Chapter 81: Chapter 81 ⥤ Darkness Beneath the Surface
Initially, this rumor spread among just a few people, but it quickly became the talk of the entire Seireitei. Even students at the Shin'ō Academy were discussing it everywhere.
Being the family of 11th Division Captain, Sōya Azashiro, this news drew widespread attention. The thoughts of Soul Society's leadership, however, remained a mystery.
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Kidō classroom.
At the podium, the new Kidō instructor spoke eloquently about the latest developments in the Kidō system, including innovations proposed by the new Grand Kidō Chief, Tessai Tsukabishi.
He lectured on, oblivious to the bewildered students below.
For these students who hadn't yet mastered basic Kidō, the concept of combined Kidō was deceptively simple — but its deeper complexities might as well have been written in hieroglyphics.
It was like teaching calculus to elementary school students — completely beyond their grasp.
With curiosity gleaming in his eyes, Akira tilted his head back and asked without turning around.
"Wasn't the Azashiro family completely wiped out years ago? How did a branch family suddenly appear?"
Aizen shook his head and explained quietly.
"The main family indeed only has Captain Azashiro left." His gaze was profound, as if lamenting something, "Originally, that group of conspiring nobles planned to move against the branch family, but before they could act, Sōya killed all the nobles who came to watch the 'execution'. After that, the matter was simply dropped."
Akira frowned, experiencing an oddly familiar sense of déjà vu.
"Wait, if I remember correctly — years ago, wasn't the Azashiro main family also framed with false charges? All family members were killed except Captain Azashiro. Could this current incident also be..."
Hearing this, Aizen raised his eyes, looking at the priest with approval and saying with slight satisfaction, "That possibility certainly exists. However, we'll need to wait for the investigation results to know the specific situation. Most likely, the Onmitsukidō will be coming for you soon."
Akira slowly displayed a question mark.
"The Azashiro family has betrayed us, why would they need to investigate the victim?"
Aizen gave him a penetrating look and warned, "Don't forget, Captain Azashiro has transferred all the family assets to your name. You're no longer just a victim — you could be seen as an accomplice to the betrayal..."
The change in status had come with dizzying speed. In an instant, he'd gone from loyal subject to suspected traitor.
Akira sank into existential contemplation.
He hadn't touched any of the Azashiro family's money yet. Would returning it now make any difference?
The tedious Kidō class drew to a close with the teacher's dismissal.
Under the watchful eyes of many, the new Kidō instructor approached the pensive Akira and spoke with genuine warmth.
"Student Kisaragi, allow me to introduce myself again. I am Hachigen Ushōda..."
At these words, Akira snapped from his thoughts and stared wide-eyed at the well-proportioned man with pink short hair before him, his face registering shock.
The man continued gently, "Currently the 7th Seat of the Kidō Corps, temporarily serving as the Kidō instructor for the Academy's elite class."
Akira stood motionless, carefully studying this Kidō instructor who seemed at once familiar and foreign.
In his memory, Hachigen was supposed to be a large, rotund man with both a broad frame and heart. Yet his current appearance bore no resemblance to what he would become.
What transformations lay between now and then — could time truly be such a merciless blade… or pound(s)?
Though puzzled by the student's apparent surprise, Hachigen delivered his message dutifully.
"The Grand Kidō Chief asked me to inform you that the doors of the Kidō Corps are always open to you. Should you face any insurmountable troubles, you may seek aid from the Kidō Corps."
After delivering this message, he offered a slight smile and left the classroom.
The implication was clear: As Grand Kidō Chief, Tessai must have acquired sensitive information that prompted him to send Hachigen with this message.
Akira understood this immediately.
Aizen too had caught on, pausing briefly before speaking with gravity.
"I'm not well-versed in noble affairs. From our current positions, we can't know what Soul Society's leadership is planning. You should speak with Yoruichi Shihōin and Captain-Commander Yamamoto—they might have answers."
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1st Division barracks, Tea Room.
The fragrant aroma of tea wafted through the air as the teapot bubbled softly.
Like clockwork, Genryūsai could always be found in one of three places: the tea room, the office, or the training hall.
Each time, his posture remained unchanged from the previous encounter.
"Coming to ask this old man was the correct decision." Genryūsai stroked his beard and spoke in a deep voice, "We have indeed uncovered the assassin's identity. However, this matter runs deeper than it appears."
Under Akira's curious gaze, he revealed the hidden truth.
Soul Society's power was divided among noble factions, whose ruthless struggles for influence knew no bounds. Beyond open warfare, they readily employed framing, slander, and assassination.
Throughout millennia, Genryūsai had witnessed such incidents repeatedly. At times, circumstances had even drawn him into these conflicts.
The Azashiro family incident was merely a stepping stone in the greater power struggle between major noble houses.
Put simply, one noble faction was positioning to strike against another, using the Azashiro family's alleged betrayal as their opening gambit.
And Akira was nothing more than an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire.
{T/N: Mimihagi might just swoop down to save its fave priest from all this drama.}
After hearing the old man's analysis, Akira frowned.
"So I'm just collateral damage? A side dish!?"
Genryūsai maintained his stoic expression as he poured tea, took a measured sip, and replied matter-of-factly.
"What else did you expect? Did you think those high and mighty people would care about a genius? Don't take yourself too seriously." He set down his teacup and spoke with the gravity of a mentor, "To them, even the Gotei 13 — Soul Society's core defenders — are mere disposable tools. They fear only those who wield power great enough to destroy everything..."
Akira studied the elder's serious expression, sensing deeper meaning in his words.
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