Chapter 760

PS: I woke up and the group was gone, everyone remember to join the new group "The Emperor's Chicken and Dog Alliance," I'll also post some content in the group. I have to say, Fuji TV really poured their hearts into producing "The Hand of God."

PS: I woke up to find the group gone—everyone, remember to join the new group "Tenshi's Chicken Dog Alliance"; I'll also post some content there. Honestly, Fuji TV really went all out on the drama *Hand of God*.

The Sekizen-kan is also one of the main sponsors and primary filming locations; this hot spring inn is of very high standard, but Uesugi Muneshige doesn't have to spend a single yen. Spending money feels great, but sometimes not spending money feels even better.

Sekizenkan is also one of the main sponsors and filming locations; this hot spring inn is of very high standard, but Uesugi Muneyuki doesn't have to spend a penny. Spending money feels great, but sometimes not spending money feels even better.

Going to the countryside for a trip is great, but it's nothing compared to going on a countryside trip under the guise of research, where someone picks you up, arranges a tour guide, accompanies you for meals and fun, you spend nothing, and when you leave, you can carry several large boxes of local specialties—now that's even better.

Going to the countryside for a trip is great, but it's nothing like going there under the guise of research, where someone handles everything—reception, tour guide, food, fun—you spend nothing, and when you leave, you can even carry out several big boxes of local specialties, which is even better.

Uesugi Muneshige thought, "My ancestors truly never deceive me."

Uesugi Muneyuki thought, "Our ancestors truly never deceive me."

The wisdom of our ancestors is boundless!

The wisdom of our ancestors is boundless!

The banquet at the 40,000-yen hot spring Sekizen-kan is underway amidst laughter and joy.

The dinner at Yonsen Onsen Sekizenkan was proceeding amid laughter and cheer.

Wife-and-husband-wood Satoshi didn't come; the main attendees here are Uesugi Hakuma Sakura and others. The director and crew, being considerate, ate next door, leaving a room for them.

Tsumabuki Satoshi didn't come; the main attendees here were Uesugi Hakumasa Sakura and others, while the director and crew, being considerate, ate next door and left a room for them.

Course after course of kaiseki cuisine was served: Gunma local mountain delicacies, stream fish from the 40,000 River, charcoal-grilled rockfish salt-broil, eggs and tofu slow-cooked in hot spring steam—each dish so exquisite it resembled a work of art.

Course after course of banquet dishes were served: Gunma local mountain delicacies, Yonsen River stream fish, charcoal-grilled rockfish salt-bake, slow-cooked egg tofu using hot spring steam—each dish was so exquisite it resembled a work of art.

Miyabi Sakura ate with her eyes lighting up; Tei Reisui, though maintaining her female anchor persona, never stopped moving her chopsticks.

Miyawaki Sakura ate with her eyes lighting up; Tei Reiji, though maintaining the airs of a female anchor, didn't stop moving her chopsticks.

Naturally, Uesugi Muneshige's exclusive dish—something like oyster ox penis stewed with turtle, chives, and deer antler—was also indispensable.

Naturally, there was no shortage of Uesugi Muneyuki's exclusive dishes—something like oyster stewed with ox penis, softshell turtle, chives, and deer antler.

"Ah, junior-kun, eat more!" Mai-gaku-senpai laughed as she personally served Uesugi Muneshige, leaving the female attendant in a furisode kimono beside her momentarily unsure whom to envy.

"Ah, junior student, eat more!" Shirakawa Mai laughed as she personally served Uesugi Muneyuki, leaving the nearby female attendant in a tomesode kimono unsure whom to envy.

After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere grew increasingly relaxed.

After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere grew increasingly relaxed.

"Speaking of which," Miyabi Sakura picked up a piece of simmered dish, lowered her voice, eyes flashing with excitement: "Right now, it's snowing heavily outside, mountain roads are blocked, we're trapped here and can't get out..."

"By the way," Miyawaki Sakura picked up a piece of simmered dish, suddenly lowered her voice, eyes flashing with excitement: "It's snowing heavily outside, the mountain road is cut off—we're trapped here and can't get out..."

She glanced around mysteriously and said: "Isn't this exactly that? The Blizzard Mountain Villa!"

She glanced around, mysteriously saying: "Isn't this exactly that? A blizzard mountain villa!"

"Pfft," Tei Reisui nearly spat out her tea; Fuji TV's leading lady naturally knew what this referred to.

"Pfft"—Tei Reiji nearly spat out her tea; of course the leading actress of Fuji TV knew exactly what that was.

Or rather, Japanese people who love detective stories to the bone just don't not know this.

Or rather, Japanese people who love detective mysteries to the bone wouldn't not know this.

Shirokawa Mai blinked, then chuckled: "Sakura, you've been reading too many mysteries, haven't you?"

Shirakawa Mai blinked, then chuckled: "Sakura, have you been reading too many mysteries?"

"No way!" Miyabi Sakura declared confidently: "Look, heavy snow seals the mountain, cuts off contact with the outside world, a group of people trapped in an old inn—this isn't a standard blizzard mountain villa setting, what is? Next, a murder case is bound to happen!"

"Not at all!" Miyawaki Sakura declared firmly: "Look—heavy snow blocks the mountain, we're cut off from the world, a group of people trapped in an old inn—this isn't the standard blizzard mountain villa setup, what is? Next, a murder case is bound to happen!"

"Detective Sakura: The Sekizen-kan Blizzard Murder Case (Occurrence Chapter)!" Little Sakura said proudly: "Then comes the deduction chapter and the resolution chapter!"

"Detective Sakura: The Sekizenkan Blizzard Murder Case (Occurrence Chapter)!" Little Sakura said proudly: "Then comes the deduction chapter and the resolution chapter!"

"Hahaha, if you've got the guts, come on~ Love striving brings victory!" Mai-gaku-senpai was amused by Sakura.

"Hahaha, if you've got the guts, come on~Love to strive, and you'll win!" Shirakawa Mai was amused by Sakura.

"Sob sob, Miyabi-san, please don't scare me—landslides at least mean we can't leave until tomorrow noon. If a murder really happens, police won't be able to get in, and the killer would still be inside the inn—what a hassle!" Tei Reisui, timid and not very familiar with the others, yet eager to fit into their circle, spoke earnestly while carefully gauging her words.

"Wuwu, Miyawaki-san, please don't scare me—even if a landslide happens, we won't be able to leave until at least tomorrow noon; if a murder really occurs, the police won't be able to get in, and the killer would still be inside the building—what a headache!" Tei Reiji, being timid and not very familiar with Bai Chuan Sakura and others, yet eager to join their former circle, spoke with effort, carefully balancing her words.

Beneath her plain gray wool sweater and soft chiffon long skirt, Tei Reisui's smooth, silky legs were slightly entwined, wrapped in sheer, cicada-wing-thin flesh-toned stockings; her nail polish, a pink-purple shade, curled into a clump under her movements, revealing her tension. "Don't worry, Tei-san, there won't be a murder case." Uesugi Muneshige couldn't help but laugh: "I can guarantee it."

Under her ordinary black wool sweater and soft chiffon long skirt, Tei San's pair of warm, smooth, silky legs were slightly entwined; beneath the sheer, cicada-wing-thin, toe-transparent flesh-toned stockings, the pink-purple nail polish on her toenails curled into a clump under her movements, revealing her tension. "Don't worry, Tei San—there won't be a murder case." Uesugi Muneyuki couldn't help but laugh: "I can guarantee it."

"What if? I'm just saying... what if." Tei Reisui finally found a chance to speak, speaking eagerly: "After all, Uesugi-kun, you're the kind of person who causes murder cases wherever you go!"

"What if? I was just saying… what if." Tei Reiji finally found a chance to interject, speaking eagerly: "After all, Uesugi-kun, you're the kind of person who tends to have a murder case happen wherever you go!"

"Pfft, honestly speaking, indeed, this junior-kun is basically a PhD student of the Death God—wherever he goes, he films an episode of 'The Hand of God'!" Mai-gaku-senpai laughed so hard she bent over.

"Pfft, to be honest, indeed—this junior student here is basically a PhD student of the God of Death; wherever he goes, he films an episode of *Hand of God*!" Shirakawa Mai laughed until she bent over.

"Not that exaggerated, but it's true—Uesugi-san really does seem to run into cases all day long." Little Sakura also covered her mouth and chuckled.

"Not that exaggerated, but it's indeed true—Mr. Uesugi seems to run into cases all day long." Little Sakura also covered her mouth and smirked.

Uesugi Muneshige held his wine cup, hearing this, couldn't help but mutter inwardly.

Uesugi Muneyuki held his wine cup, hearing this, couldn't help but mutter inwardly.

Blizzard Mountain Villa.

Blizzard Mountain Villa.

This term originated in mystery fiction; in English, it's called "closed circle"—a sealed-off group.

This term originated from mystery fiction; in English it's called "closed circle"—a sealed-off group.

A group of people trapped in an isolated environment, unable to contact the outside world, then a murder occurs, and the killer is among them.

A group of people trapped in an isolated environment, unable to contact the outside world, then a murder occurs, and the killer is among them.

Agatha Christie's *And Then There Were None* is the pinnacle of this pattern: ten strangers stranded on an island, dying one by one, ultimately leaving no survivors.

Agatha Christie's *And Then There Were None* is the pinnacle of this model: ten strangers stranded on an island, dying one by one, ultimately leaving no survivors.

In Japan, Yokomizo Seishi's Kindaichi Kōsuke series loves this setting—deep mountains in Okayama Prefecture, mansions on isolated islands, villages blocked by heavy snow... each time evoking a dark, eerie atmosphere, each time delivering that oppressive feeling: "The killer is among us." Later, this trope was overused, becoming a fixed formula in mystery. Ayatsuji Yukito's "Mansion Series" took the blizzard mountain villa to new heights—Tenka Mansion, Waterwheel Mansion, Labyrinth Mansion... each a strange, peculiar building, paired with locked-room murders, readers devoured it, writers enjoyed writing it.

In Japan, Yokomizo Seishi's Kindaichi Kōsuke series most favors this setting—deep mountains in Okayama Prefecture, Western-style mansions on isolated islands, villages blocked by heavy snow… each time it's that eerie, strange atmosphere, each time that oppressive feeling of "the killer is among us." Later, this model was overused, becoming a fixed trope in mystery fiction. Ayakei Yukito's "Hall Series" took the blizzard mountain villa to new heights—decagonal pavilion, water mill pavilion, labyrinth pavilion… one weird building after another, paired with locked-room murder cases, readers devoured it, and writers loved writing it.

Moreover, the Japanese further developed the "Village Society Strange Tales Belt"—it's well known that many Japanese villages, due to long-term isolation, conservatism, and backwardness, still preserve many unusual customs. Many suspense games and galgames, even the Twelve Divine Weapons and Twelve Sacred Treasures, deliberately set events in similar places to "rationalize" a bunch of wildly implausible settings—or at least find a plausible excuse.

Furthermore, the Japanese have further developed the "Village Society Strange Tales Zone"—it's well known that many Japanese villages, due to long-term isolation, conservatism, and backwardness, still retain many peculiar customs; thus, many suspense games and galgames, even the Twelve Demonic Tools Twelve Divine Tools, deliberately set events in similar places to "rationalize" a bunch of wildly implausible settings—or at least find a plausible excuse.

Such rural estates, manors, and small islands are not completely cut off from the outside world; people can generally move freely, but the crime scene and the killer must be confined within this circle. The detective's task is to eliminate all distractions using case clues, interpersonal relationships, and so-called alibis, then identify the true killer from within this group.

Such rural estates and small islands are not completely cut off from the outside world—people can generally move freely—but the crime scene and the killer must lie within it; the detective's task is to, based on various case clues and interpersonal relationships, along with so-called alibis, eliminate all other interfering options, and from this circle single out the true killer.

But nowadays, who still plays this game?

But nowadays, who still plays this?

It's the year 6202 AD already—sigh, Emperor Heiwa has been on the throne for so long, mobile signals may be down, but satellite Starlink phones should at least exist? If not, there are drones, even helicopter rescue.

It's already the year 6202 AD—Emperor Akihito has been on the throne for ages; even if mobile signals are down, satellite Starlink phones should at least exist, right? If not, there are still drones and helicopter rescue.

Do you really still think it's the Showa era, when you couldn't even send a telegram?

Do you really think it's still the Showa era, when you couldn't even send a telegram?

Uesugi Muneshige took a sip of wine, shook his head, completely dismissing Tei Reisui's words.

Uesugi Muneyuki took a sip of wine, shook his head, and completely dismissed Tei Reiji's words.

"Uesugi-san," Tei Reisui weakly challenged Uesugi Muneshige: "You say there really won't be a murder case, right?"

"Uesugi-san," Tei Reiji timidly challenged Uesugi Muneyuki: "Do you really think a murder case will actually happen?"

"No." Uesugi Muneshige set down his cup, tone firm: "Blizzard Mountain Villa is just Sakura's imagination. In reality, when faced with such extreme weather, normal people would just stay put honestly—who would kill someone at this critical moment?"

"No." Uesugi Muneyuki set down his wine cup, voice firm: "The blizzard mountain villa is just a figment of imagination. In reality, when faced with such extreme weather, normal people would just stay put honestly—who would kill someone at a time like this?"

"I'm just saying 'what if'?" Tei Reisui spoke, growing more fearful.

"I'm just saying 'what if'?" Tei Reiji said, growing more fearful.

"There's no 'what if'." Uesugi Muneshige glanced at her: "Our Tei anchor should just watch less Keigo Higashino."

"No what if." Uesugi Muneyuki glanced at her: "Our Tei San should really watch less Higashino Keigo."

Tei Reisui pouted, muttering softly: "But if it did happen, what would we do?"

Tei Reiji pursed her lips, muttering softly: "Well, if it did happen, what would we do?"

"Then I'll grant you one request." Uesugi Muneshige said, full of confidence.

"Then I'll promise you one request." Uesugi Muneyuki said, very confident.

"Then... could you please take me to tour the Uesugi Manor when that happens?" Tei Reisui seized the moment, immediately saying: "That one in Bunkyo Ward—I've actually long admired Lord Kenshin!"

"Then… could you, Uesugi-san, please take me to tour the Uesugi Mansion sometime?" Tei Reiji seized the opportunity, immediately saying: "The one in Bunkyo Ward—I… actually… I've long admired Lord Kenshin."

"Of course, and there's even an outdoor scene filmed at the Uesugi Manor—I'll bring you all to tour it thoroughly then." Uesugi Muneshige smiled and promised. "Great!" Tei Reisui and Miyabi Sakura nearly simultaneously exclaimed in excitement.

"Of course, and there's even an outdoor scene filmed at the Uesugi Mansion—I'll take you all to tour it thoroughly when the time comes." Uesugi Muneyuki smiled and promised. "Great!" Tei Reiji and Miyawaki Sakura almost simultaneously exclaimed in agreement.

Everyone laughed together.

Everyone laughed together.

After the banquet ended, everyone dispersed. Uesugi Muneshige left the great hall, walking along the old corridor of Sekizen-kan toward his room. Lanterns of ancient design hung on both sides, casting warm, yellow light that dappled the floor; distant sounds of hot spring water flowed, and the air carried a faint sulfur scent. Occasionally, a maid in kimono hurried past, her steps light as a cat's.

After the dinner ended, everyone went their separate ways. Uesugi Muneyuki left the great hall, walking along the ancient corridor of Sekizenkan toward his room. On both sides of the corridor hung age-old lanterns; warm yellow light cast mottled shadows on the floor, the distant sound of hot spring water flowing could be heard, and the air carried a faint sulfur scent. Occasionally, a female attendant in a kimono hurried past, her steps light as a cat's.

This is what makes traveling in Japan great—the service attitude is deeply respectful and enthusiastic; you don't need to know what they're thinking inside, at least they perform surface courtesy perfectly, and besides, it's truly "one time, one meeting"—in this life, you're extremely unlikely to meet again.

One of the joys of traveling in Japan is the service attitude—extremely respectful and enthusiastic; no matter what they're thinking inside, at least they put on a proper show, and since it's literally "one time, one meeting," you're extremely unlikely to meet them again in this lifetime.

Reaching the corner, his steps paused.

Upon reaching the corner, his steps paused.

Ahead in the corridor, several people stood low-voiced outside a guest room door. The leader was a woman in her early sixties, wearing a plain, elegant kimono, hair neatly coiled, back straight as a rod—clearly someone accustomed to privilege and comfort.

Ahead in the corridor, several people stood low-voiced at a guest room door. Leading them was a woman in her sixties, wearing an elegant kimono, her hair neatly coiled, her back straight as a rod—clearly someone accustomed to being pampered and privileged.

Tokugawa Yoshiko.

Tokugawa Noriko.

Current head of the Kishū Tokugawa family.

Current female head of the Kii Tokugawa family.

Beside her stood her daughter, Tokugawa Ayako, in her thirties, gentle and dignified.

Beside her stood her daughter, Tokugawa Ayako, in her thirties, gentle and dignified.

Also present was her son-in-law by adoption, Tokugawa Kazuya, in his thirties, wearing glasses, refined and courteous.

Also present was her son-in-law, Tokugawa Kazuya, in his thirties, wearing glasses, refined and courteous.

Additionally, a man under forty leaned against the corridor pillar, impatiently fiddling with his phone—Tokugawa Ryuichi, the good-for-nothing son.

Additionally, a man under forty leaned against the corridor pillar, impatiently fiddling with his phone—Tokugawa Ryuichi, that good-for-nothing son.

Uesugi Muneshige's steps hesitated slightly.

Uesugi Muneyuki's steps paused slightly.

Logically, as fellow descendants of the kazoku peerage, he should have stepped forward to greet them in such a setting. Though the Yonezawa Uesugi family doesn't match the Kishū Tokugawa family in stature, within the old kazoku circle they still hold standing—more so now that he is the adopted son-in-law of the Watanabe Uesugi family, representing their face. Yet he did not move.

Logically, as fellow members of the peerage, he should have stepped forward to greet them in such a setting. Though the Yonezawa Uesugi family doesn't match the weight of the Kii Tokugawa household, in the old peerage circle they still count as notable; moreover, he is now a son-in-law adopted into the Watanabe-Uesugi family, representing its face. Yet he didn't move.

The reason is actually quite simple.

The reason is actually quite simple.

Back at his brother's wedding, this family caused a scene on-site, forcing Uesugi Muneshige to strike someone; the Kishū Tokugawa family also suffered major repercussions from this incident. Later, the Tokugawa main house and the Mito Tokugawa family intervened to plead, so the Uesugi family dropped the matter.

At my brother's wedding, this family caused a scene on-site, forcing Uesugi Muneyuki to strike someone; the Kii Tokugawa family was also heavily affected by this incident, and later the Tokugawa main house and Mito Tokugawa house intervened to plead, after which the Uesugi family dropped the matter.

But the grudge was formed.

But the grudge was formed.

What should I say when I go up to greet them?

Should I say, "Tokugawa Lady, long time no see—your son still acting like such a jerk lately"?

Uesugi Muneyuki shook his head, turned around, and continued walking forward, pretending not to see those few people.

After returning to his room, he took off his coat and hung it up, then stood by the window for a while.

Outside the window, the snow was still falling.

Dense snowflakes danced wildly in the lantern light, and the distant mountains had completely vanished from sight; the courtyard of Sekizenkan was covered in accumulated snow, and occasionally a branch unable to bear the weight snapped with a "crack."

The temperature kept dropping, and a thin layer of water vapor had formed on the window.

It's already late March, and it's still snowing—plus we just ran into a landslide...

This really is the Blizzard Mountain Villa now.

Uesugi Muneyuki pulled the curtains shut, preparing to lie down and rest for a while.

"Thump-thump."

Knocking sound.

His heart gave a slight twitch; he walked to the door and asked in a low voice, "Who?"

A familiar voice came from outside the door, laced with a smile and deliberately lowered in volume: "Junior Student, open the door, or I'll break it down myself." Uesugi Muneyuki immediately pulled the door open.

Shirakawa Mai stood outside the door.

She wore a loose beige knitted cardigan over a simple white T-shirt, dark casual long pants, her hair casually disheveled, no heavy makeup on her face, yet more captivating than in front of the camera, her bright large eyes reflecting only him.

But Uesugi Muneyuki's gaze was soon drawn to what she held in her hand.

Her left hand held a cloth bag, inside which a bottle of sake and several snack packages were faintly visible; her right hand gripped a larger, bulging clothing bag, its contents obvious without guessing.

Shirakawa Mai noticed his gaze, the corner of her mouth slightly lifting—her smile carried a hint of playfulness, a touch of slyness, and an intimacy known only to them.

She lifted the clothing bag in her right hand and gently swayed it: "I brought the clothes."

Damn it! Uesugi Muneyuki couldn't help but swallow.

No one can resist Mai Xuejie's black silk schoolgirl uniform—especially him.

Shirakawa Mai watched his eyes shift slightly, her smile deepening.

She stepped forward, nearly pressing herself against the door frame, looking up at him; the yellowish hallway light from behind her cast a soft outline on her figure.

"You still have much to attend to—you're not allowed to rest yet, Uesugi Swordmaster Tower (Doctor)." Her voice was low, carrying an irresistible tenderness: "The night is still long—don't leave, battle until dawn!"

She swayed the sake in her left hand, then the bag in her right: "I just bought a new pair of RV buckle water-diamond satin high heels." "Do you want to……take a look?"

Uesugi Muneyuki knew he was in for a tough battle tonight.

"Whoever invades Uesugi territory, I, Sōsetsu, shall crush them!" Uesugi Muneyuki declared with great courage.

"Keko-keko, my junior student really has 'drive' to spare!" Mai Xuejie's eyes curved into crescent moons as she held two bags, like a cat that had stolen a fish, lightly slipping into the room.