People in Xumi: I am really not the Dragon King

Chapter 476 The "Thriving" Inazuma and the "Hana-sanri" Who Took the Bait

"—Waaah, let's go, let's go! We've made a huge commotion!"

"—Also, thank you for giving us clothes and knocking out those fools. I didn't expect the guys in the bank to be so strong despite their seemingly ordinary appearance."

The path leading to Hanamizaka was shrouded in darkness.
They skillfully avoided all places guarded by shogunate soldiers and the three figures were speeding away.

He distributed the black robes, which he himself didn't even know he had bought, from the Dust Song Pot to his two "accomplices." At this moment, the three of them, all wearing black robes from head to toe, looked remarkably like an evil organization from a comic book.

"You're welcome. These things were bought haphazardly by my guide. I didn't need them anyway."

"If I remember correctly, you two were the ones who brought those villagers here to borrow money during the day, right?"

"Is it because you already planned to break the contract that you brought so many people with you?"

I was simply very sensitive to the malice of those salespeople, and I also had a long-standing grudge against the Fools, so I took this opportunity to get some revenge.
But these two probably never intended to repay the loan properly from the beginning; they were clearly prepared.

"Huh? What?! You saw through it so easily? Then my disguise was a complete failure?"

"—Yōmiya, I told you the clothes you prepared weren't very good, right? They can't even cover my proud demon horns."

???

"—Huh? It's all because you members of the Wild Water Sect insisted on coming along, claiming to be 'righteous and chivalrous'! Besides, your Divine Eye isn't even on you right now, so our plan wasn't supposed to be this straightforward!"

fluorescent:"."

That's so amateurish. Would these two guys really have a chance to get into Northern Bank under normal circumstances?
Unless they could foresee the chaos caused by this abyss attack from the beginning, they would definitely be wanted even if they managed to fight their way out.

"."

"Oh well, in terms of the outcome, it was a great victory. We burned all the documents and none of the people who were left behind saw us."

"Although I don't know where those monsters came from, those wicked guys from the Fatui Sect really deserved their bad luck!"

After briefly reviewing his previous actions in his mind, Yonomiya also felt that everything was just the right coincidence.

Thinking about her new neighbor's prediction, she had to admit that luck was still on her side.

"—Oh right, I almost forgot to introduce it."

"—My name is Xiaogong, and this is Yidou. Those guys from the Northern Bank were surprisingly difficult to deal with. You really helped a lot!"

As they ran, they gradually came to a wasteland where they were unlikely to be caught.
Slowing down slightly, Xiaogong also planned to properly thank this very skilled "colleague".

"No need to thank me. I have some grudges with the Fools, and I haven't come away empty-handed this time."

They also slowed their pace, and the girl next to them waved.

Although it was just a habit from constantly opening treasure chests, I instinctively opened a few on a whim.
But after all, this is probably a literal "bank robbery." Ying recalled her law-abiding behavior when she first came to Inazuma and felt as if she was on a path of no return that had completely deviated from her original plan.

"Northern Bank's security is quite strong. If it weren't for those abyssal monsters that suddenly attacked their warehouse, you would have had a very hard time finding any opportunities."

"The Eye Hunt Order is not very friendly to those who possess the Eye of God. Being captured by either side would have dire consequences. Why are you willing to take such a risk?"

He was confident that he could escape unscathed, and that being wanted again wouldn't change anything substantial.

Unlike himself, these two were clearly not after the borrowed money, and they didn't even try to open the vault where Mora was kept. It seemed that they were after the bank loan contracts from the very beginning.

"Um, is it just because you're simply angry?"

"People who have borrowed money from Beiguo Bank before are always found to be in default for various reasons. Even the houses and land of several of our old clients have been auctioned off by those Zhidong people. And going to the Fengxing Office has no effect."

He puffed out his cheeks, his tone clearly showing some anger:
"Just recently, a friend of mine told me that other branches of the Northern Bank have been running into trouble, being attacked by a group of dark monsters. A lot of something called 'Crystallized Bone Marrow' has been stolen from their warehouses, and many loan contracts have also been lost."

"I figured that since we're both from the Northern Bank, I might get an opportunity if I came a few more times, so I decided to come and stake out the place. I just didn't expect to have such good luck on the first day."

fluorescent:"."

Is this really just good luck? Are the abyssal monsters appearing around me getting stronger and stronger? Can I really still go and pray to the gods?
"Oh, right! I just saw you use lightning elemental power, and you easily drove away those abyssal monsters with just a wave of your hand."

Do you have any special methods for dealing with these monsters? They don't seem to attack you much.

Recalling the incredible scene he witnessed when he left, Yomiya felt that the "reinforcements" in front of him were among the most amazing people he had ever met.

"No. It's probably just luck. How could abyssal monsters obey human commands? You've just misjudged them."

I just tried to get rid of those abyssal monsters, but I didn't expect it to actually work, and it was even remarkably effective.

After touching the statue on the island, Ying used her lightning elemental power for the first time. She didn't want to admit that she had anything to do with the abyss. She sighed slightly, feeling that the misunderstanding was gradually getting deeper.

"Hmm, that seems to be true. The concept of an Abyss Princess is only common in Yaedo's light novels. It seems unlikely no matter how you look at it."

Realizing he was making a foolish mistake, Yonomiya chuckled awkwardly twice, then decisively prepared to change the subject:
"—You don't seem very willing to reveal your identity. Don't worry, we won't force you to."

"Both the Arataki faction and I are active in Hanamizaka. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, please feel free to come to us. We will all do our best to help!"

Unlike his own and Ichidou's disguises, the person in front of him was clearly very professional, as if he had many layers of disguise.

It was time to shed the disguise and blend into the village. Yomiya waved amicably and made his promise.

"Okay, I have some companions to meet, so I'll be leaving now. I'll see you again when I have the chance."

She generally believed in the character of the two people in front of her, but Ying thought about her inexplicable ability to attract abyssal demons and didn't think it would be a good thing to get too involved with them.

He waved goodbye for the time being.

Having just triggered an abyss invasion in Inazuma Castle, right under the gods' feet, she felt a little guilty, wondering how the magistrates would report to the gods. She sighed slightly and finally decided to go to the location she had agreed upon with Thomas first.

Meanwhile, at the castle tower.

With the bright moon hanging high, the majestic building, the general's residence, stands atop the entire Inazuma Castle, its lights shining even in the night.

After a sudden disturbance and sensing the abyss, the leader summoned the Heavenly Commander in charge of security.

A sacred figure with purple hair and purple eyes, dressed in a manner that combined the majesty of a warrior with the nobility of a god, sat in the center of the hall, holding a report presented by an elder below.

"."

"An isolated incident. The army arrived in time to provide assistance, and the abyssal monsters did not cause significant damage. They have all been wiped out by the Heavenly Commanders?"

The abyssal aura disappeared very quickly, which was basically consistent with the battle report. The general sitting above nodded.

"My Lord, they are but a few demons; there is no need to worry about them."

With the shogunate army strong and well-equipped, and the public's enthusiasm for enlisting at an unprecedented level, both the Abyss and the rebel forces crumbled at the first encounter.
Following your will, the Kujo family will forever be the most reliable guardians on Inatsuma's path to "eternity."

As if he had seen everything in his battle report with his own eyes, Kujo Takayuki, standing in front, had a calm and unwavering gaze.

"Eternity." "The scenery of this world remains unchanged for hundreds and thousands of years, yet human existence is as fleeting as dew and bubbles."

The threats of the abyss and war are ever-present; it is precisely for this reason that "eternity" must be sought.

He shook his head, his expression unchanged, indicating that he wouldn't leave the castle tower unless absolutely necessary, thus adding further uncertainty to the world.

The general, seated before the old man, put down his report and routinely inquired about the situation:
"How is the Eye Hunt progressing? Are the rebels still putting up a stubborn resistance? Has the arrival of the winter troops affected the lives of the people?"

"—The country is prosperous and the people are wealthy. Not only is the country thriving, but the Eye Hunting Order is also progressing far beyond expectations thanks to the selfless help of our friend Zhi Dong."

"—Whether it's those stubborn rebels who intend to destroy eternity, or these insignificant demons and monsters, at present, Inazuma is united as one, advancing and retreating as one. No matter what obstacles there are, they are ultimately nothing more than a minor ailment."

With a calm expression, as if every word of the false information he spoke was true, Kujo Takayuki was now quite adept at such matters.

If you cheat the first time, you'll have to cheat countless times to make up for it afterwards.

With battle reports of resounding victories, the impression of the Shogunate army as strong, well-disciplined, and disciplined has become deeply ingrained, leaving them only to continue their reckless advance under the illusion of superiority.

But the outcome wouldn't make much difference anyway; both the resistance and the abyssal monsters were just minor problems that could be easily dealt with.

Compared to these things, it is more important to ensure that no matter what happens, the Lady of the Imperial Palace can sit peacefully inside the castle tower and dispel any thoughts she might have about going out.
—As for the fact that the resistance or the abyssal monsters suddenly became several times or even dozens of times stronger than they are now, and because of the falsified battle reports, he was unable to ask the general for help.
"."

Kujo Takayuki shook his head and smiled to himself. Having already squeezed out countless riches and military funds, he felt that such a thing was simply impossible.

"—Reporting to the General, the She Fengxing has repeatedly submitted petitions to obstruct Yongheng, which is clearly disrespectful to the General."

"—But the three commissioners have worked together for thousands of years and have long been working together on an eternal cause. Considering the past camaraderie, although the commissioner may seem to have forgotten his roots, he is mostly misled by outsiders for a time."
Although it is illegal, I humbly request that Your Excellency refrain from pursuing this matter for the time being.

He bent down, his words full of sincerity.
Faced with the only stumbling block at present, the nine filial acts, ostensibly adhering to the principle of "pleading for leniency" for the sake of the society, routinely sow discord among the generals...

Changing the subject, he finally revealed his true purpose:

"However, everything can be done once or twice but not three times. Even if we are close colleagues, my personal feelings must give way to eternity. As one of the three chief ministers, the Society's chief minister has repeatedly disobeyed God's will. If he does not make any statement, I am afraid it will be difficult to convince the public."

"The Kamisato family has been loyal for generations. After committing a grave mistake, they were spared thanks to the General's mercy, which is why they have continued to this day. They must have a strong desire to serve their country."

"I believe it is most likely that outsider in the Divine Palace who is spreading rumors and misleading the public. His Divine Eye has not been confiscated before."
To serve as a warning, I humbly request that Your Excellency grant permission to conduct an "eye hunt" on him.

"."

"can."

After a brief silence, the purple-haired figure nodded, determining that eliminating outsiders and the Eye of God would benefit Eternity. Without further hesitation, he granted his permission.

"General, you are wise!"

"The use of 'eyes' to adorn the statue of the Thousand-Armed, Hundred-Eyed God is a manifestation of divine power, and the Three Great Admonitions are no exception."

With the hundred eyes nearly complete, this final eye will serve as a testament to the public's determination to seek "eternity."

He was genuinely pleased with the general's decision, and he was quite certain that it would serve as a powerful warning to the clueless brother and sister.

The abyss, the resistance, and the magistrates are no longer obstacles. After the Shogun declared himself the master of the castle tower, the Kujo family will soon become the true rulers of Inazuma.
With such power and status, even that arrogant woman would no longer have the right to boss him around.

"Phew, Thomas, are you sure we can get back to Inazuma Castle? Are you really sure there won't be any danger?"

"Huh? You said many people will give you face, so don't worry."

The next morning, at the Kinan Restaurant on Hanamizaka.

After waiting for a very, very long time, I finally felt relieved enough to see Ying.

Paimon breathed a sigh of relief after confirming that Ying was not in any danger and had not been discovered.

After being treated to a long-awaited feast by Thomas here...

When Paimon heard Thomas say that he planned to go back and check on the situation for them, and also look for a way to see the gods, he was both touched and worried, and asked the question above.

"."

"Ha, don't worry, friends. You've all seen how I can protect myself. Besides, no one would dare to lay a hand on a housekeeper who is a social magistrate. There's no danger."

"See you in a few days. You can rest in Hanamizaka for a while while I help you finish up the Hokkoku Bank incident."

The blond youth laughed heartily, his words brimming with confidence.

After their initial meeting on the island, they have spent a considerable amount of time together, and he has genuinely come to appreciate these two new friends for their character and abilities.

I plan to do everything I can to clear my two friends' names of criminal charges, and then try to arrange a meeting between them and the Grand Master.
Inazuma's situation was unusual; very few people were so eager to see the shogun.
Because of this particular consideration, he was also curious whether Ying and Paimon's insistence on meeting the gods would really make everything in Inazuma's life better after they met the general.

A moment later, on a path outside the village, in front of an abandoned shrine in front of a fox statue.

"Hello, traveler, please wait a moment."

"So, we two have nothing to do for the time being?"

"Hello? The destined one favored by Lei?"

"Before arriving at the agreed time with Thomas, may I wander around a bit?"

"??? Can't you hear me? Or can't you see me?"

"Finally, I can relax a bit. I've been running around non-stop for the past few days, and Paimon was so exhausted he could barely float."

"."

Near the shrine, a black-haired woman wearing a fox mask and a shrine maiden's outfit stood frozen in place, her right hand, which she had originally intended to use to greet someone, looking utterly bewildered.
She had finally found her "destined one" to help with this divine cherry blossom exorcism, but for some reason, the current situation seemed a little different from what she had imagined.
???

"Is that the smell of fried tofu? It smells so good, it even tastes just like the way I personally taught it to be."

If the Great Purification isn't completed, the entire Inazuma ley line will be in danger; she should be feeling extremely down right now.

But for some reason, compared to all these things, after smelling the aroma of the fried tofu...
For a moment, she even recalled some of her feelings from hundreds of years ago, when "she" was still alive and teaching that little pink fox.
"."

Having realized something, and seeing that the "destined one" had already gone far away, they feared they might miss the "Great Purification of the Divine Cherry Blossoms," which concerned the Inazuma ley lines.
Now called Hana Sanri, she turned slightly, took a deep breath with mixed feelings, and...

With a hint of helplessness, he looked at the "culprit" who had somehow appeared behind him, smiling as he held a plate of fried tofu.

"—Hmm, nice to meet you, Ms. Hanasanri. I guess you might have something you need help with, and you're currently a little troubled."

"Perfect timing, I still have some time now. If there's anything you want to talk about, how about we eat some fried tofu together and talk while we eat?"

They pulled out a square table from somewhere, and then, as if afraid something would get away, they created a "barrier" around it.

The young man, who had just returned from Narukami Shrine and still carried a faint scent of foxes, smiled slightly.
After placing the perfectly preserved, still steaming plate of fried tofu on the table, he reached out and invited the "memory" in front of him, who was looking at him with resentful eyes because the free laborer had slipped away.

(End of this chapter)