Elsewhere...
He Liu glanced behind him, his eyes darting about. Only after making sure no one was there did he slip into a dark alley.
He pulled open a manhole cover with both hands and jumped down without a moment's hesitation.
After passing through one obstacle after another, He Liu finally arrived before an enormous iron door.
Knock, knock, knock...
He struck the heavy metal door with his sword hilt. Before long, steady footsteps sounded from the other side.
A moment later, a piercing metallic scrape rang out, and the door opened.
"Lord Rengo."
Upon seeing the man who emerged, He Liu dropped to one knee and bowed.
"Lord Rengo, I have information about the person Iinaka is looking for," He Liu answered slowly. Then he recounted everything that had happened at the inn.
"Oh? An unfamiliar Swordmaster in Iron City?"
Rengo recalled the conversation he had overheard in the general's room yesterday.
Could it be that person?
He shook his head slightly. It no longer mattered.
"He Liu, you've truly rendered a great service this time!"
Rengo clapped his broad hand heavily against He Liu's shoulder in approval.
"Once I become the general of the Land of Iron, I will make sure all of you are well rewarded."
At those words, He Liu immediately raised his eyes, excitement gleaming in them.
"Thank you, Lord Rengo..." He promptly kowtowed several times.
"Good. Continue staying undercover at Mifune's side tonight. I'll send someone to capture the person Iinaka needs."
At this point, Rengo's tone grew increasingly grave.
"No matter what, those two swords must be in our hands. They will also serve as a symbol of our authority when we seize power."
"Do you understand?"
He Liu nodded solemnly. "I will not fail you."
On a street in the Land of