My Gang of Swordsmen

Chapter 442: Chapter 159: Chiba Eijiro Arrives for Aoto

Yesterday’s Chapter had its title and part of its content changed due to uncontrollable factors... The title was changed to the current "Visit of the Strongest in Edo, Chiba Ryojirō", and a set of dialogues between Aoto and Chokata were deleted... (Crying emoji.jpg)

Fortunately, it doesn’t affect the reading.

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"Finally, everything is set!" Mr. Chokata, standing shoulder to shoulder with Aoto, crossed his arms and contentedly surveyed the shelf adorned with mini armor, mini tachi, and Sakata Kinshi dolls, successfully arranged thanks to their joint effort.

Aoto smiled wryly as he rubbed his wrist, "This shelf is truly heavy."

The shelf is made of solid wood, and its actual weight is much heavier than it appears.

Moving it into the room took a lot of effort on both Aoto’s and Chokata’s parts, and they endured quite a bit of hardship.

"Let’s take a little break." Mr. Chokata lowered his gaze and glanced at his own sore and aching wrists, "I’ll go to the kitchen for some tea, Mr. Tachibana, would you like some?"

Aoto nodded, "Yes, I’m a bit thirsty."

"Then wait here for a moment, I’ll be right back."

With that, Mr. Chokata turned around and quickly left the room.

Just as Mr. Chokata left, suddenly there were footsteps heard from outside the room.

Aoto wondered if Mr. Chokata had returned, when he heard a "whiff" sound as the paper sliding door of the room was gently opened.

It was opened by Zhouzhu, who was holding a basin of oranges.

"Oh?" As soon as Zhouzhu slid open the door, he first noticed the shelf already filled with dolls, "Mr. Tachibana, you’ve set up the shelf, wow, it’s well done! You both worked hard!"

Zhouzhu lifted the basin of oranges he was holding.

"Come, have some oranges and take a break."

Without waiting for Aoto to respond, Zhouzhu placed the basin of oranges on the large square table in the room.

"Where’s Toshisuke? Why isn’t Mr. Toshisuke here? Wasn’t he in charge of setting up the shelf with you?"

"Mr. Chokata went to the kitchen to get tea," Aoto replied, "He should be back soon."

Speak of Cao Cao, and he arrives.

Just as Aoto finished speaking, Mr. Chokata appeared outside the paper sliding door, holding a pot of tea.

"Eh? Master, why are you here?" Mr. Chokata blinked in surprise at Zhouzhu inside the room, "Weren’t you called by Aunt to help wrap dumplings in the kitchen?"

"I was only called to help wash the lotus leaves. It’s a task that can be finished quickly."

"Since there’s nothing else to do, I thought I’d come eat some oranges to pass the time."

After speaking, Zhouzhu chuckled and gestured towards the basin of oranges he had brought.

"Toshisuke, you came back at the right time. Would you like to have some oranges too? I just bought them yesterday, and they’re very fresh."

Mr. Chokata’s eyes lit up, "Oranges? I definitely want some!"

Mr. Chokata happily placed the tea pot and cups he had brought from the kitchen onto the table, then sat down with Aoto and Zhouzhu to eat the oranges together.

The basin of oranges was indeed very fresh; the orange peel was a bright hue, and the leaves on the stems were still a lush green, making Aoto’s tastebuds tingle.

Feeling tempted, Aoto casually picked up an orange from the basin, expertly separated a section, and popped it into his mouth.

The oranges were not only fresh but also tasted quite good.

As soon as the fruit flesh entered his mouth, a sweet flavor immediately filled his whole mouth.

In Aoto’s memory... this was the first time since crossing into this era that he had tasted such fresh and delicious fruit.

Due to the backward fruit cultivation and breeding techniques of this era, buying good fruits was a matter of luck.

—So sweet... Mr. Chokata must love such sweet fruits.

Thinking this to himself, Aoto instinctively glanced sideways to observe Mr. Chokata beside him.

True to Aoto’s expectation— Mr. Chokata, a big fan of sweets, after eating a small slice of fruit, first opened his eyes wide in surprise, then slowly squinted, and smiled with a happy curve at the corners of his mouth, looking like he was about to melt away.

"Hohoho." Zhouzhu, who had watched Aoto and Chokata’s expressions and reactions, let out his signature "hohoho" laughter, "How is it? Delicious, right?"

Mr. Chokata swallowed hard and quickly nodded.

"If you find it delicious, eat more." Zhouzhu pushed the basin of oranges toward Aoto and Mr. Chokata, "There are still plenty of oranges left, feel free to eat them."

With that said, Zhouzhu grabbed three oranges from the basin in one go. Zhouzhu’s way of eating was quite bold; unlike Aoto and Mr. Chokata who separated the fruit flesh into slices, he preferred to peel the orange and then pop the whole thing into his mouth.

Sitting side by side, the three continued eating oranges and drinking tea leisurely, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere in the room, making it feel as if they were celebrating the New Year.

As Aoto took his fourth orange from the basin, he heard Zhouzhu, who was sipping tea, speak to him:

"Mr. Tachibana, you’ve got a day off today, any plans?"

"No plans." Aoto replied without hesitation, "I intend to spend the morning leisurely, and then practice swordsmanship at the dojo in the afternoon."

"You even practice swordsmanship on a rare day off... Mr. Tachibana, you’re truly diligent." Zhouzhu looked at Aoto with eyes full of praise.