Nobunaga Oda's Isekai Cultivation Experience

After some of the worst sleep of his life, Nobu emerged from his room with the kind of expression typically reserved for mothers with quadruplets, code monkeys, and game developers adding the finishing touches on a project that had been delayed by several years. There were dark bags under his bloodshot eyes, as, even with a mask covering the lower half of his face, the putrid smell of piss and shit wafting in from the city streets was enough to drive lesser men insane.Surprised by the aura of gloom exuding from Nobu's entire being, Yui, despite having spent the last ten minutes knocking on his door, promptly decided against lecturing him. Instead, she pulled out a bottle of mint oil she had extracted during their stay in the mountains, asking, "Is it really that bad?" while applying the substance to a fresh cloth.Since even speaking allowed a foul aroma to rise up through the back of his throat, Nobu simply nodded in response to Yui's words. It was only after she had handed over the moderately cleaner cloth, the smell of fresh menthol invading his senses, that he deigned to speak, answering, "We're going to be traveling with a merchant caravan, right?"Nodding her head, Yui placed the old cloth into her satchel before explaining, "Due to the number of people traveling to the capital around this time of year, the merchant guilds and za traders have reached an agreement with the provincial army to act as escorts. Though travelers are expected to work, gather materials, and carry supplies, it is the safest way to travel without a permit."Noticing the confusion in Nobu's eyes, Yui restrained a sigh before gesturing towards the stairs and appending, "Nian has become increasingly unstable ever since the Ashikawa Clan acquired the title of Shogun from the dishonored Kamakura Clan. Though there have yet to be any large-scale wars, tensions between the various provinces and prefectures are at an all-time high. This has contributed to a growing number of people fleeing poor and impoverished territories in order to seek shelter in neighboring provinces. To combat this, the Ashikawa Shogunate introduced a law prohibiting travel between prefectures without a warrior, merchant, or travel permit. Very few Daimyo actually uphold this law, but, to prevent denunciations and accusations of treason, they have implemented policies similar to this one so that people can travel freely at certain times throughout the year.""Mmm..."Since he didn't really have anything to say, Nobu just hummed a simple response before stepping out of the relatively warm lodge and into the cold. Winter might have ended, but, due to its close proximity to the sea, a frigid and biting wind assailed Owari-Asai in the early mornings. It would get warmer as the sun emerged from over the horizon, but, as that was still more than three hours out, an icy sensation washed across the lower-half of Nobu's face due to the minty oil suffused through his makeshift mask...Though she was a little annoyed by Nobu's curt response, Yui managed to rein in her emotions as she gestured towards the distant city gate, explaining, "We need to hurry. The caravan is scheduled to depart the moment the sky begins to illuminate. If we're not checked in before the first call, our seats will go to someone else. It is a three-week journey if we end up having to walk. Traveling with a caravan isn't much faster but it allows us to rest in a carriage and seek shelter from the rain. Let's hurry."Without waiting for Nobu to answer in the affirmative, Yui grabbed his hand and began pulling him along at a running-jog. This gave the former the urge to pull his hand away but Yui had preempted this by manifesting a golden manacle around his wrist and fastening it to her own. Thus, even if he wanted to escape, doing so was easier said than done.........Thanks to his Breath Progression Technique, Nobu wasn't even remotely winded by the time he and Yui reached the gate. There, Yui signed both of their names in a migration registrar before dragging him to the bustling merchant caravan located a few hundred meters away.As one of the few caravans that benefitted from a military escort, more than a thousand people had gathered with the intention of purchasing inexpensive fare. This was far larger than the usual group that would gather at the beginning of the year, and, as a result, a dispute seemed to be taking place between a small group of uniformed people and a much larger group of soldiers.Though quite a number of people were drawn closer to this conflict, Yui ended up dragging Nobu towards one of the larger supply wagons located near the very front of the convoy. There, a middle-aged man with off-color blue hair could be seen barking orders at various younger men and women. His hair color, alone, would have been more than enough to draw attention back on Earth, but, as if he wasn't content with simply standing out, the backs of the man's ears were lined with a layer of fur that came to a point near the tips..."So beast-human hybrids really are a thing in this world..."Hearing Nobu mumble under his breath, Yui turned her head, asking, "Did you say something...?"Shaking his head, Nobu was about to say it was nothing before remembering they were still cuffed together. He also recalled the 'cover story' Yui had come up with, so, before she could drag him any further, he stopped his feet and said, "We're supposed to be a married couple. What are you going to say when people ask why we're handcuffed together?"Furrowing her brows, Yui began searching for an answer until Nobu exhaled an annoyed sigh and said, "Just take it off. I'm not going to run away. Besides, even if I tried, you would just catch up to me."While she was more than confident in her ability to track him down, Yui didn't immediately release the shackle around Nobu's wrist. There was a very real chance he would alert the provincial army or ask for help from someone with a higher cultivation base if she allowed him to wander freely. From that moment onward, the only option she would have is revealing her identity or accusing him of a crime he didn't commit. Neither of these outcomes would be ideal, so, before removing the golden manacle, she adopted the most serious expression he had ever seen before saying, "I will remove it if you promise to stay close and not make a scene. There are far greater dangers in this world-"Before Yui could finish her mixed warning/threat, Nobu adopted a serious expression of his own, saying, "I already said I wasn't going to run away. Seriously, woman. You need to stop stressing out over everything. Nobody likes a clinger."Though she squinted her eyes in response to the unfamiliar expression, Yui knew better than to fret over everything that came out of Nobu's mouth. He was the type of person that could call someone every insult under the heavens without actually meaning any of them. This would lead most people to believe he was disingenuous, but, after spending nearly a month observing him, Yui had come to realize that he rarely deviated from the things he said he would or wouldn't do.Hoping she hadn't been wrong about him, Yui maintained a serious expression as she said, "I trust you..." in a delicate yet somber tone. This caused a deep frown to appear on Nobu's face, but, while others might interpret this as an expression of dissent, Yui interpreted it as something positive. He would never admit it, but, despite behaving as if everything was troublesome, Nobu had a relatively straight-forward and surprisingly earnest personality. If he cared as little as he pretended to, there's no way he would offer advice and question the flaws present in the existing system...Clicking his tongue, Nobu tore his gaze away from Yui's crystal clear eyes, muttering, "Whatever..." in an aloof tone.Had she been the more expressive type, Yui might have smiled in response to this. Instead, she replied with an approving nod before dissipating the shackle and saying, "I used the rest of my savings to secure our passage on one of the main supply coaches. They are transferring tea and spice to the capital so the smell shouldn't be unbearable unless you dislike the aroma of herbs. As for our individual duties: I explained that you sustained an injury that left you unable to speak and act normally. I'll have to defend the cargo during the evenings, but, so long as you don't draw too much attention to yourself, you should be able to relax until we reach the capital."Though he got the sinking suspicion he was somehow being looked down upon or manipulated, Nobu just grunted in response to Yui's explanation. They were still a fair distance from the actual convoy and he was already lamenting the journey to come. Animals and livestock weren't exactly fragrant, so, with a number of horses, oxen, and a few animals he didn't recognize making up the convoy's beasts of burden; the less he had to work, the better.Thinking Nobu was already beginning to play his part, Yui nodded in approval, saying, "Let's go." before leading the way to the dog-eared man. When he noticed them approaching, an even fiercer expression than the one he was already wearing developed across his face as he shouted, "Well! It's about damn time! A few minutes longer and I'd have sold yer spots off to some of those migrant bastards!"Crossing her right hand over her heart, Yui performed a curt yet respectful bow as she said, "You have my most sincere gratitude, Atarashi-dono. I will do everything in my power to ensure I do not inconvenience you a second time."Snorting through his nose, the furry-eared man, Atarashi Tsuneo, shifted his gaze from Yui to Nobu, asking, "This is the man you mentioned previously? Nanamori Nobu, was it? Quite the difference in your appearance..."Without missing a beat, Yui calmly and confidently explained, "My husband is a former Yamabushi Monk's Apprentice. He lost most of his faculties and cultivation after being attacked by a Demonic Spirit. Please do not draw attention to it a second time."Though his cover would be blown the moment Nobu opened his mouth, his appearance wasn't all that different from a Yamabushi Monk. They were ascetic mountain hermits who lived outdoors and spent most of their time communing with nature. Most wore little more than rags, and, due to their ascetic practices, they were inordinately thin and lanky. The only thing that distinguished Nobu and a conventional Yamabushi was his hairstyle, as, the moment they took their vows, most shaved their heads...Without tearing his eyes away from Nobu, Tsuneo issued a grunt of acknowledgment before saying, "Well, so long as he doesn't cause trouble for me and my men, I couldn't care less. Just keep him in line. If he wanders off into the woods, we ain't sending out a search party."Nodding her head in understanding, Yui pulled Nobu a little closer, naturally linking her arm with his as she said, "Worry not, Atarashi-dono. As a Golden Warrior, my words carry a similar weight. I promised we would not inconvenience you. If something happens, I will resolve it on my own."Since he couldn't really afford to just stand around and make idle chatter, Tsuneo just waved Yui off, saying, "Yeah, yeah. I hear ya. Just stow him away in coach three. We'll be departin' the moment the Governor's forces finish their pissing contest with the provincial army. Seriously, those louts have no sense of self-preservation..."Rather than responding to the comment, Yui performed another quick salute before guiding Nobu towards a massive cart pulled by a total of six inordinately large oxen. Her gentle behavior caught him by surprise, but, rather than appearing even remotely appreciative, Nobu's expression gradually darkened as the smell of cow feces grew stronger the closer they got to the coach..."Fucking bullshit..."......(A/N: Yes. Quite literally o_o...)

("This settles it. Anyone who thinks it's fun to get reincarnated into a fantasy setting is fucking retarded...")Though he was previously among this exact group of people, Nobu had failed to consider what a life lacking modern conveniences would be like. Camping out in the cave hadn't been that bad. At times, it was even enjoyable. Now, however, he had to spend upwards of fourteen hours a day in an overburdened wooden carriage without any cushioning or suspension. This, combined with the fact most roads were just dirt or mountain paths, meant he was getting his ass pounded throughout the day, and, even if he wanted to, sleep was hard to come by due to the putrid aromas that constantly assaulted his senses.The only things that brought solace to Nobu during these times were the stone tablet, and, though he would never admit it, Yui. The former provided a much-needed distraction whilst simultaneously allowing him to increase his strength. As for the latter, she had fallen into the role of a dutiful young wife with surprising ease, almost as if she had been practicing how to care for others her entire life.Since most of the people in the caravan either gave him a wide berth or outright scorned him for just sitting around all day, the only person Nobu had to interact with was Yui. She would bring him food, peel fruits for him, ask how he was feeling, and, at times, she would even snuggle up next to him as if they were an actual married couple. This earned him an extreme amount of envy from the predominately male group of caravaners, as, despite her lack in the breast department, Yui was an exceptionally beautiful young woman. Since she was also a Golden Warrior, so, even if they didn't know her background, they knew she was backed by a group that could invest 100kgs of gold, an amount most people wouldn't even be able to collect in their entire life.Simply put, everyone envied the position Nobu was in, and, were it not for Yui watching over him like a hawk, the more opportunistic among the group would have taken their anger and frustrations out on him. Instead, they talked behind his back, accused him of hiding behind a woman, and, in at least one instance, someone had tried to poison him by mixing herbs and fecal matter into a bottle of sake and offering him a swig.Though the man ended up losing his left hand as penance, the incident earned Nobu even greater scorn from the rest of the caravan. The only reason he hadn't been ousted or outright lynched was because the caravan leader, Atarashi Tsuneo, was the one to carry out the punishment. At first, the man was going to be killed by Yui, but, after learning what had happened, Tsuneo settled things by creating a silvery-green wire around the man's wrist and severing it in an instant.As the leader of a caravan organized by the Za Trading Company, Tsuneo had cultivated to the Realm of Rank 4 Platinum Hero. This placed him squarely among the top 1% of cultivators in Nian, as, even among the Noble Clans, Platinum was very near the pinnacle of what most people could aspire to. Even the current Patriarch of the Oda Clan was only a Rank 7 Mithril Lord, so, while there were certainly stronger individuals living within the archipelago, the Platinum Realm wasn't referred to as the Realm of Heroes for no reason.Out of recognition for Tsuneo's status and authority, Yui decided not to press the matter further once punishment had already been meted out. Instead, like a mother hen protecting its chick, she began watching over Nobu with even greater scrutiny. She personally checked all of his food and water for signs of tampering, and, in many cases, sampled it directly just to make sure the taste and aroma were palatable. He would vomit anything too gamey or poorly seasoned, so, using the skills that had been ingrained into her ever since she was an infant, Yui dutifully prepared each of Nobu's meals with an attention to detail that could only be emulated by others who had spent the entirety of their youth preparing to be an attendant, concubine, bodyguard, and assassin.........Accepting the wooden bowl offered to him by Yui, Nobu lowered his face to the point tiny beads of condensation built upon his nose as he deeply inhaled the rich, fragrant, and savory aroma. Though he could complain about virtually anything, the one thing he appreciated about the culture of Nian was its food. The people might have distinctly 'western' appearances, but, as could be expected of a nation inspired by Japan; rice, soy sauce, miso soup, and umami-rich dishes were both popular and tremendously delicious.Thanks to his ability to inhale continuously, Nobu was able to appreciate the aroma of food unlike any other. This was also one of the only times throughout the day when he could tolerate removing his face mask, so, after allowing the rich fragrance to pervade the entirety of his senses, he exhaled a sigh of relief before silently whispering, "Thanks..." in a sincerely grateful tone.Offering a practiced yet discernibly genuine smile, Yui packed a few scoops of steamed white rice into a second wooden cup before replying, "You're welcome." in an equally soft tone. She had also come to enjoy moments like this, as, unlike the brash man he had presented himself as during their stay in the cave, this version of Nobu wasn't simply 'tolerable', he was also polite and sincere.Though she would never admit it, Yui also found it surprisingly refreshing to be able to use the skills her Grandmother had forced her to refine over the past eighteen years. Before now, she considered them a waste of time and a constant reminder that she might, one day, be forced to marry the Sixth Elder of the Oda Clan. After all, these were skills that were originally intended to serve her husband. Thus, prior to meeting Nobu, Yui had always harbored the hope that she would never be forced to use them. Now, seeing Nobu slurp her soup as if it was the most delicious food in the entire world, it was surprisingly difficult not to feel a subtle sense of gratification...Waiting until Nobu had finished, quite literally, licking his bowl clean, Yui passed him the cup of rice before explaining, "At this point, we are only three days away from the capital. If you'd like, we can travel the remaining distance on foot. This area is heavily patrolled by both the provincial army and warriors serving the Oda Clan. My permit allows me to travel with upwards of three people, so, even if we are stopped along the way, it shouldn't be an issue."Hearing Yui's explanation, a frown immediately developed across Nobu's face. He wasn't annoyed by the suggestion. Quite the opposite, actually. What bothered him was the fact that his 'plot sense' had triggered the moment Yui asked if he wanted to walk the rest of the way to the capital. He had failed to dodge every flag thus far, but, perhaps as a result of reincarnating into a fantasy world, he could generally sense when 'something' was about to happen.Misinterpreting Nobu's expression as dissatisfaction, the nascent smile on Yui's face faded away as she whispered, "It was just a suggestion. If my words somehow offended you, I apologize. I just-"With a silencing gesture and a dismissive shake of the head, Nobu prevented Yui from finishing what she intending to say before clarifying, "Relax. I'm not upset. In fact, once this is all over, I'm going to be avoiding wooden carts and carriages like the fucking plague. Seriously, haven't these fuckers ever heard of cushions...?"Shaking his head with a mix of exasperation and annoyance, Nobu set aside the half-finished cup of rice before donning his face mask and adding, "This might sound dumb, but I get this weird feeling whenever something bad is going to happen. That feeling triggered when you mentioned walking the rest of the way, so, even though I'd like to get my ass off this shitty wagon, I'm not sure it's the best idea."Not expecting Nobu to reveal his thoughts in such a straightforward manner, Yui found herself at a loss for words. He had also inadvertently revealed that he might possess some kind of precognitive ability. These were exceptionally rare but not unheard of, and, more often than not, individuals who possessed such abilities went on to become famous merchants, competent tacticians, or even great generals. After all, while individual strength was important for duels, few things triumphed intuition on the battlefield.Though she would have been skeptical if someone else had claimed to possess such an ability, Yui knew Nobu wasn't the type to exaggerate or mislead people with his words. He was straightforward to a fault, and, more importantly, there wasn't even a hint of deceit or falsehood in his eyes. He was simply informing her of his gut feeling, completely ignorant of the value such statements possessed if they were proven true...With an inordinately serious expression on her face, Yui said, "Tell me more. What, exactly, does this instinct of yours tell you? Does it only inform you of impending danger to yourself? How long have you been having these feelings?"Annoyed by the sudden interrogation, a frown developed behind Nobu's mask, brows furrowing as he asked, "Why are you overreacting? It's just a gut feeling. Seriously. You're going to get wrinkles if you continue harping over every little thing. It's also really annoying so cut it out..."Noticing the hostility and suspicion that had appeared in Nobu's eyes, the serious expression on Yui's face instantaneously faded away as she released a sigh and said, "Forgive me. It's just that, if you truly do possess such an ability, it is of paramount importance to ascertain how it functions. I have sworn to protect you, so, even if you wish to keep it a secret from others, it would help me to perform my duty if you reveal such important details as soon as possible."With Yui punctuating her words with a polite bow, the expression on Nobu's face became awkward as he muttered, "Yeah...okay..." before proceeding to explain, "I never really thought about it before. I'm guessing it only applies to me since it only ever seems to trigger when I'm about to get my shit kicked in. Hell, I don't even know if it's an actual ability. It could just be 'experience'. I don't fucking know..."Having regained her serious expression, Yui nodded her head in understanding before surprising Nobu by asking, "When I told you I was taking you to meet with my Grandmother, did this 'feeling' of yours trigger? Do you feel as though your life is endangered by heading to the capital?"Resisting the urge to ask what the hell she was talking about, Nobu was surprised to find he didn't actually feel anything 'strange' about meeting with her Grandmother. If anything, he just felt like he was going to be forced to deal with some cliche and completely bullshit plot. However, now that he actually reflected on it, he didn't feel like he was in any danger. Instead, his 'intuition' just told him it was going to be unbelievably troublesome...Figuring he had already cast the die on this matter, Nobu adopted a serious expression of his own as he explained, "I don't really feel danger...if anything, my intuition is telling me your Grandmother is going to say some dumb shit about duty and fate...I don't really know how to put it. All I know is it's going to be really fucking annoying..."Blinking in surprise, Yui felt a mixture of relief, and, for reasons she couldn't quite put her finger on, anxiety. If Nobu's words were true, it meant her Grandmother didn't intend to harm him. This would remove a heavy burden from her shoulders, as, even now, she found herself questioning whether or not her actions were just. After all, she had always hated people who used their power and status to force people against her will. Despite this, she was forcing Nobu to accompany her against his will, and, were it not for the feelings of trust and loyalty she held towards her Grandmother, there was a very real chance she might have escorted him elsewhere before ultimately fleeing the province...As this thought crossed her mind, a sigh of profound relief escaped Yui's throat. At the same time, however, the uncomfortable feeling in Nobu's became increasingly stronger. This caused a frown to develop across his face, but, before he could ask what she was thinking, Yui beat him to the punch, saying, "We're going to walk the rest of the way to the capital. While it might be dangerous, it is of paramount importance that we verify whether or not your intuition is accurate. Prepare your things. We will be departing once the caravan makes camp..."With that said, Yui stood up and promptly departed from the coach to inform the caravan leader of their intent to depart. As for Nobu, he was left to gawk with an incredulous look on his face, various emotions contending for dominance within his mind. For a brief moment, he was tempted to shout out and ask what the hell was wrong with her. Instead, he just shook his head before massaging his temples and groaning, "Women..." in an exasperated, griping, tone.........(A/N: Does Nobu actually possess the ability to sense the plot? Find out in the next exciting chapter of Drag- I mean, NOICE~!)

Demonstrating just how shitty his luck had been, Nobu saw neither hide nor hair of an Aura Beast while accompanying Yui back to the city. Such encounters were extremely uncommon this close to the center of the Archipelago, and, thanks to the tenacity of the provincial army, most of the more dangerous beasts were eliminated long before they became a threat to the populace.Simply put, Nobu's encounter with the Lightning Boar had been a freak accident. A person would need to travel much further north or receive permission from the local Daimyo to venture into one of the various training grounds prepared for young cultivators. There were exceptions to every rule, but, more often than not, the greatest danger on the road was other people.........Shortly after departing the forest near the base of the mountain, Nobu and Yui found themselves surrounded by a group of bandit-like individuals dressed in tattered rags. Make no mistake, these people were bandits, but, unlike the more seasoned variant found loitering on paths frequented by merchant caravans, this particular group clearly had no idea what they were doing. They were even carrying the types of hemp baskets frequently used when gathering herbs and harvesting crops, an obvious indication of their actual profession..."Listen up, brats. We ain't after yer bodies or yer lives. So long as ye drop yer purses on the groun', you're free ta go. In tha future, make sure to avoid venturin' out into the woods, ye' hear? Tha forest ain't no places for kids to be loiterin'."Despite the man's threatening words, neither he nor the seven individuals forming the encirclement made any attempt to draw closer. The biggest among them couldn't have weighed more than 54kg, and, despite her petite frame and youthful figure, Yui's samurai-like armor gave the men more than enough reason for pause. The only reason they even thought to block her path was because of the distinct lack of a sword at her hip. Only warriors and specifically authorized individuals were allowed to carry weapons, so, taking into consideration Yui's young age and the relatively pristine nature of her armor, they were hoping and praying she was either the daughter of a well-to-do merchant or a trainee belonging to a lesser clan.Furrowing her brows in response to the man's words, Yui adopted a stern tone as she stated, "You dishonor yourselves and your families by resorting to methods such as this. Even if the harvest was especially poor this year, the Lord of Owari is a good man. So long as you request the assistance of the local governor, you should be able to avoid having to pay taxes. There are also systems in place to support the families of farmers who are in need of assistance. All you will accomplish with this course of action is throwing away your lives. As men, it is your duty to protect and provide for your families. If you lose your lives committing banditry, they will be the ones to pay the price..."Though six of the eight men were cowed by Yui's words, the leader of the group managed to keep them in line, gesturing for them to remain calm as he said, "We wouldn't hafta resort ta this kind of thin' if it weren't for that bastard of a gov'ner. Them bastards 'er keepin' all the funds issued by the Lord an' still milkin' us pay taxes. Anyone who spoke out against 'em was labeled a criminal before havin' their heads, hands, or feet lopped off. Yer a good lass. Yer words make that apparen'. We just ain't got no options left."With that said, the haggard man gestured for the men at the back to use the lasso-like ropes and fishing nets they were carrying. They weren't foolish enough to carry actual weapons with them, as, the moment a warrior or a member of the provincial army found them, they would immediately be put to death. Even farming tools were kept in a locked warehouse and routinely inspected to make sure people weren't trying to melt them down into weapons or cultivation resources. Thus, unless they were supremely confident or remarkably desperate, most people dared not get caught with an unregistered weapon and no permit.Exhaling a sigh, Yui produced a paper-thin wall of gold to block the net cast by the duo standing at her back. This both stunned and terrified the would-be bandits, as, from the moment they attacked, it became her duty to either apprehend or execute them. Banditry could not be tolerated under any circumstances. They might have their reasons, but, the moment they decided to take advantage of the innocent, they became just as guilty as the people oppressing them.Flashing next to one of the men who had turned to flee, Yui smacked the side of his knee with a far scarier version of the truncheon she had used against Nobu. Then, before the others could do the same same, she manifested a crossbow and began firing bolts into their lower backs and legs until Nobu suddenly shouted, "What the fuck are you doing...!?"Though she looked towards Nobu with a confused and slightly annoyed expression on her face, Yui still managed to accurately impale the final man near the base of his spine. A sound reminiscent of a pig being slaughtered emanated from his throat, but, without so much as flinching, Yui asked, "Do you find fault with my methods? I issued a warning and even gave them the chance to change their minds. They acted with full knowledge of the consequences of their actions. If they were allowed to go away unpunished, they would resort to even more extreme acts in the future. When people form the conviction to force their burdens on the innocent, they have already deviated, irreversibly, from the path of righteousness.""Bullshit...!"Ignoring the fact Yui had a loaded crossbow in her hands, Nobu approached close enough to grip the collar of her leather overcoat before adding, "If you actually believed that self-righteous bullshit, you wouldn't be forcing me to accompany you! This is why I keep calling you a hypocrite! You only follow your code of honor when it's fucking convenient! Tell me, how is crippling these dumbasses and leaving them unable to work not punishing the innocent!? You're the one who pointed out that they have families to take care of!"Though she waited for Nobu to finish speaking, Yui immediately followed up by grabbing his wrist, twisting his arm, and forcing him to take a knee as she explained, "There is an order to everything. If a Lord, Governor, or Civil Official were punished every time someone accused them of committing a crime, the government would disappear in a week. Their allegations against the Governor of Owari-Asai will be investigated. If he is found guilty, he will be punished. As for these men, they are guilty of the crime of banditry, an offense that is punishable by death. They knew this before they decided on this course of action. I have already shown them considerable mercy by sparing their lives. Now, unless you have a more dependable solution locked away in the block of cork you call a brain...shut your fucking mouth...!"Punctuating her words, Yui pulled Nobu to his feet before leveraging his arm and flipping him onto his back. She was already frustrated by the fact she had been forced to take action. She didn't need him throwing around accusations and attempting to make her feel guilty every time she performed her duty. His persistent reminders that she was forcing him against his will were already skirting the line on what she could tolerate while they were alone. Now that they were about to venture in front of other people, she wouldn't just let him say whatever he wanted...Not expecting Yui to suddenly flip him onto his back, Nobu's mind momentarily blanked. This was quickly overcome by feelings of rage and indignation, but, before he could recover and lambast her with the righteous fury of a white girl who had just been denied a pumpkin spice latte in the middle of June, Yui covered his mouth with her hand, warning, "If the next words out of your mouth aren't a solution, don't blame me for what happens next..."Finished with her warning, Yui retracted her hand to hear what Nobu had to say. In response, the latter remained silent for several seconds, resentment visible in his eyes as he slowly mouthed the words fuck and you. This caused her right brow to twitch violently, but, as he hadn't actually said anything, she felt that using her aura to gag him would be a little excessive. Instead, she focused on treating the wounds of the would-be bandits so they would be able to walk back to the city of their own accord. Nian had long employed a criminal slavery system, so, while their futures weren't very bright, there was still a chance they could redeem themselves. She could also petition to have their sentences reduced if it turned out their words were true, but, until then, they were every ounce the criminals they had chosen to become.........Though their journey was delayed due to the injuries sustained by the would-be bandits, it was still early in the afternoon when Nobu and Yui reached the city. This soured the former's already terrible mood. The city smelled just as foul as he had anticipated. The poor hygiene of its inhabitants was a contributing factor to this, but, more than anything else, it was the refuse that could be found lining streets and stacked within alleys that overloaded his senses. There was also a powerful aroma of salt and fish wafting inland from the nearby so, so, even though he was tempted to make a break for it, Nobu had effectively locked himself in his room the moment they checked in.While it wasn't a drastic increase, Nobu's sense of smell had improved ever since he exceeded the 2,000 Aura mark. This had officially elevated him to Rank 2 Breath of the Mortal, and, based on this information, he could reasonably assume that he would reach the pinnacle of the First Realm once his clicks reached 10,000. From there, it seemed to require 10,000 Aura per increase in Rank, and, if the question marks of Yui's status were any indicator, the Third Realm required 100,000.Fortunately, ever since he had advanced to Rank 1, the value of Nobu's clicks had increased from a meager 0.001 to a 'commendable' 0.002. When he reached Rank 2, this number increased to 0.003, so, while the values seemed negligible, his clicking efficiency had basically increased by 200%. This was a marked improvement, as, rather than 60 Aura per day, he could now accrue upwards of 260.Assuming this trend continued, Nobu would be earning upwards of 864 Aura per day once he had managed to ascend to the Second Realm. He was hoping that higher Realms would provide a more substantial increase per Rank, but, even if they didn't, he would still be able to earn more than 1600 Aura a day once he reached the Third Realm. This was roughly 600,000 Aura per year, so, using Yui as a basis, it wasn't an exaggeration to say his cultivation speed was monstrous.At his current pace, it would only take a few years before Nobu reached a Realm that most people could only dream of achieving. His cultivation base would also never stagnate, so, unless he one day decided to stop clicking, it was only a matter of time before he became strong enough to tell the vast majority of people to fuck off. The only problem was reaching that point before someone either killed him or his sense of smell caused him to commit suicide.........(A/N: This is a difficult situation. On one hand, Yui isn't exactly wrong. Unfortunately, she isn't quite right either...)

Chapter 25: Compromise