"What, Kaien passed?"
Some time later, Shiba Isshin heard the news, his face beaming with joy.
"I knew it; he wouldn't disappoint me."
"The future of the Tenth Division is in his hands, and the future of the branch family is also in his hands."
"When will he take over?"
He eagerly asked Kyōraku Shunsui, who had come to visit and deliver the news.
Kyōraku Shunsui smiled imperceptibly.
He slowly sat down cross-legged, facing Shiba Isshin, then extended a hand, signaling the other party not to rush.
"Soon, if nothing unexpected happens, it will be in the next few days."
"Kaien-kun is a bit exhausted due to excessive reishi consumption, so he needs some time to recover."
"Once his reishi recovers, that's probably when he'll take over."
"Captain Shiba, you wouldn't be unable to wait even this short amount of time, would you?"
"Yoriichi said…"
Seeing that Kyōraku Shunsui was about to nag like a patriarch,
Shiba Isshin quickly raised a hand to interrupt, a helpless expression on his face:
"Stop, I know the rules. It's just a few days; I can wait."
"Captain Kyōraku, please tell me about the battle."
As he spoke, he made a gesture of taking a sip.
"Anyway, I can't leave for a while, so how about we have a few drinks together?"
Kyōraku Shunsui's eyes lit up; his attention, which had been drawn elsewhere, was instantly diverted by the allure of fine wine.
Immediately after, the two drank and conversed, and time slowly passed without them noticing.
After Kyōraku Shunsui left, Shiba Isshin looked at the blood-red twilight and finally let out a sigh of relief.
"Finally… is my Shiba Clan about to rise?"
"Although I remember Kaien doesn't like to fight for power, our clansmen are almost starving to death. Maintaining a high moral ground now would be unreasonable."
"I hope he can become a turning point in the history of the Shiba Clan."
He no longer remembered when the other noble families started suppressing the Shiba Clan.
But recently, it was undoubtedly the most decadent period for the Shiba Clan.
If they didn't make a change, they would probably disappear from the history of Soul Society.
Sighing, Shiba Isshin took one last look at the setting sun in the sky, then turned around, slamming the door shut, and began to handle the affairs within the Tenth Division.
Shiba Kaien was about to take over; he couldn't hand him a messy Tenth Division.
Without a doubt, the Tenth Division would be the foundation for the Shiba Clan's rise.
It needed to be managed meticulously.
This was also the last thing he, as the former Captain, could do.
…
In a flash, it was the day Shiba Kaien took office, and Tōshirō Hitsugaya was also present.
He looked at the other party's Captain's haori, a hint of longing in his eyes, thinking that his turn would come soon.
As long as he became a Captain, he would surely be able to provide a better life for his grandmother and Momo.
Which Captain should he challenge?
He didn't think he would lose, because Yoriichi Tsugikuni had once said that Hyōrinmaru was the strongest ice-type Zanpakutō.
Since Nejibana, which Shiba Kaien wielded, could become the strongest water-type, and Hyōrinmaru countered Nejibana, there was no reason why he couldn't even become a Captain.
The problem now before him was which Captain would be easy to defeat…
Due to too little information, Toushiro pondered for a long time but still found no answer.
Perhaps… he should wait until he had completely mastered Bankai, then go ask Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
Exhaling, Toushiro gradually reined in his thoughts and began to congratulate Shiba Kaien, the newly appointed Captain.
But there were also many discordant voices below.
For example,
Some other old noble families, seeing the Shiba Clan's decline, wanted to replace them and become one of the Five Great Noble Families.
They stood among the crowd, their faces so gloomy they seemed to drip water.
It was simply outrageous; they had almost succeeded, suppressing all of the Shiba Clan's businesses, leaving them unable to even make fireworks.
Unexpectedly, Shiba Kaien had turned around and climbed up to Yoriichi Tsugikuni, this great Buddha.
This incident caused their plans to completely collapse, and all their past investments went down the drain.
Nothing was more painful than a cooked duck flying away.
At this moment, their eyes, full of jealousy and hatred, stared intently at Shiba Kaien in front, their gaze seemingly able to burn a person.
Shiba Kaien subtly noticed this; he merely smiled faintly and didn't care.
Because many noble families were eyeing the Shiba Clan's position.
These few present were clearly not all of them. Fortunately, he had a backer.
"Captain-Commander, thank you so much for being willing to host a welcome party for me, a newly appointed Captain."
Shiba Kaien sincerely thanked Yoriichi Tsugikuni beside him, bowing slightly, his eyes full of gratitude.
He understood Yoriichi Tsugikuni's intention, and thus gladly accepted it.
After all, he also wanted to give his younger siblings a better life.
Yoriichi nodded, accepting the thanks, and after a moment of contemplation, said:
"It's nothing, Kaien-kun. These are things I, as the Captain-Commander, should do."
"What's more, as the head of the Shiba Clan, you should let more people know your identity."
He paused slightly, a hint of concern in his gaze:
"About your younger siblings… do they want to move back to Seireitei?"
"There's no need for that," Shiba Kaien shook his head, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes.
Although he knew that life in Seireitei was far better than in Rukongai, in terms of safety… an ordinary Seireitei residence was far inferior to the large house in Rukongai.
It was intricate and complex, even professional assassins would get lost for a long time inside.
Shiba Kaien would not underestimate the determination and moral bottom line of those noble families.
Upon hearing this, Yoriichi understood.
After the inauguration ceremony and welcome party ended, he separately called Yoruichi Shihouin and Kuchiki Byakuya, preparing to inquire about the current situation of the Shiba Clan.
Yoruichi casually said, "The Shiba Clan? There's really nothing to talk about."
"Even if that family head becomes a Captain, it will be difficult to reverse the decline in a short time."
"Because all their family's businesses have been seized."
"The situation of the branch family is unclear. The previous head relied on the fireworks business for a living, but even fireworks, which are low-cost, require raw materials to produce."
"And some noble families are extremely skilled at seizing businesses. Although my Shihouin Clan didn't interfere, we couldn't stop the multitude of wolves fighting over limited prey."
"Yori… no, Captain-Commander, don't tell me you're going to help Shiba Kaien reclaim his family's businesses."
"Why not?" Yoriichi asked.
This matter-of-fact tone made Yoruichi Shihouin freeze. She hesitated for a moment and sighed:
"You can, but doing so will make other noble families think you don't follow the rules."
"They all do things secretly, but you, on the other hand, are directly and blatantly taking action."
"Why can't I act openly?"
Listening to Yoruichi Shihouin's tone, it seemed that his act of upholding justice was somehow wrong.
Those noble families who maliciously encroached on others' businesses were, instead, correct.
What kind of world was this?
"That's how the world is. These are unspoken rules established over millions of years. Everyone needs to survive, and the more money, the better, naturally."
Yoruichi Shihouin also looked a bit helpless. She spread her hands.
"Not to mention, there's also the identity of being one of the Five Great Noble Families. Every high-ranking noble family wants to rise higher."
"Helping them is practically going against all the high-ranking noble families."
"I know this statement might be a bit exaggerated, but, Captain-Commander, I suggest you think it over carefully."
"This matter can actually be left to Shiba Kaien himself."
"So you want me to turn a blind eye to those evil deeds?"
Yoriichi Tsugikuni looked calmly at Yoruichi Shihouin, his tone also very flat.
But anyone could see the oppressive force contained in his gaze.
Before knowing what had happened to the Shiba Clan, he actually felt nothing.
But now, to ignore and condone those obviously despicable unspoken rules,
he couldn't do it.
Yoruichi sighed again. She knew her words wouldn't persuade Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
This was also what she had admired most about him in the past.
Not going with the flow, that's good, however…
Kuchiki Byakuya, who had been silent, spoke up: "I support your proposal, Captain-Commander."
"Those guys are a disgrace to the nobility. My Kuchiki Clan is ashamed to associate with them."
"If you are to act, please take me with you."
Kuchiki Byakuya's character was still straightforward. Like Yoriichi Tsugikuni, he also couldn't stand the actions of those noble families.
Unfortunately, he was not articulate and strictly adhered to rules, and he was completely unaware of this matter before. Otherwise, he would never have turned a blind eye.
Yoriichi nodded, very satisfied, but his attitude had a hint of restraint:
"Very good, Byakuya, having this intention is enough."
"However, I cannot involve your Kuchiki Clan. This is a matter for the Gotei 13 and even the Captains."
Kuchiki Byakuya frowned. He could feel Yoriichi Tsugikuni's concern, but more than that, it was a feeling of being underestimated.
He retorted: "Captain-Commander, do you think my Kuchiki Clan is afraid of them?"
"They are merely a few ambitious scoundrels. The dignity of the Five Great Noble Families cannot be defiled by others, and the Shiba Clan is no exception."
"After all, you should also understand the principle of being connected. The demise of others is also the potential demise of my Kuchiki Clan in the future."
"I am definitely helping with this."
"I am also a Captain."
Kuchiki Byakuya's words were somewhat resolute, whether due to his identity or some other reason, he didn't know.
Yoriichi thought for a moment and realized he couldn't refuse, because the other person had already said so much…
No choice…
He slightly raised his eyes, intending to speak. This brief silence, in Kuchiki Byakuya's eyes, was an acquiescence.
Seeing this, he immediately stood up and prepared to go back and get ready.
Although in Kuchiki Byakuya's view, this was an act of justice, he would certainly be sent to the Forty-Six Chambers when the time came.
Being prepared would prevent him from being flustered.
Yoruichi Shihouin listened to their words and watched their actions, feeling a little anxious for a moment.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni was one thing, but why was Kuchiki Byakuya's sense of justice so strong?
Demise? She couldn't imagine what could lead the Kuchiki Clan into such a situation.
It was one hundred percent a pretext.
However.
She couldn't refute it, after all, it was probabilistically possible. How annoying, Yoruichi Shihouin felt inexplicably inferior.
Taking a deep breath, seeing that the two had finished their discussion and were about to leave, Yoruichi hesitated for a while, her heart in turmoil.
Ultimately, loyalty triumphed over rules. She immediately shouted:
"Wait! I'll go then. I'm telling you, I'm not afraid of them. I just think you two are too reckless."
"Although the Shiba Clan's matter has nothing to do with me, just as Captain Kuchiki said, the Shihouin Clan might also encounter such a situation in the future."
"Open competition is fine, but covert actions must be stopped."
Hearing this, Yoriichi Tsugikuni and Kuchiki Byakuya, who were about to leave, stopped in their tracks.
The two exchanged glances, their expressions showing an 'as expected' look.
Yoruichi indeed still possessed a certain sense of justice.
This was not just for the Shiba Clan, but also for the peace of the entire Seireitei.
If people could fight fiercely and resort to any means for status and money,
then the existence of the Forty-Six Chambers would become meaningless. They must play a practical role.
No one could be favored.
…
The operation began immediately, and by the time it concluded, it was already early morning the next day.
Due to the pursuit of efficiency, and with the involvement of the Kuchiki Clan and the Shihouin Clan in blocking information,
even though as many as ten noble families were involved, their arrests caused no commotion whatsoever.
Shiba Kaien learned of this the next morning.
When he heard that the nobles who had deliberately suppressed his family's business through despicable means had all been arrested, his mood became visibly complicated.
Why did the situation change in just one night?
He had only just taken office...
One could only say.
The importance placed on the Captain position should not be underestimated.
But...
"It's still too fast."
Shiba Kaien seemed to sense something, sighing softly, "So fast that I feel like everything has changed."
"Owing favors to three families all at once, what am I to do?"
Although the family's business was recovered.
But immeasurable favors are certainly harder to repay than actual money.
He had no idea whether this was a loss or a gain.
However, he felt the Captain-Commander's efficiency and dedication.
He was somewhat moved; following him was definitely the right choice.
As for the favors... he would see; after all, the Shiba Family had nothing left.
Thinking of this, Shiba Kaien breathed a sigh of relief.
He slowly stood up, brushed the dust off his body, and prepared to head to Seireitei to see the specific situation.
Staying at home alone would certainly not yield any other useful information.
"Big Brother, have a safe trip."
Shiba Kūkaku stood by, her mood also quite complicated.
But she knew that these matters were not for her to worry about, and could only entrust her big brother to handle them properly.
Once Shiba Kaien disappeared from sight, Shiba Kūkaku rolled up her sleeves, immediately intending to do what she could.
For example, raising Shiba Ganju to be a man could also be considered an added layer of protection for the Shiba Clan.
...
Seireitei.
The wind today was very noisy, and a heavy atmosphere permeated the 1st Division, both inside and out.
This was simply because the events of last night had been leaked by a group of nobles in the morning.
As the matter was extremely sensitive, it spread throughout the upper echelons of Seireitei in a very short time.
Chōjirō Sasakibe decisively arranged for a group of "assassins" to protect the Captain-Commander.
The so-called "protection" was to publicly stage an attack on the Captain-Commander whenever a noble appeared and tried to arrest him.
This way, they could use the chaos as an excuse to indefinitely postpone the matter.
It wasn't his first time doing something like this; recalling how he even pretended to be dead to kill Yhwach back then.
Compared to that, what was framing a noble?
The Captain-Commander was the key, the core of maintaining order in Seireitei.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni understood Chōjirō Sasakibe's considerations.
Although he felt this move was useless, he did not refute it to dampen the other party's enthusiasm.
At this moment, he was in the deepest part of the 1st Division, looking at the several people in front of him with a somewhat helpless expression:
"Kyōraku, Ukitake, I wasn't acting impulsively; those were all actions I took after careful consideration."
"The ambition of some nobles has been fully exposed, even affecting the Gotei 13. If not suppressed, Seireitei will only become more chaotic."
"I merely eliminated the malicious competitors of the Shiba Clan."
"With this lesson, even if other nobles want to compete in the future, I believe they won't make the same mistakes again."
"The path forward, ultimately, they must walk on their own."
"But why did it get twisted into me favoring the Shiba Clan, or even saying that any noble who becomes a Captain will receive my protection?"
"Who fabricated this rumor?"
It was quite absurd; although it was true in terms of facts, the core of the incident was completely different.
Hearing this, Kyōraku Shunsui and Jūshirō Ukitake exchanged glances.
Kyōraku Shunsui nodded, a smile of understanding on his face: "I understand, don't worry, Yoriichi."
"Regarding that rumor-mongering reporter, I've already sent the Eighth Division to find and apprehend him."
"I only came here this time to understand the situation, as I don't believe you would be as unfair as that rumor suggests."
"Fair competition, that's good, that's you."
As he spoke, Kyōraku Shunsui adjusted his straw hat and slowly stood up.
His wide, floral-patterned kimono swayed gently with his movements, making him appear quite dashing in that moment, and his tone seemed somewhat relieved,
"Since everything is fine, Ukitake and I will take our leave first."
"There are still some nobles who need to be visited and appeased to prevent the situation from escalating further."
"If Shiba Kaien comes, hmm..."
"Don't rush to meet him; tell him to find me at the Eighth Division, or Ukitake at the Thirteenth Division."
"I think he's probably worrying about how to repay the favor right now."
Kyōraku Shunsui smiled, looking at Yoriichi Tsugikuni, stating the fact with a slightly playful tone,
"It's truly interesting, it seems every Division Captain owes you a favor, and for some, it's even a life-saving grace."
"Even our teacher didn't achieve what you have."
"You're truly amazing."
Kyōraku Shunsui's lament was filled with genuine emotion, because upon closer thought, it was indeed true.
Apart from himself and Captain Rose, everyone else had more or less come into contact with Yoriichi Tsugikuni and received something from him.
Yoruichi's grandfather, Hirako Shinji's survival, and so on...
One could say.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that he alone influenced the entire Gotei 13, and even all of Seireitei.
Adding to that today's incident...
If Yoriichi Tsugikuni hadn't stepped forward, or simply hadn't existed, the future of the Shiba Clan would certainly have been completely different.
However, such a person, who had a profound impact on Seireitei, was slandered by others.
Kyōraku Shunsui couldn't help but lament the decline of public morals and the corruption of human hearts.
He sighed with emotion, and although Jūshirō Ukitake didn't know exactly what Kyōraku Shunsui was thinking at that moment.
But seeing that it was getting late, almost noon, he pulled him along, preparing to leave.
Before leaving, Kyōraku Shunsui did not forget to add:
"I'll be back, Yoriichi. Then we can have a good few drinks and delve deeper into the person behind those rumors about you."
"My Eighth Division is not to be trifled with when it comes to intelligence. I will definitely find him and make him face the consequences he deserves."
"You just wait here in peace."
...
...
After the two left, Yoriichi Tsugikuni also left the room.
He went to his office, handling affairs while waiting for time to pass.
He waited for a long time, and Shiba Kaien indeed did not come.
There was also no big commotion outside.
It seemed those nobles, after weighing their options, chose to let the matter rest.
This was undoubtedly good news for Yoriichi.
In the evening, Kyōraku Shunsui arrived as promised.
He brought a pot of sake, sat down cross-legged, and Yoriichi had a few drinks with him.
Afterward, he heard the news that the rumor-monger and the noble behind him had been imprisoned.
Although it was only a minor crime, they were symbolically locked up for several decades, as they had slandered the Captain-Commander.
They wouldn't be out to disturb the atmosphere of Seireitei anytime soon.
"Where's Kaien?"
Yoriichi looked up and asked, "Did he go to your place? What does he think of my actions?"
Kyōraku Shunsui sighed softly, took another drink, narrowed his eyes slightly, and slowly said:
"He doesn't have any particular opinion, just some unease, after all, you've done too much for his Shiba Clan."
Changing the subject, the corners of his mouth turned up slightly,
"But once I explained the whole story to him, he felt much more at ease and specifically asked me to thank you on his behalf."
"Now, the matter has largely settled; those who should take up their posts have, and those who should go to prison have."
Kyōraku Shunsui paused, his gaze fixed on Yoriichi,
"Regarding Seireitei's future plans, do you have any in mind?"
Plans? Of course.
However.
Explaining in detail was quite complex, so Yoriichi only mentioned a few points simply.
For example, utilizing Seireitei's reishi technology to spread the Internet from the Demon Slayer world throughout Seireitei, achieving full signal coverage.
At the same time, reducing the cost of computers as much as possible and shrinking their size, replacing the existence of the Denreishinki, so that every Shinigami can own one.
The Soul Society has no oil, and some important and special devices can only be manufactured in the Human World; bringing them back would require reishi conversion.
This was extremely inconvenient and time-consuming.
Precisely because of this, finding a perfect substitute for oil became extremely important.
Adding these up, there were about twenty development plans in total.
If only half of these plans could be completed, the Soul Society's technology would undergo a complete revolution, directly stepping from the twentieth century into the twenty-first century.
Kyōraku Shunsui listened quietly, nodding occasionally, largely grasping Yoriichi Tsugikuni's ideas.
He secretly praised in his heart that this plan was extremely well thought out.
From the subtle aspects of people's livelihoods to every facet of Shinigami's work, everything was covered.
It's just...
"Regarding improving the overall environment of the Soul Society, how do you plan to do that?"
"The concentration of reishi can't be significantly increased in a short time, and the same goes for the food problem."
"The Soul Society is vast, and its population is difficult to estimate."
"Such a massive project, once implemented, would probably take at least a hundred years to complete."
"Not a hundred years." Yoriichi shook his head,
"I've already discussed this with Kisuke. Among all the plans, this one is the simplest."
"The Soul Society may not have reishi, but Hueco Mundo does."
"As long as a passage is established on the outskirts of the Soul Society, specifically from Districts Seventy-something to Eighty, connecting to Hueco Mundo, the reishi concentration will greatly increase."
"Consequently, people living there will feel full without needing to consume food."
"Kyōraku, you should know that the hardest-hit areas for food scarcity are precisely there."
"Moreover, that's also where the most bad people are; even if there's food, it will be stolen by some lawless individuals."
"As long as that area stabilizes, it doesn't matter if the reishi concentration is lower elsewhere."
"Just plant the seeds Kisuke developed."
"And seeds will eventually be updated and replaced; once they are optimized and improved, the day when everyone can be full is just around the corner."
As soon as these words were spoken, Kyōraku Shunsui's expression gradually became complicated.
He had no doubt about Yoriichi's ability to accomplish this.
He could even imagine how high Yoriichi's popularity would soar among the populace once he succeeded.
But...
Thinking of a certain crucial point, he slowly began: "Hueco Mundo... will they accept it?"
"Connecting to Hueco Mundo, if a Hollow comes over, how should we deal with it?"
"Also, once the plan begins, how long do you estimate it will take to complete?"
"I..."
"I know what you want to ask, don't worry." Yoriichi Tsugikuni interrupted Kyōraku Shunsui.
He slowly stood up, walked to the window, and gazed out at the world bathed in the afterglow, his calm voice continuing,
"Kisuke has long thought about these questions you've raised and provided corresponding solutions."
"Since you have doubts, why not see for yourself? The operation will likely take place about a month from now, by then everything will be ready."
Turning around, he looked at Kyōraku Shunsui, his eyes slightly tinged with emotion,
"Come to think of it, it hasn't even been half a year since I took office."
"This could be considered my first gift to the Soul Society."
"I hope it likes it."