Squeeze...!

Saito Genryu's hand polishing the katana's surface suddenly gripped tighter, causing the blade to tremble ominously.

Saito Genryu growled quietly, “So... They have no thoughts of cooperating with us?”

“Unfortunately... No, sir.”

“And their reason is?”

“Sir, that is...” Oizumi Shunsuke ignored the streams of cold sweat on his forehead and focused solely on providing his answer, even as his voice trembled and cracked. “Although they agreed that the changes taking place in the Peninsula should not be ignored, they also stated that burying our ages-old grudges and joining hands is... utterly unthinkable, sir.”

“Unthinkable, is it?”

“The Peninsula as a territory can be conquered easily if they get serious about it, so it makes more sense to settle the division within the Great Nihon Empire first... In my humble opinion, that is what they are trying to imply, sir.”

“Is everyone in agreement with that sentiment?”

“The majority, yes. Although, about two gumis agreed with us...”

“A gathering of morons, then...!” Saito Genryu grunted before angrily throwing the white cloth meant to polish the katana. “Do they still not realize that a keen blade has been thrust right under their chins! Why are they so blind to the unmissable fact that the situation in the Korean peninsula should not be taken lightly!”

“My sincerest apologies, sir.” Oizumi Shunsuke bowed deeply in his prostrating position even though he didn't do anything that required him to apologize so profusely.

“Dammit...!” Saito Genryu tightly clenched his fists...