First Division Barracks, Captain-Commander's Office.
Yamamoto sat solemnly behind his enormous desk, like an unchanging, ancient boulder.
He listened to Setsuna's complete report on the Western Branch Office mission, including the intention for cooperation with Reverse London, the purification of the Great Dragon, and the details of Komamura resolving the emotional knot regarding his origins.
His eyes, usually half-closed, opened a sliver when he heard that Komamura had frankly removed his mask and revealed his true face, showing a hint of barely perceptible softness.
"Hmm," Yamamoto slowly nodded. "The Western Branch Office matter, you handled it appropriately. You both demonstrated the Soul Society's power and left room for cooperation. As for Komamura..."
He paused, a rare trace of something resembling elder's emotion in his tone. "I brought him back years ago. Seeing his exceptional talent but the deep complex about his appearance, I took him into the 7th Division and carefully guided him."
"Over the years, though I never spoke of it explicitly, I have always regarded him as a nephew. That he could resolve his complex, no longer be ashamed of his own bloodline, and walk openly under the sunlight brings me great comfort. I am truly grateful."
Setsuna bowed slightly. "Captain-Commander, you flatter me. It was Third Seat Komamura himself who took that step."
Yamamoto made no comment, simply changing the subject as if recalling something. "However... when Komamura came to give his brief report just now, I observed his demeanor. Besides relief, there did seem to be some unusual excitement? Did something else happen in the Western Branch Office?"
Setsuna's expression remained calm, but he understood perfectly well in his heart.
Komamura had experienced the Tsunayashiro Tokinada incident, and his inner beliefs had been greatly impacted. Like Tosen, he was almost pushed towards another extreme.
However, he naturally wouldn't divulge everything that happened in front of the Central 46.
"Perhaps it's the excitement after finally discovering the truth about his ancestors and resolving a century-old complex. After all, bearing the name 'descendants of sinners' for centuries, and then suddenly learning that the blood flowing in his veins might be that of a hero, some emotional fluctuation is only reasonable."
Yamamoto, upon hearing this, pondered for a moment and slowly nodded.
This explanation was indeed plausible.
Setsuna casually brought up another matter. "Additionally, Captain-Commander, I discovered a soul with considerable aptitude in the Rukongai. His temperament is resilient, and he is perceptive to Reiryoku. I would like to recruit him into the 11th Division for training. May I ask if this is permissible?"
Yamamoto didn't even lift an eyelid, simply waving his hand. "Such a trivial matter, why seek permission? You are the Captain of the 11th Division. Recruiting members, as long as it conforms to basic procedures, is your freedom. Just submit the roster to the 1st Division for record-keeping."
"Yes, sir."
With that, the debriefing was considered successfully concluded.
Setsuna bowed and withdrew, rejoining Yoruichi and Aizen, who had been waiting outside the door, and together they left the solemn and dignified 1st Division Barracks.
Walking along the broad streets of the Seireitei, the setting sun stretched their shadows long.
Since leaving the barracks, Yoruichi had been frowning slightly, appearing distracted, even somewhat heavy-hearted.
"What's wrong?" Setsuna slowed his pace, looking at her. "You've been glum since a while ago. Still thinking about the Tsunayashiro Tokinada matter?"
Yoruichi stopped, lifting her head to gaze at the distant outlines of the imposing noble estates, her expression very complex.
"Although I knew long ago that I'm not on the same path as those whose minds are filled only with bloodline, political maneuvering, and self-interest, seeing and hearing about existence like Tsunayashiro Tokinada firsthand still refreshed my understanding of the lower limits of the word 'noble'."
"Hypocritical, cruel, finding joy in trampling others, treating the lives and dignity of those closest to them as mere weeds. Yet such people still wear the most venerable cloak, enjoy the highest power, and might even escape proper punishment."
She turned to look at Setsuna, a hint of confusion in her eyes. "Setsuna, is this Soul Society really right? What exactly are we protecting? The power and position of these parasites, or the hopes of ordinary souls they casually crush?"
Setsuna's voice was steady and forceful. "This world has never been simply black and white, Yoruichi. Where there is light, there must be shadow. Where there is a Gotei 13 protecting order, there will also be people like Tsunayashiro Tokinada who use that order to do evil. But this doesn't mean the light should yield to the shadows, or that we should ignore the shadows."
His gaze became distant and profound. "Filth will eventually be cleansed. It just takes time, takes methods, and also requires sufficient strength and like-minded people. It can't be rushed, but it will never be ignored. We will eventually create our own new world."
Yoruichi looked at the light in Setsuna's eyes, and the frustration in her heart seemed to dissipate somewhat.
She took a deep breath and nodded, her eyes becoming sharp again. "You're right. Just being angry is useless. We need to do something."
Suddenly, her eyes lit up, as if recalling something. "Oh, Setsuna, I thought of someone. He might be able to help you!"
"Oh? Who?" Setsuna asked with interest.
"A guy who graduated from the Shin'o Academy a few years before us," Yoruichi said, her tone carrying a complex mix of admiration and exasperation at his 'lack of ambition'.
"That guy is a true genius! No, even calling him a genius feels insufficient. His understanding of Kido, of Reishi Technology, of Zanpakuto, is simply astonishing. And he seems to have unique, even 'heretical' views on many things."
She paused, adding, "With his ability, logically, he should have become a high-ranking seated officer long ago. Hell, I think he'd be more than qualified to be a Lieutenant. But this guy is too lazy, or rather, too good at 'hiding his edge'. He always looks half-asleep, unenthusiastic about everything, slacking off whenever possible, avoiding attention whenever possible."
"So even now, he's just an ordinary member in the 2nd Division, not even a seated officer. But I'm sure he has substance! And he probably has no liking for the current rigid system in the Soul Society. If you can pull him over, it would definitely be a great help for your 'create a new world' plan!"
Setsuna's heart stirred slightly. The image Yoruichi described almost instantly made him lock onto one person… Urahara Kisuke.
The future head of the Technical Development Institute, one of the creators of the Hogyoku, a genius with extraordinary intelligence, deep insight, and indeed harboring doubts about the Soul Society's outdated rules.
Although he wasn't sure if Kisuke at this point in time would identify with his more radical idea, aiming directly at surpassing the Soul King-
But there was no doubt he was a key figure in developing the Hogyoku and breaking the boundary between Shinigami and Hollows.
And, as Yoruichi said-
The future Kisuke also secretly conducted Hogyoku research, indicating he wasn't inherently a stickler for convention. He possessed a strong curiosity and desire to explore taboos and possibilities.
This was practically a perfect, ready-made candidate for Technical Director!
A smile appeared on Setsuna's face. He looked at Yoruichi and deliberately teased, "2nd Division? Isn't that the Onmitsukido your father commands? Poaching a genius from under your father's nose for me, isn't that a bit too obvious in favoring outsiders? Won't Uncle be angry when he finds out?"
Hearing this, Yoruichi's gaze became somewhat evasive. She cleared her throat, trying hard to put on a stern, businesslike expression, but her slightly reddening ears betrayed her.
"Wha-what do you mean 'favoring outsiders'? I'm the Lieutenant of the 11th Division now! Of course, I have to prioritize the 11th Division's development! Discovering talent and recommending it to the Captain is my duty!"
"As for my father... well... that lazy guy is just wasting his days in the 2nd Division anyway. Maybe he can actually play a role if he comes to the 11th Division. This is... making the best use of talent! Right, making the best use of talent!"
Seeing Yoruichi in this state of sophistry mixed with slight guilt, Setsuna and Aizen beside him couldn't help but laugh.
Aizen pushed up his glasses, smiling. "Lieutenant Yoruichi has a deep sense of duty. It's truly a blessing for the 11th Division."