KATANAGATARI 2

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She would never have expected him to show up where they stayed─of course, this was just the sort of thing Togame should have been expecting, but it was a little late for that. Now that Shichika Yasuri had demolished Hakuhei Sabi and become the Strongest in Japan, he was no longer a nobody1─as proven by the swarm of goons who challenged him en route. It was a long way from Ganryu Island down to Dakuon Harbor in Satsuma─but word got out. Dakuon was not the only part of Kyushu where pirates maintained a presence. They occupied the whole of Kyushu. They had their networks. It was only a matter of time.

Togame had been careless.

That wasn’t like her.

Once they had captured Zetto the Leveler from Komori Maniwa and Hakuto the Whisper from Hakuhei Sabi and reclaimed the Mutant Blades stolen on her watch, Togame had gone a bit too easy on herself─but it was too late now.

Things2 had escalated far beyond her expectations─

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Point is, he was undoubtedly a giant─but the Armor exaggerated this impression. It was immediately clear3 that Azekura was taller than Shichika, but the pirate captain was also significantly broader─he stood one or two heads taller than Shichika, which was plenty, but with Shichika as skinny as he was, Azekura was at least twice as broad across the chest.

─Literally a wall.

In the eyes of Shichika.

He was an iron wall.

A suit of silver armor.

Clad head to toe.

Unparalleled in armor class─yes.

He could feel it.

What Togame had referred to as “lifeforce or whatever”─was a certainty, like reuniting with a long-lost sibling.

This was Zokuto the Armor, he was certain.

“Well?”

Togame must have been shaken to the core by this unexpected escalation, but she maintained her composure. Azekura had his Armor, but she had hers, her brash and brilliant robes, and she sat up on a pillow, one knee up, betraying not a trace of drunkenness. Even from below, Togame managed to look down on Azekura.

“And what business does Kanara Azekura, Captain of the Armored Pirates, and effective ruler of this village, have with a couple of travelers like us?”

“…”

Ah, I see. Shichika nodded to himself behind Togame. So this is her approach. Shichika had not been party to her negotiations with Meisai Tsuruga at Triad Shrine, but this was largely because Meisai wore no sword. This time around, it was the other way around. Azekura literally wore a sword. It covered his entire body.

With Azekura and Togame seated, Shichika was the only person standing in the room. Behind Togame, ready to protect her.

Nevertheless.

Shichika may have stood while Azekura sat, but he felt incredibly intimidated4 by the Captain’s size. It almost blew away the lifeforce that he felt when up against a Shikizaki blade─

He had not taken seriously the warning that Togame had given him a few minutes earlier, but now Shichika could see exactly how the difference in size would exert considerable influence on their battle…

Tea had been left for the three of them.

Tea for Togame, Shichika, and Azekura.

Nobody had asked, but the inn had brought it all the same─it should go without saying this inn was under the control of the Armored Pirates. Which explains why the inn worker had called the guest “Dread Captain Azekura.”

Shichika wondered:

How could this guy drink tea wearing armor?

Holding off on that for now─Azekura answered Togame.

“What? No, I wouldn’t go so far as to call it business.”

His voice boomed, just as when he had addressed the hotshot swordsman in their fight back at the Basket.

“Gah ha ha─I thought as much when I spotted you at the Basket, but up close, I can see that you are quite the little sweetie5─the color of your hair is stunning.”

“…”

From where he stood, Shichika sensed that Togame was not happy with this brazen compliment. He had only realized recently, but it seemed the Schemer did not like it when people talked about her looks.6 By now she was accustomed to comments about her hair of white, but they were all the same─a compliment unwelcome as an insult.