Hasegawa was naturally unwilling to let the "Buddha enemy" run away.

Under Hasegawa's orders, the officials of the Hofu thieves scattered in all directions, scattered to various parts of Matsucho to search for traces of the "Buddha enemy".

However, after a search, the result was - no results.

"Damn!"

Imai threw a heavy punch at the earthen wall beside him.

"I finally bumped into the 'Buddha enemy', but he ran away like this!"

Compared to Imai's resentment, Hasegawa's state is much calmer.

"Alright, Imai." Hasegawa said softly, "It's useless to feel indignant here. As for the trickiness of the 'Buddha enemy', you and I should have been mentally prepared for a long time ago? ”

"Not only is his swordsmanship outstanding, but he is also extremely agile, and when he is determined to escape, whether or not to catch him depends largely on our luck."

Tachibana was standing beside Hasegawa and Imai at this time.

After Imai and Hasegawa's words fell, Tachibana muttered:

"Is he ...... 'enemy of the Buddha'......?"

"That's right......" Imai turned his head and smiled bitterly at Tachibana, "The guy with the black knife just now is the 'Buddha enemy'." How is it? Do you appreciate how tricky he is? ”

"Hmm......" Tachibana nodded slightly.

Before the "Buddha Enemy" escaped, Tachibana and the "Buddha Enemy" made a move.

Although it was only a mere move, with this move alone, Tachibana felt that there was an extremely huge gap in the level of swordsmanship between him and the "Buddha Enemy".

If Hasegawa hadn't intervened in time just now, Tachibana would have been sure that he wouldn't have been able to make 3 moves in front of that "Buddha enemy".

"The 'Buddha Enemy' is the most tricky and mysterious thief Hasegawa has ever seen in my life."

At this time, Hasegawa on the side answered.

"I don't know his voice, I don't know what he looks like, I don't know his age, I don't know what genre of swordsmanship he uses."

"The only thing I know is that he is a left-handed swordsman, wielding the sword he stole from the temple two years ago, the 'Enma'."

"...... Enma?" Tachibana chewed on the word, "Is that the black knife that the 'Buddha Enemy' used just now?" ”

"That's right." Hasegawa nodded, "Two years ago, the 'Buddha Enemy' attacked and burned down the largest temple in Nara, Honzoji Temple. He burned the temple into a sea of flames and stole the treasure that had been enshrined in the temple for more than 200 years, the sword 'Enma'. ”

"Because of his heinous evil act of burning temples and stealing treasures, he was dejoratively called 'Oda Nobunaga Reincarnation' by people in the Buddhist world, so he was called 'Buddha's enemy'."

"For the sake of convenience, we have always called him 'Buddha enemy' and 'Buddha enemy' like this."

"This guy not only set fires but also stole treasure. The place where the arson was set on fire was still the sacred Honxiang Temple, and the stolen treasures were also among the few treasures, which can be regarded as the mortal enemy of our fire thieves. ”

As soon as Hasegawa's words fell, Imai on the side sighed:

"It's a pity, it took 2 years? Still can't be brought to justice......"

"Imai? Take your time. Hasegawa raised his hand and patted Imai on the shoulder? " Someday? We will definitely be able to arrest the 'Buddha's enemy' and his subordinates! ”

Since the "Buddha enemy" has slipped away? Hasegawa could only reluctantly accept this fact and gave the order to close the team.

Hasegawa's order to close the team has just been issued? Tachibana who has been hesitant since just now? Finally plucked up the courage to ask Hasegawa:

"Hasegawa-sama! So...... What about the samurai in the light green feather weave who ran away, and the glasses samurai? ”

"Huh? Oh, those two people. Let's take our time, too. ”

"I think — we'll be able to catch those two soon."

Speaking of this, Hasegawa had an intriguing smile on his face.

"To deal with those 2 guys? I'm ready to make a move. ”

……

……

Outside Matsucho? Somewhere in the woods.

The "Master of Manifestation" sat under a large tree with his knife in his hand.

Sand, sand, sand, sand, sand......

The "Manifestation Streamer" heard the sound of snow treading from his side.

Following the prestige, he saw a familiar figure running towards him.

"Lord!"

"Master of the Manifestation Stream" shouted as he removed the hat from the top of his head, revealing a handsome face.

"Shallow well."

The "enemy of the Buddha" who had just escaped from the siege of Hasegawa and others said to the "master of the show".

"Sorry, I'm late."

"My lord? You may be injured. ”

"Nope. The terrain like the castle town is good for me. I didn't get hurt and got rid of 'Ghost Flat' without any problems. ”

"Lord ......"

"Show the master of the stream" - or rather, Asai showed a wry smile at the "Buddha enemy" in front of him.

"Please don't do such a dangerous thing in the future......"

"Don't you believe I can break you off smoothly?"

"Nope." Asai shook his head? "I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about not risking your life to help a stranger anymore. ”

"We are not related to that 'executioner', why should we do such a dangerous thing to cover his escape."

"Whatever? The Fire Thieves are an extremely dangerous group of people for us. ”

"Will we be able to escape from the fire thieves this time? But next time, you may not be able to escape. ”

"To help a stranger who is not related to him? And to this point...... Lord? I don't think it's worth it. ”

“…… Shallow wells. ”

"Buddha enemy" said softly after a moment of silence.

But his tone was as cold as ever, and there seemed to be no emotion in it.

"Mamiya, he's very interested in Ogata Ichitosai."

"And I'm actually interested in Ogata Ichitosai."

"It would be too boring to let Ogata just fall into the hands of 'Onihei'."

"Asai, if you're disgusted with helping strangers, then I can consider not letting you do similar tasks in the future."

"My lord......" Asai showed a wry smile that seemed to be about to cry, "I don't have an opinion about you, I just ......"

"Well, I was just kidding. Asai, let's go. Go find something to eat. I just got into a fight with 'Onihei', and then I ran away for so long, I'm hungry. ”

"Yes...... My lord, we have put so much effort into it, what if that Ogata is still caught? ”

"I didn't do anything - let that Ogata ask for a blessing. We have done our best. ”

Speaking of this, the "Buddha enemy" paused.

As if remembering something, after a long pause, he continued:

"But—even if that Ogata Ichisai is caught now, it won't be good."

"Now even if you are caught by 'Oniping', you will neither die nor be tortured."

"I'm just going to be taken to Kii."