The incident at Nijō Castle had passed two months ago.

Apart from occasional updates on the trials and sentencing of those involved, which jogged people's memories, most had already forgotten about the event.

When news of a sentencing came up, people couldn't immediately recall the incident.

And then, there would be conversations like this:

"Strange, this criminal's name... why does it sound familiar?"

"Yeah, I feel the same..."

"Oh, right, it's that, that thing..."

"Nijō Castle incident!"

"Yes, the Nijō Castle incident."

"The judicial process sure is slow."

"Yeah."

And so on.

But at least the government agencies were fulfilling their duties and giving this case a conclusion.

At least, formally, there was a resolution.

As for Inspector Dojou Kazuaki, he was not promoted for his significant role in this case.

There was no clear reason given for the lack of promotion.

But inside the police station, rumors of all sorts were rampant.

For example:

-"That Tsuchi guy acted on his own without reporting to higher-ups; not punishing him was already lenient."

-"So many cops died, not firing him was already generous."

-"He had ties with the Manranyama Foundation; it was impossible for him to get a promotion."

-And so forth.

Everyone had something to say.

But none of those who participated in the operation complained or felt regret.

They continued to live honorably, standing tall like never before.

Whether they were lightly injured in the operation.

Or had limbs severely injured.

Or were among those who sacrificed during the operation.

No one, no family, uttered a word of complaint.

Bai Yaxin's organization was completely crushed, even though Bai Yaxin was still at large. Nevertheless, this outcome was a remarkable victory.

The demon that had plagued Kyoto for nearly a decade had finally been uprooted.

After recovering, Dojou Kazuaki was reassigned to Katsuragi City, about 25 kilometers southwest of Kyoto, still serving as a detective.

But the treatment of detectives in big cities and small towns was vastly different.

Thus, it was essentially a demotion.

This was the fate of the hero of the Nijō Castle incident.

Regarding this outcome, Dojou Kazuaki said nothing.

As long as the goal of dismantling Bai Yaxin's organization was achieved, nothing else mattered.

Yui felt deeply sorry for those who sacrificed in the operation.

After the case was closed, Dojou Kazuaki personally visited the families of his fallen colleagues, apologizing to each one.

Some were insulted.

Some were sent away.

Some were forgiven.

Dojou Kazuaki endured it all.

After being transferred to Katsuragi City, Dojou Kazuaki, after much consideration, chose not to move and continued to live in Kyoto, driving 25 kilometers to work every day.

The reason was simple: Dojou Kazuaki's children, Katagiri Mai and Kurashige Yui, were still studying in Kyoto. Making them change schools for his own sake would have been neglectful as a father.

Compared to that, waking up an hour earlier every day and spending a little extra on fuel were minor matters.

On this particular Sunday, Dojou Kazuaki was off duty.

Usually, on his days off, Dojou Kazuaki stayed home with the kids, helping out with chores alongside Katagiri Mai and Kurashige Yui.

But today, there was a special arrangement.

Manranyama Souren had invited everyone to her villa for a party.

The theme of the party was to celebrate Dojou Mei's third birthday.

Due to the large number of guests, it couldn't be held at Tsuchi's home, as originally planned.

Despite Tsuchi's intention for a simple celebration, he couldn't refuse the enthusiastic invitation from Manranyama Souren and reluctantly agreed.

Thus, on Sunday morning, everyone started arriving at Manranyama Souren's villa near Taihe Mountain Estate.

The star of the party, three-year-old Dojou Mei, made an entrance.

Thanks to the collaboration of Katagiri Mai and Kurashige Yui, today's Dojou Mei was a universal little princess.

With her fluffy pink pleated dress, matching pink-and-white knee socks, bright red shoes, and a silver-white fairy tiara on her head, her innocent face beamed with pride, making her the most dazzling presence that night!

Accompanying Dojou Mei was her father, Dojou Kazuaki, who, for once, wore a dark gray suit, exuding a mature charm that captivated the young girls!

Following behind Dojou Kazuaki and Dojou Mei were her two sisters, Katagiri Mai and Kurashige Yui, in their school uniforms as they had school activities later in the afternoon.

But what's wrong with school uniforms?

School uniforms were the best battle attire for high school girls!

Their youthful energy was contagious.

Manranyama Souren: "Mei! Happy birthday!"

Van: "Miss Mei, happy birthday!"

As they entered the villa, they were warmly welcomed by Manranyama Souren and Van, who had cleared their schedules today to properly celebrate Mei's birthday.

The villa, inside and out, was decorated with balloons, streamers, even bubble and mist machines for the occasion!

In the banquet hall, a lavish array of pastries, beverages, and fruits awaited, keeping everyone's mouths busy.

"Thank you, Auntie!"

Little Mei's sweet voice made everyone burst into laughter.

And in a way, it broke the ice between Katagiri Mai, Kurashige Yui, and Manranyama Souren, who weren't familiar with each other.

Next to arrive were the Uesugi family.

With the help of Manranyama Souren, Chongzong and Uesugi Yui, who were involved in the Nijō Castle incident, had kept it a secret very well.

The Uesugi family, including Yuki and Mizuo, were unaware that Chongzong and Yui had rushed back to Kyoto overnight and then flew to Hainan.

Thus, when they saw the news about the Nijō Castle incident in Hainan, they were utterly shocked, leaving their mouths agape.

"Heaven's will."

The Uesugi family, unaware of the truth, eventually accepted the event this way.

This relieved the anxious Chongzong and Uesugi Yui.

Today, Uesugi Tano wore a beige suit with a wine-red tie, while Uesugi Yukino was elegantly dressed in a pristine white dress, accompanied by an exquisite diamond necklace on her fair neck.

Following them were Uesugi Chongzong, Uesugi Yui, Uesugi Yuki, and Koga Mizuo, surprising everyone as they were also in their respective school uniforms.

The reason being that they had lessons or club activities to attend in the afternoon.

Being a student on a big Sunday was no easy task.

The academic burden on middle and high school students was truly a social issue not to be overlooked (chuckles).

Uesugi Tano, Uesugi Yukino: "Mei, happy birthday!"

Chongzong, Yui, Mizuo, and Yuki: "Happy birthday, Mei!"

Everyone congratulated little Mei, but she was already full with sweets and could only respond with cute hums, once again making everyone chuckle.

Finally, Ito and his daughter arrived late - Ito Shinran and Ito Yunai - having recently left the Manranyama Uminari to serve under Manranyama Souren. Today, due to some last-minute assignment from Souren, they arrived a bit late.

Ito Shinran was in a brown martial arts uniform, its loose fabric hiding his profound Kyudo skills and well-tempered physique.

Ito Yunai wore a casual white long-sleeved T-shirt with denim shorts. Her attire was chosen for her role as a civilian for reconnaissance, allowing her to blend in easily among ordinary people.

In accordance with Japanese etiquette traditions, the two of them respectfully approached Mei's father, Dojou Kazuaki, and offered their congratulations.

Ito Shinran, Ito Yunai: "Mr. Tsuchi, congratulations on this joyous occasion for the young lady."

This grand gesture surprised Dojou Kazuaki, who was momentarily taken aback before understanding, and then burst out laughing.

"Thank you! Thank you!"

"I've heard of Mr. Ito Shinran for a long time, and finally met him in person today."

"Thank you, Yunai, for coming to help Xiao Mo celebrate his birthday~"

Although they were on the same side during the Nijo Castle incident, they didn't collaborate in battle nor even met each other.

"That's too much praise. In the end, Bai Yaxin got away, which was a failure on our sniping team's part."

Ito Shinran's words were not polite, but a sincere apology.

He was filled with regret, his brows furrowed in disappointment.

Given the chance, he also wanted to personally take care of Bai Yaxin.

Standing nearby, Ito Yunai was also somewhat dazed, remaining silent.

Her heart was stinging a bit due to the recent conversation.

In reality, on the night of the Nijo Castle incident, she, her father Ito Shinran, and Uesugi Yui stood in three different directions on the castle keep, each monitoring a different area.

And she, Ito Yunai, did see Bai Yaxin.

At that moment, Ito Yunai immediately aimed at Bai Yaxin and intended to call her father and Uesugi Yui for support.

However, before she could call for help, she noticed another figure beside Bai Yaxin.

That figure was her close friend of many years.

Bai Xuyu.

Then, memories of her rendezvous with Bai Xuyu that day flashed through her mind.

––"If the day comes when Bai Yaxin is at Ito Yunai's mercy, hope that Ito Yunai can spare him."

At that time, Ito Yunai found the idea utterly ridiculous.

It was impossible.

However, it happened just like that.

Ito Yunai didn't have the confidence or strength to shoot an arrow straight into the heart, but if she called Ito Shinran and Uesugi Yui, Bai Yaxin wouldn't have escaped from the Nijo Castle.

She only had about two or three seconds to hesitate.

What would happen to Bai Yaxin wasn't that important to Ito Yunai, otherwise, she wouldn't have been in Nijo Castle, risking her life for Manranyama Souren.

But now, Bai Xuyu and Bai Yaxin were together.

If Bai Yaxin was captured, what would happen to Bai Xuyu?

An arrow off target could also hit Bai Xuyu.

At the thought of this, Ito Yunai couldn't release the arrow in her hand, nor could she call for anyone to come to their aid.

In the end, Ito Yunai watched helplessly as Bai Yaxin and Bai Xuyu ran out of sight.

Without saying a word.

––(Perhaps someone else will catch them.)

Even Ito Yunai harbored such a sense of luck.

The fact was, Bai Yaxin escaped.

And he is still on the run.

This matter became a thorn stuck in Ito Yunai's heart.

Her personal desires made all the efforts and sacrifices of so many people be in vain.

But she didn't regret it. If her actions led to a lifetime of pain for her dear friend, she would truly regret it.

"What's wrong, Ito? Lost in thought?"

Uesugi Yui patted Ito Yunai on the back, startling her.

"Ah, nothing, just thinking about school this afternoon."

Ito Yunai nervously brushed it off, putting on the professional smile she was so good at.

She wouldn't tell anyone about letting Bai Yaxin go. She would keep it silently buried deep within, even to her grave.