25: Kengan Match

Ultimately, whether it was the Kujou family, the Shimizu family, or any other party, none of them would willingly give up such immense benefits.

Land, as the most fundamental resource, remained a permanent private asset that could be passed down through generations. No one ever thought they had too much land—only too little.

"Madam Seiko, Lord Shimizu, if I may offer a suggestion."

A tall, elegant woman with long, blood-red hair and black stockings stepped forward, speaking in a calm yet persuasive tone, maintaining a neutral stance.

"As two pillars of the noble clans, surely neither of you would want your internal conflicts to become public spectacle for everyone to gossip about."

"Taking this matter to court, like common folk, would serve neither family's interests."

"If this dispute were to be taken to a Tokyo court, they would undoubtedly favor the Kujou family."

"Meanwhile, the local courts in Hokkaido would lean toward the Shimizu family."

"Would I be wrong in saying so?"

The gathered attendees instinctively nodded. What she said made sense. A legal battle would be futile, and no judge would dare make a definitive ruling.

"Lady Shion, if you have a suggestion, please share it."

Seiko Kujou regarded the woman, Shion Kaname, with a composed gaze.

"When two factions face an irreconcilable conflict of interest…"

"When negotiations fail, and neither side is willing to back down…"

"Only blood and death can force submission."

"Violence is the ultimate means of resolving disputes."

"If you cannot take it on the battlefield, then you won't get it at the negotiation table."

"This principle holds true worldwide."

"Coincidentally, the chairman of the Kengan Association, Katahara Metsudo, is present here tonight."

"Why not have him preside over a private Kengan match between the Kujou and Shimizu families?"

"Shion, I thought you were on my side."

"But now, I see you secretly favor the Shimizu family."

"The Kujou family are descendants of courtiers, not warriors."

"How could we possibly win against the Shimizu family, a lineage of former warlords?"

"Not to mention that their ancestors have produced several renowned swordsmen."

Seiko Kujou trembled with anger, her voice full of righteous indignation. This was undoubtedly a terrible suggestion.

"Madam, don't you still have your grandson?"

"You just mentioned that he trained in Longguo."

"He carries an ancient Longguo sword."

"And wasn't he also trained by the legendary master, Poison Island?"

"Surely, he is qualified for a Kengan match."

Shion smiled as she spoke, throwing a playful wink at Akira.

Damn it. This seductive woman has her eyes on me.

Akira's heart skipped a beat. He could sense something was off about this battle-hungry, muscle-obsessed woman.

Was she planning to strip him down and examine him like a prized specimen?

"No way. I absolutely refuse."

"Akira is still underage! How could he participate in a life-or-death Kengan match?"

"Shion Kaname, you depraved woman! You will not drag Akira into this!"

Sakurako Kujou instantly flared up, pulling Akira behind her to shield him from Shion's predatory gaze.

"I-I… I can take Akira's place!"

A girl with jet-black hair styled in a hime cut, featuring distinct black sclera and white irises, suddenly raised her hand excitedly, volunteering herself.

Shion groaned inwardly.

Of all the things she calculated, she forgot that Karura, this crazy girl, was one of Akira's childhood friends.

All she wanted was to test the strength of this Longguo-trained warrior.

Never underestimate a woman's curiosity.

"Akira, I'm curious—what kind of tournament is a Kengan match?"

Eriri turned to Sayuri with confusion. "Mom, what is a Kengan match?"

It sounded like a very dangerous competition.

Many of the younger guests also looked bewildered. They had never heard of such an event before and quickly turned to their elders for an explanation.

"It's like an ancient Roman gladiator arena."

"Except, instead of beasts fighting, it's people."

"The fighters are called 'gladiators.'"

"It is the most dangerous profession in the world, bar none."

"Gladiators possess superhuman physical abilities, far beyond ordinary people."

"Some of them have even undergone genetic modifications."

"The minimum betting amount for a Kengan match starts at billions of yen."

A collective gasp echoed throughout the hall.

None of the younger guests had expected such a terrifying underground world to exist.

"Akira, you are absolutely forbidden from entering a Kengan match."

"If you do, I will never forgive you."

Eriri shouted anxiously.

She knew her brother was strong, but this was a battle where death was a very real possibility. There was no need for him to risk himself like that.

"Akira, Eriri is right."

"If you dare participate in this dangerous match…"

"Then I will sever all ties with you. We will never be friends again."

Seina Kashiwazaki also stepped forward, glaring at Akira.

Her words drew amused looks from the surrounding guests.

That was one of the most childish threats they had ever heard.

After declaring this, Seina turned to her father, Kashiwazaki Tenma, and clung to his arm, pouting as she asked:

"Dad, we're rich, right?"

"Can't we just buy them off?"

Pfft!

Cough! Cough!

Tenma choked, coughing violently at his daughter's naive remark.

"Apologies. My daughter is a bit… inexperienced."

"Please ignore her nonsense."

My foolish child, can you stop embarrassing me?

"Seina, we are indeed rich, but we're not fools."

"Bribing them would require at least a hundred billion yen."

"And what reason do you have to help Akira?"

"Friendship?"

"Once money gets involved, your friendship will never be the same."

"Besides, he isn't fighting for you."

"He's risking his life for another woman."

"Even if he needed help, there are others closer to him who would take priority over you."

"Think about that before you answer me."

Tenma sighed in exasperation.

READ 30 CHAPTERS AHEAD AT p @ treon. com/KyokaSuigetsu

(replace @ with a)