Chapter 108: Tokinada's Suggestion
Seireitei, Southern District.
A luxurious estate stood here.
This was one of the Tsunayashiro family's properties, specifically responsible for managing commerce.
Its overseer was named Tsunayashiro Takatori, a genuine main-line descendant of the Tsunayashiro clan and a representative figure among the third-generation heirs.
At the moment, Takatori sat in his study, his expression dark as he listened to the constant stream of reports.
"Report! Lord Takatori!"
"The meat market in South Rukongai that we partnered with—all its supplies have been bought out by the Ōmaeda family!"
"Report! Lord Takatori!"
"Our two largest spice suppliers both claim they have no stock left!"
"Report! Lord Takatori—"
As he listened to his subordinates' reports, Takatori trembled with rage.
The Ōmaeda family… this nouveau riche clan had suddenly gone mad, purchasing the vast majority of Rukongai's goods at prices double—or even higher—than the market rate.
Though the Soul Society was vast, its traditional systems dictated that each family was bound to their hereditary trades.
Families that raised pigs could only raise pigs for generations.
Families that grew vegetables could only grow vegetables for generations.
Thus, once these suppliers were taken over, finding replacements in the short term was nearly impossible.
Had the Ōmaeda family lost their minds?
Did they not know the consequences of opposing the Tsunayashiro family?
Just as his irritation peaked, a Shinigami flashed into his study using Shunpo.
"Lord Takatori, the clan elders have sent someone to inquire about the situation."
Takatori gritted his teeth with an audible creak.
Those damned old men—they never lifted a finger when things were fine, but the moment trouble arose, they were the first to demand answers!
Soon, several middle-aged men dressed in ornate, patterned robes entered.
These were all envoys of the clan elders.
As expected, the moment they stepped in, they began with a round of seemingly concerned but actually reproachful questioning.
Then came the urging—demanding that he resolve this crisis immediately.
To these elders, the clan's future and external conflicts were no longer matters of great importance.
All they worried about was the financial setback and the potential reduction in their own allowances.
Once the elders' envoys had left, Takatori stood up.
"Someone!"
"Gather all the estate's guards and follow me to the Ōmaeda residence!"
A murderous aura radiated from Takatori.
Did the Ōmaeda family, a mere upstart, truly think that with the Shihōin family as their backers, no one would dare touch them?
Compared to the declining Shihōin family, his own Tsunayashiro clan was the true foremost noble house of the Soul Society!
As he strode out of his study, he happened to see a young man with fox-like eyes approaching.
The man wore robes bearing the Tsunayashiro crest, his gaze frivolous, with streaks of green dye in his hair.
At the sight of him, Takatori frowned slightly.
"Tokinada… what are you doing here?"
Tsunayashiro Tokinada—a low-ranking member of a branch family, an insignificant nobody.
Only because his father had pleaded for him to learn some business skills had Takatori allowed him to stay.
Under his gaze, Tokinada smiled and bowed respectfully.
"Cousin Takatori, are you planning to confront the Ōmaeda family?"
Having his intentions seen through by Tokinada, Takatori's frown deepened.
"And if I am?"
Tokinada chuckled lightly, "If I were you, I wouldn't go near those guys."
"There's probably some kind of trap hidden in this..."
"Tokinada!!"
Before Tokinada could finish speaking, he was abruptly cut off by an angry roar.
Under Tokinada's somewhat surprised gaze, Taketori sternly rebuked, "Tokinada, remember your place!"
"When does a worthless branch family member like you dare to tell me, the main family's direct descendant, what to do?"
"You bastard, do you want to taste the family punishment?"
Hearing this, Tokinada quickly put on a fearful expression and bowed to Taketori.
"My apologies, Cousin Taketori. I overstepped my bounds."
"Hmph, as long as you know."
With that, Taketori flicked his sleeve and left.
Watching Taketori's retreating figure, Tokinada slowly straightened up, the corners of his mouth curling into a smile.
"Cousin Taketori... you're perfect in every way, except your pride is too strong."
"Perhaps the original you might have noticed the problem here, but after being reminded by a worthless branch family member like me, you'd never consider that possibility again."
"Heh heh, things are getting more and more interesting..."
Clasping his hands together, he turned and walked away with a smile.
...
...
On the streets of Seireitei, over a hundred swordsmen gathered silently, heading toward the Ōmaeda residence.
A patrolling Shinigami noticed this and wanted to approach to ask what was happening, but was immediately pulled back by a colleague.
"Idiot, don't just go over there... don't you see the family crests on their clothes?"
"Family crests?"
"That's the crest of one of the Five Great Noble Families—the Tsunayashiro Clan!"
"With so many Tsunayashiro swordsmen moving together, this isn't something we can interfere with. Report it to the captain immediately!"
Before long, led by Taketori, the swordsmen arrived at the gates of the Ōmaeda estate, surrounding them completely.
Looking at the gates before them, the swordsmen felt a strange sense of unease.
The gates of the Ōmaeda residence were actually made of gold.
They gleamed brilliantly under the sunlight.
Normally, even if one wanted to flaunt wealth, they would use precious wood.
Some types of wood, by weight, could be just as expensive as gold.
It would show off their status without appearing vulgar.
In a way, the Ōmaeda family was truly confident.
Such blatant displays of wealth weren't something just anyone could pull off.
Sitting inside a palanquin, Taketori gave a meaningful glance to someone outside.
A swordsman nodded in understanding and stepped forward:
"Marenoshin Ōmaeda!"
"Lord Taketori of the Tsunayashiro Clan is here. Come and pay your respects at once!"
Though the Ōmaeda family was wealthy, their noble status wasn't particularly high.
With the arrival of a direct descendant of one of the Five Great Noble Families, Marenoshin Ōmaeda, as the head of the household, naturally had to come out personally to greet him.
Shortly after the call, the gates of the Ōmaeda residence slowly opened.
Inside the palanquin, Taketori smirked.
On the way here, he had already planned exactly how he would reprimand Marenoshin Ōmaeda.
By now, the commotion had drawn the attention of many onlookers.
If Marenoshin Ōmaeda, as the head of his family, were to suffer a public humiliation in front of so many people, his authority over his subordinates would naturally weaken.
A mere upstart, trying to monopolize the market with money... how foolish.
He had the sedan's curtain rolled up while donning a wide-brimmed hat to conceal his face.
This was a gesture that flaunted status.
To withhold one's visage from the other party—such a mannerism was reserved only for those of superior standing!
Under his gaze, the golden doors swung fully open.
The figure of Marenoshin stepped out.
Taketori let out a derisive snort, about to speak—
Only to see several more figures emerge behind him...