This person was none other than Kouyama Kōichi, one of the executive members of the Kouyama clan.
Unlike the Kawashima clan, the Kouyama family adhered to a system of dividing their operations into various halls to manage the entire clan.
All the clan’s businesses were split into different factions, each entrusted to different people for management. Naturally, the appointment of these managers varied based on ability.
Those with greater skill were assigned to more prestigious positions, while those with lesser ability were left with the dirty, exhausting work. Earning a living based on capability was an unchanging rule of the world.
Kouyama Kōichi’s abilities were decent, especially considering his youth. Few could rise to the rank of clan executive at such an age.
At the clan meeting, the clan head, Kouyama, had found it odd that this promising young man was unusually late today.
Seeing him storm into the meeting room in a huff, it was clear something unusual had happened.
“Kōichi, what’s this about? Don’t you see all the elders here? Show some respect!”
Hearing the deputy clan head’s reminder, Kouyama Kōichi snapped to attention, immediately bowing to everyone present.
“My apologies, everyone. I was delayed by some business today. Please forgive me!”
It wasn’t a grave breach of etiquette, so no one pursued the matter, and the clan meeting proceeded as usual.
About an hour later, Clan Head Kouyama Yaji instructed, “Everyone has a role in the plan I’ve outlined. You must fulfil your responsibilities, or the entire plan could collapse!”
“The Kawashima clan has dominated for years. It’s time for Tsukihama City to see a change!”
With that, Clan Head Kouyama Yaji declared the meeting adjourned, then pointedly said, “Kōichi, stay behind. I need to speak with you.”
Kouyama Kōichi’s heart sank, thinking the clan head was about to reprimand him.
To his surprise, after everyone left, Clan Head Kouyama Yaji asked with concern, “What happened today to make you so angry? Tell me about it.”
Kouyama Kōichi hesitated briefly before explaining the situation.
“Clan Head, I admit I didn’t handle things well. No one has dared to cause trouble at my turf, let alone someone from the Kawashima clan!”
“I’ve brought shame to the clan!”
After hearing this, Clan Head Kouyama Yaji didn’t seem to share his view. He stroked his chin, chuckled lightly, and said, “You’re wrong there. We’re family, no need for such formalities.”
“You heard what I said in the meeting. We’re ready to go to war with the Kawashima clan. Whatever grievances you have, you can now take your revenge freely.”
“Remember, you have the entire clan backing you!”
With that, Clan Head Kouyama Yaji turned and left, leaving Kouyama Kōichi alone in the empty meeting room.
Kouyama Kōichi stood there, carefully mulling over the clan head’s words and that sharp look in his eyes as he departed.
Finally, Kouyama Kōichi slapped his thigh and exclaimed, “I get it! Since the clan head has entrusted me with firing the first shot, I absolutely can’t let him down!”
