Early the next morning, at the Kido Corps headquarters.
Compared with the grand or austere barracks of the other Seireitei divisions, the Kido Corps' buildings appeared particularly plain, even somewhat dilapidated.
Low brick buildings stretched in succession, bearing the marks of time. The training grounds had been patched in many places, and the air was perpetually filled with the distinctive scent left behind after Kido practice.
This place was like a corner forgotten by time—quiet, unassuming, and removed from worldly disputes.
Liu Chuan sat in his room, studying several dossiers on the stability of Kido energy structures.
Sunlight filtered through the latticed window, casting mottled patterns of light and shadow across his composed face.
The previous night's turmoil seemed to have had no effect on him. He remained focused on his research.
However, that tranquility was broken when a Kido Corps member knocked and entered, his face carrying unconcealed surprise and unease.
"Tsukihito Tsunayashiro, head of the Tsunayashiro Clan... requests an audience outside."
Liu Chuan's fingers paused slightly as they turned the pages of the dossier before naturally resuming.
He looked up, a flash of understanding passing through his eyes before they returned to calm.
Tsukihito Tsunayashiro had caused such a massive disaster and placed the clan over burning coals. It would have been stranger if Tsunayashiro Dekang, as clan head, had taken no action.
Coming in person and lowering his stance was the most direct—and most likely effective—move in crisis management.
"Let him in." Liu Chuan set down the dossier, his tone calm and unreadable.
Soon, Tsunayashiro Dekang entered. Unlike the imposing, inscrutable clan head from the elders' meeting the night before, he now wore a more modest yet solemn dark kimono.
His face carried just the right amount of gravity and remorse, with none of the arrogance expected