Chapter 156: Chapter 156: Gorou

Even after leaving the battlefield, Gorou never took off his armor.

As the General of the Resistance, he knew better than anyone that he had to be ready to return to battle at any moment.

The Shogunate’s sudden ceasefire was extremely suspicious. Gorou had no idea what tricks their generals were plotting, and if it weren’t for Lady Sangonomiya’s direct orders for him to return, he never would have left the front lines.

That being said, getting the chance to meet the legendary Battousai wasn’t exactly a bad thing.

Gorou had first heard of Battousai from Kaedehara Kazuha.

“His swordsmanship is unlike any of Inazuma’s styles. It exists completely outside of the Raiden Shogun’s techniques—an entirely separate system, worthy of the name ’Battousai.’”

The term “Sai” was an old Inazuman custom of bestowing titles, similar to how Liyue had its “True Lords” (Zhenjun) and Mondstadt had its honorary knights.

So the name Battousai wasn’t just a title—it was recognition.

It meant Bai Luo’s mastery of Battoujutsu had reached the level of a true master.

After all…

His slash could even injure the gods.

At first, Gorou hadn’t paid much attention to this so-called Battousai.

But then, his name spread like wildfire within the Resistance.

When news broke that Battousai had arrived on Watatsumi Island, Gorou noticed a visible shift in morale.

The once-weary soldiers of the Resistance regained their fighting spirit.

The Resistance, which had been on the back foot, suddenly pushed forward, recapturing territories that had been taken by the Shogunate.

That was when Gorou finally took this man seriously.

Knock, knock!

“Come in.”

When he heard the knock, Gorou already knew who it was.

As the door swung open, Kazuha entered, accompanied by a man wearing a half-mask—the infamous Battousai.

Hmm… Wasn’t his real name Himura Kenshin?

“Lord Gorou, I hope we’re not disturbing you.”

Although they were technically “friends,” Kazuha and Gorou had only met in passing.

Gorou had wanted to get to know Kazuha better.

He had met many wandering samurai in his time, but Kazuha was one of a kind.

Kazuha was like a wandering breeze—he never stayed in one place for long, but wherever he went, he left an impact.

Gorou had learned a lot just from observing him.

Unfortunately, Kazuha always seemed distant, as if avoiding deep connections.

Rumor had it that anyone who got too close to Kazuha… never had a good ending.

Gorou didn’t believe in superstitions like that.

—But those soldiers who had grown close to Kazuha and later ended up dead or crippled might disagree.

And The Crux, which had nearly been wiped out by the Raiden Shogun? They’d probably disagree too.

Even Raiden Shogun’s blade, which had claimed the life of Kazuha’s closest friend, might have something to say.

“Himura-san, I apologize for leaving without notice before. The battlefield was demanding, and I had no choice.”

Gorou had actually been present when Bai Luo first arrived on Watatsumi Island.

But at the time, he had only been there as a figurehead—a display of strength for The Crux.

As soon as his duty was done, he had immediately rushed back to the front lines.

It might not have seemed like the wisest decision, but to prove the Resistance’s strength to Liyu— ahem, The Crux, it had been necessary.

“You don’t need to apologize, Lord Gorou. I’m just a wandering swordsman—any fame I’ve gained is purely by chance.”

Bai Luo wasn’t being modest—he was simply telling the truth.

He had never expected his name to carry so much weight in the Resistance.

At most, he had assumed they would know of him, perhaps recognize his name in passing.

But somehow, his influence had grown so much that he was now nearly on par with the Divine Priestess herself.

Honestly, if he tried to spread his own reputation this widely, he probably wouldn’t have succeeded.

It was like a tree growing from an unintentional seed.

No— in Bai Luo’s case, he hadn’t even planted the seed himself.

It was more like a certain Kazuha brat had casually snapped off a willow branch and tossed it into Bai Luo’s backyard—and now, somehow, an entire willow forest had sprouted.

How convenient.

“You must be joking.”

Gorou smiled, his tail wagging uncontrollably, betraying his true feelings.

“Not to exaggerate, but your name inspires more morale than the war drums on the battlefield. Please, come inside—there are refreshments prepared. I have many things I’d like to ask you, Himura-san.”

Canine thoughts were easy to read.

Bai Luo wasn’t sure if Gorou was a youkai or a beastman, but the way his tail wouldn’t stop wagging made it obvious how he felt.

“Himura-san, have you ever considered joining the army?”

Gorou asked this casually, but Bai Luo could tell he was serious.

“If you are willing to join the Resistance, I would gladly hand over my position as General to you.”

Recruiting Bai Luo had been Gorou’s goal all along.

After all, Battousai’s influence in the Resistance was almost terrifying.

If he raised his sword and called for independence, there was no doubt that many would follow him, save for a few Watatsumi Island loyalists.

So when Gorou said he’d step down for Bai Luo, he wasn’t joking.

“If you had asked me this in the past, I would have gladly accepted.”

Bai Luo shook his head with a chuckle.

“But after wandering for so long, I’ve grown unaccustomed to a life of restrictions. I much prefer the freedom of drifting wherever the wind takes me.”

His refusal was immediate—he didn’t even need to think about it.

Sangonomiya Kokomi was undoubtedly a capable leader, but Bai Luo still preferred working under the Tsaritsa.

After all, while there were eleven other Harbingers at his rank, once he discovered the magic phrase—

“Put it on Childe’s tab.”

—it was like he had opened Pandora’s box.

Ever since the first free meal, he knew he was in the right place.

“That is truly a shame,” Gorou sighed, but he didn’t seem too disappointed.

“But the doors of the Resistance will always remain open for you. If you ever need our help, do not hesitate to ask—we will support you however we can.”

He understood.

Wanderers were always like this—free-spirited, unpredictable.

Still, Gorou hoped Bai Luo would stay on Watatsumi Island for a while longer.

At least… until the Vision Hunt Decree ended.

Looking back later, Gorou would realize just how naive that wish had been.

At that time, he had wanted Bai Luo to stay forever.

Later on?

He couldn’t wait for this troublemaker to leave—preferably for good.

“Then, I will thank you in advance.”

“No need for thanks, Himura-san.”

Gorou hesitated for a moment before speaking again.

“Actually… there’s something I’d like to ask of you.”

“Go ahead.”

Gorou picked up a snack… then put it back down.

His expression became troubled.

“You see…”

“Your reputation in the Resistance is unprecedented. Many of our men would love to hear some words of encouragement from you… Would you be willing to say a few words?”

Among the entire Resistance, Gorou was probably the only person who had direct contact with Battousai.

His subordinates had been begging him for this.

So, after failing to resist their persistence, he had no choice but to swallow his pride and ask.

“Words of encouragement?”

Well, it was just a speech—nothing too difficult.

The only question was what to say.

As Bai Luo fell into thought, Gorou’s ears suddenly perked up.

Then, as if having an epiphany, Gorou’s eyes widened in realization.

“I see now… So that’s what you mean, Himura-san.”

“Silence is the greatest encouragement.”

“…”

“Indeed… if we do not fight, then the friends and family we leave behind will also be forced into eternal silence under the oppression of the Shogunate.”

“Thank you for your guidance, Himura-san!”

Bai Luo: “???”

Wait, what?!

Did I… say something?!

Where the hell did he get all of that?!

. . . . .

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