After several minutes of traveling, the carriage finally began to slow down.
Saito looked out the window.
His eyes widened.
"...Whoa."
Standing before them was a massive mansion surrounded by tall wooden walls and traditional Japanese-style buildings.
Curved rooftops, wooden pillars, and lanterns lined the entrance.
Makuto stepped out of the carriage and looked toward the Blue Scarf crew.
"Welcome..."
He gestured toward the enormous building.
"...to the Red Sun Base."
Saito stepped down from the carriage and looked up at the mansion.
"So this is where you guys live?"
Makuto nodded.
"Among other things."
Saito grinned.
"Alright."
"Let's see what's inside."
He walked toward the entrance.
Kaito followed behind him.
Then Rin, Bomb, Fanny, Alya, and the rest of the crew followed.
Bomb looked around.
"Looks expensive."
Fanny glanced at the huge mansion.
"I wonder if they have a hot spring."
Alya laughed.
"You really haven't forgotten about that, have you?"
"Never."
Saito chuckled as they approached the massive entrance.
"Come on."
"Let's see what the Red Sun has been hiding in here."
The enormous doors slowly opened.
The Blue Scarf crew stepped inside.
The Blue Scarf crew walked deeper into the Red Sun Base.
Saito's eyes widened as they passed through the training grounds.
Samurai were practicing everywhere.
Some swung their swords at thick bamboo stalks, cutting them cleanly in half.
SHING!
Others stood several meters away from wooden targets, calmly throwing small daggers.
THUD! THUD! THUD!
Every blade landed near the center.
Saito looked around in amazement.
"Wow..."
Rin stared at the training grounds.
"These guys are serious."
Bomb watched another samurai slice through bamboo.
"...Yeah."
"I suddenly feel like upgrading my weapons."
Fanny laughed.
"You always want to upgrade something."
The crew continued walking until they finally reached the main room.
The enormous doors opened.
Inside, Hashima sat calmly at the far end of the room.
Makuto stepped forward and bowed.
"My Lord..."
"The Blue Scarf is here."
Hashima looked up.
A smile immediately appeared on his face.
"Saito."
"Nice to see you again."
He paused.
"Even though..."
"We haven't seen each other for, what?"
"About a day?"
Saito laughed.
"Hashima."
He gave a small nod.
Hashima chuckled.
"So..."
"You like to surprise people, huh?"
He gestured around the mansion.
"Entering my territory without informing me first."
Saito scratched the back of his head.
"Well..."
"Technically, I learned that from Shiro."
Hashima stared at him for a moment.
Then burst out laughing.
"Hahaha!"
"I get that."
Saito smiled.
"Glad you do."
Hashima leaned back in his seat.
"Well then..."
"Welcome to Red Sun territory, Blue Scarf."
Hashima gestured toward the open space in front of him.
"Please, sit down."
The Blue Scarf crew nodded and took their places on the floor.
Saito glanced around the room before settling down beside Kaito.
Hashima raised one hand.
"Wine?"
Saito nodded.
"Sure."
Hashima simply flicked his finger.
A group of maids immediately entered the room carrying trays of wine.
They moved gracefully across the room, placing a glass in front of each member of the Blue Scarf crew before carefully pouring the wine.
Saito smiled politely.
"Thank you."
He picked up his glass and took a small sip.
"...Not bad."
Kaito took a sip as well.
His expression changed slightly.
"Yes."
"This is a fine wine."
Hashima smiled.
"Thanks for the compliment, Silent Killer."
Kaito gave a small nod.
"You're welcome."
Bomb stared at his glass.
"Uh..."
"Do we get food with this?"
Fanny immediately looked at him.
"Of course that's what you're thinking about."
Bomb shrugged.
"I'm hungry."
Saito chuckled.
Hashima laughed quietly.
"Don't worry."
"We'll have food brought in soon."
Bomb's eyes immediately lit up.
"Now that's hospitality."
A voice suddenly broke the conversation.
"Seriously?"
"Of all the places you could go..."
"...you came here, Saito?"
Saito turned toward the voice.
His eyes widened.
"Kuro!"
He immediately waved enthusiastically.
"You're here too!"
Kuro sighed and walked over before sitting beside him.
Saito looked at him curiously.
"Why are you here?"
He narrowed his eyes.
"Wait..."
"Are you planning to expand your territory by attacking this place?"
Kuro stared at him.
"No."
He paused.
"...Maybe."
Saito sighed.
"Very funny."
Hashima looked between them.
"I assume you're partners?"
Saito nodded.
"Technically, he was once my enemy."
He glanced at Kuro.
"But we're friends now."
Kuro gave a small nod.
"Yeah."
Saito looked back at him.
"But seriously..."
"Why are you here?"
Kuro leaned back.
"I'm here to set up a little trading system."
He gestured toward Hashima.
"Hashima already agreed to trade with my territory in the east."
"For some ruby."
Saito raised an eyebrow.
"Ruby?"
Kuro nodded.
"Someone has to promote the coins you just created..."
"...and make sure they're actually used globally."
"Not just in Jokun City."
Saito nodded slowly.
"I see."
Hashima smiled.
"Trade between our territories benefits everyone."
Saito took another sip of his wine.
"So this isn't just a visit."
Kuro shook his head.
"Nope."
"It's business."
Saito grinned.
"Well..."
"At least nobody is trying to kill each other this time."
Kuro glanced at him.
"Give it time."
Saito sighed.
"...Why did I say that?"
Hashima leaned back in his seat, his expression becoming more serious.
"Anyway..."
"I know you're here for a vacation, Blue Scarf."
He looked around at the group.
"But I need to give you a warning."
Saito raised an eyebrow.
"About what?"
Hashima sighed.
"My territory has been dealing with rebellions."
"Quite a lot of them."
The room became quieter.
Saito calmly took another sip of his wine.
"Don't worry."
"If they come after us, we can handle them."
Hashima stared at him.
For a moment, he said nothing.
Then he sighed.
"And that's what scares me the most."
Saito blinked.
"...What?"
Hashima looked toward him.
"You say that far too confidently."
Kaito quietly chuckled.
"He's not wrong."
Hashima shook his head.
"That's exactly the problem."
Saito smiled.
"Relax."
"We're just here to enjoy the place."
Hashima raised an eyebrow.
"I hope you mean that."
Outside the main room, the distant sound of swords striking bamboo echoed through the base.
SHING!
Hashima looked toward the doors.
"Because the rebellions aren't something to take lightly."
The conversation was interrupted by footsteps approaching from the hallway.
A girl with messy hair slowly walked into the room, rubbing her eyes as she yawned.
"Dad..."
She glanced around sleepily.
"What's with all the noise?"
Hashima looked toward her.
"Lily."
"We have a guest."
Lily's eyes wandered across the room.
Then she saw Saito.
Her eyes widened.
"...What?!"
Saito smiled and raised his hand.
"Hi there."
Lily's face immediately turned red.
"W-Wait!"
She quickly turned around and rushed out of the room.
Saito blinked.
"...What just happened?"
Bomb whispered.
"Captain..."
"That's definitely not normal."
Kaito smirked.
"Agreed."
Hashima simply sighed.
"Give her a moment."
After a minute, footsteps returned.
Lily walked back into the room.
But this time, she was wearing a neat samurai outfit, her hair properly arranged.
She calmly walked over and sat beside Hashima.
She cleared her throat.
"Ahem."
Hashima glanced at her.
"Much better."
Lily nodded, trying very hard to keep a straight face.
Saito looked at her.
"...Nice outfit."
Lily's face immediately turned slightly red again.
"Th-Thank you."
She quickly looked away.
Saito smiled.
Hashima quietly sighed.
"...Here we go again."