The two walked together toward the Samurai Rank Registration Office. Before long, they arrived at a building with a doorplate marked "20."
The building looked completely out of place among the surrounding houses. It was gleaming and pristine, as though newly built, making it easy to find.
However, its doors were tightly shut, and there was no sign of anyone nearby.
"Is this really the registration office for samurai?" Yui murmured.
They stood there for a while before Yui stepped forward and knocked on the door.
Knock, knock, knock...
She tapped lightly against the door with two fingers, but no answer came from inside.
After a brief pause, Yui knocked again.
Knock, knock, knock...
Still, there was no response.
"Ah, is nobody here? What a shame!"
"We'll have to come back in a few days..."
Yui sighed helplessly, took Nai Hyuga's hand, and turned to leave.
"Let's go, Nai. We'll come back when we get the chance."
"Okay!" Nai nodded and followed Yui.
They had barely taken a few steps when a click sounded behind them as the door opened.
"Who's there?"
A middle-aged man's voice reached Yui's ears.
Hearing it, Yui stopped in her tracks.
"Someone's inside?"
She looked back in surprise. The door behind them was now open, and a man stepped out.
"Hey, woman! Were you the one knocking?"
The man wore a large padded hat and leather samurai armor. He was thin and scrawny, with a drooping mustache, and was pointing straight at her.
Yui nodded slightly and explained, "Yes. This is the Samurai Rank Registration Office, right? I came to register my samurai rank."
"Register your samurai rank?"
The scrawny samurai scratched his head, looking somewhat puzzled, but then nodded.
"Come inside with me!"
With that, the scrawny samurai turned and walked back through the