Five minutes earlier.
Mei Terumi, Zabuza, and Hayato Kamihara formed a triangular formation, guarding Oda Ieyasu at the center.
Mei Terumi and Zabuza both looked grim.
They were in Kyoto, the stronghold of the conglomerates and bureaucrats. Given their wealth and how long they had been around, who knew how many people they had secretly trained?
By contrast, Hayato Kamihara, the weakest person present, looked completely relaxed as he said:
"Don't worry. At Lin Qing's speed, no matter how big Kyoto City is, he'll locate the target within twenty minutes.
"With his abilities, as soon as the target comes into view, the rescue will be a success. Then we can call it a day and go home.
"It'll take the enemy a while to find us. There's no way the three of us can't hold out for even ten minutes, right?"
Mei Terumi and Zabuza nodded slightly, their tense expressions easing a little.
The only one who remained on edge was Oda Ieyasu. Back at the Feudal Lord's Mansion, he had calmly chatted with Lin Qing, displaying impeccable poise even while standing on countless Explosive Tags. But now his fists were clenched and his breathing was heavy. Anyone could see how tense and anxious he was.
Because he wasn't sitting here as the Daimyo.
He was simply a father waiting for his child to be rescued.
What did it mean to be a father?
It meant that even seeing your child playing alone in a corner could make you worry that they might be lonely.
Hayato Kamihara and his two companions exchanged glances, unsure how to comfort him.
People often called Hayato Kamihara "Dad," but that was another matter entirely.
He scratched his head, took out a cigarette, and offered it.
"Want one?"
Oda Ieyasu never smoked, and he barely