Crossover Anime: I'm Kasumigaoka Utaha's Brother

Page 103

Chapter 0291 Eight-Scented Wine

"Cruel, so cruel! How could they vent such humiliation!"

Beneath the corridor leading from the western gate of the main hall of Hirotake Castle, the mottled white hair transformed into a soft, moonlit glow. An old man, adorned with a white feather crest woven from white feathers, cursed the young man who continued to mock him, his accompanying samurai casting astonished glances.

This young man had a thick head of long hair. Instead of shaving his forehead for a month as a tradition among warriors of the Harmonious Kingdom, he wore his hair tied high in a ponytail with thin hemp rope, like a ronin who couldn't become a samurai. His eyes were hidden behind round sunglasses, but he shrugged and hunched over, with a cold smile on his face, appearing frivolous and dissolute.

"Why are you so angry, Mr. Iguchi? From now on, I wish to accept Lord Kang's kind invitation to stay at the Hakumai Mansion for a while to repay his kindness. My writing is outdated now, and my mind isn't what it used to be~"

"Nonsense! Lord Kang of '437' isn't some idiot from your Nine Villages! It's impossible for him to appoint someone like you to a high-ranking position in Baiwu without even telling me. He can't possibly command the five writers who are second only to Lord Kang. Besides..."

"Pfft~"

The young man laughed, dismissively interrupting Iguchi, "Besides, Wu Bai's articles have never been selected from Iguchi, Iguchi, or Inoue. Can't someone else take on that role? But with someone like you in the fifth position in Baiwu, won't the young people who can work rise to the top? No wonder the Eight Times Wine Party became the first in the entire country in Baiwu District..."

"Shut up!"

Upon hearing the name "half-fold," Iguchi instantly lost control of his expression and was forced to argue with this vicious young man. What was that follow-up visit? Chasing after the cherry blossoms, a sigh escaped his lips.

"Stop! Stop! This is in front of the General's Palace! Don't do anything reckless!"

"Haha, really, Mr. Mu Chan, you mustn't overdo it. Even Pa Erlang isn't that incompetent."

...Fine. But for Iguchi, who works as a writer from home, this level of provocation is the only one he can understand.

"you're right."

On the rooftop of the Great Longevity Pavilion in Guangyue City, between Guangyue and Guangyue, Baili Xiao sat in place of the general on the altar, a place only the general could control. His yellowish snake eyes, peering through the gaps in the eaves and walls, seemed to see directly into the farce unfolding beneath the Xizhiwan corridor.

"Mr. Mu Chan really knows how to make people angry. I remember that the next generation of the Ubu Shimotsuki family's stepson and the eldest son of the Iguchi family were both young people who were going to return to the underworld after drinking too much. I'm really sorry. After all, I was looking forward to tormenting them. Weren't they too easy to get away with?"

"you're right."

Baili Xiao glanced at him casually, then carefully examined the teapot in front of her, nodding in satisfaction. Until you could see the aroma of the tea seemingly emanating from the pot...

"To be honest, the 20% off wine is just a cheap product with a small amount of Bawang tea mixed in. However, this level of awe goes beyond that. They are even willing to sacrifice their lives to maintain this awe-inspiring pleasure. It seems that the next generation of the Bai Wu Shuang Yue family has no remarkable figures. The future is truly something to celebrate."

"you're right."

"...Mr. Fortune, Prosperity and Longevity".

"Yes."

"Let's get out of the car and stimulate the scene. It's pointless for just the two of us to carry this show alone, but we also need to hurry up the sunset. I'm so sorry, so sorry, so sorry, so sorry!?"

"You said it, I'll do it now."

The air suddenly became quiet.

"A top-tier ninja can't even see his own shadow. Good. This is probably what young people are all about."

"It's alright." Shaking his head, Baili Xiao immediately picked up a teaspoon and stirred the tea in the teapot. Just like the thick fog of this life swirling in the teapot, he was about to emerge from the teapot when the snake stirred his tea with the teaspoon.

"A dragon and snake with a tangled head and tail, eyes like ghost lanterns, pine trees on its back and iron ore on its belly, a dragon and snake that wants to take revenge on Guangyue."

They sang strange songs, scooped all the tea from the teapot, and drank it down without hesitation. In an instant, the panic and fear of the Eight Banners' Baili Xiao spread throughout his body.

The pleasure and power brought by the evil tea overwhelmed Baili Xiao, and the shadow beneath him slowly moved, transforming into the Eight Snakes from the recent Beijing nursery rhyme.

"Whoosh, this is the only way to quiet me down."

After receiving the teapot from hell from the arrogant timber merchant, Baili Xiao immediately swore allegiance to the Black Charcoal Clan to the imperial court, saying, "The Black Charcoal Clan's spirits brought dragons and snakes from hell. Just like the mysterious and terrifying legends of the Bright Moon Clan."

The people of Beijing initially didn't agree, and at most, when the topic of the Black Charcoal Clan came up, they would generally disperse. But the bloody and terrifying stories still aroused some people's awe of Baili Xiao of the Eight Banners. This teapot from hell could turn people's awe into a cup of wicked tea... bringing "awe-inspiring pleasure" to those who drank it.

With this trait, Baili Xiao diluted inferior tea and mixed it with aconite. He then sold "Bodhisattva hits a reef, mother buries a hill, butcher plunders vinegar garden, sour wine, strange wine, real milk, silly monster, Bingzhe wine" to local famous warriors and family elders.

Even heavily diluted, inferior tea, in this entertainment-starved world, can provide a far greater pleasure to decadent aristocrats than cigarettes. Even as the toxicity of aconite wine and the corrosive effects of inferior tea become increasingly apparent, they cannot sway these addicts.

It wasn't until the later outbreak of the "Ghost Lantern Disease" that people believed it was the curse of Ba Cha Bai Li Xiao. Panic and fear erupted, and Bai Li Xiao was able to produce enough wine for all the villages at an 80% discount. ...

As expected of a treasure from a world with supernatural life. The tea extracted from the "Mysterious Story," by Baili Xiao of Baguazhang, truly possesses the power to stimulate snake fruit, ferocious beasts, and Baili Xiao of Baguazhang.

The existence of Devil Fruits can be considered a supernatural power, but Hell exists within the same Heaven. Even in a world where the original humans could manipulate celestial phenomena, supernatural powers were clearly very strong.

Savoring the stimulation of the demonic fruit brought by the evil overlord tea, Baili Xiao could clearly feel that he was in contact with the demonic fruit on a deeper level. The level of the unique strength, stamina, vitality, and supernatural abilities of the magical beast had all undergone a qualitative leap.

Yes, very good. Only this level of strength can rival the gold medalists at sea. Only by completely eradicating the remnants of these 4.9 Moonlight Clan can I turn the Kingdom of Harmony into my own hell, and only then can I stop my hatred.

After being reincarnated into this turbulent world, Baili Xiao had little connection with her family. Her family was poor and hungry, and the people around her harbored ill will towards the charcoal survivors, but at least this was a time of peace. What happened?

With her eyes closed, Baili Xiao slowly began to speak, until the shadow of Orochi gradually disappeared from the room.

"It's almost time, Mr. Fukurokuju. It's time to return. We should go to the audience hall to meet the shogun so that we can meet the famous people who have traveled from afar to pay their respects. Heh, we can't always trouble Mr. Kanjuro to paint our stage. We also need to fill the scene with some real people. Then we'll start cutting sausages from this point."

"you're right."

"..."

Chapter 0292 The Black Charcoal Family's Financial Situation

"The Black Charcoal Mothership has added 300 warriors, increased monthly salaries by 30, and increased accommodation and training by 35."

"The maintenance costs for Shi Hengzhong in various townships increased by 1 million yuan this season, totaling 440 million yuan."

"Yuting tolerated the increase of 12 people, and the training cost increased by 28 yuan."

"..."

In the Radiant Hall, he had just accompanied the acting shogun, Serpent, who was in charge of the affairs of the young shogun Sukiyaki, who had been forced to fall ill, and was having a meeting with officials responsible for allocating the shogunate's financial revenue and expenditure.

Just as Baili Xiao announced through "Rhinoceros Horn" the collection of "Palace Tax," "Hall Tax," and "Food and Wine Tax" from various towns and villages, his joy was immediately dampened, as the information he received from his confidants and advisors was not optimistic.

The cost of infiltrating the harmonious land is several thousand dollars. The harmonious land has been closed for over 800 years, but its currency is almost equivalent to Berries. The Kurozumi family, currently struggling to cover basic January expenses, is nearing a "drought." This is partly due to the Kurozumi family's influence still being hidden within the harmonious land, but they still need to remain subservient, absorbing resources deep within the shogunate. Most materials can only be imported to the capital through the black market by Ishigatsu Tadashi, who is involved in construction in various villages, and Hyakka Tadashi, who runs a brothel.

In that case, the costs would naturally be very high. Even if Commander Baili Xiao were taken over by the Kurozumi family, they would still misappropriate the shogunate's wealth for other purposes, or use popular exclusive products like 20% off sake to support the financial support. However, that would only be an effort to maintain the current pace of expansion.

“I already know. After the bell rang, the construction of the new hot spring-themed flower street in Baihuazhong was halted. The shortfall of $72 million will be covered by the funds recovered from the temple fair, and arrangements will be made to handle the matter afterwards. Please step down.”

Yes, yes.

They looked respectfully at the officer assigned to practice. Let's stop this. Let's hire good friends. Let's ask for help. Let us help you.

"Cicada, I've been offering 20% ​​off drinks for over three years now. How are the martial arts shrines and military equipment in the villages doing now?"

"Hehe, we've all returned the wine to the people in our various towns. Since you've brewed 80% of the best-selling wine in each town, now most of the swordsmen and Ming Dynasty flag bearers in those dojos have contracted 'Ghost Lantern Disease.' Once it strikes, their eyes become as red and swollen as the fruit of the Ghost Lantern, their whole bodies become weak, and their joints ache so much they can't even lift a knife. They need to drink 80% of the wine to get better, but once it starts, they can't stop. Now all the prominent figures in the villages have realized the dangers of Ghost Lantern Disease, but it's too late, hehe."

“Speak, Mr. Mu Chan. After all, only a few people can afford to buy wine at an 8% discount. Only by eliminating these people can we ensure that the remaining unaffiliated warriors in various towns and villages, regardless of their abilities, receive proper instruction and training from the dojo and the army. After all, their achievements are limited, and this is not enough.”

Here, Baili Xiao understood that this was a world where common sense and theory coexisted. Charlotte Linlin's parents probably never imagined their daughter would grow to the size of a giant her age after birth. Now she was one of the New World's top athletes, later hailed as one of the New World's Four Great Sea Emperors. However, the story that followed was even more illogical. But on the bright side, Charlotte Linlin's life went from an ordinary birth to a life that seemed perfectly natural…

With this precedent, what about the houses in Harmony Township that collapsed, and the people and their descendants Charlotte scattered in Yongwang? Who can guarantee that a natural monster like Linlin won't appear? After all, the essence of 20% off liquor is very weak.

Although the beverage is based on the highly poisonous aconite, it still needs to subtly weaken the local militias, much like the unregulated cigarettes of the past. Furthermore, the inhabitants of the sea are generally robust, and harmonious nations produce many warriors. No one can guarantee that a monster won't appear, like the reborn Baili Xiao himself, perfectly digesting the wicked tea and standing opposite the charcoal shop.

After all, compared to the power of the Kurotan family and me, the Bright Moon series, which has governed the country and brought peace for thousands of years, is too weak.

A swordsman with strong individual skills in Shimotsuki, Fuutsuki, and Ugetsuki, Kozuki is a natural monster among Kozuki Tamadas of this generation. If I am lucky enough to go to another world and obtain the Teapot of a Hundred Demons, then, as I speculate, I can enhance my power as an illusionist through people's fear.

Before Guangyue Yutian returns to his country, he probably won't be able to figure out a way to gain power. I will follow the original path and invite the wolf into the house, using the power of pirates to physically eliminate the Guangyue clan. As for the aftermath, even a country that conspires with Cade can have a honeymoon period of about twenty years before fully understanding the situation of the Harmonious Nation.

Meanwhile, Bai Lixiao was busy with his daily tasks, including "avenging the despicable Guangyue family" and "the hateful Guangyue family took everything from Kurozumi." He secretly recalled information from his past life. Mitsuyukata, born four years earlier than him, was certain that at age 33, he was on Gor's Roger's ship, with a sick wife and child. Kyomi had finished her work, and Roger had ended his legendary journey known as the Pirate King of 437, returning home a year later.

In other words, Guangyue's last descendants will return to the Land of Harmony in just over a year. We can't be so rude. We can all live long lives; let's take it slow.

The thought that Guangyue's only surviving direct descendant would fall into his hands stirred a slippery malice and fire within Baili Xiao. He suddenly interrupted Heitan Muchan's conversation and reprimanded him.

"Cicada, are you still in contact with the pirates who stormed the capital and left behind a phone bug?"

The cicada, interrupted by the black charcoal's song, was a little annoyed, but quickly answered Baili Xiao's question:

"I remember it's a foreigner connected to Semimaru, like the pirate known as 'Wildfire,' the face of the Beast Pirates. If you want to buy swords and sea stones from us, you're quite generous and capable. We've been in contact recently, and if nothing unexpected happens, the deal should be finalized next month."

"Heh heh, really? Then we should associate more with Mr. Blaze. The Kingdom of Harmony is a good place, especially for sea pirates. I believe these foreigners will be very useful in a year. Hehe."

Chapter 0293 Covert Investigation

I can't believe the general has become like this.

Looking back on everything they had seen and heard since arriving in Huadu, Shuangyue Kang's family still couldn't believe their eyes. In their memory, General Guangyue Shao had always been a selfless, honest, and unpretentious leader. Under his leadership, the people of this harmonious land lived a self-sufficient life, relying on the abundant natural environment and hard work. While it couldn't be said that everyone was wealthy, at least in recent years, there had been no news of hunger or people fleeing from their hometowns.

In particular, after Yutian pacified the Jiuli and established the Peach Garden Farm, he not only eradicated the bandits in Hexie, but also provided ample crops for some people in the capital. It can be said that people's lives are improving. The general recently fell ill, and on Yutian's advice, a snake who worked in Wubai Town infiltrating the port was appointed as the acting general.

Although Orochi came from a poor background, he was very capable and helped the shogun manage state affairs well. The shogunate's reputation also grew. In such a favorable situation, although there were some uncertainties, to be honest, compared to the shoguns' luxurious lives, and even more so the taxation of the common people, it was a much better option.

Orochi looked embarrassed, but it was clear everyone's lives had improved recently. Now, to impose taxes on the people, and for such a strange reason—who would accept it? Was it because he wasn't feeling well? Would the shogun end up like the previous shogun? What if he became like Tamada?

Even the Shimotsuki Yasushi family, now bound to feel dissatisfied with the Shogun's actions, couldn't help but feel resentful. It was as if people had changed. It was like the strange Tamada and the former Shogun had become obsessed with politics, and the Kurozumi family's power had expanded.

After all, I will summarize that because of the spread of evil taxes, the wall industry is in the south, in the south, in the south, in the south, in the south, in the south.

As the names of various towns and villages embarked on their return journey, filled with doubts and hidden discontent, the acting general Orochi, who should have been assisting the general in handling political affairs in Huadu Guangyue City, arrived at Shengang in Youbu Township a few days earlier, riding on the red-crowned crane drawn by Kanjuro.

"Hehehe, Mr. Kanjuro, thank you for your concern. It must have been very tiring for you to maintain your abilities for so long, but you didn't notice that you disappeared inexplicably in Kuri, did you?"

"Your Highness, please rest assured. This villain is a first-rate servant. With the tea you gave me, I can paint for several days straight. He has already left a message for Song He, asking her to practice her painting skills. During this time, no one has disturbed me. Of course, no one has noticed that I left Jiuli."

"Hehe, that's meticulous work, Mr. Kanjuro. Ah, it seems we've arrived."

As they spoke, a red-crowned crane, already painted with a brush, disappeared into the submerged ceiling. After Orochi and Kanjuro jumped down from behind, the black and white crane was tossed into the surrounding rock walls, transforming into a vivid mural. ...

Then the soldiers stationed at the potential port of Ubu Township, following the pursuit from the port, soon heard the sound. When they recognized the giant serpent, they immediately prostrated themselves on the ground, speaking with utmost respect:

"The Kuroda family insists on seeing Lord Orochi. Mr. Semimaru contacted me recently. The 80 boxes His Highness received from Jinbu Port have been sealed and stored. Please let me see them."

"It must be hard work, Mr. Kuroda. But is it possible to pray for friends and family, especially for Koro-ji Temple, from the shape of the spring?"

The kneeling warrior shuddered upon hearing this, struggling to suppress his physical reaction. Then he heard his superior's reply:

“Your Highness, yes. This man is named Kubota Saeyoshi, but he is a natural-born samurai who wields a white sword and has been granted exemption. After reviewing his case, the lower-ranking officials are convinced that he is indeed talented, so I recommend that Your Highness allow him to join the Orochi Army.”

"Therefore, the Orochi Army is the banner of the shogunate, and its responsibilities are greater than those of the samurai who fly your banner. Mr. Kuroda would like to recommend you. Mr. Kubota, you seem to have considerable talent."

"Yes, I have lost half my life, and I only regret that I did not meet a wise ruler. Now that I have gained Lord Kuroda's recognition and become your master's disciple, it is truly an honor."

"Hehe, Mr. Kubota is really good at talking, so Mr. Kuroda Haruhiko, as the guarantor, is scheduled to join the Orochi Army after the 15th, along with members selected from the army within the shogunate."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Orochi unfolded his folding fan and gently waved it, gesturing for them to step back. He and Kanjuro went directly to the warehouse to inspect the goods to be delivered to the pirate crew. On the way, Orochi covered his face with his fan and whispered to the person next to him.

"Kanjuro, what do you think?"

A tall man with heavy makeup bent down and responded seriously.

"Your Excellency, I believe that Kubota Saeyoshi is definitely a spy, but Kubota Saeyoshi's name may not be his real name. In my humble opinion, he may be a spy sent by Ubu Mingfu to secretly investigate the accounts of the hidden port, or he may be a member of the Longevity Army sent by the 'Five Elders of Guangyue'."

"Hehe, just like you said, Mr. Kanjuro."