"What… What?" Ikoma found himself completely at a loss, struggling to comprehend Fang Li's decision to stay behind in such a perilous situation. Was Fang Li truly out of his mind?
Sensing Ikoma's confusion, Fang Li seemed to read his thoughts and offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, I'm not crazy. But I absolutely can't go to the Aragane Station Hayajiro right now."
"Why?" Ikoma couldn't help but blurt out. "Isn't the Aragane Station Hayajiro safer than Biba's Hayajiro?"
Fang Li's calm tone resonated as he explained his reasoning. "That may be true for the moment. However, if Amatori Biba realizes that I've evaded him on his own Hayajiro, he will undoubtedly search the Aragane Station Hayajiro. He only needs to accuse me of attacking the general's son, and they will conduct a thorough search without hesitation."
Ikoma's brows furrowed with concern as he interjected, "But what about Lady Ayame? She will surely help you."
"Ayame-Sama may indeed assist me, but that doesn't guarantee my escape," Fang Li countered, shaking his head. "The Aragane Station Hayajiro may be vast, but if the Hunters are determined to find me, they won't overlook a single corner. And once I'm discovered, Ayame-Sama will also be in grave trouble."
After all, Yomokawa Ayame had become a target in Amatori Biba's eyes. With his sights set on exacting revenge and infiltrating Kongoukaku, Amatori Biba would undoubtedly make a move against her.
Thus, if Yomokawa Ayame were to fall into Amatori Biba's clutches, it would bring Biba immense satisfaction.
"Instead of seeking refuge in the Aragane Station Hayajiro, I would rather remain here," Fang Li asserted. "This place has already been thoroughly searched, and the samurai will inevitably lower their guard. Moreover, the more dangerous a place appears, the safer it becomes. Compared to the Aragane Station Hayajiro, the likelihood of me being discovered here is significantly reduced."
Ikoma's hesitation became apparent, his concern for Fang Li evident even without words.
"You truly are a good person," Fang Li remarked with a wry smile on his face. His expression turned sincere as he continued, "I thought I had already repaid my debt to you, but it seems you've saved my life once again."
"What are you talking about?" Ikoma responded without hesitation. "I owe you an immeasurable debt. Without you, how could I have regained my humanity?"
"In that case, it's a debt I owe you before I can repay your kindness, and now, I find myself incurring yet another debt," Fang Li said, shrugging, though the movement caused him to wince, his wounds reminding him of their severity.
"Are you… Are you truly alright in this condition?" Ikoma couldn't help but express his concern. "You're severely injured, and it's incredibly dangerous to stay here."
"Don't worry, I know my limits. I'm not afraid of death, but I'm not actively seeking it either. Just trust me," Fang Li reassured, waving his hand. He then locked eyes with Ikoma, his expression serious. "Ikoma, I need you to relay a message to Lady Ayame."
"A message?" Ikoma suddenly became energetic, his expression equally serious as he met Fang Li's gaze.
"Tell Lady Ayame to keep a close watch on the Hunters' Hayajiro," Fang Li instructed. "If a significant disturbance occurs on their Hayajiro, she must immediately sever all ties with this Hayajiro without hesitation."
"Sever all ties with this Hayajiro?" Ikoma exclaimed, a mixture of surprise and confusion evident on his face as he asked.
"Why?"
"Please, don't ask too many questions. Just trust me and deliver the message to Lady Ayame," Fang Li implored directly. "This may be Ayame-Sama's only opportunity to free herself from Amatori Biba's control."
Ikoma fell silent immediately, understanding the weight behind Fang Li's words. Although he couldn't grasp the full extent of Fang Li's plans, he knew that they would involve inherent danger.
"In that case…" Ikoma's thoughts arose almost subconsciously, ready to assist Fang Li in any way possible.
However, Fang Li immediately crushed Ikoma's idea of staying behind to help him. His words were merciless and unwavering.
"Don't even think about staying behind to help me," Fang Li stated firmly. "Aside from the fact that it's easier for one person to hide than two, even with your Tsuranuki Zutsu and your regained humanity, you're no match for the Hunters' Samurai. You staying behind will only hinder me."
Ikoma's expression turned anxious as he spoke. "But what about you? Are you asking me to abandon you?"
"That's why I called you a good person. We hardly know each other, so why can't you abandon me?" Fang Li let out a bitter laugh, his hand lightly patting Ikoma's shoulder. "Don't worry, I won't meet an easy death."
Ikoma opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out. In the end, all he could say was, "Let's make a promise then. We absolutely can't die."
Fang Li smiled faintly, his nod carrying the weight of their shared determination.
Ikoma stood up, surveying their surroundings, and slowly reopened the lid on the roof. Under Fang Li's watchful gaze, he climbed back onto the roof.
"Clank…"
The sound of the roof lid closing reverberated through the compartment.
Once again, darkness and silence enveloped the interior of this train compartment.
Fang Li remained in his corner, his hand lightly tracing over the wounds Ikoma had recently bandaged. Slowly, he closed his eyes and succumbed to a deep sleep.
At that moment, all Fang Li needed was rest.
Nothing more.
…
As Fang Li had anticipated, unable to locate his whereabouts, the Hunters immediately made their way to the Aragane Station Hayajiro and approached Yomokawa Ayame, demanding Fang Li's surrender.
Although Yomokawa Ayame, who had been in contact with Ikoma, felt a surge of anxiety, she confidently declared this as Yomokawa's daughter.
"There is no criminal hiding on my Hayajiro!"
With this proclamation, the Hunters commenced their search.
An entire day passed, but the Hunters failed to find any trace of Fang Li. Not a single drop of blood or a strand of hair belonging to him could be discovered on the Aragane Station Hayajiro.
Both Hayajiro appeared devoid of any evidence of Fang Li's presence, which ignited suspicion among the Hunters.
"Could it be that he truly jumped off the Hayajiro and escaped?"
Amatori Biba harbored doubts, yet ultimately dismissed that possibility.
"No, that person is still aboard the Hayajiro."
Within the confines of the Hunters' Hayajiro, Amatori Biba reminisced about the pair of Mystic Eyes that had instilled fear within him and the seemingly fearless figure of his nemesis. His fist clenched gradually.
"He vowed to come and kill me."
"Therefore, he must still be here."
"Without a doubt…"
Observing Amatori Biba's demeanor, Mumei lowered her head, her countenance a complex mix of emotions.
…