The supposedly resourceful Banjo Shinkan naturally realized that something was amiss.
"Hey! Kashima-kun! What are you doing?"
After Kashima Yosuke and his men drew their weapons and secured the gates of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kujo Shinkan, with a grim expression, coldly questioned Kashima Yosuke.
Banjo Shinkan also turned his head, his mouth opening to speak.
At this moment, Kashima Yosuke immediately put on an innocent smile and said to him, "Two Shinkans, I'm just closing the door so this provocateur can't escape!"
In fact, anyone with eyes could see that Kashima Yosuke's words were not right.
But now, Banjo Shinkan, seeing Kashima Yosuke's harmless expression and recalling Kashima Yosuke's usual honest demeanor.
Therefore, Banjo Shinkan chose to believe Kashima Yosuke.
After all, Kashima Yosuke's expression and words at this moment left Banjo Shinkan with no reason not to believe him!
"Thank you for your trouble, Kashima-kun." Banjo Shinkan's expression changed, and he spoke to Kashima Yosuke with gratitude.
Then, he turned his gaze towards Chen Fan, who was currently standing on the arena.
After carefully observing Chen Fan's condition, Banjo Shinkan felt that something was not quite right.
However, he couldn't pinpoint what was wrong.
"Heh heh, it seems you defeated Mitsui Kenji?" Thus, Banjo Shinkan could only relax his brow and coldly ask Chen Fan.
For Banjo Shinkan, he could overlook most things, but one matter was of utmost importance to him.
That was, who had won between Chen Fan and Mitsui Kenji!
Although only Chen Fan was standing on the arena now, Banjo Shinkan had a strong inkling of the outcome.
However, Banjo Shinkan had observed Chen Fan very closely.
Firstly, he noticed that Chen Fan's clothes were relatively clean, and his demeanor was full of spirit, not at all like someone who had just been through a fierce battle.
Therefore, Banjo Shinkan was puzzled.
He wondered if Chen Fan's strength was so great that he could easily defeat Mitsui Kenji.
Or, had Chen Fan and Mitsui Kenji not fought at all!
Or, had Mitsui Kenji won against Chen Fan but spared his life and left?
Banjo Shinkan had come up with three possible conclusions in his mind.
However, he couldn't tell which one was correct, which was why he asked Chen Fan this question.
At this moment, Chen Fan, upon hearing Banjo Shinkan's question, answered crisply and decisively.
Chen Fan's answer was just three simple and powerful words.
"Not exactly."
As Chen Fan's words fell, an ominous premonition suddenly surged into Banjo Shinkan's heart.
Immediately, his eyes darted around, and after a brief calculation in his mind, he looked up and questioned Chen Fan on the arena with a tone of surprise and coldness.
"Could it be that you lost?"
"But you shouldn't have lost. Based on my judgment, Mitsui Kenji could never be your opponent. How did you lose?"
Facing Banjo Shinkan's questioning, Chen Fan, holding the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi sword in his hand, leaped down from the high platform!
Chen Fan's sudden move caused Banjo Shinkan and Kujo Shinkan to frown and their hearts tighten. They instinctively took a few steps back, maintaining a safe distance from Chen Fan.
Seeing that the two of them were so afraid of him, Chen Fan couldn't help but chuckle.
Then, he slung the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi sword on his back, signaling to Banjo Shinkan and Kujo Shinkan that he would not attack for the moment.
Seeing their brows slightly relax, Chen Fan shook his head and replied to Banjo Shinkan.
"No, I didn't lose either."
"Because Mitsui Kenji didn't come at all."
Chen Fan's statement thoroughly astonished Banjo Shinkan!
"What? This... How is this possible?"
Upon hearing Chen Fan's words, Banjo Shinkan's slightly relaxed brows immediately furrowed again. He spoke with disbelief, his words becoming somewhat stuttered.
This showed the extent of Banjo Shinkan's surprise at this moment!
In fact, Banjo Shinkan's reaction after hearing Chen Fan's previous words was quite understandable.
For him at this moment, he could accept that his meticulously planned "one stone, two birds" scheme might have some issues or flaws.
However, no part of the plan could afford to go wrong, except for the deadly duel between Chen Fan and Mitsui Kenji!
Because, this matter was supposed to be the beginning of everything!
If Chen Fan and Mitsui Kenji did not have a life-and-death battle, then what was the point of "one stone, two birds"?
He would be lucky to even save his own life!
Had things truly turned out this way?
Banjo Shinkan's mind raced, contemplating countless possibilities and outcomes.
Then, three seconds after Chen Fan finished speaking, he shook his head and said, "This is absolutely impossible!"
Banjo Shinkan chose not to believe Chen Fan's words.
Chen Fan, at this moment, understood Banjo Shinkan very well.
Having lived for most of his life, Banjo Shinkan had been a master strategist and planner in this small island nation of Sakura Country for many years.
For years, Banjo Shinkan had no rivals, which had led to his own mindset and confidence becoming inflated. He was unwilling and unable to accept defeat!
Therefore, even if Chen Fan was telling the truth, and even if he could present irrefutable evidence, the arrogant Banjo Shinkan would still react in this manner.
He would still choose to remain immersed in his own arrogance, stubbornly refusing to yield!
Facing Banjo Shinkan's demeanor, Chen Fan was too lazy to convince him. He simply said coldly, "I am also quite surprised by this matter, but unfortunately, this time, both you and I have guessed wrong."
Chen Fan's casual remark instantly provided the exceptionally arrogant Banjo Shinkan with a way to save face!
Because, after Chen Fan's previous statement, he used the word "you and I"!
For Banjo Shinkan, even if Mitsui Kenji had indeed not shown up, he could now admit his failure.
After all, Chen Fan had said that they had both guessed wrong.
This was a lose-lose situation.