Kondo's "sand-throwing" attack was only half successful.
Nagano raised his hand in time to block all the sand and gravel thrown by Kondo, and not a single grain of dust hit his eyes.
When Kondo excitedly shouted "Have you experienced the power of 'Ogata-ryu'?" and jumped towards him without any running start, Nagano snorted coldly, kicked his feet, and jumped back lightly, jumping out of the range of Kondo's sword.
So it was no surprise that Kondo's sword missed the target and only hit the air.
Kondo's "Ogata Style" was easily broken by Nagano.
Looking at Kondo who was obviously too proud of himself just now, Ogata's mouth twitched and his brows frowned uncontrollably.
Perhaps Kondo was too proud and excited to make an accurate judgment.
The knife he just swung had too many unnecessary and inappropriate movements.
For example, Kondo should not have chosen to jump and slash just now, but should have taken a step forward and then followed up with a thrust. This would eliminate a lot of unnecessary movements and reduce physical consumption.
If Kondo had chosen to take a step forward and stab forward, Nagano might have been stabbed down by Kondo.
Kondo didn't seem to expect that Nagano could actually dodge his knife, so he looked surprised.
But the look of astonishment only appeared for a moment in Kondo's eyes and then disappeared immediately.
The next moment after his look of astonishment faded, Kondo stretched out his left hand and reached for a pocket sewn on his hakama.
It was not until now that Ogata discovered that Kondo's hakama seemed to have been modified.
There are two pocket-like things sewn on the waistlines on both sides of the pants.
It's bulging, as if there's something inside.
"Ah! Look! A bird shit is about to fall on your head!"
Kondo yelled as he took out his left hand from his left trouser pocket.
Kondo pulled out a handful of sand from his left trouser pocket...
——You guys are carrying sand with you?!
Ogata almost yelled like this.
The next moment, Kondo took out the sand from his left trouser pocket and threw it hard at Nagano's face.
Kondo's movements of throwing sand are simple and powerful.
It's like I've practiced it many times...
Nagano never expected that Kondo actually had a combo.
Just as he put down his left hand that was used to block the gravel thrown by Kondo, he saw another handful of sand and dirt even more than before hitting his face...
This time, Nagano failed to block Kondo's second wave of "Ogata Style"...
The sand hit Nagano's face hard, covering most of his face.
Before Nagano could even scream, he felt a dull pain in his chest.
Even though he couldn't see now, Nagano could roughly guess what had happened - Kondo had slashed him in the chest.
…
…
Ogata now feels very regretful.
It's a pity that he doesn't have a mirror at hand.
If there was a mirror, he would really like to use it to look at his current expression.
The expression must be unprecedentedly wonderful.
Ogata was stunned when he saw Kondo taking out sand from his trouser pocket which was obviously homemade.
Especially when he saw Kondo throwing the sand he carried with him without forgetting to say "a piece of bird shit is about to fall on your head" to "mentally interfere" with Nagano, Ogata's mouth opened uncontrollably into an "O" shape.
In fact, it’s not just Ogata.
Everyone present, including the referee, was stunned after seeing Kondo perform this smooth combo.
Many people present have seen many types of trials.
But this was the first time they had seen a test match like this...
The first people to come back to their senses from their "stunned" state were the six diners who had followed Nagano to Edo.
Nagano had a sword school in Dewa area that taught Ono-ha Ittoryu, and had many customers.
This time when he went south to Edo, Nagano brought six of the guests from his dojo with him.
After seeing Nagano, who was considered half of their master, being knocked down by Kondo using the "Ogata Style", Nagano's six diners were the first to recover from their state of shock, rushing onto the field and splitting into two groups.
A group of people helped Nagano get rid of the dust stuck on his face.
Another group of people scolded Kondo with anger on their faces.
"Are you still a warrior? You actually launched a sneak attack?!"
"You actually resorted to such a despicable trick as covering someone's eyes with sand! "
…
The diners' scolding woke up the referee who was not far away.
The first thing the referee said when he came to his senses was, "Hey! What are you doing? How can you suddenly dig out the sand and attack in the middle of a fight?!"
The referee's words were obviously directed at Kondo.
The referee also joined in scolding Kondo.
"Huh?" Kondo looked at the referee.
Kondo's expression at this moment was like hearing someone say "shit is delicious".
"Is there anything wrong with throwing sand?" Kondo asked. "I have studied the rules of the martial arts test very carefully. There is nothing in your rules that forbids throwing sand."
“When you fight someone, winning is the most important thing.”
Kondo adopted a mature tone.
"As long as we can win."
Although Kondo's words sounded very cool and convincing, they failed to convince the judges at all.
The commotion caused by Kondo attracted some higher-ranking officials.
A group of officials gathered together to discuss how to define Kondo's victory or defeat.
There was actually nothing wrong with what Kondo said just now - because the rules of their martial arts test did not state "no throwing of sand".
Because this was the first time that the "Imperial Trial" was held and there was a great lack of experience, the rules that were drawn up had quite a few omissions.
After a not-so-intense and very brief discussion, the officials decided - Nagano won and Kondo lost.
After receiving this result, Kondo was full of dissatisfaction.
"Wait! Why did you rule me as the loser?!"
"Because we cannot tolerate this kind of sneak attack on the opponent." A pot-bellied official said seriously, "So we temporarily made up the rules - prohibiting the use of hidden weapons or objects with the same effect as hidden weapons to attack the opponent."
"Huh? Temporarily change the rules? What is that?!" Kondo's eyes widened.
Ogata was not surprised that Kondo was directly judged as the loser.
After all, the government would definitely not agree to something like "throwing sand at the opponent's face" happening during the "Imperial Trial".
If everyone followed suit and brought a handful of sand to attack the enemy, then the martial arts test would change from a competition of who is stronger to a competition of who can throw the sand more accurately...
Kondo still wanted to argue and struggle for a while longer.
It’s a pity that officials have ignored Kondo.
Thus, this trial match between Kondo and Nagano ended with Nagano's victory.
It is worth mentioning that Nagano is quite graceful.
After wiping the sand off his face, he did not yell at Kondo for being mean, but said to him with a look of disappointment: "Young man! Be upright in your conduct! You must abide by the samurai code!"
…
…
Today's martial arts test lasted until dusk.
Except for a short break at noon, the fighting continued non-stop throughout the morning and afternoon.
Although there were occasional incidents, today's martial arts test ended successfully.
At the end of today's martial arts test, an official announced to everyone: Half of the participants have been successfully screened out. Those who defeated their opponents today should remember to arrive on time tomorrow.
Half of the people were screened out - that is, everyone played a game, and half of the winners and half of the losers emerged.
The number of about 400 people was reduced to about 200.
After the officials announced that today's martial arts test was over, Kondo walked back to Edo with an unhappy look on his face.
"Kondo." As soon as Kondo left the martial arts test site, a young warrior of the same age as Kondo ran towards him, "Would you like to go back with me?"
"No." Kondo shook his head. "I'm not in a good mood. I'm going to have a couple of drinks first."
“Is that so…” The young samurai named Kondo gave a wry smile, “Well, I’ll go ahead.”
After bidding farewell to his friend, Kondo walked alone on the road back to Edo.
As soon as he returned to Edo City from the suburbs, Kondo turned onto a street he had walked on countless times with ease, and then stepped into an izakaya.
"Aya!" Kondo shouted as soon as he entered the izakaya, "Two bottles of sake!"
"Oh, Kondo, you're here." A young girl walked out of the kitchen of the izakaya holding a tray.
"Yeah." Kondo found a seat, took off the sword from his waist and placed it aside, "Hurry up and bring the wine. I'm in a bad mood today. I plan to get drunk."
Aya: "What happened? Did a senior bully you?"
“No.” Kondo smiled bitterly. “What exactly I did today… I can’t tell you. Anyway, please bring the wine over quickly.”
"Okay, okay, okay." Aya returned to the kitchen with the plate.
Not long after, two bottles of sake appeared on Kondo's dining table.
Kondo didn't order any side dishes, but just ordered two bottles of wine, and then started drinking it in big gulps, expressing his inner resentment.
Places like izakayas only start to see their business pick up slowly at night.
It was only dusk now, and there were only a few people drinking in this pub.
Kondo was enjoying his drink when he suddenly felt a shadow darken beside him.
Looking to the side, he saw six familiar-looking young warriors standing beside him, looking at him gloomily.
Anyone who knows how to read the air can tell that this group of people has ill intentions.
"What? " Kondo asked in a deep voice while grabbing the sword beside him.
The noise made by Kondo startled the guests at other tables and also startled the waitress Aya who was working in the kitchen.
The guests at other tables did not want to be affected by the conflict between the samurai and hurriedly fled the izakaya.
Some were not surprised and continued drinking calmly in their seats.
At this time, Aya also ran out of the kitchen in panic.
Aya: "What happened?"
"...Aya, don't worry." Kondo said in a deep voice, "It just seems like someone is looking for revenge on me... I remember who you six are. You are from Nagano, right? I just saw your faces this morning."
"We are the guests of Lord Nagano." One of the six young warriors said, "Since you remember us, it will save us trouble."
"Come outside with us. We don't want to disturb the business of this store."
Kondo looked at the six heads, then looked at the knives on the six men's waists, and a look of hesitation appeared on Kondo's face.
But after only a few seconds of hesitation, Kondo grabbed his sword and stood up with a determined look on his face.
"Let's go."
After saying that, Kondo took the lead and walked outside with a knife in hand.
Before Kondo was about to leave, Aya, the waitress of the izakaya, cast a worried look at Kondo.
He opened his mouth and was about to say something when Kondo spoke first:
"Aya, I'll be back soon." Kondo showed Aya his usual innocent smile, "Please prepare two bottles of sake for me first. I've almost finished the two bottles I had."
…
…
at the same time--
"Shintaro-sama, Shintaro-sama."
Hearing someone calling him, Shintaro slowly opened his eyes.
He opened his eyes and turned his head towards the voice, and then he saw Xuntaro's big face.
Xuntaro is one of the jonin in their Shiranui. Although he is just a rather inconspicuous one among the jonin, he has an outstanding ability to do things, and is therefore highly trusted by Shintaro.
In this mission of "capturing the rebel ninja who escaped to Edo", Xuntaro was transferred to Shintaro's command to assist Shintaro.
"How is it?" Shintaro stood up a little straighter, "Did you find out anything from that vegetable shop?"
Shintaro and Xuntaro are now in an inconspicuous alley in Edo.
Just now, Shintaro was standing and taking a nap, leaning against the wall of the alley.
After years of traveling, Shintaro has developed the skill of being able to fall asleep even while standing.
These days, Shintaro has been leading the subordinates assigned to him by Enma to run around Edo, a city with a population of one million, looking for the trace of the rebel ninja.
After days of running around, Shintaro had already accumulated a lot of fatigue without realizing it.
After ordering Xuntaro to go to the teahouse not far away to gather information, Shintaro leaned against the wall of the alley and took a nap.
Although he only slept for less than 5 minutes from beginning to end, this short sleep was enough for a battle-hardened ninja like Shintaro.
As soon as Shintaro finished asking the question, Xuntaro smiled slightly:
"I got some useful information. Around yesterday evening, a guy who looked exactly like the traitor came into the vegetable store and bought two green onions."
"Really..." Although it was good news, Shintaro was unmoved and still had a cold expressionless look on his face. "Our net is gradually tightening. That traitorous ninja probably won't be able to jump around for much longer."
"Master Shintaro," Xuntaro asked, "Please give me the next task."
"No hurry." Shintaro said, "The traitor can't escape, so there's no need to be so anxious. Let's take a rest now. Xuntaro, you shouldn't have eaten yet, right?"
After saying that, Shintaro reached into his arms and took out two rice balls wrapped in lotus leaves.
After opening the lotus leaf, Shintaro threw one of the rice balls to Xuntaro.
"Eat it."
“Yes, yes!”
Looking at the rice ball in his hand, Xuntaro's face was full of excitement.
After giving one of the two rice balls in his hand to Xuntaro, Shintaro picked up the other rice ball and began to chew it silently.
Shintaro and Xuntaro stood facing each other, silently nibbling on the rice balls in each other's hands.
While chewing the rice ball in his hand, Xuntaro looked at Shintaro standing in front of him from time to time.
Shintaro, who was standing opposite Xuntaro, could naturally feel Xuntaro's gaze.
"What are you doing?" Shintaro, who couldn't stand Xuntaro's constant staring at him, asked in a deep voice, "Just say it if you have something to say."
"...Sir Shintaro." After hesitating for a while, Xuntaro took a deep breath and showed a determined look, "I... hope you can actively strive for the position of the 18th generation Enma."
"I think you are the most suitable person to be the next leader of Shiranui."
Hearing what Xuntaro said, Shintaro, who always looked calm, narrowed his eyes slightly.
At this time, Xuntaro continued:
"Although it may be a bit rebellious to say this...the 17th Enma-sama is so old, he probably won't live much longer."
"The next generation of Enma will definitely be chosen between you, Master Shuntaro, and Master Gokutaro."
"Gokutaro-sama is stubborn and indulges in alcohol and women. After moving his base to Edo, he became even worse and spent every day in Yoshiwara."
"Although Shuntaro is very powerful, I feel that he doesn't care about Shiranui. He always acts as if it's none of his business and doesn't care ."
"And he caused such a scene three years ago... I have always doubted Shuntaro-sama's loyalty to our Shiranui."
"Whether it's Master Gokutaro or Master Shuntaro, I don't think they are qualified to be the 18th Enma..."
"I think the only person who has the qualifications and the ability to sit on the throne of 'Flame' is you, Lord Shintaro."
Xuntaro's face was very serious, without any trace of "joking" or "carelessness" on it.
"What Shiranui needs now is a strategist who can lead all the ninjas in Shiranui to gain a foothold in the thorny shogunate."
"In terms of strategy, understanding of the current situation, and loyalty to Shiranui, Master Shintaro is undoubtedly the leader of the Four Heavenly Kings."
"It was you who proposed to Lord Enma that we submit to the shogunate and become its official ninja, using the shogunate's power to strengthen our strength."
"I have always believed that if you, Master Shintaro, could become the 18th Enma, we in Shiranui would definitely be able to..."
Before Xuntaro could finish his words, Shintaro interrupted him:
"Okay, Xuntaro, let's end this topic here."
"…I'm sorry." Xuntaro lowered his head and apologized.
"For me, it doesn't matter who inherits the throne of the Fire Demon."
Shintaro said softly.
"There is only one thing I care about from the beginning to the end - whether we can continue to survive and grow in Huoli."
"As long as there is someone who can help our Shiranui survive and grow stronger, I will be willing to serve this person as the new lord."
As soon as Shintaro finished speaking, Xuntaro was stunned.
Then, a look of longing and admiration appeared in his eyes.
"I really didn't make a mistake about you." Xuntaro's tone was a little excited, "Shintaro-sama, you are really great! I feel more and more that you are the next generation of Flame Demon!"
Shintaro didn't respond to Xuntaro's words, but just smiled.
"Eat quickly." After saying that, Shintaro took a bite of the rice ball in his hand, and then continued vaguely, "After finishing this meal, we have to get back to work and catch that rebel ninja."
"Yes!" Xuntaro responded loudly and took a bite of the rice ball in his hand.
After taking a bite, Xuntaro seemed to remember something and slowed down his chewing speed a little.
"…Sir Shintaro, can I ask you one more question?"
"Ask."
"I heard... this guy who has been keeping us busy in Edo these days is a fugitive. Is this true? Recently, I heard from some friends who are also responsible for catching him that he fled from our Shiranui in a hurry because he committed something."
"Oh, this." Shintaro sneered, "That guy is indeed a fugitive. After he learned that we had discovered the crime he had committed, he hurriedly fled from Shiranui."
"What crime did that guy commit?" Xun Taro asked.
"He helped those 'dirty' escape from the Shiranui."
"What?" Xun Taro's eyes widened in surprise.
"Not long after we moved our base to Edo, we discovered that many more 'Saka' managed to escape."
"We realized something was wrong and started a thorough investigation."
“Then we found that guy.”
"After that guy found out that his deeds were exposed, he fled from Shiranui in a hurry."
"...I see." Xun Taro gritted his teeth, "It's unforgivable... How dare you let those 'dirty' get away..."
"That guy can't get far." Shintaro sneered again, "In seven days at most, five days at least, we can catch that guy."
"If we're lucky, we might be able to catch that guy's accomplices as well."
"That bastard rebel ninja has accomplices?" Xuntaro asked in astonishment.
"Yes. After finding out that the traitor had been helping the 'Ku' escape, we conducted a thorough investigation of the 'Ku' village and captured several 'Ku' who had contact with the traitor."
"After being tortured, those 'scum' confessed that the traitor had an accomplice inside or outside the Shiranui."
"It was because of that accomplice and the traitorous ninja's collaboration that they were able to successfully allow so many 'dirty' to escape smoothly."
"According to our statistics, there are about 23 escaped 'dirty' now, all thanks to these two."
"... He actually has an accomplice." Xuntaro's expression became even darker. "How hateful... Master Shintaro, did you find out what his accomplice looks like and what his name is from those 'dirty' people?"
"Those 'scum' have never seen what that bastard's accomplice looks like or what his name is." Shintaro said softly, "At present, the only thing we know... is that that bastard's accomplice is not from our Shiranui."
"For now, let's just follow the procedures and take our time. The thorough investigation of the 'Sakamura' is still going on. It won't be long before we can find a few more 'Sakam' who have had close contact with the traitorous ninja."
"By then, maybe we can get information about the traitor's accomplices."
"Or after we capture the traitor, we can ask him directly about the whereabouts of his accomplices."
"No matter what, we must not let those who dare to cause trouble in our Shiranui live freely."
As the words fell, a strong sense of coldness emerged from between Shintaro's pupils.
"I am now more curious about whether the traitor's accomplice is a man or a woman."
A strange smile appeared on Xuntaro's face.
"I would prefer that the traitor's accomplice be a woman. This way, things will be much more interesting. Our Flower House happens to be short of people right now."
Shintaro didn't comment on what Xuntaro said just now, but just smiled meaningfully.