Hattori Hanzo was a man of extreme efficiency.
After receiving Cloud's domineering declaration of "wash your neck and wait," the Iga clan leader didn't waste a moment. His form flickered and he vanished into the vast white expanse of the Divine Village, melting into shadow without a sound.
He not only had to report back to the Shogunate but, more importantly, had to carry out Cloud's utterly audacious task—delivering the declaration of war to Amakusa Shiro.
One could only imagine the expression on that self-proclaimed "Son of God" villain's face when he received this "I'm coming to take your head in three days" delivery notice. It would surely be quite spectacular.
After seeing Hanzo off, Cloud's life returned to temporary tranquility.
On one hand, he enjoyed Nakoruru's meticulous care. On the other, he took endless delight in "educating" the endlessly curious Rimururu about various "black technologies" and "memes" from the twenty-first century, turning the ice sprite's worldview completely upside down.
For instance, when Rimururu wondered why snow fell from the sky, Cloud would tell her with a straight face: "Because it's part of heaven's 'aloof personality' setting. Gotta keep up the cool factor by doing something special, otherwise it'd seem too basic."
Or when Rimururu asked how he could produce lollipops from thin air, he'd explain mysteriously: "It's a fourth-dimensional pocket. Every man who wants to become a brother-in-law must master this passive skill."
Rimururu somehow believed this nonsense, and every day she'd look at Cloud with sparkling eyes, as if gazing at a walking encyclopedia—the "corrupted edition."
However, this leisurely "raising simulator" daily life didn't last long.
About five days later, just as Cloud was about to tame even the local bears into pets, Hattori Hanzo appeared ghost-like at the village entrance once more.
This time, he hadn't come alone.
Behind him stood a large group of "fierce warriors," each with a different aesthetic but all radiating powerful auras without exception.
At the front, naturally, were the two "old acquaintances"—Haohmaru, carrying his sake gourd with an impatient expression, and Ukyo, standing tall with a cool, refined bearing.
Behind them stood several other equally renowned figures.
A burly, one-eyed, middle-aged samurai wielding twin blades, his presence steady as a mountain.
The two swords at his waist—one long, one short—were the famous "Yamato no Kami Yasusada" and "Izumi no Kami Kanesada." This was the Tokugawa Shogunate's swordsmanship instructor, a supreme master of the Shinkage-ryū—Yagyu Jubei.
There was also a bald, muscular monk whose biceps dwarfed even Haohmaru's, dressed in monk's robes and carrying an enormous ringed staff. His face was fierce, yet his eyes held a hint of compassion. This was the infamous "Drink! Break!" monk—Kafuin Gaira.
Beyond them were various other sword saints and warriors Cloud couldn't name, but whose auras were equally formidable. Some came from the Shogunate; others were ronin who'd lost everything to Amakusa and sought revenge.
This group represented nearly every top-tier combatant on the righteous side of current Japan. Standing together, their combined fighting spirit seemed powerful enough to shatter the clouds above.
Well, well. Did they bring the entire Samurai Shodown all-star roster? Cloud couldn't help but whistle at this impressive lineup.
"Lord Cloud." Hanzo stepped forward and spoke respectfully. "I have delivered your declaration of war and, following your wishes, have summoned warriors throughout the land who wish to subjugate Amakusa, in both the Shogunate's name and your own. They all wish to see for themselves the legendary figure who caught the Tenha Fuujin Zan barehanded."
As Hanzo finished speaking, every gaze locked onto Cloud.
Those gazes contained curiosity, scrutiny, doubt—but above all, an expectation reserved for the strong.
Haohmaru grinned and jerked his chin at Cloud, as if saying: Look at all the people I brought to back you up!
Ukyo stood quietly to the side, offering Cloud a slight nod in greeting.
Yagyu Jubei's single eye swept over Cloud like a hawk's, seemingly searching for any weakness.
"Everyone, you've come a long way. Thank you for your efforts." Facing this collective scrutiny from a group of intimidating warriors, Cloud showed no nervousness whatsoever. Hands behind his back, he strolled past the top-tier warriors one by one, like a superior inspecting the troops.
"Mm, Haohmaru—haven't seen you in a few days. Your sword intent has solidified a bit more. Good progress."
"Ukyo, your complexion's much better. Looks like my medicine worked well."
"Master Yagyu, I presume? Your reputation precedes you. Your blade is steady, but your killing intent is hidden too deep—it lacks a certain domineering forward momentum."
"And you, Master Monk—impressive muscles. Excellent core strength. You could probably punch a cow to death with one hit."
With each person he passed, he precisely identified their characteristics—even some strengths and weaknesses unknown to others. This discerning eye made all the proud sword masters present secretly alarmed.
This man is no ordinary person!
"Alright, enough pleasantries." Cloud returned to the front of the group and got straight to the point. "Now that everyone's here, let's discuss business. Hattori Hanzo has proposed forming an Amakusa Subjugation Alliance, with me as the... what's it called... Alliance Leader. Does anyone have objections?"
The moment he finished, the scene fell silent.
Though they'd all come because of Cloud's "legend," actually accepting a young man of unknown origin as their leader left some of them unconvinced.
Especially someone like Yagyu Jubei, who held a position of high authority.
"Hmph, Alliance Leader?" A particularly hot-tempered ronin spoke up first. "Why should we listen to you? Just because you blocked one of Haohmaru's moves? For all we know, you two staged that together!"
"Exactly! If you want to be leader, show us some real skill!"
"That's right! Unless you can beat all of us!"
Voices of doubt rose from all sides. In the world of warriors, things were that simple. You want respect? Prove it in a fight.
Haohmaru was about to speak up for Cloud, but Cloud raised a hand to stop him.
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