My Gang of Swordsmen

Chapter 466: Chapter 165: Law Punishment Faction’s New Officer: Wind Demon Scythe Weasel

Lord Rakshasa never turns away a request from Shinno—because he quite admires this young man’s extreme thoughts and style.

When Rakshasa straightforwardly asked the purpose of his visit, Shinno cleared his throat and straightened his back even more.

"Lord Rakshasa, I’ll get straight to the point."

"Could you use your power to help me procure 100... no, 150 bottles of fire oil?"

"Fire oil?" Rakshasa raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise crossing his features.

Shimizu Eiichi mirrored Rakshasa’s surprise on his face.

Scythe Weasel, who had been ignoring Shinno, now glanced at him with a meaningful look.

"Mr. Kamino," Rakshasa propped up his right arm to support his head, smiling gently, "what do you need so much fire oil for? Winter is still far away."

"Lord Rakshasa, you must have heard lately, haven’t you? That Fox Monk and Cat Monk raided a den of smugglers and discovered a large amount of fire oil."

"Because of this, the South and North Governor’s Offices and the Arson and Theft Magistrate are strictly investigating the smuggling and trading of fire oil in Edo City."

"To be honest..."

Shinno’s face darkened, he gritted his teeth, words squeezed through clenched teeth one by one.

"The ones who bought that batch of fire oil from the smugglers raided by Fox Monk and Cat Monk... was us, the Anti-foreigner Group."

With Shinno’s words, everyone, including Rakshasa, Scythe Weasel, and Shimizu Eiichi, showed a subtle change in their expressions.

"So it was you who bought that batch of fire oil from those smugglers." Rakshasa grinned.

"Thanks to that cursed Fox Monk and Cat Monk, all the fire oil we purchased with a lot of money turned to nothing." Shinno clenched his already tightly gritted teeth harder, making a creaking sound, "Hirayama is useless! How could I entrust him with such an important task!"

Hirayama—the name of the birthmarked face Aoto copied, known as the "Wind Sensor."

After viciously complaining and cursing Hirayama for failing to safeguard their fire oil, and blaming Fox Monk and Cat Monk for their loss, Shinno put on a serious face again.

"Lord Rakshasa. Our Anti-foreigner Group is planning to execute a plan that requires a large amount of fire oil."

"With the fire oil purchased from Hirayama now gone, we’re left with no choice but to find another way to gather new fire oil."

"Given that the South and North Governor’s Offices and the Arson and Theft Magistrate are currently monitoring fire oil trade closely, it’s difficult for us to gather enough fire oil on our own in a short period."

"Therefore, I wish to seek your help. Please help us gather 150 bottles of fire oil within seven days, the price can be negotiated!"

Rakshasa squinted slightly, a thoughtful and intriguing light shining beneath his eyelids.

"...Mr. Kamino, gathering fire oil for you is not an issue."

"But—"

Rakshasa shifted the tone of his conversation.

"I need to know what plan you’re intending to carry out."

"I need to decide whether to help you based on the content of your plan."

"After all, in essence... I am a businessman."

Rakshasa grinned, revealing a smile that makes others feel uncomfortable.

"We never engage in deals that bear no benefit to the Law Punishment Faction."

Seeing Rakshasa demanding the disclosure of the plan for which so much fire oil was needed, hesitation cast a shadow over Shinno’s eyes.

However, the hesitation in his eyes quickly dissipated, and within moments, Shinno took a deep breath and softly said:

"...I understand."

...

In a steady and measured tone, Shinno explained their plan.

As Rakshasa and others quietly listened, only Shinno’s voice echoed in the spacious tea room.

Around the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn, Shinno finished describing their plan.

When Shinno’s voice fell silent, the expressions of Rakshasa and others changed distinctly.

Shimizu Eiichi frowned tightly.

Scythe Weasel gave Shinno a few more glances, looking surprised.

Rakshasa was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter.

"Hahaha! Not bad, Mr. Kamino, you’re quite bold to plan an attack on that place!"

"Interesting! Interesting!"

Amidst his laughter, Rakshasa clapped several times vigorously.

"Good! I’m in! We will help you gather the fire oil!"

"Eiichi."

Rakshasa tilted his head, looking at Shimizu Eiichi sitting to his rear right.

Upon receiving Rakshasa’s gaze, Shimizu Eiichi hurriedly placed his hands on the floor respectfully, lowering his body.

"Mr. Kamino wants us to help gather 150 bottles of fire oil within 7 days... can you handle this task?"

Shimizu Eiichi’s lips curled into a confident smile:

"Lord Rakshasa, this task is far too simple for the Shimizu Clan."

"Others may fear the Magistrate’s Office and the Arson and Theft Magistrate, but the Shimizu Clan does not."

"Not 7 days, only 5 days... no, just 4 days! I can present you with 150 brand-new bottles of fire oil!"

"Hmm." Rakshasa nodded in satisfaction, "Good, then I’ll leave this task to you."

"Yes!" Shimizu Eiichi lowered his head, loudly accepting the task.

Shinno then followed Shimizu Eiichi, bowing and thanking Rakshasa with gratitude on his face: "Lord Rakshasa, thank you for your assistance! I will make sure the purchase funds are delivered..."