Mr. Naraku possessed a sharp eye.
As he was ushered into the clan grounds, surrounded by Jujutsu Sorcerer from the Kamo Family, he clearly noticed the reverent awe in their gazes directed at his nephew.
Even the high-ranking, steady faction leaders of the Kamo Family, whom Mr. Naraku frequently encountered at the Jujutsu Sorcerer Association, were no exception.
Towards Kenmyo, who was young enough to be their grandson, they all showed a unanimous respect, genuinely treating him as the clan head.
Lunch was at the Kamo Family residence, accompanied by the Kamo Family elders. No one rotated the Lazy Susan when Kenmyo picked up food, and the first person to pour and offer a toast was always Mr. Naraku.
Just by observing these details, the highly respected Mr. Naraku was convinced that Kenmyo's words were true.
Kenmyo had indeed completely taken control of the Kamo Family; these elders, who wielded immense power within the family, were all his people.
It is important to know oneself. Mr. Naraku knew that if he weren't Kenmyo's maternal uncle, as merely the head of the Isayama Family, he likely wouldn't even have the chance to meet these 'big figures,' let alone dine at the same table and receive toasts.
"Hatsuho, your son is truly just like you."
Mr. Naraku looked at Kenmyo, who was like the moon surrounded by stars, and vaguely saw his sister, as strong and dominant as ever.
After lunch, and a brief stroll around the family estate with Yomi-nee and his uncle, they quickly had the Third Elder begin what had been pre-arranged.
Although Mr. Naraku's leg ailment was a chronic condition, under the Kamo Family Third Elder's Blood Manipulation, 'Thirteen Blood Needles' technique, his condition significantly improved after treatment.
Initially, his steps were a bit wobbly, but Mr. Naraku could indeed walk slowly on his own, leaning on a cane, without needing assistance.
"Mr. Naraku, your legs should no longer have any major problems in the future."
"Just be careful not to run or jump for the next few weeks. Maintain slow walking for rehabilitation, and take the elder's prescribed medicine once a day."
"Muscles and blood vessels are fragile during reorganization, and excessive exercise can easily lead to necrosis."
Kamo Chiyo, the Third Elder of the Kamo Family, despite using a Jujutsu technique that consumed considerable mental energy, remained vibrant and energetic.
This would have been utterly impossible for the old man in the past; not to mention administering needles to save someone, even basic pulse diagnosis became a dream after he suffered a stroke and cerebral hemorrhage at eighty-eight, leading to paralysis.
Therefore, the River of Death brought not only death but also allowed these spirits, whose souls had withered due to physical aging, to once again experience the unrestrained vitality of their youth.
Without speaking for others, Kamo Chiyo was definitely the most grateful to Kenmyo among all the elders, and he dedicated his full effort to Mr. Naraku's treatment.
"Continue until mid-next month, then come for a follow-up visit. If there are no issues then, it means complete recovery."
"Thank you, Doctor."
Mr. Naraku wanted to bow deeply to Kamo Chiyo, but the Third Elder stopped him with a hand.
"Don't bow! Don't bow!"
"Don't humble this old man; I merely followed the orders of the Clan Head."
Cold sweat broke out on Kamo Chiyo's forehead.
How inappropriate if Kenmyo-sama saw this.
But the old man was overthinking it; Kenmyo was not that petty.
Moreover, Kenmyo noticed that Yomi-nee's emotions were a bit abnormal.
"This is wonderful, truly wonderful!"
Witnessing her father stand again even brought tears to Isayama Yomi's eyes, causing her to choke up.
She whispered, it was tears of joy.
Because Isayama Yomi had seen her father more than once looking at his legs with a mournful and frustrated expression.
Her adoptive father was a man who cared about his dignity.
Just imagine, needing others to care for his daily life—for a former Grade 1 Jujutsu Sorcerer, this was nothing short of humiliation. Isayama Naraku had lived like this for decades, and now he was, in essence, reclaiming his dignity.
"Thank you, Mei."
Isayama Yomi clutched the cane in her hand, her fingers white from the force.
"Dad, he must have been waiting for this moment for a very long time, right?"
Kenmyo looked at the smile on his uncle's face and replied,
"It's what family does."
He also felt a bit uneasy; if only he had noticed this sooner.
Kenmyo had initially believed that revitalizing the family was his uncle's primary goal, but he never expected that Mr. Naraku's physical disability was also a constant source of discomfort, a lingering heartache for decades, just like the former.
If he had known earlier, Kenmyo wouldn't have delayed until today.
Fortunately, it was not too late, and after many twists and turns, Mr. Naraku could finally stand again.
"Thank you for today, Mei."
Because Mr. Naraku ultimately did not accept Kenmyo's kind offer to move into the Kamo Family residence with him; he chose to continue living in his original Isayama Family ancestral home.
"We won't stay here and cause you trouble."
Mr. Naraku had his own plans; he felt that his presence there would affect his nephew's authority.
Since Kenmyo had conquered everyone here with his strength and become the absolute arbiter, then this family should not have any weaknesses that could be exploited.
A qualified clan head should be a ruthless alpha wolf, leading the pack in hunting for the family's interests.
Therefore, there was no need for someone even the alpha wolf respected to appear within the pack; this would be fatal to the arbiter's authority.
Secondly, although his nephew had already demonstrated through his actions that he was indeed the de facto controller of the Kamo Family, living in someone else's house always felt like being dependent on others.
Mr. Naraku, being quite traditional in character, would not leave the place where his ancestors had lived for generations; that was where he felt most comfortable.
"Alright, Uncle."
Kenmyo knew that Mr. Naraku's decisions would not be easily changed. He sighed; although the leg problem had improved, it wasn't completely healed.
So he personally helped his uncle open the car door and carefully supported him.
"Be careful, don't hit your head."
The driver and vehicle were still from the Kamo Family, just as they were upon arrival and departure.
"Big families have more rules than our small families, Mei, you should exercise some restraint."
"Don't always change the rules; rules that have existed for a thousand years all have meaning."
"Every time you change them, it's equivalent to diminishing the family's prestige by a fraction."
Mr. Naraku imparted all his experience as a family head, including some important precautions, to Kenmyo.
"Moreover, remember to train your own trusted confidants within the family. Confidants are like your assistants in governing the family, which helps strengthen your rule in this family."
"Trust people you use; don't use people you doubt."
"I understand, Uncle."
"Alright, Dad is leaving, so don't say these things anymore."
"Mei is a quick learner; he should understand everything you're saying."
It's getting late, let's say goodbye to Mei."
Isayama Yomi showed a helpless smile, especially when she saw Mei humbly accepting his father's teachings like a student.
Reminded by his daughter, he realized he might have been a bit too eager to play the teacher.
So Mr. Naraku also said apologetically,
"Sorry for taking up a bit more of your time, Mei."
"Not at all. I feel I can learn a lot from talking with Uncle."
"Come, Yomi-nee."
Kenmyo nodded, letting Yomi-nee get into the car.
"Oh, Yomi-nee, take this."
Kenmyo took out a crystal pendant from his pocket. It was blood-red and amber-like, with exceptionally dazzling ripples and a hint of mysterious light.
This item, as explained before, served to provide a spatial coordinate, allowing Kenmyo to quickly find her. It had no cooldown but required a large amount of magic power.
As long as this jade slip shattered, he would immediately appear by Yomi-nee's side. This was, in essence, a second layer of protection, in addition to the Flesh Hound hidden in her shadow.
"For me?"
Isayama Yomi carefully took it from his hand. It felt warm and smooth to the touch.
"Yes."
Kenmyo nodded.
The previous ones he made were blue crystals, but this time, it was a red crystal, as if blood was flowing within it.
"This is a good item. I hope Yomi-nee doesn't take it off normally. In case of an emergency, you can directly crush it."
Then Kenmyo could descend directly.
"Okay, thank you, Mei."
Isayama Yomi carefully put it into her pocket, deciding how to return and use a red string to make it into a pendant to hang around her neck.
"Uncle, there's one more thing I promise you: I will not forget our shared original intention."
Kenmyo was afraid his uncle might think that after this parting, they would become like poor relatives and rich relatives, creating unnecessary distance.
So he proactively stated it.
Mr. Naraku smiled, but did not reply.
Seeing this, Kenmyo finished his last sentence, then patted the car roof and said,
"It's getting late, driver, please take them home safely."
"Be careful on the road."
Kenmyo said goodbye to the only two relatives he had left in this world, and then watched them gradually drive away.
Behind him stood the elders of the Kamo Family's Elder Council, who had also accompanied him to see them off.
Inside the car, Mr. Naraku watched his adopted daughter, who was looking at Mei with delight as he gave her the crystal ornament, and he sighed very softly.
"The head of the Kamo Family, huh?"
"It's truly difficult to be a suitable match."
What was once treated equally now became incredibly noble.
"Yomi, you must work hard."
"Only by becoming more outstanding will you be qualified to stand by his side in the future. I hope you understand this fact."
Hearing her father's words, for once, Isayama Yomi did not respond immediately.
After a while, she slowly spoke.
"I understand, Father. I understand all that you've said."
"I will work even harder."
"Mm."
Silence fell between father and daughter, all due to class. Even if the other person didn't mind, the issue of class would always exist.
High society paid great attention to this.
"Everyone, thank you for your hard work today. We truly owe a great deal to the First Elder and the Third Elder."
Kenmyo looked back at the old men behind him.
"Thank you."
"It's nothing, Clan Head. This old man is deeply humbled."
The Third Elder cupped his hands.
"It's only right."
Although these were deceased individuals, they were essentially no different from living people, and they possessed emotions.
Kenmyo was very grateful to him for helping to treat Mr. Naraku's injuries.
"I've just taken over the family, and there are many things I'm still unfamiliar with. I would appreciate it if you could offer me more advice."
"Or if there's anything that hasn't been done."
The first to respond was the Third Elder, who immediately interjected.
"Clan Head, I believe you should, as Mr. Naraku suggested, establish your own personal guard."
After an explanation, Kenmyo generally understood. Yes, it was essentially the clan head's bodyguard unit, primarily composed of elite Jujutsu Sorcerer selected from within the family to follow the clan head and be responsible for his security.
"I understand, I will seriously consider it."
Those appointed to this position were the elite of the elite within the family. They were responsible for protecting the clan head's safety at all times.
"Did Kenki have a personal guard?"
"No, because he was young."
Some things had not yet been established. And the personal guard was one of them.
Kenmyo was still somewhat unfamiliar with their family, so he asked,
"Are there any recommended candidates?"
Kenmyo also felt it seemed quite necessary, as his uncle said, it could help him manage the family to a certain extent.
"This old man's granddaughter, Kamo Senjumaru, can certainly handle this position."
The Third Elder quickly replied.
"Although she enjoys weaving, her Blood Manipulation is exceptionally refined, making her one of the best in the family."
Kenmyo nodded.
"I understand, then let's put her on the list of candidates to consider."
Kenmyo said to the First Elder,
"I don't think this guard unit needs too many people."
Such things usually have more symbolic meaning than practical meaning. It's only natural that the person being protected is stronger than those protecting him.
So, not that many people were needed.
"Four people in total are enough."
"First Elder, please help me select suitable candidates for the other three in the family."
"Oh, and I want talent, not mere ornaments."
Kenmyo specifically reminded them; he wasn't here to choose concubines, so he didn't need ornaments.
The River of Death that Kenmyo controlled had a secondary effect: to bestow greater power upon a select few he favored.
This power was derived from Blood Manipulation.
"I will baptize them."