Inside the Council Hall of the Zenin Main House.
Naoya stood at the very front of the Direct Line's ranks, his kimono pressed so neatly that not a single wrinkle could be found.
Naobito Zenin sat upright in the seat of honor. Once the dull thud of his cursed staff against the floor had faded, he first announced Naoya as the successor to the position of Clan Head.
Then he shifted tack and added a condition-if Naoya could not defeat Megumi Fushiguro within three years, Megumi would inherit the position.
Scattered gasps rose from those below.
Ogi Zenin slammed the table almost immediately, making the teacups clatter:
"Brother! What kind of rule is that?
"A boy from a collateral branch who's been living outside the clan, who hasn't even been entered into the Main House's genealogy, is supposed to be worthy of competing with Naoya for the position of Clan Head?"
He turned toward Naoya, his tone vicious with frustration at his failure to measure up:
"Say something! Did that punch back then knock you stupid? Now you're willing to accept even an absurd condition like this?"
Naoya raised his eyes slightly, his gaze sweeping over Ogi Zenin's flushed face, his expression as still as stagnant water.
Five years ago, if anyone had dared taunt him to his face over something like this, he would already have smashed their mouth in.
But now he only found it boring, like watching an insect scurry and leap about.
He had already worked it all out.
The Culling Game barriers had been established. Megumi Fushiguro would inevitably enter.
Rather than waste time at the Clan Head Competition Grounds three years later, he might as well settle it directly inside a barrier and get it over with quickly.
"Brother Qingxiao said that the strong