Chapter 99: The Kuchiki Family's Change
"We are honored by your presence. I thank you both in advance."
In a study within the Kuchiki estate, Ginrei Kuchiki sat on a tatami mat and nodded to Satoru and Yoruichi.
He wore the Kuchiki clan's signature hairpin, the Kenseikan, and a silver-white scarf around his neck.
Behind him stood a handsome young man.
Like Ginrei, he also wore the Kenseikan.
However, his scarf was red.
Seeing this man, Satoru raised an eyebrow.
Wearing the Kuchiki family's iconic hairpiece but with a red scarf—there was no doubt.
This man was Ginrei Kuchiki's son-in-law, the rising star of the Seireitei, renowned for his ruthless suppression of rebels.
Kōga Kuchiki!
Having been in the Soul Society for so long, this was Satoru's first time meeting the infamous Shinigami executioner.
Instinctively, his gaze dropped to Kōga's waist.
The Zanpakutō Muramasa... What a fine blade. He wanted it.
As Satoru studied Kōga, the latter openly returned the scrutiny.
The genius of the Shin'ō Academy, the Captain-Commander's disciple, an examiner for captaincy trials before even officially becoming a Shinigami...
Rumors had long fueled Kōga's curiosity about Satoru.
As fellow prodigies of their generation, he had always wondered—how did Satoru compare to him?
Seeing Satoru boldly stare at his Zanpakutō with undisguised desire, Kōga was surprised.
This guy was even more aggressive than he was.
Did he want to cross blades at their first meeting?
Interesting... It seemed they might get along.
While the two "followers" harbored their own thoughts, Yoruichi sat down and bowed respectfully to Ginrei.
"You flatter me, Lord Ginrei. The Shihōin and Kuchiki families have been allies for generations. To me, you are like family."
"How could I refuse an invitation from an elder?"
At this, the wrinkles on Ginrei's face seemed to soften slightly.
Satoru gave Yoruichi a surprised look.
This wild girl could actually speak so gracefully?
As if guessing his thoughts, Yoruichi shot him an imperceptible glare.
Satoru glanced around and then asked, "Where's Young Master Kuchiki?"
"Young Master Kuchiki?"
Ginrei was taken aback.
"Oh, I meant, where's Sojun?"
Suddenly calling Sojun Kuchiki by his given name made Satoru feel somewhat unaccustomed.
Ginrei suddenly understood.
He shook his head lightly and said, "My son is currently in training, so he's unavailable to receive guests."
Satoru narrowed his eyes.
This explanation was highly suspicious.
In movies and shows, answers like Ginrei Kuchiki's usually meant they were hiding something.
Hmm... Young Master Kuchiki is his son, so he probably wouldn't be harmed.
Suddenly, a thought flashed through Satoru's mind like lightning.
Could it be that the Kuchiki family was secretly planning to defect, Young Master Kuchiki accidentally discovered this and tried to inform the outside world, but was caught?
To silence him, the treacherous old man Ginrei had imprisoned Young Master Kuchiki at home, absolutely forbidding him from going out?!
At this thought, Satoru couldn't help but be horrified.
Was this calm-looking old man before him actually such a villain?
Watching Satoru's constantly changing expressions, Yoruichi knew her friend was probably imagining something strange again.
She cleared her throat lightly:
"Lord Ginrei, you called us here suddenly—is there something you need?"
Under her gaze, Ginrei nodded:
"Not long ago, my son Sojun Kuchiki got engaged."
"Pfft—"
Satoru, who had just raised his cup to take a sip of tea, spat it all out in one go.
Wiping his mouth with his sleeve, he widened his eyes. "Young Master Kuchiki is engaged? He's only a few years older than me!"
Then, as if suddenly realizing something, he asked warily,
"Wait... did he get involved with a girl from Rukongai and violate the clan laws, so he got imprisoned?"
Ginrei had initially worn a grave expression, as if about to announce something serious.
But Satoru's words completely derailed him.
With a bewildered look, he asked, "What makes you say that? Has my son done something at school?"
Satoru blinked, then quickly shook his head. "No, nothing at all."
Ginrei: "..."
Kōga, seated behind Ginrei, cast a somewhat peculiar glance at Satoru.
This Satoru guy... seems like a weirdo...
After giving Satoru a suspicious look, Ginrei recomposed himself.
"...Sōjun's betrothed is the young lady of the Niwa family—Niwa Sakurako."
Hearing this, Yoruichi nodded in understanding.
"Niwa... an upper-tier noble family allied with the Kuchiki. Marrying their daughter is indeed a wise choice."
Ginrei shook his head.
"Actually, there's been a slight issue with this engagement."
"What issue?" Satoru raised an eyebrow.
His good friend getting married—though enviable and frustrating—if anyone dared interfere, that wouldn't stand!
Instead of answering directly, Ginrei studied the two kneeling before him.
After a long silence, he suddenly said, "Lady Shihōin, Lord Satoru... the ones who recently antagonized the Tsunayashiro family would be the two of you, correct?"
The two exchanged glances, then nodded in unison.
Though Satoru had mentally concocted an elaborate conspiracy theory about Ginrei, no such scheme actually existed.
With the Central 46 seats controlled by the Kuchiki and Tsunayashiro families, if they truly joined forces, they could dominate Seireitei in an instant.
Why would they need to engage in endless conflict like this?
Seeing their acknowledgment, Ginrei nodded.
Then, slowly, he spoke—
"Two nights ago, the Niwa residence, which was preparing for the wedding, caught fire."
"In the blaze, the head of the Niwa family—Niwa Enjirō—perished!"
As he uttered the last two words, a cold glint flashed in Ginrei's eyes.
Yoruichi's eyes widened.
Satoru looked stunned.
From Yoruichi's tone, the Niwa family was an upper-tier noble house.
For such families, even ordinary members were protected, let alone the head.
A mere fire couldn't possibly be fatal.
Considering Ginrei had just mentioned the Tsunayashiro family...
Sure enough, before Ginrei could continue, Kōga suddenly roared in fury, "It was definitely the Tsunayashiro!"
"Because our Kuchiki family is growing stronger, threatening them, they killed Niwa!"
"Father, leave this to me! I'll personally take down one—no, two Tsunayashiro!"
"If we don't retaliate fiercely, the nobles aligned with us will lose faith!"
"Trust me! I swear I'll—ugh!!"
A terrifying spiritual pressure erupted from Ginrei.
It bypassed Satoru and Yoruichi, slamming entirely onto Kōga.
Kōga grunted, caught off guard, and nearly collapsed to the floor.
Under his astonished gaze, Ginrei roared in anger, "Kōga, you've gone too far!!"