The meeting room, which was used exclusively for the big bosses who had become thieves and made decision-makers to discuss matters, was originally the hall of Kurosawa Atsushi's house.
Because the area is large and can accommodate many people, it is reasonable for it to be used as a room for talking.
The decoration in the meeting room is surprisingly simple. There is no decent furniture.
Only in the niche in the northeast corner was an ink painting that looked expensive at first glance. Below the ink painting, there is a beautifully trimmed potted plant.
On the north side of the meeting room are two black cushions placed at the same level - this is where the two current top officials, Kurosawa Atsushi and Okubo Tadashi, sit during the meeting.
There are also cushions placed under the seats of these two people, that is, on the east and west sides of the room.
4 on the east side and 4 on the west side.
Whether it is the placement or the fluffiness of the cushions, they are all neat and tidy, which is good news for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder - these 8 cushions are naturally the seats of the division captains modified by Huo Fu Thieves.
At present, among the eight cushions, only the seats for the captain of the first team and the captain of the third team are still vacant.
The other six division captains have all arrived and taken their seats.
The young man suddenly shouted, "Hey, do you know? I heard that Ju Qingden once defiled many civilian girls." After that, he pretended to pause for a moment, waiting for the reaction of the people around him. He looks to be around 25 years old, with skin as fair as a woman's and fairly regular facial features.
A short, skinny monkey sitting diagonally across from the young man opened his eyes wide and asked impatiently:
"Master Kimura, what are you talking about? That Tachibana Aoden once defiled a civilian girl? Is it true?"
Kimura Genzo nodded proudly:
"Tsuchida-kun, please be patient."
"I heard this from a friend of mine."
"You should also know that the 'Three Chapters' warriors at the execution center have low status but great authority."
"They are in charge of the public security of the people of Edo Town. In many cases, just a simple sentence is enough to make a person or even a family doomed."
"According to legend, Ju Qingden is a sanctimonious hypocrite who looks serious but is actually full of male thieves and female prostitutes."
"He has repeatedly used his power to coerce and induce many civilian women. He asked them to sleep with him."
"Forced by Ju Qingden's despotic power, those poor, innocent women had to endure hardships."
"Also, it is said that Tachibana Aoden's taste is particularly picky."
"He specializes in women who have a curvy body."
"It doesn't matter whether you are old or young, as long as your body is plump enough."
"According to reliable information: Among the girls who were persecuted by Ju Qingden, the youngest was only 12 years old."
"12 years old?!" Tsuchida Masashi said, "That Tachibana Aoden is really not picky..."
A middle-aged man next to Tsuchida snorted coldly:
"Ha! It's not surprising that the notorious Tachibana Qingden would do such a thing!"
"Oh? Mr. Hosaka, why do you say that? Do you know that Tachibana Aoden has done anything even more egregious than desecrating a civilian girl?"
A fat man with a round face sitting at the end of the west side of the room asked back.
After hearing the round-faced fat man's rhetorical question, Genzo Hosaka, who had white hair and was mostly bald, snorted coldly:
"Kazema-kun, you are right!"
"As far as I know, that Tachibana Qingden has really done something even more egregious than desecrating a civilian girl!"
"Kazema-kun... no, everyone! You may not know something!"
Kawasaka said as he sat upright. His voice rose gradually as his spine straightened.
"Ju Qingden...this guy is a rat who wants to gain fame and reputation!"
"He has used subversive methods on several occasions to pin the achievements of others on his head!"
"That's why he was moved to the right so quickly!"
Kasaka paused for a moment and swallowed hard to moisten his throat that was a little dry from speaking loudly.
Just when Kawasaka was about to say something more——
"...That's enough. Kimura, Huosaka, please shut up and stop having such stupid topics."
Suddenly, a cold, low male voice filled with contempt sounded.
The expressions on the faces of Kimura and Huosaka suddenly froze.
"...Mizushima Rensaburo."
Kimura, whose brows were furrowed, turned his head to look at the person who spoke just now - the captain of the Fire Thieves Kaisen Division 4: Mizushima Rensaburo.
"What did you mean by what you just said?"
"literal meaning."
Mizushima tilted his head and looked at Kimura with cold eyes without any sign of weakness.
"If your ears don't work well and you can't hear me clearly, or your brain doesn't work well and you don't understand the meaning of my words, then I'll tell you again slowly."
"Don't engage in such stupid topics anymore."
"You haven't talked enough, I've heard enough."
Having said this, Mizushima turned his attention to Hosaka Genzo.
"Huosan, you said that Ju Zengtian shamelessly took advantage of others' achievements... is there any evidence?"
"Well……"
Perhaps because he didn't expect Mizushima to ask him such a question, Huosaka hesitated for a moment and then hesitantly said:
"This is what I heard from a friend of mine..."
"Look! This string of words appears again!"
Mizushima showed an expression of blatant ridicule while interrupting Higasaka.
"'I heard from one of my friends', 'according to legend', 'supposedly', 'heard', 'according to reliable information'..."
"You both kept these words over and over again."
"I only believe what I see with my own eyes."
"Before I have personal contact with Tachibana, any praise or criticism I have for Tachibana will be treated as fart."
"Have you ever seen Tachibana with your own eyes?"
"Have you talked to Tachibana?"
"Have you ever gotten along with Tachibana in person?"
"Do you have any concrete evidence of 'Tachibana raping women of the people' and 'Tachibana taking advantage of other people's merits'?"
"Isn't it stupid enough to talk about some strange talk based on hearsay and don't know whether it is true or not? Such topics and behaviors are not stupid enough?"
"Has no one taught you: 'Don't trust the words of Qidong's barbarians'?"
Mizushima's voice is loud, the timbre is full of energy, and the diction is also very clear.
Loud voice + high tone + smart articulation + aggressive words = aggressive and powerful aura!
Under Mizushima's series of "discourse bombardments" like a barrage of words, Kimura and Hiban's momentum was completely suppressed.
Kimura, who felt his neck stiffened, gritted his teeth:
"I really don't have conclusive evidence about 'Tachibana Qingden raping civilian girls'. But there is a proverb that goes well - 'Flies don't stare at seamless eggs', so..."
Mizushima interjected without giving Kimura any face:
"'Flies don't watch seamless eggs' is a fallacy without any basis."
"Those who make up such nonsense should really be thrown into the underworld and have their tongues pulled out by King Yama."
"Anyone who can speak can make up a hundred rumors about anyone with just a move of his lips."
"'Kimura is a heavenly eunuch' - is this also the saying 'Flies don't stare at seamless eggs'?"
"What did you say?!"
Kimura's fair face turned red with rising blood in the blink of an eye.
In just a moment, the air in the meeting room was filled with the strong smell of gunpowder.
Mizushima raised his eyes indifferently and glanced at Kimura, then raised his head and pointed his nostrils at
"Mumu, Mr. Kimura! Please calm down!"
Tsuchida, who was as skinny as a monkey, quickly stood up and came to Kimura's side.
"Mr. Kimura, don't lose your mind because of Mizushima's provocation."
Kazama, who was so obese that the fat on his chest and belly trembled with every step he took, stood up quickly following Toma, and blocked Kimura with his "wide" body. In case Kimura loses control of his emotions and pounces on Mizushima.
Although Kawasaka stared at Mizushima with wide eyes like Kimura. But he didn't dare to denounce Mizushima as loudly as Kimura did. There was always a hint of fear hidden in his eyes as he looked at Mizushima.
Just when Mizushima and Kimura seemed to be about to fight at any time, two crisp claps suddenly sounded.
"Okay, okay! Let's just let this topic go. Don't hurt the harmony because of such insignificant things!"
A strong man with a strong build and a kind face walked slowly between Kimura and Mizushima with a smile.
This person is none other than the captain of the Second Division of the Fire Thief Kai: Kanazawa Chusuke.
"Kurosawa-sama and Okubo-sama will be here in a while, so everyone please calm down."
"If you two adults see you arguing here, and even almost starting a fight, you will definitely get nothing good."
"Tch...!" Kimura smacked his lips vigorously, then looked away, no longer looking at Mizushima, out of sight, out of mind - but before looking away, he "reluctantly" said again He glared at Mizushima several times.
Mizushima also showed an attitude of "I'm too lazy to argue with you idiots anymore". Close your eyes and start to meditate.
The crisis of internal fighting was eliminated by Kanazawa's mediation.
At this time, two footsteps came between them.
The sound came from the corridor outside.
The eyes of everyone in the hall reflexively glanced towards the door.
Wow...
The plainly painted hall door was roughly opened.
The ones who opened the door were Qingdeng and my grandson who finally arrived at the meeting room.
…
…
——These people... are the division captains who were changed by Huo Fu Thieves...
The moment my grandson, who was leading the way, opened the door to the meeting room, Qingdeng cast his glance into the hall.
What came into view was one unfamiliar face after another - except Mizushima, the captain of the fourth division.
From another perspective, Qingto and Mizushima are particularly destined.
Before he was transferred to the right to become a fire-fighting thief, Aoto had already met Mizushima twice.
The first time was the night when Aonto assisted Kinoshita Mai for the first time as the "Fox Monk".
After successfully getting rid of the gang of scum who were committed to killing people, they unexpectedly encountered Nishino, the "investigative ace" of the North Division, as well as Mizushima and his fourth division.
Qingdeng still vividly remembers the scenes at that time.
He and Kinoshita Mai tried so hard, even escaping into a Western settlement with magnificent houses that were convenient for hiding, and finally got rid of Mizushima and Nishino.
As for the second meeting, it was not long ago - when Seito and the anti-barbarian group started a decisive battle in the Western settlement, the first reinforcements to arrive were Mizushima and his fourth division.
Although he and Mizushima had a "second relationship", Qingto was not familiar with Mizushima and had never even spoken to him.
Qingto's understanding of Mizushima was limited to the rumors he heard on weekdays. All I know is that Mizushima is a very capable person.
Speaking of Mizushima... This reminded Qingto of a recent incident.
One morning about a month ago, when Qingto was practicing swordsmanship in the dojo of the Trial Guard Hall, he heard this anecdote from a pair of juniors who were chatting: The current Huofu Thief Kai has One dragon, one tiger and one dog!
Dragon - my grandson Chutaro, the "genius detective" who has solved countless serious, important and unsolved cases and the captain of the first team.
Tiger - Mizushima Rensaburo, the captain of the fourth division who has an upright personality and never shows mercy to criminals. He is good at swordsmanship and leading troops and dares to fight and charge.
Dog - has a kind-hearted character and is very humane when investigating cases, so he is very popular among the people. Although his writing skills are not as good as my grandson's, and his martial arts skills are not as good as Mizushima Rensaburo's, he is better than the captain of the second division, Tadatsuki Kanazawa, who has no obvious shortcomings.
Although the word "dog" has a derogatory connotation in many contexts, the nickname owned by Kanazawa Chusuke means "Kung Fu Dog" and is a real good name.
To put it simply - among the current Huo Fu Thieves, the above-mentioned three people are the most capable and have the most "armed force commander" demeanor.
"Good morning everyone~~"
My grandson smiled broadly and moved half a step sideways so that everyone in the hall could see Qingdeng's face more clearly.
"Although you have probably guessed who the person behind me is, the necessary personal introduction is still indispensable~~"
"Allow me to solemnly introduce to you - this is the new captain of the third division who will be with us in the future: Tachibana Aoden~~"
As soon as my grandson finished speaking, Qingdeng stood half a step forward and held his head high:
"This is the first time we meet! I'm Tachibana Aoden, please give me your advice in the future!"
After shouting, Qingdeng bent down and bowed to the people in front of him in a neither humble nor overbearing manner.
As soon as Aoto introduced himself, everyone in the meeting room...including Kimura and Higasaka, who were hostile to Aoto, couldn't help but turn their heads to look at Aoto.
There is no other reason for this - Qingden's voice is very attractive.
Clear, loud, and magnetic.
It's a beautiful voice that even men can't help but be attracted to.
At this time, my grandson tilted his head and cast a doubtful glance at Qingdeng.
"Huh? Mr. Tachibana, I just realized now...has your voice become clearer? I remember your voice before, it seemed to be deeper."
"Ah hahaha." Qingden smiled and shrugged, "Maybe you heard me wrong, my voice always sounds like this."
"Yeah……?"
There was a suspicious gleam in my grandson's eyes.
Fortunately he did not dwell on this issue.
After glancing at Qingdeng again, he looked away.
When Qingdeng saw this, he breathed a sigh of relief.
——Phew...very good...successfully fooled...
In fact, my grandson heard it right—Qingdeng’s voice did become clearer and more pleasant.
Qingdeng's timbre and voice are now affected by four kinds of talents.
"Tongue Strengthening" strengthens the strength and dexterity of the tongue, making Qingdeng's speech clearer.
The "golden voice" that improves the durability of the vocal cords makes Qingdeng's vocal cords less susceptible to strain.
The "cloud-piercing stone" that has the effect of "making a much louder sound than ordinary people" makes Qingdeng's voice even louder.
Finally... the new talent Qingdeng copied from "Challenger" a while ago: "Ying Cry", makes Qingdeng's voice more magnetic and clearer.
[Yingwei: The sound is more beautiful and attractive]
Repeatedly lingering and practicing in the five places of the Imperial Guard Hall, Chishiya, Little Chiba Sword Hall, Western Settlement, and Tsukinomiya Shrine - this is not all Aonto's life in these two months!
From September to now, Qingdeng’s “Personal Talent List” has added new words!
Qingdeng successfully copied a new talent from a guy who looked a bit effeminate - "Yingwei".
At the same time, talent fusion was successfully performed three times!
Qingden's "Eagle Eye", "Bear's Waist", and "Physical Body" have now all become "Eagle Eye +1", "Bear's Waist +1" and "Physical Body +1"!
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Regarding the appearance of the uniforms of Aonto and other division captains, you can refer to the picture on the right. This picture is from the animation starring Hasegawa Heizo, the legendary commander of the Fire Thieves Kaizo: " "Ghost Ping", (for details, please click on the comment section on the right) →→
Yesterday was another day when Leopard slept for more than ten hours, but he still felt uncomfortably sleepy... I don’t know when my physical condition will recover. I really want to go out for a walk! (Leopard head crying.jpg)
In the previous chapter, some book friends raised questions: Am I overstating the number of words by using so much ink to describe these seemingly minor characters?
In this regard, I just want to say: The author has spent so much time writing about them, and even started to foreshadow it a long time ago. It is impossible for such a character to be a supporting role! (Reversal of the verdict.jpg)
(End of chapter)
