Chapter 86: The Will of the Hinomaru

Some time had passed since the fierce battle of the dragons.

The raging sea had finally calmed, and sunlight poured gently over the lands of Hinomaru, bathing the fields and villages in a warm, golden glow.

The people, still reeling from the sudden shift in weather, seemed bewildered, unable to fully hide their confusion…

Yet those responsible for the chaos—the true instigators—traveled onward toward Tosa with no hint of remorse.

“…And that is why I insist that the Tosa Domain abandon its neutral stance and join the side of the Shogunate,” one of them declared, his tone as casual as if discussing the weather.

“That… is quite sudden, indeed,” came the response, edged with both surprise and exasperation.

Ryu, however, showed no desire to bask in the lingering thrill of battle. He was already attempting to force his friend into yet another impossible task.

“Frankly, it’s your own fault for insisting on this inconvenient neutrality,” he continued, unabashed. “And don’t even get me started on the fact that you’ve amassed forces that can’t simply be ignored. Joining the Shogunate is the wisest choice, and you know it.”

“…Eh…”

(What audacity, to lay blame like this…)

Even Sakamoto Ryoma, no stranger to pressure, found himself somewhat overwhelmed by the relentless energy of the Imperial envoys.

“To put it simply, the fastest way is to negotiate directly with Itagaki-san,” Ryoma said.

“Who is this Itagaki-san?”

“The one you call ‘who’… Itagaki-san is the current lord of the Tosa Domain, his true name Itagaki Taisuke. He is a truly remarkable man,” came the earnest reply.

“…I suppose that makes sense,” Ryu murmured, understanding the weight behind the name.

A figure held in such high regard by someone like Sakamoto Ryoma needed no further introduction.

“As I am a retainer of the Itagaki family, I can arrange a meeting immediately,” Ryoma continued.

“I’ll leave it to you, then. From there, it’s up to us to handle things,” Ryu said.

“Do your best, Ryu,” Ryoma added.

“I’ll make sure Esther comes along as well,” Ryu replied.

“Nuoooh…”

And so, the path ahead seemed to take shape.

“By the way, Ryoma, what’s your take on the current state of Hinomaru?”

“Hmm…”

Ryoma paused for a moment before speaking.

“Honestly, the weakened Tokugawa family isn’t really necessary for Hinomaru at this point.”

“Interesting… I didn’t expect that. Please, elaborate.”

“I respect and am grateful to the Tokugawa for laying the foundations of Hinomaru and helping it flourish… But in a world ravaged by constant war, goodwill alone won’t guarantee survival. Thus, the decline of the Tokugawa and their eventual replacement by other domains is inevitable. That is the will of Hinomaru itself. Tragically, the people desire this outcome. And if that is the case, then we of the Tosa Domain must honor that will, must we not?”

“When war comes with other nations, having the current Tokugawa at the center would indeed be unsettling. Perhaps unity will come from that, but… it won’t necessarily guarantee it.”

Small cracks widen gradually, until the structure collapses without warning. Such is the nature of a “nation.”

“True… though, if the Principality of Miur is involved, that’s a different matter entirely. That’s no longer the will of Hinomaru, but the petty greed of The Principality,” Ryoma warned.

“Yet it’s too early to declare it The Principality’s conspiracy for certain,” Ryu said thoughtfully.

“And that, indeed, is the most difficult part of this discussion.”

Currently, the Choshu and Hizen domains had allied and were plotting the overthrow of the Shogunate alongside The Principality—but who had truly initiated it remained unclear. Was it the domains, with The Principality only assisting, or did The Principality orchestrate the whole thing from the start?

If the former, The Principality might be seen as acting on behalf of Hinomaru. If the latter, it is a plot entirely of The Principality’s making—and thus, their will.

“So that’s why Tosa maintains neutrality, unable to discern the true instigator,” Ryu noted.

“Exactly. Now, Ryu, as an Imperial envoy, which do you believe it to be?”

Without hesitation, Ryu answered.

“I think this war was started by The Principality. There’s no absolute proof, but considering The Principality’s previous maneuvers and Hinomaru’s current state, it seems clear. They might even be plotting to seize control of Hinomaru itself.”

“Hmph…”

“They’re probably thinking, ‘Just send the worst hero possible,’” Ryoma muttered.

“Have the heroes who saved the world have their country taken over by a new hero? That’s exactly the kind of scenario the Principality of Miur would dream up.”

(If two people more knowledgeable about the world than I say this, it’s probably close to the truth… Still, a hero, huh…)

“In that case, it seems I shall simply join the battle myself,” Ryoma declared.

“Don’t. Solving everything with brute force isn’t advisable. I should know—my own reckless efforts against the Eldorado Empire ended in disaster,” Ryu replied gravely.

Had Marquis Grace not imposed a gag order then, who knows what might have happened. Just thinking about it made Ryu’s head throb.

“Experience is the best teacher. Though, thanks to that, Homura became our ally, so I’m grateful,” he added.

“Gyau…”

(My head is throbbing… already…)

“Hmm? Throbbing head? Was that you speaking, little dragon?”

“Oh, right—Ryoma can understand dragon language too.”

“Gyau.”

(Pleased to meet you, Ryoma-san!)

“Ah, and I, likewise, am pleased,” Ryoma replied warmly.

Esther sighed.

“Dragons really do grasp things too quickly… Honestly, it’s infuriating.”

“And this here is my partner, Axel,” Ryu said, introducing another companion.

“Pleased to meet you. An ally of Ryu,” Ryoma said politely.

“Bruru,” Axel replied in his low, resonant growl.

As conversation flowed, they arrived at a small post town along their route.

“The sun’s setting… let’s rest here for tonight,” Ryu suggested.

So, they decided to lodge in this town.

A strange, almost surreal party entered the town: two eyepatched samurai, a tiny girl, a massive warhorse, and a baby dragon. Yet the gate guards allowed them passage without hesitation.

The reason was simple.

“Ryoma-san! Over here!”

“You’re as handsome as ever!”

“The eyepatch and gauntlets… they suit you so well!”

“Hahaha. I’ve been here before a few times,” Ryoma said with a playful grin.

“You womanizing bastard. Shame on you,” came a chorus of mock scolding.

“The greatest samurai of Hinomaru, reduced to this before the ladies… Truly disappointing,” someone added.

“…Indeed…”

(My treatment is getting progressively worse…)

They quickly reserved rooms at the inn. Though they had just discussed the state of Hinomaru, much remained to talk about.

With three private rooms arranged, everyone gathered in Ryu’s.

“First, I must thank you for defeating my friend—Gorouemon,” Ryoma said.

“Don’t mention it,” Ryu replied.

“…And how was Gorouemon?”

“I don’t remember much. He tried to lay a hand on Esther, so I killed him immediately. That was all,” Ryu said coldly.

No matter the bonds of childhood, an enemy is an enemy—there is neither mercy nor regret.

“I see… he was once a pure samurai apprentice in his youth…”

Ryoma gazed into the distance, lost in memories.

“Shall we have some candy, then?” Ryu muttered.

“Yes… for nourishment,” Esther whispered.

“No dramatic ‘Nuoooh’ this time?”

“I can read the atmosphere too,” Esther murmured.

“Seriously?”

“What’s with that look…”

“Gyau.”

(This candy is amazing… may I have another?)

A few minutes later.

“Apologies. Let’s continue our discussion,” Ryoma said.

“Already ready?”

“Of course. A samurai must switch gears quickly.”

“Understood. Then let us begin the next topic—

───About a certain medicine that could twist the fate of dragons and ourselves alike.”