Chapter 9 - First Encounter with Ōmaeda Marechiyo!
One day, two days, three days…
Time flew by, and Gilgamesh's plan progressed smoothly.
When those who came from outside Kuro-machi received free water and brought it back, it caused an uproar.
Those who initially didn't believe it had to accept the truth in the face of evidence.
They could no longer worry about conspiracy theories and rushed to Kuro-machi, fearing they might miss the chance to get free water.
Of course, there were also some who, having not witnessed Gilgamesh's methods, attempted to seize all the water.
Though they guessed Gilgamesh's background wasn't simple, driven by greed and desire, they ignored the risks.
As a result, these people were all slain by Gilgamesh.
Witnesses, including Renji Abarai and Rukia Kuchiki, would never forget that scene.
Gilgamesh — no, the King, sat on his golden throne, hundreds of golden ripples appearing in the void behind him, each ripple containing a weapon exuding a terrifying aura.
These weapons, like loyal guardians, sensed the King's wrath and shot out from the ripples, turning those disrespectful enough to challenge him into dust.
From that day, the image of King Gilgamesh was indelibly etched into people's minds.
In Kuro-machi.
Gilgamesh sat on his golden throne, with someone kneeling below him, reporting.
"The registration of personal information is progressing smoothly… The current registered population is 5,356."
For a nation, population is always crucial.
Thus, from the beginning, Gilgamesh planned to conduct a census in Inuzuri and create the first household register for easier future management.
After the report, Gilgamesh nodded lightly and said, "I understand, you may go."
The person respectfully got up and left.
In the past three days, as more people arrived, Gilgamesh had selected dozens more to join his ranks, increasing the number of water barrels to twenty.
This was why they could register information for over 5,000 people in such a short time.
Now, it was getting dark, but people still kept coming to fetch water.
Today marked the third day of Gilgamesh's plan.
Starting tomorrow, water would no longer be free, and Gilgamesh would begin the next phase of his plan.
But before that, there were some matters to address.
Gilgamesh slowly stood up and walked in a certain direction.
His movements were quickly noticed, but no one dared to question him.
In their minds, the image of King Gilgamesh was already fully formed.
Decisive, merciful yet severe, unfathomable…
Renji and Rukia, exhausted from the past days, were sound asleep in a nearby temporary rest area.
Gilgamesh didn't wake them; he could handle this alone.
The night in Inuzuri was extremely dark. Due to poverty and backwardness, no one could afford oil lamps or candles.
Such items were luxuries in Inuzuri.
As a result, people generally stayed indoors at night.
But recently, Inuzuri was different. Thanks to Gilgamesh's free water distribution, water was no longer scarce, leading to a significant drop in crime rates.
Even at night, many people dared to step outside, navigating by the dim moonlight and starlight.
Most were heading to get water.
Those living in the lowest depths of Kuro-machi felt the change most acutely.
They were genuinely grateful to Gilgamesh, recognizing him.
In their hearts, if Gilgamesh could truly rule and manage Inuzuri, it would undoubtedly improve.
Through the Royal System, Gilgamesh knew that over 500 people had recognized him, providing him with Royal Points.
However, each only provided 1 point, unlike important plot characters like Renji and Rukia.
Ōmaeda Water Shop.
The owner, Mizunaka Ichirō, sat behind the counter, looking at the room full of unsold water with a distressed expression.
In the past, water was a hot commodity in Inuzuri, and Ichirō never worried about sales.
But since Gilgamesh started distributing free water, his sales had plummeted.
With free water available, why would the already poor people spend money to buy it?
This once bustling place had become eerily quiet.
Ichirō was also anxious.
When Gilgamesh killed those who came to attack, Ichirō had been hiding among the crowd.
To him, Gilgamesh's actions cut off his livelihood.
Cutting off someone's livelihood is like killing their parents.
Ichirō naturally harbored resentment towards Gilgamesh.
But Ichirō was cautious.
Gilgamesh's background was mysterious, and the sheer amount of water he possessed made Ichirō wary.
So, instead of confronting Gilgamesh directly, Ichirō secretly sent people to cause trouble.
Ichirō didn't expect his men to defeat Gilgamesh; he just wanted to gauge his background and strength.
Ichirō didn't anticipate witnessing a scene that shook his very soul.
Even two days later, recalling it made him tremble.
He felt as if Gilgamesh's deep, dignified crimson eyes had intentionally or unintentionally glanced at him.
This single glance made Ichirō uneasy, fearing Gilgamesh had discovered his schemes and would come for him.
Ichirō knew that if Gilgamesh truly got angry, he would face the same fate as those attackers: turned to dust.
Ichirō wanted to flee but stayed, relying on his backing, the Ōmaeda family.
He had sent word to them and believed they had sent someone to help.
Ichirō hoped the Ōmaeda family would send a Shinigami.
He had some knowledge, albeit limited.
He thought Gilgamesh might be a Shinigami, and his mysterious methods were the abilities of his Zanpakutō.
Only a Shinigami could deal with another Shinigami.
Ichirō didn't know that the source of his anxiety, Gilgamesh, was already at his shop's entrance.
Just as Gilgamesh was about to enter, he sensed something and stopped.
Then, he heard a mocking, arrogant voice from behind: "Judging by your look, you're that so-called king?"
Turning, Gilgamesh saw a familiar figure in a Shinigami uniform.
Ōmaeda Marechiyo!
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