White steam drifted from the hot spring, and wet leaves littered the muddy ground.
Sen climbed out of the wooden tub and dried himself with a coarse cloth.
He slipped on his straw sandals and followed the Suicide Corps operative into the cave.
The mine tunnel ran deep, the smell of rotting leaves mingling with damp air.
Black mud covered the floor, making it especially hard to find firm footing.
"My lord, it's well hidden in a crack in the rock wall."
The former Root Suicide Corps operative bent low and pointed at the mine rubble.
Sen kicked aside a rock, exposing a rusty iron plate.
"That old bastard hid things like a rat."
Sen tugged, and a wooden vine snapped the iron lock.
The iron door hit the ground, kicking up choking lime dust.
They pried open a large chest behind the door, and golden light filled the tunnel.
"My lord, these are all gold bars! And a whole chest of banknotes!"
The operative stared, his fingers trembling.
"Look at you. It's only a few chests of gold and silver."
Sen shoved both hands into his pockets and curled his lip in a smile.
A quick glance told him it was worth at least ten million ryō.
The wealth Danzo had squeezed out of others had become spoils of war.
"Lord Sen, are we taking this gold back to the village?"
The operative watched him cautiously.
"What for? The Fifth isn't short on spending money."
Sen waved a hand and stuffed everything into a Storage Scroll.
"This little gold bar is your reward. Buy yourself some new clothes."
Sen tossed him the gold, which landed against his chest with a thump.
"Thank you, my lord! I swear to follow you to the death!"
The man clutched the gold and