Yun Jing Yaojue's gloom was hidden so perfectly that not even a drop could leak through. He bowed slightly and made a welcoming gesture. "Since Lord Rurichiyo is hungry, I'll immediately arrange the highest-standard banquet to help calm her nerves. As for these... guests who have come from afar, we hope you'll do us the honor of joining us."
Kumoi couldn't figure out what Rurichiyo was planning. But even if they fell out now, his side might not necessarily be able to defeat the others. The Soul Reaper substitute alone was troublesome enough.
Assassination and direct confrontation were two entirely different things.
Ichigo pointed at the group of ninjas behind Kumoi, each hiding a blade on his person. "Is it really okay for these guys to be carrying swords?"
"Ah... Hahaha, you really know how to joke, sir." Yun Jing Yaojue quickly adjusted his expression. The speed at which he changed faces was astonishing. He bowed slightly, looking utterly devoted. "They're all guards of the Kasumioji Clan. I originally intended to send them out to search for the missing Lord Rurichiyo."
With that, he frowned and turned around. "Since Lord Rurichiyo has returned safely, you useless fools, get out of here! Don't offend our honored guests!"
The purple-haired ninja at the head bowed slightly to everyone and led the ninjas out of sight.
Seeing this, Kumoi's smile returned. "Please! Everyone, come inside!"
Ichigo muttered, "That guy's skin is unbelievably thick."
Rukia, standing beside him, suddenly jabbed him with her elbow and whispered, "Idiot. Until our teacher succeeds, our job is to keep acting along with them."
That said, neither side managed to perform with true mastery. They remained on guard against each other, and their attitudes made it clear that they were only one step away from laying everything out