"What is it?"
Yamamoto asked, his mustache trembling slightly.
Kyōraku Shunsui snapped out of his thoughts and turned to look at the esteemed senior.
Facing their confusion, Unohana Retsu remained calm. "Regarding the Commander-in-Chief of the Stealth Force... I believe I have some judgment of character. I've had several encounters with him," she said softly.
When the former head of the Shihoin family was still alive, she often visited the estate to prescribe medicine and treat him.
Every time, she heard nothing but praise from the late patriarch for his son-in-law. He couldn't have been more satisfied.
Over time, her interactions with Ren became more frequent.
Though they weren't exactly friends, they were acquaintances. She had naturally observed him.
Their most recent meeting was when the current head of the Shihoin family gave birth.
This son-in-law, fearing for his wife's safety during labor, went out of his way to invite both her and Seinosuke to the estate despite already having physicians on hand, all to minimize any risk.
No one knew the true depth of his feelings for his wife.
But Unohana could see that he was a man willing to take responsibility.
"In my observation, while Shahoin Ren has a somber personality and was once a gangster in the Rukongai, he possesses a well-defined sense of right and wrong. He might not be a 'good man' per se, but he is certainly not evil."
"He feels pity for the weak and anger toward injustice. In that regard, he's actually somewhat ordinary."
"While he pursues fame, fortune, and status, there is an uncrossable line in his heart. He doesn't strike me as the type of schemer who would deliberately spark chaos for personal gain."
Hearing this, Yamamoto Shigekuni's brow furrowed slightly. He looked at Unohana with a hint of doubt.
Kyōraku Shunsui rubbed his chin, looking thoughtful.
"Senior, are you saying..."
Unohana spoke softly.
"It seems the Head Captain, Captain Kyōraku, and Captain Ukitake have all made an assumption in their hearts to view him as a villain."
"Everyone is on guard against him. The Head Captain was far too impatient a few days ago, practically putting his distrust on display, as if Ren might trigger a disaster that would threaten the peace of the Seireitei at any moment."
"But looking at the facts, is Shahoin Ren truly an evil man?"
"Based on his performance recently, he has been diligent and hardworking. He carries out his duties to the letter. He is quite responsible."
"To expand the Stealth Force, he didn't just recruit from all over; he even placed the death soldiers trained by the Shihoin family into the organization. He's even developing various weapons to ensure they reach combat effectiveness as quickly as possible."
"I won't deny he has selfish motives—wanting to strengthen the Stealth Force to solidify his and the Shihoin family's power. But strengthening one's own department is the responsibility of any leader."
Having said that, Unohana looked at Yamamoto Shigekuni as if posing a silent challenge.
If they were talking about villains, who in the three worlds could be more wicked than the 'Great Villain' she once was?
If they were talking about hazards, who could compare to the 'Blade Demon of the Roaring Flames,' Yamamoto Shigekuni?
Yamamoto Shigekuni understood her meaning.
There was no need to bring up the past; everyone present knew the truth.
Simply speaking, if he were in the position of the Commander-in-Chief of the Stealth Force, he would undoubtedly strengthen its power as well.
Even as the Head Captain of the Gotei 13, he hoped his own members would become as strong as possible.
Just as Unohana said, strengthening the institution one leads is both a leader's instinct and an inescapable duty!
Since the Stealth Force had just separated from the Gotei 13, its head was naturally eager to show results.
He needed to prove the value of himself and the organization to silence the critics.
A leader slacking off immediately after a department is established would be the real crime.
Kyōraku Shunsui also understood this logic.
From this perspective, Shahoin Ren's actions weren't wrong.
In fact, they were exactly right!
It almost seemed like he was sacrificing his family's resources for the sake of the public good.
Unohana paused before asking, "If you both agree that Shahoin Ren has done nothing wrong... why are you still so wary of him? Why do you constantly worry he'll do something atrocious?"
"Head Captain, Captain Kyōraku, please think carefully. Why are you so hostile toward him? Why is there such strong resistance?"
Kyōraku's face flickered with memories before he calmed down. He already had the answer.
He looked at Unohana and smiled. "As expected of a senior. You see things with such clarity."
"It seems I'm still quite green. I have a lot to learn, and I've certainly learned much from you today."
Hearing Kyōraku's self-deprecation, Unohana waved it off, actually making a rare joke.
"Does that mean you're calling me old, Captain Kyōraku?"
Unohana's smile was bright, and her voice grew even gentler.
But that gentle demeanor made Kyōraku Shunsui's face turn pale with fear.
He felt as if he could see billowing black clouds rising from that serene smile.
"Senior, please forgive this junior's slip of the tongue."
Kyōraku bowed his head with lightning speed.
If he wasn't fast enough, he feared he'd suffer a terrible fate.
Unohana smiled. "I was just joking, Captain Kyōraku. I never thought you said anything wrong, nor did I think you were implying I'm old."
Kyōraku's heart trembled. He didn't dare say more, only giving a forced laugh.
Yamamoto Shigekuni ignored the banter and gave a slight nod.
"Retsu, I understand what you mean."
Looking back, his initial impression of Shahoin Ren was quite positive. He saw him as a steady and capable man, a pillar of the community.
But after Ren accepted the invitation into the Shihoin family, a subtle shift occurred in Yamamoto's evaluation.
He began to view Shahoin Ren through a lens—seeing him as a social climber who clung to power.
Relatively speaking, he preferred the 'clumsy' type who advanced through grit and perseverance over the 'clever' type who took shortcuts!
Then came the rebellion of Kuchiki Kōga, which caused the greatest disaster in the Seireitei's last thousand years.
Although it didn't affect the lower levels, the damage to the high-level political structure was greater than the war against the Quincies or the recent Seireitei civil war combined.
Central 46 was slaughtered. Multiple captains of the Gotei 13 were killed. The main house of the Great Noble Ise family was wiped out, leaving only a few branches...
It was a complete collapse of the ruling system.
If not for Yamamoto Shigekuni's immense prestige holding things together, rebellions would have likely broken out everywhere.
During Kōga's rebellion, Shahoin Ren seized the opportunity to manipulate power. He led the Shihoin faction to scramble for influence, securing the majority of seats in the Central 46 and essentially seizing total control.
Such immense power was unprecedented. It was bound to arouse suspicion.
Yamamoto Shigekuni was no exception.
"In the past, various factions within the Central 46 could maintain a balance of power, making the Seireitei more stable."
"But now, the Shihoin family stands alone in dominance. Yet the head of the family, Yoruichi, has always been fond of play. Since her marriage, she has been misled by Ren, becoming increasingly indulgent in pleasure..."
"This resulted in all the family's power falling into Ren's hands, allowing him to secretly manipulate the decrees of Central 46..."
"I cannot help but worry. If Shahoin Ren is consumed by power and falls into darkness, he would cause a disaster far more terrifying than Kuchiki Kōga!"
Once bitten, twice shy.
With Kōga's destruction still fresh, he had to be cautious.
Therefore, he scrutinized every one of Shahoin Ren's actions.
Kyōraku Shunsui shook his head.
"Shahoin Ren's power is too conspicuous; it's impossible to ignore."
"But at most, that would cause caution. What truly caused our hostility was the rise of the Stealth Force, right, Old Man Yama?"
Who controlled Central 46 now? Obviously, Shahoin Ren!
Who led the Stealth Force? Also Shahoin Ren!
Anyone could see that Shahoin Ren was the one pulling the strings behind everything!
Yamamoto paused, then nodded.
Unohana's indifferent voice rang out.
"The rise of the Stealth Force erodes the power of the Gotei 13. Add to that the fact that our budget was cut by nearly half, and we captains naturally grow to dislike the Stealth Force—and the man orchestrating it all, Shahoin Ren."
"Central 46 weakens the authority of the Gotei 13 while relying more on the Stealth Force and the Kido Corps... I never thought the day would come when I'd be reluctant to let go of power," Yamamoto's aged voice carried a hint of self-mockery.
Hearing this, Unohana looked at Yamamoto and shook her head.
"Head Captain, Captain Kyōraku, I know you aren't power-hungry. You aren't influenced by your own authority; it's simply human nature to hate losing something."
"Specifically, watching something that belongs to you being taken away piece by piece. Anyone would feel an instinctive revulsion toward that."
Yet, bound by the orders of Central 46, they couldn't resist. They could only comply.
Naturally, they developed hostility toward Shahoin Ren, who was responsible for their losses.
"Though we bear the name of Soul Reapers, at our core, we have the same emotions as humans. We are no different."
Yamamoto Shigekuni sighed.
"Money or power—these are external things. To think I would be affected by the gain or loss of such things. It seems my mental state is only at this level. I still have much training to do."
Kyōraku Shunsui smiled bitterly. "Old Man Yama, don't say that. Aren't all of us captains the same?"
He looked at Unohana with admiration.
"In contrast, Captain Unohana was able to step outside her own perspective to see the truth. You truly are a legendary senior."
Unohana looked humble.
However, the trace of doubt on Kyōraku's face had not yet vanished.
"But..."
"Old Man Yama, Captain Unohana, I still feel like something isn't right."
"Hmm?"
Yamamoto frowned, his gaze landing on his disciple.
Under his watch, Kyōraku spoke slowly. "After today's incident, a rift will surely form between the Gotei 13 and the Stealth Force. The two sides will become even more opposed."
"But the strange thing is right here. Doesn't it feel contradictory?"
He thought for a moment before saying deeply, "Shahoin Ren can be called the uncrowned king of the Seireitei right now. Logically, to consolidate his power, he should be winning over the Gotei 13."
"Even if he is the master of the Stealth Force and inherently competes with the Gotei 13, he is a wise man. He shouldn't be so short-sighted... Just like what he did with the Kido Corps—winning over Tessai Tsukabishi to gain their support."
"Yet he made such a provocation today. It undoubtedly widens the enmity between the Stealth Force and the Gotei 13..."
Ren's actions today were a retaliation for Yamamoto's actions the other day.
Having just taken power, he couldn't afford to show any weakness.
There were so many nobles in the Seireitei who envied his power. Once he showed fear, he would be subjected to endless testing.
When he could no longer hold out, those nobles would swarm him and devour his power whole.
Ren's decisive counterattack was within the realm of reason.
Ultimately, it was Yamamoto Shigekuni and the others who had provoked him first, forcing him to strike back so firmly.
Kyōraku rubbed his chin, his eyes darting between Yamamoto and Unohana as if realizing something.
Finally, his gaze fixed on Yamamoto. His voice turned grim.
"Old Man Yama, I think... we were used as weapons to attack Shahoin Ren!"
"Someone is exploiting our hostility toward him to incite conflict between both sides."
Who would benefit most from a conflict between the two major organizations?
In an instant, the answer appeared in all three of their minds.
"The Central 46!"
Only if the two major organizations fought could the Central 46 sit above them, playing both sides and seizing the chance to expand its own authority.
"But that's the problem. Central 46 is controlled by Shahoin Ren. He wouldn't look for trouble for himself."
After Kyōraku finished, Yamamoto's frown deepened.
"Shunsui, when we were able to enter the barrier of the Stealth Force, it was with the help of Sage Ubuyashiki."
"Regarding that, we already concluded that Sage Ubuyashiki belongs to the Tsunayashiro faction. The Tsunayashiro family wants to use this to suppress the Shihoin family."
At the time, Yamamoto was afraid of another major disaster threatening the Seireitei's safety.
Everything was done to quickly quell potential hidden dangers, so they were willing to be used by the Tsunayashiro family.
Kyōraku spoke. "It's the same question. Central 46 is controlled by Shahoin Ren. Even if the Tsunayashiro family wanted to take action, they would be suppressed by the Shihoin family. They wouldn't let a sage from a rival faction stand up and cause trouble."
"And the Tsunayashiro family has so few people left. Normally, they should be keeping a low profile right now to ensure their survival and preserve what little power they have left. They wouldn't expose themselves to Shahoin Ren's hostility."
Mentioning the Tsunayashiro family, the figure of its current head flashed in Kyōraku's mind.
That disgusting, malicious person.
Just thinking about his former classmate made Kyōraku Shunsui feel a wave of nausea.
And the doubt that had been nagging at him suddenly became clear!
"Old Man Yama, I think I know what's going on."
"Tell me."
Yamamoto looked thoughtful.
Kyōraku slowly laid out his thoughts.
"A person's perspective changes along with their position."
"The sages controlled by Shahoin Ren had no choice but to rely on the Shihoin family when they were weak and insignificant."
"But once they become members of the Central 46, holding supreme power, will they still follow Shahoin Ren's orders as they did before?"
At this point, Kyōraku Shunsui shook his head, his voice decisive.
"They certainly will not!"
"They will inevitably resent Shahoin Ren's control. At that point, all it takes is a little provocation for their dissatisfaction to explode."
In that light, everything made sense.
Kyōraku's gaze darkened.
Thinking of the person pulling the strings behind the scenes, his face showed a flicker of disgust.
"The Tsunayashiro family isn't willing to let power slip away, and some sages from the Shihoin faction aren't willing to be controlled. The two sides hit it off and started seizing power."
"Just like before, they exploited the Gotei 13's hostility toward the Stealth Force to make the two organizations start fighting, while the people in Central 46 took the opportunity to seize authority."
Hearing this, Unohana felt a sense of doubt.
"Captain Kyōraku, you mentioned earlier that the Tsunayashiro family is at a low point and should be biding its time. Why would they expose their intentions so blatantly?"
"Senior, normally that would be the case."
Kyōraku Shunsui sighed.
"But the current head of the Tsunayashiro family... that guy has never been normal!"
"I've known him for a long time. We were both students of Old Man Yama. I have a deep understanding of him."
"That man is undoubtedly pure evil! And his mind is warped!"
Kyōraku pointed to his head with a look of pure disgust, as if he were mentioning something filthy.
In his view, if there were any absolute villains in the world, it would be the current head of the Tsunayashiro family!
Tsunayashiro Tokinada!
Previously, the slaughter of the Tsunayashiro family by Kuchiki Kōga had felt increasingly wrong to Kyōraku.
Would Kuchiki Kōga really have had the leisure to track down and kill members of the Tsunayashiro main house scattered across the Seireitei?
And he just happened to kill every heir in front of Tokinada, leaving him as the last man standing.
No matter how you looked at it, it wasn't normal!
Instead, it made Kyōraku Shunsui even more certain that Tokinada's hand was behind it!
Perhaps he used Kōga's rebellion as cover to send assassins to wipe out every heir ahead of him.
That man was capable of killing his own colleagues and even his wife. For the sake of power and status, killing his own kin wouldn't weigh on his conscience at all.
Kyōraku's eyes suddenly flashed with a sharp light.
He had seen through the entire truth!
By now, everything was clear.
It was Tsunayashiro Tokinada who was inciting the Shihoin sages to rebel against Ren's control!
It was also him who was sowing discord between the Gotei 13 and the Stealth Force!
Meanwhile, he hid behind the scenes, reaping all the benefits.
The mastermind was undoubtedly his old classmate, Tsunayashiro Tokinada!
But then, Kyōraku's expression darkened, and he sighed inwardly.
'Unfortunately, I can't find any evidence to convict him.'
[Reviews - Power St0nes - Comments are highly appreciated to keep me going.....(+50 chapters) patre0n.c0m/talecrafter]