There was no doubt—Hayashi Renji had been invited to this mansion by a middle-aged man to serve as a guest elder.
A guest elder was essentially a high-level bodyguard, typically possessing formidable cultivation abilities, responsible for protecting the family of their employer.
However, guest elders came in many tiers, and Renji's rank was among the highest. People like him did not strictly obey their employer's commands.
What's more, he belonged to one of the most powerful factions on the planet—the Sword Palace. Because of this, it was impossible for Renji to show true loyalty to the middle-aged man.
In fact, the roles between them had long since flipped. More often than not, when Renji spoke, the middle-aged man dared not utter a second word.
At that moment, the middle-aged man, following his wife's orders, came looking to cause trouble for the young boy Tanaka Koyuu—only to be stopped in his tracks by none other than Renji himself.
Both the middle-aged man and the glamorous woman beside him were completely stunned.
The woman narrowed her eyes and snapped coldly, "Renji, what do you think you're doing? Don't forget your place!"
Renji sneered. "Heh, I'll do whatever I want. It's none of your business."
His response left the woman trembling with rage. Her shoulders shook, and the jeweled ornament on her head nearly fell off.
She pointed at him furiously. "So this is what you've become, Hayashi Renji? The Sword Palace has always maintained close ties with our Wolf Fang Tower. I can't believe you'd betray us!"
A menacing aura suddenly erupted from Renji as he replied icily, "Mind your tone and your accusations. I am a disciple of the Sword Palace. If you dare slander me again, I will cut your head off where you stand."
Everyone froze at the threat. Even Senju Yukika raised an eyebrow in interest and casually said, "Well then, go ahead and kill her."
The entire courtyard fell into stunned silence.
Renji looked shaken. The middle-aged man and the woman were wide-eyed with shock. That especially went for the glamorous woman—her face now ashen gray.
She was the daughter of the Lord of Wolf Fang Tower, used to being dominant and revered. No one had ever dared defy her. Yet here this stranger was, casually issuing her death sentence?
She had heard her cowardly husband mention that this young man was impressive—but surely not this impressive.
Thinking of her father, the powerful tower lord who didn't even allow her to train freely, the woman raised her voice in fury. "Renji, kill him now! Or I'll have my father march into Sword Palace and personally hold you accountable. What then?"
Renji was clearly troubled.
He was genuinely moved by Senju Yukika's strength, but the idea of Wolf Fang Tower's leader challenging the Sword Palace made him hesitate. Sword Palace was his home, and the last thing he wanted was to cause unnecessary trouble for it.
Still, he could not ignore the strength of the man standing beside him.
Just then, Senju Yukika spoke again. "Kill her. I don't want to dirty my hands. If this brings trouble in the future, I'll take care of it."
The words were calm, yet they carried enormous weight. It was a promise—a guarantee that no matter what chaos followed, Senju Yukika would handle it.
A complex flicker crossed Renji's eyes. After a moment of deep inner struggle, he closed them and bowed slightly. "My lord… could you show me one or two techniques?"
Senju Yukika looked at him with some surprise, realizing that Renji was a true martial fanatic.
For Renji, loyalty came second. The pursuit of martial strength was everything.
After witnessing Yukika's power, Renji's only desire was to learn—to be guided in the path of even greater techniques.
And for him, that was worth any cost.
Senju Yukika smiled, amused by this martial obsession. "Fine. I'll show you a thing or two."
Those few words brought immense relief to Renji.
He nodded gratefully, drew his sword, and walked toward the glamorous woman.
…In Search of Flowers…
His action terrified everyone present. The entire group of family members began retreating in fear.
They all knew Renji's strength well. They had seen with their own eyes how he easily slaughtered infamous villains of the martial world.
No one dared to block his path now—they dropped their weapons and scattered in panic.
Even Tanaka Koyuu's father fled without hesitation, leaving the field empty… except for the stunning middle-aged woman, standing frozen in place.
She wasn't brave. She was paralyzed with fear.
As Renji approached, his long sword pulsing with terrifying energy that could shred flesh in an instant, the woman finally broke down in panic.
She shrieked hysterically, "Renji, don't you dare!"
But Renji merely smiled. "Do you really think I won't?"
With that, his blade shot out, bursting with lightning-fast energy.
The woman reacted instinctively, summoning waves of chakra to defend herself.
But it was futile.
The sword energy pierced through her protective aura like paper, driving straight into her forehead and punching a hole through her skull.
With a thud, her body collapsed to the ground, twitched a few times… then lay still.
Blood gushed from the wound. Her life force vanished.
Having ended her life, Renji let out a deep exhale.
It had been a bold move, but if it earned the favor of this powerful man, it was worth it.
He turned around, sheathed his sword, and respectfully bowed. "My lord, this woman is dead by your order. I now ask that you honor your promise."
Senju Yukika nodded. "You've done well. I will keep my word."
Hearing that, Renji finally felt at ease.
If Senju Yukika had broken his promise, there would have been nowhere to turn—no justice to appeal to. But Yukika was a man of his word.
And Renji would follow him without hesitation.