Visitors

At the harbor, a giant ship slowly came to a stop. The gangway lowered, and a small figure made his way down step by step with the aid of a cane, followed by a massive, thickset man.

Seeing the two figures concealed beneath black hooded robes, Shiraishi Yoshijo excitedly clenched his small fist.

"Old friend, welcome to Peach Country."

Ōnoki panted with some difficulty. Seeing this, Akatsuchi hurried forward to carry him, only to receive a fierce glare from Ōnoki.

"What are you doing? I'm not so old that I can't walk!"

After roaring at Akatsuchi, Ōnoki turned back to Shiraishi Yoshijo. "To be honest, I've never admired anyone in my life. But you bastard truly make people see you in a new light."

"Haha, Ōnoki, was that praise or an insult?" Shiraishi Yoshijo shook his head with a smile and pointed at the long motorcade behind him. "This isn't the place to talk. Let's go!"

He personally stepped aside and opened the car door for Ōnoki. Ōnoki paused in surprise, but said nothing as he got into the car.

The long motorcade slowly set off.

Shiraishi Yoshijo and Ōnoki sat together in the back seat, making idle conversation.

"I came here behind the village's back. Are you trying to get me killed by making such a spectacle of it?"

"You're exaggerating. I simply wanted to show you Peach Country. Some things have to be seen to be believed. Don't worry—I cleared out all unrelated personnel long ago. Everyone accompanying me is Anbu. Your visit to Peach Country will absolutely not be leaked."

"Hmph. I don't really care either way. But don't get any crooked ideas. Even if I'm discovered, no one will bother making things difficult for an old man with one foot already in the grave."

"Don't put