Chapter 109: Turmoil in the Noble District
Under Taketori's stunned gaze, one figure after another strode out from within.
A dark-skinned young woman clad in martial attire, exuding an air of heroic vigor—
Head of the Shihōin Clan, Yoruichi Shihōin!
A handsome man adorned with a star-shaped hairpin and a crimson floral scarf around his neck—
The Kuchiki family's son-in-law, Third Seat of the Sixth Division, Kōga Kuchiki!
And beside Yoruichi stood a youth dressed in black shihakushō—
Genryūsai's disciple, the prodigy of Shin'ō, Satoru Mikami!
At the sight of these three appearing together, Taketori's expression darkened.
Yoruichi and Satoru showing up here was hardly surprising to him.
These past few days, the two had been relentlessly opposing the noble families, and their infamy was well-known throughout the Tsunayashiro household.
But… Kōga Kuchiki's presence signaled trouble.
At present, the Kuchiki family was in a fragile transitional phase.
The first-generation head, Ginrei Kuchiki, had grown old and rarely made public appearances beyond matters concerning the Sixth Division.
Among the second generation, there was only Sōjun Kuchiki.
Though technically of the second generation, Sōjun was still young—barely older than the third-generation scions of the Tsunayashiro family.
As he stood now, he lacked the capability to take up the mantle.
As for the third generation… well, apologies, but the Kuchiki family had no third-generation heirs.
Thus, as the family's son-in-law, Kōga was the Kuchiki clan's sole representative aside from Ginrei.
Additionally, Kōga's own formidable strength ensured that no one in the noble circles dared to underestimate this so-called "mere son-in-law."
As a direct descendant of the main family, he was well aware of the current state between the Tsunayashiro and Kuchiki clans.
Rumors had it that shortly after the Kuchiki family finalized a marriage alliance with the Niwa family, the head of the Niwa household perished in a fire. Though he hadn't been involved, it didn't take much thought to realize his clan must have had a hand in it.
Especially since the family had specifically sent someone to warn him to remain highly vigilant against the Kuchiki clan in the coming days. If he still couldn't read between the lines after such hints, he might as well resign as the commercial overseer...
With a mix of wariness and vigilance, Takatori narrowed his eyes at Kōga.
"Lord Kuchiki, what brings you here?"
Kōga stood there, his gaze distant as if lost in thought. Only when addressed did he snap back to attention.
Meeting Tsunayashiro's eyes, a flicker of disdain crossed his expression. The spiritual pressure around him grew restless.
Observing this shift, Satoru's fingers twitched imperceptibly.
Just then, Marenoshin sensed the tension and decisively cleared his throat, stepping forward.
"Lord Kōga is here representing the Kuchiki family to discuss potential commercial collaborations with the Ōmaeda house.
"Unless... Lord Tsunayashiro, are you interested as well?
"If so, the Ōmaeda goods could certainly allocate a portion to the Tsunayashiro clan."
"After all, having just secured contracts with most suppliers in Rukongai, our inventory is more than abundant!"
Takatori froze momentarily upon hearing this, then his eyes flashed with shock and fury.
The Kuchiki family... partnering with the Ōmaedas?
The name Ōmaeda was inherently tied to the Shihōin.
Which meant the Kuchiki had decided to ally with the Shihōin?
A chill ran down his spine.
Two of the Five Great Noble Houses joining forces, while the Shiba clan had always been at odds with the Tsunayashiro...
This was far from ideal.
Frowning, he studied Kōga's reaction—only to find the man's expression unchanged, offering no denial to Ōmaeda's claims.
This... was truly problematic.
The Ōmaedas were mere upstarts. Their business encroachments weren't inherently threatening—if pushed, they could simply be suppressed through status and means.
While the Shihōin could easily protect the Ōmaeda house, safeguarding all their Rukongai ventures would be beyond their capacity.
But with the Kuchiki's involvement, the dynamics shifted entirely.
Given the Kuchiki's foundational strength, shielding the Ōmaedas would be effortless!
After several seconds of rapid calculation, he removed his woven hat and nodded curtly.
"...My unannounced visit today was an intrusion."
"We'll take our leave."
As he moved to lower the palanquin's curtain, Satoru exchanged a glance with Yoruichi.
She grinned sharply.
Then—spiritual pressure erupted from her body as she launched forward like lightning, sending a dozen guarding swordsmen flying with a flurry of kicks and strikes.
"The Ōmaeda house operates under Yoruichi's protection!"
"You think you can barge in, bark orders, and leave unscathed? Not on my watch!"
Inside the palanquin, Takatori's face darkened.
"Stop her!"
Yoruichi's "madness" was notorious even among the nobility.
Despite being a girl, her behavior was wilder than most male heirs.
Her sudden attack didn't surprise him much.
Numerous swordsmen charged toward Yoruichi.
Seeing this, Marenoshin roared.
"Don't you dare harm Lady Yoruichi!!"
Without even drawing his sword, he swung his massive fists and barreled into the crowd with his towering two-meter frame.
Instantly, the sounds of flesh being pummeled, screams of pain, and the furious shouts of swordsmen filled the air!
Inside his palanquin, Taketori's expression darkened with growing anger.
As a scion of the Tsunayashiro family, this was the first time in his life he'd been provoked to such an extent.
Spotting Yoruichi amidst the chaos, he raised his hand.
A golden chain of spiritual particles materialized instantly, shooting toward Yoruichi.
The 63rd Bakudō Spell, "Sajō Sabaku," had been cast without incantation!
In the crowd, Yoruichi suddenly sensed something and whipped her head around, casting a startled glance toward the palanquin.
Too late!
Taketori prepared to release the binding.
But at that very moment, a hand clamped onto his wrist.
To his shock, Satoru had somehow appeared beside him without notice!
While restraining Taketori's wrist, Satoru disrupted the spiritual particles, dismantling the forming binding chain.
He grinned widely:
"Lord Tsunayashiro, unharmed, I hope?"
"I'm here to protect you~"
Taketori's eye twitched.
Protect me?
As if I'd believe that!
Before he could retort, Satoru had already vanished, reappearing some distance away.
Meanwhile, Yoruichi, as if having accomplished some objective, ceased her aggressive fighting and began retreating from the fray.
Watching their movements, Taketori couldn't fathom their intentions, but his instincts screamed that something was terribly wrong!
After a brief hesitation, he urgently commanded, "Stop them!"
The swordsmen, unquestioning, surged forward to block Satoru and Yoruichi's escape.
Observing the scene, Kōga snorted coldly.
Slowly, he drew his Zanpakutō.
"Whisper... Muramasa!"