"Not a single one of them is to be allowed to escape."
The moment those words fell, the courtyard went silent.
Everyone who had just been helped out froze in place, even their cries forced back down their throats.
Mei Terumi's expression darkened as she frowned.
Ao swept his eye over the surrounding area.
The front was blocked.
Behind them was a warehouse.
On both sides stood old walls and abandoned fish storage sheds.
The situation now was very much like trapping turtles in a jar.
He lowered his head and whispered into Mei Terumi's ear,
"There are people outside too. This place is surrounded."
Mei Terumi showed no outward reaction, but her heart sank.
She took two steps forward.
"Are you Kirishima Jin's men?"
The leader did not answer.
"Lady Mei Terumi, these people are bloodline suspects detained by the port. All the paperwork is in order. Taking them away like this violates the rules."
"The paperwork is in order?"
Mei Terumi pulled the damp stack of papers from her sleeve and gave them a shake, spreading them open.
"It only has their names written on it, with circles drawn behind them. This is your paperwork?"
The man did not even look at them, merely letting out a cold laugh.
"Here, if I say the paperwork is in order, then it is in order."
Mei Terumi laughed in fury.
"Fine. What splendid paperwork. If I insist on taking them away today, what are you going to do about it?"
The moment she took another step forward, the group opposite her drew their blades in unison.
Clang!
The sound of short swords leaving their sheaths rang throughout the alley.
"Lady Mei Terumi, I told you. Not a single person here is allowed to leave."
The man raised his head, his