Because so many "second-generation elites" had joined over the years, the new disciples of the Kigokoro Sect were never short of troublemakers. The evaluation scores were the sect's way of keeping them in check through the authority of the Iron Seal.
After an Iron Seal guided disciples through a trial mission, they could assign a performance score—five being the highest. If a disciple received a score lower than three, it signified a very poor showing.
Of course, scores weren't always reliable. Some Iron Seals feared retaliation and inflated their marks, while others used the scoring system as leverage to threaten or manipulate disciples. Still, when a well-respected Iron Seal with a solid reputation at the Flower Crown Hall gave someone a low score, the result was significant. Depending on the reasons, that disciple might simply suffer a drop in their master's or hall's estimation—or, in harsher cases, face sect punishment.
Any Iron Seal bold enough to hand out low marks was either personally strong or backed by powerful allies. The sect rewarded this courage, too. High-ranking leaders admired such Iron Seals as just and principled, willing to expose hidden weak links in the sect. In addition, resources were often tilted their way, encouraging such fairness.
On the other hand, trial disciples could appeal their scores to the Enforcement Hall. If an investigation found an Iron Seal guilty of manipulating grades out of malice or personal grudges, that Iron Seal would face severe punishment. But if the disciple was caught lying or making excuses, their penalty would be even harsher—sometimes outright expulsion from the sect.
For centuries, the Kigokoro Sect had relied on this system. Though far from perfect, it remained effective and, most of the time, fair.
So when Hokuto asserted his authority right from the start by invoking the evaluation scores, Ayaka immediately bristled.
"Why do you get to control how we dress?!" she protested. "What does that have to do with the mission itself?"
Hokuto cast her a cold glance and raised a finger.
"First," he said flatly, "from now on, before you speak you'll call out Report. You may only talk once I grant permission. Otherwise, I deduct one point from your evaluation."
"Second, clothing does matter. We're going down the mountain to carry out a mission, not to take a holiday. Blending into the crowd and moving discreetly are our guiding principles. Understand?"
Ayaka pursed her lips. Under her breath she muttered, "Hmph. Just sounds like being a coward dressed up in fancy words."
Though she was furious, she didn't dare storm off. After all, Hokuto had been personally invited by their Protector to serve as their Iron Seal. His evaluations carried extra weight. She wasn't about to sabotage her own reputation in the hall after just one trial.
"Report!"
The quiet but steady voice came from Rinako, who had been silent until now.
Hokuto's brow furrowed. "I already said you must call out Report before speaking. Didn't you hear me? Minus one point. Forget again and I'll deduct two."
The sharp rebuke made Rinako's heart race even faster than the time she had been rejected in the past.
So this… this is what it feels like to be scolded? Even Father has never spoken to me like this. It's… strangely overwhelming.
"Damn it, that's it! My temper's going to blow!"
Seeing Rinako being shouted at, Ayaka could no longer hold herself back. She was just about to lash out when Rinako grabbed her arm.
"Ayaka, don't. This was my mistake."
"But he—!"
Rinako shook her head firmly. "No more."
"…Fine." Ayaka pouted, clearly unsatisfied, but relented.
Once Ayaka was calmed, Rinako turned back to Hokuto.
"Report!"
"Speak," Hokuto replied curtly.
"Must it really be coarse cloth or hemp robes? I don't own either, and I'd rather not borrow someone else's…"
Hokuto shook his head. "No. I already said: blending into the crowd is our highest priority. Down the mountain, most commoners can only afford coarse cloth or hemp. If we wear garments too fine, we'll stand out instantly. Do you understand?"
"Yes, I understand."
"Report! Report! Report!"
The shout came in unison from the Yu sisters, their timing eerily perfect.
"Speak."
"Does it matter what style of coarse robe we choose?"
"Should we wear straw sandals?"
"Do we need straw hats?"
Hokuto exhaled and replied, "Next time, one at a time. As for your questions: keep the clothing as plain as possible. Shoes and hats I'll arrange later. For now, carry out the first order."
"Yes, understood!"
"Any other questions?" Hokuto scanned the group. No one answered.
"Good. Then get to it."
"Yes, sir!"
As the five girls turned and walked away, Hokuto sighed quietly. Normally, he wasn't this strict as an Iron Seal. But the times were dangerous, and he now had five "ticking time bombs" following him. If even one of them caused trouble, it would be disastrous. Strict discipline was the only option.
After waiting about twenty minutes, the five returned. Each now wore the standard-issue black hemp robes distributed by the Enforcement Hall.
You've got to be kidding me… So this is what they mean by "natural beauty that cannot be hidden"?
Hokuto nearly collapsed. Even dressed in the plainest of coarse robes, the girls' stunning features shone all the brighter, each of them radiating an inexplicable allure. It was enough to make Hokuto want to throw up his hands and cry out, This job is impossible!
Suppressing the urge to vomit blood on the spot, Hokuto forced himself to focus.
He could already tell what kind of disciples these were. Every single one of them had clearly been raised as pampered young ladies. In a continent as chaotic as Genryū, most commoners could barely keep themselves fed. Only the wealthy or powerful could afford silks and fine fabrics.
Yet none of these five carried so much as a single coarse robe in their packs. The conclusion was obvious: they came from families of privilege, whether wealth or influence.
Their expressions confirmed it too—every one of them looked deeply uncomfortable in the scratchy material, brows knit in displeasure.
This team is going to be impossible to manage…
(End of Chapter)