"Moreover, Master forgave me for ’disguising myself as a man and deceiving the school’ because of the deep friendship between me and them."
"In his bones, Master still feels that swordsmanship shouldn’t be taught to women."
"If I were to show my ’true face’, wearing women’s clothing and going in and out of Shiwei Hall... Even if Master doesn’t say anything, I feel he would still be uncomfortable in his heart."
Aoto nodded gently, "I see... So these are the two reasons you’ve kept disguising yourself as a man all this time."
"Hmm... Not quite, those aren’t the only reasons."
"Hmm?" Aoto was taken aback.
"What I just mentioned are only secondary reasons."
"The most important reason I’ve insisted on disguising myself as a man..."
At this point, the corners of Toshisuke’s mouth curved into a helpless, embarrassed smile.
"I’m afraid that once I stop disguising myself as a man... many strange men will disturb my life."
As Toshisuke finished speaking, Aoto hadn’t immediately understood what she meant by "many strange men will disturb," until a moment later, he realized the implication—a peculiar smile appeared on Aoto’s cheeks.
"Though saying this sounds a bit boastful... my face seems to be quite popular."
Toshisuke, seeming somewhat shy, reached out her right index finger and poked her chubby, pink right cheek, where half a fingertip would sink in with a poke.
"Over the years, I’ve lost count of how many men have harassed me..."
"Even as a man, I’ve been bothered by so many men... I can’t imagine what my daily life would become once I reveal my ’true self.’"
"If it were like Miss Sazanoko, constantly being tangled up by suitors popping out of nowhere, I’d feel very troubled."
After finishing her words, Toshisuke paused, then laughed dryly a few times in self-mockery, "Ahahaha."
"Oh dear, I feel quite shameless... to even compare myself with Sazanoko... I’m nowhere near as beautiful as Sazanoko..."
"There’s no need to speak like that."
Aoto reflexively replied quickly:
"Miss Sazanoko has her beauty, and Miss Chokata, you have your own cuteness."
Toshisuke paused for a moment, then let out a mischievous laugh, revealing a sly smile as if plotting something.
"Mr. Tachibana, now that you know I’m not a boy but a girl... who do you think is more charming, me or Miss Sazanoko?"
"Miss Sazanoko." Aoto answered without hesitation.
Perhaps because he didn’t expect Aoto to respond so quickly, or maybe because Aoto’s answer was unexpected to her... or perhaps both, upon hearing Aoto blurt out Sazanoko’s name, Toshisuke widened her eyes, then forcefully pouted, a hint of teasing expression flashed between her brows
"I thought you might flatter me and say it’s me, or to muddle me by saying ’both are very charming’..."
"Miss Chokata, I’m not saying your charm is less than Miss Sazanoko’s." Aoto sighed long and smiled wryly, "I just haven’t completely accustomed myself to seeing you as a girl..."
"Until half an hour ago, I always saw you as my closest friend and most genuine brother at Shiwei Hall."
"Honestly... my subconscious still instinctively sees you as a boy."
"It will take me some time to fully adapt from ’good brother’ to ’cute girl’ status."
After hearing Aoto’s explanation, the teasing expression between Toshisuke’s eyebrows dissipated quite a bit.
"Same here..." Toshisuke chuckled, "It will take me some time to fully adapt to the change in our relationship."
"Miss Chokata." Aoto timely switched to a new topic, "How many people at Shiwei Hall know you’re a girl currently?"
"Counting you, there are currently only you, Master, Mistress, Brother Kondo, Mr. Hijikata, and Uncle Gen—six people."
"There are fewer people in the know than I anticipated."
"Thanks to Master, Brother Kondo and the others. After knowing my intention to continue appearing as a man, they have consistently helped me conceal my true gender over the years."
At this point, Toshisuke, remembering something important, lightly exclaimed.
"Ah... almost forgot to say..."
Toshisuke put her upright right index finger against her lips.
"If people find out I’m a girl, I’m sure I won’t be able to live peacefully as I do now."
"I just want to quietly practice swordsmanship, without being disturbed by trivial matters."
"So, Mr. Tachibana, could you help me keep my ’true face’ a secret, like Master, Brother Kondo, and the others do?"
Aoto nodded vigorously without hesitation, responding firmly with a decisive motion.
Helping people conceal secrets they don’t want to be known by others—in Aoto’s eyes, is only natural, nothing to brag about.
In the process of chatting all the way, without realizing it, the gate of Shiwei Hall appeared within their field of vision.
Looking at Shiwei Hall, which had smoothly arrived after the many unexpected events of the night, Aoto couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief.

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