"Are they from the Anti-foreigner Faction..." Aoto's expression darkened slightly, "They came much faster than I imagined..."
The 8 members of the "Radical Anti-foreigner Faction" blocking Aoto's path all wore deep bamboo hats, making it hard to see their faces hidden in shadows.
After cursing Aoto as a "traitor," they drew the Tachi from their waists, kicking the snow on the ground, forming a formation of four at the front and four at the back, enclosing both Aoto and Saito.
"Hey!" someone shouted at Saito, "You tall one! This isn't your affair! We only want to take the head of the traitor Tachibana Aoto! If you don't want to die, step aside quickly!"
In response to this "kind reminder," Saito glanced emotionlessly at the Radical Anti-foreigner Faction members encircling them.
