My Gang of Swordsmen

When he felt like drinking, he would just open up his belly and drink, regardless of time and place, until he was satisfied.

Clearly, he rarely engaged in such domineering and bullying actions before… After all, Shimizu Gosaku is a relative of their leader, and cannot be neglected.

To help Shimizu Gosaku clean up the mess he created, Sasaki and others who acted as “ministers” had to put in a lot of effort.

Luckily, the Shimizu Clan was deeply rooted in Edo, possessing connections everywhere, otherwise, given the chaos Shimizu Gosaku created, he would have long been dragged to the execution ground for the Yamada Asaemon Family, who built their legacy on killing, to test their sword.

Quite a few high officials within the Shimizu Clan reported to Shimizu Eiichi about Shimizu Gosaku’s recent outrageous behavior, hoping that Shimizu Eiichi could discipline Shimizu Gosaku properly.

However… Shimizu Eiichi always appeared decisive and fierce in front of his subordinates and outsiders, but he hesitated when it came to family matters.

He sternly warned Shimizu Gosaku to restrain his temperament and cause less trouble outside.

But the effect was negligible.

Shimizu Gosaku’s symptoms seemed like… he had lost the ability to control his desires.

Apart from desires, Shimizu Gosaku’s emotions often appeared out of control.

His moods became increasingly unpredictable and incomprehensible.

Often, a minute ago he would be talking to you amicably, but the next moment he could suddenly erupt in anger and yell at you.

Sasaki didn’t know if Shimizu Gosaku’s transformations were all caused by the peculiar “pain reliever” given by Shimizu Eiichi… He didn’t dare to ponder or investigate this matter deeply.

After all, this was considered the leader’s family affair, an issue that exceeded what someone of his level could meddle with.

Earlier, the reason Sasaki advised the already drunk Shimizu Gosaku to go home and rest was because he worried that Shimizu Gosaku’s mind and consciousness, under the influence of alcohol, would become even more chaotic and might cause further trouble.

Shimizu Gosaku didn’t heed his advice… Sasaki couldn’t do anything about it.

Verbally warning the leader’s nephew to go home and rest was the only thing Sasaki, as a minor official of the Shimizu Clan, could do.

To strongly demand Shimizu Gosaku go home quickly? Don’t kid yourself, only Shimizu Eiichi had the authority and courage to do that.

Feeling he had done all he could, Sasaki cleared his mind and retraced his steps back along the path.

As soon as he left the alley, he saw a small figure “huffing and puffing” running towards him.

It was Kinsaburō, who had earlier reported “Shimizu Gosaku is drinking nearby” to him.

“Kinsaburō, why have you come again? Did something happen?”

“…” Kinsaburō showed an odd expression, not responding to Sasaki’s questions immediately.

He silently quickened his pace slightly, approached Sasaki’s side, moved his lips closer to Sasaki’s ear, and whispered a short message.

A scene very similar to earlier occurred.

After hearing Kinsaburō’s whisper, Sasaki’s expression changed dramatically.

But unlike before, Sasaki this time did not calmly wave Kinsaburō away.

He immediately set off at a run, sprinting straight towards the street corner ahead.

Within moments, Sasaki, who had been sprinting all the way, reached an open-air tea stall.

This tea stall was very small, with only five long benches, the seats on which were mostly occupied.

The stall owner and customers, upon seeing the colorful tattoos on Sasaki and others, kept quiet as mice before cats – except for a lone middle-aged man sitting calmly in the corner, wearing a broad-brimmed hat and simple clothing, cradling a tea cup with both hands and savoring the tea.

Sasaki hurriedly squeezed into the empty space beside the middle-aged man, lowered his voice, and said anxiously:

“Father…!”

In the “family system” of the Shimizu Clan, someone whom Sasaki would respectfully call “father”… the identity of this middle-aged man was already evident.

“Sasaki.” Shimizu Eiichi took a sip of just-right temperature tea, “How is it? Is the fireworks festival venue still calm?”

Earlier, what Kinsaburō whispered to Sasaki was, “Father is here! He’s calling you over!”

“Hmm. Nothing’s happened.”

Sasaki briefly reported the situation near Ryogoku Bridge to Shimizu Eiichi.

Afterwards, he paused, then continued with a questioning tone, asking Shimizu Eiichi:

“Father, why did you suddenly come here? Are you inspecting the Shimizu Clan’s territory?”

“You’re overthinking it, no complicated reasons.”

Shimizu Eiichi chuckled lightly a few times and placed the tea cup down beside him.

“I just wanted to get out to clear my mind, take a break, and enjoy my beloved fireworks.”

“When I was just an unknown person commonly seen on the streets, my favorite activity was Edo’s annual fireworks festival.”

“Fireworks… are equal for everyone.”

After saying this, a nostalgic gleam appeared in Shimizu Eiichi’s eyes.

“Whether wealthy or poor, whether samurai or Hieda, everyone can enjoy beautiful fireworks.”

After speaking, Shimizu Eiichi picked up his tea cup again.

“The reason I called you over suddenly is because I want you to help me get a pleasure boat.”