Caught in Between

The Mochizuki Chiyome, was not lying; Bai Mo could sense the sincerity in her words. Rather, she had said a bit too much to a folk herbalist like Bai Mo.

But Bai Mo could understand. Her current situation was far from good. One could imagine the immense pressure that Mochizuki Chiyome was under, caught between the Takeda Clan and the Mochizuki Clan.

"So this power is more of a curse than a blessing for you right now."

Bai Mo spoke up, and upon hearing this, Chiyome nodded in deep agreement.

Whether you have the power to crush everything or are powerless to resist and resign yourself to fate, this limbo is the most painful state.

No one taught her how to unleash her power. This Electric Current Push propelled her into a top-tier fighter capable of taking on a hundred opponents, but she still lacked the strength to overturn the table.

Retreat. The Mochizuki Clan has lost its territory and is simply unable to support its population. Moreover, in this chaotic world, how easy is it to establish itself as an independent force?

They could advance, but they weren't confident of victory. Even if they won, they would most likely be outmaneuvered by the Uesugi Clan on the other side.

Unfortunately, this power appeared after the Mochizuki Clan was defeated, causing many who refused to admit defeat to become restless and blindly believe in this power; as a result, Takeda Shingen was filled with vigilance and suspicion.

So Bai Mo is right, this power is currently more of a curse than a blessing for her.

"Now I can only try to gain the recognition of the Takeda Clan through military achievements. This wound was inflicted on the front line by Uesugi Kenshin, the war god of the Uesugi Clan."

"I can't let the Takeda forces know I'm injured, otherwise the suppression of my clan will become even more severe."

It's truly absurd that a female ninja would go to the front lines to face off against Uesugi Kenshin in pursuit of military merit.

Chiyome slowly spoke, Bai Mo raised an eyebrow. To be injured to this extent, Uesugi Kenshin of this world is probably no ordinary person.

"Alright, I'm closing up shop now. I'll be here except for mealtimes and after sunset. Take your medication with you."

Chiyome nodded, left the appropriate amount of money, and then departed.

On the road, a female ninja standing nearby asked curiously:

"Chief, why did you talk so much to that herbalist? This is the first time I've ever seen you so open and talkative."

Chiyome frowned and said, "Don't spread what happened today. Be careful when you go there for treatment in the future, and don't make any sudden movements."

Seeing that Chiyome didn't want to answer, the female ninja had no choice but to suppress her curiosity and return with the medicine.

Chiyome stood on the rooftop, glanced at the clinic, and felt somewhat puzzled.

"Strange, I felt very relaxed over there, and I ended up talking so much without even realizing it. Did I use some calming incense?"

As soon as she stepped out of the clinic, the oppressive feeling that had been weighing on her heart, like a huge rock, surged up like a tidal wave, but compared to before, she did feel a little lighter.

She looked away and suddenly noticed that Bai Mo had somehow appeared at the market below, seemingly buying some snacks.

"This is wonderful, this kind of life."

After making his purchase, Bai Mo returned to the clinic. He opened the door behind him, stepped inside, and arrived directly at the entrance of the building on the mountain. He didn't know when the system had been created, but all he had to do was open the clinic's door to return.

Of course, if it were someone else, they would only see an ordinary doctor's bedroom when they opened it.

The door opened, and Shi leaned halfway out from around the corner, saying:

"Welcome back. You just caught the sunset. Hmm? Did you bring anything with you?"

"Yes, some snacks. I noticed you seemed to like them before."

Shi took the snacks from Bai Mo and said with a smile, "I was thinking of asking you to bring some chestnuts from Kaizu Castle when I left, but it seems we don't need to communicate at all."

"That makes sense, after all, you should know best what I'm thinking, right?"

With one hand placed on her chest, near her heart, and a subtle smile on her face, Bai Mo shook her head and said:

"Forget it, I'm not good at understanding women's thoughts; they're too complicated."

"Huh? I was being completely innocent."

Watching Shi put a chestnut into her mouth with a single finger, Bai Mo simply gave her a "you decide" look.

Sitting atop the pavilion, Bai Mo gazed at the distant sunset, its afterglow like blood.

"What was life like for doctors during the Warring States period? It must be better to be the young lady's private physician at the hospital in Mifune City."

"Ancient and modern times are incomparable, and when did I become a private doctor? This time, I did run into the owner of that Source of Power; what an unlucky fellow."

Bai Mo slowly recounted his encounter with Chiyome that day.

"That's really unlucky, but she actually talked to you so much on our first meeting. It's the same with Ryougi before; she seemed to be rejecting everyone else, but she was willing to communicate with you."

Dr. Bai Mo, it seems you're quite popular with your patients.

Shi turned his head, a strange smile on his face, and pinched Bai Mo's ear teasingly.

Bai Mo waved his hand and said, "You're overthinking it. Back then, no one could explain the Mystic Eyes to Ryougi, so naturally she would be resistant to others. After all, she could kill people with just a flick of her finger, so she had to keep her distance from ordinary people."

As for Chiyome, she's probably being pressured from both sides to the point of being deformed. If she doesn't vent her emotions to someone, she'll develop health problems.

Even without those injuries, Bai Mo could sense that Chiyome had probably been suppressing her feelings for a long time. Originally, she could have just gotten married honestly and worked for the Takeda Clan, but now things have turned out differently.

"Not only that, that woman is also burdened with a curse. Bai Mo, you've sensed it too, haven't you? Although I don't know what it's like on your side, the Mochizuki Clan here is cursed by some deity."

The curse also affects the mind. The reason they lowered their guard and confided in you is because of certain things and traits about you.

Shi extended her slender jade fingers and took the pendant from Bai Mo's chest. Enki's water flow was completely transparent and could not be seen at all. Enlil's divine core was mostly inside his clothes.

But this doesn't affect the item's effectiveness; it's the oldest god-king's core, the most powerful proof of god-slaying.

When Gilgamesh first returned from Greece, he could sense the special aura emanating from Bai Mo. And now, thanks to this, most of the divine power would be eroded by Enlil's divine core.

"So, have you decided how to deal with that ninja girl? She looks kind of cute when you tease her."

With a gentle smile, Shi uttered some rather terrifying words, causing Bai Mo's lips to twitch as he said:

"She's already suffered enough. She just seems like someone who wants to protect the Mochizuki Clan. Let's wait for her to die naturally and then take her Primordial Spirit with us."

Besides, she's been free lately, so she'll help out if she can. As a ninja, she can also help search for the system remnants; consider it an equal exchange.

The sun set, and the two left the pavilion to prepare dinner together. After dinner, they went to the library to read for a while before taking a bath and going to bed.

In contrast to the leisurely atmosphere on Bai Mo's side, things were far from peaceful on Chiyome's side.

"Boss, the men have beaten up the Takeda Clan's physician again! Those people have gone too far! They were supposed to be cared for by our Mochizuki Clan, but now they've completely become the Takeda Clan's lackeys!"

Listening to the report from her subordinates, Chiyome felt a terrible headache coming on.

I just got back from the front lines and I already have to deal with all this mess. Right now I have to appease the Mochizuki Clan, and then I have to go to the Takeda Clan to explain the situation later. I guess I'll get another round of sarcastic remarks.

I'm so tired.

A cup of hot tea was placed beside her, along with several snacks. Chiyome turned around and saw Mochizuki Mo beaming with joy, saying to Chiyome:

"Chief, I have some incredibly good news to tell you!"

Chiyome forced a smile that looked more like a grimace and said, "Really? Finally, good news? Sumire, have you found out some valuable information?"

"No, I encountered a deity who came to marry our leader."

"Go play somewhere else, don't cause trouble, and avoid interacting with strange people outside, lest you get scammed without even realizing it."

Thinking back to how she had actually felt a little expectant just moments before, Chiyome felt a wave of helplessness wash over her. Just as she was about to send Mochizuki Mo away, a voice came from outside the door:

"What's wrong? Isn't this good news?"

The gate opened without anyone announcing its opening, and a somewhat masculine-looking man walked in, followed by a man dressed in an Onmyoji robe, holding a wooden box.

Upon seeing the man enter, Chiyome rose and bowed, saying, "Lord Morotoki."

"No, I can't accept such a grand ceremony from Divine Marriage Bride, Mochizuki Chiyome. When are you planning to get married? I, a mere mortal, have never actually seen what a divine wedding is like."