Chapter 383: Kaien's Delight
First Division, study.
Tōshirō sat upright at the desk, expression serious, occasionally picking up his brush to review the reports before him.
Normally, it should have been a very solemn atmosphere.
If not for the hand causing mischief on his head.
"My, I never noticed before, Tōshirō's hair is so soft and fluffy, even more comfortable to touch than Sajin's head."
Satoru stood behind Tōshirō, wearing an enjoying expression as he rubbed Tōshirō's hair.
The boy finally couldn't bear it anymore, blushing as he said:
"Captain Mikami, please focus on your work and stop disturbing me!"
Satoru widened his eyes:
"What? You dare defy the orders of your captain?!"
"I'm from the Sixth Division, not the Eleventh Division, you're not my captain!"
"Heh heh, Sixth Division? How long has your captain been missing, don't you know?"
Satoru let out a triumphant laugh.
"Without a captain, you're all unprotected now!"
"Submit to this great king obediently, and I might spare your lives!"
A vein bulged on Tōshirō's forehead, his blood pressure slightly rising.
Just as he was about to invoke grand principles to refute Satoru's rude behavior, he heard Satoru say:
"Suddenly I feel little Tōshirō would suit this well."
Saying this, he reached out and pulled a cat ear hair clip from the Shadow Space, placing it on Tōshirō's head.
"?"
Before Tōshirō could react, realizing what had been put on him, he became furious.
"Captain Mikami!!"
"Haha, don't be angry, don't be angry... little Tōshirō, why not try meowing?"
"Impossible! Absolutely impossible!"
Tōshirō angrily reached up to remove the hair clip from his head, but Satoru used clever force to deflect all his movements.
In the room, Suì-Fēng, Jūshirō Ukitake, and the others watched this scene with expressions caught between laughter and tears.
While playing push-hands with Tōshirō, Satoru said:
"Speaking of which, little Tōshirō joined the Gotei 13 to repay me for saving your grandmother back then, right?"
Hearing this, Tōshirō's movements stopped.
He showed a serious expression and nodded:
"Exactly!"
Satoru grinned and said:
"Then this is simple. Just say 'meow' once, and I'll consider your debt repaid. How about that?"
"Such a good deal won't come around again once you miss this chance~"
Suì-Fēng narrowed her eyes, feeling like she could already see a devil's tail swaying behind a certain scumbag adult.
Tōshirō swallowed hard.
Just saying "meow" once to repay the debt...
Though it sounded somewhat frivolous, it was indeed very tempting.
Before becoming a Shinigami, he didn't understand the difference in strength among Shinigami.
Back then, he believed that as long as he trained hard, he would eventually become a support for Satoru.
By then, he could do more for Satoru—ideally helping him block powerful enemies at critical moments—and naturally repay the debt of gratitude.
However, after becoming a Shinigami, he realized the gap between Shinigami could be even greater than that between a Shinigami and a dog.
With his own strength, let alone blocking enemies for Satoru... he questioned whether he even had the right to stand on the battlefield when the latter fought at full power.
After a few seconds of contemplation, he pursed his lips, raised his head, and looked at Satoru.
"...Meow."
Satoru was taken aback.
Suì-Fēng, Jūshirō Ukitake, and Shunsui Kyōraku, who were watching nearby, also froze.
Damn, how could this child be so adorable!
Jūshirō Ukitake's expression was complicated.
Shunsui grinned.
Suì-Fēng shook her head slightly.
Lord Mikami truly had a knack for discovering endearing traits.
Satoru vigorously ruffled Tōshirō's hair:
"Ah, little Tōshirō, you were born to be devoured by your captain!"
"Captain Mikami, please show some restraint!!"
Amid Tōshirō's protests, a member of the Rapid Mobile Corps suddenly appeared in the room using Flash Step.
"Report! Lord Mikami, the Eleventh Division has reported! A patrol squad encountered intruders in the East 8th District of Rukongai!"
"What, intruders!"
Satoru was enraged.
"Our great Seireitei has thousands of fine commanders and a million armored troops! How dare these mere intruders invade the Soul Society!"
"Someone! Hear my orders!"
"All Shinigami from every division, immediately prepare for battle!"
"Notify the Shinigami on site to record the intruders' appearances and transmit them back to headquarters at the fastest speed for distribution to all units!"
"Once the intruders are discovered, execute them on the spot!"
Hearing this, the Rapid Mobile Corps member responded without hesitation:
"Yes!!"
He vanished from the room in a flash.
While delivering the orders, he couldn't help but feel excited.
He had always been responsible for relaying orders for the Captain-Commander.
When Satoru first took over the role, he could clearly sense that this Eleventh Division captain wasn't very enthusiastic about the Captain-Commander's duties.
The thought of the Captain-Commander handing over this position to a slacker had made him somewhat worried.
But today, Captain Mikami was clearly starting to show passion.
It seemed this lord had finally understood the responsibilities that came with being the Captain-Commander.
The Gotei 13 was going to improve.
Thriving and prospering!
In the study, Ukitake looked surprised:
"Intruders... appearing at such a critical time might not be a good sign."
Shunsui, however, seemed thoughtful as he glanced at his junior.
"Satoru, we don't even know who these intruders are. Are we really going to order their execution right away?"
Satoru lifted his chin:
"Of course! Anyone daring to invade our Soul Society is challenging the Gotei 13. They must be crushed mercilessly!"
"Oh..."
Shunsui nodded, a playful glint flashing in his eyes.
...
...
Rukongai, East 8th District.
Rukia, with over a dozen subordinates, stared sternly at the orange-haired boy before her.
The boy looked about the same age as Tōshirō. If not for the powerful Reiatsu emanating from him, she would never have believed he was an intruder who had broken into the Soul Society.
She called out loudly:
"Intruder! Who are you, and why have you trespassed into the Soul Society?"
Staring at the girl before him, Ichigo spoke in a low voice:
"Where is Satoru? Where have you taken him?!"
"Huh?"
Rukia was momentarily stunned.
How did this ryoka boy know about Lord Mikami?
Though she didn't know the reason, the barely suppressed fury in the boy's eyes and his boiling fighting spirit made it clear that his intentions toward Lord Mikami were likely far from good.
Just as she was considering whether to subdue him first and bring him back for questioning, a member of the Onmitsukidō appeared beside her in a flash.
"By order of the Acting Captain-Commander, all divisions are to execute any ryoka on sight!"
Hearing this, Rukia's expression turned understanding.
As expected, he meant trouble!
Under Ichigo's gaze, she drew her Zanpakutō:
"A mere ryoka has no right to know such things."
"Hmph, is that so? Then I'll just beat you down and ask again!"
Ichigo raised his hand and lifted the massive blade from his back.
Not hesitating, Rukia raised her Zanpakutō with a sweep:
"Dance, Sode no Shirayuki!"
As her Zanpakutō transformed into pure white, the temperature of the surrounding air dropped several degrees.
"An ice-type Zanpakutō, huh..."
Ichigo nodded slightly, holding Zangetsu at an angle by his side.
The next moment, to Rukia's astonishment, his speed suddenly skyrocketed!
Rukia couldn't even clearly see the boy's movements before his blade was already upon her!
She kicked off the ground, leaping backward to evade while raising her Zanpakutō to block the strike.
But the moment she reacted, Ichigo accelerated again as if he had anticipated it.
Rukia's blade couldn't possibly intercept the path of the massive sword in time.
I'm going to die...
The icy thought surfaced in Rukia's mind.
Without repaying Lord Mikami's kindness, without even undertaking a proper mission—just encountering a ryoka during a routine patrol and being cut down in a single strike.
How utterly useless I am...
She closed her eyes, ready to embrace death.
Then, intense pain erupted from her chest.
The pain of impact, not of torn flesh.
Rukia lay on the ground, opening her eyes in bewilderment.
She saw a bruised slash mark across her collar.
At the last moment, had that orange-haired boy switched to the back of his blade?
Rukia looked up at him in shock.
The orange-haired boy rested his Zanpakutō on his shoulder:
"Hey, Shinigami, will you tell me now?!"
"Where is Satoru!"
Rukia tried to stand, but the searing pain in her chest made it impossible.
Gritting her teeth, she forced out the words:
"I will never tell you..."
Just then, other squad members rushed forward.
"Fifth Seat Mikami!"
"Are you all right, Fifth Seat Mikami?"
"Bastard! If you want to kill Fifth Seat Mikami, you'll have to get through me first!"
Several squad members brandished their Zanpakutō, positioning themselves between Ichigo and Rukia.
Hearing how these Shinigami addressed Rukia, Ichigo looked momentarily stunned.
Mikami?
Why does this girl share the same surname as Satoru?
A coincidence?
Mikami isn't exactly a rare surname, but... something feels off about this.
As Ichigo pondered, a figure suddenly descended from above.
"HAHAHAHA!!! I heard there's a tough fighter here?!"
Ichigo raised his arm to shield his face.
Squinting, he made out the newcomer's appearance.
It was a towering man over two meters tall, built like an iron fortress.
The burly man wore a ferocious grin. Regardless of his actual strength, his intimidating appearance alone could frighten 99.999% of people in the Living World.
A young girl with short pink hair leaned over the man's shoulder, smiling at Ichigo.
Ichigo frowned slightly.
This man was strong—likely someone of considerable status.
He spoke:
"Where is Satoru?"
Hearing this, the man raised his eyebrows:
"Oh? Kid... looking for the boss?"
"I don't mind, but the boss doesn't meet just anyone."
"You'll have to defeat me first!"
With that, he swung his sword directly at Ichigo.
BAM!!!!
Ichigo raised Zangetsu horizontally, blocking Kenpachi's strike.
"What a heavy strike!"
Ichigo was somewhat surprised.
He never expected that a random Shinigami from the Soul Society would possess such power!
Immediately after, he suddenly noticed the issue in Kenpachi Zaraki's words.
"Big brother? You're Satoru's younger brother?"
Ichigo was taken aback.
The burly man before him looked like he was in his forties or fifties, while Satoru appeared to be just over twenty.
How did these two figure out their family hierarchy?
Never mind, that wasn't important.
He said urgently:
"Since you're Satoru's brother, why aren't you saving him when he's in mortal danger?"
"If we don't go rescue him soon, he'll definitely die!"
"Are you really going to watch your own elder brother die?!"
"Huh?"
Kenpachi showed a puzzled expression.
Big brother is dying?
Wasn't he acting as the Captain-Commander for the old man in the First Division?
Oh... maybe this kid meant that with big brother's personality, staying in a place like that would eventually bore him to death?
Thinking this, Kenpachi grinned:
"Fool, big brother isn't someone who dies so easily."
"When he's been tortured nearly to death, he'll naturally escape!"
"?"
Ichigo's pupils shook violently.
Then why not just escape directly?!
Do you Shinigami have some kind of mental problem?
Feeling somewhat irritated, he didn't want to waste words with Kenpachi anymore.
Since you're so strong, there's no need for me to hold back either!
Gripping Zangetsu, he launched a frenzied assault against Kenpachi Zaraki.
Sensing the ferocity and sharpness of Ichigo's attacks, Kenpachi grew more excited the longer they fought.
In his eyes, enemies were only distinguished by strength, not by gender or age.
Although Ichigo was still a child, to him, he was just an excellent opponent.
Clutching his broken sword, he laughed loudly as he unleashed golden Reiatsu, engaging in wild exchanges with Ichigo.
The residual Reiatsu waves from their clash peeled away layers of the surrounding ground.
Rukia, protected by squad members, retreated several kilometers away before escaping the terrifying battlefield.
Watching the two powerhouses in the distance, their towering Reiatsu pillars clashing as they continuously hacked at each other, Rukia couldn't help but feel a sense of retrospective fear.
Had she just been fighting a monster at the level of Vice-Captain Kenpachi?
Fortunately, the other party hadn't shown killing intent, otherwise she'd probably be finished by now...
After exchanging dozens of blows with Kenpachi, Ichigo felt it would be difficult to end the battle quickly.
He retreated some distance and stood on a large boulder:
"My name is Ichigo Kurosaki. What's yours?"
"Kenpachi Zaraki, Vice-Captain of the Eleventh Division!"
Vice-Captain...
Ichigo's heart sank.
Before coming to the Soul Society, he had crammed some knowledge about the Seireitei from Kisuke Urahara.
He knew there were thirteen divisions in the Seireitei, each with one captain and one vice-captain.
Right now, just a vice-captain alone could hold him off for so long.
If more people came and surrounded him, the situation would likely become very unfavorable.
Thinking this, he said to Kenpachi Zaraki:
"You're fighting me like this? Aren't you going to release your Zanpakutō?"
Hearing this, Kenpachi showed a reminiscent expression.
"Ah... no, big brother won't allow it."
"Before, big brother kept urging me to learn Shikai as soon as possible. He said if I couldn't learn it, I had to meditate with my sword for two hours every day."
"But after big brother returned this time, for some reason he suddenly told me to stop researching Shikai."
"I don't really care either way. I can fight perfectly fine without Shikai."
Saying this, Kenpachi showed his grin again.
"Alright, Ichigo, let's continue the fight!"
Ichigo nodded.
"Understood."
"Since you're not holding back, I won't restrain myself either."
"Kenpachi, next... I'm going to get serious... Be careful!"
"Oh! Come on, show me!"
Kenpachi revealed an expectant expression.
Under his gaze, Ichigo took a deep breath.
In the next second, red patterns crawled across his limbs.
Blut Vene!
The moment he activated Blut Vene, Ichigo gripped his sword with both hands and swung it upward violently—
"Getsuga Tenshō!!!"
A Reiatsu slash mixed with blue and gold erupted from the blade like a mountain collapse and tidal wave, crushing toward Kenpachi Zaraki!
Kenpachi swung his sword to block, only to discover the power contained within was far more terrifying than he had imagined.
Ichigo Kurosaki was a genius Quincy even Bambietta had to acknowledge.
With the enhancement of Blut Vene, his already formidable Shinigami power was amplified to a frightening level.
Amid the light, Kenpachi, wearing an excited smile, was completely swallowed by this power, his entire body turning into rough lines before vanishing in the radiance.
When the light faded, Kenpachi swung his sword and let out a long exhale of black smoke.
His body was covered in burn marks.
Though his body was fine, his clothes were nearly completely burned away.
Tearing off the upper half of his Shinigami Uniform casually, Kenpachi looked around for Ichigo, only to find the latter had disappeared without a trace.
"Ran away, huh..."
Kenpachi scratched his head, somewhat disappointed.
From his earlier fight with Ichigo, he had sensed much of Satoru's shadow.
This kid definitely had some connection with the boss, though the specifics were unclear.
But... whatever, as long as he could enjoy a good fight.
Though he was reluctant to admit it, he could no longer provide the boss with the joy of battle now.
Therefore, until he grew to the boss's level, he had to find others to fight and continue improving himself.
Ichigo Kurosaki was a good candidate.
He had to keep an eye on this guy and make sure he didn't die.
As for the boss's orders... Hmph, even someone like him could tell something was off—the other members of the Mikami Group couldn't possibly be unaware.
Thinking this, he looked into the distance:
"Yachiru, let's go."
"Oka~y!"
The pink-haired girl cheerfully ran over and leaped onto Kenpachi's shoulder.
Under the setting sun, the two slowly walked back, casting long shadows.
...
...
Whoosh!!
Ichigo's figure appeared via Flash Step in a mountainous forest.
This won't do. If things continue like this, I'm just wasting time.
A mere vice-captain has me scrambling like this. From now on, I must use strategy—I can't keep acting recklessly.
Sitting under a tree, Ichigo rested to recover his stamina while pondering his next move.
First, he needed to find a way to infiltrate the Seireitei.
Then, capture someone for interrogation to find out Satoru's whereabouts.
After locating Satoru, he had to find a way to heal his injuries.
Satoru's strength was at least captain-level. Once healed, with their combined power, escaping the Seireitei shouldn't be a problem if they focused on fleeing.
Once they reached Rukongai, they could conceal their Reiatsu completely and blend in with the ordinary souls.
According to Kisuke Urahara, there were less than ten thousand Shinigami in the Seireitei. With Rukongai being so vast, it would be impossible for them to search every household.
Once the situation calmed down, he would take Satoru back to the Living World. With the help of his parents, Ishida, and the others, Satoru could live in seclusion there and should be safe.
Thinking this, Ichigo showed a relieved smile.
Just then, a voice rang out:
"Alike, very alike."
"Huh?"
Startled, Ichigo flipped over and stood up.
He looked in the direction the voice came from.
He saw a figure slowly emerging from the shadows of the forest.
It was a young man with spiky black hair, handsome features, and a bright, sunny smile.
The moment Ichigo saw him, he froze.
This person looked just like him.
If he were a few years older, he'd probably be identical to this man.
What's going on... An ability to mimic others' appearances?
Such an ability would be quite useful for infiltration missions, but facing someone like him who had boldly entered this foreign world alone, it seemed rather pointless.
He drew the watermelon knife from his back.
"Who are you?"
The young man lifted his head:
"I am the third seat of the Thirteenth Division, Shiba Kaien!"
Third seat?
That sounds weaker than a vice-captain.
I should be able to finish this quickly.
Thinking this, Ichigo slightly crouched, preparing to strike.
Seeing his movement, Shiba Kaien raised his hand:
"Ah, don't be so quick to fight. I'm not here to battle you."
He smiled and pointed at his own face:
"Kid, haven't you noticed? We look quite similar."
"I only became interested in finding you after hearing about this from the Eleventh Division members."
"To be honest, I couldn't detect your Reiatsu at all, but I just happened to find you while wandering around."
"Don't you think that's quite a coincidence? Like fate?"
Hearing this, Ichigo realized something was off.
Shiba Kaien had gotten so close, yet he hadn't sensed him at all.
Normally, with Shiba Kaien's strength, he should have detected him from hundreds of meters away.
Now, carefully sensing it, he discovered that the spiritual power emanating from Shiba Kaien felt strangely familiar.
What's... going on here?
Could it be a Zanpakutō ability?
While Ichigo was observing Shiba Kaien, Kaien was also studying him.
The more he looked at the youth before him, the more he liked what he saw.
This kid definitely has something special about him.
He rubbed his chin and tentatively said:
"Kid, I've introduced myself." Shouldn't you do the same?"
Ichigo remained silent for two seconds.
Though reluctant to answer, his upbringing made him speak:
"My name is Kurosaki Ichigo."
Kurosaki?
Shiba Kaien's pupils contracted.
He seemed to understand something.
Looking at the youth before him, he grinned:
"Is your father named Kurosaki Isshin?"
"You know my dad?"
Ichigo showed a puzzled expression.
Shiba Kaien burst into laughter.
"So that's it... That's it!"
"No wonder something felt off. So that's how it is..."
After a good laugh, he looked at Ichigo:
"Ichigo, what brings you to the Soul Society?"
This guy is pretty familiar for someone I just met.
Ichigo felt somewhat speechless.
But, having finally encountered someone he could talk to normally, he didn't want to give up the opportunity easily.
Under Shiba Kaien's gaze, he recounted everything that had happened to him.
After hearing Ichigo's story, Shiba Kaien thought for a few seconds.
"I see... I completely understand now."
Ichigo gripped Zangetsu and said warily:
"So? Are we fighting? Or are you letting me go?"
"With all due respect, at your strength level, you can't defeat me."
"If we must fight, I might have to kill you to avoid exposing my location."
Hearing this, Shiba Kaien first looked stunned.
Then he couldn't help but laugh and shake his head:
"Don't worry, Ichigo. I won't fight you."
"To be honest, I'm also a big fan of Captain Mikami. Since you want to... uh, save him, I'll join you!"
"I'm quite familiar with the Seireitei. I can provide you with food, supplies, and hiding places here!"
"If you encounter enemies, I'll help you fight them!"
"If you want to play LSP4, just tell me, I'll buy it for you..."
Watching Shiba Kaien happily promising him all sorts of benefits, Ichigo couldn't help but frown.
Is there something wrong with this guy's head...
Though he found it somewhat strange, considering his current situation and the pressure he faced, he still nodded.
"Alright, I'll accept you as a companion."
His intuition told him that this guy named Shiba Kaien wouldn't harm him.
Mikami had said: when encountering problems you can't judge, just trust your intuition!
...
...
Shiba Kaien tore off his sleeve and made a simple face covering for Ichigo.
Bringing Ichigo along, he returned to Seireitei.
The gate guards raised their long spears, blocking the two:
"Stop! This is a special period with Ryoka invasion, everyone must undergo identity checks!"
Shiba Kaien grinned:
"It's me, third seat of the Thirteenth Division, Shiba Kaien!"
Seeing the visitor's face clearly, both guards were startled.
"Lord Shiba Kaien!"
They bowed to Shiba Kaien at a perfect ninety-degree angle, not daring to show the slightest negligence.
However, while Shiba Kaien didn't need identity verification, Ichigo couldn't avoid it.
The two guards were sweating profusely and clearly nervous, but still insisted on checking Ichigo.
"Apologies, Lord Shiba, the acting Captain-Commander has ordered that everyone entering Seireitei must be checked... Anyone who neglects this will face disciplinary action for dereliction of duty!"
Shiba Kaien scratched his head, showing a troubled expression.
Suddenly, he seemed to remember something:
"Do you have any image records of the Ryoka?"
The guards shook their heads:
"Not yet, but we've been gate guards for decades now. We know all the Shinigami who come and go from Seireitei. We just need to stop any unfamiliar faces!"
Hearing this, Kaien nodded with satisfaction.
He removed the cloth covering Ichigo's face:
"This is my cousin, Shiba Ichigo, a junior from a branch family. He's very young and hasn't been out before. I just took him out to play, and now I'm bringing him back."
As he spoke, he crouched down, pressing his cheek against Ichigo's, and looked at the two guards:
"See how much we look alike? Like we were carved from the same mold! Could this possibly be fake?"
Looking at Kaien and Ichigo, the two guards froze for a moment.
They exchanged glances, both seeing belief in each other's eyes.
With such similar appearances, forget about being cousins - even if someone claimed this kid was Lord Kaien's illegitimate child, they wouldn't doubt it.
Although the Shiba Clan's reputation had always been particularly good, who could really understand matters of the heart?
Perhaps Lord Kaien had found a new love outside and had a child, wanting to secretly bring him back, only to encounter this incident...
Thinking this, they promptly withdrew their weapons:
"Please proceed, Lord Shiba!"
"Oh, thanks! I'll treat you to drinks another day!"
Kaien waved at them with a smile and led Ichigo into Seireitei.
Ichigo's eye twitched.
"That actually worked?"
"Of course it worked... Just look at how much we resemble each other."
Kaien grinned:
"If you ask me, they probably suspect you're my illegitimate child from Rukongai."
"Pfft, who's your illegitimate child!"
Ichigo said angrily.
Under Kaien's guidance, the two arrived at the Noble District.
"We're here, this is our home!"
Shiba Kaien smiled and extended his hand.
Looking at the tall gate before him, Ichigo was somewhat surprised.
On the over-three-meter-high gate hung a plaque with the characters "Shiba Residence."
"Kaien, you're not actually some big shot in Seireitei, are you..."
"Well, not really, just an ordinary noble."
Kaien smiled and scratched his head, evading the topic.
"The interior isn't actually this ornate. This main gate was forcibly installed by the young master of the Kuchiki Clan, who sent people over to put it in. He said the previous lintel was too shabby and would disgrace the reputation of the Mikami school..."
As he spoke, he led Ichigo into the residence.
Entering the Shiba household, Ichigo understood what Kaien had meant earlier.
The courtyard of the Shiba Clan indeed wasn't as extravagant as the main gate suggested.
Not only was the area not particularly large, but the decorative style wasn't luxurious either - just a bamboo grove, a grassy area, a pond, and a residence of about three to four hundred square meters...
Damn, it's still pretty luxurious!
Thinking of his own pitifully small detached house, Ichigo felt complicated emotions.
While he was wrestling with these thoughts, Kaien had already gathered all family members present at the main house.
Under everyone's gaze, he cheerfully came up behind Ichigo and pushed him forward:
"Everyone! This is Ichigo - Shiba Ichigo!"
"From today onward, everyone shall treat Ichigo as you would treat me and other family members!"
"Except for matters handled by the clan head, all finances, resources... whatever Ichigo needs, give them all to him!"
Upon hearing this, Ichigo was shocked.
"Hey, hey, Kaien, what are you saying!"
"How could I possibly..."
"Ahem, the setting, the setting... Don't you want to save Captain Mikami? This is just the most basic character arrangement!"
Kaien quickly reminded him in a low voice.
Hearing this, though somewhat conflicted, Ichigo could only shut his mouth.
Meanwhile, the members of the Shiba Clan all showed astonished expressions.
Good heavens, isn't this practically arranging for the next clan head?
Everyone's gaze toward Ichigo became somewhat peculiar.
Could it be that since Lady Miyako hasn't borne any children, Lord Kaien went and had one with someone else?
While it made sense, such a thing happening with Lord Kaien felt somewhat...
Led by one of the Shiba Clan's few servants, Ichigo was taken to properly bathe and have a meal.
Soaking in the Shiba Clan's large bath, Ichigo suddenly began to doubt his life's purpose.
What exactly did I come to the Soul Society for?
Is this some kind of sugar-coated cannonball offensive?
Shiba Kaien, truly terrifying!
Meanwhile, in the bedroom, Shiba Kaien looked fearfully at the woman waiting in the room.
"Hehe... Lord Kaien, I heard you brought back a child from outside..."
"Have I disappointed you by not being able to conceive..."
"It's alright with me, if you wish to take another proper wife, I can...Before Shiba Miyako could finish, Shiba Kaien had already slid over on his knees without hesitation.
"Miyako, my devotion to you has never changed!"
"That child isn't mine!"
"?"
Under Shiba Miyako's strange gaze, Shiba Kaien grinned, leaned in, and began whispering.
The expression on Shiba Miyako's face gradually turned to surprise.
"Uncle Isshin?"
"Yes, I sensed it the moment I saw this kid!"
After learning about Ichigo's background, Shiba Miyako forgot about scolding Kaien and quickly busied herself.
As his cousin's wife, she couldn't be impolite.
The Shiba Clan became lively for the first time in a long while.
...
...
"Ichigo... ahem, where is the ryoka now?"
Satoru sat leisurely in the fur-covered large chair of the First Division's study.
"Reporting to Lord Mikami, after battling Vice-Captain Zaraki, the ryoka disappeared and hasn't been seen since."
"Based on analysis, the ryoka is likely hiding in the mountains of East Rukongai,"
"Or possibly has already left the Soul Society."
"?"
Satoru showed a question mark.
How could this be?
Right now, I'm imprisoned by Central 46, facing possible execution at any moment!
How can this kid Ichigo be so leisurely?
This is absolutely outrageous!
Slap!!
Satoru stood up abruptly, slamming the table.
"Notify the Kidō Corps! Prepare the Sōkyoku!"
"?"
Suì-Fēng looked at him with confusion.
Jūshirō Ukitake also said in surprise:
"Satoru, what do you mean by preparing the Sōkyoku? It's just a ryoka invasion, no need to go that far, right?"
Satoru snorted coldly:
"Some mere ryoka deserves the Sōkyoku?"
"Then what's the Sōkyoku for?"
"For my execution!"
"?"
The study fell into silence for a moment.
Jūshirō Ukitake and Kyōraku exchanged glances.
Has our junior brother finally gone mad?
Though difficult to understand, the Captain-Commander's authority is limitless.
At the peak of Sōkyoku Hill, the highest point in Seireitei, the massive gate-shaped execution device began to emit flames of fire-attribute Reishi under the operation of the Kidō Corps.
The crimson glow painted the descending night sky with hues of scarlet twilight.
Meanwhile, a proclamation spread throughout—
Captain Satoru of the Eleventh Division, having committed grave crimes, was to be executed at Sōkyoku Hill!
Upon hearing this, all divisions fell into confusion.
The reason for their bewilderment was simple.
The one who issued this order was none other than the Acting Captain-Commander himself!
So he's cutting off his own head, is he?!
Shinji Hirako couldn't help but laugh in exasperation as he read the order in his hand.
Though furious, the directive from the Acting Captain-Commander could not be ignored.
To ensure the execution proceeded smoothly, each division dispatched personnel to the areas surrounding Sōkyoku Hill, meticulously organizing their defenses.
Over the past century, under Yamamoto's leadership, Seireitei had been preparing for potential Quincy invasions.
Thus, even with this sudden defensive order, the divisions did not descend into chaos. Instead, under their captains' commands, they moved into their assigned positions in an orderly manner.
...
...
Shiba Clan Residence.
Upon hearing the news brought back by Shiba Kaien, Ichigo sprang to his feet.
"No, I have to go now!"
"If we delay any longer, Satoru will be killed by those bastards!"
As he spoke, he prepared to use Flash Step.
Shiba Kaien quickly grabbed his arm:
"Wait, Ichigo, don't rush… Captain Mikami may be scheduled for execution at Sōkyoku, but he hasn't been transported there yet… You won't find him even if you go now."
"I can't just sit here and wait!"
Ichigo shook off Kaien's hand.
He couldn't understand how this guy, who was also Satoru's friend, could remain so detached and completely unruffled.
Even if he might fail, he refused to waste any more time at the Shiba residence!
Kaien scratched his head.
Just as he was about to speak, a voice suddenly rang out:
"Kurosaki Ichigo, do you desire power?"
Hearing this, Kaien turned in surprise.
Seeing the man who had appeared unnoticed in the courtyard, one eye wrapped in black bandages, he instinctively uttered the name:
"Vice-Captain Aizen…"
"You… You've been to my house!"
Ichigo's eyes widened. "My father respects you deeply, saying you're a very important person!"
Seeing Aizen, Ichigo felt a sudden sense of relief.
He hurried over to Aizen.
Noticing the Shinigami Uniform and the wooden tag on his sleeve, Ichigo exclaimed in surprise:
"So you're a Vice-Captain from Soul Society… No wonder I thought you were incredibly strong when I first met you."
Aizen smiled faintly.
"Your father and I are close friends."
"Mikami Satoru is also my friend."
"I cannot accept the sentence Central 46 has passed on him."
"But… I am merely a scientist, without the formidable power they possess."
"So, Kurosaki Ichigo, I hope you can become our hope. For Satoru's sake, will you unleash your power…?"
Without hesitation, Ichigo nodded:
"Of course! That's exactly why I came here!"
Shiba Kaien nearly laughed aloud.
Sōsuke Aizen lacking power? What a joke…
He opened his mouth to speak.
But before he could utter a word, Aizen quietly turned his gaze toward him.
The icy stare hidden behind his glasses made Kaien instinctively swallow his words.
Seeing Shiba Kaien fall silent, Aizen nodded in satisfaction.
"Ichigo Kurosaki, Satoru's execution date has been set for three days from now."
"During these three days, I will conduct special training for you."
"After the training, you will gain power far beyond your current level... but the process will be extremely dangerous."
"In the worst-case scenario, you might even lose your life."
"Are you prepared for this?"
Ichigo let out a derisive laugh:
"I made my resolve long ago, the moment I decided to come here alone!"
Shiba Kaien: "..."
From an angle Ichigo couldn't see, he clearly witnessed Aizen revealing a terrifying, villainous smile - the kind that appears when a scheme has succeeded.
He desperately wanted to warn his cousin not to fall into the devil's trap.
But...
Sorry, cousin. When facing Sōsuke Aizen, even I don't have that kind of courage...
Watching Ichigo being taken away by Aizen, Shiba Kaien slumped into his chair, weeping uncontrollably.
....
....
Taking Ichigo with him, Aizen arrived at a secret training facility.
After setting up a Reiatsu-blocking barrier, he took out a large human-shaped board.
Seeing this object, Ichigo raised an eyebrow:
"A Tenshintai? Mr. Aizen has one of these too?"
"Hmm?"
Aizen gave him a puzzled look.
"You've used one before?"
"Yeah."
Ichigo nodded with a smile: "For Bankai training. Mr. Mikami let me use one."
Aizen remained silent for two seconds:
"You've already achieved Bankai?"
"Yes. I considered using it during my fight with Kenpachi, but he hadn't even achieved Shikai yet. It would have been somewhat inappropriate for me to use Bankai, so I held back..."
Hearing Ichigo's words, Aizen felt rather complicated.
Although he'd long known this guy was a genius, witnessing it firsthand kept shattering his preconceptions.
After thinking for a few seconds, he simply pressed his hand against his chest.
There, a point of light slowly began to glow.
Since he's already mastered Bankai... why not proceed directly to Hollowfication?
If we're going to play, let's play big!