Volume 3 Chapter 17 The Great Villain Of The World, Intervening In The Issues Of Foreign Races I
──Tenhou's Perspective──
The next day, I followed Reki's lead and headed out of the village towards the northern forest.
From there, I could see the stronghold of the moderate faction of the Jinkyo Tribe.
Before returning to Aika Country, I wanted to know where the moderates were located.
That way, after I got back to the country, I could explain everything in detail to Ryougen-kun and the high officials of Aika Country. It would also make it easier to contact the moderates.
Both Suuki and Reki knew where the moderates were, but it would be better if I, the second son of 'General Skybear,' explained it to convince the officials.
It's for the peace of Aika Country. I'll use my father's authority.
"The northern forest is one of the places where the elders and the moderates communicate."
Reki said as we walked through the grass.
We were in a tall grass field, crouching down to avoid being seen by others.
"The villagers should also be going to the forest. We must tell young lady's father that Suuki-sama arrived safely in Aika Country."
"Are the moderates communicating in the forest?"
"Yes. But..."
"I understand. We should avoid getting too close to the moderates, right?"
The moderates are in conflict with Zeng Taiga's forces.
If a stranger approaches, they would be on guard.
It could lead to a fight, and that would be bad.
"I just want to see where the moderates are. I won't get close to the messengers."
"Touri feels the same way. I want to see with my own eyes what is happening in the northern lands and report back to my mother."
"Understood. This way, please."
We passed through a sea of grass and entered a forest.
It was a dark forest filled with tall trees. It seemed like a perfect place to avoid being seen while exchanging information. I could see why they used it to contact the moderates.
As we moved silently, we soon saw the end of the forest.
Beyond it was a rugged hilly area.
At the highest point, there was a fortress.
Around the fortress, there were tall fences.
Beyond the fences, I could see a watchtower.
Everything else was too far away to see clearly. I could only make out some shadows of people and horses moving.
That must be the fortress where the moderates are holed up.
"It seems the Zeng Taiga forces have retreated."
There were no signs of battle.
It looks like it didn't turn into a full-scale fight. That's a relief.
Suuki is currently heading to Aika Country to seek support.
If the Jinkyo Tribe starts fighting in this situation, it could lead to Aika Country getting involved. That might be why Zeng Taiga held back.
"...It seems both the lady's father and the fortress are safe."
Reki sighed next to me.
"Now I can report to the lady with peace of mind."
"Now we just need to convince the officials of Aika Country."
That part is quite difficult.
Ryougen-kun seems like he would cooperate, but what about the other officials...? I have a feeling it will take time to persuade them.
I should return to Aika Country as soon as possible.
I will tell Ryougen-kun and the officials everything that Touri and I saw and heard, and explain the benefits of connecting with the moderates. For the peace of the border area.
"That's enough. Let's go back. Touri, Reki-san."
"Y-yes."
"...Wait a moment. Rikuhou-sama."
Suddenly, Reki put a finger to his lips.
"It seems like someone from the village has come. I am going to meet with the messenger. I think it's better if we don't move for a while, so we don't surprise them."
When I looked in the direction Reki pointed, I saw a man I met in the village yesterday.
He was the one guarding the gate.
He was waving a cloth at the edge of the forest. It seemed to be a signal to call the people from the fortress.
After a while, there was movement at the fortress.
I saw the gate open and close. It looked like someone was coming out.
"I see. This is how they communicate."
"It's a practical way."
"Yes. The villagers use various methods to contact the moderates. There are several places where they meet, but the most commonly used is this forest. There are many hiding spots, and it's hard to be seen."
Around the fortress, the grass was swaying.
The person coming out from the fortress seemed to be hiding among the grass as they approached us.
If the fortress soldiers find out about Suuki, our job will be over.
All that's left is to go back to the country and report to my master, Ryougen-kun, and the officials of Aika Country.
After that... I need to arrange for a merchant to deal with Tougen Shimei.
No, it might be good for me to visit again.
That person is an important character, so I want to keep in touch with him.
It was a long journey, but I'm glad I came this far.
Meeting someone who seems like they could be an ally is a big win.
When I get back, I'll take it easy.
Seirei and Shouou might be worried. I want to meet them and talk about my journey.
As I'm thinking about this──
Rustle.
──I sensed someone moving in the forest.
I quickly looked around.
Touri seemed to notice the presence too, straining to listen.
Reki was staring intently at the fort. The guard was the same.
The 4 of us, including the guard, were not moving.
──There's someone in the forest.
Not me, not Touri, not Reki, and not the guard.
Zeng Taiga has retreated. I can't see any soldiers.
But that doesn't mean the fight with the moderates is over.
If I were Zeng Taiga's ally... what would I do?
The priority should be isolating the moderates.
The best move would be to surround them so they can't send messages... but Zeng Taiga's troops have retreated.
So, what now? Should we hide soldiers around the fort?
No... it would be better to use martial artists instead of soldiers.
Zeng Taiga has martial artists under his command. The ones who attacked Suuki and Reki.
What if one of them is hiding around the fort...?
Swish.
I heard the sound of the wind.
I immediately activated 'Five Divine Steps' and 'Byakko Tiger's Flash Step.'
Suuki and Reki were attacked by a poison arrow user and a flying knife wielder.
We were in the forest. There were many obstacles, making it hard to use arrows.
But what about the flying knife wielder?
If they crouch between the trees and throw a knife, the target won't notice the attack.
Before they realize it──they get pierced by the knife and die.
The people around won't even know where the knife came from.
So, they aimed for──
"────Get down!!"
I used 'Byakko Tiger's Flash Step' to move quickly.
I jumped on the gatekeeper and knocked him down.
──Right after that, a flying knife passed through where the gatekeeper's neck had been.
"R, Rikuhou-dono!? What are you...?"
"...Be quiet. Someone is targeting you."
I kept my posture low and pulled the gatekeeper to move. I made him crouch between the trees.
This way, it would be harder for them to aim at the gatekeeper.
That means the next target will be──
Once again, I activated 'Byakko Tiger's Flash Step.'
I ran toward the direction where the messenger had left the fort.
"'Five Divine Swordsmanship'──'Suzaku Flame Dance'!!"
I activated 'Suzaku Flame Dance' at the midpoint between the messenger and the forest.
'Suzaku Flame Dance' is a technique where I spin and swing my sword at high speed. It can be used for both attack and defense.
With this, I should be able to knock down the flying knife──hopefully!
Clang!
I felt the impact.
When I turned around, I saw the flying knife falling. Alright.
I approached the messenger from the fortress using 'Genbu Glide.' I grabbed his hand and pulled him down to the ground.
"I'm on your side. You're being targeted too. Keep your posture low and don't move."
"──Huh!? W-who are you?"
"I'm Kou... no, I mean Shurikuhou. I came to the Jinkyo Tribe's land at the request of Suuki Taiga-sama, guided by Reki Soukaku."
I spoke quickly to let him know I'm an ally of the moderates.
"Suuki-sama is safe. My master has protected her. They are heading to Aika Country. The village messenger must have called you to relay that."
"Suuki is!? My sister is safe! That's great..."
"...Sister?"
When I turned around, I saw a woman with long hair.
She looked about my age.
She was wearing a kofuku──an upper garment and pants.
She had a tearful expression. Of course, she would.
If someone suddenly got targeted by a flying knife and was pulled down by a stranger, anyone would be shocked.
"I-I'm Suuki's older sister, Raiha Taiga."
The girl said.
"I came because I saw the village signal. I thought it might be about Suuki..."
"I understand. For now, please come with me."
I spoke in a calm tone.
"It's a long way to the fortress. It's dangerous to go back now. The forest is safer."
"Y-yes. I understand."
"Please come with me. We'll regroup with our allies and strengthen our defense."
There might be a poison arrow user nearby. In the grasslands, there's no place to escape.
The best move is to return to the forest. After that──
I have no choice but to defeat the flying knife user.
I don't know if I can win against someone who gave Master Raikou a hard time, but there are no other options.
...Remember the flying knife user from 'History of Swordmaster.'
The enemy here is someone even Master Raikou couldn't take down in an instant.
They are definitely a named character.
There are 2 flying knife users in 'History of Swordmaster.'
The assassin, Zan Teiei. The former thief, Go Sai.
Go Sai isn't that strong. Plus, that character is a nice guy. I can't imagine him assassinating women or children.
So that means──
"...The enemy is Zan Teiei."
Two small knives are stuck in the ground.
Throwing 2 flying knives at the same time is Zan Teiei's specialty.
──He blocks the escape route with flying knives coming from both sides.
──If the opponent shoots down the flying knives, he closes in and takes them out.
That's Zan Teiei's fighting style.
Zan Teiei doesn't respond to talks or deals.
He operates on the policy of 'killing the small bugs and letting the big bugs live.'
He follows the protagonist in the game because he thinks it's more beneficial to do so. That's all.
"This is the worst. Zeng Taiga has Zan Teiei on his side?"
While carrying Raiha Taiga, I activate 'Genbu Earth Glide.'
I slide along the ground, heading toward the forest.
"Can you hear me, Zan Teiei!! I know you're there!!"
Moving in a zigzag, I shout with 'ki' energy.
Right after I yell, "Genbu Earth glide!"
Immediately, a flying knife comes toward the spot where we were.
"I'm jumping into the forest. Hold on tight!"
"Y-yes!!"
Taiga and I roll into the forest.
I point to where Touri, Reki, and the gatekeeper are.
"Please join up with my friends. Keep your posture low and don't raise your head."
"W-what will you do?"
"I'll try to deal with the knife thrower."
Saying that, I start running again.
From the position of the knife's launch, I can figure out where the shadow is.
I need to get closer; otherwise, it won't be a fair fight.
And now──only he is attacking.
The poison arrow user is probably not here.
In a one-on-one, I might not be able to defeat the shadow, but I might be able to drive him away.
Honestly, I want to catch him.
If I do, I can find out about his allies and where the 'Golden Feather Syndicate' is hiding.
Thinking about that, I keep running toward the shadow's location.
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