Chapter 294: Chapter 123: The Sudden Appearance of Cat Monk [6,000 Words]

The ten people left behind by Shinno to cover the rear all had quite impressive skills, and from their movements, it seemed they were specially trained to cover for others.

They did not take the initiative to attack, merely wielding their swords to defend and avoid, blocking Aoto and the others firmly.

Aoto, of course, didn’t want to let the big fish, Shinno, slip away right in front of him.

But faced with these turtle formation rear-guard enemies, Aoto and his team didn’t have the means for a quick victory, making it difficult to pursue Shinno and the others.

After collaborating with Saito and Nagakura to cut down four of them, this "rear guard unit" began to retreat outside the corridor and the Investigation Office.

Judging by the results, it was Aoto and his team who had won against this rear guard unit.

But in terms of objectives, it was this rear guard unit that had triumphed as they successfully blocked Aoto’s group, buying time for Shinno and his crew to retreat.

At this time, the main force of the Anti-foreigner Group led by Shinno had completely withdrawn from the Foreign Language Research Institute.

Just as they withdrew to the street outside the office’s main gate, Shinno heard a dense, chaotic sound of footsteps from the west side street corner.

By the faint moonlight, Shinno could barely make out a large number of Magistrate’s Office officials rushing toward them from the west side street corner.

By coincidence, the one leading these reinforcements was Aoto’s direct superior: Arima.

Arima, brandishing a jitte, charged forward with great momentum; although not skilled in martial arts, he matched anyone from the South and North Governor’s Office in courage.

Shinno gritted his teeth and directed his subordinates to split into several groups for a scattered escape.

Before fleeing, Shinno didn’t forget to instruct his men to set a fire — after pouring so much kerosene at the Foreign Language Research Institute, it couldn’t just go to waste.

Blaze!

A massive fire erupted.

In a flash, half of the Foreign Language Research Institute was surrounded and engulfed by the fire.

Under the firelight, Shinno and the Magistrate’s Office officials engaged in a chaotic game of cat and mouse...

...

...

Aoto was also involved in the pursuit of Shinno and his crew.

"Take the Lead" and "Strong Muscle" were truly a match made in heaven.

The talent effect of "Strong Muscle" of "muscles not easily fatigued" allowed Aoto to sprint at his top speed for a long period.

In short, Aoto was now very good at chasing people.

Leading Saito and the others, collaborating with Arima and his group as they arrived, Aoto pursued the fleeing Shinno.

The cooperative talents of "Strong Muscle" and "Take the Lead" enabled Aoto to successfully capture many people personally.

But the Anti-foreigner Group had scattered in their escape...

They dispersed into the complex alleys, like fish entering the sea, making it extremely difficult for Aoto and his team to capture them.

Often, after following someone around a corner, they found that the person had vanished, and even climbing to a high place didn’t reveal where they had run off to.

Though they managed to catch some who ran slowly or were unlucky, those captured seemed to be mere ordinary foot soldiers; the elusive Shinno remained at large...

In desperation, Arima had to request additional manpower from the Magistrate’s Office.

Despite the current manpower being very tight at the Magistrate’s Office, Hosoi and Atsukawa, unwilling to let the leader of the Anti-foreigner Group escape, still managed to muster some personnel to intensify the search.

Meanwhile, Aoto and Arima received orders — Hosoi was personally heading to the Foreign Language Research Institute to inspect its condition post-attack, and he instructed Aoto and Arima to temporarily cease the search for Shinno and immediately return to the Institute.

With orders received, Aoto led Saito and the others, along with Arima, back to the now severely damaged Foreign Language Research Institute, exhausted.

The fire was extinguished promptly, preventing severe damage by Shinno’s arson before they left; only a small section of the building was scorched.

The Foreign Language Research Institute, still emitting a faint burnt smell, buzzed with noise.

Officials from the Magistrate’s Office and the Town Fire Extinguisher surrounded the institute, each performing their duties.

The Town Fire Extinguisher personnel checked for any remaining flames that were not yet extinguished.

Meanwhile, Magistrate’s Office officials carried out the unfortunate bodies of those who fell victim to the Anti-foreigner Group tonight, one after another from the Institute.

Aoto spotted Katsu Rintarō—he was wearily sitting in a corner of the institute with other survivors, being questioned by the Magistrate’s Office officials.

"Mr. Tachibana!"

Hosoi’s voice suddenly reached Aoto’s ears. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

Upon turning towards the sound, at the institute’s entrance, Hosoi, who seemed to have just arrived, eagerly greeted the returning Aoto.

Joining Hosoi in greeting Aoto were some officials following behind him.

"Lord Hosoi." Aoto respectfully bowed to Hosoi and company.

"Mr. Tachibana..." Reaching Aoto, Hosoi’s face showed a mix of joy, relief, and astonishment as he repeatedly examined Aoto.

His lips moved, as if wanting to say something to Aoto.

After carefully considering his words, he finally sighed softly:

"Tonight was truly hard on you."

"Thanks to you, we timely discovered the Anti-foreigner Group’s trail..."

"Well done!"

Raising both hands, Hosoi affectionately patted Aoto’s shoulders a few times.

Going back in time a moment—sudden widespread fires in Edo threw the Magistrate’s Office officials into chaos.

The populace, fleeing the fires into the streets toward safe places, severely hindered the officials’ ability to monitor various parts of Edo.