Jūshirō Ukitake's experience made Yoriichi deeply aware of how powerful the Soul King's strength truly was.
As early as a million years ago, he could foresee the 'fated one' a million years later.
No wonder the records in numerous documents all stated that the Soul King was omnipotent.
However, such a powerful existence, its body was even disintegrated.
The various experiences in this were truly sigh-inducing.
Yoriichi did not delve deeper into these matters.
After Jūshirō Ukitake recovered his health, Yoriichi slowly stood up, preparing to leave.
The follow-up matters here would be handled by the Twelfth Division.
The Lungs and Legs did not bestow complete power upon Jūshirō Ukitake, but merely indirectly affected his physical condition.
At this moment, within his body, the power of stillness still existed.
In other words, the Twelfth Division could continue their research on the Soul King.
...
...
In Hell.
After three days of transformation, the creation of the seventh layer, the Thunderstorm Hell, was largely completed.
The sky of the seventh layer was completely covered by dark clouds, with almost no areas for shelter.
However, there was always a glimmer of hope in everything.
As long as one was strong enough, one could occupy a relatively safe zone.
However, this safety was not that safety; the Sinners could attack each other to contend for it.
A safe area that was hard-won might be expelled by others in the next second, and then suffer endless thunder penalties.
One should worry not about scarcity but about uneven distribution.
Of course, even with this glimmer of hope, it had nothing to do with Kibutsuji Muzan inside.
He had fused with the miasma of Hell and experienced multiple deaths; now he was at most only at the level of a Seat Officer's strength.
In this seventh layer of Hell, where the average person had the strength of an old Captain...
A Seat Officer's strength was as insignificant as a mouse.
Yoriichi encountered him again, but did not pay him any mind, because at this moment, Muzan, under the continuous torment of the thunder penalties, found it extremely difficult to even speak.
Almost as soon as he revived, he would be struck into ashes.
This also perfectly matched the countless sins he committed during his lifetime.
After passing him, Yoriichi went to the eighth layer, which was the final layer, where Szayelaporro and Baraggan were imprisoned.
Considering that the eighth layer held truly heinous criminals, Yoriichi only took a quick glance and then completely dismissed them from his mind.
He did not even think of looking for a guard.
Reincarnation?
Let's talk about that after Hell is destroyed.
The eighth layer's punishment of sensory deprivation was quite suitable for them.
They had endless time to reflect on the crimes they had committed.
Thus, the transformation of the eight layers of Hell was largely declared complete.
Near the end, Yoriichi summoned the guards from the other layers of Hell.
He instructed them to find the relatively innocent Sinners and also issued an order.
The general content was about productivity, as mentioned before.
After the guards dispersed, Yoriichi came to the exit of the Hell Gate and used his authority to create an object similar to a Zanpakuto.
This item could sever the chains of the Sinners.
Subsequently, he established contact with the will of Hell.
It was finally determined that when the number of Sinners was sufficient, a portion of them could be released, allowing them to regain their freedom.
Unless absolutely necessary, Hell would not destroy the Three Realms.
Because once the Three Realms ceased to exist, new souls would not be produced.
Without the replenishment of souls, relying solely on the remaining Sinners, Hell itself would eventually perish at some point.
Overall, occasionally releasing some Sinners to maintain the balance of soul numbers in the Three Realms was a wise move for Hell's long-term stability.
With this matter concluded, Yoriichi left Hell.
Upon returning to the Ninth Division, Yoriichi brought Komamura Sajin before Mayuri Kurotsuchi, and also prepared to hear Mayuri Kurotsuchi's opinion on Yachiru.
Under Mayuri Kurotsuchi's arrangement,
Komamura Sajin was led away by a squad member named Akon, who said that the performance of his Bankai needed to be tested first before improvements could be made based on that.
When the surroundings were empty, Mayuri Kurotsuchi chuckled twice and then said:
"Captain Tsugikuni, you've come at just the right time."
He precisely pulled out a sheet from the mountain of documents in front of him, handed it to Yoriichi Tsugikuni, and explained:
"This is my in-depth research on Kusajishi Yachiru's soul from a few days ago, and the report results indicate that her soul is incomplete."
"Combining this with the examination of Zaraki Kenpachi's body several months ago, it was found that Kusajiji Yachiru's soul and Zaraki Kenpachi's should be complementary."
"That is to say, if Kusajishi Yachiru is the Bankai of nozarashi, then once Zaraki Kenpachi uses Bankai,"
"Kusajishi Yachiru will instantly return to Zaraki Kenpachi's body."
"This will cause her to disappear completely."
"Can't she come back?" Yoriichi asked.
"Come back?" Mayuri Kurotsuchi chuckled softly,
"Have you ever seen a repaired porcelain object, after being shattered again, return to its original cracked state?"
"Theoretically, it could split again, but at that point, Yachiru would no longer be the original her."
"Based on this discovery, I thought of a solution."
"Using an artificial soul to complete the missing part of her soul."
"This way, even if Zaraki Kenpachi uses Bankai, and their souls are no longer complementary, she can no longer return to his body."
"And regarding this technology, Captain Yoruichi provided the answer more than a hundred years ago."
"With just a slight adjustment to the effect, it can be put into use."
Hikifune Kirio developed a completion technique that uses artificial souls to transfer Reiatsu.
Through cooking, one's Reiatsu can be transferred into another's body, thereby permanently increasing the strength of the other's Reiatsu.
Repairing souls and enhancing Reiatsu are essentially the same, both involving the manipulation of souls.
Developing something from scratch is extremely difficult, but making slight modifications to an existing effect is relatively simple.
Yoriichi understood everything upon hearing this.
Since it was Hikifune Kirio's technology, there would naturally be no problems, after all, she was someone even Squad Zero acknowledged.
Although Mayuri Kurotsuchi was a bit mad, he was extremely cautious in handling certain matters,
because it concerned his reputation.
Knowing the solution, Yoriichi signaled Mayuri Kurotsuchi that he could proceed with confidence.
After receiving Yoriichi Tsugikuni's affirmation, Mayuri Kurotsuchi once again showed a satisfied smile...
Indeed, in the field of biological research, he was the strongest.
Kisuke Urahara dared not operate in this manner because he was worried about affecting Zaraki Kenpachi's strength.
But Mayuri Kurotsuchi knew that guy didn't care whether he had Bankai or not.
This made things much simpler.
Not long after.
A perfectly intact Kusajishi Yachiru appeared before Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
The moment she saw Yoriichi, Yachiru immediately flew onto Yoriichi's shoulder and happily said:
"Captain, did you miss me? This painted-face strange uncle said my body has recovered and I can be with Kenpachi forever. Is this true?"
Strange uncle? The veins on Mayuri Kurotsuchi's forehead twitched twice involuntarily.
But adhering to the principle of not arguing too much with children, he bothered to say nothing more.
He just said: "Captain Tsugikuni, if you have no other urgent matters, please take her back."
"Regarding the modification of Komamura Sajin's Bankai, we still need some time here."
"We will notify you when everything is finished."
...
During his journey leaving the Twelfth Division, Yoriichi accidentally met a young man.
That was Abarai Renji.
Abarai Renji was pushing a small cart with great effort, speeding through the streets of Seireitei like a whirlwind.
His eyes were fixed on the front, fully engrossed, with high concentration.
A pile of items was placed on the small cart, which, judging by the packaging, were probably products of the Twelfth Division.
Seeing Yoriichi's appearance, he quickly stopped his movements, made an emergency brake, and stopped steadily in place, then respectfully saluted:
"Hello, Captain Tsugikuni!"
Yoriichi nodded. He was not surprised at all by Renji's appearance, after all, this child was introduced by him for work.
The Twelfth Division was extremely short-staffed recently... not in terms of research personnel, but in terms of delivery personnel.
The products they developed were adopted by the six thousand Shinigami within Seireitei,
but due to some Shinigami being busy with work, they couldn't pick up the goods themselves.
So they could only rely on the squad members of the Twelfth Division to deliver the goods.
However, the Twelfth Division itself was also swamped.
The appearance of the Soul King's limbs, the Sleeping Project for artificial Shinigami, and the perfection of the Hōgyoku had almost exhausted all their energy.
Out of the approximately four hundred people in the entire Twelfth Division, hardly anyone could be found with free time.
Kisuke Urahara even considered closing the external sales channels at one point.
But during this time, Komamura Sajin found Yoriichi Tsugikuni, and at the same time, Yoriichi also learned about the Twelfth Division's predicament.
For this, he took the initiative to introduce those orphans, letting them take on the task of delivering goods for the Twelfth Division.
Considering their limited physical strength and inability to use Shunpo, vehicles were used instead.
The addition of dozens of people finally managed to alleviate the Twelfth Division's immediate crisis.
Moreover, because their strength was weak, there was no possibility of them running away with the goods.
So, the current situation could be described as a win-win.
Those orphans obtained some money through work, were able to eat and dress warmly, and no longer worried about the threats in the outer districts of Rukongai...
Even their outlook changed.
Certainly, there were still other orphans in Rukongai.
They, like Renji in the past, struggled under the heavy pressure of life, but Yoriichi truly had no way to completely change the circumstances of all of them.
Ultimately, the number of souls in Rukongai was extremely large.
Seireitei could tolerate dozens of people, but that didn't mean it could accept hundreds or thousands.
The Shinigami's duty was to protect, not to save orphans, and even if they were taken in, there wouldn't be that much work to assign to them.
Regarding this,
Yoriichi could only do his best.
He established several schools and orphanages in some areas of Rukongai.
The aim was that even if their plight could not be completely reversed, it would be good to make their lives a little more peaceful.
This matter was also supported by Uta.
Yoriichi learned the cat transformation technique and taught it to her, and at the same time, Uta spent some time learning the light-bending invisibility and some defensive Kido.
She would sometimes leave Seireitei to visit those children.
Along the way, she might encounter bullies, but those guys could be easily handled by a Seat Officer of the Ninth Division.
Out of the principle of doing things properly from start to finish.
The areas around the schools and orphanages were exceptionally safe; no Rukongai with ill intentions dared to approach.
His thoughts returned, and Yoriichi asked Abarai Renji:
"How have you been recently? Is work tiring?"
Abarai Renji replied: "Reporting, Captain Tsugikuni, we are not tired at all!"
"Thank you sincerely for your care; it has brought about earth-shattering changes in our lives."
"Before, we never thought that the Shinigami of Seireitei would also have material needs, just like us."
"Thank you so much!"
Without Yoriichi Tsugikuni's guarantee, even if he knew these things, it would be futile, because he simply could not enter Seireitei.
For the first time, he realized that earning money was so simple, just by running around everywhere.
Fifty rings per item, he could deliver ten items a day, which was fifteen thousand rings a month.
This was about half of a normal squad member's earnings.
Of course.
He was an exception because his Reiatsu was relatively strong.
His other companions earned at most seven or eight thousand rings a month, but even so, it was far more comfortable than living in Rukongai.
They lived in a mansion previously gifted to Yoriichi Tsugikuni by the Kucihki Clan; not all properties were located in the Noble District.
The Tsugikuni Clan family had a small population and no financial pressure, so letting these children stay for a few months or even years was not a problem.
They needed to obtain essential survival materials through their own efforts to avoid developing bad habits.
Yoriichi was deeply gratified by this:
"Very good. Actually, you don't need to thank me. I merely provided you with an opportunity."
"If you don't strive hard, even if an opportunity is right in front of you, you will miss it in vain."
"Go to work."
"Don't make your clients wait too long."
"Yes!" Abarai Renji instantly perked up, pushed the small cart, and suddenly sped off for more than ten meters.
He actually had one more thing he hadn't said, and that was, his Reiatsu had increased a bit.
Although he hadn't actually measured it, it strengthened his resolve to become a Shinigami.
He would work for a while, but not for a lifetime; only by becoming a Shinigami could his destiny be completely changed.
Abarai Renji understood in his heart that all of this was thanks to Yoriichi Tsugikuni's generous help and the Eleventh Division's hard work.
If the Eleventh Division were no longer busy one day, then these children would lose their purpose.
No longer needed, they would naturally return to where they came from.
Perhaps, at that time, Yoriichi Tsugikuni would keep them out of consideration for past favors, but they probably wouldn't want that.
Because having grown accustomed to earning rewards through effort, experiencing a life of unearned gain would make them feel despicable.
They couldn't tolerate such a version of themselves.
Exhaling softly, Abarai Renji's thoughts surged like a turbulent tide.
He silently clenched his fists, his peripheral vision catching sight of a protruding spire of the Spiritual Arts Academy in the distance, his resolve to become a Shinigami growing ever firmer.
However, before that, he needed to accumulate enough money to live independently.
Lest the Eleventh Division suddenly become less busy, they would all lose their jobs and return to their past lives of loneliness and helplessness.
With money in hand, he could live peacefully even in First district.
District 78…
He never wanted to go back there in his life.
...
Bidding farewell to Abarai Renji, and seeing his energetic, bright-eyed appearance, Yoriichi felt a little relieved.
Yoriichi knew all too well the child's strong desire to become a Shinigami.
A few days ago, a Shinigami approached him, mentioning that during their training, a few children would always be outside, watching intently.
Given that they were still children and weren't interfering with the training, those Shinigami didn't intervene.
Only after the training ended did they inform Yoriichi, and upon hearing this, Yoriichi immediately understood their intentions.
These young children's thoughts were often simple and direct.
It was nothing more than to survive, change their current lives, and then become strong.
Currently, their first two needs had been met; only becoming strong had yet to be realized.
And becoming strong, of course, referred to becoming a Shinigami.
And becoming a Shinigami…
Yoriichi's thoughts wandered, and before he could delve deeper, Kusajishi Yachiru's words pulled him back to reality.
"Captain Yoruichi, if you don't mind, leave them to me."
"I really like that child, she has the same hair color as you."
"Is that so?" Yoriichi turned his face to look at Yachiru, who was perched on his shoulder, thought for a moment, and said in his usual tone,
"Actually, there's no need for that. They have their own life paths."
"I'm just providing them with an opportunity; whether they can become Shinigami ultimately depends on their own efforts."
"There's no need to interfere too much with their choices, and besides, their primary task right now is survival…"
"Let's discuss this later."
Yachiru pondered for a moment, then burst into a brilliant smile: "That's true, now that you mention it."
"Then forget it."
"However, Captain Yoruichi."
"If one day he really becomes a Shinigami, you must bring him to the Ninth Division."
"I always feel he's a little like the old Kenpachi…"
...
Upon returning to the Ninth Division, everyone was visibly delighted to hear that Yachiru was safe and sound.
Although Yachiru often gave them strange nicknames and always ran wild everywhere, no matter what, she was once the Third Seat of the Ninth Division.
Even though she was now the Fourth Seat, the deep and genuine camaraderie among the team members would certainly not fade due to changes in position.
After leaving his Zanpakuto in the Eleventh Division for modification, Komamura Sajin returned. Not knowing who Yachiru was and having never seen her before, when he first saw Yachiru, he mistakenly thought she was one of the orphans.
But upon seeing her dressed in a Shinigami uniform, he immediately understood that she was a member of the Ninth Division.
She was too small.
An unknowing person would think she was a human baby.
Fourth Seat?
That's outrageous. Komamura Sajin shook his head, and the next second, his vision suddenly caught Yachiru disappearing from Yoriichi's shoulder.
Immediately after, he felt his shoulder suddenly sink.
Bang, bang, bang.
Yachiru, with a touch of curiosity, gently tapped Komamura Sajin's mask, and with crisp tapping sounds, she giggled:
"Who are you? Are you a new team member?"
"Why are you wearing a mask?"
Komamura Sajin's face instantly darkened. No… how could this little girl be so fast? He was staring intently and almost didn't see her clearly.
Also, what are you doing?
Is this old man's mask something you can just tap?
The reason he wore a mask was to conceal his true identity.
What if it accidentally came off…
Komamura Sajin, with a darkened face, lifted Yachiru off his shoulder, gripping her collar, and said to Yoriichi Tsugikuni:
"Captain Tsugikuni, please keep an eye on her…"
"This old man wears a mask for a difficult reason…"
Saying that, he turned his gaze to Yachiru again, and said seriously: "Your name is Yachiru, right?"
"This old man will tell you a truth: do not rashly pry into others' secrets."
"Given your young age, this old man won't hold it against you this time."
"Be more careful next time."
Yachiru, however, seemed completely oblivious. Even when suspended in mid-air, she remained smiling:
"You still haven't told me your name. You call yourself 'this old man,' are you very old?"
"I'm not Yachiru, I'm Kusajishi Yachiru. Don't look at my small stature, I'm already four hundred, almost five hundred years old…"
At these words, Komamura Sajin instantly fell silent.
Oh no.
He had encountered a "senior."
Four hundred years old?
Is that an age a little girl should be?
Despite his tall stature, nearly three meters, he was only about two hundred years old this year.
Thinking about what he had said to Yachiru earlier, Komamura Sajin felt his face burning.
Everyone's eyes were focused on the two of them, making Komamura Sajin feel a sudden wave of embarrassment, as if countless ants were crawling on him.
He coughed heavily:
"This old man is Komamura Sajin. My apologies, Fourth Seat Kusajishi."
He carefully set Yachiru down. Since she was the Fourth Seat, her strength must be comparable to that of an ordinary Captain.
Even though his rank was higher than Yachiru's, it was hard to say who was stronger in terms of actual combat power.
"So it's Ah Koma." Yachiru nodded after hearing this. Faced with Komamura Sajin's self-introduction, she instinctively gave him a nickname…
Of course, this nickname had no insulting meaning whatsoever.
It was just easy to remember.
Komamura Sajin's face stiffened.
After thinking about it, he ultimately said nothing.
But then, Yachiru continued to ask:
"When you eat with your mask on, doesn't it feel inconvenient? Do you not take it off when you sleep?"
"What about showering?"
"You still haven't told me your age…"
Yachiru's questions came one after another, but this also matched the age her appearance suggested.
Komamura Sajin was at a loss for how to answer.
Just then, Yoriichi spoke at the right moment, breaking the slightly awkward atmosphere.
"Alright, Yachiru, there's still a long time ahead."
"What should be known will eventually be known. What shouldn't be known, if he doesn't want to say it, asking is pointless."
"Right, Komamura?"
He looked at Komamura Sajin, making the latter instantly feel an indescribable pressure, as if his thoughts had been completely seen through.
In fact, Yoriichi's gaze held no emotion, but Komamura Sajin's inner inferiority made him mistakenly believe he had been seen through.
Although Yoriichi had known Komamura Sajin's secret for a long time…
He wondered when he would finally be able to stand tall, discard his mask, and live openly.
To him, werewolves were nothing special, especially after seeing those bizarre Hollows.
...
The matter between Yachiru and Komamura Sajin temporarily concluded.
With the tense situation in Hell resolved, and Kenpachi Kuruyashiki successfully resurrected.
Yoriichi no longer harbored too much worry about Komamura Sajin's departure from the Eleventh Division.
The current Kenpachi Kuruyashiki was in his peak state, so strong that even without using Bankai, he could easily overpower ordinary Vasto Lorde.
Within the entire Seireitei, he was considered a renowned master.
For him to lead the Eleventh Division would certainly be much better than Komamura Sajin.
After his resurrection, what he would do and how he planned to do it had nothing to do with Yoriichi.
Whether to delve into the Forest of Menos to find Kenpachi Gosuke, or to focus on developing the Eleventh Division and reducing casualties, believing that Gojoshibe could escape on his own…
These were all matters for the Eleventh Division itself.
Yoriichi, after all these matters were concluded, welcomed a relatively peaceful period.
Unbeknownst to him, several months passed, and his wedding with Uta was approaching.
Of course, since everyone involved was familiar, Yoriichi didn't feel nervous or anxious.
Uta, however, was different.
Because she had become acquainted with Shiba Miyako, and she was the only married Shinigami Uta knew.
Uta would visit the Shiba Family every few days.
Yoriichi initially sent someone to accompany her.
To prevent any accidents.
However, after a few days, the Shinigami responsible for accompanying her returned to report that there was no danger whatsoever.
It seemed that Kenpachi Kuruyashiki's resurrection had made those nobles abandon even the thought of resistance.
Their previous conjecture was confirmed.
Yoriichi could indeed pull those deceased Captains, or masters with Third-Grade Reiatsu or higher, out of Hell Gate.
If anyone provoked him…
Not a single noble… no, even all the nobles combined, probably wouldn't be a match for him alone.
What was the concept of hundreds of Captains?
Destroying the Three Realms would be effortless.
Understanding this, those nobles who were hostile to Yoriichi abandoned their intentions.
At the same time, they instructed their family members not to act recklessly, so as not to bring disaster upon themselves.
From ancient times to the present, there have been countless examples of entire families being annihilated because of a few fools.
Upon learning of these circumstances, Yoriichi understood clearly, but also felt somewhat surprised.
He had originally thought those nobles would uphold their dignity to the end, but he didn't expect… them to be so adaptable.
Well, since they didn't want to cause trouble, Yoriichi couldn't be bothered with them.
However, all necessary protective measures must be in place.
Yoriichi left a defensive Bakudo on Uta that could be triggered instantly.
This was something he had learned from Jūshirō Ukitake previously.
An enhanced version of Bakudo Number Eight: Repel.
It could expand the spiritual power shield covering the back of the hand to the entire body. However, due to the high spiritual pressure control required for this technique.
So even Jūshirō Ukitake, the developer, couldn't perfectly utilize it.
However, for Yoriichi, it was just right.
With the shield, combined with the further strengthened Zanpakuto, even a Captain with Third-Grade Reiatsu would be injured if they were slightly careless.
It could be said that Uta was now fully armed and well-protected.
Technology changes lives, and this statement is truly not false.
To think that a year ago.
She was just a Rukongai with no means to fight back.
...
With the wedding approaching, Uta was incredibly busy, and Yoriichi naturally wasn't idle either.
A few days ago, Komamura Sajin's Bankai modification was completed. Mayuri Kurotsuchi added some attack-reflecting devices to that armor.
Anyone who took that armor for a weakness, even if they just casually slapped it, would be knocked unconscious.
If it weren't for the inability to change the Bankai's attack method, Mayuri Kurotsuchi even planned to install several thrusters on that armor.
Invincible on land, and invincible in the sky too, truly achieving the feat of not even a single mosquito being able to get close.
Unfortunately, the technology involved was too complex, making it difficult for even Mayuri Kurotsuchi to achieve it immediately.
In Rukongai, Yoriichi recalled the Bankai performance test he had conducted on Komamura Sajin earlier.
Before he could even determine what level the current Komamura Sajin was among the Captains.
Beside him, Komamura Sajin's loud and strong voice pulled his thoughts back:
"Captain Yoriichi, we've arrived at the orphanage."
Yoriichi came back to his senses, looked up, and saw a group of children playing outside the house. This place was located in District 70 of South Rukongai.
A truly remote area.
And where those orphans gathered.
The orphans of District 78 were ultimately a minority, because the living conditions there were too harsh, and many children were killed by adults before they could grow up.
Those who managed to survive were "elites."
As long as they were given an opportunity, they would climb upwards with all their might.
But here was different.
And precisely because of this, this was an area Yoriichi paid special attention to.
When the children saw two adults appear outside the house, they couldn't help but shift their gaze and stop what they were doing.
But then, they realized the newcomers were Yoriichi Tsugikuni and Komamura Sajin.
They all broke into bright smiles, and some even ran forward, saying,
"Brother Dean, you're here."
"Uncle Komamura, why don't you take off your mask? We really want to see what you look like under it."
"..." Komamura Sajin stood there silently, ignoring the children's thoughts, and simply grunted softly:
"This old man will never take off his mask. You're wasting your time. Have any strange people approached here recently?"
The children looked at each other, and finally, they all shook their heads, indicating no.
After all, this place was too remote.
Even if someone wanted to act, it wouldn't make a difference.
Komamura Sajin nodded: "I see. This old man understands. These are the things you asked this old man to bring last time. Take them."
He pulled a burlap sack from his clothes, filled with many small items from First district. Although they were orphans, they shouldn't lack care.
Only after the children had received the items did the two enter the orphanage, intending to check on their current situation.
At the same time, Yoriichi also wanted to choose a few flower children.
After all, he was born in South Rukongai Eighty-First district.
In a sense, this place was also his hometown...
...
The two entered the orphanage, and Yoriichi Tsugikuni temporarily didn't notice anything unusual.
However, Komamura Sajin, standing beside him, his eyes widened suddenly when his gaze caught someone.
It was a child with a wolf's head and a human body, looking from a distance like a miniature Komamura Sajin, counting ants dejectedly in a corner.
Clearly, this was one of his kin.
When Komamura Sajin's gaze fell on him, he also noticed Komamura Sajin.
His eyes stared intently at Komamura Sajin, his nose twitching slightly instinctively. Then, the expression on his face changed like the shifting weather, instantly turning to joy.
This was definitely Big Brother Komamura!
Although Komamura Sajin's head was covered by a mask, and even his hands, feet, and chest were tightly wrapped in gloves and clothes, not revealing any werewolf features.
But his sense of smell wouldn't be wrong!
Before he could rush forward, a person in charge walked out from the corner and respectfully said to the two:
"Greetings, Dean Tsugikuni. May I ask why you two have come this time?"
"Is there anything I can do for you?"
Yoriichi Tsugikuni inquired about the recent condition of these orphans and stated his needs.
Komamura Sajin quietly left Yoriichi Tsugikuni's side.
The child with the wolf's head and human body followed him, apparently having guessed something.
When the two arrived at a secluded corner, Komamura Sajin finally turned around, faced the child, and sternly reprimanded him:
"How are you here?"
"This old man doesn't remember you being an orphan. Where are your parents?"
The werewolf clan is different from humans; they live in seclusion for generations, so deaths due to accidents are extremely rare.
Almost every child is born with parents by their side.
But now, an orphan has appeared... His origin is worth investigating.
The child responded with a smile: "Big Brother Komamura, don't be so angry. I've long heard about your deeds, and I truly admire you."
"For this, I decided to emulate you and left the clan territory. I heard you became a Captain. Congratulations to you."
"This old man is no longer a Captain," Komamura Sajin looked at him, his tightly furrowed brow never relaxing.
"So, why are you here? I don't think you're even fifty years old yet..."
"Yes." Before Komamura Sajin could finish speaking, the child spoke up,
"But what does that matter? Big Brother Komamura, didn't you also venture out before you were a hundred years old?"
"If you ask me why I'm here, that's a long story."
In short, because the werewolf clan was too special, he was abducted and sold as a rare commodity by some noble's lackeys before he even got close to Seireitei.
Those people said he was suitable to be a guard dog, a human-shaped guard dog; they had never seen one before.
If he hadn't been swept up and captured by the Shinigami of the Ninth Division midway, he would probably be a slave by now.
Even so, his situation wasn't much better, after all, he was abducted.
If he were to return to the clan territory in such a disgraced manner, he would probably be ridiculed by his clansmen for over a hundred years.
One must know, when he left, he had made a grand boast.
He declared that he would never return until he became a Shinigami.
There was no way out; he could only inquire about Komamura Sajin from those Shinigami.
But unfortunately, the information he possessed was somewhat outdated.
He was inquiring about a Captain, but at that time, Komamura Sajin had already become a Seat Officer.
His appearance and position didn't match, and the Shinigami thought it was a coincidence of names. Seeing that he had no parents and was unwilling to mention these circumstances, they sent him to the orphanage.
He's been there ever since.
"..."
Komamura Sajin didn't know how to respond to this.
Thankfully, he was rescued.
Otherwise, if he had truly been captured by the nobles, he would have had to ask Yoriichi Tsugikuni to rescue this child.
And by then, Yoriichi might ask why he was rescuing him, and then his appearance and identity would naturally be exposed...
Thinking of this, beneath the mask, Komamura Sajin exhaled heavily.
Then, as if remembering something, he asked:
"Did these humans bully you? Why did this old man see you looking unhappy at first?"
"You are truly too mischievous, not only worrying your parents but also needlessly increasing the expenses here."
"Do you know that there are many children your age who can't even find a place to live?"
"I know, but I haven't made a name for myself yet."
The child mumbled, then looked up,
"Big Brother Komamura, they didn't bully me. The reason I was unhappy was because I wanted to become a Shinigami, but I couldn't find a way."
"I mentioned your name, but they didn't know you..."
"Anyway, I don't want to go back, Big Brother Komamura, please take me with you. Even if I can't become a Shinigami, it's much better than staying in a cave."
"I want to live honorably like you."
Upon hearing this, it was as if a heavy hammer struck Komamura Sajin's heart, making him fall silent instantly.
Honorably?
He couldn't be considered honorable; even now, he didn't dare to take off his mask...
He himself couldn't bear the darkness of the cave, which was why he wanted to go outside.
When he passed through Rukongai, he was discriminated against by humans because of his appearance, so he chose to cover everything up...
Thinking carefully, what this mask concealed was not only his appearance but also his dignity...
Now, being praised like this by a young clansman, he truly felt a bit unworthy.
Exhaling a breath, Komamura Sajin gently stroked his head, his benevolent tone carrying a hint of solemnity:
"I'm sorry, this old man cannot grant your request. The human world is too dark, and you are still too young."
"But this old man can take it upon himself to teach you some Shinigami techniques."
"Wait until you possess strength like mine one day, then we can talk about integrating into the human world."
"What's your name?"
When he heard Komamura Sajin's first sentence, the child's expression instantly drooped.
Although he was mentally prepared, the taste of rejection was ultimately unpleasant.
However, upon hearing the latter sentence, he regained his spirits and said:
"Goro, Komamura Goro."
...
On the way back, Komamura Sajin was still thinking about the child, Goro.
Based on the surname, he should be from his own lineage.
No wonder he looked so much like him; after all, their bloodlines were almost identical... No wonder he knew about his deeds.
He'd better send him back to the clan in a few days. It's not good for him to stay here indefinitely.
Also...
His gaze slowly shifted to Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
Komamura Goro... As the Dean, Yoriichi should know this name.
So, through this surname, combined with his own actions...
Anyone who wasn't an idiot could understand what he looked like beneath the mask...
But Yoriichi didn't expose him...
Just as he was deep in thought, Yoriichi turned his head and casually asked, "Are you still thinking about that child, Goro?"
"Don't worry, he hasn't been discriminated against, because orphans have all experienced discrimination to some extent."
"They know that feeling deeply."
Hearing this, Komamura Sajin's thoughts were pulled back. After a moment of silence, a deep, low, and complex voice followed:
"Captain, in your opinion, is it possible for Goro to integrate into the human world?"
Yoriichi Tsugikuni glanced at him and replied: "In the more remote areas, for those adults, it's naturally impossible."
"You also know the character of those adults, extremely xenophobic... This applies even to humans, let alone a person who looks like a wolf."
The phrase "a person who looks like a wolf" caused a slight ripple in Komamura Sajin's heart.
He listened quietly, not expressing any opinion.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni paused, then continued:
"But in the areas closer to Seireitei, and within Seireitei... this situation probably wouldn't occur."
"The people living there adopt an accepting and tolerant attitude towards all new things."
"After all, no one can guarantee whether the other person is a Shinigami or their superior."
"This kind of benevolent misunderstanding can make relationships between people more harmonious."
"Komamura, if you're willing, I can bring Goro to Seireitei right now."
"You can imagine, if I were to bring him back, what would the Shinigami of the Ninth Division, and even other Divisions, think of him."
The conclusion was obvious. Yoriichi Tsugikuni's status was too high. Whether it was a wolf-like person or a human-like wolf,
Those Shinigami would definitely adopt an accepting attitude.
They couldn't be sure what Goro was to Yoriichi, and this was also a kind of benevolent misunderstanding...
No, to be precise, it was a kind of self-conjecture based on authority.
Komamura Sajin understood the implicit meaning of Yoriichi's words: whoever possesses power is the authority.
And he, Komamura Sajin.
Unknowingly, he had also become one of them.
Filled with mixed emotions, he clenched his hands with a complex expression and sighed:
"So that's how it is. This old man overthought it. So all of this was a misunderstanding..."
Because he was rejected in the more remote areas of Rukongai, he mistakenly believed that all humans were like those people...
Regarding this,
His mind in turmoil, he looked up and gazed at Yoriichi:
"Captain Tsugikuni, you don't need to hint at me anymore. You must already know, right?"
"Know what?" Yoriichi's purpose in saying these words was merely to make Komamura Sajin feel better and to put his mind at ease.
But he didn't expect that as soon as he turned his head, he saw Komamura Sajin place his hands on either side of his mask and gently pull.
Whoosh.
The mask was lifted, revealing the serious and stern wolf's head beneath.
Komamura Sajin's eyes sparkled slightly as he faced Yoriichi Tsugikuni and solemnly said:
"You truly are worthy of being the Captain-Commander's disciple; even your thoughts are the same as his. This old man is utterly convinced."
"That child was right; evasion is an act of cowardice. Even he knows this truth... This old man feels deeply ashamed."
"This is truly living honorably."
"I apologize, Captain Tsugikuni, for keeping it from you all this time."
He sighed, his gaze then becoming resolute. After taking a step forward, he extended his right hand towards Yoriichi Tsugikuni,
"Let's reintroduce ourselves. My name is Komamura Sajin, and I am from the Werewolf Clan."
"Captain Tsugikuni, please take care of me from now on."