Everyone instinctively turned to look.
A black luxury sedan was parked by the roadside.
Its emblem was a silver Five-Circle Cross.
It signified that the vehicle was reserved for World Government officials.
In many circumstances, it enjoyed a high level of right-of-way priority.
A middle-aged man in a crisp suit, with a slightly receding hairline
and a professional smile on his face,
strode over with two black-clad attendants in sunglasses following behind him.
His bearing was utterly out of place among ronin samurai like them.
He exuded the competence and sense of order that came from being within "the system."
"Pleased to meet you. I am Phil Coulson, Director and Councilor of the World Government Administrative Department."
Coulson stopped before the group, gave a slight bow, and politely presented his business card.
Then his gaze swept across everyone present, carrying a faintly appraising look.
"Takasugi Shinsuke, Katsura Kotaro, Kawakami Bansai, Kijima Matako, Takechi Henpeita..."
"Oh, and Mr. Kuroko No Tasuke as well."
"In our records, all of you have been tagged as 'talent.'"
Takasugi Shinsuke shot him a cold look. "A World Government official... you're not here to arrest us again, are you?"
He had already noticed that the two black-clad men behind the man were anything but ordinary.
Even the fellow standing before him gave him a strange feeling.
"No, no, you misunderstand."
Coulson maintained that pleasant smile.
"I wonder if you are aware that the Shogunate and the shogun here have already become history."
"The World Government has always welcomed those who have lost their purpose amid the changes of an era, yet possess exceptional abilities."
Coulson spread his hands and asked sincerely,
"May I ask what you Jōi Rebels intend to draw your blades for next?"
The question struck directly at their souls.
The six of them