Tokyo Sword Saint Online Dealing

That's how this whole drama unfolded in the underground parking lot.

"you know?"

Hidekawa Kamiizumi raised his voice slightly, and anger flickered across his face.

"Do you know how angry I'll be if something happens to Qing?"

Ryunosuke Akutagawa's smile was somewhat stiff. He took a small step back, his voice becoming even lower.

"I know."

Kamiizumi Hidekawa stroked the hilt of the ebony sword in his hand, a cold smile curving his lips, and his voice also turned a few degrees colder.

Do you know what I did last time I was angry?

Ryunosuke Akutagawa took a deep breath and exhaled a breath of stale air; his fake smile had turned into a bitter one.

He hesitated for a few seconds before finally speaking honestly.

"I know that five years ago, a demon targeted your daughter, intending to use her as a sacrifice to summon a [Tenshu-level] demon powerful enough to destroy half of Tokyo. In the end, you acted in anger, single-handedly entering the demon's dream with your sword and slaying thirty-seven demons, including three of the [Eight Thunder Gods]. The Fire and Thunder God, who had been eyeing Tokyo and preparing to descend, was severely weakened and disappeared. For the past five years, his followers have not dared to be active in Tokyo. You saved half of Tokyo."

Ryunosuke Akutagawa's choice of words subtly hinted at flattery, and he went into considerable detail, but Hidekawa Kamiizumi remained unmoved.

His face darkened, he raised an eyebrow, and said menacingly, "You know quite a lot."

"Since you know all this, why do you dare to plot against Qing?"

"Is it that the Collectors' Association has become all-powerful in Tokyo and no longer respects anyone else, or do you think I'm too old to wield a sword?"

Ryunosuke Akutagawa would never dare to admit this. The "Eight Thunder Gods" who died at the hands of Hidekawa Kamiizumi originally consisted of eight people. Through a secret technique, the eight of them could be combined to form the "Fire and Thunder God" with "Tenshu-level" destructive power. That was a genuine god—although it was just a native Japanese god who had fallen into demonhood, one of the eight million gods, but its strength should not be underestimated.

Then, this powerful demon god of the Tenshu level was chased to his lair by Kamiizumi Hidekawa, who killed more than thirty of his underlings with a single sword strike. Three of the Eight Thunder Gods' true forms were also chopped off, and only five escaped. He was severely weakened and dared not show his face again.

Such a ruthless person as Ryunosuke Akutagawa would never dare to offend.

He adopted a very humble attitude and spoke softly.

"Kamizumi Kensho may have misunderstood. What happened to Uesugi-kun was not my doing. I simply rushed to the scene as soon as I received the news, witnessed Uesugi-kun's swordsmanship, and, somewhat intrigued, inquired about his interest in joining the Collectors' Association. I did not coerce him, nor did I cause him any harm."

Before Ryunosuke Akutagawa could finish speaking, he was interrupted by Hidekawa Kamiizumi.

"If it weren't for that, do you think you'd still be alive, standing here talking to me?"

"Don't try to sweet-talk me. I've seen more cunning old foxes than you've seen ordinary people. Who can fool your little schemes?"

"What's your motive for recruiting Qing to work for you?"

Ryunosuke Akutagawa gave a strained smile and replied, "Naturally, it's because I admire Uesugi-kun's strength and character."

Kamiizumi Hidekawa chuckled, his face full of disdain.

"Oh? Is that so?"

"I thought the Collectors Association was feeling the pressure from the Shinsengumi and the forces that recently parachuted into Tokyo and belonged to Heian-kyo, and wanted to use Kiyoshi's power to launch a counterattack."

“Look, Kiyoshi is still young and his strength is average. He can’t do much, but he has a decent master. I’ve never gotten along with those charlatans in Heian-kyo. When the Shinsengumi asked me to come out of seclusion, I didn’t agree, which offended several high-ranking members. If my disciple is bullied by those people now, as his master, I naturally can’t stand idly by.”

"When the time comes, this old man will call on his friends and fight with Mibu Wolves and those charlatans. The Collectors Association will naturally be able to sit back and watch the fight, and then reap the benefits."

"I thought Chairman Akutagawa was planning to use one wolf to devour another, taking advantage of both sides."

"It seems I was being paranoid?"

The smile on Ryunosuke Akutagawa's face finally vanished. Cold sweat trickled down his forehead and dripped onto the ground, the faint sound clearly audible in the quiet underground parking lot.

Chapter 40 Cohabitation Life

A suffocating silence filled the air. Ryunosuke Akutagawa gripped his cane, his lips pursed, the smile on his face vanished without a trace.

He stared at Hidekawa Kamiizumi for a long time without backing down, then gently shook his head.

"Kengoku Uesugi, I admit that my interest in you is partly due to your presence. I'm genuinely curious why the head of the Shinkage-ryu, who hasn't taken on any disciples in ten years, has suddenly accepted a new apprentice."

“I’ve also considered that. If Uesugi-kun joins us, perhaps the Collectors Association can get your support.”

"Otherwise, based solely on the talent that Uesugi-kun has displayed, we don't necessarily need him."

“I acknowledge all of that, but you’re exaggerating a bit by saying that you’re trying to take advantage of everyone, big or small.”

“Our Collectors Association has never forced its members to do anything for the association. We have never done so before, we do not do it now, and we will never do it in the future.”

“Our collectors’ monthly mandatory missions have always been limited to sealing and containing ghosts and spirits; friction and conflict with other organizations have never been taken into account.”

"The purpose of collectors' associations has always been to collect and protect, not to fight for power and profit or to haggle over trivial matters."

These words were powerful and moving. Ryunosuke Akutagawa was not intimidated by Hidekawa Kamiizumi's imposing manner; instead, he refuted him.

Kamiizumi Hidekawa didn't say anything more. He hadn't come to kill anyone; he just wanted to teach Akutagawa Ryunosuke a lesson and show him that Uesugi Kiyoshi wasn't some rootless duckweed he could manipulate at will—at least he had a master who would stand up for him.

This is important. The Akutagawa family has produced many cunning and treacherous individuals, and he was worried that his apprentice would be tricked by others.

Ten years ago, he might have even taken action to teach Akutagawa Ryunosuke a lesson and made him suffer, but there's no need for that now.

Kamiizumi Hidekawa was past the age of being petty and calculating. Besides, Akutagawa Ryunosuke hadn't really done anything outrageous. If Akutagawa Ryunosuke had really instigated Uesugi Kiyoshi to clash with the Shinsengumi or the people of Heian-kyo, forcing him into a confrontation, he definitely wouldn't hesitate to kill that cunning little fox first. Putting everything else aside, his smooth-talking manner was exactly like his father who died early.

Kamiizumi Hidekawa gave Akutagawa Ryunosuke a deep look, shook his head, and muttered something under his breath.

"The Collectors' Association, huh? A bunch of idealists."

"If I find out you're plotting against Qing..."

He left with half a sentence unfinished, then strolled out, seemingly having lost interest in talking to Ryunosuke Akutagawa.

Instead, Ryunosuke Akutagawa turned around somewhat unconvinced and looked at Hidekawa Kamiizumi's back.

"Kamizumi Kengo, idealists are always better than capitalists!"

"Compared to becoming a lackey for zaibatsu and politicians, our Collectors' Association is a better choice for Uesugi-kun, isn't it?"

"You don't want Uesugi-kun to follow your example and become a lone wolf, do you? You should know very well how difficult that would be!"

Ignoring Ryunosuke Akutagawa's question, Hidekawa Kamiizumi lazily disappeared into the dim light and shadow of the underground parking lot, as if he had never been there.

Ryunosuke Akutagawa's expression shifted several times, his expression turning grim and uncertain. Finally, he sighed, got into the driver's seat of the car, and drove away.

Meanwhile, Uesugi Kiyomasa and Nohara Kyoko boarded the train home.

It's a little past 11 o'clock now, and they are the only two people in their carriage. At this time, it's almost the last train. Trains in Tokyo usually stop running at midnight.

Uesugi Kiyoshi sat in his chair, frowning, deep in thought about the events of the day.

The information he received today was overwhelming: common knowledge about "superhumans," the concepts of "ghosts and gods" and "dream worlds," as well as the invitation from the "Collectors' Association," all of which caused unusual fluctuations in his heart.

He was a little excited.

An inexplicable excitement.

Perhaps it was humanity's yearning for the extraordinary etched into its very bones, or perhaps it was years of swordsmanship training that honed his competitive spirit, or perhaps he was simply born to be someone who refused to be ordinary.

How can one live a life without accomplishing anything?

Now, the door in front of him has been pushed open, revealing a vast expanse of stars and seas, which he can't wait to explore.

Kyoko Nohara, standing to the side, was holding her schoolbag, her head bowed with a sorrowful expression. She had stopped crying, but she was still saddened.

After all, her uncle had died suddenly, and as her only remaining relative in the world, Yokota held a very high place in Nohara Kyoko's heart.

However, she was not unreasonable. She was there when her uncle was clearly acting like a madman, attacking Uesugi Kiyoshi frantically. If Uesugi Kiyoshi had been no match for him, she would probably have been killed as well. Therefore, she did not blame Uesugi Kiyoshi for her uncle's death. She was not the kind of person who acted unreasonably.

Kyoko Nohara sighed with her head down, then secretly glanced at Kiyoshi Uesugi's profile. Uesugi was deep in thought, his expression focused, his eyebrows furrowed, and his fox-like eyes narrowed. His handsome profile was faintly visible in the dim light of the car headlights, adding to his mystique. Kyoko Nohara became mesmerized by his gaze, wishing she could smooth out Uesugi's furrowed brows and make him happier.

Uesugi Kiyoshi's looks are quite striking among high school students, at least he's very attractive to shy and introverted girls like Nohara Kyoko.

Just then, Uesugi Kiyoshi was startled from his reverie. He took his phone out of his pocket and glanced at the caller ID. The vibration just now indicated that someone had called.

Upon seeing the postcard from the incoming call, Uesugi Kiyoshi looked surprised. After hesitating for a moment, he pressed the answer button.

In Japan, it's discouraged to make phone calls on trains, as it's considered a public place and it's considered impolite. If it's a call from someone unimportant, Uesugi Kiyoshi doesn't plan to answer.

"Master, it's me. I'm on the tram home."

"Yes, something did happen. I wasn't injured, and the police didn't give me any trouble."

“The Collectors Association? Yes, there is one. They contacted me and wanted to recruit me, but I declined, saying I needed to ask for your opinion first.”

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be a stranger. I just didn't want to bother my master with such a trivial matter. I can handle this myself."

Why am I able to deal with superhumans?

"."

"Master, this is a long story. I'll tell you about it at the temple tomorrow."

"Yes, I understand."

Goodnight, Master.

After hanging up the phone, Uesugi Kiyoshi smiled slightly, a smile filled with a warm and wonderful sense of happiness. He was quite happy; this feeling of being cared for was wonderful to him. His radiant smile even made Nohara Kyoko, who was standing next to him, stare in disbelief.

She rarely saw such a pure smile from Uesugi Kiyoshi.

Just now, Izumi Hidekawa called to inquire about Uesugi Kiyoshi's situation. He said that he also had connections in the Metropolitan Police Department and told Uesugi Kiyoshi not to worry, that there would be no further developments in this matter, and that he could handle the Collectors Association. He told Uesugi Kiyoshi not to have any concerns and also criticized him for not contacting him when things went wrong, instead facing the situation alone. Finally, he asked Uesugi Kiyoshi how he dealt with Yokota, as he, as the teacher, did not remember ever teaching this disciple extraordinary swordsmanship.

Uesugi Seiichi answered all the questions and planned to go to the dojo the next day to talk to his master about the matter in detail, so he didn't say much more on the phone.

Seeing that Uesugi Kiyoshi was in a good mood, Nohara Kyoko mustered up her courage and started a conversation.

"Is Uesugi-kun on the phone with his master?"

The girl's soft, sweet voice softened Uesugi Kiyoshi's tone as well.

He smiled and replied, "Yes, when my master heard that I was in trouble, he called to ask how I was doing."

"My master is the only person I can rely on in this world."

“Kyoko, you can stay at my place for the night. Tomorrow I’ll take you to see my master. He seems to have quite a network of connections in Tokyo. I’ll ask him to see if he can find you a temporary place to stay. We can talk about the rest later. Life has to go on.”

Kyoko Nohara was initially a little shy when she heard that Kiyoshi Uesugi was going to take her to meet his master. She had a strange feeling of being taken home by her boyfriend to meet his parents. However, after hearing the second half of Kiyoshi Uesugi's sentence, Kyoko Nohara's mood dropped again.

Perhaps before she met Uesugi Kiyoshi, she had already grown accustomed to being alone and to living tenaciously like a weed.

But after meeting Uesugi Kiyoshi, she felt a warmth she had never experienced before, and she no longer wanted to live such a lonely life.

When I was little, my mother told me that a girl's happiness is fleeting and needs to be seized by herself.

I was too young then to understand what that sentence meant.