Volume 5 Chapter 28-2 The Great Villain of the World, Offering A Strategy To Rotaimei
I believe that if I were part of the 'Golden Feather Syndicate,' I would definitely make contact.
If that happens... I'll pretend to accept their invitation.
I'll find out their location and then inform everyone.
And then, we'll capture them all at once.
──That's the plan I came up with.
...Master Raikou or Shuu-sensei might get angry.
A martial artist deliberately losing is shameless, isn't it?
I wouldn't be able to complain if I were expelled.
But, this is also an effective strategy.
There are people spreading strange rumors in Kiryou's town.
Considering Tougen Shimei and Bakkai's testimonies, it's highly likely that the 'Golden Feather Syndicate' is here.
We might be able to draw them out during the martial arts tournament, but... it would be more effective if I were the bait.
I think it's worth trying.
──That's what I explained to Shuu-sensei and the others.
"I understand your thoughts."
Shuu-sensei nodded.
"As for deliberately losing... I have no problem with that. Now I'm a traveling doctor. It's natural to prioritize saving lives over a martial artist's pride. Your senior sister... she would forgive you. She would understand your feelings too."
"Then, may I have your permission?"
"Let me think about it a bit. As your teacher, I'm responsible for your safety. Certainly, it's an effective strategy to lure out the enemy..."
"I oppose it!!"
The one who spoke up was Shouou.
She glared at me intently,
"It's too dangerous for Rikuhou to infiltrate the enemy's ranks! They're users of dangerous techniques, right!? Getting into the depths of such people and... what if your identity gets exposed!?"
"I'll escape using my footwork."
"...Even so."
"I just want to capture the enemy."
"That's not enough! There's a way of doing things──"
"...Heh heh. Hahaha!!"
Suddenly, laughter erupted.
When I looked, Rotaimei was laughing heartily, his throat convulsing.
"Rotaimei-dono, what's the matter?"
"Excuse me. I was moved by the boy's thinking and his courage."
Rotaimei tapped his bald head and squinted at me.
"But... you're too young, boy."
"...Huh?"
"Your plan is excellent, and I admire your bravery to face danger head-on. But, you try to do everything yourself. You should leave what you 'cannot do' to others."
"But... if I become the bait..."
"No, no, there's someone more suitable to be the bait, right?"
Rotaimei chuckled and pointed at himself.
"What you should say is not 'I will be the bait.' You should say, 'I ask Rotaimei-sama to help'!"
"Huh? What? Um..."
What is Rotaimei saying?
This is the plan I came up with, so I should take responsibility...
"Gen Shuuyoku-dono, which do you think is more effective? For Rotaimei to be the bait or for this boy to be the bait?"
"Without a doubt, it should be you, Rotaimei-dono."
Shuu-sensei nodded without hesitation.
"If we apply Rikuhou's plan to you, it will be like this: 'Rotaimei, defeated at the martial arts tournament, is scolded by Mō Etsu-sama for 'shaming his lord in front of him' and is expelled from the main house. Desperate Rotaimei will badmouth Mō Etsu-sama while drinking in a tavern.' The enemy will undoubtedly focus on you."
"That's right! The enemy has ill intentions towards Kiryou town and Mō Etsu-sama."
"Rotaimei-dono knows much about Kiryou town and Mō Etsu-sama. They will be valuable information sources for the enemy. Certainly, Rotaimei-dono is more suitable as bait..."
Rotaimei chuckled happily and tapped his head.
"Ah, that feels really good! I never thought I would have such a role! Young man, I thank you!!"
"But... is that okay?"
"What do you mean?"
"Rotaimei-sama will be scolded by Mō Etsu-sama in front of everyone... and be cast out."
"You were also trying to do something similar, weren't you?"
"I am not from Kiryou. When I return to Hokurin, no one will know what happened in Kiryou. After some time, I can go back to Yuuri-sama and Shuu-sensei. But... Rotaimei-sama..."
Rotaimei is a resident of Kiryou town.
If he is scolded and cast out by Mō Etsu-sama, that fact will spread quickly throughout the town.
Once that happens, Rotaimei won't be able to return to Mō Etsu-sama.
Of course, if we catch the enemy, that's different.
We can convince everyone that it was just a plan.
But... we don't know if we can reveal that information.
It's riskier for Rotaimei to do what I'm doing.
Yet──
"Don't worry. Mō Etsu-sama and Haku-sama understand. That's enough for me."
──Rotaimei smiled as if it was nothing special.
"Becoming Mō Etsu-sama's guest was for this purpose. There's a saying: 'A warrior dies for those who know him.'
Even if I use this plan, I won't die. There's no reason to hesitate."
"...Rotaimei-sama."
"Ah, but if I successfully infiltrate the enemy territory, come to my aid. I'll contact you soon. I want you to come quickly. I'm tough, but I have my limits."
"Um... Rotaimei-sama."
"What is it, boy?"
"Can't both I and Rotaimei-sama use the same strategy? If we do, we could also cooperate after infiltrating the enemy territory..."
"That would make the enemy realize it's a strategy."
Rotaimei was right.
It would be suspicious if both of us did the same thing.
Only one of us, either me or Rotaimei, can make this strategy work.
"I'm glad you're worried about me. But this is my once-in-a-lifetime stage. Could you kindly let me take the lead, old man of Lu?"
Rotaimei laughed.
...He's not someone to be underestimated.
Was Rotaimei in the game such a character too?
Then... it makes sense why his lines were few in the game.
If this person takes the lead...
The protagonist's presence would fade.
He might become more popular than the protagonist.
"Thank you, Rotaimei-sama."
I clasped my hands toward Rotaimei.
"Understood. Please use my strategy."
"Indeed. Then, I have a favor to ask of you."
"Please tell me."
"While I am away, I would like you to protect Haku-sama."
Rotaimei became serious and said that.
He also looked at Shuu-sensei and Shouou,
"'Uncle Ro's proxy' should get the message across. That person is already being watched by Kakkan Saku-sama and Tan-sama. I think you understand the reason without me saying it."
That... I understand.
A favored side-chamber child of Mō Etsu, from the perspective of the maternal relatives, is nothing but an obstacle.
"Of course, you can prioritize your own duties. But, please try to keep an eye on Haku-sama as much as possible."
"Rotaimei-dono's proposal is accepted by this Gen Shuuyoku."
Representing us, Shuu-sensei responded.
"I respect your chivalry and loyalty. You are a martial artist who should be remembered in history."
"Nonsense, I'm just a second-rate martial artist."
Rotaimei tapped his bald head.
"But, because I know I'm second-rate, I can talk to first-rate people like you without hesitation. I don't have any pride or jealousy... well, I do have some jealousy. But, I can pretend not to have it. Yes, I can!"
"Rotaimei-dono."
"What is it, Gen Shuuyoku-dono?"
"May I call you my friend?"
"It's an honor."
Rotaimei looked embarrassed and clasped his hands.
Shuu-sensei seriously returned the clasp.
"Then, I will return to Lord Mō Etsu and discuss the future plans."
"Understood. We will also prepare."
"For Lord Mō Etsu and Kiryou's peace."
"""For His Highness the King's younger brother and Yuuri-sama. And for the peace of Aika Country."""
We exchanged words and bows with Rotaimei.
Thus, we began our preparations in our respective places.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!