Espionage: You're tasked with spying, but you'll blow up the Special Higher Police?

190. Classmates

The investigator quickly presented Zhou Hongyi's detailed information to Fuma Kojiro. He glanced at it, then exclaimed softly, "It's him? Sasuke-kun, why didn't anyone tell me that my classmate was also locked up? Bring him to my office. We haven't seen each other for years, and I never expected to see each other again under these circumstances."

Fuma Kojiro was given the alias Kirigakure Saizo by his teacher, Shimazu. He and Sarutobi Sasuke, played by Zhou Hongyi, were both among the Sanada Ten Braves during the Sengoku period. Coincidentally, Zhou Hongyi's character in the original Fuma Kojiro knew him and studied together for a time, so they could definitely be considered classmates.

"Sir, the prisoner Zhou Hongyi has been brought here."

"Let him in."

Zhou Hongyi, with chains on his hands, was led to Kojiro Fuma's office. Upon entering, he bowed slightly, looking somewhat reserved, and said, "Warden, I heard you wanted to see me?"

Fuma Kojiro gave a fake smile, stood up and came over, looking him up and down a few times before saying, "Sasuke-kun, it's me, Kirigakure Saizo, Shimazu-sensei's student. Don't you remember? We studied together at our teacher's house before."

Zhou Hongyi looked somewhat bewildered, pretending to be lost in thought. After a while, he suddenly realized and said, "Ah, Cai Zang-kun, you... how did you become a prison warden here? Commander Cai Zang."

Fuma Kojiro laughed and said, "Don't be so formal, sit down and talk. I didn't expect to see Sasuke-kun under these circumstances. You were the police chief in Jing'an before, what was the reason you were imprisoned here?"

Zhou Hongyi gave a wry smile and said, "Actually, it's nothing serious. I just had a disagreement with Chief Kondo of the Special Higher Police. But it's good for me to stay in prison for a while now, since the situation outside is very chaotic. There are many rebels lurking around us, and being locked up here can indirectly prove my innocence."

Fuma Kojiro nodded and said, "I see, Sasuke-kun. Who put this bracelet on you? You're my classmate, didn't you tell them? I'll have someone untie it for you right now."

"No, no. My current status is vastly different from yours. As a prisoner entering the warden's office, I should wear a bracelet; this is a rule that cannot be broken. Cai Zang-kun, since you are the warden here, why is there another warden outside?"

Zhou Hongyi asked the question knowing the answer already, and Fuma Kojiro, being a shrewd man, didn't answer it. Instead, he smiled and said, "The prison is too big; I can't manage it all by myself. I heard that Sasuke-kun is helping out in the kitchen now. Wouldn't that be beneath your reputation? How about I put in a word with them and get you put in the library?"

"A library?" Zhou Hongyi scoffed inwardly, thinking to himself, "You have a library here? Who are you trying to impress?" He quickly waved his hand and said, "No, no need. I appreciate your kindness, Cai Zangjun, but things are fine as they are. Once I get out, I will definitely invite you to my New Paramount for drinks and a show. Have you been there before? Our shows are very famous."

Fuma Kojiro waved his hand with a smile and said, "I don't have time. As the warden here, I have a lot of work to do every day, especially in the hard-core prison area, which mainly houses underground members of the Kuomintang and the Red Party, as well as some social figures who don't cooperate with our Imperial Army. Some of these guys are very stubborn, and I spend almost all my time outwitting them. Unlike Sasuke, who is so carefree and has time to go to the dance hall."

"A lot of rebels are locked up here? Well then, Cai Zang-kun, you'd better interrogate them thoroughly. These people have made it impossible for my antique shop to continue operating. This imprisonment is also largely due to them; they've been trying to sow discord between me and the Special Higher Police Chief. You must torture them severely. But how did you confirm that these are all underground elements?"

Fuma Kojiro smiled without saying a word, staring at Zhou Hongyi for a while. The latter seemed to suddenly realize something and hurriedly clasped his hands in apology, saying, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Saizo-kun, I forgot, we have rules. I'm a prisoner now, you don't need to answer me, it was I who overstepped my bounds."

Zhou Hongyi lowered his head and took half a step back, while Fuma Kojiro didn't dwell on his question, saying, "I called Sasuke-kun here today to catch up with you. Let's reminisce about our school days. Those were good times, without so many worries and backstabbing. It's truly nostalgic."

Zhou Hongyi cursed inwardly. Although he outwardly cooperated with the other party in reminiscing about the past, he had actually opened his Eye of Insight to see what Wuyin Caizang, whom he hadn't seen for many years, was thinking.

A professional is a professional, especially one who's the warden of the high-crime ward. Kirigakure Saizo, also known as Fuuma Kojiro, is quite conservative in his thinking; even now, Zhou Hongyi couldn't discern the true purpose behind the warden's summons. Furthermore, his classmate was suspicious of all questions, perhaps from sitting in that position for too long, making everyone seem like a liar. However, Zhou Hongyi dared not gamble. Although the other man appeared friendly, he was clearly still wary. The first meeting was best kept brief; since they were under the same roof, perhaps over time, the other man's guard would lower.

When Zhou Hongyi returned to the ordinary prison area, a disheveled man with a stubble beard suddenly walked towards him.

The man wasn't wearing shackles or handcuffs; he didn't look like a prisoner at all, but rather like someone who was just passing by. But who would wander around like that in a prison?

Zhou Hongyi suddenly remembered someone, the very same special Japanese ronin that the monkey had mentioned to him.

"Huh? What are you looking at? You idiot!"

The Japanese ronin was named Kuki. Due to his special status, he was used to being domineering in prison. When he saw Zhou Hongyi staring at him, he immediately got angry and threw a punch.

"Ok?"

Zhou Hongyi frowned slightly. How could he possibly tolerate this guy? He dodged the attack by slightly shifting his body, grabbed Jiu Gui's hair, and slammed the latter's face against the wall.

"Bang~"

Kuki made intimate contact with the wall with his face, and immediately his nose started bleeding profusely and his lips were split.

"Damn it...!"

Kuki covered his mouth and nose, his eyes turning red with shame and anger.

"What are you looking at? Fuck!"

But to everyone's surprise, Zhou Hongyi returned his question to him, and even kicked him, leaving Jiu Gui kneeling on the ground for a long time, unable to straighten up.

"Damn it, you blind bastard, don't let me see you again, ptooey!"

Zhou Hongyi turned and left, unaware that he was planting a "time bomb" for himself.

"You damn bastard... you just wait... I'll definitely kill you...!"