The wasteland stretched endlessly beneath a pale sky.
Ito Makoto stood at its edge, observing the expanse reserved exclusively for noble amusement. Though called a wasteland, the spiritual particle density here was far from barren. Reishi flowed richly through the soil and air, far denser than even the most prosperous districts of Rukongai.
It was not comparable to the inner estates of the Four Great Noble Families, but for ordinary souls, this land would be considered sacred.
Yet today, it existed merely as a stage.
A stage for slaughter.
Ito Makoto exhaled slowly.
So this was how nobles entertained themselves.
The Arrival of the Kasumioji
The ground began to tremble in disciplined rhythm.
A ceremonial honor guard advanced in perfect formation. Their garments were luxurious, uniform, and embroidered with subtle crests.
At the front, two broad-shouldered men carried towering silk screens bearing the name:
Kasumioji.
Even at a distance, Ito Makoto could sense the Reiatsu leaking from them. Controlled, but unmistakable.
Both were at least seated officers in strength.
To use such individuals merely as ceremonial vanguards
The wealth and influence of the Kasumioji Family were obvious.
Behind them followed a raised palanquin carried by eight attendants. Pearl curtains, woven with spiritual thread, obscured its interior. A faint Kidō formula shimmered across its surface, preventing spiritual probing.
Even so, Ito Makoto could vaguely perceive the silhouette of a woman seated within.
Refined posture.
Impeccable composure.
After the Kasumioji procession entered, other noble houses began arriving.
Some rode in carriages.
Some walked beneath ceremonial banners.
Others
Arrived behind restrained Hollows.
The creatures pulling certain noble carriages were massive beast-type Hollows, their masks branded with black sealing markings. Bakudō restraints pierced through their Hollow holes, binding them like livestock.
Ito Makoto's gaze sharpened.
None were Menos-class.
Most were Adjuchas-level aberrations or unusually evolved common Hollows. Powerful enough to intimidate lesser Shinigami, yet fully suppressed by binding spells.
Using Hollows as beasts of burden.
A grotesque display of control.
A Familiar Face
"Ito Fourth Seat. You're early."
Ito Makoto turned.
A Shinigami with neatly kept dark-blue hair approached with a gentle smile.
Vice-Captain of the Fourth Division.
Yamada Seinosuke.
"Vice-Captain Yamada," Ito Makoto greeted lightly. "Were you assigned to supervise the aftermath?"
Seinosuke shook his head.
"I volunteered."
He adjusted his glasses calmly.
"The Fourth Division will oversee medical response and containment measures. Events involving nobles tend to produce… unnecessary casualties."
His tone remained mild, but the implication was clear.
Ito Makoto smirked faintly.
"Concerned for noble politics?"
Seinosuke did not rise to the bait.
"I receive financial support from a branch of the Tsunayashiro Family. A certain lord wished for accurate reports."
Ito Makoto raised an eyebrow.
"So the Four Great Noble Families aren't participating directly?"
Seinosuke studied him briefly.
"You truly don't know."
Ito Makoto shrugged.
"I joined the Gotei only a few years ago."
Seinosuke nodded.
"This event is organized by the Kasumioji Family. They are considered the most influential house beneath the Four Great Noble Families."
He lowered his voice slightly.
"They seek elevation."
Ito Makoto's gaze sharpened.
"The Shiba seat."
Seinosuke gave a faint smile.
"The Shiba Family has declined significantly in political power. The Kasumioji have repeatedly petitioned Central 46 to recognize them as a replacement among the Four Great Nobles."
"And?"
"Rejected. Quietly."
That explained everything.
This Hunting Tournament was not merely sport.
It was a display of influence.
A gathering of lesser houses to consolidate support.
A Summons
A white-haired elderly man approached with deliberate steps. A monocle rested over one eye, his attire formal and immaculate.
"Ito Fourth Seat. I am Un'ei, retainer of the Kasumioji Family. The Head of our house requests your presence."
Ito Makoto felt several gazes shift subtly toward him.
Interesting.
Why summon an Eleventh Division officer?
From within the palanquin, he felt it
A focused, composed spiritual presence.
Refined.
Controlled.
Observing him.
Behind him, Seinosuke chuckled quietly.
"Try not to offend them."
Ito Makoto ignored him and followed Un'ei forward.
The Palanquin
"Ito Fourth Seat," the elderly retainer gestured. "Please."
A soft, ethereal voice drifted from within.
"Enter."
Ito Makoto stepped forward.
With a single Shunpo, he ascended the platform and brushed aside the pearl curtain.
Inside sat a woman whose presence momentarily disrupted even his composure.
Silver hair cascaded like moonlight across her shoulders. Her skin was pale as fresh snow. Light violet eyes regarded him calmly, layered with quiet intelligence.
Her robes were intricate but not ostentatious.
Every movement was deliberate.
Grace cultivated over generations.
For a brief instant, Ito Makoto understood how noble bloodlines sustained influencenot merely through power, but through bearing.
"Am I pleasing to the eye, Fourth Seat?"
Her voice was soft, almost musical.
Ito Makoto recovered quickly.
"You possess dignity worthy of your house."
Measured.
Neutral.
Un'ei stiffened slightly at his casual posture as he seated himself opposite her.
"Mind your decorum"
"It is acceptable," the woman interrupted gently.
Her gaze never left Ito Makoto.
"You are aware, Fourth Seat, that your participation today was requested specifically."
Ito Makoto met her eyes directly.
"I assumed as much."
A faint smile touched her lips.
"The Eleventh Division values strength above lineage. That independence is… refreshing."
There was calculation behind her tone.
Not flirtation.
Assessment.
Outside, the Hunting Grounds began to fill with nobles and retainers.
The spectacle would soon begin.
But within the palanquin, a quieter contest had already started
One of influence.
One of positioning.
And Ito Makoto now stood at its center.
JOIN MY PATREON TO READ 20 + CHAPTERS BEFORE PUBLIC RELEASE OR PURCHASE FOR LIFETIME ACCESS! WE ARE CURRENTLY ON CHAPTER 105 ON PATREON.
patreon.com/Mynra