"If you really want to say... the extraordinary thing about Chongzong lies in the spiritual realm," Manranyama said calmly, as tranquil as a stream flowing through a grove.
"Although there isn't anything particularly outstanding about his practical skills."
"But he is still young, his body not yet fully mature."
"With such determination, his potential for growth is unimaginable."
"Isn't that right, Mr. Shinran?"
Manranyama tilted his head slightly, looking at Ito Shinran.
"Hmm, the youth is formidable indeed."
Ito Shinran nodded slightly, responding with a smile.
"By the way, Chongzong's weapon, if I remember correctly, is called the nine-section whip. It seems that he doesn't have it with him due to Mr. Shinran's involvement, right?"
"Yes, just as the young lady said."
"Well, if you want to use a knife to kill someone, you need to sharpen it first to achieve maximum efficiency, right?"
"You are absolutely right, young lady."
"In that case, would it be too much to ask Mr. Shinran to take care of this small task of sharpening the knife?"
"Hahaha, the young lady thinks highly of me. However, as someone of my status, sharpening a knife... I apologize for misspeaking. Leave it to me, please rest assured."
Ito Shinran, sitting down, bowed slightly and then excused himself from Manranyama.
"I will need five days to complete this task, is that acceptable, young lady?"
"It's fine, let's make it seven days. No need to rush."
"Alright."
As Ito Shinran walked out of the room, his daughter Ito Yunai was sitting by the door, quietly resting.
"Is it over, Daddy?"
"Yes, it's over."
Following closely behind Ito Shinran, Ito Yunai also left Manranyama's apartment.
"Yunai, I have a task for you."
"... Alright."
There was a slight trembling in Ito Yunai's normally calm voice, as she struggled to contain her excitement.
As a father, Ito Shinran naturally noticed.
This child has been waiting for a chance to make up for her past mistakes.
"For the next two days, familiarize yourself with Uesugi's itinerary. I will tell you the rest of the details later."
"Okay."
A successful operation requires a certain amount of luck.
But luck is not something that can be subjectively decided by a person.
What a person can subjectively achieve is thorough preparation.
The more thorough the preparation, the less luck is needed.
Adequate preparation can even help overcome some bad luck.
In the library, Uesugi Chongzong was searching for information.
Using a satellite map from a search engine, Chongzong recreated a floor plan of Yasaka Shrine.
He researched the surrounding terrain, escape routes if discovered, available transportation, corresponding schedules - every detail was accounted for.
But that was as far as he could plan.
Once inside, he had no idea what awaited him.
He didn't know how many guards there were.
Nor did he know the strength of the guards.
The so-called problematic files, I have no idea where they are specifically hidden.
I don't know how to identify the problematic files.
To figure out these unknown things, it's going to take more than just a little bit of time.
But dragging on for too long will only make it worse.
And there may only be one chance, if we fail, there won't be such an opportunity again.
Comparing the two evils, choose the lesser one.
Take another two days to prepare weapons and equipment, and then take action.
After setting the time plan like this, Chongzong left the library.
"Hey, substitute."
When Chongzong walked out of the library entrance, he heard someone calling like this.
He didn't think they were calling for him.
Until that person called again in a louder voice, "Hey, substitute!"
And walked up to him.
"I need to talk to you."
It has been a long time since they last met, Ito Yuno, dressed in casual clothes, said so.
