"Before we discuss anything else, please allow this old man to first express his gratitude."
The young man bowed slightly, closed his eyes, and nodded toward Sakumura, Musashi, and Fujimaru Ritsuka as he spoke.
"Night has replaced broad daylight, and a crimson moon hangs in the sky. Yet the two children, O-Nui and Tasuke, still had not returned. This old man was worried sick. Fortunately, with your help, the children were brought back."
"However."
Straightening up, the young man narrowed his eyes.
"Though this old man would very much like to welcome you into the hut at once—you must at least tell this old man everything about your backgrounds and names without concealing anything."
"That is the minimum condition."
Hearing the young man who called himself an old man, Sakumura and Musashi turned around together.
".We'll give you our backgrounds and names later."
Sakumura placed a hand on the hilt of Crane Feather.
"Honestly, I thought he wouldn't be able to enter the village. But it seems this so-called 'rule' doesn't work on someone outside the rules like Monk Inshun."
Miyamoto Musashi likewise placed a hand on her sword hilt.
"And he got here fast. I should've kicked his head farther away."
"HAHAHAHAHAHA--------"
A mad laugh rang out from near and far, the other party clearly approaching this direction at high speed.
"I smell them! I can smell them!"
"Your scent—the scent of the living!!!"
"It's utterly revolting! You're right here! Musashi, Sakumura!!!"
There was not the slightest trace of compassion or calm left in Hozoin Inshun's voice. Even the composure and killing intent of a warrior had vanished, leaving behind only madness and loathsomeness.
Why—had Mr. Inshun become like this after such a short time?
Become what he was now—Lancer Purgatorio.
"Don't let him get close to the hut.