Hasumi Ren watched the direction where Tsunayashiro Tokiying had disappeared. He remained silent for a few seconds as the ominous premonition in his heart grew more solid.
Although he had been leaving early and returning late at the Spiritual Arts Academy over the past few days, Tokiying shouldn't have been unable to find him.
His appearance here today made it clear that he was certain something was about to happen.
"Ganju, take these things back first. As we discussed, distribute them to the managers and employees of each branch and teach them the basic usage."
"Notify Old Man Ichiraku to be extra cautious these next few days. Prioritize safety above all else."
"Go now, and be careful on the road. I'll be there shortly."
Ganju was taken aback, but seeing Hasumi Ren's solemn expression, he nodded gravely.
He watched Hasumi Ren turn around and couldn't help but ask.
"Big Brother Hasumi, where are you going?"
"I'm heading back to the academy to grab something."
Hasumi Ren's gaze drifted toward the Shin'o Spiritual Arts Academy.
"Grab something?"
Hasumi Ren nodded. Without further explanation, he patted Ganju on the shoulder, gesturing for him to go.
Although Ganju was rough around the edges, he could guess what Hasumi Ren was going back for at this moment.
A weapon. An Asauchi.
But he had heard from his brother, Kaien, that taking an Asauchi out of the academy without permission was strictly forbidden...
Ganju opened his mouth as if to say something.
However, seeing the look on Hasumi Ren's face and recalling Tokiying's cryptic warning, he ultimately swallowed his words.
"Then... just be careful. I'll get the goods back first."
"By the way, Big Brother Hasumi, if you stay inside the academy, surely no one would dare cause trouble there, right?"
Hasumi Ren paused for a moment.
"That may be true, but I can't stop worrying about the shop. If they can't find an opening with me, there's no guarantee they won't target the business."
Hearing this, Ganju finally realized the depth of Hasumi Ren's concerns. The two parted ways at the intersection without further words.
Ganju drove Bonnie the wild boar, hauling the heavy packs toward West Rukongai.
Hasumi Ren took a deep breath, activated his Shunpo, and raced toward the academy.
He had to get his Zanpakuto.
Right now, the blade in his hand was his greatest reliance.
As night deepened, the academy grew quiet.
Most students had returned to their dorms, though a few still worked up a sweat on the training grounds.
Hasumi Ren returned to his room and retrieved the Zanpakuto resting on its rack.
The familiar weight in his hand put his mind slightly at ease.
Leaving the dormitory was just as smooth.
It wasn't until he dodged the patrol teachers' sight, scaled the academy wall, and stepped back into the night of the Seireitei that a lazy voice rang out nearby.
"Oh? If it isn't Student Hasumi. You look like you're in quite a rush. Do you have some urgent business?"
Hasumi Ren's body suddenly tensed. He looked toward the source of the voice.
Under a nearby spirit-particle streetlamp stood a figure wearing a straw hat and a flowered kimono, exuding a languid and easygoing aura.
When he saw clearly who it was, Hasumi Ren froze.
Kyoraku Shunsui.
Before he could even process the situation, Kyoraku walked closer, a hint of curiosity on his face.
His gaze fell upon the Zanpakuto at Hasumi Ren's waist, his tone remaining peaceful.
"If I'm not mistaken, that's an Asauchi at your waist, Student Hasumi."
"I recall the academy has clear regulations stating that an Asauchi cannot be taken off the grounds without permission."
"Did something happen?"
Hasumi Ren's mind raced at high speed.
Since the man had called him out, if he didn't provide a suitable reason, this wouldn't end well.
'And... Kyoraku Shunsui's appearance was a bit too convenient.'
In a flash, Hasumi Ren made his decision.
The hesitation and struggle on his face eventually turned into heavy resignation as he lowered his head slightly.
"Captain Kyoraku, to be honest, I've run into some trouble."
Kyoraku's gaze showed quite a bit of interest.
Hasumi Ren gave a bitter smile, as if finally making up his mind.
"It's... about the Tsunayashiro family."
"I had some friction with Student Tsunayashiro Tokiying before. I thought it was just a petty dispute between students, but I just received word."
"It seems someone from their family is preparing to move against me. His name is Tsunayashiro Tokinada. That's why I'm worried about my safety."
He glanced at the blade at his waist.
"Especially after that incident during the Soul Burial field trip in the World of the Living where a seated officer defected... I'm still quite shaken."
"I only took this desperate measure out of panic. I must look quite foolish to you, Captain Kyoraku."
Kyoraku listened quietly, maintaining his attentive expression throughout.
Once Hasumi Ren finished, he fell silent for a moment before letting out a soft sigh.
"It seems the incident in the World of the Living had a significant impact on you."
"As for this Tsunayashiro Tokinada you mentioned..."
Kyoraku whispered the name, a fleeting, complex look flashing behind his lenses.
As the captain of the intelligence squad, he naturally had access to information hidden in the shadows of the Seireitei.
Although he had some intel, Kyoraku hadn't expected the Tsunayashiro family to actually move against an academy student.
"If it's that man, he is indeed different from the average noble. Your concern is not unfounded."
He nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the Asauchi at Hasumi Ren's hip.
"Rules exist to maintain order, but sometimes, reality can be far more complicated."
Kyoraku's tone sounded more like a statement of fact than a judgment.
"Being able to make a decision driven by your survival instincts isn't a bad trait. After all, staying alive is the prerequisite for fulfilling any responsibility."
He shifted the topic, his voice carrying a well-placed hint of concern.
"I've heard a bit about this Tsunayashiro Tokinada. He acts erratically, often leaving no room for compromise, and excels at utilizing the shadows outside of the rules."
"Student Hasumi, I'm afraid a single Asauchi might not be enough to neutralize the danger you're facing."
"Thank you for the warning, Captain Kyoraku, but I have no other choice."
"It is the Tsunayashiro family, after all. Since nothing has happened yet, and the enemy is in the dark while I'm in the light, it's impossible to guard against everything."
Hasumi Ren replied calmly.
Kyoraku looked at him and suddenly smiled.
"Caution is necessary, but I know that right now, you need more than just verbal advice."
He tilted his head slightly, looking into the distance as if weighing something.
Then, Kyoraku Shunsui's gentle voice reached him.
"I heard there's a new noodle shop in West Rukongai with a booming business. Their new dishes have been quite well-received lately. One of my squad members recommended it to me, so I was planning to go have a taste."
"I wonder if it's on your way? If it is, why don't we go for a drink together?"
"If you happen to encounter an unmanageable emergency on the road, and I just happen to be nearby, I wouldn't sit idly by and watch a brilliant student fall into peril—based on my duties as a captain, of course."
"What do you say, Student Hasumi?"