Upon hearing Chiba Dingji refer to the old man as “Mr. Saito,” Aoto immediately recalled why he found the man familiar—this was the “Powerful Saito,” Saito Yajiro!
A few months ago at the Marquis of Aizu’s swordsmanship tournament, Aoto had seen Saito Yajiro once, which is why he found him familiar.
Edo, Nishiki Bridge, North Station, in the office of Chief Magistrate Ao of the North Station Town Magistrate—
Having said his piece, the young samurai who called himself “Katsura Kogoro” fixed his compelling gaze on Aoto and continued:
“Starting November 1st, he will be the newly appointed ‘Captain of the Arson and Theft Magistrate Third Squad and Leader of the Seventh Bow Squad’! He should prepare himself accordingly.”
Aoto stared blankly back at Katsura Kogoro.
“It’s not ‘Wig,’ it’s ‘Katsura’!”
Aoto’s direct superior and old senior, Arima Hideyoshi, looked in shock at Hosoi, sitting directly opposite him behind the desk.
“Lord Hosoi, is what you said all true?”
Katsura Kogoro earnestly expressed his admiration for Aoto with sincere words.
“Nice to meet you!”
He merely came to greet and congratulate Shiwei Hall on their victory in the tournament.
After a brief exchange with Chiba Dingji, Saito Yajiro squared his head and refocused his gaze on Aoto and the others.
“These are decisions made by the people above, there’s nothing we can comment on.”
What’s worth mentioning was perhaps only the fact that Saito Yajiro frequently looked at Aoto and Toshisuke with admiring eyes while speaking.
With the tone of someone who’s long accustomed to this confusion, Katsura Kogoro earnestly corrected Aoto’s misinterpretation of his name.
“I am Katsura Kogoro, vassal of the Choshu Domain and Deputy Master at the Training Hall!”
“This is my beloved disciple.”
Taking advantage of the pause in Katsura Kogoro’s speech, Aoto cautiously asked in a probing tone:
Hosoi shrugged.
At this moment—
...
“He must not be embarrassed when meeting Lord Shogun on August 28th.”
Not out of being scared by Katsura Kogoro’s enthusiasm.
Why exactly... maybe it was due to inadvertently making the big mistake of hearing “Katsura” as “Wig,” causing Aoto to memorably remember the name “Katsura Kogoro” and his face.
“Also, have him take out his formal attire and give it a wash and sun it.”
Upon learning of your heroic deeds against the Anti-foreigner Group, I was greatly impressed, and I came today specifically to witness the tournament and meet you...
Having “fans” or people who respect him eagerly come to greet him—Aoto was well accustomed to such events and found them quite usual.
“Did you say your name is ‘Wig’?”
The reason Aoto showed such an expression was purely because Katsura Kogoro’s name triggered his curiosity.
“Hahaha, some of you may not know me, so I might as well introduce myself! I am Saito Yajiro of the Training Hall! Hello there!”
As soon as Saito Yajiro finished speaking, the young samurai puffed up his chest and introduced himself loudly.
...
“Mr. Niō! I have long admired your name! I am truly honored to meet you today!”
The suddenly arriving Saito Yajiro did not say anything special or complicated to everyone.
...
“Anyway, Arima, please help notify Mr. Tachibana later.”
...
Saito Yajiro warmly announced his name in a straightforward manner. Then he pointed to the young samurai standing behind him.
“This...” Arima seemed unable to accept the reality before him, showing a conflicted expression, “Although I anticipated Mr. Tachibana might have the chance to be promoted on this occasion, even so...”
“Yes. It’s true.” Hosoi nodded with an odd expression, “The information is absolutely accurate. There isn’t a shred of falsehood.”
It’s the end of the month! Please ask for monthly votes! (crying leopard head.jpg)

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