Tokyo Unnatural Forensics

Chapter 527, The Dancer of Izu
After a considerable amount of time, Princess Village Flower, having devoured Professor Zaizen's soul, seemed to have gained something and lost something. Although she remained as aloof and solitary as ever, her gaze upon her surroundings seemed to show more interest than usual.

Arimura Hana Jun is a very ancient being from the underworld. She can only devour souls that resonate with her and make them her own, which takes a lot of time. But judging from her previous strength, she was clearly stronger than Shirakawa Mai. Now that she has devoured Professor Zaizen, it is really hard to say how strong Arimura Hana-dono has become.

"Is Murakawa-dono also interested in Izu?" Uesugi Muneyuki translated.

“I am quite clear about the history before the eighth shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune.” Ayakawa Jun nodded lazily, with a look of “I’m so full” on her face: “Minamoto no Yoritomo and his Kamakura shogunate, Minamoto no Yoritomo himself and his brother Minamoto no Yoshitsune were both Shinjin, but Minamoto no Yoritomo himself kept a low profile and never used his power again except in the Battle of Mount Fuji after obtaining the power of Shinjin.”

“Minamoto no Yoshitsune was different. He was young and impulsive. He couldn’t wait to use his power as soon as he was promoted to a new god. In the Ichi-no-tani surprise attack, the Yashima battle, and the Dan-no-ura battle, he used up all his power. Then Minamoto no Yoritomo finally got the chance to deal with him.”

"Otherwise, how could the current divine family, which possesses the three sacred artifacts, be so easily defeated?"

Uesugi Muneyuki was shocked upon hearing this.

Village Flower Palace's statement was absolutely explosive!
Were the brothers Minamoto no Yoritomo and Minamoto no Yoshitsune both Shinto gods?

No wonder the history of the Genpei War seems shrouded in mystery. In the Battle of Fujigawa, 5 Genji troops (whose actual fighting force consisted of only about 2000 mounted samurai) faced 7 Taira troops (whose actual fighting force also consisted of only about 2000 mounted samurai). The Taira army was completely defeated simply because the water birds in the reeds were startled and flew away.

However, as mentioned earlier, it wasn't until the Edo period that the Japanese people truly began to have enough to eat and had the time to compile official historical records. The history before that was a mess, and the current Japanese records of the first Kamakura Shogunate are basically from the book "Azuma Kagami".

But here's the problem: the book "Azuma Kagami" was written by the Hojo clan, the rulers of the Kamakura Shogunate. Its purpose was not to record the history of the Genpei War, but to "prove that the Hojo clan's rule was reasonable and legitimate."

The legitimacy of the Hojo clan mainly came from Minamoto no Yoritomo's wife, Hojo Masako, and her inheritance of one of Minamoto no Yoritomo's titles, "Kamakura-dono." Therefore, the book "Azuma Kagami" highlights an "awkwardness."

Minamoto no Yoritomo had to be wise and powerful, because if he wasn't, there wouldn't have been a Kamakura shogunate, and he wouldn't have chosen the Hojo clan as his wife and senior retainer. However, Minamoto no Yoritomo couldn't be too wise and powerful, otherwise it would be impossible to explain why the Hojo clan later came to power.

Minamoto no Yoritomo had to be a legitimate and undisputed founder of the Kamakura Shogunate, otherwise the legitimacy of the Kamakura Shogunate would be questionable. However, Minamoto no Yoritomo could not be too legitimate and undisputed, otherwise it would be problematic if he became the "Prince Shogun" after his line died out for three generations.

Therefore, Minamoto no Yoritomo is awkward in many ways. At times, he is shrewd, farsighted, strategic, and full of personal charm, while at other times he is violent, cruel, short-sighted, and neurotic, slaughtering meritorious officials. This is similar to the Records of the Grand Historian. Sima Qian really hated the Han Dynasty imperial family, but he had to regard them as the legitimate dynasty. Therefore, there are similar awkwardness in many parts. For example, Li Guang, who is on good terms with Sima Qian, is described as the "Flying General" in the story. He seems to be incredibly powerful, but if you look closely at Li Guang's battle record, he didn't even win against the Xiongnu many times. For example, he fully affirms the achievements of Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, but he also lists them among the relatives of the emperor. He also subtly says that they are excellent, but it is a pity that they are relatives of the emperor. He says that Wei Qing is a model of military general, but it is a pity that he is a relative of the emperor. Huo Qubing made unparalleled achievements, but it is a pity that he is a relative of the emperor.

However, the problem with "Azuma Kagami" is the same as that with "Records of the Grand Historian": many parts lack other historical materials for comparison.

The figures of Yao, Shun, Yu, and Tang cannot be verified, and the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors are even more mythical. However, since there are no other historical materials to compare with, everyone can only believe that Sima Qian was right!

The same applies to "Azuma Kagami". Although Japanese historians know that the records in "Azuma Kagami" are problematic and seriously biased, and that it is Hojo speaking for himself, there are almost no other historical materials to corroborate this!

This book has been thoroughly studied by Japanese scholars, and even a "hidden meaning school" has emerged. For example, the line "The bridge over the Sagami River has been in disrepair for many years" in the book before Minamoto no Yoritomo's death has been interpreted by the Japanese as an implication that Minamoto no Yoritomo was assassinated.

Fun, really fun.

"Now that it's finished, I wonder if Lady Murakawa is interested in the fireworks festival and hot spring bathing in the Izu Peninsula? There's also a test of courage this time!" Uesugi Muneyuki said with a fawning smile.

The new god is under immense pressure and needs the support of the Village Flower Palace.

“Of course, you, take me with you.” Murahana-dono nodded, glancing curiously at Saito Asuka beside her, and suddenly realized that the other was also staring at her.

Can this girl see me?

Meanwhile, Asuka stared at Murakawa-dono, her face pale.

Who is this beautiful older sister?

Moreover, she exudes the aura of a powerful figure!

The girl crouched down, covering her head in fear, and curled up into a ball.

Why am I always so weak?

Mai Shirakawa glanced at Murakawa-dono with some concern.

This rain woman... she could never figure her out. What was her background?
........................

The car had barely come to a stop, and before Mai Shirakawa could even open the door, the scene outside already spoke volumes about her status. The welcoming party was clearly divided, yet equally respectful.

On the left are the staff of Fuji TV's "God's Hand" program. The director, producer, and several main hosts, all of whom have lost their usual high spirits in front of the camera, are like students waiting for a teacher's reprimand, their eyes fixed on the car with a mixture of restraint and eagerness.

The scene on the right, however, is even more oppressive.

They were not a motley crew of religious figures, but rather representatives of Shinto and Buddhist temples, with a clear hierarchy.

Several people in the front row were dressed in formal Shinto priest robes such as saigami and hakama, their family crests on their haori gleaming faintly in the sunlight. They were the chief priests of some of the most influential shrines in the Izu region, one of whom, an elderly man with white hair, was the head of the Izuyama Shrine and had a very long and distinguished career within the Kanto Alliance.

At this moment, they bowed their heads slightly, their hands clasped in front of them, their posture impeccably respectful.

A little later came several abbots and high monks of the temple, dressed in kasaya robes, holding prayer beads and with solemn expressions. Although they were not as humble as the priests, their lowered eyes and still postures fully expressed their reverence for the visitors.

This was no ordinary event reception.

This is the religious leaders of the Izu region expressing their submission and greetings to the person who has come to this place and who truly controls the power of the Kanto Shrine Alliance.

Behind them, a few trusted followers dared not even breathe loudly. The scene was completely silent, with only the rustling of the sea breeze through the palm leaves.

The show's director wiped the sweat from his brow, stunned by the silent spectacle.

Mai Shirakawa pushed open the car door, and the blazing sun seemed to lose its power on her, as she was surrounded by a cold aura. Today, she was not wearing her shrine maiden outfit, but rather a neat vacation dress. The high heels under the summer skirt made her legs look incredibly long, and huge sunglasses covered most of her face, revealing only her perfectly sculpted jawline and a very light-colored but extremely noticeable lip.

Instead of immediately approaching anyone, she casually tossed her car keys to her Alliance subordinates, who stood like javelins in black suits (these men had appeared unnoticed and taken over security and guidance at the scene). Her movements were natural and fluid, conveying a sense of familiar control.

Then, she turned her head slightly to meet Uesugi Muneyuki's gaze as he got out of the car. Through her sunglasses, she gave him a look that only he could understand—a look that was slightly mocking, as if to say, "See, not bad, entourage?"

Then she turned to greet the group.

She didn't remove her sunglasses, nor did she immediately put on a polite smile. Instead, her gaze slowly swept over the group of palace officials and abbots.

Those whose gaze fell upon her involuntarily bowed even lower.

"Thank you all for coming to greet me." She finally spoke, her voice not loud, but clearly reaching everyone's ears, carrying an undeniable calmness, neither polite nor arrogant, as if simply stating a fact: "I am sorry about Muramatsu's situation. I appreciate everyone's help in preparing the dishes for Tsuruoka. Thank you all for your hard work."

A casual remark was both an affirmation and an implicit warning—the stability here is under her watchful eye.

The head priest of Izuyama Shrine immediately stepped forward and bowed deeply: "It is our honor that Chief Abbot Shirakawa has come in person. Everything has been arranged properly, and we would never dare to disturb your enjoyment."

Mai Shirakawa nodded almost imperceptibly, accepting the respect. She finally took a step, but not towards the production crew, but instead headed into the resort. The priests and abbots naturally and tacitly formed two lines, bowing slightly, like a silent ceremonial guard.

She took a few steps before she seemed to remember something, stopped, turned half her face to the side, and casually waved to the program director who was finally relieved and ready to follow.

"Director, the program schedule remains the same; there's no need to worry about me." His tone was casual, yet it carried a decisive force.

The Fuji TV director hurriedly nodded and bowed, "Yes, yes! We'll do whatever Ms. Shirakawa says!"

Uesugi Muneyuki followed slightly behind her, watching her back as she naturally became the absolute center of attention as she walked, feeling the aura that mixed with the summer heat and invisible pressure. He sighed inwardly: This is not an actress who came to record a program. This is clearly a giant from both the underworld and the legitimate world, and even a giant beyond the mortal world, conducting a routine inspection of his power.

It's so dark, Mai-senpai.

At the same time, Sakura from YKC48 and Sarada Hirate from Akashirosaka, who were also present at the scene, witnessed this scene.

"This is what a cherry blossom should look like!" Little Cherry Blossom blushed and excitedly squeezed her legs together.

"I can take his place!" Hirate was equally excited, fantasizing about dominating the Japanese idol industry and becoming the next Sakikawa Toshio, Matsuda Seiko, or Yamaguchi Momoe.

But as the car door continued to open, a small figure emerged from the back seat, instantly attracting everyone's attention!
What is this incredibly cute creature?
Oh right! She's that girl named Saito Asuka! The one from the Sakuradamon press conference!
That's a foul! That's a huge foul!
(End of this chapter)