Back at the Bureau, the ambiance was as tense as ever. The walls, rich with historical significance, were decorated with maps, weapons, and various intelligence paraphernalia. The dimly lit room was filled with hushed conversations, occasionally pierced by the rustle of papers or the clinking of metal.

Upon Leopold's entrance, the room fell silent momentarily. Hidemaru, standing at the center with a few other key assassins, motioned for him to come forth.

Gathering his thoughts, Leopold began, "I observed a meeting between Takashi and two foreign merchants. Their conversation revolved around a significant arms deal. They mentioned moving shipments through the southern port, likely aiming to equip anti-shogunate clans. There was also talk about payments and possible affiliations with other influential figures in the city."

Hidemaru listened intently, then translated for the others, "Takashi to gaikoku no shōnin-tachi wa ōkina buki no torihiki o kangaeteimasu. Minami no minato o tsūka shite, tabun anti-shōgun no zoku ni sōbi o suru tsumoridesu. Mata, shiharai ya machi no hoka no eikyōryoku aru jinbutsu to no renraku ni tsuite mo hanashimashita."

Murmurs filled the room. A seasoned assassin, scars marking years of service, voiced, "Kore wa yabai desu. Takashi wa dōi shiteimasu." (This is dangerous. Takashi is moving.)

Another added, "Gaikoku no shōnin-tachi mo shin'yō dekinai." (We can't trust the foreign merchants either.)

Hidemaru, looking deeply thoughtful, finally said, "Watashitachi wa chūi shinakereba narimasen." (We must be cautious.)

Leopold nodded, "I understand the gravity of the situation. Takashi is clearly playing a deeper game than I anticipated. If these foreign merchants are involved in arming the anti-shogunate clans, then the stakes are even higher."

Hidemaru looked at the map on the wall, his fingers tracing over several key locations. "The southern port you mentioned is a vital point of interest. If they're using it as a distribution center, then it would be heavily guarded and monitored. We need to know how deep their influence runs."

A female assassin, with piercing eyes and an air of authority, stepped forward, "Minami no minato wa watashitachi no chikaku ni arimasu. Watashi wa chīmu o hikiatte, jōhō o shutoku suru tame no tansaku o hajimeru koto ga dekimasu." (The southern port is near us. I can lead a team to start scouting for information.)

Hidemaru nodded appreciatively, "Good, Yuki. Take a team with you. Gather as much intel as you can without raising suspicion."

Yuki bowed slightly, acknowledging the order. "Ryōkai shimashita." (Understood.)

Hidemaru then turned his attention back to Leopold, "You've done well, Leopold. I believe it would be best for you to lay low for a while. We wouldn't want Takashi or his associates to catch wind of your involvement. We have safe houses across the city where you can rest and regroup."

Leopold, although used to being on the move, recognized the wisdom in Hidemaru's words. "Very well. I trust your judgment. Just let me know when you need me again."

"Watashitachi wa takumashīkute, sono jikan ga sugu ni kuru darou," Hidemaru remarked, giving Leopold a reassuring pat on the shoulder. (We are resilient, and that time will surely come soon.)