Plot Developments

Plot Developments

"The Scout Card really is a nice thing."

Watching the card spin in his palm, Xu Yue closed his hand around it and put it away, gaining a deeper understanding of the privileges granted by military rank.

As he had said, his suspicion about Jiong Jiong's identity had indeed begun early on. She had actually concealed herself quite well along the way, and instinctively hiding oneself in the Reincarnation Space was nothing unusual.

Only recently, when she had been exchanging information with others, had she likely revealed a slight flaw. Her method of communication had been far too secretive for a newcomer to possess. If not for the Sharingan, Xu Yue probably would have found it difficult to notice.

That was why Xu Yue had decisively used the Scout Card, only to receive the result that she was carrying out a high-privilege covert operation and could not be investigated!

But that result itself was exactly what he needed, allowing him to adjust his plans and confirm his suspicions.

Otherwise, he might not even know how he died. In the Reincarnation Space, intelligence was truly of paramount importance.

Naturally, Xu Yue would not tell her this directly. He had only revealed the starting point of his suspicions, mixing seven parts truth with three parts falsehood to mislead her. Otherwise, wouldn't he be exposing his military rank for no reason?

Her retreat after failing to land a blow was also entirely in line with Xu Yue's initial judgment. Xu Yue longed to feel his heart beat and to understand himself, and he did not mind taking risks for that.

But he would still avoid anything that meant certain death.

Of course, after seeing that she was restricted, Xu Yue had actually wanted to have a real, all-out fight with her. Unfortunately, that woman had been too timid and run away...

"Mr. Xu, this is already the second time you have saved Kōkan Station! I truly do not know how to express our gratitude."

As Shikoku Kenzou looked at the young man before him, his eyes held not only gratitude, but also a flash of complicated emotion.

He had turned the tide twice in succession. Whether among the Samurai or the civilians, this man's prestige had become far too great.

He had saved everyone in the entire city twice!

Perhaps the Samurai would not betray him because of their faith and loyalty, but the other man's position in Kōkan Station had also become unshakable.

Then again, if he had not decisively delegated authority and allowed the other man to command the Samurai in their defensive arrangements and drills, they could not possibly have suffered only minor losses. Fewer than a hundred people had died even after the Kabane breached the city. It was practically a miracle.

"Not at all. Kōkan Station took us in during a time of crisis. Isn't this simply what I should do?"

Xu Yue's polite humility won him even more favor from the head of the Yomogawa Family. Then, as if he had made some kind of decision, Shikoku Kenzou cautiously asked,

"Mr. Xu Fu, I wonder what impression you have of my daughter..."

When Xu Yue checked the mission completion status and saw that it had been completed and the rewards distributed, even with his usual mindset of always wearing a mask, he seemed a little dumbfounded.

So this was how the Space handed out rewards.

But it made sense. Under the Dharma Principle, Kōkan Station was ruled by the Yomogawa Family. If he were not also made a member of that family, then even if he possessed this territory, he would have no way to alter it as he pleased.

Well, marrying into the Yomogawa Family as their son-in-law would solve every problem...

Yomogawa Ayame, the eldest daughter of the Yomogawa Family and first in line to inherit it, was kind, beautiful, graceful, and well-endowed.

She had a weak personality, a kind heart, and sound values. Yet for the sake of her own beliefs and protecting others, she could overcome her weakness.

Or rather, she had a strong savior complex.

As the daughter of a great family in this era and environment, it was only natural for her marriage to be decided by her parents.

Moreover, Xu Yue had saved Kōkan Station from danger twice in succession. To this kind-hearted young lady, that was undoubtedly an enormous advantage, so she showed no resistance or opposition.

The only one having a rough time was Kurusu, the Samurai fighter who had been deeply enamored with the young lady in the original plot. But because of his recognition of Xu Yue, and because those feelings had never had a chance to bloom at all, there was actually no need to care too much. He was a very traditional Samurai. Loyalty was his faith.

Xu Yue neither liked nor disliked the young lady, but with such a generous dowry, he had no reason whatsoever to refuse.

In any case, it was only nominal. This place could serve as his base and refuge. Having a gentle woman with a savior-like personality quietly waiting for him, allowing him to soothe his heart and relax, was not something unpleasant.

His journey would ultimately be through the Myriad Heavens and Worlds of the Reincarnation Space.

After receiving the authority granted by the mission reward, Xu Yue focused his will and obtained an explanation of his permissions over Kōkan Station.

Once this mission was completed, this area would directly become an independent Mission Space no longer subject to interference from Reincarnators. Changes in the outside environment would continue to synchronize, but Xu Yue would only be able to operate within Kōkan Station's territory when he entered in the future.

It was precisely because of this notification that Xu Yue swiftly adjusted his future plans.

After each mission ended, he could only use the time allotted by the Reincarnation Space to enter this place. In other words, for at least two-thirds of the time, he would be unable to protect it constantly.

There would also no longer be any chance to enter this Space on missions, so he had to use this mission, and this opportunity to leave Kōkan Station, to resolve every possible concern!

What were those concerns?

Without question, the Hunting Party, who would release Kabane at the slightest disagreement and even unleash groups of fused entities, Black Smoke, to slaughter entire cities, absolutely had to be eliminated. The final boss, Biba, also needed to be dealt with.

Furthermore, Kongokaku, the hub for all stations and Hayajiro that coordinated and dispatched resources, could not be overrun by the Kabane as it had been in the original plot.

Otherwise, if he ended up trapped in Kōkan Station in the future, communication with the outside world would be almost completely cut off.

Many supplies had to be replenished by taking the Hayajiro to other stations.

"The Hunting Party can probably be considered the final dungeon of this Mission Space. If I can find a way to wipe them all out, the rewards will definitely be beyond expectations."

Whether he considered the exorbitant points needed for Kakashi's Sharingan or the safety of Kōkan Station, he had to make this trip.

As for the point of entry, Mumei was the best direction to begin with.

During this time, the effects of instinctively drawing closer to her based on her personality would also become apparent.

Although Mumei still called Biba, the leader of the Hunting Party, Brother at every turn and greatly admired and trusted him, Xu Yue would certainly be able to make her break that trust.

In the plot, Biba had ultimately died by her hand...

In the reception hall of the Yomogawa main residence, Sion and Mumei were seated on their knees before Xu Yue. Steaming tea and snacks sat on the table between them.

"Mr. Xu, please, for the sake of our friendship along the way, put in a good word for us with Lord Shikoku. I would be deeply grateful."

Sion spoke with an extremely humble posture.

After vaguely learning of Xu Yue's status, he had already given up on trying to recruit him for the Young Master. Even Biba could not offer an entire station as a reward.

Now, he only hoped that, for the sake of their 'pleasant' journey together, Xu Yue would help persuade the head of the Yomogawa Family to send the Koutetsujou to Kongokaku.

"We will indeed be going to Kongokaku, but it will still be some time before we leave."

Xu Yue put on a troubled expression and pretended to hesitate.

Of course, he knew Sion was getting impatient. Their departure here was already a week later than in the original plot. Mumei had not joined the Hunting Party's group, which would have no small impact on Biba's plans.

From the plot, the only Kabaneri currently at Biba's side was the woman called Mei.

"Fine. For Mumei's sake, I'll persuade the family head."

After making the other man sweat for a while, Xu Yue finally relented. Agreeing too easily would instead arouse the suspicions of these schemers. This was just right.

Yet the moment he said this, it only further reinforced the label of 'pervert' in Sion's mind.

Terrifying. He already had a beautiful fiancée like that young lady, yet he was still unwilling to spare Lady Mumei. She was only a child...

It was precisely because this impression had deepened that when Xu Yue later requested to travel with them, Sion did not develop any other suspicious thoughts. He only considered how to keep watch over Lady Mumei, lest she fall prey to the other man's 'clutches.'

And with Xu Yue, the future son-in-law of the Yomogawa Family, traveling aboard the train, the master key naturally fell into his hands for safekeeping.

As for Kōkan Station's defenses, with more sensible residential arrangements and the Samurai beginning to use Jet Bullets, there was no need to worry about safety as long as no one did anything foolish.

Even without these things before, they had endured until now by relying on their uniquely advantageous terrain. There was even less reason for problems now.

After the two Kabane attacks, the greatest issues of laziness and complacency had also been successfully resolved.

First reverse the plot to obtain the greatest benefits, then deliberately steer things back toward the plot and use familiarity with it to reap the remaining rewards. That was currently the best method of maximizing gains in this Space...

I did the math, and I should be able to update twice today. What a pity—I still have to calculate this every day...

Thanks to Laojun Hall, Twilight Melody, LALALALALA, Burning Little Apple, Advancer 3, btllk, Leader zZ, Reader ******, and the other friends for their tips, as well as all the readers for your support~