The scattered conversation turned into a "rustling" of noisy footsteps.
Hosoi led the members of the North Guard Station to face the north side, kneeling on the west of the council room.
Atsukawa, in contrast, led the members of the South Division to kneel on the east side of the council room.
Once everyone settled, the room became pin-drop silent.
This unusual quiet was soon interrupted by the faint sound of a sliding door.
Rustle… The paper door set in the north corner of the council room was slowly pulled open.
Seeing the door open, Hosoi and Atsukawa, kneeling at the forefront, quickly lowered their heads, bending their bodies, and placing their hands on the tatami.
Aoto and the others behind them hurriedly followed suit, bowing toward the north side of the room, which was still empty air.
With his head lowered, Aoto could only see the dark green tatami at the moment.
Though his eyes couldn't see, his ears could hear.
