Chapter 580 - Favor (1/2)
Koyama dojo was not what it used to be. It had way more students now, and after Zhang Heng’s motivational speech, many came in early to train, forcing Zhang Heng, who was just a wall away, to develop the habit of going to bed getting up early. When Akane found him, he had already washed up and was getting just about to go for a run. Knowing that Okita was literally knocking on death’s door, Zhang Heng had long given up hope of fighting a duel with him. Furthermore, in the current state he was in, Okita wasn’t even expected to last one round. Even though Zhang Heng was stuck between levels 3 and 4 and had no way to move past that stage, the last thing he wanted was for Okita to sacrifice his life.
However, when Zhang Heng saw Okita, he knew that he would not talk the man out of the duel.
So, in the end, both ended up in Zhang Heng’s little courtyard at Zhang Heng’s request. Regardless of who won, he did not wish for the duel’s result to be made public.
Okita Soji took the bokuto from Akane but was in no hurry to remove the tachi from his waist.
He looked at Zhang Heng in the eyes and said, “Before we start, I have a few questions I’d like to ask you.” “Please, go ahead,” replied Zhang Heng. “Are you working together with Satsuma and Choshu Domain now?”
The atmosphere suddenly turned somber.
Akane appeared to be troubled and was about to speak up when Zhang Heng raised a hand to stop her. “Yes,” he nodded.
“Of course.”
Okita Soji’s reaction was completely unexpected. Instead of being angry and disappointed, he looked relieved. “I heard similar rumors. I also heard that the deputy leader of Kyoto Mimawarigumi died by your hand.”
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“Mm, that’s true,” Zhang Heng answered. “So, have you come to avenge them today?”
“No, even though we do the same thing as the Kyoto Mimawarigumi, our a.s.sociation is perfunctory. Also, I’m not a perfectionist like the deputy leader.” Okita Soji shook his head. “Times have changed; the general has already relinquished command and returned imperial rule to the Emperor. However, they are still not satisfied. No one knows what the future will look like, and there’s panic among the people. Many are already seeking ways to escape the country, but because of the strict regulations, no one dares to say it aloud. The truth is, people are already thinking of other ways to deal with it.”
Okita paused, “I want to speak to someone who has contact with the Sonno-joi. It’s just perfect that Mr. Abe happens to be well-acquainted with them. It’s because I know that I can trust you.”
“You can always come to me if you need any help. Are you hoping to get out of s.h.i.+nsengumi?” asked Zhang Heng.
Okita smiled. “How is my current situation any different from that? I don’t care about the higher-ups’ matters, but I’ve worn this uniform for so long, and I’ve gotten used to it. And why bother wasting energy taking it off when I’m already at the end of my life?”