At this moment, not only were there more than twenty samurais from the Choshu and Satsuma domains in the room, but Kirino Toshiaki was also there.
Zhang Heng only had one Wakizashi in his hand. No matter how good his swordsmanship was, it would be difficult for him to fight against so many people.
In addition, Zhang Heng had also considered the possibility of taking hostages. Among them, the most valuable person was undoubtedly the leader of the Choshu domain, Shinsaku Takasugi, an important figure of the anti-Bakufu faction. Although he did not seem to have many days left to live, as long as Zhang Heng put a knife to his neck, everyone in the room would not dare to move.
However, Kirino Toshiaki, who was always by Shinsaku Takasugi's side, was obviously there to deal with such a situation. Although Kirino Toshiaki sat there silently like a stone, Zhang Heng could feel that his attention had never left him.
This was to be expected. In the room, only Zhang Heng and Gabriel were not part of the anti-Bakufu faction. Compared to Zhang Heng, who was armed with a sword, the French merchant looked harmless. Even an idiot could tell who was the real threat.
Of course, Zhang Heng's sword was fast, much faster than most people thought.
If Zhang Heng suddenly attacked Shinsaku Takasugi now, Kirino Toshiaki might not be able to protect him. However, Zhang Heng's goal was not to kill Shinsaku Takasugi. If he really killed Shinsaku Takasugi, he would really poke the hornet's nest. Everyone in the room would not let him go.
Zhang Heng was not afraid of anyone in a one-on-one fight. However, in such a small space, the situation would undoubtedly become very dangerous if so many people swarmed him.
Since Shinsaku Takasugi's threat did not work, Zhang Heng could only settle for the next best thing. He would try to use the French businessman around him as a shield. There was no doubt that the Tobaku didn't want Gabriel to die here. Diplomatic troubles aside, the most important thing was that once Gabriel died, no one would be able to help them transport weapons and troops into Kyoto.
On the other hand, they also needed to consider the trouble that would come if they let Zhang Heng leave alive. If news of Shinsaku Takasugi's survival spread, it would bring trouble.
When Tokugawa Yoshinobu heard the news, he would definitely guess that the anti-Bakufu faction was preparing to deal with him. No matter how stupid he was, he would certainly not come to Kyoto and risk his life. Besides, the ronin in the Meikigami and Shinsengumi who were responsible for assassinations would most likely be tempted. The Ikedaya incident might happen again.
Zhang Heng had never been a person who was used to letting others decide his life.
He would not be surprised if the Tokugawa Yoshinobu Takasugi Takasugi killed him.
After all, although it was difficult to find someone to transport the goods, losing a collaborator was still better than having the entire plan exposed.
Therefore, Zhang Heng had already made up his mind to retreat to the open space outside the house no matter what. That way, whether it was a fight or a flight, he would have the upper hand. Halfway through the deal, both parties finalized the general framework and were ready to further improve the details, Zhang Heng said that he needed to go to the bathroom.
Shinsaku Takasugi nodded in agreement and even joked with him that it was dark outside and that he should be careful not to fall into the latrine.
Other than Kirino Toshiaki's unchanging square face, everyone else smiled when they heard Zhang Heng's words. The atmosphere seemed to be harmonious. The French businessman even patted Zhang Heng on the shoulder, expressing his satisfaction with his service tonight. He even said that he would give him a raise when he got back. Only Takeuchi was still drinking alone in the corner, thinking about something.
Zhang Heng got up, pushed open the barrier door, and walked out of the house. When the barrier door closed behind him, Zhang Heng saw the maidservant who had blocked his way in the courtyard.
Holding the lantern, she stood in the dark like a ghost, looking at Zhang Heng. "The latrine is on the other side."
"Thank you, but I want to go out and get some fresh air," Zhang Heng said.
The maidservant was indifferent when she heard this. She just repeated in an emotionless tone, "The toilet is on the other side. If you suddenly do not want to go to the toilet, please return to the house. It's cold in April, so be careful not to catch a cold."
As if he did not hear her warning, Zhang Heng smiled and stretched out his foot to step on the ground of the courtyard.
The maidservant sighed, and a complicated look flashed across her cold face. "I'm afraid you don't understand the meaning of this step."
"No, it's just the first time I've heard of a tea house that only allows entry and no exit," Zhang Heng said as he walked towards the maidservant.
"This is really … regrettable." The maidservant shook her head, her pair of slender hands holding the hilt of her sword. She then looked into Zhang Heng's eyes and said, "It's my duty. Please forgive me."
As soon as her voice fell, a sharp gust of wind from the blade struck the back of Zhang Heng's neck.
The person who attacked Zhang Heng was standing on the long tiles of the tea house, as quiet as a black cat. It was not until Zhang Heng took the step that represented death that he suddenly descended from the sky, and at the same time, he swung his sword as fast as he could.
This was the assassin's Night Blade technique. It was silent, just like death itself. Perhaps it was mixed with ninjutsu from Gai, making it impossible to defend against.
The blade in his hand was about to touch Zhang Heng's neck, but the next moment, the rikashiga appeared out of nowhere and pierced through his chin. After that, the blade emerged from the top of his head, mottled with blood, and the horror in his eyes froze.
This rikashiga, a gift from Chiyo's parents, was indeed a good blade, and its sharpness was comparable to some famous swords.
After that, the veil on the attacker's face fell, and Zhang Heng recognized her. Or, it would be more appropriate to call her her.
It turned out to be one of the geishas who was dancing in the tea house earlier.
This was indeed one of the secret strongholds of the Tobaku in Kyoto, and the seemingly gentle geishas were the same as the maidservant in front of Zhang Heng. They were all death fighters trained by the Tobaku.
"This is going to be troublesome." Zhang Heng sighed.
Youyoshi's tea house was not small, and there were many geishas and maidservants inside. If they were all death fighters, Zhang Heng would have a good time tonight. However, it was impossible for him to turn around and go back. There were also many samurais in the tea house, and one of them even killed Kirino Toshiaki. In contrast, the outside was wide enough for him to use his footwork.
Witnessing the tragic death of her companion, the maidservant with the lantern remained indifferent. Perhaps to repay Zhang Heng for saving her from suicide, she did not immediately draw her sword and rush over. Instead, she stood where she was, quietly waiting for Zhang Heng to grab the katana that was previously stuck in the yard.
"I've long heard of Gion's reputation. This is my first time here, and I didn't expect that guests would have to fight their way out of this place. Bad review," Zhang Heng said as he pulled out his katana. "In that case, if you want to die, come at me!"
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