The Self-Cultivation of Warring States Warriors

Page 51

Upon seeing this, Katsumasa Ikeda burst into laughter, mocking, "So you're just a band of robbers posing as shogunate officials! You're truly ignorant of your own limitations!"

Upon hearing this, the leader of the thugs finally lost his temper and, enraged, shouted, "Come with me and kill this man who only knows how to talk big!"

Then, holding the knife to his sides with both hands, he charged forward while yelling loudly.

Several accomplices nearby immediately followed suit and charged forward.

It's clear that this group of thieves had some organization and fighting ability.

However, they were ultimately just low-class thieves and petty scoundrels. Compared to the armies of Tanba Hatano and Harima Bessho, they were far inferior. Most of them just stayed in place, spouting nonsense, clearly the kind of people who would ride the wave of success and flee when the tide turned against them.

In the past two years, Shinzaburo has frequently practiced martial arts and seen blood on the battlefield, becoming quite accustomed to the clash of swords. Coupled with his exceptional natural abilities, he is full of confidence in dealing with street thieves.

With his height, he can wield a large katana with a blade length of over three feet with ease, giving him an advantage in weaponry.

The leader of the thugs was estimated to be around 155 centimeters tall, which is certainly not short for this era. But his audacity in challenging Shinzaburo with a knife can only be described as "fearless of death."

The opponent charged forward, using the simplest move: a downward slash from above.

This technique, later known as the "New Year's Greeting Sword Technique" in games, has various names in Japanese swordsmanship, such as "True Direction Slash," "Tang Bamboo Cut," and "Vertical One-Character Cut."

While it may seem simple, it's quite useful in lower-level matches. Inexperienced players often instinctively avoid confrontation, causing them to lose their balance and become unable to cope with subsequent attacks.

Shinzaburo chose the simplest strategy: to directly counterattack with a chop.

It looks like a lose-lose situation, but in reality, as long as you are confident in cutting through the opponent's blade, you can win without taking any damage.

With Shinzaburo's strength and height advantage, it's almost impossible for him to lose.

In an instant, the opponent was cut down, and blood spurted from the long wound.

Soon, Ikeda Katsumasa, the young master of a legitimate samurai family, also easily killed a bandit.

The men's followers were greatly encouraged and charged forward with loud roars.

The thugs were a motley crew, and seeing that their leader was dead, most of them lost their will to fight. They abandoned the five corpses and fled in all directions.

These people's heads were of no value, and it was impossible to kill them all in a short time, so Shinzaburo and Ikeda Katsumasa had no intention of pursuing them.

The people, who had suffered misfortune for no reason, were fortunate to meet their benefactor. They kowtowed to express their gratitude, repeatedly saying words of thanks.

Shinzaburo remained relatively calm, but Katsumasa Ikeda grinned from ear to ear, basking in the subtle compliments from the Kyoto townspeople.

After much polite conversation, the people gradually dispersed and returned to their homes.

But a young woman lay trembling on the ground, tears still on her face, and she couldn't get up.

Upon seeing this, Shinzaburo stepped forward to inquire.

The woman's cheeks were flushed red, her head was bowed deeply, and her voice was barely audible.

Shinzaburo listened intently for a moment before realizing that she had hurt her leg.

In this era, there wasn't much emphasis on the separation of men and women, especially given the current special circumstances. Shinzaburo said with righteous indignation, "Please forgive my intrusion, but may I examine your injuries?"

The woman nodded slightly, then covered her face with her sleeve.

Shinzaburo reached out and lifted the hem of the other person's clothes, and saw that the knee joint was swollen and red, but there was no overall deformation or sudden swelling, so it was probably not a serious bone injury.

He definitely won't be able to walk anymore.

Shinzaburo thought to himself, "Since I've already gone all the way to the Buddha's destination, I might as well help him a little further."

So he asked, "Where is your residence located?"

The woman gently lowered her arm that was covering her face, revealing her eyes, and said in a low voice, "I work as a domestic helper in Dongfuji, taking care of the young sons of wealthy families."

Good heavens, taking care of a rich kid in a temple? He's probably the illegitimate son of a high-ranking monk!

Shinzaburo didn't care about such things and said, "In urgent situations, I have no choice but to take you back."

The woman's eyes darted around, brimming with tears, and after a long while, she said in an even softer voice, "Please."

Shinzaburo observed that the woman was of average build for the time, standing only about 1.4 meters tall and weighing approximately 70-80 kilograms. However, having someone else care for her would likely be a considerable burden. Only he, with his height and strength, could manage.

So he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her into his arms, without feeling the weight.

After asking for directions, they headed towards the Tofukuji Temple, which the woman had mentioned.

Ikeda Katsumasa, watching from the side, clicked his tongue in amazement and said, shaking his head, "I've often heard tales of beautiful women in distress being rescued by young heroes, but I never thought I'd witness it with my own eyes today!"

The woman kept her face covered with her hands and nestled obediently against Shinzaburo's chest, showing no reaction whatsoever.

The attendants around him covered their mouths and winked, but dared not make a sound.

As for Shinzaburo, he actually felt that the woman was too thin and petite to be considered a "beauty," so he didn't have many romantic thoughts about her.

He thought to himself—

You Japanese have really bad taste. We much prefer someone like Adou's wife, who is tall and curvy!

097 The Three Rules of the Shingu Party

This Tofukuji Temple, located on the east side of the Kamo River, is strictly speaking outside the traditional Heian-kyo area.

But precisely because of this, they could freely acquire land in the suburbs and build a magnificent compound exceeding one square kilometer, containing more than seventy "towers," or branch courtyards. Each branch courtyard had its own independent entrance.

Katsunaga Ikeda was on business at Honnoji Temple in Kyoto and didn't need to travel this far. But for some reason, he insisted on following along.

Following the woman's directions, Shinzaburo arrived at a doorway on the northwest side, gently set her down, and let her see if she had come the right way.

But outside the monastery gate, a young man wearing a headscarf paced anxiously. Upon seeing the woman's face, he hurried over and said, "Where did Sister Qianhe go? The young master cried for a long time after waking up, and no one could comfort him! What happened...? Is he injured?"

The woman lowered her head and replied softly, "I'm sorry, I went to buy some things... but I encountered bandits."

The young man frowned and said, "Tofukuji Temple shouldn't lack supplies, right? And if you need anything, you can just tell us and we'll help you buy it!"

The woman shrugged and said weakly, "How could I trouble you gentlemen with things that are for women?"

Upon hearing this, the young man could only smile awkwardly, then turned to Shinzaburo and bowed, saying, "Thank you for escorting Sister Chizuru back. My young master cannot be without this wet nurse. May I ask your name... Eh, is this Lord Kubo?"

Hmm? Could it be that you know each other?

Shinzaburo quickly examined the area closely, trying to discern the details.

After a moment's thought, I remembered.

This young man with his head wrapped in a headscarf is none other than Takemura Goro Hidechi, a survivor of the Shingu Party whom we cooperated with last year!

I never expected to meet you again.

The woman called "Sister Chizuru" was said to be a maid at Tofukuji Temple, but it turns out she was taking care of the young master of the Amago Shingu faction.

What a coincidence! What a coincidence!

Shinzaburo couldn't help but smile, and bowed to Takemura Hidetoshi, saying, "Lord Takemura, how have you been? I was passing through Kyoto and planned to visit some old friends at Tofukuji Temple, but I didn't expect to run into Lord Chizuru..."

Upon hearing this, the woman named Chizuru timidly replied, "How could I possibly deserve such an honorific title from you..."

Hidetoshi Takemura bowed in return and said to Shinzaburo, "Thank you for your kindness; everyone remembers your good deeds. Please come inside and let's talk!"

Then he reached out to Chizuru and said, "Shall I help Sister Chizuru inside?"

The woman named Chizuru subconsciously glanced at Shinzaburo's face, then took a half-step back and said, "No need to trouble you, Master Takemura, I can walk by myself..."

But even with just that half step, she staggered in pain and almost fell.

Shinzaburo reached out and put his arm around Chizuru's waist to support her.

Katsuyuki Ikeda, shaking his head behind him, said, "It seems more appropriate for Genban Kubo to carry her back to the house."

Hidetoshi Takemura immediately looked puzzled, glancing left and right, analyzing the situation carefully for a while before finally realizing what was happening. He scratched his head and smiled awkwardly.

……

The group entered the side rooms inside the temple and settled in.

The woman named Chizuru was immediately led to the inner courtyard by two middle-aged women, who said that the master of the house could not do without her, his wet nurse.

The men, on the other hand, took their seats in the reception room.

Katsumasa Ikeda and Hidetoshi Takemura did not know each other, and Shinzaburo should have offered to introduce them, but he was in a dilemma.

Being a survivor of the Amago Shingu Party isn't a particularly sensitive identity in Kyoto, but there's no need to tell everyone about it.

So Shinzaburo had no choice but to bow to Katsumasa Ikeda and apologize, saying, "I may not be able to reveal the name and hometown of this friend who is staying in Tofukuji at the moment. Please forgive me, Katsumasa-sama."

Katsumasa Ikeda frowned slightly, then nodded in understanding.

Takemura Hidetoshi shook his head and smiled, "Actually, many monks in the temple know about this matter; it's not a secret. Since the visitor is a friend of Lord Kubo, I should tell him the truth—we are remnants of the Amago Shingu faction, and my name is Takemura Goro Hidetoshi."

“The Amago Shingu faction, those were the ones who were killed by the Amago family…” Ikeda Katsumasa was quite surprised to hear this, and pointed towards the inner courtyard, saying, “The so-called young master, could it be…”

“He is the young master of our Shingu Party.” Takemura Hidetoshi said frankly, “He is the grandson of Amago Gyobu (Amago Kunihisa) and the son of Amago Shikibu (Amago Masahisa).

“I see.” Ikeda Katsumasa quickly realized, glanced at Takemura Hidetoshi’s simple and plain clothes, and made a suggestion: “Actually, the Miyoshi family is currently wary of the Amago family. If Lord Takemura is willing to raise the banner of the Shingu Party’s counterattack, the Miyoshi family will certainly not hesitate to provide financial and material support.”

“Thank you for your kind offer, but please forgive me for refusing.” Takemura Hidetoshi’s tone was very serious: “Although we have been wronged, we are not willing to become tools for outsiders to deal with the Amago family!”

His tone was not friendly; it was rather sharp.

But instead of being angry, Ikeda Katsumasa was full of praise. He then bowed deeply and said sincerely, "Lord Takemura is truly a loyal and righteous man! I am Settsu Ikeda Katsumasa. I just spoke unintentionally. Please forgive me!"

Hidetoshi Takemura's expression softened instantly. He returned the greeting respectfully and said calmly, "Thank you for your understanding, Lord Ikeda."

Next, seeing that his identity had been revealed and there was nothing left to hide, Shinzaburo recounted how he had spent 130 kan to hire survivors of the Shingu Party to fight.

Upon hearing this, Ikeda Katsumasa was quite excited and once again praised him sincerely: "So it turns out that the ones who slew the Blue Oni Momii Norage were seventeen brave warriors from Izumo!"

Shinzaburo laughed and said, "Without the help of Lord Takemura and the others, what merit or ability would I have had to achieve such feats?"

Hidetoshi Takemura solemnly shook his head: "Lord Kubo leads from the front with composure and decisiveness, truly a man of both wisdom and courage. With more experience, he is destined to become a great general. There is no need for modesty."

"really?"

Upon hearing this, Shinzaburo was overjoyed.

He was already tired of all sorts of ridiculous compliments since becoming Master Mingzhou's son-in-law.

But Takemura Hidetoshi, the temporary leader of the surviving members of the Shingu Party, was not one for pleasantries, so his words of praise sounded particularly loud.

At that moment, Katsumasa Ikeda's eyes darted around, and he suddenly asked, "Excuse me, what about that Chizuru from earlier...?"

Hidetoshi Takemura explained, “That is my young master’s wet nurse. During last year’s incident, although we risked our lives to escape, how could we know how to take care of children? Fortunately, we found the very capable and meticulous Chizuru-nee in Kyoto.”

After thinking for a moment, Katsumasa Ikeda asked again, "Is she from Kyoto? Or perhaps she's from a town?"

Hidetoshi Takemura shook his head and said, "Chizuru was originally the wife of a wealthy farmer in Omi. Her entire clan had already suffered a calamity. She took her infant daughter to Kyoto to seek refuge with relatives, but she did not know that her relatives had also met with misfortune."

Shinzaburo thought to himself, "This woman seems more flustered than the other townspeople when she encounters bandits today. She probably has many unfortunate memories from the past."

At this moment, Katsumasa Ikeda suddenly spoke up: "I think this Chizuru has quite a connection with Lord Kubo Genban. Although Lord Genban is now married, he has not yet taken a concubine..."

Takemura Hidetoshi paused for a moment, then shook his head awkwardly and said, "She is an employee, not a servant, so this matter is not up to me to decide."

Ikeda Katsumasa then said with a grin, "So, Lord Takemura won't object if I go to propose marriage on behalf of Lord Kubo Genban."

Takemura Hidetoshi was momentarily at a loss, hurriedly shaking his head: "This... I have no right to object. It's just that my young master is not yet three years old, and he cannot be separated from her for the time being..."

Ikeda Katsumasa smiled and said leisurely, "My lords of the Shingu faction are also staying in Kyoto. It would be perfectly acceptable for you to move to Lord Kubo Genban's place."

Hidetoshi Takemura fell into deep thought.

Shinzaburo felt that Ikeda Katsumasa's behavior was rather outrageous and initially wanted to stop him, saying that he had no such intention. However, he suddenly realized that if this matter were to come to fruition, he could take the opportunity to persuade the survivors of the Shingu faction to move to his place, so he remained silent and instead adopted a tacitly acquiescing attitude.

“Actually…” Takemura Hidetoshi hesitated for a long time before reluctantly saying, “More than half of our twenty men are injured, and the cost of medicine is enormous. We have already spent more than half of the money we received from Lord Kubo last year. We really need to find another way out.”

Shinzaburo immediately adopted an objective and neutral stance, solemnly stating, "If you are all willing to serve me, all the powerful factions within the Kinai region will certainly welcome you. To be honest, I have now established a small business empire and am in dire need of manpower."

Hideyuki Takemura lowered his head slightly and said in a deep voice, "We are not willing to join another family for the time being, and we only intend to receive our salary as guest generals."

Shinzaburo dismissed it: "It's no big deal."

Hidetoshi Takemura looked up and continued, "Furthermore, I hope to keep a low profile so that no one can use this as a pretext to disrupt Izumo. I also do not wish to become an enemy of my former master."

Shinzaburo shook his head without hesitation: "It still doesn't seem too difficult to accept."

Takemura Hidetoshi was silent for a moment, then looked embarrassed and said, "Furthermore, if in the future... if the main family of Amago is willing to admit their mistakes and exonerate the Shingu faction, we hope to return to our homeland with the young master."

Upon hearing this, Ikeda Katsumasa, standing nearby, widened his eyes and sighed, "Although everyone says that samurai should have a heart of loyalty and righteousness, the unwavering dedication of the Amago Shingu faction is truly... truly rare!"

"I see." Shinzaburo remained calm and composed, slowly standing up and saying, "If it is only three insignificant conditions that can obtain the assistance of the prestigious 'Shingu Party,' then I must extend a sincere invitation."

“Hmm…” Takemura Hidetoshi seemed very surprised, paused for a moment, and nodded, saying, “Thank you for your kindness, Lord Kubo! Please allow me to discuss this with everyone.”

That's what he said, but it's clear he's already interested, and there's a good chance they'll reach an agreement.

Shinzaburo smiled and said, "I also have a mission to take care of. I will return to Kyoto in about a month. We can talk again when we meet then."