This youth had already been exiled by Edo's authorities to another small city named Raiwan.
When I inquired about news there, learned he'd long been adopted by the owner of a local dojo.
However, calling it a dojo—the teahouse proprietress gossiping with me lightly curled her lips. Couldn't hide envy and jealousy, saying, "Just lucky, that's all. Still a poor, sour man."
Heard the dojo's owner was named Keizo. Originally a poor warrior... but luckily saved a wealthy household's master. The other party grandly waved his hand. Gave him the dojo and land under his name as thanks.
But having an empty dojo without disciples—this Master Keizo still lived in poverty.
He also had a bedridden daughter. A year ago, also picked up a youth from outside as a disciple.
"Don't look at his young age—so fierce," the teahouse proprietress said. "Once fought with people on the street. So many adults couldn't beat him."
But after being picked up by Keizo, this child settled down. Never again went out to fight fiercely.
Every day just cleaned at that dojo, earnestly trained, helped his master care for his daughter.
When he went out shopping for groceries, I glanced at this youth called Hakuji.
The youth's intuition was sharp. Actually immediately turned his head to look back at me. Gaze also hid a trace of vigilance.
But after meeting my eyes, he froze. Face flashed with confusion. Suspiciously looked at me again and again.
I smiled at him. Calmly shifted my gaze. As if just casually glanced at him.
He looked at me several more times. Seemed unable to find anything unusual. Still turned and continued shopping for groceries.
I decided to select this youth to execute my plan.
But couldn't be too hasty. He was a highly vigilant person. Fortunately, I also had plenty of time. Could step by step try to gain his trust.
Next to Keizo's Soryu Dojo was a kenjutsu dojo. The two families never got along.
Besides Hakuji who was picked up, Keizo couldn't recruit disciples. Also couldn't normally maintain dojo operations. Had to go out daily doing odd jobs.
I bought a house and storefront in this city. Made a big show of preparing to open a shop.
Keizo had good connections in the city. I'd just released news about hiring—he quickly came to the door.
This was a very plain man. Chin still had some stubble. Wore undecorated training clothes. But kept himself very clean.
I sat in the empty shop listening to subordinates discuss how to renovate. Outside came Keizo's knocking sound.
Coming with me to develop business were two women. Following beside me for years, dealing with the Demon Slayer Corps. Also had to help me do some dirty work not fit for light. Their fierceness didn't lose to samurai at all.
They heard knocking outside. Immediately stopped talking. Exchanged glances.
One got up to open the door. The other hid behind the door. Picked up a wooden stick for self-defense.
Though I wanted to say with me here—even if outside wasn't a good person, no need to be so tense... but thinking I also wasn't always with them, being more vigilant was also good.
They opened the door. Outside, Keizo smiled in greeting. "Pardon the intrusion! This elder sister, heard your shop is preparing to open. Wonder if you still need help?"
The two exchanged another glance. Only then said to him, "Indeed still hiring. But we don't count. Need our young miss to agree. Come in."
I listened to their voices. After Keizo was led in, pretended not to recognize him, sizing him up. "You want to work? What can you do?"
Keizo wore a sincere and enthusiastic smile. "See what you need here. As long as it's physical labor, I can do it all! If you need carpentry or masonry, I can also do it!"
I pretended to think. Also asked his address, how many people at home, what he usually did. Then nodded, agreeing to let him work.
Specific details were discussed with him by my capable subordinates.
Subordinates didn't know why I ran to this small city to settle. Probably thought I wanted a change of mood. So acted very normal before Keizo.
They also specially asked me what this shop would operate.
I said, "Whatever. I'm not short of money."
But the women were used to frugal housekeeping. Wouldn't give me a chance to squander. Still carefully examined the market. Made plans before reporting to me.
They planned to open a confectionery shop. Because this type of shop needed technical skill and financial support. Still quite rare in Raiwan.
I indeed knew quite a few confectionery secret recipes. According to their suggestions, wrote out several recipes with different ingredient prices. Main selling point—both commoners and wealthy household masters could buy.
When Keizo gathered acquaintances he knew to start repairing the storefront, my subordinates were in the kitchen improving confectionery recipes. Food made was distributed to these workers to eat.
This time could see differences between people. Some wolfed it down, ate everything.
Some only cherished eating one piece. Wrapped up the rest, preparing to bring home.
Keizo didn't eat a single bite. Packed up all the confections. When others asked, said, "Miss's confections—just smelling the fragrance, you know they're delicious. How would a crude person like me understand tasting flavors? Better to bring back for my daughter and disciple to taste. They understand confection flavors."
He didn't just use this as an excuse. The next day coming to work, indeed seriously recounted the two children's feedback.
For example, his daughter Koyuki liked eating sweet, soft confections... while his disciple Hakuji liked another type—convenient and straightforward to eat, also chewy.
"These confections are all very delicious. Your business will definitely prosper!"
I didn't care about that. However, he mentioned his daughter and disciple. Could follow this topic to chat more.
Speaking of it, his daughter somewhat resembled Muzan from back then. Both carried illness from the womb. Born with very poor health.
Doctors said must carefully care for her, eat more nutritious things... If could be raised past fifteen, perhaps could live.
Saying this, I simply had him bring some nutritional supplements back for his daughter to eat.
I said, "This bit of money is nothing."
Keizo was very embarrassed. Like he felt he shouldn't accept... but for his daughter's health, he hesitated repeatedly. Still accepted with a red face.
"When my daughter's health improves, will definitely bring her to thank you," he said solemnly.
Later I learned—he secretly handled some small thugs who originally wanted to trouble me.
Probably saw I was a young woman, only brought two women here. Also casually threw money around. Looked stupid with money, easy to bully.
Result—they didn't come. Were dealt with by Keizo bringing his disciple. Then behaved.
Learning this, I regretfully slapped my thigh hard.
Why intercept them!
Haven't gone out slaying demons everywhere in so long. Honestly, sometimes my hands also itched.
What a pity—a rare practice opportunity was intercepted by Keizo.
Better not speak of it. Just thinking about it made my heart itch. Really wanted someone to come trouble me.
So I told my subordinates, "Our shop—when the time comes, only hire women."
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