Chapter 3: West Side Observations

As the saying goes, "With greater power comes greater oppression." Even if they were unwilling in their hearts, Nini and Niihashi could only go with Uncle Plumber to greet the so-called delegation from the East Branch.

Accompanying them were some members of the Piper Squad, tasked with unfurling banners and presenting flowers.

Before long, they arrived at an airport in North London. As an international metropolis, London boasted six airports, with countless travelers passing through each day.

However, today, in order to accommodate the delegation from Seireitei, the West Branch had forcibly closed the northern airport under the pretext of maintenance, pulling out all the stops.

By the way, unlike Seireitei's indifferent attitude toward Karakura Town, the West Branch exerted strong control over the Human World, truly acting as the undisputed western dominator.

"Why are they still not here? Doesn't the East Branch have any sense of time?" 

Inside the airport, Nini complained impatiently, glancing up at the increasingly scorching sun.

She wore a sun hat and sunglasses, thoroughly covering herself. After all, she was a famous idol in London; even though the airport was closed today, there were still many staff members around. If someone recognized her and asked for an autograph, it would be a nuisance.

"They're coming." Uncle Plumber suddenly spoke up in front of them.

At his words, a plane roared through the distant sky, descending and gliding smoothly before finally coming to a stop in front of them.

Uncle Plumber quickly signaled for the Piper Squad members, who immediately sprang into action. The boarding ladder was brought over, and within seconds, the red carpet, flowers, and welcoming banners were all set up.

Nini pouted and whispered, "What a grand affair. If I didn't know any better, I'd think an international superstar was arriving."

Niihashi shot her a sideways glance. "Are you jealous of a third-rate idol?"

Furious, Nini was about to give Niihashi a piece of her mind when the plane's door opened.

They instinctively turned their heads and vaguely saw a figure emerging.

What kind of people would the East Branch's delegation be?

Even the usually indifferent Niihashi couldn't help but feel curious at that moment.

Then they saw a swaying figure walking with a bow-legged gait. He wore a white haori, sported exaggerated sunglasses, and even had a cigar dangling from his mouth, looking down at the welcoming crowd from above.

"Not bad, very spirited."

The man said this, then swayed down the steps, followed by a listless, gloomy-looking man, then a squint-eyed guy wearing a fake smile, and further back was a flamboyantly dressed man.

Then… Nini and Niihashi's eyes went wide in unison.

It was a group of shiny bald heads dressed in matching black suits, their piercing gazes emanating a fierce aura. As they stepped off the plane, they continuously scanned the crowd, radiating a menacing vibe.

Nini gasped and whispered, "Little Niihashi, did the East Branch switch to gang activities?"

Niihashi shook her head with a pale face.

Meanwhile, Uncle Plumber had snapped out of his daze and was already smiling as he approached, extending his hand and saying, "Welcome, welcome! I am Bonx, the lead coordinator for this reception."

"Oh?" Yu Mikami glanced at him, about to adopt the authoritative demeanor reminiscent of Yama-ji, when he suddenly seemed to sense something.

Yu Mikami raised an eyebrow, his expression becoming a bit more serious.

He removed the cigar-shaped candy from his mouth and handed it back, at which point a bald man stepped forward and carefully cupped it beneath the cigar.

"…"

Slap!

A team member behind him harshly smacked the bald man on the head, saying, "Idiot! Big Brother is handing you the smoke, not asking you to pledge your loyalty!"

"Oh, oh." The bald man awakened from his daze, quickly taking the cigar from Yu Mikami's hand and stowing it in a box.

Yu Mikami cleared his throat and removed his sunglasses before shaking hands with the man, saying, "Yu Mikami, the head of this delegation, Captain of the 11th Division of Seireitei."

Uncle Plumber wiped a bead of cold sweat and released his hand, saying, "Lord Mikami, please follow me. We need to head to Inner London first; the members of Parliament are already waiting there."

However, Yu Mikami wasn't in a hurry. Instead, he glanced around, clearly curious about the area, and then he noticed Nini and Niihashi.

Uncle Plumber noticed his gaze and smiled as he introduced them, "This is Nini Spangle, one of the few elites in our Piper Squad, and this is Noel Niihashi, her partner."

Yu Mikami nodded, "I didn't expect to meet such beautiful ladies right after arriving in the West Branch. Since I'm new here, would it be possible for the two of you to act as my guides?"

"It's over, Big Brother's paradise plan is about to expand again."

"No, Big Brother is using unmatched beauty to gain access, infiltrating the West while gathering intelligence before making a move. Truly thoughtful of Big Brother!"

"I see… Big Brother is mighty; no wonder he is known as the greatest intellect in Seireitei!"

"Big Brother is a natural genius, his wisdom is unparalleled!"

Listening to the discussions of these bald heads, all three, including Uncle Plumber, couldn't help but break into a cold sweat.

What's wrong with these people? Do they really think others can't hear them? Are these people from the East Branch really normal?

Yu Mikami coughed lightly and turned his head:

"Everyone shut up! Did you forget what I said before I came? We are civilized people; we must maintain decorum!"

The group of bald-headed men suddenly realized and bowed in unison, "Big Brother is right; we will be sure to pay attention!"

Seeing this, Nini said helplessly, "Sorry, I'm not interested in perverts."

Noel Niihashi also said expressionlessly, "I refuse."

Yu Mikami glanced at the group of bald heads behind him, thinking how these fools were damaging his image.

But it didn't matter; he still had Plan B.

Heh, Old Man of the Mountain, get ready to face the bill.

He snapped his fingers casually, and Gin Ichimaru, understanding instantly, stepped forward, lifted the box in his hand, placed it properly, and opened it.

In an instant, Noel Niihashi's eyes narrowed, and her breathing quickened.

Inside the box were stacks of brand new British pounds, neatly arranged and incredibly dazzling.

Even Uncle Plumber and Nini were momentarily stunned, feeling the imposing presence of Yu Mikami wash over them.

Nini, being a well-known idol in Surface London and having earned the most among them, had some resistance to this decaying candy-coated explosive.

She glanced away and said, "It's just money; do you think you can buy us with this little trick…"

Snap!

With another snap of his fingers, Ayasegawa Yumichika cheerfully walked over from the other side, also holding a box and opening it.

"Mr. Mikami, I'm very happy to serve you. In the days to come, I will be your tour guide in London."

At the moment the second box was opened, Noel Niihashi had already bent down, her tone filled with respect for the capital.

Yu Mikami smiled and nodded at Gin Ichimaru, who understood and closed the box, handing it to Noel Niihashi.

"Miss Niihashi, I look forward to your guidance during our time in London."

…

The convoy started with a buzz, leaving Surface London Airport in a line of cars. In an unpopulated area, a Senkaimon opened, leading them into Inner London.

Soon after, the convoy arrived at the entrance of the West Branch, where two council captains were already waiting at the door.

One man and one woman: the man appeared exceptionally young, looking to be in his twenties, wearing a blue coat with his hair spiked upright.

Next to him stood a woman dressed in military attire, her expression cold, exuding an air of aloofness.

"Honestly, why did those old fools suddenly invite someone from the East Branch? It's been over a thousand years since our two sides last communicated, and what's even more irritating is that I have to host them. Am I the kind of person to host?"

The trendy young man, referred to as Bangnyfe, muttered angrily, his tone filled with strong dissatisfaction.

The woman in military attire replied calmly, "Bangnyfe, don't complain. Since it's a joint decision by the council, we just have to execute it."

Bangnyfe, feeling disdain, didn't argue further.

The military woman thought for a moment and continued, "However, I do know a bit about the reason for inviting the East Branch."

"Oh?" Bangnyfe displayed a curious expression.

The military woman said, "Have you heard of the name Yhwach?"

Bangnyfe's expression changed dramatically as he whispered, "Are you talking about that demon from a thousand years ago, the monster that nearly destroyed the West Branch?"

The military woman nodded. "That's right. Yhwach was the leader of the Quincy a thousand years ago. He rampaged through the west, indiscriminately slaughtering all Dragons, severely disrupting the balance of the world. The West Branch was forced to go to war against him and was nearly annihilated."

"Since that battle, many of the West Branch's traditions were severed. Even after a thousand years of recovery, they are still far from their former strength."

"And recently, haven't you noticed the increasing frequency of Evil Dragon incidents?"

Bangnyfe's expression changed slightly. "What do you mean?"

She nodded. "Exactly. Although we don't know the exact cause, the world is becoming more dangerous. The council believes an unknown crisis is approaching, and relying on our current strength may not be adequate to face the dangers ahead."

Bangnyfe remained dissatisfied, saying, "But even so, what does that have to do with inviting people from the East Branch? Does the council expect to seek help from them in a critical moment? Does the West Branch care about their face?"

The military woman shook her head. "The council has no such intention. We're too far apart; in many emergencies, we wouldn't be able to support each other even if we asked for help."

"What the council means is that the East Branch is different from us. They defeated Yhwach a thousand years ago and possess powerful strength, along with an intact legacy. The council is very interested in their power system and hopes to borrow them to restore the traditions we once lost."

Bangnyfe gaped, "Do they know about this? Trying to obtain their power and heritage is a huge taboo. If they find out, they might turn on us directly!"

"That's why we invited them under the pretense of cultural exchange. On our territory, we will always have some advantages."