After a simple, superficial reconciliation, Xie Wen and his companions followed Hantaro and the others toward the samurai's hiding place-
the ruins of a small town built not far from the northern cemetery.
"Whoa... this place isn't much better than that giant skull, meow."
(ω≡ω)
Klee Meow crouched on Xie Wen's shoulder, restlessly looking around.
"This is all Kaido's doing!"
Hantaro said bitterly, "Back then, Ringo and neighboring Hakumai were the two regions that resisted most fiercely, so Kaido destroyed both places completely in his rage!"
Kaido Meow and Yamato both scratched their cheeks awkwardly beside him.
Then Hantaro sighed again. "But the other places aren't much better off. Only the Flower Capital, where Kurozumi Orochi lived, escaped much damage."
"Speaking of which..." Xie Wen asked curiously, "Issho actually didn't go and take care of Kurozumi Orochi?"
"Because Lord Issho's first priority was rescuing us."
When he mentioned Issho, the man who had saved their lives, Hantaro became noticeably more upbeat. With gratitude and a trace of frustration, he explained, "That spineless coward Orochi immediately went into hiding with his subordinates when he learned we'd been rescued. Before Lord Issho could find him, Kaido arrived."
"So Orochi isn't in the Flower Capital now either?"
Xie Wen raised an eyebrow. No wonder that unlucky little Touma Meow had picked it. If they really went there, it would only be a wasted trip.
As for the Poneglyph beneath the Flower Capital, it wasn't going to sprout legs and run away, so there was no hurry at all.
"Now that's troublesome..."
Xie Wen rubbed his chin in frustration. If Kurozumi Orochi was hiding somewhere like a safe house, even Klee Meow's luck might not be enough to find him. After all, Little Plushie was better at finding treasure than people.
Most importantly, there