The Chosen One Shall March to Kyoto! Tetsu Is a God of the Underworld-How Should the Ancient Clan Alliance Respond?
Central Sunpu Castle.
Imagawa Yoshimoto, her face covered by an Iron Mask, sat at the highest point of a platform hastily assembled from crude materials and Onmyōjutsu.
Surrounding her was a densely packed crowd summoned by the announcement that had recently been broadcast throughout the city.
Though the crowd was tightly packed, it still maintained basic order and silence.
That was solely because Imagawa Yoshimoto was seated above them.
No one could see through the Iron Mask and discern the true mood of this great daimyo, the lord of half the Tokaido.
Imagawa Yoshimoto was waiting as well.
She was waiting for Uesugi Tetsu—for him to fulfill yesterday's promise.
There were two possibilities.
If she decided that Uesugi Tetsu's "preparations" were satisfactory and sufficient, she would directly announce the March to Kyoto to the entire city of Sunpu shortly.
The amplification techniques carved into both sides of the platform would allow Imagawa Yoshimoto's voice to reach everyone.
But if Imagawa Yoshimoto found Uesugi Tetsu's "preparations" inappropriate, she would use the excuse prepared yesterday to "dismiss" the crowd and postpone the March to Kyoto.
Everything depended on what Uesugi Tetsu would do.
Beneath her impassive Iron Mask, Imagawa Yoshimoto struggled beneath her heavy Juni Hitoe and murmured softly,
"Tetsu, what kind of surprise will you bring me...?"
"Yoshimoto is looking forward to this."
With the joint efforts of eighty All-Sight Eyes, most of Sunpu Castle held no secrets from Uesugi Tetsu. Naturally, he could also hear the voice of the nearby Imagawa Yoshimoto, whom he was keeping a close eye on.
Uesugi Tetsu smiled easily, but he did not leave the small courtyard.
Instead, he raised his head.
"Since Lady Yoshimoto is looking forward to it, I must give her the response she deserves."
Uesugi Tetsu spread his five fingers.
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