My Gang of Swordsmen

Chapter 419: Chapter 153: Duo Infiltration! Aoto and Mai’s Peerless Sneak-In [Special 10,000-Word Release]

Aoto’s brow had not relaxed since the scarred face handed over the gambling debt note.

This scarred face was eloquent, speaking in a smooth and organized manner, effortlessly using various honorifics. Coupled with the subtle scholarly aura he exuded, one might mistake him for a private school teacher were it not for the menacing tattoos visible on his collarbones and forearms beyond the coverage of his clothes.

With both hands, he returned the gambling debt note and the hundreds of taels previously paid by their Tachibana Family to Aoto. Then, using the highest form of honorifics, he praised Aoto with words like ”Our leader, Shimizu Eiichi, really admires you.” After that, the scarred face slightly bowed to Aoto.

”The debt note and the money, I have delivered them both.”

”I apologize for the presumptuous disturbance to you and your esteemed hall. Please forgive us.”

The scarred face turned his body, also bowing to Zhouzhu and others standing at the entrance of Shiwei Hall.

”With the matter settled, please forgive my departure.”

”Ah, by the way. I almost forgot to mention.”

”Lord Shimizu is never stingy when it comes to assisting a young hero like you.”

”Mr. Tachibana, if you ever need help with anything in the future, feel free to come to us.”

”Whether it’s gathering clues while handling some cases or anything else, we are more than happy to help.”

”Our ’Shimizu Clan’ doesn’t dare boast.”

”But in the regions of Edo, Yokohama, and Kanagawa...for certain people and certain matters, what our ’Shimizu Clan’ says might be more useful than the Emperor and the General of Expedition.”

When he said this, the scarred face’s tone was extremely flat.

Yet beneath this flat tone, there was a hint of pride and confidence!

After saying another ”goodbye” to Aoto and others, the scarred face led his entourage away, their figures disappearing beneath the slope where Shiwei Hall was located.

After the scarred face and his men left, Zhouzhu and others walked out of Shiwei Hall’s gate, gathering around Aoto, who still stood outside the entrance.

”What were those guys up to?” Harada scratched his head in confusion. ”I thought they came to cause trouble... I even brought my spear.”

Harada shook the spear resting on his shoulder and continued.

”Turns out they just came to return Mr. Tachibana’s father’s gambling debt note and the money previously paid... Since when did the ’Shimizu Clan’s’ Yakuza become so kind-hearted to proactively cancel debts?”

No sooner had Harada finished speaking than Hijikata coolly remarked, ”Expecting Yakuza to have a conscience and be reasonable is like expecting those apprentices at the Great Sword Dojo to stop being so arrogant. The latter probably has a slightly better chance.”

Zhouzhu, aged over sixty and having eaten more salt than Aoto has eaten rice, slightly opened his squinting eyes, gazing in the direction where the scarred face and others left: ”They must have seen Mr. Tachibana rising rapidly, so they want to get on his good side.”

”Hmm,” Aoto gently nodded at Zhouzhu’s words, ”I suspect the same...”

Yakuza cozying up to those in the government—this is essentially no secret.

In fact, the Yakuza thrive by cozying up to government officials, currying favor with them.

Attempting to win over emerging political stars... that’s a common tactic for the Yakuza.

Given Aoto’s recent astonishing achievements with the ”Three Times” responsible for Edo’s security, it’s not hard to surmise that Aoto holds significant value for wooing in the ”Shimizu Clan’s” eyes.

Aside from fostering a good relationship and preparing to win him over later, Aoto really couldn’t think of any other reason that would prompt these ruthless people to suddenly ”discover their conscience,” cancel all debts of the Tachibana Family, and return all the money previously paid by the Tachibana Family.

”...If they think canceling our family’s debt will help build a good relationship with me, then they’re really overthinking it.” Aoto returned his gaze to the debt note in his hand, his tone neutral and emotionless.

For these Yakuza, who commit all sorts of unspeakable, brutal acts, Aoto felt only aversion, no goodwill.

No matter what ”Shimizu Clan” did for him or what benefits they bestowed, Aoto would not develop any favorable impression of the ”Shimizu Clan.”

Therefore, due to his distaste for the Yakuza, even though the ”Shimizu Clan” had now written off the Tachibana Family’s debts, Aoto didn’t feel he ”owed them a favor” in the slightest.

Not to mention—the very idea of talking about favors and debts of gratitude with the Yakuza, who have no concept of the law or morality, whose bottom line is non-existent, is absurdly funny.

When they decide to act against you, regardless of whether you owe them a favor or they owe you one, the outcome is the same—it all depends on their mood.

The ”Shimizu Clan” canceling over 500 taels of the Tachibana Family’s debt was already a gesture to build a good relationship with him.

Thus, whether Aoto accepted their ”debt-clearing” goodwill or not, the result wouldn’t change.

It’s quite clear that the ”Shimizu Clan” wouldn’t stop their attempts to win over Aoto just because he didn’t accept their goodwill.