Chapter 255: Chapter 113: Aoto Wants to Be a Phantom Thief with Cat Monk [7600]

Harada Sazō, Fujimura Heisuke—Aoto doesn’t know these two people.

But the name Nagakura Shinpachi, Aoto does recognize.

"Nagakura Shinpachi..." Aoto mumbled softly, looking at the name written in this big ledger, "Isn’t he the one I sparred with before?"

It was from this Nagakura Shinpachi that Aoto copied the "Steel Bone" talent.

Kiryu nodded: "That’s right, it’s him."

"That day, I recommended a lot of jobs that were very suitable for a swordsmanship master like him."

"I thought that among the jobs I recommended, there would be at least one that suited his tastes."

"But later I found out that he is quite a picky person."

"Having tried them one by one, he wasn’t very satisfied with any of the jobs I recommended."

"He either found them too boring or complained about a boss with an unbearable body odor, refusing to work with him."

"So after going in circles, he came back to me to ask for another job."

"I’ve already spoken with the three people listed in the ledger, one by one."

"They are all very willing to serve under your command."

"These three people meet your expectations, Mr. Tachibana: they’re willing to do all kinds of hard and tiring work, and they possess exceptional martial power."

"You’ve met Nagakura Shinpachi, sparred with him even; you should know his personal strength, so I won’t introduce him further."

"Let me focus on introducing Harada Sazō and Fujimura Heisuke."

Kiryu stretched out his right index finger and pointed to the name "Harada Sazō" on the ledger.

"Harada Sazō, from the Iyo Matsuyama Domain on Shikoku Island."

"He is 20 years old, a spear technique master skilled in the Treasure House Stream."

"Treasure House Spear Technique?" Aoto raised an eyebrow slightly.

If you ask what the most popular and famous spear technique school in Japan is today... If you stop a passerby on the street and ask, they might all answer: It must be the Treasure House Spear Technique!

The Treasure House Stream—a spear technique school founded over three hundred years ago during the Warring States Era by a monk named Yin Rong.

With its immense power and practicality, it quickly spread its fame all over Japan, enduring for nearly four hundred years without losing its repute.

Kiryu’s finger slid down to the name "Fujimura Heisuke".

"Fujimura Heisuke, a native of Edo."

"He’s slightly younger, only 16 this year."

"He is currently apprenticing at the Ito Dojo, studying the Beichen One-Sword Style."

Aoto has heard of this sword dojo.

Although not as famous or large as the Three Great Sword Dojos or the Little Chiba Sword Dojo, this dojo that teaches the Beichen One-Sword Style is still a top-tier sword dojo with high prestige and status in Edo.

However—compared to the dojo itself... perhaps the dojo’s owner is more famous.

The owner of the Ito Dojo: Ito Daisaku is a well-known talented man.

He is well-versed in both literature and martial arts, with profound knowledge in Sinology, National Studies, and the Mito School, and holds the Master of All Techniques in both the Shindo Mononoke Stream and Beichen One-Sword Style.

Besides being skilled both academically and martially, he is also a famous handsome man known for his gentle nature, tall stature, and good looks.

Aoto has heard that many infatuated women often peek over the walls of the Ito Sword Dojo just to see Ito Daisaku.

Because of Ito Daisaku’s renowned "dual excellence in literature and martial arts," many people flock to the Ito Dojo, either out of admiration or in hopes of befriending or studying under this celebrated man.

Kiryu continued his introduction.

"Ah, by the way, Mr. Tachibana, this Fujimura Heisuke seems to admire you very much."

"Admire me?" Aoto was taken aback.

Kiryu smiled and nodded: "When he learned that the person hiring an undercover informant was Tachibana Aoto of the North Guard Station, he immediately expressed his excitement and willingness to serve under Mr. Tachibana."

"Ha..." Aoto couldn’t help but laugh at the situation.

"I’ve asked a friend to check the strength of both Harada Sazō and Fujimura Heisuke."

"Their abilities are exceptionally rare among their peers."

"Of course—whether or not to hire them depends entirely on your thoughts and plans, Mr. Tachibana."

Having said that, Kiryu closed the big ledger with a snap.

"Mr. Tachibana, would you like to meet these three people now?"

"They’ve all left their addresses for their fixed residences in Edo."

"If you wish to meet them and interview them now, I can bring them over for you."

Today is one of the rare days off, and if missed, who knows when the next holiday will come.

If possible, Aoto wanted to complete the "hiring of an undercover informant" today.

After only thinking for a moment, Aoto bowed his head to Boss Kiryu.

"Then... Boss Kiryu, please bring these three people over now."

Kiryu laughed heartily: "No trouble at all. It’s one of the services our employment agency should offer. Besides, their addresses aren’t too far away."

Padah, padah, padah...

At this moment, light footsteps like those of a cat came from the inner room of the Thousand Affairs House.

It was Mukiwa, who had returned to the inner room to have breakfast at Kiryu’s command, returning.

Mukiwa, having just finished breakfast, licked her glossy pink lips with her small tongue as she quickly walked back to the front hall of the Thousand Affairs House.

Seeing Mukiwa return, Kiryu slowly stood up from behind the counter: "Young Master, you came back just in time."