Pursuers

Five minutes earlier.

The sounds of shouting, killing, and explosions at the entrance had already reached nearly every grand estate within Noble Street.

Panic spread through the hearts of the people. Even nobles unrelated to this incident feared being caught up in the turmoil.

Every household had secretly stationed the private soldiers and enforcers they maintained behind their front gates and along the main routes through their courtyards. For a time, the commotion was deafening.

Yet the estates of the three great families at the heart of the storm—Kurokawa, Shihoin, and Tsunayashiro—were the exact opposite.

Though their gates were likewise shut tight, the entire households remained utterly silent.

Shihoin House...