Chapter 198

Uesugi Toru's thoughts stirred slightly.

Three thousand Soul Spirit Points evaporated like water in an instant, leaving only a mere five hundred points remaining.

But in exchange, a dazzling radiance burst forth on the blade of Kaga Kiyomitsu, who flew over in excitement!

A clear sword cry rippled through the Matsudaira household, causing many samurai to feel the trembling of the swords at their waists, and they looked up in bewilderment.

But immediately after, it was as if it had drunk fake alcohol, slowly spinning in mid-air.

In the end, it actually fell to the ground with a clatter, embedding itself deeply into the wooden floorboards, no longer making any movement or sound.

Only the radiance on Kaga Kiyomitsu's blade kept intensifying, turning into a little sun that could glow without needing to be plugged in.

Uesugi Toru originally thought this Soul Spirit Strengthening would be the same as before, ending with just a faint flash of light on Xiao Jia's surface.

As a result, the time required for this strengthening would predictably far exceed his expectations.

"Is it because the strengthening effect is too much all at once……"

After all, this strengthening consumed three thousand Soul Spirit Points, while last time it only cost five hundred points, a full six times the amount; it was only normal for Kaga Kiyomitsu to be unable to bear it and faint on the spot.

Then let it stay here and strengthen for a while; there were still over ten hours left, so it wasn't that urgent.

Shiraishi, who was closest to Kaga Kiyomitsu and could touch it just by reaching out, stared with her mouth agape.

Since when could the sword at the boss's waist fly around on its own!?

Now it feels like even a mere uchigatana is more amazing than me, what do I do!

Okabe Motonobu, who had just finished her report, patted her abdomen and showed an exceptionally puzzled expression: "Mr. Toru, your sword can move on its own… does it have its own consciousness?"

——If her weapon could do that too, surely it wouldn't often snap clean in two from the middle when she swung and changed direction, just because it went against her will.

"Right." Uesugi Toru spread his hands and pointed at the motionless Kaga Kiyomitsu, "Although it can't speak, Xiao Jia understands human speech and can handle some simple tasks on its own."

"Oh oh! It actually understands what we're saying!"

Okabe Motonobu's eyes widened even further.

She couldn't help but want to touch the small section of the blade near the hilt that wasn't covered by the pale color, and then put this beautiful uchigatana into her embrace to cherish it properly.

But she still restrained herself.

Because the uchigatana called "Xiao Jia" by Mr. Toru now had its own consciousness, and if she were to touch it all over without the person's or an elder's consent……

Wouldn't that make her a molester!

And against a child at that!

This won't do.

So she unconsciously added a tone of pleading and asked: "Mr. Toru, after Xiao Jia wakes up, can you let me touch it?"

Uesugi Toru was stunned for a moment upon hearing this.

But he immediately reacted — Okabe Motonobu was captivated by the Kaga Kiyomitsu before her eyes.

Human nature.

After undergoing the Kagami Dōji Forging, the already very beautiful Kaga Kiyomitsu possessed a touch of spirituality that no other sword had.

Not to mention, the pale color of the Separation Sorrow Domain lingered on it thread by thread, faintly visible, making the hearts of those who saw it itch.

Even a samurai who had accompanied a sword for ten or twenty years, or even decades, would have to be a god who refuses oil and salt to remain unmoved upon seeing Kaga Kiyomitsu at such a close distance.

Everyone definitely loves Kaga Kiyomitsu very much.

It's just that Okabe Motonobu is more generous, directly saying she wants to touch it!

Uesugi Toru smiled and nodded: "Of course, Xiao Jia is an obedient, well-behaved good child; I'm sure it will also really like a cheerful, generous older sister like you, Motonobu-nee."

Okabe Motonobu licked her lips: "Then I'll wait for that."

Behind Uesugi Toru, the reserved and dignified Two-Shaku Adult gazed calmly at Kaga Kiyomitsu.

——In just a few days, this sword has actually given birth to a self-awareness capable of thought, and it seems to be quite favored by Toru-sama.

No, this is only natural, right?

Kaga Kiyomitsu served Toru-sama at roughly the same time as herself.

But the former was held in Toru-sama's hand day and night, cutting down who knows how many yaoguai for him; without it, Toru-sama would surely be very troubled.

In contrast, she often couldn't be of any use at all.

Just look at these past few days — even without her by his side, it didn't affect Toru-sama doing what he should do in the slightest.

After a round of deep thought, a clear answer had already surfaced distinctly in the Two-Shaku Adult's heart.

——Absolutely, must get on good terms with Kaga Kiyomitsu.

In the future, she might even "profit" because of this.

Thinking up to here, the Two-Shaku Adult's gaze toward Kaga Kiyomitsu also became gentle.

Only Imagawa Yoshimoto didn't look at it, just holding a teacup and sipping cold barley tea in small mouthfuls.

Just a sword, she'd seen plenty of them long ago.

"Right, Motonobu-nee."

No longer discussing Kaga Kiyomitsu, Uesugi Toru picked up the previous topic he wanted to talk about: "Regarding the subsequent strategy, I have something I want to say."

"I'm all ears."

Getting down to business, Okabe Motonobu straightened her body, half-opened her eyes, and quietly faced him directly.

Thus, Uesugi Toru conveyed to Okabe Motonobu all at once the sensing regarding the Heaven and Earth Revival from not long ago, as well as the basic situation of his discussion with Imagawa Yoshimoto.

As for the situation regarding Sickness and Suffering, he glossed over it in a single stroke.

——The fewer people who know about the Eight Sufferings, the better.

——This point can never be wrong.

The latter didn't exclaim in surprise, or gasp in amazement, but her fists clenched on her knees proved the shock in her heart.

Okabe Motonobu first glanced at Imagawa Yoshimoto, and upon seeing her own lord still drinking tea, she took a deep breath and said solemnly,

"This is... a great upheaval unseen in a hundred years."

"Motonobu-nee, I want to set aside matters outside Mikawa for now."

Uesugi Toru reminded her; he knew Okabe Motonobu would subconsciously think of the surrounding Oda, Hojo clan, and Takeda Clan.

She had even begun pondering when to dispatch troops.

Uesugi Toru: "The great demons causing chaos are what we need to consider first."

"Indeed."

Okabe Motonobu gathered her thoughts and asked seriously: "Then, Mr. Toru, what is your idea?"

Uesugi Toru reached out, pulling a thick stack of Toubyoufu he had casually drawn after the effect of Anger from his Storage Backpack, letting them fall heavily onto the floorboards.

"—Motonobu-nee, you lead the army to sweep from weak to strong, establishing city after city; I will directly strike at the enemy commander's head tomorrow morning."

Okabe Motonobu asked: "Do you know where the enemy is?"

Uesugi Toru nodded: "There is a specific Yin-Yang Technique that can directly lock onto the opponent's position."

"Yin-Yang Technique, huh..."

Okabe Motonobu let out a light sigh: "This really is convenient."

"So, Mr. Toru." The black-haired female Commander gazed at him deeply, "Can you explain the reason you want to strike directly tomorrow?"

—This part of the reason had been deliberately omitted by Uesugi Toru just now.

But since Okabe Motonobu had noticed, he could only substitute it with "great demon spreading plague" for now.

—Uesugi Toru added the explanation; Imagawa Yoshimoto then nodded at the dumbfounded Okabe Motonobu to indicate the news was credible.

After listening, Okabe Motonobu spoke no further,

Because she felt Uesugi Toru's decisive idea was simply too correct...

No, if it were her, she would probably have rushed to the destination without a second word by now.

How could she still be staying here leisurely eating a meal, making preparations?

Briefly digesting the information Uesugi Toru had thrown out, Okabe Motonobu raised her head again: "If it is tomorrow morning, and can be finished within a day, I can also go assist..."

"No, Motonobu-nee." Uesugi Toru said blandly, "You must stay behind to protect Lord Imagawa's safety."

He was uneasy leaving Imagawa Yoshimoto alone.

That samurai army relying solely on numbers, yet lacking outstanding combat power, was not very reliable.

Imagawa Yoshimoto frowned upon hearing this.

"I must go too." Her tone was calm and serious.

Uesugi Toru turned his head, casting a heavy gaze: "The situation there is unknown, there are too many powerful and dangerous yokai; I cannot necessarily protect you, Lord Imagawa..."

"My Lord, what Mr. Toru says makes sense."

Okabe Motonobu immediately agreed.

Imagawa Yoshimoto did not answer.

She put down the teacup in her hand, meeting Uesugi Toru's gaze head-on without dodging or yielding.

Her thoughts, decision, and will were already written clearly in that gaze.

—"Then, I want the name Imagawa Yoshimoto to spread across Tenka, so that the moment anyone hears this name, they think of you, achieving true renown where no one knows not, no one hears not."

The wish Uesugi Toru had made to her the day before yesterday flowed silently in Imagawa Yoshimoto's heart.

She knew clearly and truly that this journey, if she went with Toru to slay that Sickness and Suffering, would be very dangerous.

Even, she might die.

It might sever everything she had not yet grasped in her hands.

No more chance to go to Kyo, no more chance to become a Tenka-bito, no more chance to ascend to the Shogun's seat, making all who see her raise their heads to look up at her...

But!

Yet if she wants to fulfill this second wish, how could she miss the hard-won promotional opportunity the moment Toru slays the Sickness and Suffering single-handedly?

Then, should she choose the secure path to a future as a Tenka-bito, or choose to take a major step toward fulfilling this impossible wish first?

If it were any other Family Head in this Tenka, they would clearly know how to choose.

"But I want both."

Imagawa Yoshimoto moved her lips, nearly soundlessly, murmuring as if to herself,

"Imagawa Yoshimoto is just this greedy."

Uesugi Toru gazed at her silently, feeling a headache coming on.

The instant he saw the girl's gaze, he understood.

Imagawa Yoshimoto had already made her decision.

—No matter what he said next, even if he spoke eloquently enough to make flowers fall from the sky, it would be impossible to change the other party's mind.

She is just this kind of unreasonable person.

Uesugi Toru sighed: "Then that Gusoku, Lord Imagawa, you must wear it from morning to night, not a shred of negligence allowed."

Okabe Motonobu chimed in from the side: "Mr. Toru is right! My Lord, won't you listen..."

She had almost finished speaking when she discovered Uesugi Toru had actually switched sides in an instant, standing together with Imagawa Yoshimoto whose head had heated up wanting to go to the front lines.

—My Lord going crazy is one thing, but Mr. Toru, you're going crazy along with her!?

Okabe Motonobu opened her mouth, suddenly not knowing what to say.

Because no matter how much more she said, could she still make these two guys change their minds?

She could only raise her hand: "Then I'll go too..."

"No."

"No."

Two voices speaking in unison came from across from her, and Okabe Motonobu's smile vanished from his face.

——My lord and Toru must have colluded to anger me on purpose, they must have!

——Otherwise how could Toru agree to a request that looks so dangerous it could kill someone! He dotes on my lord too much!

Okabe Motonobu's eyes dimmed, and he suddenly felt his path ahead had no light.

"Since Lord Imagawa has decided that, then you, Motonobu-nee, must stay here all the more."

Uesugi Toru said: "There are so many people on the Yoshida Castle side, and Matsudaira Yasutomo has returned to the Matsudaira Clan's main headquarters, so we need someone who can hold the fort here."

That was correct.

Okabe Motonobu's gaze shifted.

If the one accompanying my lord were me, then at least I could die understanding why, instead of living in fear and anxiety like over the next two days.

But even she herself knew no one could handle those strange yokai better than Toru, and she certainly couldn't.

Seeing Okabe Motonobu acquiesce, Uesugi Toru produced this stack of Toubyoufu: "Then let me explain in detail to you, Motonobu-nee, the information about those yokai, and the possible symptoms of illness……"

Nearly half an hour later, after Uesugi Toru finished his long-winded speech, he looked at the female Commander who was nearly seeing stars from listening: "Do you remember it all?"

Okabe Motonobu replied in a daze: "Roughly, I understand."

Since even she herself thought there was no problem, he didn't need to worry too much.

Dong dong.

Uesugi Toru tapped the table twice, and began deciding where the two little ones would go.

He first looked at the Two-Shaku Adult: "Two-Shaku, you follow me."

——As the "Core Equipment" that could let him return to Genjitsu in peace before seeing sickness and suffering, and that could let him hand over the History Key in peace, the Two-Shaku Adult was indispensable.

After speaking, Uesugi Toru looked again at Shiraishi, who was constantly rubbing his fingers and clearly somewhat nervous,

"As for Shiraishi……"

Uesugi Toru paused, as if thinking.

Actually there was no need to think at all.

Shiraishi, who wasn't even at two-star level and didn't have the Life Bar Talent like the Two-Shaku Adult, absolutely could not go with him to find sickness and suffering.

Not to mention three-star Great Demons, even if he just passed by a group of calamity insects, or was watched by a few half-dead birds, Shiraishi would fall into mortal danger.

"You'd better follow Motonobu-nee."

As soon as these words were spoken, even though Shiraishi had expected it, his heart still dimmed a bit.

I am truly completely useless from beginning to end.

Like an ornament that only swallows gold and never spits anything out, and also like a weed that could be cut down at any time.

Who knows, in a few days the boss might fail and die in a place I can't see.

Then from now on, I'd have to start wandering around again.

A sense of powerlessness crept over Shiraishi's whole body bit by bit.

But on the surface he sighed in relief, waved his hand, and showed an expression of not caring,

"Hah~ I have to thank the boss for being merciful, otherwise if I went along too, my little life wouldn't be safe."

Uesugi Toru also smiled and nodded at him.

Shiraishi's corner of the eye caught sight of the gleaming Kaga Kiyomitsu.

He wondered if, when he became stronger than this sword, would he finally be of some use?

【Current Constant World Walker's influence on history: 1.14%→1.15%!】

The prompt about the degree of historical influence suddenly popped out, standing out awkwardly among scattered reputation prompts.

Strange.

I did nothing, yet this influence can still increase?

Uesugi Toru was utterly baffled.

But this unexplained slight increase in influence was, overall, a good thing.

Now there was no extra time to attend to these trivial details.

Uesugi Toru clapped his hands and concluded: "Then tomorrow morning, after confirming Yoshida Castle has no trouble, we'll set out."

He looked at Imagawa Yoshimoto and said,

"A surprise attack, the faster the better."

The latter closed his eyes, his nostrils flaring, and softly answered.

……

Late at night.

Imagawa Yoshimoto and Okabe Motonobu slept together.

In the room that should have long been silent, Okabe Motonobu's voice suddenly rang out,

"My lord, you shouldn't go."

She turned over, looked at the black-haired girl beside her with closed eyes emitting long breaths, and poked the latter's cheek with her finger,

"Stop pretending to sleep, I know you, my lord."

Imagawa Yoshimoto, who had been meditating for several hours but still hadn't fallen asleep, helplessly opened her eyes.

She shook her head: "My decision is made."

Okabe Motonobu stared at her quietly for a while, then suddenly spoke sharply: "Because of Toru?"

Imagawa Yoshimoto replied calmly: "A small part."

She turned her head, meeting those eyes fully opened in the black night, deep and profound.

She heard Okabe Motonobu chuckle,

"I don't think it's just... a small part."

She had spent too much time with Imagawa Yoshimoto, so she was all too familiar with the latter's little tricks.

Especially at such close range.

"Motonobu, I think you must have some misunderstanding..."

"Then tell me, my lord, where exactly have I misunderstood..."

Under the faint moonlight, a long conversation began.

Meanwhile, in another quiet room not far away.

Uesugi Toru was comforting the trembling Kaga Kiyomitsu: "Alright, alright, Motonobu-nee has such a figure, to put it bluntly, Xiao Jia, you're not losing out either."

Not long ago Kaga Kiyomitsu had completed Soul Spirit Strengthening; just as the light faded, Okabe Motonobu caught her and gave her a thorough rubbing, leaving the child shivering afterward.

Hum!

The heartstring trembled.

Uesugi Toru understood: Xiao Jia felt Okabe Motonobu's movements were too rough... and that gaze and aura, as if wanting to swallow it whole in one bite!

Protest! Strong protest!

Don't give me to that kind of person anymore!

"Okay, okay, I'll try, I'll try."

After Uesugi Toru made a completely unconvincing promise, the simple Kaga Kiyomitsu settled contentedly into his hand, allowing herself to be toyed with.

He gripped Kaga Kiyomitsu's sword hilt.

Before Uesugi Toru could open the panel to check the three new effects, he suddenly felt that after holding Xiao Jia, something about his whole person was different.

Now... it seemed he didn't need to assume a stance to easily execute Three-Stage Thrust?

Wasn't the wind-up of that simple Tenraku shortened to nearly nothing, almost matching the speed of Ju Ci?

After Thrust Specialization was strengthened again, it actually brought such an effect!

Swish swish swish.

Strengthening prompts popped up like a screen-filling spam.

【Effect one, effect two, and effect four of your Kaga Kiyomitsu: Blade of Parting have been strengthened!】

【Your Kaga Kiyomitsu gained a new effect—Thrust Expert!】

【Your Kaga Kiyomitsu gained a new effect—Slash Mastery!】

【Your Kaga Kiyomitsu gained a new effect—Fukusawa Fierce+!】

Uesugi Toru immediately looked down, focusing his gaze on the introduction of "Thrust Expert."

【Thrust Expert: When using thrust-type sword techniques, massive additional damage will be dealt, and at the same time Kaga Kiyomitsu will become an "expert of the Thrust Domain."】

The introduction of the effect hadn't changed much.

But the change in the effect reflected in reality on him could simply be called outrageous!

"Thrust... Expert."

Uesugi Toru murmured, causing the Kaga Kiyomitsu in his hand to vibrate smugly once, radiating a certain profound and unfathomable confidence.

With such a big change, could it be that Xiao Jia, now possessing this effect, was already comparable to an ordinary expert-level swordsman within the simple "Thrust Domain"?

He himself was still a bit short of reaching the expert level of Tennen Rishin-ryu.

This change in Kaga Kiyomitsu perfectly illustrated what "choice is more important than effort" meant.

Light gradually appeared in Uesugi Toru's eyes.

Then further down, wouldn't it be "Thrust Master"?

Master.

That was the Sword Saint's Field.

Although knowing it was almost impossible to cross this chasm-like field after a single strengthening, Uesugi Toru still had some anticipation.

Could simply adding points let Kaga Kiyomitsu touch the Sword Saint's Field in some aspect?

This was a level many wouldn't even dare to think about...

Uesugi Toru's gaze skimmed downward.

【Slash Mastery: When using slash-type sword techniques, massive additional damage will be dealt. At the same time, Kaga Kiyomitsu will better understand "how to perform a slash."】

Correct, "slash" also followed "thrust" down the same path.

Did that mean, if he later collected all the strengthening directions of sword techniques for Kaga Kiyomitsu, then relying solely on Soul Spirit Strengthening, he could make her a true Sword Saint!

Uchigatana Sword Saint!

No one would understand how to wield a blade better than it!

Uesugi Toru's hand gripping the sword hilt subconsciously tightened, and he said with utmost sincerity: "Xiao Jia, I love you to death."

Hum?

Kaga Kiyomitsu didn't move; it was pondering what those words meant.

Uesugi Toru exhaled with a smile, looking toward the subsequently strengthened Fukusawa Fierce.

Hmm... there didn't seem to be any essential change.

【Fukusawa Fierce+. When slashing with Kaga Kiyomitsu: Blade of Parting, the enemy will continue to suffer massive dual damage to body and spirit.

At the same time, there is a high probability of increasing one's fortune for the next period of time.】

The fierce physical and spiritual damage increased, and probability became high probability.

It could be considered more practical.

Judging from this "+" sign following behind, a major change should appear during the next Soul Spirit Strengthening.

"Future promising."

With the surprise of "Thrust Expert," Uesugi Toru felt this strengthening was already completely worth it.

He had just wanted to return Kaga Kiyomitsu to its scabbard, but discovered there was still a prompt jumping out at the edge of his vision.

Another expert?

【Note: After further improving the effect of Slash Mastery, a benign unknown effect will be produced.】

"Slash Expert... it can actually form a linkage with Thrust Expert?"

Uesugi Toru held Kaga Kiyomitsu before his nose tip, softly exclaiming: "Soul Spirit Strengthening... Zashiki truly lives up to the words 'heavenly craftsmanship'."

This effect of Soul Spirit Strengthening fundamentally changed the awkward situation where Kaga Kiyomitsu needed to slay countless, countless yokai over a very long period of time to gain a major improvement.

Thereby realizing the efficient effect of being able to instantly transform slain yokai into combat power.

Uesugi Toru looked at the price list that followed.

Slash Mastery strengthening requires 1000 points, Fukusawa Fierce+ requires 2500 points...

The Soul Spirit Points required for Thrust Expert were not that many, only 1500 points to strengthen once more.

It seems as he thought, the second strengthening is the qualitative change.

So it can be placed to one side.

Next, strengthening Slash Mastery to form a linkage, then strengthening the effect "Spirit," so Xiao Jia can better exert these two expert effects, is the royal road choice.

Satisfied, he returned Kaga Kiyomitsu to its scabbard, Uesugi Toru extended his hand, circulating Spirit Control Technique.

Liquid spirit power nimbly jumped and flashed between his five fingers, as flexible as if it were a part of his body.

"Toru-sama, please."

At the side, the Adult who had drawn the formation patterns in advance and watched for a good while spoke up.

Uesugi Toru patted her little head,

"Hard work."

The latter immediately broke character, revealing a sweet smile like she had eaten honey.

Uesugi Toru had already withdrawn his attention, letting his gaze fall on the formation patterns that were relatively more complex compared to basic Onmyo Techniques like Fireball Technique, Golden Blade Technique,

"The position of Sickness and Suffering..."

He reversed his five fingers, letting the liquid spirit power fall down in an orderly manner.

Generally speaking, one only needs to methodically fill the formation patterns with spirit power to activate them.

But Uesugi Toru considered that Sickness and Suffering's rank was relatively high, so he still decided to use the more consuming "Liquid Spirit Power" to light up the technique formula.

Anyway, he would have to return to Genjitsu and wait one or two hours later, this bit of consumption only needs a few minutes of breathing to recover completely.

Drip drop.

Spirit power fell slowly like raindrops, gradually filling the formation patterns that were likewise constructed from spirit power.

Swish swish swish.

Accompanied by one technique formula node after another being filled and lighting up, it also made Shiraishi, who was pretending to sleep against the wall in the room corner, toss and turn even more.

After about ten minutes, a deep blue coordinate suddenly lit up in the map Uesugi Toru had originally placed in the center of the formation patterns.

He let out a breath, and after waiting a good while without sensing anything unusual, he reached out to pick up the map, examining it carefully for a while,

"Nishio Castle."

"Sickness and Suffering is indeed colluding with that Pure Land True Sect in West Mikawa."

But colluding with the Eight Sufferings... the precedent of the Friendship Club is still vivid in memory.

If nothing unexpected happens, the Pure Land True Sect will also find it hard to avoid the ending of being eaten clean.

After memorizing this coordinate position, Uesugi Toru handed the map to the Adult, instructing her to definitely keep it safe.

"Also this."

Uesugi Toru took out the History Key Shrine from his backpack, silently placing it in her palm.

He plucked his heartstring and said: "If I return to the Sengoku Period again, I will appear in its vicinity. So absolutely, absolutely must not lose it."

The Adult was solemn, she likewise made no sound, plucking her heartstring: "popo... I understand, Toru-sama."

Afterward, she stuffed this History Key, about as long as her palm, into her chest under Uesugi Toru's gaze, letting it be swallowed with a "pop" sound.

"Here, it absolutely won't be lost!"

Uesugi Toru:...

Although hard to comment, but the Adult has no storage means either, so placing it in this place is indeed exceptionally safe.

Helplessly sighing, Uesugi Toru continued instructing,

"Before I come back, you and Imagawa Yoshimoto can first go investigate the situation in surrounding cities with fewer yokai, remember not to expose yourselves.

If you see many half-dead birds, landing cannot guarantee no exposure, it's also fine if she just stays in the sky and doesn't care about anything."

Uesugi Toru instructed: "In short, safety is most important."

He again took out some food and water from his backpack and handed them to the Adult, then repeated the above words several times.

But the Adult not only wasn't impatient, instead revealed a satisfied smile listening.

She very much enjoyed Uesugi Toru's tone of caring for her.

Before leaving, Uesugi Toru used Spirit Control Technique to strengthen the heartstring once more: "If there's danger, violently shake the heartstring, if I sense it I'll immediately rush back."

"Toru-sama, smooth journey."

The Adult placed both hands before her body, bowing slightly.

After a sound of sliding door opening and closing, Shiraishi ultimately still couldn't pretend through this night.

He spoke muddle-headedly as if just waking: "Little boss... boss how come you're gone now."

"Have important matters to do."

After speaking, Adult Er felt her words had been a bit harsh, so she smiled at the other real child and comforted him,

"Alright, Adult Toru definitely saw your efforts already, it's just that there have been too many things these past two days, leaving the adult a bit breathless..."

Skimming past the calm water pressure, he heard the omnipresent grand wave sounds.

Like the world's destruction, deafening.

"The lingering aftermath of the tide, or perhaps one point five waves is arriving..."

It was also late at night.

Uesugi Toru opened his eyes in the silent mountain forest, as if the terrifying wave sounds just now were an illusion.

He took out his mobile phone as usual, and just as he opened it he discovered a bright red warning on it.

【WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!!!】

【Wave Omen has arrived, please all Special Affairs Division members obey superior arrangements and make response preparations!】

【Wave Omen has arrived, please general citizens lock doors tightly, and if encountering abnormal situations dial the Help Hotline as fast as possible!】

【——Special Affairs Division Astronomy Dao.】

Below was that green one, clickable to dial, a 24-hour【Help Hotline】; the Special Affairs Division was quite humane in this regard.

Wait a moment.

Such a huge commotion, and it was actually only the "omen" of the First Wave Remnants.

Uesugi Toru was somewhat speechless.

He clicked three times in a row on the "×" specially placed in the upper left corner before exiting the warning page; after thinking it over, he still first dialed Rituna Minami's number.

——If it couldn't get through, then he'd call Kujo Tsubaki.

Because among the people he knew, those two had the greatest possibility of understanding Qi Sea... if only he'd asked Tokugawa Hoshi for a phone number back then.

He forgot at the time.

——The reason he didn't call Shizuma Manatsu was that she might be on an external mission, and her phone might also have been forgotten to be set to do-not-disturb mode.

If he made this one call, causing Shizuma Manatsu and her little associates at a critical moment to be wiped out, what should he do?

Uesugi Toru wouldn't let himself become the classic bridge wipe-out engine in this kind of horror film.

Calling Rituna Minami wouldn't have this problem.

Even if it startled yokai, it didn't matter; Nanjo Ai would kick those ignorant yokai to death with one foot, wouldn't she?

Having reached this thought, Uesugi Toru slapped the first recent call.

No instant answer.

Mm, Nanjo Sister was indeed busy at this time point, huh.

Uesugi Toru prepared to wait two more; if he still couldn't wait, he'd call Kujo Tsubaki... he'd just have to think about what compensation to send her afterward.

After all, their relationship wasn't too close.

Beep—

Beep—

Beep—

In the viscous darkness, mixed with grinding sounds, the metal friction beep-beep sounds came short and brief.

Uesugi Toru raised his brow, only then discovering the phone ringtone was wrong.

Although recently Rituna Minami always answered instantly.

But he still remembered the other's ringtone was some old ACG song, seemingly called "Beautiful Cruel World" or something?

Click.

This hoarse metal ringtone suddenly stuck half a beat, then immediately turned into broken, miserable sobs.

"What's going on?"

Uesugi Toru put down the mobile phone, looking at the number【444-4444】above, revealing a thoughtful expression.

This number, Rituna Minami seemed to have mentioned it to him.

Was it the omen of the Black Telephone Booth's arrival?

He just came back and made one call.

Moreover, the Black Telephone Booth phenomenon in Arakawa Ward had already been cleared by Nanjo Sister, right?

He could encounter this too?

Uesugi Toru immediately hung up the phone, closed the mobile phone, not wanting to cause trouble for nothing at this critical moment of every second counting.

This mononoke should be handed over to other Special Affairs Division agents to solve...

Woo—woo—woo—!

But Uesugi Toru didn't expect that after he turned off the mobile phone, the black telephone booth's ringtone not only didn't disappear, but intensified, making the sobbing even louder.

Louder and louder, echoing by his ears and throughout the entire mountain forest.

Better destroy the mobile phone first...

Uesugi Toru fell silent, just about to crush the mobile phone that had followed him for a long time, but the sobbing sound coming from within the mobile phone suddenly disappeared.

The mobile phone returned to normal.

Instead, not far away, something that by common sense absolutely could not appear in the mountain forest appeared: a telephone booth wrapped in pitch-black iron sheet, growing dark red rust spots, with a retro style.

Hiss-hiss, hiss.

The hoarse electric current sound stroked his ears like a poisonous snake flicking its tongue.

At this moment, Uesugi Toru suddenly smiled,

"I don't want to cause trouble... but it just won't end, right."

"It really proves that saying — the kind are bullied by others."

Clack.

A vividly lifelike pale mask fell into his hand.

Uesugi Toru put it on expressionlessly.

Then, he revealed a bloodthirsty, ferocious grin toward the black telephone booth not far away.

That constant static of electric current, and those miserable sobs, both suddenly stopped.

Abruptly cut off.

As if frightened.

But Uesugi Toru had retreated again and again before, yet gained not a shred of the respect he deserved.

So now, how could he let this nonsensical black telephone booth that wasted his precious time escape?

"Hello..."

The White Prajna, who had stirred the spirit tide of the entire mountain forest, lifted her leg and took a step, gently curving her lips as she said softly,

"I'm here to answer the call."

(End of Chapter)