Because the Foreign Language Research Institute happened to be within the patrol area assigned to Aoto tonight, Aoto and his team have passed by the front of the Foreign Language Research Institute countless times this evening.

No matter when they passed by the main gate of the Foreign Language Research Institute, there were always lights flickering inside.

Seeing this, Aoto couldn’t help but wonder: Don’t the people working overtime at the Foreign Language Research Institute ever need to rest?

After sizing up the Foreign Language Research Institute, which showed no unusual activity, Aoto and his team walked past the main gate and turned into the next silent street.

——Why hasn’t the Anti-foreigner Group taken action yet...

Aoto turned his head left and right, scanning the surroundings, his brow slightly furrowed.

If there were any sightings of the Anti-foreigner Group on Ryogoku-dori or elsewhere, then Hosoi and Atsukawa, who are currently stationed at the North Guard Station, would immediately dispatch messengers, delivering the message "Anti-foreigner Group sighted" to teams spread throughout Edo.

However, Aoto has yet to see any sign of a messenger coming to inform him... indicating that elsewhere is equally peaceful, with no trace of the Anti-foreigner Group found.

——Did the Anti-foreigner Group realize their plan for tonight has been uncovered by us "Three Times" and thus heeded the warning, cancelling their plan for the night...?

——Or maybe... It just isn’t time for them to act according to their plan...

Aoto’s brow furrowed even tighter.

For some reason, since earlier, he’s had a lingering sense of unease...

...

...

At this very moment——

In Edo, on Ryogoku-dori——

The "Three Times" of the South Division, are lurking in the shadowy alleys around Ryogoku-dori, holding their breath and keeping a vigilant watch on the streets outside.

In terms of hardship... those stationed at Ryogoku-dori under the South Division might be having a harder time than those stationed at various locations in Edo under the North Guard Station.

At least the staff of the North Guard Station can patrol and move around, while the South Division’s can only stay cooped up in the hidden alleys, unable to move or make a sound.

Many people were now mentally drained, their faces weary and their eyelids heavy, unable to withstand such intense physical and mental torment.

But at this moment——the quiet street of Ryogoku-dori, undisturbed save for the occasional night breeze, was suddenly pierced by the sound of footsteps!

The South Division team, stirred by the steps, quickly raised their sights towards the direction of the sound—the eastern entrance of Ryogoku-dori.

Only to see twenty or thirty shadowy figures emerging stealthily from the shadows at the eastern entrance.

They formed a disorderly group, slipping hastily into Ryogoku-dori.

Wobbling slightly, they glanced at the neatly arranged shops on both sides of the road before scattering into a dozen or so "groups," rushing at the nearby shops!

A closer look revealed each "group" had someone wielding a large wooden mallet, their stance poised to smash open the tightly closed shop doors.

Having stayed hidden in the dark alleys until now, the "Three Times" of the South Division felt a mix of emotions.

The intelligence was correct!

The Anti-foreigner Group really intended to plunder the wealth of Ryogoku-dori tonight!

Having endured for so long in the damp, dark alleys, it was all worth it!

Since the Anti-foreigner Group had appeared... there was no need for further concealment!

"Follow me!" a Yoriki drew his jitte at the waist and took the lead charging onto Ryogoku-dori.

Subsequently, others followed suit, rushing out from their hideouts.

The members of the Anti-foreigner Group, seeing the suddenly appeared officials, all showed expressions of shock.

"Run! Run!"

"Why are the officials from the Magistrate’s Office here?"

"Never mind that! Just run!"

...

The group, who moments ago was threatening to smash the shops open, dropped their huge mallets and other tools in a panic, attempting to break out.

But caught off guard by the official’s siege, how could they be a match for the South Division who were already well-prepared?

One after another, members of the Anti-foreigner Group were knocked down.

"Don’t run!" a Dōshin held a young man with many moles on his face, "You scum of the Anti-foreigner Group, surrender at once!"

"Anti-foreigner Group.....?" The young man, surprised, glanced at the Dōshin, then fearfully said, "W-wait! We are not members of the Anti-foreigner Group! We are not members of the Anti-foreigner Group!"

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Can any readers guess what the Anti-foreigner Group was planning to do~