Thud! Thud! The two artificial Gigai fell headfirst to the ground, their flesh mangled beyond recognition.
A burst of flashes went off as police surrounded the body, confirming the criminal's death. Reporters then began taking pictures of the body, pondering how to report on it the next day.
Some astute reporters have already gone to keep an eye on Tai Hideo, hoping to get more information.
Kimura Keiichi's face was grave. He was well aware of the current domestic situation, as the bursting of the bubble economy had plunged countless families into poverty.
Young people are filled with uncertainty about the future, which is why biker gangs are so difficult to eradicate.
Shiraishi's actions undoubtedly pointed out a path for those people, leading them to a life of debauchery and decadence.
A wave of crime is about to sweep the nation.
"Don't keep that long face, our golden age has arrived."
Tanimoto Takayuki also understood the seriousness of the problem, but he was full of expectations, believing that the more chaotic the situation, the more the higher-ups would rely on capable people.
Although I didn't win the position of Superintendent of Police this time, there's still hope for the future.
Now a spirit, Shiraishi looked down at the crowd below, smiled, and turned his head, saying, " The Senkaimon can be opened now."
"Um."
Soi Fon nodded, drew his Zanpakuto from his waist, thrust it into the air, and twisted it. The Senkaimon silently appeared, opened, and the jet-black Hell Butterfly flew out. "Follow me."
Shiraishi had no attachment to the World of the Living; he leaped directly into the Senkaimon and followed her forward to the exit.
The concentration of Reishi in Soul Society far exceeds that of the World of the Living. Shiraishi took a deep breath, the bright sunlight streaming into the mountains and forests. "What a wonderful trip."
"Yes."
Soi Fon responded, a hint of gentleness appearing on his taut, palm-sized face, only to be instantly replaced by icy coldness. "From now on, we owe each other nothing. Next time we meet, it will be a battle of wits, a fight to the death!"
"I refuse."
Shiraishi spread his hands, giving her no time to change her expression and get angry. With a Steel Tempest, he disappeared from the mountainside and reappeared on the plain dozens of miles away.
His Spiritual Sense expanded to a radius of three kilometers, but he couldn't detect the Reiatsu of the Soi Fon. He immediately used the Steel Tempest rush towards the West District Ten.
The wind whistled past their ears, the mountains and forests rushed past their feet, and the Shiraishi cheered with joy. The World of the Living was certainly fun, but it was still limited by the Gigai body, and it was not as enjoyable as the spirit body that it could fly freely.
He returned to the West District Ten and headed towards Rice Village, familiar with the area. Upon reaching the village, he did not choose to enter but instead went to Saito House.
Under the thatched shed, the tables, chairs, and two long benches were all empty; there were no guests.
The prices here aren't high, but it's not a place that working-class people can afford to visit every day.
Moreover, almost no one comes to the door so early in the morning.
The proprietress, Kichō, was dressed in a gorgeous kimono, her long black hair styled in an updo, adorned with gold, silver, and jade ornaments. She lay on a wooden rocking chair covered with a blanket, swaying slowly, a feather fan in her right hand.
With a wave of her hand and a fan, the sight of her white breasts was enough to make anyone drool.
Shiraishi appeared in front of the store.
Kichō opened her half-closed eyes and said in a charming voice, "Oh, you've finally decided to come back. How was your trip these past two days?"
"Very interesting."
Shiraishi replied with a smile, stepping into the shadows of the thatched hut, "How are your preparations going over there?"
Just as he had suspected, Saito House was not a simple leisure place; it was secretly the eyes and ears of an organization, specializing in providing illegal information and engaging in illegal activities.
What specific organization is it?
Shiraishi was unaware that he hadn't accepted Kichō's invitation to join the organization; their only agreement was to make money together.
"The big goal has been set. I'll let you know when to act and where to meet when the time comes."
"No need." Shiraishi suppressed the steel-like dragon; his principles were clear, and he would never do anything like Cao Cao.
Of course, if Kichō's man unfortunately dies, then let's pretend he never said those words.
"Hehe." Kichō smiled and didn't continue teasing him, letting him go into the teahouse to rest.
I slept until dusk.
Shiraishi was still fast asleep, his warm breath tickling her ear. "Shiraishi~"
Hiss! The sweet, coquettish voice jolted him awake. His body stiffened, and he quickly got up from the straw mat, saying, " Kichō, you don't need to call me so close."
Kichō blinked and said, "I was just worried you wouldn't hear me~"
Previously, Shiraishi didn't understand why some men could tolerate women speaking in a high-pitched, affected voice.
Now he understood that when a beautiful woman spoke like that, it could truly soften one's bones and prevent any feeling of disgust from arising. "What's the matter that you were in such a hurry to wake me up?"
There's a guy named Kyōhei outside looking for you.
"Uncle Kyōhei? How did he know I was here?"
Shiraishi was puzzled at first, but then he saw Kichō's smiling expression and understood.
It's mostly because of Kichō's reputation.
Others regarded him as yet another woman who was captivated by a woman's charms.
Shiraishi scratched his head, got up and walked towards the teahouse door. Standing outside the thatched shed was a middle-aged man with a square face, wearing a blue kimono and straw sandals.
"Good evening, Uncle Kyōhei." Shiraishi raised his hand in greeting, then hooked his arm around the other man's shoulder, grinning, "Do you have any ways to make money you'd like to introduce me to?"
Kyōhei is the elder's son and has extensive connections in the West District Ten, including both legitimate and shady dealings. He often introduces jobs to Shiraishi.
For example, helping people repair houses, raising dogs, or delivering illegal items, etc.
The relationship between the two was that of close friends, albeit casual.
"Yes, I recently opened a cockfighting arena. Want to come and try your luck?"
Kyōhei answered with a broad smile.
Shiraishi asked with some surprise, "Aren't you afraid that Butler Yoshizawa will sabotage you?"
To open a cockfighting arena in the West District Ten, you need both strong connections and substantial funds.
Currently, the entire cockfighting industry in the West District Ten is monopolized by the Kawakami Clan's Yoshizawa butler.
Because the Kawakami Clan's business involved livestock such as dogs, chickens, and sheep, the steward Yoshizawa was able to use his authority to secretly bring out some chickens for a contest.
The failed chickens would become food for Kawakami Saburō, so that Butler Yoshizawa wouldn't have to worry about being discovered by his master for making money off his own chickens.
Kyōhei said with a disdainful look, "I've had enough of that old geezer. I've been running around for him all this time, and all he gives me is a pittance. I might as well just quit and go it alone. Want to come and have some fun?"
Shiraishi readily agreed, "Okay, what kind of relationship do we have? I have to give you face at your place, it's just that I'm a little short on cash lately."
"It's alright, I trust your character, I'll owe you for now." Kyōhei his hand magnanimously.
"Okay, that's exactly what I admire about Kyōhei."
Shiraishi gave a thumbs up.
Regardless of whether he could actually get something for nothing, the opportunity to do so was there, so he couldn't just not try.
It might take off soon.
" Shiraishi, you lose nine out of ten times when you gamble," Kichō kindly reminded him.
"A man should always take a chance."
Shiraishi enjoys the thrill of cockfighting; winning money is great, but not winning doesn't bother him.
He put his arm around Kyōhei's shoulder and left the teahouse, heading towards the cockfighting arena on the mountain.
After all, it's a highly profitable business that's being run secretly behind the Shinigami; it can't be operated openly in the village.
Kyōhei chose to build the cockfighting arena halfway up the mountain, with the entrance hidden by trees, revealing a dark cave when the trees were parted.
There were no torches for illumination on either side, but the faint glow of firelight in the depths and the shadows of people sitting around the fire could be seen.
It's so quiet. There's none of the noisy atmosphere you'd expect from a cockfighting arena, and I didn't even hear a rooster squawking.
"Hasn't it started yet?" Shiraishi asked curiously.
Kyōhei Kaidō, "Yes, I'll be waiting for you to come."
"This is such a grand affair, it makes me feel embarrassed."
Shiraishi smiled and moved closer to the fire. He saw ten people gathered around the fire, all with their heads bowed. Had they fallen asleep from boredom while waiting?
The question flashed through his mind, and his Spiritual Sense suddenly warned him, a chill rising up his spine.
The bodies of the ten people in front of him, including Kyōhei beside him, were strangely bulging, like overinflated balloons that suddenly burst open.