Chapter 429 - POLITICAL MARRIAGE (1/2)

”You are impatient. It will not serve you well on Martial Island.” Taiki said.

”Then, it is a good thing I am not planning to stay in this place for long,” Kaito responded.  ​​

The two people faced off across the table, and neither was willing to give in to the other. The tension rose as they remained in the same position. After a long moment, Taiki finally sighed before speaking.

”The current state of affairs on Martial Island has caused power imbalance. The main families have lost a lot of power because the middle and lower families choose to risk their lives for subpar manuals instead of bowing to the elite families.” Taiki said.

”Our Iekami clan is one of those affected by the shifts in power. Our focus has always been medicine. We have enough wealth and power, but our lack of combat strength means a decline in status and vulnerability to other top families.” He added.

Kaito showed impatience and irritation at the continued roundabout explanation. ”You have still not answered my question.”

Taiki realised that his nephew was not willing to listen to him anymore. He needed to cut to the chase and let him understand his only choice.

”If you can become a powerful champion for the Iekami clan and stand at the top, you will have no trouble leaving Martial Island with pomp and glory.” Taiki paused. ”You have been wondering what I was plotting when I brought you here.”

”This is it. I am concerned about the waning strength of the Iekami clan. We have not made significant progress in resolving the current medical emergency facing the island. It is only a matter of time before we decline. And a decline means becoming prey to the circling vultures.”

Kaito did not feel sympathetic to their plight, but he needed to understand his options.

”How do you determine the combat strength of an individual? What is the platform?” He asked.

”Every three years, we hold a combat tournament and allow interested parties to participate. Each clan sends in champions from their affiliated families. Individuals from the outside world with an invitation can also attend. As long as you get a good position, you will win power for both yourself and the Iekami clan.”

”And before you ask, it is not possible for you to get an individual invitation. These are only sent out to the outside world by the elite families. They are restricted to strong people that certain clans want to recruit to Martial Island.”

Kaito smiled with a wicked air. ”I am sure someone wants to recruit me.”

Taiki laughed. ”Your name has come up several times, but no one chose to go through with it. The consensus among the families was that you were too wild to tame. Your personality makes it impossible for you to work under someone else's orders.”

”If you participate under the Iekami banner, you will retain your freedom. No special conditions. We just need to show that we have enough power in addition to medical prowess. As long as we have strength, we can buy time to resolve the emergency without danger.”

Kaito was not interested in this idea of fighting for a family he did not know, even if it was related to his dead mother. After all, he did not remember his parents, except for stories and photographic records. It seemed like a major sacrifice for unknown parties.

”I ȧssume that you are going to tell me the tournament will be held in a month, and I must spend all my time training?” He asked flippantly.

Taiki's expression remained serious at the joke.

”No. This is not a cheap fictional wuxia novel. The tournament will be held one year later. This period should give you enough time to train and understand the workings of Martial Island.” He responded.

Kaito lost his playful expression. ”I cannot remain in this unknown place for a year.”