Renji was a little stunned, his mind filled with all sorts of thoughts.
First, he wondered why Yoriichi Tsugikuni was here, knowing that the holiday had just begun.
As the principal, if he had come for the students, then Kira should have received a notification in advance.
Because this was Kira Iziru's home, not his.
Secondly, he wondered why Yoriichi Tsugikuni seemed so familiar with the Breathing Technique he was practicing.
Although he had lived in Seireitei for a period, he had never entered the gates of a Division, and Renji knew very little about Breathing Technique.
—After all, he needed to earn money.
If he hadn't impulsively followed Kira to his home, he probably would never have come into contact with this thing in his life.
So strong… He can effortlessly lift wood that I struggle to move with all my might with just one hand.
Could it be…
A thought vaguely formed in Renji's mind as he gazed at the silhouette formed by the backlight.
Then, his eyes lit up.
That's it.
Without using spiritual pressure, a normal Shinigami could never possess such strength.
At the same time, since he wasn't here for himself, nor for Kira, then it could only be for Gyomei Himejima.
"As expected of Principal Tsugikuni's friend, I didn't expect…"
Recalling the decision he had made earlier, Abarai Renji secretly rejoiced, it was indeed the right choice.
Otherwise, he might never have had any connection with Yoriichi Tsugikuni in this lifetime…
… …
… …
Time slowly passed.
At Kira Iziru's home.
Perhaps due to the distinguished guest, the atmosphere was quite subdued, with a hint of restraint.
Renji and Kira stood quietly to the side, not daring to breathe loudly.
Meanwhile, Gyomei Himejima sat upright across from Yoriichi Tsugikuni, everyone's expression appearing somewhat solemn.
Myōō, twisting Buddhist beads, stood behind Yoriichi Tsugikuni with a stern expression, his gaze sweeping over Gyomei Himejima like lightning, then he let out a cold snort, instantly breaking the silence in the room.
Hearing the cold snort, Gyomei Himejima slowly raised his head and looked at Myōō.
Although he was surprised as to why the Zanpakuto's true form would appear, he instinctively expressed his apologies, stating that he was very sorry to have Yoriichi make a trip personally.
At the same time, he was filled with remorse for any mistakes Myōō might have committed.
Seeing this situation, Renji and Kira vaguely sensed something unusual.
They both wanted to ask what was going on, but thinking of the many rules, they could only swallow the words on the tip of their tongues.
"No need to apologize."
Yoriichi Tsugikuni gently shook his head. He looked at Gyomei Himejima, his tone somewhat casual, "This isn't your fault."
"It's not just you; many Shinigami and Rukongai residents' Zanpakuto have encountered the same situation as yours… it's an unforeseen calamity."
"Fortunately, it didn't cause much impact."
"My purpose in coming this time is, firstly, to return him to his rightful owner, and secondly, to visit you all and conduct a home visit."
"Is Renji your disciple?"
Home… home visit?
Upon hearing this.
Kira was stunned.
Even though Yoriichi didn't mention him, he knew in his heart that he definitely couldn't escape, after all, Gyomei Himejima was his "guardian."
What if something bad was said…
For example, how this child is or what he lacks, would he be specifically targeted when he returns to school?
—Of course, not malicious targeting, but targeting his shortcomings and specifically arranging various training sessions.
Isn't that what a home visit is like?
So much pressure.
Kira Iziru's face was full of worry, his anxious gaze carrying a hint of concern as he quietly looked at Gyomei Himejima.
Gyomei Himejima seemed to sense Kira's gaze. He clasped his hands together and sighed softly, seemingly unconcerned by Kira's worries:
"Yes, I didn't expect you, Senior, to come for this matter."
"Renji has been training with me for several months now."
"This child has a very tenacious personality, quite similar to Tanjirou in the past… Senior, you should still remember Tanjirou, right?"
He did remember, even if it was decades ago.
But as soon as Gyomei Himejima mentioned him, that gentle yet resolute face still involuntarily appeared in Yoriichi Tsugikuni's mind.
Yoriichi nodded silently, indicating understanding, then asked: "I see, what about Kira?"
There were no signs of Breathing Technique training on Kira Iziru.
Excluding the possibility that Gyomei Himejima disliked Kira Iziru, then it could only be…
"I'm very sorry, Senior, although I really don't want to admit it, this child seems to have no talent," Gyomei Himejima sighed helplessly,
"I also tried to teach him, but he couldn't get the hang of it no matter what. It's not that I'm biased towards Renji…"
The two continued to discuss this topic in depth, and Kira Iziru listened quietly, his heart growing colder the more he heard.
This home visit came too suddenly and was too detailed.
Even questions about cultivation were asked thoroughly, and Kira Iziru could already imagine what kind of situation he would face when he returned to school.
It's not my fault if I don't have talent; who knew that Breathing Technique also had requirements for physical fitness?
He had been frail and had poor stamina since childhood.
He had studied for a year at the academy, focusing on Kido…
Kira Iziru's mind wandered, and he didn't know how much time had passed when the voices in his ears abruptly stopped.
He suddenly snapped back to reality and found Yoriichi Tsugikuni looking at him.
Immediately after, Yoriichi stood up, a relieved smile appearing on his face:
"Hmm, I understand your situation now."
"Kira, although you have no talent in physical techniques, I've seen all your grades in various subjects, and you're very good at Kido."
"Are you interested in developing in that direction?"
"As Gyomei's family member, I can make an exception and personally guide you for a period. Right during this summer vacation."
"Of course, while Kido is good, you can't completely neglect physical techniques; you still need to exercise appropriately."
"Being unable to cultivate Breathing Technique is probably because Gyomei's training method isn't quite suitable for you."
Upon hearing this, Kira Iziru stood frozen on the spot, his mind completely blank.
After a while, he seemed to wake from a dream, his eyes instantly widening, wondering if he had misheard.
The principal actually wants to personally guide him?
This… this… this…
His heart suddenly quickened, feeling as if he were dreaming.
But at the same time, a deep sense of worry surged within him.
If he performed poorly and affected Gyomei Himejima, and also lowered his impression in Yoriichi Tsugikuni's mind, then that would be terrible.
His innate pessimism always made him accustomed to thinking negatively, and the more he thought, the less confident he felt.
However, Yoriichi Tsugikuni didn't pay attention to Kira Iziru's reaction. Without waiting for his response, he turned his gaze to Abarai Renji:
"As for you, Renji…"
Yoriichi's voice remained steady and calm,
"I've heard from Gyomei the reason why you strive to become stronger. Is it to repay me?"
"Very good. Although I don't need your repayment, you are indeed a brave child."
"I think Komamura will also be happy."
Komamura Sajin has always admired Shinigami who prioritize righteousness, which is also one of the important criteria for becoming a Shinigami.
In terms of character, as long as nothing unexpected happens, Abarai Renji fully meets the requirements.
It could also be said that they did not betray the painstaking efforts of the two who brought them out of the slums back then.
Renji's face flushed upon hearing the praise.
He really wanted to say that he wasn't that excellent, but out of consideration for Kira being present, he held back, so as not to dampen Kira's self-confidence.
Although the environment was dim and Renji's expression was not very clear, the blood rushing to his cheeks was clearly reflected in Yoriichi's eyes.
Beside him, Gyomei Himejima also saw this scene clearly.
The two nodded knowingly.
Then, Yoriichi continued:
"If nothing unexpected happens, you two will certainly become Shinigami in the future, but to enter the Ninth Division, it still depends on luck."
"Renji, are you interested in training with Kira under my guidance?"
"After the summer vacation, the Spiritual Arts Academy will undergo a major change."
"For students in the Elite Class, it's not a big problem, but for students in the regular classes…"
"To avoid a decline in grades after this change, you need to prepare in advance."
Abarai Renji listened to Yoriichi's words, the blush on his face gradually faded, and his expression slowly returned to calm.
He took a deep breath and turned to meet Kira Iziru's gaze beside him.
Although he wasn't sure what the specific situation of this change was, he could genuinely feel a mountain-like pressure from Yoriichi's solemn tone.
Because even the Principal emphasized it this way, it must be very important…
The early bird catches the worm; they absolutely couldn't miss this opportunity.
The two agreed, and afterwards, the home visit ended. Yoriichi Tsugikuni then began discussing Myōō's matter with Gyomei Himejima.
This reform was not limited to the Spiritual Arts Academy; its influence also widely affected some Rukongai residents.
The Shinigami side needed to determine whether the action needed to be widely promoted based on their interactions with their Zanpakuto.
If the relationship was not harmonious, then the plan for five thousand people to materialize their Zanpakuto would have to be temporarily shelved.
Anyway, Shinigami have long lifespans, and gradually completing it within a hundred years would not be slow.
Therefore, Myōō and Gyomei Himejima naturally became one of the objects Yoriichi needed to observe.
Yoriichi informed Gyomei Himejima of this, and the latter remained silent for a while, not refusing.
He also wanted to see if he could live in harmony with his Zanpakuto.
Upon learning its name, Gyomei already knew what kind of personality this Zanpakuto had and why it was born…
He was another self, another self, suppressed within his heart, enraged by the betrayal of the children…
A personality similar to clear distinction between good and evil, decisive in killing.
When taking action, he would not consider the enemy's species or age.
In Myōō's world, there is no gray area; wrong is wrong, and right is right.
Therefore, when influenced by Muramasa, his actions were so ruthless…
He always felt he couldn't get along with him, yet he had to admit that Gyomei Himejima envied such a self.
Very pure, not bound by worldly constraints.
… …
Gyomei lowered his head slightly and sighed softly to himself.
Once the discussion concluded, Abarai Renji and Kira Iziru followed Yoriichi Tsugikuni's lead and departed one after another.
According to their previous agreement, they were all to diligently train under Yoriichi Tsugikuni's guidance before the start of the school term.
During their absence, Kira's home became a place for Gyomei Himejima and Muramasa to deepen their bond.
This might not succeed, but it was a chance nonetheless.
Even if they became enemies, it wouldn't matter; a Zanpakuto wouldn't fatally harm a Shinigami.
Besides, with Muramasa present, any twisted emotions could slowly be rectified.
Yoriichi was quite at ease about this.
...
Days passed one by one.
After the two continued their training for some time, the chaos caused by the Zanpakuto within the Seireitei gradually subsided.
One day, Retsu Unohana came to visit with Isane Kotetsu; Yoriichi Tsugikuni happened to be home and had not yet left.
Seeing that the two's target was his wife, he uncharacteristically paused his current affairs.
Then, he heard news about the Women's Shinigami Association.
...Ah, this...
Uta sat opposite Retsu Unohana, momentarily unsure how to respond.
Hearing Retsu Unohana's invitation, her expression was slightly strange:
That... I seem to have heard something about the Women's Shinigami Association; it should be an association that appeared only a few months ago.
It's been so long, and yet, has the president still not been decided?
Uta frowned slightly, For me to be the president, isn't that a bit too...
Yes, Retsu Unohana, as the director, had come precisely to invite Uta to serve as the president of the Women's Shinigami Association.
Uta really wanted to say if this wasn't too childish; she didn't feel there was anything particularly outstanding about herself.
But then she remembered that Retsu Unohana was one of the most senior Shinigami in the Seireitei, and her actions had always been steady, so she shouldn't be joking.
Thus, the words that were on the tip of her tongue were swallowed back down.
Uta's hesitant look fell into Yoriichi's eyes.
He was about to ask Retsu Unohana the reason for doing this...
In Yoriichi's view, the position of president should be similar to that of a Captain.
If even the First generation Kenpachi couldn't handle the position of president, then who else could take on this responsibility?
He didn't want Uta to take risks.
Retsu Unohana seemed to notice Yoriichi's gaze, tilted her head slightly, and smiled gently at him.
This smile was very amiable, as if saying there was no need to rush.
Immediately, she looked at Uta and softly explained:
Please rest assured, Uta, I have my considerations for doing this.
Currently, the Women's Shinigami Association, besides me, only has five members.
They are Suì-Fēng of the Second Division, Isane of the Fourth Division, Nanao of the Eighth Division, Rangiku of the Ninth Division, and Kiyone of the Thirteenth Division.
Among them, Nanao serves as Vice President, while Isane, Rangiku, Kiyone, and Suì-Fēng are ordinary members.
She paused her gaze on Uta's face for a moment, then softly asked, Looking at it this way, can you notice anything?
Uta fell into deep thought, and before she could come up with an answer, Retsu Unohana answered her own question:
Yes, among the six, besides me, the other five have absolutely no say in the Seireitei.
But even I cannot change the current situation of the Thirteenth Division being dominated by males; among the thirteen Captains, there are only two females...
To change this, the president must naturally be held by someone of high status and strong power.
Just like the Captain-Commander position is often inherited by the strongest Shinigami.
However, I am usually busy with various affairs and stretched thin, so I thought of you, Uta.
At this point, Retsu Unohana subtly glanced at Yoriichi Tsugikuni, and the corners of her mouth curved slightly upward.
Then, her gaze returned to Uta, and she continued:
I know, Uta, that you are not very confident about your ability to serve as president, and if you are unwilling, I will not force you.
This is merely a visit.
She sighed softly, As I said before, the Women's Shinigami Association is currently in its nascent stage, and all aspects are still incomplete.
It will probably take another one or two years to be fully prepared.
One must know that every association receives funding each quarter, and this is not something created out of mere amusement.
The reason the Men's Shinigami Association failed was because Iba Tetsuzaemon was too careless in his work.
There were no welfare facilities whatsoever, and joining only came with a pair of sunglasses; its cohesion was almost zero, so it would be strange if it succeeded.
Uta listened to all this, feeling increasingly conflicted.
Logically, as a Shinigami, especially a female Shinigami, she should agree to Retsu Unohana's request.
But...
A position like president... was still too much for her.
She gently exhaled.
Just as everyone fell silent.
Bang.
A somewhat abrupt sound suddenly came from beside them, instantly drawing everyone's attention.
Following the sound.
A pink figure suddenly fell out of a wall on one side.
It was Yachiru.
Yachiru was holding a bag of konpeito, and with her appearance, a door-like object appeared on the wall behind her.
With a gentle breeze, the door creaked, half-open and half-closed.
...Clearly, this little girl had been eavesdropping just now.
Uta's eyes widened slightly, not in surprise at Yachiru's appearance, but in surprise at why Yachiru was here?
She knew Yachiru because of Ai's fondness for sweets, Yachiru often came over to freeload food and drinks.
Uta was used to it and didn't really mind.
After all, Yachiru's personality was similar to a child's, in other words, she could be a very good playmate for Ai, but...
Where did that door come from?
Did the Tsugikuni family have a secret room?
How come she didn't know?
Oh, my...
Yachiru was also very surprised to suddenly fall out, and her mouth pouted slightly.
She thought to herself, she was just enjoying sweet konpeito in the secret base she had carefully built.
How did she suddenly fall out?
She held the bag of konpeito, noticing that everyone's eyes were on her, especially after seeing Yoriichi Tsugikuni's expression subtly change.
Yachiru showed an innocent smile, trying to bluff her way through: Oh, Captain, what a coincidence.
Not a coincidence at all; not only Uta, but Yoriichi himself didn't know that there was a secret room in his house.
A somewhat bewildered thought flashed through his mind, and suddenly, Yoriichi saw Yachiru about to slip away.
Before she could even touch the ground to use Shunpo, Yoriichi's figure flickered, instantly appearing beside her, and with one hand, he lifted her up.
Yachiru kicked her legs, stepping into empty air, and then realized the scene before her had changed, her perspective rapidly rising.
Immediately after, Yoriichi Tsugikuni's calm yet somewhat questioning tone slowly sounded in her ear:
Explain yourself, Yachiru.
How are you in my house?
Also, where did this secret room come from?
...
...
After a while, through Yachiru's explanation, Yoriichi Tsugikuni finally understood.
This secret room was secretly built decades ago when Yachiru and Ai first met.
Ai was very young back then, at an age where she acted on whatever came to mind.
And a secret base was probably something every child had dreamed of having.
Thus, it naturally came into existence.
To prevent it from being discovered, Ai, who was quite familiar with the house's structure, deliberately hid it in the rarely visited reception room.
...
Yoriichi Tsugikuni felt quite helpless.
Uta smiled gently after learning the whole story.
Retsu Unohana and Isane Kotetsu also couldn't help but smile upon hearing it.
As they smiled... Retsu Unohana's eyes suddenly lit up.
Of course, she didn't show these emotions, maintaining her composed demeanor, and tentatively said:
Are Yachiru and Ms. Ai's relationship very good?
There's one thing I almost forgot: the position of president is actually not as troublesome as you imagine.
Besides identity and strength, the only requirement is to be bold and meticulous.
As for meticulousness, we won't discuss it for now; there's the vice president to assist.
As for boldness, I can also serve as a substitute, because some work requires contact with the Captain-Commander.
In other words, the position of president is more of a symbol of status; if Uta is worried, why not participate in this matter with Yachiru?
Retsu Unohana's gentle gaze fell upon the two.
I remember Yachiru has a very good relationship with the Captain-Commander; she often goes to eat snacks when the Gotei 13 holds tea parties.
If you don't want to be president, we can also add a Secretary-General position, responsible for daily management and operations...
What do you think, Uta?
...
Uta ultimately nodded in agreement; after all, the pressure on a Secretary-General and a president is clearly different.
Perhaps it was her inner personality, which sought stability, at work; positions that were too high always made her feel quite uneasy.
Being moderate was undoubtedly the best choice.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni watched this scene quietly, without saying much.
After so many years, besides physiological needs, safety needs, and social needs, Uta had also achieved a need for esteem...
As a husband, Yoriichi should unconditionally support her, after all, it is these various needs that drive human growth, even Shinigami are no exception.
He hoped things would get better and better.
Seeing that the few of them had reached a consensus, Yoriichi gently exhaled, then left his home.
As soon as he stepped near the Ninth Division, before he even entered the squad barracks' main gate, he felt the surrounding temperature plummet.
It was as if icy cold water flowed over his skin, making him frown slightly.
Entering the barracks, he immediately saw Toushiro making ice, with squad members gathered around him.
And beside Toushiro, there stood a girl with a worried expression—Hinamori Momo.
Yoriichi merely glimpsed at her and concluded that she had come to find him.
What happened?