Volume 4 Chapter 38 The Greatest Villain In The World, Recruiting The Future's Strongest Strategist (Part Ii)
"How about we have Kō-san checked by the 'ki' expert, Gen Shuuyoku-sensei?"
I told Heki Nei-san and Fuu Senkou.
If it's Shuu-sensei, he can examine Fuu Senkou's 'ki' and the state of her meridians.
If there's anything wrong, he will know. Even if Fuu Senkou accidentally developed a technique for immortality or to slow down aging, Shuu-sensei would be able to see through it.
Shuu-sensei is a disciple of Master Gyoun, who aimed to become a hermit.
If immortality and longevity techniques really exist, Shuu-sensei would surely be interested.
"I have another suggestion... Kō-san, would you be willing to go to the capital, Hokurin?"
"Kō is... going to the capital?"
"I have family in Hokurin. If I ask my family to take care of Kō-san, I think I can welcome you as a guest even with my current salary."
"B-but... Kō has never left Toukaku of Eastern Town..."
"Hokurin is a big town. I think you can learn a lot there. Are you not interested?"
"Ah, I am! But... Kō is so small..."
"That's a result of Kō-san's talent showing itself. I will explain it to everyone so they can understand."
"But, but..."
"I have a catalog of plants from the northern lands that I received from an acquaintance, you know?"
"I'll go."
"I think there is a large library at the residence of His Highness the Prince. I will explain Kō-san's talent to His Highness. Maybe he will allow us to look at it."
"I will definitely go! Please take me!!"
"...Hey, Senkou."
"...Ah."
Heki Nei-san was watching the excited Fuu Senkou closely.
He didn't seem angry.
Rather, he had a gentle expression, as if to say, 'I can't help it.'
"Um... Uncle Nei."
"What is it, Senkou?"
"Kou Tenhou-sama has said this much. Is it okay if I accept the invitation?"
"Didn't you already decide?"
"If you say no, Uncle Nei, then I will give up."
Fuu Senkou knelt in front of Heki Nei-san.
"You have raised Kō, who lost her parents, for a long time. Kō thinks of you as more than a father. So, Kō will follow your wishes."
"Hey, Senkou."
"Y-yes, Uncle Nei."
"If I say 'no' here, I will be the bad guy."
Heki Nei-san smiled wryly.
"Choose the path you like, Senkou."
"...Uncle Nei."
"Our revenge is over. From now on, I will watch your end from Toukaku. I am a warrior, after all. But, Senkou, you can choose a different path."
"...Is that so?"
"Yes, you should choose a path that makes use of your talent. Our revenge was fulfilled by Kou-dono. Moreover, Kou-dono is showing you the way to use your talent. Just follow your heart from here."
"Thank you... Uncle Nei..."
"Kou Tenhou-dono, I appreciate you recognizing my niece's talent."
Heki Nei-san clasped his hands towards me.
"However, there are things I don't understand."
"Yes. What is it, Heki Nei-san?"
"Why do you care so much about helping my niece use her talent?"
"That's..."
I can't talk about the game 'History of Swordmaster.'
But saying it's because I want to make the most of Fuu Senkou's talent doesn't really answer the question.
So, I'll be honest.
The reason I want to scout Fuu Senkou is...
"I don't want anyone else to take Kō-san away."
That's my biggest worry.
The Hero Army will eventually come to scout Fuu Senkou.
I want to stop that.
The reason isn't just that Fuu Senkou joining the Hero Army would lead to 'Kou Tenhou Destruction End.'
I also don't want to hand Heki Nei-san's niece over to strange people.
The 'Golden Feather Syndicate' that Kai Yougetsu belongs to is a terrible organization.
I can see that from the fates of Zeng Taiga and Bakkai.
The 'Golden Feather Syndicate' doesn't hesitate to use others and throw them away.
I don't want Fuu Senkou to get involved with those kinds of people.
Heki Nei-san is my subordinate, and Fuu Senkou is an important niece to Heki Nei-san.
"You don't want Senkou to be taken by someone else?"
"Uh, yes. That's right."
"But Kou-dono just met Senkou. And yet..."
"I can see Kō-san's character by looking at Heki Nei-san."
"Me, you mean?"
"Heki Nei-san trusted me when I just got assigned to Toukaku. Everyone in the 'Six-Person Unit,' including Shuu-san, respects Heki Nei-san. I know very well that Heki Nei-san is a trustworthy and honest person. If Heki Nei-san raised Kō-san, then I can trust her. That's what I think."
"...Kou-dono."
"Of course, I'm not saying I want to welcome Fuu SenKō-san to Hokurin right away. First, I want Kō-san to be examined by my master and have various discussions... and then we can talk about it."
From now on, I will continue working in Toukaku.
There's a lot to do.
First, I need to interrogate the band of bandits called 'Hidden Five Gods.'After that, I will need to talk to the people who were harmed by them.
I will probably need to contact the people defending other towns as well.
The person connected to the thieves was Chou Shoukatsu──who used to be the captain of the defense in Toukaku.
This means that Toukaku's town has been causing trouble for other towns.
I will need to explain that too.
I don't know how much I will be involved.
But, even if it's just in name, I am the Vice Captain of Defense.
I plan to do my job properly.
And once I gather information from 'Hidden Five Gods,' I will start taking measures against the 'Golden Feather Syndicate.'
I will track down their location and crush their ambitions.
I will also stop the spread of the 'Four Fiends Technique.'
To prevent the future where 'Aika Country is devoured by the Four Fiends.'.
Also... Bakkai said, "Twins will master Kyuuki and eventually reach Toutetsu."
The 'Four Fiends Technique' still has more to it.
Kyuuki might level up and become Toutetsu.
This is no joke.
Kyuuki is already troublesome, and I don't want to deal with a technique stronger than that.
I need to stop the 'Golden Feather Syndicate' before that happens.
So──
"I still have things to do in Toukaku. So, I can't take Kō-san to Hokurin right now. But, I want to welcome her to Hokurin in the future."
"I understand how you feel, Kou-dono."
Heki Nei-san nodded seriously.
"As Senkou's uncle, I have nothing more to say."
"Kō will... follow Kou Tenhou-sama."
"Thank you, Heki Nei-san. Kō-san."
That's great.
If Fuu Senkou joins us, it will be a huge help.
There are many strong people around me, but there are few who could be a strategist.
The only one I can think of is Tougen Shimei, but he is an important figure in the moderate faction of the Jinkyo Tribe.
I need him to unite the Jinkyo Tribe in the northern lands.
The only other person I could ask for advice might be Ryougen-kun or Crown Prince Rouen.
In the game, Crown Prince Rouen was also a strong character.
He was proud and tried to do everything himself without listening to others, but his abilities were high.
But I can't just say to His Highness Crown Prince, 'Please give me advice.'
So, I would be happy if Fuu Senkou joins us.
If I ask Ryougen-kun, he might give her a mentor and books.
That way, Fuu Senkou──Kō-san can develop her talents even more.
Maybe she will become even more amazing than in the game.
"I'm sorry for rushing the conversation."
I clasped my hands together towards the two of them.
"First, for now... I will go to my master and tell her about Kō-san. Then, I will have my master check Kō-san's 'ki' and meridians."
"Understood, Kou-dono."
"Thank you very much, Kou Tenhou-sama!"
"Thank you for your time today. Well then──."
"Wait a moment! Platoon Leader Kou!!"
Suddenly, a voice came from the doorway.
I looked and saw a large figure standing at the entrance.
It was Shuu-san from the 'Six-Person Unit.'.
"Shuu? What's wrong?"
"Brother Heki. I'm sorry to interrupt your conversation. A letter has arrived for Platoon Leader Kou from Hokurin!"
"A letter? From whom?"
"From the palace... no, from His Highness Crown Prince Rouen!"
At Shuu-san's words, the atmosphere around us froze for a moment.
A letter from Crown Prince Rouen? For me?
"Thank you. Let me see it."
I took the letter and opened it.
The message written inside was──
'In the name of Ai Rouen, I command Kou Tenhou.
After finishing your work in Toukaku, return to Hokurin once.
I want to assign you a task.'
──that was all.
I was surprised.
It was good that it wasn't bad news.
But... he wants to assign me a task?
"What does His Highness Crown Prince say?"
"I received a return order to Hokurin."
It's not an urgent matter.
Crown Prince Rouen is giving me time to finish my work.
But, I feel uneasy.
Did something happen in Hokurin? Does Crown Prince Rouen need me?
No... I can't think of anything.
Anyway, this is an official order from the royal family.
I have to return to Hokurin.
I really wanted to continue working in Toukaku, but... it can't be helped.
Well, that's okay.
I want to see Seirei and Shouou too.
When I get home, I'll tell the two of them about what happened at Toukaku.
I wonder if they'll be surprised when I talk to them...
I need to tell Crown Prince Rouen again about the dangers of the 'Golden Feather Syndicate.'
If the 'Golden Feather Syndicate' becomes a national issue, we can get help from many people.
It should also be easier to avoid the 'Aika Country Destruction End.'
"I'm sorry, Kō-san. We're running out of time. Can you come with me to see my master?"
"Y-yes! Kō will follow you anywhere!"
"Heki Nei-san, can I take care of Kō-san?"
"Of course. I respect Kou-dono and Senkou's wishes."
"Thank you. Now, Kō-san."
"Let's go, Kou Tenhou-sama!"
So, I took Kō-san with me to see Shuu-sensei.
We still have a little time before we return to Hokurin.
In the meantime, I need to gather as much information as I can from the 'Hidden Five Gods.'
I also have to interrogate the Ryo siblings.
After I get the necessary information, I'll head back to Hokurin.
I need to tell Crown Prince Rouen and Ryougen-kun about what happened at Toukaku.
While walking through town with Fuu Senkou, I was thinking about all this.
This is the end of Volume 4.
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