The very first sentence startled the Scribe.
"Mister Scribe, where are you?"
Although Hakuji was already an old man when he wrote this letter.
But in the Scribe's heart, he was still that innocent child.
Adults miss their family and friends, let alone a child.
"It's been so long, have you forgotten me?"
"Are you eating enough? Are you dressed warmly? Are you sick?"
"Mister Scribe, I remember all the knowledge you taught me, and I review it every now and then."
"Koyuki and I got married, and we have a child, a very cute one."
"Mister Scribe, when would you like to come and see my children?"
"I have become the strongest in the nearby villages and towns, and all those who challenged me have been defeated by me."
"Some people say I am the strongest martial artist in the world, but I know I am not."
"Mister Scribe, do you think I'm capable?"
"The Soryu Dojo has developed very well and is the most famous dojo in the vicinity."
"Mr. Keizo praised me as his most proud disciple, Koyuki is also proud of me, and my children also regard me as a role model."
"Mister Scribe, could you please compliment me?"
"You know, Mr. Keizo passed away in xx year. I hate myself for not being able to cure him."
"If it were Mister Scribe, he would surely be able to cure it."
"Koyuki left before me, and from now on I will have to move forward alone."
Even though the people around me respect and trust me, I never really care.
"Mister Scribe, I feel so lonely."
"Today is the day Koyuki is buried. I want to cry, but I can't."
"I am the head of the Soryu Dojo, and I cannot let people see our vulnerable side."
"Mister Scribe, can you help me?"
"Koyuki has been gone for a long time, but I can't forget her. My son also encourages me to go out and explore."
"Mister Scribe, what should I do?"
"The children are growing up healthy and the Soryu Dojo is becoming more and more prosperous. These are things that should make people happy."
"But why do I still feel a little pain in my heart?"
"Whether I examine myself or seek help from other doctors, they cannot find any disease in my body."
"Mister Scribe, am I really sick?"
"I've made it all by myself over the years, and I can hardly believe it myself."
"You told me that spiritual practice is not just about exercising the body, but also about exercising the mind."
"Mister Scribe, what do you think of my work?"
"My son is already stronger than me, and my daughter is already married."
"I already have a large family and have achieved the life that many people dream of."
"But why do I feel a little uncomfortable?"
"Mister Scribe, have I become the kind of person you described who is 'unaware of his own good fortune'?"
"Tomorrow, my child will become the new head of the Soryu Dojo. I am very happy, proud and honored."
"With a son like this, I should have no regrets."
"But there's one more thing I want to do."
"Mister Scribe, I want to live with you again."
Chapter 351 Mister Scribe, I Want to Follow You
At the end of the letter, the Scribe could clearly see several crumpled spots.
Judging from its shape and size, it should be caused by tears.
One can imagine how trembling Hakuji's heart must have been when he wrote the last part of this letter.
Just then, the Scribe noticed something was wrong with the letter.
Looking at the front of the paper, it seems there's something else on the back.
The outstretched hand paused in mid-air before being withdrawn.
It extends again, then retracts once more.
After repeating this several times, the Scribe finally inserted his fingers under the letter.
Although it was just a sheet of paper that was as thin as it could possibly be, in the hands of the Scribe, it was heavier than a mountain.
The train carriage he lifted that day was not even one ten-thousandth as heavy as it is now.
"Rustle"
The sound of papers turning could be heard in the quiet room.
There were only a few words on the back of the paper, but they filled the entire page.
"Mister Scribe, I miss you."
The moment I saw those words, a few drops of liquid fell onto the paper and were absorbed by it.
"Um?"
Seeing the tears, Scribe realized that her own eyes had become moist without her noticing.
He quickly reached out, trying to wipe away his tears.
But then it stopped.
Because he saw that his tears were falling at the same point on the paper.
When you turn the paper over, you'll see where Hakuji's tears fell.
The tears of the two people, after hundreds of years, surprisingly fell in the same spot.
At this moment, the Scribe didn't know whether to be happy or sad.
There is only one thin sheet of paper separating them, but there is also another thin sheet of paper serving as a separation.
A wave of self-reproach washed over her, and at that moment, the Scribe didn't know what to do.
He desperately wished someone could tell him what he should do.
Even being scolded is much better than being speechless.
But in the end, no one spoke.
Looking up at the ceiling, Scribe lay on the sofa, lost in thought.
Gently wipe away the tears in your eyes, then take a few deep breaths.
After adjusting his mindset, he planned to put the envelope away properly.
However, when he put the letter back into the envelope and was about to put it back in the box, he noticed something was wrong.
There seem to be some words engraved on the bottom inside the box.
The Scribe hadn't seen it because it was blocked by Hakuji's letter.
But now, it is clearly revealed to the Scribe.
"Mister Scribe, I have never blamed you."
A simple sentence, yet it struck the Scribe's heart like a heavy hammer.
I don't know how long it has been since I last had this feeling.
But this time, the Scribe could no longer suppress his emotions.
The tears that had been barely held back flowed from her eyes, dripping large drops into the box.
Although his face showed no expression, the Scribe held the box and envelope tightly in his arms.
At this moment, he and Hakuji seemed to have transcended the gap of time and met again.
"Mister Scribe, I have never blamed you."
Inside the quiet room, only the Scribe's faint sobs could be heard.
Outside, Tamayo Hirano, Asatsuru's conversation was also coming to an end.
"Since it's your own wish, I won't stop you, but I can't make that decision for you."
"Thinking back on what Asatsuru had just discussed with me, "Tamayo said.
"It's up to him to decide all of this."
"Of course!"
Hirano and Asatsuru breathed a sigh of relief when they saw that Tamayo did not try to stop them.
If Tamayo disagrees, then it's even less likely that the Scribe will agree.
Asatsuru couldn't help but feel grateful to Tamayo, and glanced at Hirano with his eyes.
The clever Asatsuru immediately understood her grandfather's meaning and quickly picked up the teapot.
"Mister Scribe, is he alright?"
While pouring Tamayo a cup of hot tea, she chose a new topic.
As he spoke, he glanced in the direction of the house.
After learning the other party's identity, her hostility towards Scribe vanished.
All that remains is admiration and respect.
"Fine."
Tamayo responded, her ears twitching slightly as if she had heard something.
A genuine smile appeared on her face as she took a small sip of tea.
"He was chatting with his disciples, his friends, and his 'children'."
"It's been a long time since we last met; I'm sure you have a lot to talk about."
"He will come out when the time comes."
Hearing Tamayo say this, Asatsuru was completely confused.
Only Hirano, standing to the side, seemed to have understood something, and showed an "I see" expression.
Time passed gradually.
Just as Tamayo had expected, the tightly closed house opened shortly after she said those words.
The one who came out was the Scribe.
She had wiped away her tears, and in their place, a smile appeared.
He was holding a small box in his arms.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
As he walked toward Tamayo and the others, the Scribe said.
"I'm sorry to have worried you."
No, that's not true.
Shaking her head, Tamayo stood up, walked to his side, and nestled her head in his arms.
"You never make me worry, whether in the past, present, or future."