Chapter 13: Yoruichi Shihōin
Ōmaeda Marechiyo acted swiftly.
Early the next morning, professional architects arrived at Heiwu Street.
After discussing with Gilgamesh, these professional architects began working on the construction of the Royal City.
In a backward place like Rukongai, the construction of a Royal City required a massive labor force.
This was why Gilgamesh had initially won over the people and registered their information.
These people were the labor force Gilgamesh had prepared for the construction of the Royal City.
They had known beforehand that they would need to work to receive water three days later, so they had no complaints and voluntarily participated in the construction of the Royal City.
Some even competed to get work, fearing they wouldn't receive water if they didn't contribute.
Gilgamesh had merged with Child Gil's template, acquiring all of Child Gil's abilities.
And Gilgamesh himself possessed unparalleled talent in architecture.
The Kingdom of Uruk was designed and built by Gilgamesh himself.
Materials were sourced locally, using clay, stone, and wood for construction.
This not only made the process highly efficient but also saved a lot of costs, making it the best choice for the current Gilgamesh.
Therefore, Gilgamesh intended to emulate Gilgamesh and build an Uruk-style Royal City in Soul Society.
Yesterday, after Ōmaeda Marechiyo left, Gilgamesh piloted Vimana to thoroughly observe the terrain and landforms of Hōkō, which saved the preliminary survey preparations for the Royal City's construction.
With detailed planning, professional architects, and ample labor, the construction of the Royal City progressed very smoothly.
Days passed one by one.
These days, the smiles on the faces of Hōkō's residents grew more frequent.
They no longer had to worry about water; as long as they worked, they could receive enough water.
And the labor was for the betterment of Hōkō, and they truly felt Hōkō improving, which made them work even more diligently and earnestly.
At the same time, they all knew that all of this was brought to them by Gilgamesh.
This also made them wholeheartedly acknowledge Gilgamesh's status as King; they willingly allowed Gilgamesh to manage and rule them, and they willingly followed in Gilgamesh's footsteps.
It could be said that the current Hōkō was the territory under Gilgamesh's rule, and the residents of Hōkō were the subjects under Gilgamesh's rule.
Ōmaeda Hinojin, the Lieutenant of the Second Division during Yoruichi Shihouin's tenure, Ōmaeda Marechiyo's father, and the current head of the Da Maeda Family.
These days, he had been lurking in Hōkō.
He wanted to confirm whether Gilgamesh, whom his son believed to have a background with the Four Great Noble Clans, was truly so, and the purpose of Gilgamesh's series of actions in Hōkō.
So, he had been secretly observing Gilgamesh these days.
His mindset also gradually changed with time.
From initial suspicion, to gradual acceptance, and now to reverence.
Not far away, Gilgamesh, bathed in sunlight, was strolling down the street with Abarai Renji and Rukia.
Everyone they passed by sincerely greeted Gilgamesh with respect.
And while Gilgamesh possessed the status of a King, he had no kingly airs.
In Ōmaeda Hinojin's eyes, Gilgamesh was a humble and polite beautiful young man, and he would respond to everyone who greeted him.
Those who received a response all showed genuine joyful smiles, full of expectation and longing for the future.
Who could have imagined that just a few days ago, these people were lifeless, with no expectation or longing for the future, each one like a walking corpse waiting for death to arrive.
Ōmaeda Hinojin knew that all of this was brought by Gilgamesh.
In Ōmaeda Hinojin's view, Gilgamesh was a born King; he was tolerant, thoughtful, fair, and valued virtue, and even passersby on the road would praise him and be fascinated by him.
At the same time, Gilgamesh also led his subjects towards a future of light and hope.
Ōmaeda Hinojin had wholeheartedly acknowledged Gilgamesh's status as King, but he had no desire to follow him.
Because Hōkō was too small; a King who merely ruled Hōkō, even if his abilities were recognized, could not make Ōmaeda Hinojin follow him.
The most important thing was that Soul Society was vast, too vast to accommodate the rise of a King.
If Gilgamesh merely dominated Hōkō, then there would be no issue.
After all, Hōkō, located in District 78 of South Rukongai, was too remote and backward, with no value whatsoever.
But if Gilgamesh wanted to expand his territory outwards, he would inevitably face resistance.
If Gilgamesh had a background with the Four Great Noble Clans, then his territory might expand several times over.
But only several times.
Because other nobles would not stand idly by, and the Gotei 13 would not allow an uncontrollable force to rise in Soul Society.
If Gilgamesh did not have a background with the Four Great Noble Clans, then his territory would not even be able to expand.
Because he would face even more resistance.
Individuals, groups, small families, large families, and nobles could all become obstacles for Gilgamesh.
The reason was simple: because Gilgamesh's expansion would inevitably infringe upon their interests.
Ōmaeda Hinojin did not go to warn Gilgamesh.
In his opinion, Gilgamesh, as a King, would understand these things better than himself.
Quietly departing, Ōmaeda Hinojin returned to his family's residence in District 1 of South Rukongai.
Sitting at his desk, Ōmaeda Hinojin's mind remained restless for a long time, constantly replaying the things he had seen and heard in Hōkō these past few days.
"Oh my, this is rare; Ōmaeda is actually starting to ponder life!"
A teasing male voice suddenly rang out.
Ōmaeda Hinojin looked in the direction of the voice and saw a completely black cat that had appeared on his desk at some point, looking at him with interest.
The male voice just now had come from this black cat.
This black cat was the former Captain of the Second Division, Yoruichi Shihouin.
And Ōmaeda Hinojin was Yoruichi Shihouin's informant in Soul Society, often providing her with intelligence.
Ōmaeda Hinojin showed no surprise or alarm at Yoruichi Shihouin's sudden appearance, and his tone was calm as he said, "I've experienced some things these past few days, and I just had some insights."
Yoruichi Shihouin perked up her cat ears upon hearing this, showing great interest, and said, "Oh, something that gave you insights, tell me about it."
Ōmaeda Hinojin did not hesitate and recounted the events of these past few days to Yoruichi Shihouin one by one.
After listening, Yoruichi Shihouin's interest grew even greater; she immediately turned and leaped out the window, leaving a message: "District 78 of South Rukongai, huh? I'm going to see that young King whom even you acknowledge right now."
Seeing this, Ōmaeda Hinojin couldn't help but say with a touch of helplessness, "Captain is still as impulsive and carefree as ever."
As he spoke, Ōmaeda Hinojin seemed to think of something and couldn't help but murmur, "However, even Captain should be conquered by him..."
End of Chapter