I'm a demon in Tokyo!

Chapter 184 Little Jia, Transform! Like an invitation from Arakawa Village at parting, Daruma is about to arrive, and the Demon Guide Association appears unexpectedly.
Heartstrings?

Uesugi Tetsu held his breath and focused his attention on his inner self.

After a while, he actually found a brand new heartstring that had suddenly appeared next to the thick heartstring of the two-foot-tall man!

But isn't the "heartstring" thing usually only a connection between a shikigami and its master?

Uesugi Tetsu stroked his chin, sizing up Kaga Kiyomitsu, who was pacing back and forth in front of him.

He calmed himself down and used his mind to touch the delicate and fleeting heartstrings, and could even faintly hear sounds coming from them.

But I couldn't hear it at all.

All you can hear is a buzzing vibration, but it seems to contain some kind of rhythm or pattern.

Uesugi Tetsuya seemed to understand.

—This feeling is probably a byproduct of Xiao Jia's spiritual fulfillment, or rather, the emergence of the new effect "spirit".

The effect of the "spirit" should be that it enabled Kaga Kiyomitsu to develop a more autonomous and complete intelligence.

Previously, Kaga Kiyomitsu could only emit buzzing or tremors of varying strength, but now he can fly into the air on his own and even try to communicate with his master using his heartstrings.

If he could hear a little better, he might actually be able to speak with Kaga Kiyomitsu.

Uesugi Tetsu paused for a moment after thinking about this, then shifted his gaze to another panel.

—【Spirit Control Technique】.

Yes, his initial purpose in learning spirit control techniques was to communicate with the spirit-possessed "Nanjo Doll".

If communication between people and things was possible back then, there's no reason why it shouldn't be possible now!
With this thought in mind, Uesugi Tetsu began to circulate his spirit control technique, and then focused all his attention and spiritual energy on the fluctuating heartstrings that were connected to his heart.

"Secure, reinforce..."

After repeatedly reciting the mantra, Uesugi Tetsu finally managed to grasp the chord in his heart using the Spirit Control Technique, and then gradually stabilized it in his mind using incantations.

Several seconds later, Uesugi Tetsu shouted into the heartstring that he had firmly stabilized with his Spirit Control Technique.
"Hello? Little Jia, can you hear me?"

Kaga Kiyomitsu, who was hovering in front of him, suddenly stopped and spun around in place, looking somewhat confused, displaying the helplessness of someone calling his name on the street.

Uesugi Tetsu called out several more times, but raised an eyebrow when he realized that Kaga Kiyomitsu still didn't recognize him as his master "speaking" through the heartstrings.

The spirit control technique is indeed effective.

However, the effect is still not strong enough.

Because he could hear it a little more clearly, but he still couldn't tell what those "buzzing" sounds were.

The current situation is roughly equivalent to two people shouting at each other from three or four hundred meters apart; at most, you can sense their tone and emotions.

It would be more convenient to just speak directly.

However, the Spirit Control Technique isn't stuck here and unable to move.

—When I return to the real world and go to the Special Affairs Department, and I've mastered the Spirit Control Technique to an expert level, this problem should be easily solved.

Uesugi Tetsuya's eyes lit up as he stared at Kaga Kiyomitsu, whose blade tip was tilting from side to side.

In other words, soon he will be able to truly understand what these buzzing sounds mean and communicate with Xiao Jia without any barriers!

"Okay, okay, I know you're amazing!"

Uesugi Tetsu gave Kaga Kiyomitsu a thumbs-up to encourage him, then patted the scabbard at his waist: "Come back first, there are still people waiting."

After receiving heartfelt praise from Uesugi Tetsu, Kaga Kiyomitsu swiftly slid back into his scabbard with a clear, crisp sound, and fell into a beautiful silence.

Seeing Kaga Kiyomitsu so easily subdued by a few kind words, Uesugi Tetsu couldn't help but think to himself,
"Why are you treating me like a child..."

Not far away, the Zashiki-warashi who saw this scene also laughed.

She leaned against an old temple pillar and asked smugly,
"Mr. Hannya, what do you think of this brand new Kaga Kiyomitsu?"

She patted her chest forcefully, and unsurprisingly, her hand bounced back.
"This is the most satisfying forging I've done in the hundred years since I entered this second trial!"

—The "Soul-Draining and Soul-Slaying" skill has been greatly enhanced in its versatility; the "Blessing Blaze" skill is highly characteristic of Zashiki; the spirituality of the character has been fully awakened; and this is the first time we have seen such an exaggerated quality that it is an epic+++.

To achieve this level of skill with just one piece of qualified spirit gold, the forging technique of the Zashiki-warashi can truly be described as exquisite!

How lucky I was to meet her in the Mountain Whale Mountain.

Uesugi Tetsu said earnestly to the zashiki-warashi, who had already stood up and was stretching her arms.

"Thank you, Zashiki."

But to everyone's surprise, the Zashiki-warashi did not accept this well-deserved gratitude; instead, she shook her head.
"Do not."

She said, slowly and deliberately, "I should thank you, Mr. Prajna."

"—It was you who brought the highly intelligent Xiao Jia, and the high-level materials that could never appear in the trials. The combination of the two showed me the way forward with just one forging."

The Zashiki-warashi breathed a sigh of relief, as if a great weight had been lifted from its shoulders.
"I expect that soon I will be able to forge a weapon that meets the requirements and complete this second trial."

She paused for a moment, then turned her bright eyes to Uesugi Tetsuya: "Rather than saying I'm a lucky charm, it's more accurate to say that Mr. Hannya is my lucky star."

Shortly after their first meeting, she was able to begin the journey through the world she had longed for.

And when they met again after a long time, she was once again helped by Mr. Prajna to easily resolve the nearly century-old problem that had been standing in front of her.

"No, I've consulted several experienced blacksmiths before, but they were all helpless."

Uesugi Tetsu shook his head.
"It's because Zashiki's forging skills are so outstanding that completing this Heavenly Craft Trial was only a matter of time... There's no need to underestimate yourself."

"It's just a matter of time... huh."

The Zashiki-warashi repeated his words in a murmur, then slowly lowered her eyes and sighed deeply: "But this time is just too long."

She smiled helplessly.
"If it weren't for your sudden arrival, Mr. Prajna, I might have been trapped in this dilapidated temple in the mountains for the rest of my life."

—Behind them, Imagawa Yoshimoto listened to their conversation, glancing over Weapon Mountain, the seemingly unremarkable dilapidated temple, and Uesugi Tetsu's imposing Hannya mask at his waist.

"There are so many wonderful things in this world that I don't know about."

Yoshimoto Imagawa thought to himself with delight.

clap clap!

The Zashiki-warashi slapped her cheeks hard, clenched her fists, and shouted, "Alright! We're about to pass the trial anyway, so let's stop saying these unfounded, discouraging things!"

She turned her head to look at Imagawa Yoshimoto, who happened to be staring at her, and grinned, saying cheerfully, "By the way, I'll also slightly enhance this lady's equipment."

Gazing at the somewhat surprised Imagawa Yoshimoto, the zashiki-warashi smiled and gave her a peace sign.
"Consider it a post-workout stretch and cool-down!"

Since I am a little god of fortune, even though I have been promoted to blacksmith craftsman, I cannot spread negative emotions to everyone. Instead, I must bring everyone happiness and joy!

This is something that Zashiki-warashi learned on her journey.

Imagawa Yoshimoto did not reject the goodwill extended to her by the Zashiki, but instead removed her armor piece by piece.

Finally, she carefully carried it to the anvil.

"That magnificent structure..."

"Just call me Zashiki."

The zashiki-warashi waved his hand, then picked up a piece of clothing and began to examine it roughly: "I am not a master craftsman, nor can I be called 'Your Excellency,' sir."

She casually shrugged at Imagawa Yoshimoto.

"The one standing before you now is merely a traveler with passable forging skills who can bring some good luck to those around him, nothing more."

Imagawa Yoshimoto stared at her blankly, then earnestly gave her his name.
"My name is Imagawa Yoshimoto. I am the ruler of this country, and I will become the ruler of the entire world in the future."

She skipped the tedious formalities surrounding names and extended her palm toward the zashiki-warashi, who was covered in dust and sweat.

Then, just like Uesugi Tetsuya had extended the "shikigami invitation" in Arakawa Village, he extended a warm invitation to this enthusiastic, kind, and easy-going little lucky charm.
"Zashiki, please become my retainer, Imagawa Yoshimoto."

Imagawa Yoshimoto's eyes lit up: "From now on, whatever materials you want or whatever your requirements are, I can search for them for you and fulfill them."

He was taken aback, still holding the Zashiki-warashi who was observing.

She blinked, thinking to herself that this girl was none other than Imagawa Yoshimoto. She had been hearing a lot of good things about him lately.

Standing not far away, Uesugi Tetsu heard these words, which were exactly the same as when he was invited, and casually yawned.

Without a doubt, the Zashiki-warashi would refuse.

Regardless of the fact that Zashiki-warashi is only appearing in the Sengoku period during a trial—even if she were actually alive in this era, she could never become a retainer of Imagawa Yoshimoto and be tied to one place.

If Zashiki-warashi could be moved by such conditions, she would have become his shikigami back in Arakawa Village.

It was hardly my turn for Imagawa Yoshimoto to make a move at this point.

Uesugi Tetsu gazed at that petite yet muscular figure, silently thinking to himself—

Zashiki-warashi, who loves to embark on journeys alone and pursue the unknown, would never be moved by the stability of staying in one place.
"Feel sorry."

After a brief ten seconds, Zashiki-warashi had completed her observation of this complete set of worldly possessions.

She mimicked the way the villagers who had gone into the mountains called her, and smilingly placed the armor in her hand on the anvil before saying,

"I am afraid I cannot comply. Imagawa shall be in charge."

Hearing this almost identical rejection, Uesugi Tetsu couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Before Imagawa Yoshimoto could turn around, he explained, "Because I once invited a Zashiki to become my shikigami, just like you, and I was rejected, Yoshimoto-kun."

Hearing the words coming from both sides, Imagawa Yoshimoto was slightly taken aback, then sighed regretfully.
"Is that so?"

Having learned that the answer was impossible to change, Imagawa Yoshimoto did not dwell on it further, but instead offered his blessings: "Then I wish you a safe journey ahead, Zashiki."

"Thank you, Imagawa, for taking charge."

The Zashiki-warashi chuckled and placed a few more complete parts on the anvil.

Before the flames of fortune ignited and the forging began once more, she looked curiously at Uesugi Tetsuya: "Speaking of which, I still don't know your name, Mr. Hannya."

The Zashiki-warashi asked, "May I ask your name?"

“Che”.

Uesugi Tetsu thought about it for a moment, and then realized that it seemed to be true.

So he answered,
"My name is Che."

Zashiki-warashi responded with an "Oh," and said, "Che... well, I'll remember that."

After a two-second silence, she turned her attention back to the world of the anvil.
“The enhancement is quite detailed and may take some time. You two can wait here for a while.”

Seeing that the Zashiki-warashi had started forging iron with great enthusiasm again, Uesugi Tetsu and Imagawa Yoshimoto did not disturb her, but instead went to the temple pillar at the same time.

"Lord Yiyuan, how does it feel to be rejected without hesitation?"

"To be honest, it's quite novel." Having removed his full set of contemporary attire, Imagawa Yoshimoto found a slightly cleaner spot to sit down, gazing intently at the zashiki-warashi (a type of Japanese house spirit) who was focused on blacksmithing.

"But the more she acts like this, the more people want to bring her under their wing."

"Her ambitions lie elsewhere."

"Of course I know that," Imagawa Yoshimoto muttered, resting his chin on his hand. "But Che-kun, haven't you heard the saying, 'The more unattainable something is, the more you want it'?"

After hearing this, Uesugi Tetsu realized that his lord probably hadn't given up on recruiting the other party and was probably still thinking of various ways to do so.

But that's the real Imagawa Yoshimoto; he wouldn't waver in his beliefs because of a couple of rejections from others.

Uesugi Tetsu didn't pay much attention to it.

After all, once the Zashiki-warashi completes this trial, it will leave the Sengoku period, and then no matter how many methods Imagawa Yoshimoto has, there will be nowhere to use them.

"Compared to this——"

Uesugi Tetsuya took out the map that Kujira Goro had given him earlier from his storage bag: "Lord Yoshimoto, let's decide where to go next first."

As he spoke, he simultaneously opened the "map" that Hyakume had given him in the panel—the one that could mark where there were many "big eyes".

"This is indeed important."

Imagawa Yoshimoto withdrew his gaze and began to carefully examine the map inch by inch.

After a long period of contemplation, she placed her finger on a strategically important town in the eastern part of the Three Rivers region.

It landed perfectly on top of Uesugi Tetsu's fingers.

……

At this time, the daily "repaying kindness lecture" of the Jodo Shinshu sect in Nishisakawa Nishio Castle was almost over, and it was time for their vegetarian meal.

Golden-red light descended from the horizon, shining upon the monks sitting in the side hall of the Jodo Shinshu sect.

"Delicious! Venerable Lianguang, the vegetarian meal you made is really delicious!"

The sick man, draped in a gray cassock, grabbed tofu, fine rice, and large chunks of roasted pork mixed in with his hands, eating with such gusto that his mouth was dripping with oil.

"As long as it suits your taste."

Lian Guang smiled, and after looking around and not finding any monks, novices or elders looking in this direction, he nodded in satisfaction.

It seems that the previous practice of making examples of typical cases as a warning has had some effect.

Managing such a vast Pure Land Shinshu sect requires such decisive and efficient methods.

Lian Guang clasped her hands together in front of the ailing patient who was enjoying his meal: "At this rate, it may not take a month, or even just half a month, to collect the power of my wishes."

“That Dharma Master.”

Bingku poured the remaining pieces of meat from the bowl into his mouth, patted his round belly, and then asked cheerfully, "Do you need me to help you purify the impurities in your will?"

Why let illness and suffering do this?
Once the suffering from illness has been purified by these vows, who knows to whom these vows will be passed down...

Lian Guang's expression changed slightly, but she still said gently, "There's no need to trouble you with these trivial matters."

"Trivial matters."

Looking at the monks who were all bowing their heads to eat, not daring to even breathe, Bingku said meaningfully, "Since that's the case, I hope the Dharma Master won't cross the river and then destroy the bridge, or use the millstone and then kill the donkey."

Lian Guang shook his head: "Benefactor, what are you saying? How could this humble monk do such a thing?"

"besides."

The sick man raised his greasy fingers, causing the young novice monk who had come yesterday afternoon to walk over in a daze.

The young novice monk lowered his head and spoke, his voice hoarse and worm-like.
"Lord...Master."

He grinned and said, "Since the Dharma Master said so yesterday, it's alright if I make him a follower."

Master Lian Guang remained silent.

It's one thing for the young novice to die for witnessing this scene, but it's quite another that his suffering transformed him into a retinue and brought him into the public eye.

Is this a test of my bottom line?

Lian Guang clenched his fist in his heart, but on the surface he said very kindly, "This humble monk hopes that you will lend a helping hand when the world is restored in the near future."

"Of course, what is the relationship between the Dharma Master and me?"

He laughed heartily despite his suffering.

Beside him, Bodhidharma, who was eating his vegetarian meal with his head down, remained silent, appearing more like a true monk than those monks who had grown up in the Jodo Shinshu sect.

He silently memorized everything that happened around him, turning it into his own "experience" and "insight".

At that moment, the young novice monk suddenly made a strange sound.

He raised an eyebrow in pain.

Immediately afterwards, Bodhidharma saw the head of the motionless novice monk slowly open, revealing everything inside, and another blood-red brain slowly crawled out from it.

The scene was so gruesome and bloody that it could make anyone who saw it vomit their last meal.

But Bodhidharma simply ate his vegetarian meal with the same seriousness and relish as before.

He silently thought to himself, "That must be His Highness's beloved concubine, Princess Thousand Brains, Master."

A burst of laughter erupted in Bodhidharma's heart.
"Indeed! This is the [Thousand Brain Princess], which is capable of sharing memories over extremely long distances. However, it needs to crawl out of the host's body when sharing memories."

However, there are so many sick and suffering relatives; it's truly remarkable that you can remember them all.

The laughter was satisfied. "Damo, you truly are the most promising spirit I've encountered since joining the Demon Guide Association!"

Bodhidharma replied stiffly, "It's just simple memorization, Master. It's not difficult at all."

"Never underestimate yourself!"

Within Bodhidharma's heart, a rumbling voice echoed: "Given time, it's not impossible for him to become one of those legendary gods and spirits!"

"Damo will work hard."

After answering his master's questions, Bodhidharma continued to record his observations.

After listening intently for a moment, the patient smiled broadly after giving an "Mm" and said, "Master, another city in Dongsanhe has fallen. What should we target next?"

He asked with a smile, "Or rather, which city is more important?"

"That is naturally Yoshida Castle, guarded by the Matsudaira family, which controls the mouth of the Toyokawa River and the vital waterway and land route of the Tokaido."

Lian Guang did not hold back, and explained all these basic facts.
"At the same time, it can also serve as a front-line fortress to resist the Imagawa army."

Bingku nodded repeatedly, then smiled at the blood-red brain that had already fallen into his palm and said, "Then, send word to everyone to go to Yoshida Castle."

After a few minutes of silence, the Thousand Brain Princess regained her vitality and prepared to return to the little novice's head.

The illness, however, tightened its grip on the Thousand Brains Princess and crushed her, causing bloody fluid to splatter and land on the Lotus Light Dharma Master's robe.

He reprimanded coldly, "You have no sense of occasion... Don't you know we're all enjoying a delicious vegetarian meal right now!"

After saying that, Bingku quickly turned to look at the Lotus Light Dharma Master who was splattered with blood, and apologized repeatedly: "Oh, I'm so sorry, Dharma Master, it's my subordinate who is really ignorant."

"Look, I've already taken care of this unruly guy."

He pointed to the bloodstains on his palm, revealing a set of white teeth: "It shouldn't have spoiled the Dharma Master's appetite, right?"

—Since last night, this illness has been acting up for no apparent reason, taking some wrong medicine and inexplicably starting to nauseate him in various small ways.

If it weren't for the fact that this illness still has great use...

Lian Guang's heart surged with murderous intent.

"Of course not."

Lian Guang didn't even glance at the drop of blood that had fallen into the vegetarian meal; her smile remained unchanged.

Bodhidharma, who had just finished eating the last bite of his vegetarian meal and witnessed the whole scene, suddenly stood up.

“Let me do it,” he suddenly said, drawing the attention of the other two.

“I’ve looked at the map and I know where Yoshida Castle is,” Daruma said dryly. “It’s very close to Imagawa Yoshimoto, whom you two mentioned earlier.”

"Oh, is that so?"

Bingku suppressed his inappropriate laughter and asked, "Is Master Bodhidharma going too?"

"Yes."

Bodhidharma nodded, and he spoke his thoughts clearly and without reservation: "I have seen enough here. I need more trials and tribulations."

Lian Guang smiled and nodded, without saying anything more.

This is a good thing, as it reduces the number of potential rivals within the castle and increases the chances of taking Yoshida Castle.

There was no need for him to say anything more.

"That's a good feeling."

The patient nodded and raised his hand: "I will send a few more helpers to Master Bodhidharma to assist him."

As the patient raised his hand, three demonic servants, each exuding a terrifying aura, appeared amidst the surge of spiritual energy.

One of them wore a straw hat and resembled a monk, but his body was bound with rotten white bandages.

One of them had a withered face and a hunched back, carrying a bottomless medicine chest on his back.

One was as pale as a shadow, murmuring in pain, its joints bound by chains yet still able to move freely.

The patient said calmly, "Scabies Master, Bitter Bond, Karmic Illness Elder, from now on you must follow behind Master Bodhidharma and obey his commands unconditionally, do you understand?"

No one answered.

The three "people" simply stood silently behind Bodhidharma, heads bowed and saying nothing.

"Namo Amitabha."

Bodhidharma clasped his hands together and bowed deeply.
"Bodhidharma, thank you for your help, benefactor."

After a simple thank you, Bodhidharma turned and left the side hall, heading towards Yoshida Castle.

He wants to see for himself.

He needs to be tempered.

He wants to achieve self-fulfillment through the long journey of life.

(End of this chapter)