Captain-Commander's voice rang beside everyone's ears like muffled thunder.
Though deep and steady, it carried explosive force, like the first bolt of lightning tearing through dark clouds.
"Second: eighty percent of all road toll revenue will be invested in infrastructure for Soul Society's residents! Neither the Gotei 13, the nobles, Central 46, nor any other organization or individual may interfere! The collection process will be fully transparent and public, supervised by all Soul Society residents, with assistance from the Royal Family."
"The remaining twenty percent will be used for the Gotei 13's daily upkeep and repairs, as compensation for material and labor costs."
"Third: for any roads involving noble territory, the nobles must be compensated at a rate of ten thousand rings per square meter of land! The Gotei 13 will be responsible for this compensation!"
"Fourth: all matters concerning the roads' daily repairs, maintenance, management, and safety will be handled by the Gotei 13. Should any accident occur, the Gotei 13 will bear full responsibility."
"Fifth: when passing through roads within noble territory, the nobles have the right to inspect goods and arrest individuals suspected of being dangerous!"
"That is all! All objections regarding the roads are hereby terminated! I now announce!"
"The roads built by the Gotei 13 are hereby established!"
"They shall be called Ling Qing Road!"
Asano Kiyoshi felt a warm current rise within his heart as he listened to Captain-Commander.
There were several rare tears in Captain-Commander's sleeves. Even his Captain's Haori, which he often told Asano Kiyoshi to cherish and care for, now bore several transparent holes.
The negotiations at Soul King Palace must have been incredibly difficult and arduous...
Perhaps sensing Asano Kiyoshi's gaze, Captain-Commander looked over at him.
Seeing the concern and worry in his disciple's eyes, Captain-Commander merely narrowed his eyes