Tokyo Sword Saint Online Dealing

"Qing is such a good man, I should learn from him. Don't worry, if things continue like this, when you get chopped up with a machete, I'll definitely hire the most professional team for your funeral!"

Kudo Yuichi patted his chest with a mischievous grin. Uesugi Kiyoshi was somewhat speechless, but he wasn't averse to this kind of friendly revelation.

In a sense, the great detective wasn't wrong.

Just as he was trying to quickly change the subject, there were a few knocks on the door, and then the wooden door to the conference room was gently pushed open.

Ryunosuke Akutagawa walked in slowly, a smile on his face.

"I'm so sorry to have interrupted the emotional exchange between these two 'good men'."

"However, gentlemen, time is precious. Shall we get down to business first?"

Chapter 86 Collectibles

Kudo Yuichi rolled his eyes without giving him any face and retorted, "Akutagawa, you're the one who wasted time, how can you say that so confidently?"

Ryunosuke Akutagawa, unfazed, maintained his smile and sat down in the chair labeled "Rashomon"—the head seat.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Collectors Association is headed by Ryunosuke Akutagawa.

He took a rather plain-looking key out of his pocket and placed it on the table.

"There's nothing I can do. Our general is never home, indulging in a life of luxury and debauchery. I can't control him."

"I was lucky today. I only drove for ten minutes and found him at his third girlfriend's house. If I hadn't been so lucky, I would have searched every place she frequented. If you can see me before midnight, I'll be considered quick!"

"Fortunately, my hard times are probably over. We should have more capable generals who are more mindful of the overall situation joining us."

Ryunosuke Akutagawa's words were pointed.

Uesugi Kiyoshi, however, found himself choking on his own words.

Judging from this, the ex-girlfriend who committed the "attempted crime" must have had a reinforced platoon, right?

What kind of organization is this?

Collectors Association?

Is this some kind of "scumbag men's association"?

Ryunosuke Akutagawa wasn't a good person either. When they first met, he used both kindness and threats to probe his background, leaving him with a rather mediocre first impression.

He coughed lightly, stopping the conversation from going in the wrong direction, and started to get down to business.

"Mr. Akutagawa, I apologize for disturbing you."

"I'm sure you can guess why I've come here."

"With Yuichi around, we all know each other well, so I won't play those games with you, like making something out of nothing or getting something for nothing."

"To make a long story short, you want to wipe out the Oni Clan of Mount Ooe behind the Dongwen Society, and I want Dong Wenyu's head. We have a common goal."

"Although I am outnumbered and outmatched, I still have the sword in my hand that I can use. I can also raise the tiger-skin banner of the Dongwen Society's young lady. This is the legitimate reason for my attack."

"In that case, why don't we cooperate and each get what we need? What do you say?"

Uesugi Kiyoshi's words were quite straightforward. It wasn't that he was incapable of eloquence, but Akutagawa Ryunosuke probably already had a full understanding of his situation. At this point, there was no need to play games; it would only annoy people.

To his surprise, Ryunosuke Akutagawa's answer was even more direct.

"can."

Ryunosuke Akutagawa's smile remained unchanged as he uttered two resounding words.

This made Uesugi Kiyoshi swallow back all his next words.

"Whether Uesugi-kun is there or not, I will deal with those oni. To put it mildly, it's a personal grudge; to put it more seriously, this is what our Collectors Association does, it's official business."

"If Uesugi-kun is willing to help with something that is within my duty, then I would be more than happy to do so."

"That's settled."

"So, Uesugi-kun, what do you think of the suggestion I made for the next topic?"

Ryunosuke Akutagawa was referring to the matter of "joining the Collectors' Association".

Uesugi Kiyoshi pursed his lips, shook his head with a wry smile, and sighed, "So that's how it is. Akutagawa-san was waiting for me here."

"Um"

"can."

He responded with the same two words.

There is one thing about the Collectors Association that really attracts him.

free.

It's not absolute freedom, but a freedom that is exceptionally rare and precious compared to other extraordinary organizations.

He had heard a little about the Japanese government's true nature.

The hierarchy of government agencies is a million times more rigid than that of the workplace and school. Moreover, his master's connections are limited in Heian-kyo and the Shinsengumi, so he probably won't receive any preferential treatment. So, he should start from the bottom as a junior.

To be honest, if he didn't choose to marry into a wealthy and powerful family as a stepping stone to advancement, even if he was incredibly talented, his chances of climbing to a high position would be slim. Such a place is completely different from this seemingly loose and free collectors' association.

Class stratification, powerful clans, and rigid hierarchies mean that any emerging talent is either assimilated or suppressed by a united front. This is the current state of affairs in Japan, across all industries and sectors.

According to Master, the Collectors Association is a newly emerging "imported" entity that is somewhat out of step with the general environment in Japan. It is unknown how powerful its backing is, yet it has managed to gain a foothold in Tokyo.

Choosing this place isn't so bad, since the initial contract was only for three years. He'll only be nineteen in three years, the prime of his life, and there'll be plenty of time to switch jobs.

Even if something unexpected happens, with his master's connections and strength, he can cover for him and it won't be difficult for him to get out of trouble.

That's really what he thought.

It's definitely not because the monthly salary is too high, but also because of the free gift that was given as a welcome present.

Upon hearing Uesugi Kiyoshi's affirmative reply, Akutagawa Ryunosuke breathed a sigh of relief and revealed a genuine smile.

"This is truly the best news I've heard in months."

He stood up and solemnly extended his hand to Uesugi Kiyoshi.

"Welcome, Uesugi-kun. You are the fourth collector in our Collectors Association."

"Rest assured, as I said, the Collectors Association will not let you down."

Uesugi Kiyoya stood up, but did not extend his hand.

"Don't rush, Akutagawa-san, I have a small condition."

He said casually, "Dongwen Society is in turmoil. I want to take advantage of this opportunity to gain some benefits. I will plan the specifics myself, but I need the power of the Collectors Association as my backing. If Dongwen Jue fakes his death and comes back to life, and tries to trick me and take back the reward I deserve, I will need your help."

Ryunosuke Akutagawa frowned slightly and pondered, "Your concerns are not unfounded, but..."

"Uesugi-kun, ten minutes ago, the field agents who had infiltrated the Dongwen Society sent back intelligence that they had obtained a blood sample from Dongwen Jue's body. After testing, the sample matched Dongwen Jue's DNA perfectly."

"In other words, the one whose head was separated from its body was Dong Wenjue himself. Dong Wen's snake is probably really dead."

Upon hearing this news, both Uesugi Kiyoshi and Kudo Yuichi changed color, but then fell into deep thought.

"However, your worries are not unfounded. That old fox may have left a backup plan. He won't die in vain."

"Don't worry, now that you've joined the association, you're one of us. I'll use the Akutagawa family's connections to help you."

Ryunosuke Akutagawa revealed a confident smile.

“The Akutagawa family, deeply influenced by Mr. Natsume, has managed for nearly a century and now controls the pen in Japan—no one can pretend not to hear the words of those ‘national teachers’.”

"This network of connections can reach all walks of life. With our great detective putting in some effort, even if Dong Wenjue is a genius, he'll have to admit defeat!"

"Go ahead and do it, Uesugi-kun. You are no longer alone."

After exchanging a glance with Ryunosuke Akutagawa, Kiyoshi Uesugi chuckled and extended his hand.

Two equally fair and strong hands clasped together, touching once.

Uesugi Kiyoshi said softly, "If Akutagawa-san had been this honest with me the first time we met, this scene might have played out much sooner."

Ryunosuke Akutagawa smiled apologetically.

"Yes, I understand what Uesugi-kun means, but I didn't know you very well before. Seeing is believing. I still need to test you out and see for myself what kind of person you are."

"I must always be aware of how to treat people, conduct myself, speak and speak, and be shrewd and calculating."

"Don't blame me for being pragmatic, Uesugi-kun. If you were just a reckless brute who relies solely on brute force, even if you had the support of the swordsman Kamiizumi, I wouldn't be so insistent on inviting you to join us."

"A swordsman with extraordinary talent is certainly rare, but he is not indispensable. However, a genius swordsman who is calm and composed, knows how to advance and retreat, has extremely quick adaptability, and deals with my soft and hard tactics flawlessly is truly a rare find."

“I really need someone to share the burden on my shoulders, and you are a very good choice.”

Uesugi Kiyoshi asked with a half-smile, "Then isn't Akutagawa-san afraid of angering me and becoming hostile towards you?"

Ryunosuke Akutagawa slowly shook his head.

"Not at all. Our detective said that as long as you don't cross Uesugi-kun's bottom line, you're a very easy person to talk to."

"Moreover, this level of 'accident' should not affect your subjective judgment."

"Your actions that day and the choices you are making now prove this point."

"."

Let's chat for a while before we talk about it.

"Great Detective, go and get Uesugi-kun a new outfit. I'll prepare the contract paperwork first, and then open the Shosoin Repository. When you return, Uesugi-kun can choose a collectible he likes."

Upon hearing this, Uesugi Kiyoshi's heart stirred slightly.

这 是

Are they about to distribute equipment?

P.S. Recommendations welcome!

Chapter 87 (not part of the main text): Answering questions from book reviews

This is not part of the main text and can be skipped. It answers some questions from book reviews.

I've read most of the book reviews, and I agree with some of the points. I've also revised some parts, though I haven't specified where I revised them—they were too trivial, and the revisions weren't worth rereading. They're not important. If new readers find discrepancies between the main text and the post, it's likely because they've been revised.

However, the main plot outline, character design, and female lead are probably beyond repair; these things are set in stone, so even if it flops, we'll accept it.