A Chance Encounter

"Impossible! This has to be a lie!" Kondo Qiong looked frantic. "It has to be a lie! Zongsi would never betray us!"

"I don't believe it!" With that, Kondo Qiong bolted outside.

Robin activated her ability. Several arms sprouted from Kondo Qiong's body and wrapped tightly around him.

"But Lord Yingfeng might not have done this..." Heigoro found it hard to believe. He had served the Yingfeng Family for years and knew what kind of man Yingfeng Zongsi was. That was precisely why he could not accept that Zongsi had betrayed Kozuki Oden and pledged loyalty to the shogun instead.

"There may be more to it, but there's no denying he led Kaido's men to the base..." Robin turned helplessly to Kondo Qiong. "I'll let you go, but you can't cause a scene. Understood?"

"Mmph, mmph..." Kondo Qiong tried to speak, then realized he could not make a sound. He nodded hard, and Robin released him.

"I'm going back!" Kondo Qiong looked at Robin. "I need to see what happened!"

"That's fine, but not right now. Kaido's men have probably surrounded the place. I'll take you back tomorrow to have a look," Robin offered. "You can refuse, of course, but then I'll have to tie you up again..."

"I understand. I won't run off on my own..." Kondo Qiong nodded, then turned to Heigoro. "Grandpa Heigoro, is there anything to eat? And somewhere to sleep?"

"Yes..." Heigoro nodded. "The conditions aren't great, though. I don't know if you'll be comfortable..."

"I've lost my home and my country. I'm lucky to be alive. Comfort doesn't matter..." Kondo Qiong shook his head. "I want a proper meal. Who knows what tomorrow might bring..."

"Then sorry for the trouble," Robin said to Heigoro.

"It's no trouble. It's my duty. The Yingfeng Family may