Chapter 8: Those Who Tread on Others

Upon saving Maki from having her hand amputated, Jin and Enryu stood before Gamogetchi and his men. Jin gave his usual annoyed stare, while Enryu glared at the Yakuza in anger.

Gamogetchi: You two?... Gonna kick my ass?! Hah, don't make me laugh!

The Yakuza wiped his mouth and bloody nose.

Gamogetchi: Don't get cocky just because ya landed a sneak attack!

Enryu: Oh trust me pal, I'll do much more than just a sneak attack…!

Jin: Cool it. We don't want you burning down the village, idiot.

Enryu sighs as he furrows his brow.

Enryu: I know… it's just… you know how I feel about assholes like this wailing on defenseless women…

Maki pipes up in comical annoyance.

Maki: H-Hey! I'm not defenseless goddamn it!

Jin: Nah, they had you pinned. You were defenseless.

Maki: Eeeeeh?!!!

Jin faces the enemy, speaking in a relaxed yet serious tone.

Jin: Jokes aside, I know how you feel Enryu… So let's take this guy down.

Enryu nods his head.

Enryu: Right.

Gamogetchi sneers with a chuckle.

Gamogetchi: Heh, you think it's gonna be a two on one???

The other Yakuza, barring the ones Yuri had hanging upside down, began to recover from Jin's assault. Noticing this, Jin and Enryu took in their surroundings, grabbing the hilts of their weapons, ready.

Gamogetchi: It wouldn't be very fair. Now would it?

Yuri jogged over and knelt next to Maki, looking at the young woman with concern in her eyes.

Yuri: Are you okay? Can you stand???

Maki blinked for a moment before responding calmly.

Maki: Er… y-yeah. I'm good.

Yuri's face immediately turns into one of relief and happiness.

Yuri: Okay, tee-hee~! That's a relief!

Standing up, with Maki slowly in tow, Yuri looked towards the current predicament the two boys were in.

Yuri: Looks like a fight is unavoidable.

Jin: Yuri!

Yuri: *blink* Huh? Uh, yeah???

Jin: Protect the lady n her kid. If your new friend wants to help out, she's welcome.

The Bachijin gave Gamogetchi an apathetic look, drawing his sword and raising it.

Jin: I don't want any stragglers laying a finger on them. So make sure you kick their asses if they try anything.

Yuri blinked for another moment, processing the swordsman's words before nodding her head with her thick eyebrows furrowed. Determination glazed in her voice, Yuri responds to his request.

Yuri: You got it!

Maki narrowed her eyes in frustration.

Maki: Tch… damn it..! (I should be fighting! I don't need any goddamn protection!)

"Oi! Maki!"

Turning her line of sight towards the crowd, Maki noticed a middle aged man holding onto a slim metal pipe of some sort.

"Catch! Nh!"

Tossing the pipe, the villager put enough force behind his throw to reach the girl.

The moment it flew into the air, its metallic sheen glistening in the sun, Maki raised her hand up to catch it. As it landed in the girl's hand, a sudden tinge of feeling overrode her senses. As if by instinct, the young woman spun the pipe before entering a stance with her newly acquired weapon.

Maki: Hehe, thanks Mr. Haido!

Yuri giggled in response, maintaining her ready stance. The boys remained focused on Gamogetchi, ready for the imminent clash between forces. In a swift movement, Gamogetchi outstretched his hand, calling out to his men.

Gamogetchi: Kill these bastards!

Seiryu Members: RAAAAAAAH!!!!

Enryu: Let's make this quick alright???

Jin:.....Yeah…

The moment one got within range, Jin didn't hesitate to make the first strike by palming one of the Yakuza in the guy with his left hand.

BMMM!

Seiryu Member D: GAH!!

The attack knocked the man unconscious, dropping him to the dirt in seconds. The second one had attacked Enryu, swinging his katana in a two handed style. Going from left to right, Enryu dodged the good for nothing gangster effortlessly.

After a few more evasive movements, Enryu spins inward, surpassing the Seiryu yakuza's guard after he swung. In that same motion, the tall and athletic redhead delivered a strong elbow to the Yakuza's jaw, knocking a tooth out while also launching him off of his feet.

WHAM!!

Seiryu Member E: Oough!!!

After landing on his back, groaning in pain, the Seiryu Member released his sword to hold onto his face. The third and final thug ignored the two men, and went straight for Yuri, Maki and the bystanders they stood in front of to protect. Particularly Maki.

Seiryu Member F: Tch! You think you can attack the boss n get off easy?! You've got another thing comin', bitch!

Yuri attempted to step forward, but she then noticed Maki adjusted and entered an appropriate stance for the situation. This caught Yuri's eye, witnessing this level of expertise, with Maki entering a wide foundation with the polearm over her head and pointed down to the top of her toes. A defensive position.

The Yakuza held his sword at the ready, about to swing down on Maki's shoulder. However, the moment he attacked with a quick horizontal slash-

CLNK!!

A loud clanging rang outward, causing the ex samurai to struggle. He didn't cut into her flesh, nor did he cut through the pipe. Instead, the Yakuza's blade was stopped by a block from the blue haired girl.

Seiryu Member F: Ngh! W-What?!

Maki smirked, but before she could do anything-

"HRRRAAAAH!"

Maki: ?!

Seiryu Member F: !!!

A familiar blonde appeared beside the Yakuza with her fist ready. Before the gangster could even defend himself-

WHAM!!!

He was decked in the face by the young lady, sending him flying and skipping like a rock down the dirt road. When he stopped, he was limp and unconscious, causing Yuri to exit her follow through stance and exhale with a face of focus. The moment that exhale exited her mouth, the girl went back to smiling.

Yuri: Nice block!

Maki: Heh, nice punch.

After taking a moment, Maki stood up normally, turning her gaze upon Gamogetchi. The captain of the now defeated group was seething in anger. His hand shaking, resulting in the clattering of his katana blade.

Gamogetchi: Y-You bastards!

Jin sighed in irritation.

Jin: Good grief… was that it?

Enryu: Don't ask me. I didn't train em.

Gamogetchi entered his fighting stance, ready to fight the two men before him. Sweat rolled down his cheek, as he nervously and angrily prepared himself.

Gamogetchi: I'll kill you, you little shits!

Jin: Funny. I was thinking something similar…

Enryu stepped up as well.

Enryu: Should we use the Basket Maneuver???

Jin: Nah. He's not even worth the energy…

"Leave him to me…"

Looking over their shoulders, they noticed the now armed Maki walking towards them. Walking in between the boys and passing by them, she stopped, facing off with Gamogetchi once more.

Jin: Hm???

Enryu: You??? But he-

Maki: I'm capable of fighting my own battles, thank you very much.

Jin: 💧…..

Enryu: Huh?! But we just saved your ass! The least you could do is show some gratitude!

Maki looked back at him with comically annoyed eyes.

Maki: Geez, do you ever shut up???

Enryu: Huuuh??!

"Enough!"

The three of them focused ahead and noticed that the Yakuza captain began to rush them.

Gamogetchi: Don't you dare make light of the Seiryu Family!!!

However, as if by instinct-

WHAM! POW! WHACK!!!!

The gangster was struck three times by quick attacks and finished off with a strong upper blow to the chin. As Gamogetchi slid back, it was none other than Maki who landed the attacks.

Gamogetchi: Ngh!... I-Impossible… how did she…-

Maki: Fights, am I right?.. They're so much more different….

Maki prepared herself, getting into her wide stance yet again.

Maki:...when you've got a weapon in your hands.

Gamogetchi grunted as he stood back up and wiped his lip.

Gamogetchi: Damn you…

As Maki got back into her fighting stance, Jin and Enryu simply watched. Gamogetchi grunts as he roars out in rage, charging straight for Maki.

Gamogetchi: Grrrr diiiiiie!!!!

Maki narrowed her eyes before loosening the grip on her weapon. Then, with enough speed, Maki predicted her opponents next steps.

CRACK!!

Gamogetchi: GGGAUGHH!!!

Maki landed a swipe with her pole to the man's knee. The attack buckled the Yakuza, causing him to drop down and kneel. The moment he was at waist level, Maki spun her pipe before attacking with a behind the back thrust.

Maki: HAAAH!

WHAM!!!

Gamogetchi: GAAUKKHHH!!

The gangster was sent flying back, skidding and sliding on his back the second he hit the ground. Blood had flown out of his mouth due to the force of Maki's attack, causing the Yakuza to struggle to even look up at the young woman. Enryu's eye was wide open in surprise, while Jin seemed equally caught off guard.

Jin: (Such precision…)

Enryu: Woah… she's gooood..!

As Gamogetchi clutched his chest, Maki stood up straight, planting her weapon onto the ground as she held it in her left hand.

Maki: That's what you get for underestimating me, asshole.

Gamogetchi grunts, digging his fingers into the dirt he lied back on. His face was twisted with pain and anger. However, that pain was winning, and sure enough, that took victory over his other feelings. As the man spat words of venom, he felt his consciousness begin to leave his control.

Gamogetchi: You… little… brat…. Nhhh..

His head fell back, thudding onto the ground. Gamogetchi was defeated, knocked unconscious by Maki and her makeshift weapon. The crowd seemed shocked, witnessing this scene before them. The Yakuza who always punched down upon them were now unconscious on the ground thanks to these outsiders and Maki. It was unfamiliar, and incredibly terrifying for them. But someone ran towards Maki with her son in tow.

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Misao: Maki!

Maki: Mrs. Yugumi..!

Aketchi: B-Big Sister Maki!

Maki: Aketchi…! Oh thank the gods you're alright!

Yuri smiles upon seeing the moment of relief between Maki and the residents she defended. But upon noticing that, a sharp contrast permeated and lingered in the air. Everyone was muttering, holding faces of fear and worry while they shook their heads.

Villager B: Damn it…

Villager G: This is just the start…

Villager H: Please… no more…!

Yuri: W-Why do they look so scared?... We stopped them…

"Hahaha! You're in for it now!"

Turning her head towards the Yakuza who she hung upsidedown, she noticed that one was unconscious. But the other was hanging onto his own consciousness, smiling wickedly.

Yuri: H-Huh???

Seiryu Member G: Wait til our… boss hears about this… you n your pals are as good as… dead…

As the man fell limp and unconscious, Yuri questioned his words.

Yuri: Their boss??? What does he mean???

SHK!!

Cutting the roots in one quick swipe, Jin allowed the two unconscious men to fall to the ground. Sheathing his weapon, Yuri blinked and noticed his presence.

Yuri: J-Jin..!

Jin: I figured this would happen… we just picked a fight with a goddamn Yakuza family.

Yuri:!!!

Jin sighed, placing his hand over his mouth and chin to analyze the situation.

Jin: These kinds of punks are stubborn… they won't stop fighting until their leader accepts defeat. N even then… that won't be easy…

Yuri: Wait, what do you mean??? We just beat their leader right???

Jin: Nah, that was just one of their oyabun if I'm not mistaken.

Jin looks over his shoulder to gaze at Gamogetchi.

Jin: He was just a commanding figure over this group. He's not the head… and these villagers know it.

Yuri notices this, realizing why the villagers looked so gloomy instead of happy.

Yuri: I see… so they know that something worse is coming…

Jin: Yeah. And to be honest, it's cuz we stepped in.

Yuri:!!!

Jin was blunt, causing Yuri to look at the young man's focused gaze that was casted in thought directly ahead of him.

Yuri: B-But… But if we didn't step in, that girl would have lost her hand!

Jin: Right. But it might've averted this from happening…

Yuri: Ngh!...

Jin: I don't blame you for making the decision to help. And I don't blame Enryu for jumping in… that was your guy's call.

The young man then turned his gaze to Yuri, looking into her eyes calmly.

Jin: However… by making that call, you've gotta be ready to deal with whatever comes after it.

Yuri fell silent for a moment, feeling her head droop slightly.

Yuri: I… I only wanted to help…

Jin saw the look on her face and sighed, turning away from her so she couldn't see his face. However, his voice still reached her.

Jin: I know… but that means you still need to help them when they're in need. So don't let up just yet, alright???

Yuri looked up from the ground, landing her eyes on his back as he waited for an answer. Yuri then nodded her head in sincerity.

Yuri: Alright…

With that, Jin stopped looking over his shoulder and began to move forward. Yuri however, stood reflecting on the truth of the matter. As Jin reached Maki and Misao, the mother approached the man graciously.

Misao: Er, sir…

The woman bowed.

Misao: T-Thank you, for protecting me and my son.. and thank you so much for saving Maki.

Jin: It's no problem… but I need to get to the point… I have questions. About something unrelated, and the current situation with these Seiryu folks…

Misao seemed taken aback by his directness, but even then, she obliged.

Misao: Er, yes. I suppose you at least deserve some answers. Come, I'll explain everything at my place.

Maki: I'm coming too.

Misao felt her gaze soften in response. The woman nodded and spoke in a kind tone.

Misao: Okay.

As Jin and the others followed Maki, Misao and Aketchi, the cloaked Individual that had followed Jin and Yuri since the start of their journey watched them. Hidden amongst the crowd, this person narrowed their eyes as they watched Jin walk down the road.

Cloaked Individual: Don't worry… Bachijin. I won't hesitate this time…

_____________________

A little bit later on, Jin, Yuri, Enryu and Maki sat or stood around the living room of Misao's home. The woman brought a tray of cups full of tea, and set the ceramic down onto the table.

Misao: Please enjoy. A token of my thanks.

Yuri: Ooo! Tea!

Enryu: Hehe, thank ya!

Maki: Thank you Mrs. Yugumi!

Before Jin could pick up his cup, a voice in his mind echoed as the image of Saya lingered.

Saya's Voice: Remember, always thank your host for their hospitality~!

Jin: Er… thank you, for your hospitality…

Misao smiled slightly.

Misao: It's nothing hehe. It's the least I can do.

As Jin picked up his cup, Misao became rather focused.

Misao: So… I suppose you want to know about the Seiryu… right?

Jin sips the tea that Misao provided, answering after ingesting the warm beverage.

Jin: As much as you know…

Misao paused for a moment before speaking in an informative and calm manner.

Misao: They showed up here about two months ago… it was sudden, and honestly took us all off guard. When they tried to establish some kind of takeover, the police force fought back. But unfortunately, they were either ran off or killed by the Seiryu family…

Maki felt her eyes strain with anger. The others listened, Yuri held her hands close to her chest in concern.

Yuri: How horrible…

Misao nods.

Misao: Yes. The only one who survived and stayed here to maintain the peace was my husband… Suzuko Yugumi…

In the other room, Aketchi laid asleep, holding onto the pomegranate that started the confrontation earlier. His mother continued to inform the travelers.

Misao: He's done his best to maintain order here in the village. He's even reached out to local lords for protection… but despite all of that, bodies pile up, people go missing or are forced to leave… shops go out of business, and poverty has stricken our town because of that gang…

Misao sniffles, wiping her tears with her wrist.

Misao: My husband… he fights injustice to ensure Aketchi has a good life… we both want the best for our son. But it's impossible to do that if the world he lives in thrives off of injustice.

As Misao begins to sob, Maki places a hand on Misao's shoulder, comforting the woman.

Maki: Hey… Don't worry Mrs. Yugumi… Mr. Suzuko will take care of it. He's done well for us up to this point, I'm sure he'll bring peace back to our village.

Misao sniffles, causing Yuri to scoot closer to her and rub her back.

Yuri: There there… it'll be okay. I'm sorry about your struggle, it must be hard…

Maki:... Yeah… it is…

The three outsiders look over to Maki, who angrily clenched her fist. The blue haired woman clenched her teeth, baring her fangs.

Maki: Those bastards have taken so many lives away… and ruined even more. Those assholes have gone way too far, and it's about time someone does something about it!

Misao sniffles, shaking her head sadly.

Misao: No… Maki, you can't.

The young woman was shocked.

Maki: Why not?!

Misao gazed towards the young lady, speaking gently and full of care.

Misao: Because… you have your whole life ahead of you… you shouldn't stay here and fight a battle that could possibly rob you of that… Maki….

Maki: NO!

Maki removed her hand from Misao's shoulder, looking her in the eye.

Maki: Don't you dare tell me to leave… don't you dare tell me to run away from this.

Misao: Maki…

Maki: This is my home too! And those Seiryu bastards took it! They should be the ones running!

Before Misao could say anything, Maki stood, getting to her feet with a fire in her eyes.

Maki: Bastards like them deserve to be in fear… they deserve whatever comes to them…

A memory of two bodies, a man and woman, laid bloody and lifeless on a tatami mat floor flashed through her mind. Maki exclaimed with anger and frustration in her voice.

Maki: Why should I have to run away and hide when scum like them go around hurting innocent people?!

Misao: Maki!....

Raising her voice, the mother and wife surprised the tailor girl. Misao allowed a tear to roll down her cheek as she gazed at Maki with fear in her gaze. Sad and worrisome fear.

Misao: …Please….

Upon looking at Misao's face, Maki froze. Her angered face turned into one of realization. But that realization became frustration.

Maki: Nhhnn…. I… I'm… I'm sorry.

With that, Maki turned towards the door of Misao's home, and left in a hurry. Misao softly sniffled, wiping her tears yet again.

Enryu: What's with her??? Does she have a death wish or somethin'???

Misao: No… no.. she's.. *sniffle* She's a good kid. She's been running her family's business since their passing. I can understand her frustration…

Jin kept his eyes to the door that Maki left out of.

Misao: She's been close to my husband ever since. It's probably because he represents something that brings her comfort. Gods know she needs a figure like him in her life…

Jin: I see… well it seems we know what we're up against on the surface… Thank you for your information on the subject.

Misao bows her head a bit.

Misao: Nono.. it's really not a big deal. After all, you stuck your necks out for us. The least I can do is the same…

Jin: Speaking of information, I hope you don't mind answering another question of mine…

Misao: Hm? Another question???

The monochromatic boy spoke with curiosity as his gaze focused.

Jin: I've been told that there's a monk that lives in this village. Do you know where I can find him?

Yuri gulped, realizing that this was the reason they came here.

Yuri: O-Oh yeah. That is why we ventured all the way here in the first place, huh?

The woman closed her eyes gently.

Misao: Yes, Master Shuhen. He lives in the temple northeast of here. Why do you ask???

Jin: I have a few things I need to ask him.. it's important.

Looking into the young man's eyes, Misao felt his gaze resonate with hers. With assurance, Misao closed her eyes and spoke with affirmation.

Misao: I see… Well, whatever questions you have for him, I'm sure he'll have an answer for.

Jin nods and grabs his sheathed katana before standing up. Holstering the weapon in his rope belt, Jin began to walk towards the door.

Jin: I'll be back.

Yuri blinked, crawling after him and stopping when Jin reached the front door.

Yuri: Huh??? Where are you going?????

Jin responded in his usually calm tone.

Jin: I'ma find the girl n bring her back.

Yuri: Hmm??

Jin looked over his shoulder.

Jin: It's too dangerous for her to go out n throw a fit. So I'ma find her and bring her ass back. Then I'm gonna go find this monk.

Yuri: Huh??? Then let me come with you!

Jin shakes his head.

Jin: No.

Yuri felt her eyebrows furrow. The young lady was seemingly upset.

Yuri: But why nooooooot?????

He points at her with his right hand.

Jin: Because I need you to protect her n the kid in case anyone gets any funny ideas.

Yuri felt a bit dejected, giving Jin a pouty look on her face.

Yuri: Sounds to me like you just don't want me to come along.

Jin sighs.

Jin: 💧 (She's so damn stubborn…) Look, Yuri. This is the best strategy I have for now. I'll be back with that Maki girl, then we can discuss it.

He looked into her eyes and reminded her.

Jin: Remember what I said earlier… you have to be prepared for whatever calls you make. This is one of those things.

Yuri paused for a moment, remembering what he told her before. Upon that reminder, Yuri's eyes went to the floor.

Yuri: Yeah… you're right…

Turning around, Jin opened the door, standing at the doorway.

Jin:... Don't worry… I'll be back. I promise.

Yuri:... Okay….

After a pause, Jin left the house, leaving the girl to her thoughts.

Yuri:... (But.. how can I have your back if you don't let me???...)

___________________________

After a bit of waking through the town's backstreets, Jin looked around aiming to find Maki.

Jin: These roads should be good enough to move through… don't wanna cause any more trouble for the people here…

After stopping, Jin was lost in thought. Maki's words still rang out in his head, clear as day.

Maki: Why should I have to run away and hide when scum like them go around hurting innocent people?!

Jin: (She had a good point. It's this gang of Yakuza that needs to be stopped. But for normal people, that's easier said than done…)

Jin narrowed his eyes.

Jin: (How do I do it Saya?... How can I help these people with minimal bloodshed???... Or is it one of those situations where killing is unavoidable?...)

Jin sighs and spoke aloud.

Jin: What a drag… I really hate these situations….

However-

SHHHWMM!

In the blink of an eye, a cloaked figure with a short sword appeared in a crouching low stance. Jin however could barely sense their presence, barely looking over his shoulder to see them.

Jin:!!!!

Cloaked Individual:... Gotcha…!

SLSH!!!

Slicing into flesh, the cloaked attacked swung their weapon in a reverse grip, slicing Jin in the back.

Jin: Ngh!!!

Upon being hit, Jin tumbled forward before jumping away from the cowled attacker. Now facing them, Jin had his hand on his sword, ready to fight.

Jin: Ngh… damn it, bastard caught me off guard…

The assassin however looked at the little blood on the edge of their weapon.

Cloaked Individual: Hmm, I barely got him…

Looking over to Jin, his enemy spoke aloud to address him.

Cloaked Individual: You're good, dodging my attack like that at the last second. Although, what did I expect?... From the Bachijin himself?

Jin:!!!

The young man seemed surprised, but it soon faded into understanding.

Jin:... I see… so you know who I am.

The cowled assassin rushed Jin with their weapon at the ready. At that moment, Jin drew his sword and clashed blades with his opponent.

Cloaked Individual: Of course..! Two colored hair, one red eye, and a left arm seeped black in the very curse he carries! Those are the traits of the Cursed Blade himself!

Jin: And why do you care that I'm the Bachijin? Who are you???

After disengaging their clash, the individual slipped down, crouching and aiming for a leg sweep. However, Jin had jumped over the attack, backflipping before landing on his feet. The moment he did, the assailant rushed Jin again, this time attacking with a barrage of slashes.

Jin blocked each and every attack coming from them, before fucking a slash that aimed to decapitate him. The slash sliced one of the stone walls like it was butter, resulting in a clean follow through. But because of that, Jin was given an opening to strike, and that he did.

WHAM!

Cloaked Individual: GAGH!

Being sent back about ten feet from a powerful left handed palm strike from Jin, the assassin tumbled on the ground themselves. Recovering from the attack by sliding on their feet, the cowled individual eventually stood up, holding onto their ninjato tightly.

Jin: I asked you a question, so answer me. Who in the hell are you???

Cloaked Individual: Heh… suppose it doesn't really matter if you see my face or not…

Using their free hand to pull off their cloak, the individual tossed it to the side, revealing a female figure under the cloak, dressed in a revealing bikini top and tight jeans with a tattoo between her cleavage.

Jin: (A woman???..)

After pulling off her cowl, the kunoichi before him revealed her face. She had pale skin and a rather attractive looking face, along with beautiful wine red eyes and fluffy red hair in an upward ponytail. She gave him a disarming grin, as she waved her slender hand to him.

Kagura: Hi hiii~! Names Kagura Shigure. I'm a kunoichi… well, ex kunoichi.

Jin: Hm??? (She's so friendly all of a sudden!)

The young woman looked over at her blade, blood still dripping from the edge she cut him with.

Kagura: Yeeeeah, sorry about not killing you quicker. Seems you actually live up to your reputation.

The girl closes her eyes and shrugs her shoulders with a slight chuckle.

Kagura: Just means I've gotta put in more effort. I'm not complaining.

Jin narrowed his eyes.

Jin: What do you want???

Kagura: Hm?? You dead, silly. Why else would I be here? 😜

Jin:... But why???

Kagura made a face of confusion.

Kagura: That's an odd question for you to ask. I mean, why else would someone want the Bachijin dead?

Jin:.....

However, the girl's smile faded. A cold air exuded from her as she spoke even colder words.

Kagura: But if you want me to spell it out for you, I suppose I can remind you… do you remember fighting against Kazegakure shinobi two years ago???

Jin furrowed his brow.

Jin: Yeah… what about it?

Kagura: I remember hearing that you brutally massacred the entire platoon. Not a single member survived. It was kind of terrifying to hear that, but I could give a damn about all of them… except for one.

Jin:???

Kagura raised her sword, giving the young man deadly eyes.

Kagura: Amongst that group you slaughtered was my father…

Jin:!!!

Kagura narrowed her gaze, the glint of her eyes faded into ones of cold yet focused murderous intent.

Kagura: So that's why I'm here, to make your head roll for taking the life of my father… Bachijin.

End of chapter 8

To be continued in chapter 9