The next day.
Tetsuki had vanished early in the morning. Ryōken did not bother with her; this was her country, so naturally she could go wherever she wanted.
With Starry Night at his waist, Ryōken proceeded under the guidance of a samurai. The people along the way looked at him with respect.
The girls, meanwhile, looked at Ryōken with burning gazes. There was no doubt that if he were willing, they would not mind offering themselves to him.
"He became a general candidate at such a young age. Truly impressive."
"I heard Lord Ryōken slashed out flames with a single sword strike."
"He's so young and accomplished."
The crowd discussed him animatedly, offering heartfelt praise.
Before long, Ryōken arrived at the mountain where yesterday's samurai tournament had been held.
Following the road, he descended through twisting paths that branched in every direction. People continually came forward to verify their identities, only allowing them through after careful inspection. The security was clearly extremely tight.
As he continued onward, Ryōken could clearly feel the terrain descending. At this rate, the Secret Pavilion was likely built deep underground.
At that thought, Ryōken could not help showing a trace of surprise. This was the Land of Iron. Such a confidential place naturally could not have been built by foreign shinobi. For samurai who knew no ninjutsu to construct such a vast and complex underground world, how much manpower and resources must it have taken?
Without years upon years of construction, this underground world would not have become so solid and secure.
A moment later.
Ryōken arrived before an iron gate that seemed embedded in the mountainside. A familiar figure was already waiting there.
"General Yamamoto, Ryōken has arrived."
The samurai guiding him spoke respectfully.
"Mm. You may leave."
Yamamoto appeared meticulous at this moment,