, meowing several times at Aoto and Mukiwa.

"Ah, a kitty~" Mukiwa’s gaze instantly softened, seeing her favorite animal.

"This cat is really quite fat..." Aoto murmured in awe.

"Someone nearby must be feeding it," Mukiwa replied softly.

This black cat really was a big help.

With it as a "third party" present, after Aoto and Mukiwa discussed the cat’s size briefly, the awkward atmosphere around them dissipated mostly.

Riding on this momentum, Aoto quickly said to Mukiwa, "Miss Kinoshita, it’s time for us to return."

Aoto looked up at the sky and continued:

"After being troubled by that mysterious person in the brown robe... it’s already this late unknowingly; we must hurry back."

From the current sky, it was already approaching 5 a.m.

Being close to May, the days are growing longer, and the sky brightens earlier each morning. If Aoto and Mukiwa didn’t hurry back now, dawn would break soon.

"Mm..." Mukiwa nodded lightly.

"Let’s go." Aoto cleared his throat a few times, tidied his clothes and the mask on his face, and took the lead walking out of the alley.

Whether it was the mysterious figure, the Eternal Talent "Eightfold Banner of No Regrets," or the inexplicable itchy sensation still lingering in Aoto’s chest, all were set aside for now, to be thought over later.

For now, first, head back to Shiwei Hall quickly.

Aoto and Mukiwa started walking out of the alley, one following the other.

At this moment, Mukiwa suddenly seemed to recall something and paused in her steps.

"Ah, wait a moment." she called out to Aoto, "Almost forgot... Mr. Tachibana, this is for you."

"Hmm?" Aoto turned with a puzzled expression, just in time to see Mukiwa taking a delicate Sakura blossom out from her bosom.