Konoha Hypocrite (Part-1)

Chapter 85.2: Audience With Daimyo, Draining Pond For Fish

"Let's just wait until he is free."

Looking at Abe Seimei Tonan's fast retreating back view, the officials behind him continued chatting and discussing.

.........

In the evening that day, at the garden of the North City Guard Residence, the setting sun was emitting a soft and gentle light. The children were running around and playing in the garden.

Tonan sat under the eaves, taking in this scene quietly as he drank his tea.

"Alright, it's time to eat. Don't play any longer."

"Oni-san, why don't you come together with us?"

"I have some work to do. You all must eat in time and go to bed early. If you don't get enough sleep, you won't grow taller. Come on, go ahead..."

"Oni-san, hug, hug..."

"I also want it, I also want it..."

Tonan hugged the children one by one and coaxed them to go into the house. After getting along for the past few days, exactly as he planned, he had gained the acknowledgment of all the children.

"Tonan-sama is truly affectionate," Yoshiwara Ao, who was standing at a side, said in a pandering tone.

"They are gifts bestowed to me by the heavens, delicate like these flower buds," Tonan said as he picked up a watering can and carefully sprinkled the flowers in the garden.

"I hope you all will grow up quickly."

Ao, who had been accompanying Tonan, smiled, "Are you talking about these flowers or those children, Tonan-sama?"

Tonan chuckled and shook his head without answering. After a while, he handed the watering can to Ao and took the gardening shears from him. He carefully trimmed the flowers and plants.

Other than the sounds of insects, there were only the sounds of him trimming flowers and plants. A long time later, Tonan suddenly said, "Ao."

Ao hastily bowed, "Did you need something, Tonan-sama?"

Tonan's hands kept moving, and without a change in his expression, he casually said, "I'll give you three days. Find out all black casinos, black brothels, smuggling dens, and gangs' strongholds in our jurisdiction."

Ao frowned hearing this and said, "My Lord, you want to..."

Tonan interrupted, "Obviously, it is to serve common people, and remove these cancers of society."

Ao hesitated for a bit, not comprehending why Tonan wanted to do this. These underground organizations handed over a significant sum of money to the North City Guard Residence every month.

If they were pulled out in one fell swoop, they could earn a huge fortune quickly but it would be like draining the pond to get all the fish. For a long time in the future, there would be no underground organizations outside the northern part of the city.

In his opinion, this was not a good strategy. Therefore, looking confused, he said, "But My lord, if you did this..."

Before he finished speaking, the scissors in Tonan's hand suddenly stopped. He turned around and gave Ao a deep look. Ao was so frightened that his back was drenched with cold sweat.

He immediately knelt on the ground and kowtowed Tonan, "My Lord, forgive me, I spoke too much."

Tonan quietly looked at Ao, who continuously banged his head on the ground. Only after a considerable period of time, by when Ao's forehead was already bloody, did Tonan turn around and continued to trim the flowers and plants again.

"Knowing one's mistake is good. You've been with me for some time now. Considering our time spent together so far, I'll spare your life this time."

Ao was frightened out of his wits and instantly felt joy. He hastily thanked, "Many thanks, My Lord."

Tonan brought the scissors in front of him, and gently wiped off the bits and pieces of plants from it. He then threw it in front of Ao, and looking down at him, he said, "Come here, teach yourself a lesson."

Ao gulped and glanced at Tonan. He knew how terrifying the temperament of the person in front of him was. Therefore, without begging for any mercy, he picked up the shears with a trembling hand and stretched out just his little finger.

He immediately closed his eyes and hardened his heart, gritting his teeth.

'Ah,' Ao let out a muffled groan and a little finger fell to the ground. Bright red blood flowed out of his hands, looking very gory.

Ao felt great pain, but he forcibly tolerated it and didn't dare make a sound. He only covered his wound. His face was already filled with cold sweat, blue veins popping out.

Tonan glanced at him, and said, "I don't think it's enough."

Ao gritted his teeth and nodded. Continuing to endure the pain, he stretched out his ring finger again.

"As I was saying Ao, people must always know their position. Don't get carried away with just small contributions. Your job is to only comply with my instructions and not do anything lesser or more than that."

Tonan shook his head while plucking out a daisy flower from the flower garden. He then brought it near his nose and sniffed it. His face was filled with an intoxicated hue.

"Go and bandage your hand. Remember to disinfect it to prevent the wounds from festering."

Ao kowtowed heavily and said while trembling, "Many thanks... for your concern..., My Lord."

Tonan carelessly threw the daisy flower and strode past Ao, who was still kneeling, and walked towards his study with both hands on his back.

"When you go back, ask someone to clean up this place. It's reeking of blood."

"Yes..."