He changed Tiwat

On the night that Sakujiro returned to the Imaya family, Keisuke, who was working as a magistrate in the Tenryo district, also suddenly returned home and asked his parents if they had any news of Sakujiro.

It was only then that Saburo Imayatani learned that the person in charge of hunting down Sakujiro was none other than Kasuke Yoriki, the Tenryo Magistrate.

Saburo Imaya couldn't bear to see his two children fighting like brothers, so he concealed Sakujiro's whereabouts. At the same time, he contacted Yomiya of the "Naganohara Fireworks Shop" under the guise of ordering fireworks, and asked her to help Sakujiro smuggle out of Narukami Island.

Shortly afterward, Yomiya told Saburo Imaya that Sakujiro had safely left Narukami Island.

Because Sakujiro was considered a fugitive, and releasing a fugitive could affect Keisuke's future, Saburo Imaya kept the matter a secret and never told anyone in the village.

He never expected that he would hear news of Sakujiro again under such circumstances, and he never expected that after Sakujiro fled Narukami Island, he would go to Umijima Island to join the resistance.

"How...how is Sakujiro?" Saburo Imaya asked in a trembling voice.

Jiro Saimon shook his head: "It was terrible. That time, we were patrolling Nashiina with our commander when we ran into Sakujiro, who was on a reconnaissance mission to Futabasa... In the ensuing chaos, Sakujiro was slashed by my commander... My brother Yoshino and I pleaded with our commander for his life, but he forced us to kill Sakujiro with our own hands. When we refused, he threatened to kill us all as well... So we had no choice but to escape with Sakujiro..."

Everyone sighed.

If we're talking about whether this behavior constitutes disobeying orders on the battlefield, then of course it is... But the other party is a brother or sister who grew up in the same village, and they themselves wouldn't be able to do it either.

“We escaped into the mountains of Tatarasa, but we couldn’t cross the sea to come back. Sakujiro was seriously injured and unconscious, and we couldn’t contact the resistance forces of Sangokyo… At that time, it was Brother Midorikawa who saved us.”

“Well, I’ll explain the rest.” The man named Midorikawa Shiro took over from Jiro. “Our Midorikawa family were originally soldiers of Inazuma Castle. My father was a magistrate of the Tenryo magistrate.”

"My father was kind-hearted and often helped the neighbors. He also opened a dojo, took in some orphaned and helpless children, taught them swordsmanship, and enabled them to perform the duties of servants in the future."

The disciples behind him, known as the "Midori Kawaii-shu," nodded repeatedly, indicating that Midorikawa Shiro's words were true.

"After my father passed away, my mother and I were left to depend on each other. Fortunately, everyone at the dojo supported us, and we were able to make ends meet. By the grace of God, I gained the Eye of God a few years ago, and because of my proficiency in swordsmanship, I was recruited by the town magistrate to serve as a member of the Doshin, which gave me enough income to support my elderly mother."

"At the time, I was also grateful and thought that I should be loyal to the shogunate for the rest of my life... Later, the shogun issued the 'Eye Hunting Order' and my God Eye was confiscated. The God Eye was originally a gift from the gods. Since it was the shogun's order to take back this gift, I dared not complain."

"...However, not long after, the shogunate army suffered a defeat at the Battle of Tasuna, and the Tenryō magistrate ordered the conscription of new soldiers. The magistrate's office commander forcibly conscripted men from the castle town, including the Midorikawa Jigenryū dojo. But my elderly mother was already ill, and now there was no one to take care of her...I pleaded with the magistrate's office commander, but he was unmoved and soon sent us to the Kujō Jinya."

"I was worried about my mother's safety, so I conspired with my disciples to secretly leave the military camp and find a way back to the city to visit her..."

“When I returned to the dojo, I found it completely emptied, and my mother was bedridden and on the verge of death. I learned that after we were conscripted into the army, the people from the Heavenly Commandery looted the dojo under the guise of collecting taxes. My mother tried to stop them but failed and was even injured by the robbers…”

At this point, Shiro Midorikawa's face revealed undisguised anger: "Tenryo claims to uphold justice, yet it forces brothers to kill each other, separates parents from children, and even robs the people of their wealth and disregards human life! They even slandered me for taking my mother away as 'kidnapping my mother as a hostage,' bah! If I didn't take my mother away, would I let her stay in the city to be bullied by them and starve to death?"

"Gentlemen, I ask you, is it still worthwhile to be loyal to such a shogunate?"

"No need!" the disciples of Midorikawa answered in unison.

Jiro Saimon and the Yoshino brothers also shouted "No need!" Their voices were resounding, like the cracking of metal and stone.

The villagers of Konta Village looked at each other in bewilderment.

As members of the Kinki region, a territory loyal to the shogunate for generations, Midorikawa and his ilk's remarks were utterly rebellious. Even if their actions were understandable, the people of Konta Village found it difficult to accept such vehement words.

In addition, there is an even more practical problem facing everyone.

Jiro and the Yoshino brothers are wanted by the shogunate and have joined forces with another group of wanted criminals. Moreover, the shogunate's warrant clearly targets the previous "Ikki" (rebellion) in Konta Village, which means the entire village has been implicated.

This matter is destined to end badly.

There are only two choices facing everyone—

First, we should "sacrifice family for the greater good" and send these young men and Midorikawa and his group to the authorities. They have the skilled swordsman Teshima and his old comrade Yasuda, whose fighting prowess is in no way inferior to these young men. Exposing these "fugitives" should hopefully secure leniency from the shogunate.

Second... they escaped together. Just as Jiro and his group couldn't bring themselves to harm Sakujiro, it was equally difficult for Shibamon Katsumi and the others to harm their own flesh and blood. It was better for them to "gather in the mountains and forests" like Midorikawa and the others, and return after the war was over.

However, the village is mostly populated by elderly people who are attached to their homeland and difficult to persuade to flee with them... Moreover, a group of elderly people have limited mobility, making it extremely difficult to smuggle them across the border...

The faces of everyone were filled with worry.

At this moment, Mr. Teshima, who hadn't said much until now, stood up.

He first walked around the crowd, peeked out and looked around, then turned back and closed the door tightly, bolting it shut.

Although Midorikawa Shiro maintained his upright posture, upon seeing Teshima's actions, he reached into his robes and grasped the wakizashi hidden there.

The atmosphere in the room instantly became heavy.

Teshima turned around and slowly said to everyone, "You all should remember that since I lost my God Eyes, my mind has become more and more confused. A while ago, I even thought about leaving Konta Village to wander around... At that time, I was fortunate enough to be persuaded by that traveler and the village chief, which reminded me of my 'wish'..."

"When I was planning to wander, I secretly inquired about ways to leave Narukami Island—the 'seclusion edict' was not easy to overcome. If the shogunate found out about smuggling, the consequences ranged from imprisonment to execution as a rebel... Those who helped others smuggle themselves across the border were also risking their lives."

Teshima gave Midorikawa a deep look: "Midorikawa, you just said that you once found a way to secretly return to the city to visit your mother, but you didn't say what that way was. Also, you met in the mountains of Futabasa, and were wanted by the shogunate, yet you were able to cross the checkpoints blocked by the Kansei Magistrate and return to Konta Village..."

Midorikawa's expression changed, and he abruptly stood up.

Teshima, however, remained unmoved and calmly continued, "As far as I know, the only ones who can help people smuggle themselves out are the resistance forces of the Sangokyo. Midorikawa... and Jiro, tell Uncle Teshima the truth, did you join the resistance forces like Sakujiro?"

"What!? Erlang, is this true?" Chaimen Ke could no longer sit still. He jumped up, his face changing drastically.

It was normal for Jiro and his comrades to be wanted after deserting, but Katsumi Shibamon still felt quite wronged to be labeled as traitors—but then Mr. Teshima actually said that they really were traitors.

Good heavens! He just made a threatening statement this afternoon, saying he was going to fight the rebels in the Coral Palace to the death! Turns out the rebels are his own son?

If you had to describe his current mood in one sentence, it would probably be something like, "Even my son is colluding with the Japanese."

Jiro and the Yoshino brothers exchanged glances, then looked together at their "Brother Midorikawa".

The disciples of the Midorikawa Jigen-ryu school also looked at their master, seemingly waiting for an order.

Midorikawa remained silent for a long time before finally nodding: "To be honest, Mr. Tejima, when I returned to the city to pick up my mother, the people who risked their lives to help us smuggle ourselves across were from the Coral Palace."

"The rebels, who were called 'traitors,' risked their lives to help us reunite with our families, while the shogunate army only drove us to ruin. It is clear who represents justice."

"So, I took my mother and the disciples of the 'Midori River Jigen-ryu' and joined the resistance. Lord Sangokami accepted us, made proper arrangements for my mother, and gave us the name 'Sailfish First Squad', ordering us to operate on the Fusuna-no-Mikoto and cooperate with the main force of the resistance."

"Jiro and the others met us around that time. Sakujiro from the Imaya family is currently recuperating in the wounded soldiers' camp at the Coral Palace. The resistance will never abandon their comrades."

"Everyone from Konta Village, we've come to Narukami Island on a mission. It's a very dangerous mission, and there's a possibility of sacrifice. Before we left, the Jiro brothers wanted to see their parents one last time, so we've come with them..."

Midorikawa pulled the wakizashi from his arms.

"Mr. Teshima, are you planning to arrest us and take us to the authorities? If so, I have no choice but to apologize."

Teshima shook his head.

"No, please let me go with you."

“Huh…” Midorikawa was stunned.

Teshima laughed when he saw Midorikawa's astonished expression.

"Life is but fifty years, like a dream or an illusion. Where there is life, there is death; what is there for a brave man to regret?"

“These past few days, I’ve been thinking about what an old man like me, who has lost his ‘wishes’, can still do… After seeing you young people, I’ve come to a realization… If I can’t fulfill my own ‘wishes,’ then at least I can help you young people fulfill yours.”

After saying this, Teshima bowed deeply to the village chief and the others: "Thank you for your care over the past thirty years."

“Yes, we’ve spent thirty years together…” Village Chief Konta Densuke sighed softly, glancing at Saburo Imaya beside him. “Mr. Teshima has long been a member of our Konta Village. It would be too much of a formality for him to leave now.”

Saburo Imaya seemed to understand something and turned to look at Yasuda Ryoshin.

Yasuda nodded, then turned to look at Grandma Eri.

Grandma Huili nodded and slapped the still-dazed old man Keji's buttocks: "Old man, go back to your room and bring me that 'Tenmoku Shadow Blade' and the weapon."

Mr. Keji glared at her: "You old hag, what do you want to do?"

"What are you doing?" Grandma Huili suddenly laughed. "I'm going to join my son in his rebellion! If you don't come, I won't take you with me anymore."

That smile reminded Mr. Ke of the dashing female adventurer who wielded her naginata back then.

He stomped his foot angrily: "You old hag, just you wait! Once I've fully equipped myself with the family heirlooms and am wielding the Qingguang Sword, I'll join Erlang in killing that damned shogunate... one by one..."

"...a complete rout?" Grandma Huili helped her husband, who had forgotten his lines, finish the sentence.

Mr. Keji grinned and added, "He was utterly terrified!"

Chapter 180 Under the Blue Sky, Men United in Righteousness [4k5]

On the night of September 1st, at 9 PM, the village drum of Konta Village was struck.

This village, composed of descendants of samurai, still maintains the tradition of "discussing matters by beating a drum" that was once practiced in the samurai's quarters. Within two incense sticks' time after the drum is sounded, all the villagers gather in the courtyard of the Sōryō Konta family.

For the first time in his life, Konta Densuke donned the heirloom armor left by his ancestors, and his companions, Imaya Saburo and Saimon Katsumi, also wore the armor left by their ancestors.

Not only them, the villagers also saw Yasuda, the old man with a long gun, Eri, the old woman with a naginata, and the young men from the village who went to join the army...

Recalling the earth-shattering battle that took place in Kannazuka yesterday... the villagers of Konta Village all knew that something big was about to happen.

Konta Densuke climbed onto the makeshift wooden platform and spoke a few words to the villagers below.

One of the sentences reads, “Tenryo is a corrupt and oppressive government that has imposed even more taxes this month and is threatening to treat us as traitors if we don’t pay. I, Konta Densuke, am going to lead everyone into the city to demand justice.”

Another sentence is, "Those who are willing to come with us, sign the 'Umbrella Conflict Judgment' document."

Shibamon Jiro stepped forward and handed his father the white paper umbrella and pen in his hand.

The "umbrella joint judgment" is Inazuma's version of a "contract document," or you could say a "pledge of allegiance."

Signing your name signifies swearing an oath to participate in the uprising and stand together with everyone in Konta Village.

This is also an ancient tradition in Inazuma; the "shokuya-ikki" (shoshi-i-kyu) in Inazuma has followed this pattern since ancient times.

The name of Konta Densuke was signed in the very center of the paper umbrella, which means that he was the initiator of the "Ikki" (rebellion), and if the shogunate were to investigate in the future, he, as the soro-ryo (chief commander), would bear all the responsibility.

Traditionally, others would sign near the umbrella ribs, and those who were illiterate would leave their fingerprints by dipping their fingers in ink. These names would form a ring around the Soryo-ryo's name, similar to a so-called "round table meeting," signifying that "participants are not ranked."

Apart from the chief sergeant, the other participants simply followed his orders; in other words, "there was only one principal offender, and everyone else was an accomplice."

But Chaimen Katsu had already taken the paper umbrella and brush, and casually signed his name next to the village chief's name, writing it even larger than Konta Densuke's name, as if to emphasize that he was the leader.

Grandma Huili snatched the pen from Mr. Keji's hand and then signed her own name above her husband's... Mr. Keji was distressed by his position in the family and dared not speak out against his anger.

Imaya, Tejima, Yasuda, and others did the same, signing their names alongside the village chief.

The white paper umbrella was slowly passed around to everyone present, and each person silently signed their name.

When Konta Densuke retrieved the "umbrella case," he was astonished to find that the originally white paper umbrella had turned into a dark blob in the middle—hundreds of names were crammed together, making it impossible to distinguish who was the "principal offender" and who was the "accomplice."

"Everyone... what is this...?" Konta Densuke asked the people present.

One of the villagers laughed: "Brother Chuanzhu, 'Yi Kui' means 'everyone working together as one,' so why distinguish between master and servant? We, the people of Konta Village, have always been of one mind!"

Someone else chimed in: "Yes, the people of Konta Village are of one mind, advancing and retreating together!"

Someone else shouted, "I've wanted to teach those beasts who follow the Heavenly Order a lesson for a long time!"

Everyone chimed in with their own opinions, and in the end, all voices converged into one phrase: "Sharing blessings and hardships together."

As he listened to everyone's voices, the old village chief's eyes gradually blurred with tears.

He bowed deeply to the villagers, then hoisted the ink-stained paper umbrella onto his shoulder, like a scout in the army carrying the general's flag.

"Please rest up and make full preparations tomorrow, and gather here early the day after tomorrow."

"Then, we'll show those brats of the shogunate the spirit of Konta Village!"

—At this moment, the first "revolt" in Inazuma's history, in which "everyone was a principal offender," was born.

The small group of about a hundred people in Konta Village became the starting point for a series of riots that later broke out in Inazuma Castle.

Later historians referred to this "Konda Ikki" as the "Kokujin Ikki," meaning a collective uprising of the people.

History books describe this "national uprising" as follows:

[Inazuma is as secure as the castle tower, and as impregnable as the tomb of the gods. When the people of the country are enraged, the land will crumble.]

Therefore, it is virtue, not danger, that matters.

The ruler is the boat; the people are the water.

Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it.

If you do not cultivate virtue, everyone on this boat will become an enemy state.

While the people of Konta Village were passing around the "umbrella judgment," another group of people were passing around papers at the "Meijō-shisui-ryū" dojo on the outskirts of Inazuma Castle.

However, the piece of paper in their hands was not a "pledge of allegiance," but a "conscription notice."

The newly appointed acting instructor of the dojo, Anzai, was furious. Pointing at the notice, he questioned the conscription order issued by the Heavenly Territory: "What does this mean? My junior brother, Tumen, has been ill since his Eye of God was confiscated and is unable to fight. Besides, we are all so old. What can we old men do on the battlefield? Are you planning to take our lives?"

The other party remained silent.

Anxi's anger intensified, and he pointed to the wall in the dojo with the nameplates of the disciples: "Look at this wall again, how many names are left? In order to fight against the Coral Palace, you have already taken away a large number of disciples of 'Clear Mirror Still Water Stream' - not a single one has returned!"

"My 'Myokyō Shisui-ryū' is a renowned school of Inatsuma swordsmanship with a history spanning several hundred years. Countless disciples and members have served the General faithfully, and many have died on the battlefield... Now, there are only a handful of people left in the entire dojo. Are you planning to forcibly conscript soldiers and extinguish the 'Myokyō Shisui-ryū' lineage in this generation?!"

The other party remained silent.

Anzai was so angry that he almost got up and drew his sword, but Tsuchimon, who was sitting next to him, tugged at his sleeve and gently shook his head.

Anzai forcibly suppressed his anger, glaring at the magistrate in front of him: "Kurosawa Kyonosuke, are you mute? Speak up!"