It's not just the ordinary folks with no one to rely on; even the ordinary samurai without any status or background would choose to walk away when they see "the Shimizu Clan" on the street, trying to avoid getting involved with them at all costs.
Even without considering personal feelings of "hatred for criminal gangs," from a practical standpoint of "getting involved with such a malevolent and ruthless group is asking for trouble," Aoto didn't want any association with "the Shimizu Clan" either.
Sasaki paid no mind to Aoto's indifferent attitude and smiled with pursed lips.
"Many stalls here are under the protection of our 'Shimizu Clan.' That's why I'm patrolling around here with my subordinates. Mr. Tachibana, are you waiting for someone now?"
"What do you think?" Aoto responded in his usual indifferent tone.
"Hahaha, predicting Sir's future movements... I don't have such abilities."
Sasaki's laughter greatly eased the tense atmosphere constructed by Aoto's aloofness.
