“No, no, something’s wrong with your theory.”
Frowning, his friend said, “If that’s the case, the Shogunate wouldn’t need to issue a recruitment order. They could just claim it’s an internal reorganization. That alone should be enough to bring everyone in line.”
“Even if not everyone obeyed, the Shogunate could easily divide and conquer. Ultimately, they’d still come out on top.”
No matter how powerful a family or private militia might be, none would dare challenge the Shogunate directly. At most, they’d use their forces to vie for dominance among their peers.
Because everyone knew the one who reigns supreme in Inazuma was beyond mortal opposition.
“That’s a valid point,” Kazuha agreed. “Such an ostentatious approach—one that may even prove pointless—doesn’t align with how a ruling class supported by multiple think tanks would operate.”
If it were just a lone strategist, mistakes might occur. But with a council of experts, any plan would have undergone extensive scrutiny. A significant oversight would be nearly impossible.
“No, according to this logic, true wandering samurai must still exist, right?”
“Yes. But if most of them are disguised private militias, then the number of actual wanderers should be relatively small.”
Gu Sanqiu nodded. “Understood. When does this recruitment order officially begin?”
“It’s essentially another form of a martial arts tournament,” Kazuha replied. “I’ve heard the Tenryou Commission has already chosen the location. It should happen in the next couple of days.”
Kazuha glanced at Gu Sanqiu. “Do you have any ideas?”
“No, for now, it’s just speculation. We’ll need to wait for the official rules to be announced.”
Gu Sanqiu stood. “Prepare yourselves. This recruitment order is unlikely to meet your expectations. In fact, it might deeply disappoint you.”
As Gu Sanqiu exited the dojo, his friend turned to Kazuha.
“What do you think he meant by that?”
“I’m not entirely sure. His last words were vague—hard to decipher.”
Kazuha looked up at the sky. “But one thing is clear: we’re likely to witness some unpleasant truths.”
—
“Hey, boss! You’re actually here today!”
Arataki Itto came bounding over, skidding to a halt before standing to attention.
“Come here. I have something to give you.”
In a more secluded spot, Gu Sanqiu handed a pouch to Itto.
“This is an advance on your wages. Take it and keep it safe.”
“It’s just wages, boss. You didn’t need to be so secretive.”
Itto opened the pouch curiously. “Wait, what’s in here—whoa!”
Inside, radiant gemstones of various colors sparkled so brilliantly they seemed to momentarily overload Itto’s brain.
“T-Treasure! Gems! So many gems!”
“Keep it down.”
“Oh, right!”
Itto quickly stuffed the pouch into his clothes, clutching it protectively like a mother hen guarding her chicks.
“Boss, did you rob some big family’s vault for this?”
“Rob? This little bit isn’t worth me resorting to theft.”
Gu Sanqiu fixed his gaze on Itto. “You’ve heard about the unrest in the city lately, haven’t you?”
“Now, listen carefully to my final instructions.”
“First, if I do anything drastic, do not come after me. Absolutely do not. That’s an order from the leader of the Arataki Gang.”
“Second, if something happens and you’re put in a difficult position, use these gems as your funds. Take them to the Komore Teahouse, and someone there will make arrangements for you.”
“Boss, what are you planning?”
Itto’s face flushed with emotion. “No way! The Arataki Gang stands together no matter what. I won’t take this money!”
“Quiet.”
Gu Sanqiu’s voice was icy. “This isn’t about standing together. I’m ordering you to survive.”
“You’re the former leader of the Arataki Gang—the current big brother. You have people to protect, responsibilities to shoulder. Don’t throw your life away so easily!”
Seeing Itto stunned and even a little hurt, Gu Sanqiu softened his tone, managing a faint smile.
This towering oni, feared for his size and strength, was little more than a naïve boy at heart—a fact often overlooked by those around him.
“Remember this: protect the gang and everything you hold dear. But one more thing—”
Gu Sanqiu poked Itto in the chest. “Don’t go looking for a new boss. Wait for me to return. I’m still the leader of the Arataki Gang.”
“Boss, are you heading to… there?” Itto gestured toward Tenshukaku.
“More or less. Did you memorize everything I said?”
“I did.”
“Good. Go back now.”
With preparations complete, Gu Sanqiu was ready for the chaos that would erupt when the Tenshukaku raid began.
“Let’s see just how far I stand from the legend of the God of Eternity.”
—
“Quite the lively scene.”
“Of course. Beyond the festivities, this is a chance for some extra income.”
The three of them watched the Shogunate staff bustling about, showing none of the awareness one might expect from villains preparing to stir up trouble.
“But are you sure something bad will happen?”
“Absolutely.”
Kazuha spoke in a low voice. “I didn’t sense it before, but standing here now, the feeling is overwhelming.”
“Alright, samurai participating in the recruitment order, gather around. I’ll now explain the details of this policy,” an official announced.
“First, the good life you’re hoping for, as well as the legitimate ownership of a Vision—these benefits are not unlimited.”
“Here we go,” his friend muttered with a grin.
“Second, even if you fail the selection, you can still earn those rewards by serving the Shogunate and demonstrating your merit.”
“And finally…”
The official smirked.
“By participating in this recruitment, you acknowledge the Shogunate’s policies. Even if you withdraw midway, you’ll still be required to serve. Returning to a life of wandering is no longer an option.”
“Inazuma is in a state of war. Under wartime laws, all who bear arms must contribute to the nation’s strength!”
“The wilderness is Shogunate territory. Even bandits must submit!”
A collective uproar ensued. Both Kazuha and his friend were visibly shaken by the weight of those final words.
“This isn’t a recruitment. It’s forced conscription under the guise of wartime laws!”
His friend gritted his teeth. “And what’s with the ‘no leaving’ clause? They’re just rounding us all up!”
“Even bandits, huh? That’s a threat. They’re saying anyone who resists is an outlaw, destined to live as fugitives instead of wanderers.”
Kazuha glanced around and noticed some samurai, frustrated and defiant, walking away.
“But leaving now probably isn’t a wise choice,” he said grimly. “Chances are, they’ll be killed.”
“Exactly,” Gu Sanqiu said, his eyes narrowing as he observed some samurai among the crowd—ones who looked too calm.
Some people had already started to act.
—
This is a fan translation of 原神之璃月奉香人 by 淡白蛋清. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!
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