Soul Society, Seireitei, First Division barracks.
Even his loose robes could not conceal his powerful physique.
His back was ramrod straight, and his long beard was bound with thin purple cords beneath his chin.
His eyes were slightly narrowed, and his aged, deeply wrinkled face radiated an unquestionable authority.
Although both hands rested on a staff planted against the floor, none of his weight seemed to rely upon it.
This was Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, Captain of the First Division and Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, said to have held his position for more than two thousand years and to be the strongest Shinigami.
Before him, the other captains of the Gotei 13 stood in two orderly rows.
Captain of the Second Division, Tansei Shihōin.
Captain of the Third Division, Shūji Nanba.
Captain of the Fourth Division, Retsu Unohana.
Newly appointed Captain of the Fifth Division, Shinji Hirako.
Captain of the Sixth Division, Ginrei Kuchiki.
Newly appointed Captain of the Seventh Division, Love Aikawa.
Captain of the Eighth Division, Shunsui Kyōraku.
Captain of the Ninth Division, Yasuhito Bōen.
Captain of the Tenth Division, Kunibe Kitagawa.
Newly appointed Captain of the Eleventh Division, Kenpachi Kiganjō.
Captain of the Twelfth Division, Kirio Hikifune.
Captain of the Thirteenth Division, Jūshirō Ukitake.
“Captain Shihōin, I believe you owe us an explanation,” Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto said in a deep voice.
“An explanation?
Captain-Commander, what are you talking about?” Tansei Shihōin asked with genuine confusion.
“Are you talking about my daughter being attacked by an Adjuchas?” “Changing the subject isn’t like you.” Shunsui Kyōraku adjusted the straw hat on his head.
“I’m rather curious myself.
About that boy.” “What exactly are all of you talking about?” There was a trace of innocence mixed into Tansei’s confusion.
His expression was so convincing that it was difficult not to believe him.
Of course, which of the captains standing here was actually stupid enough to fall for it?
“My, my, I’m quite interested myself.” Kirio Hikifune smiled brightly.
“A Cero from an Adjuchas-class Menos Grande,” Retsu Unohana said with her usual gentle smile.
“Yet no matter how I looked at him, that boy didn’t appear injured at all.” “He really is an extraordinary young man,” the good-natured Jūshirō Ukitake praised.
“And if I’m not mistaken, that Reiatsu that appeared for an instant several days ago belonged to him as well.” Shūji Nanba frowned.
“That killing intent was quite something.” “Tansei.” Ginrei Kuchiki, current head of the Kuchiki Clan, foremost among the Four Great Noble Clans, spoke bluntly.
“Is he a member of the Shihōin Clan?
He possesses captain-class strength.” “That question, huh?” Tansei rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
Thud.
A dull strike filled with immense authority immediately silenced everyone.
Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto looked toward Tansei with a stern expression.
“Captain Shihōin…” “I was only joking.” Tansei waved a hand and laughed.
“He’s from the Kawasaki Family.
He isn’t a member of my Shihōin Clan.” “The lower-ranking noble Kawasaki Family?” Ginrei Kuchiki frowned.
“If I remember correctly, the Kawasaki Family is subordinate to the Shihōin Clan.” “But he’s different.” Tansei sighed before recounting the entire story from beginning to end.
“And that’s how it happened.
The one he pledged his loyalty to is Yoruichi Shihōin, not the Shihōin Clan.” Tansei said this because he understood the distinction very clearly.
Shadow might currently live within the Shihōin estate, but if anything happened and Yoruichi had not ordered him to intervene, Shadow absolutely would not lift a finger.
That was the difference between serving Yoruichi and serving the Shihōin Clan.
“No reason to keep living, no value or meaning in his own life?” Jūshirō Ukitake asked in surprise.
“Just what is going through that boy’s mind?” “It certainly is a strange way of thinking.” Shunsui Kyōraku’s expression grew somewhat serious.
“What he experienced amounts to being an illegitimate child, losing his mother, and being hated by his father.
But from what you’ve told us, Tansei, he hates his father as well.
No matter how I look at it, those experiences alone don’t seem sufficient to explain such an extreme mindset.” “And you said he had no Reiatsu whatsoever when he was young,” Kunibe Kitagawa added.
“Yet at that exact moment, he suddenly erupted with Reiatsu approaching captain-class.
That’s extremely strange.
Where did his strength actually come from?” “Tansei, did you thoroughly investigate everything about him?” Ginrei Kuchiki asked seriously.
“No.” Tansei shook his head without hesitation.
“I didn’t think it was necessary.” “But…” “I trust him.” His voice was not particularly loud, yet the confidence behind those words was unmistakable.
Tansei smiled.
“I’ve already considered everything you just brought up.
There are things I have questions about too, but even so, I chose to trust him.” “I can tell that his loyalty to Yoruichi is genuine.
That kind of feeling comes from the very core of a person.
It can’t be faked.” Tansei sounded somewhat helpless as he continued.
“But that only applies to Yoruichi.
He couldn’t care less about anyone else.
He doesn’t even show me the slightest respect.” “What is your assessment of his strength?” Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto asked.
Tansei’s expression immediately became serious.
“His Reiatsu isn’t inferior to mine.
His Hakuda (Hand-to-Hand Combat) is extremely strong, and there’s something strange about his physical strength.
I’ve never seen him use Kidō (Demon Arts), but I doubt he’s weak at it.
As for his Shunpo (Flash Step), all of you have already seen it.” “I fought him a few days ago.
I won, but it was an embarrassingly difficult victory.” Tansei’s gaze became solemn.
“I didn’t use Bankai, but I have the feeling he wasn’t fighting at full strength either.
From beginning to end, he never once drew his sword.” “I see.” Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto nodded before asking again.
“Then what is your evaluation of him?” “Cold, mysterious, arrogant, and terrifying,” Tansei replied gravely.
“But as long as Yoruichi tells him to do something, he’ll obey her no matter what.” “Why can’t I ever get that lucky?” Shinji Hirako scratched his head, looking almost like an abandoned husband.
No one paid him any attention.
“If that is truly the case, then so much the better.” Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto struck the floor once more with his staff.
His eyes opened slightly, a sharp gleam flashing through their clouded depths.
“However, if he ever dares act against Seireitei, I will personally eliminate him.” …
Soul Society, Seireitei, Shihōin estate.
“Shadow!” “Yoruichi-sama!” The door to the bathing room opened, and Yoruichi Shihōin, now fully dressed, stepped outside while yawning.
She tilted her head and stared at Shadow’s usual cold expression.
Her amber eyes rolled thoughtfully, and no one knew what entered her mind, but a distinctly mischievous grin soon appeared on her face.
Shadow felt a chill run down his spine when he saw that smile and hurriedly changed the subject.
“Yoruichi-sama, dinner is ready.
Please go eat.” “Yeah, I know.” Yoruichi nodded and started walking.
“Oh, right, Shadow.
Has Father returned yet?” “I don’t think so.” Shadow followed behind her.
“Did you need something from him, Yoruichi-sama?” “Ah, no.
Nothing.” Yoruichi shook her head.
“Shadow, train with me tomorrow.” “Train?” Shadow froze.
“Yes, train,” Yoruichi said.
“Zanjutsu (Swordsmanship), Hakuda (Hand-to-Hand Combat), Hohō (Movement Techniques), and Kidō (Demon Arts).
I want you to spar with me.” “I’m sorry, Yoruichi-sama.” After a moment of silence, Shadow lowered his head.
“No matter what happens, I will never stand opposed to Yoruichi-sama.
I will never raise my hand against you, not even for training.” “Shadow!” Yoruichi stopped and turned around.
“I could kill a thousand people.
I could kill ten thousand people.
I could even kill myself.
But I would never hurt Yoruichi-sama.” “I could destroy Soul Society.
I could destroy Seireitei.
I could even destroy myself.
But I would never destroy Yoruichi-sama.” “Idiot.” Yoruichi smiled, turned around, and continued walking forward.
Only the faint, indescribable emotions flickering within her jewel-like golden eyes revealed that his words had affected her more deeply than she let on.