Tokinada continued.
"As long as this matter is handled well, I will promote you to work for my Tsunayashiro clan. After that, entering the core power circle of the Kido Corps will be an absolute certainty."
"After all, your Grand Kido Chief was previously nothing more than a retainer of the Shihoin clan."
"In addition, I will help elevate your families' statuses. From now on, no one in the Seireitei will ever dare to look down on you again."
"Right, Nagano?"
Standing to the side, Nagano hastily nodded in agreement.
The group looked at Nagano, then back at Tokinada.
These words were like an arrow piercing straight through their hearts, instantly striking the deepest desires of Ayakawa Hiko and the others.
Promotion into the core of the Kido Corps and elevating their family status—these were exactly what they desperately craved.
Hearing Tokinada personally promise this, the group couldn't help but gulp. The last shred of hesitation in their hearts vanished into thin air.
Although they were still worried about Hasumi Ren's Second Division background and feared Tsukabishi Tessai turning against them...
...the thought of Tokinada's backing and that tantalizing future made this a gamble worth taking.
Ayakawa Hiko immediately stepped forward, patting his chest to declare his loyalty.
"Rest assured, Lord Tokinada! We will definitely go all out to help you teach that Hasumi Ren a lesson!"
The others eagerly chimed in, their voices trembling with excitement.
"Yes, exactly! We will follow your orders, Lord Tokinada. We must make Hasumi Ren pay the price!"
"We are willing to serve you, Lord Tokinada!"
Tokinada nodded in satisfaction, the smile on his face growing even gentler.
Yet, no one noticed the cold darkness lurking in the depths of his eyes.
He gently raised a hand, feigning a tone of caution.
"Good. Just remember, this must be done covertly and naturally. Do not leave any leverage for others to use against you, and do not expose your connection to me."
"After all, Tsukabishi Tessai is still in the Kido Corps. If he discovers anything, it won't just ruin my plans; it will bring trouble upon yourselves."
He paused for a moment before continuing.
"It is difficult to make a move inside the Seireitei. What you need to do is lure him outside."
"Once he reaches the Rukongai, I will naturally arrange for someone to teach him a proper lesson. I will vent this frustration for you, and for Tokiying."
The group hastily nodded in agreement.
"We will remember. Thank you for your guidance, Lord Tokinada."
"Alright, you may return for now. I still need to carefully plan this matter. If there is any news, I will have Nagano notify you."
"Yes! Thank you, Lord Tokinada!"
Ayakawa Hiko and the others bowed respectfully, their faces flush with excitement as they turned and hurriedly left the side room.
Before leaving, Ayakawa Hiko glanced back at Nagano.
He was standing in the shadows of the corner. For some reason, Ayakawa noticed that his body seemed to be trembling slightly.
But he paid it no mind, assuming his eyes were playing tricks on him.
He completely failed to notice the fleeting, icy killing intent in Tokinada's eyes, nor the bone-deep terror radiating from Nagano Masayasu.
It wasn't until the door to the side room closed and silence returned to the chamber that the gentle smile on Tokinada's face vanished without a trace.
That gentle mask was utterly torn away, replaced by an expression of extreme malice.
The air around him instantly turned freezing cold, becoming so oppressive it was hard to breathe.
Nagano Masayasu kept his head bowed, his entire body stiff. His knuckles were white from clenching his fists, and even his breathing became cautious.
"A bunch of fools blinded by greed. But that is fine. The more foolish they are, the easier they are to control."
There was not a shred of warmth in Tokinada's voice.
He raised his eyes, his gaze landing on Nagano Masayasu. Every word he spoke carried an undeniable ruthlessness.
"Nagano, you failed to latch onto my younger brother, but I have kindly given you an opportunity. You had better grasp it firmly this time."
"If you mess this up, you know the consequences."
"T-This subordinate understands. Please give your orders, Lord Tokinada."
Nagano Masayasu's voice trembled slightly. Fine beads of cold sweat seeped from his forehead as he hastily replied.
"Keep an eye on those fools. Note their every move and ensure they follow my script. I will not tolerate any mistakes."
"If they dare to act on their own, or if they show the slightest hesitation, report back to me immediately."
Tokinada's tone was freezing, his eyes completely devoid of emotion.
"Yes, this subordinate understands."
"Go make the arrangements. Do not leave behind any traces related to me or the Tsunayashiro clan."
"Set the trap in a remote area on the outskirts of the Seireitei. Do not draw anyone's attention."
Tokinada's voice grew even more sinister, tinged with a hint of a smile.
"Once Hasumi Ren is lured out of the Seireitei by those fools and arrives at that location, the trap will trigger, and those men will die."
"With Hasumi Ren's abilities, he should be able to luckily escape with his life. After the personnel I arrange clean up the scene, he won't be able to escape the charge of murdering nobles."
Hearing this, Nagano Masayasu's heart violently clenched, a chill running through his entire body.
A cruel smile curled the corners of Tokinada's mouth, the killing intent in his eyes growing even more intense.
"As long as we create the illusion that Hasumi Ren was provoked by these men and murdered them in a fit of rage, even if someone wants to protect him, they won't be able to intervene."
"And you will be the sole witness present at the scene. Do you understand?"
"T-This subordinate understands!"
Nagano Masayasu's body violently shuddered, cold sweat instantly soaking his back.
Silencing pawns and framing another—Tokinada's mind was unimaginably vicious and malicious.
Looking at Tokinada's sinister face, the terror in his heart grew even stronger.
He knew that if he was even slightly careless, he would end up just like Ayakawa Hiko and the others—discarded by Tokinada and dead without a burial place.
Tokinada glanced at him, sensing his fear, and a mocking smile curled his lips.
"Relax. As long as you do your job well and handle this matter perfectly for me, I will spare your life and even help you revitalize the Nagano clan."
"But if you dare to play tricks or mess this up, I will make you and the entire Nagano clan pay the price for your stupidity."
"This subordinate wouldn't dare! I will definitely go all out and never disappoint your expectations, my Lord!"
Nagano Masayasu hastily bowed, burying his head even lower, his tone filled with fear and reverence.
Tokinada nodded in satisfaction and waved his hand.
"Alright, step down. Make the arrangements as soon as possible."
"Yes, this subordinate takes his leave."
Nagano Masayasu hastily bowed in respect, turned, and quickly left the side room.
The side room once again returned to tranquility.
Tokinada sat in the seat of honor, his fingertips rubbing against his teacup, the coldness in his eyes lingering for a long time.
Thinking of how Kyoraku Shunsui had recently appeared in the Tsunayashiro estate again, the killing intent in his heart rose uncontrollably.
*That damn Kyoraku, trying to warn me again?*
*Ridiculous.*
This time, not only was he going to vent his frustrations, but he was also going to viciously slap Kyoraku Shunsui in the face.
At the very least, he needed to let Kyoraku Shunsui know the consequences of provoking Tsunayashiro Tokinada.
The night deepened, and only this dimly lit side room reflected that sinister and paranoid shadow.
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