บท 108: Chapter 108 ⥤ The Self-Awareness of the One Who Slipped Through
"The Soul Extraction Room has been destroyed — what about all the research results..."
"Forget the research results! Hurry and save people — Seventh Seat Aizen is still inside!"
"How dare these criminals wreak havoc in our Twelfth Division!"
"Seventh Seat Aizen, are you alright? I'll get you out immediately!"
The crowd frantically rescued victims from the ruins, finding them largely unharmed though visibly shaken.
Sensing that certain someone's Reiatsu had vanished from the barracks, Aizen let out a brief sigh of relief, though a flicker of resignation crossed his eyes.
Someone like himself, making sacrifices for others?
Even cooperating with others on matters entirely unrelated to his interests.
Since childhood, he had witnessed life's harsh realities and understood human nature, priding himself on achieving complete indifference, showing reverence for nothing.
But when had this philosophy begun to change?
Aizen fell into deep contemplation...
⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬
Meanwhile, near the Soul Calibration Research Lab.
Silk fabrics descended from the sky, unfurling like a graceful mirage. As the scene emerged, countless vines disintegrated, reverting to Reishi that dispersed into the air.
A figure lay bound tightly by the silk, Kidō inscriptions materializing on the fabric, sealing away all spiritual power.
The Captain of the 7th Division, Okama Shinji.
His eyes now brimmed with terror, not daring to meet Senjumaru's gaze.
The woman others admired appeared to him as menacing as a venomous snake.
One could hardly imagine what psychological torture had transformed this once-principled Shinigami Captain into his current state.
Yet Senjumaru felt little interest in him — his weak psychological resilience alone had led to this outcome.
She had encountered many Shinigami Captains, and ones like Okama barely ranked as mediocre.
Forget about Shinigami of Genryūsai's caliber — even the current Captain of the 12th Division, Kirio Hikifune, far surpassed him. They existed in entirely different realms.
Instead, Senjumaru's interest lay with that young man who had recently infiltrated her research facility.
A perfect Spiritual Body with limitless potential. Among countless experimental subjects, she had never encountered his equal.
If not for the threat of Genryūsai's wrath, she would have already claimed Akira for her research.
At this thought, regret flickered in Senjumaru's eyes before her gaze lowered and her red lips curved into a slight smile.
"Before departing for the Soul King's Palace, perhaps I can find a suitable opportunity..."
The chaos in the 12th Division persisted, with other intruders — unaware the mission was "complete" — still desperately searching for documents containing the Gikon technology.
Under the night sky, flames reached toward the heavens.
When Senjumaru took action, all chaos instantly subsided — her overwhelming strength was evident.
⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬
Under the moonlight, a stealthy figure quietly made his way along the return path, slipping into the heavily guarded 6th District.
When he arrived at the magnificent mansion, he halted abruptly.
Akira examined himself — his clothes remained pristine, untouched by dust, exactly as when he'd left. Not even a scratch marked his body.
Seeing this, he frowned slightly.
Since their visit to the 12th Division, Aizen had grown too lax — fighting for so long without leaving a single mark.
How could they hope to reach the pinnacle like this?
After brief contemplation, he methodically tore his stealth suit to shreds and used his Reienken to inflict various cuts and wounds, making himself appear quite pitiful.
Deciding any further disguise would be excessive, Akira vaulted over the mansion wall.
As expected, Kusagusa Segawa paced anxiously in the courtyard.
"Brother Kusane, I'm back." Akira rushed over in three quick steps, his face a perfect blend of tension and excitement — a masterful display of his acting skills.
His time with Aizen had taught him the art of deception. Combined with precise facial muscle control, he could easily fool those who didn't know him well.
Of course, for people like Aizen, Genryūsai, and Unohana who knew him intimately, his acting skills proved futile.
They needed but one glance to see through his schemes — he couldn't hide anything from them.
"I'm Kusagusa, not Kusane." Kusagusa sighed helplessly before asking, "Why are you alone? Where are the others?"
"We split up." Akira replied, blinking as he lied effortlessly, "The two with me got separated, but fortunately, being stronger, I defeated the enemy and retrieved the Gikon technology."
Kusagusa's eyes lit up at this news, and he grabbed Akira's hand, leading him deeper into the mansion.
Through several spacious corridors, they arrived at a study.
Ansai Tsunayashiro sat behind the desk, fixing them with his sharp gaze.
Akira repeated his prepared explanation, emphasizing his role in the night's operation and shamelessly claiming all credit.
Ansai listened with patience, his expression shifting subtly as his gaze grew increasingly serious.
His eyes narrowed when Akira claimed he had repelled an enemy with a single punch and destroyed the Soul Extraction Room with a Hadō spell.
He had initially dismissed this man as a mere extra, but unexpectedly, the young man had turned the entire situation around — and even more surprisingly, had retrieved the crucial item.
"Where is the Gikon technology?"
"Right here." Akira presented the papers containing the Gikon manual. They were wrinkled from being carried in his clothes, with tears in places.
To Ansai, these imperfections only enhanced their authenticity.
After a quick examination, his expertise made it easy to verify the documents' legitimacy.
As he prepared to study them more thoroughly, he noticed the young man across the desk — covered in wounds, lips parched and cracked.
"Well done, Lord Kisaragi." Setting down the papers, Ansai spoke with warmth, "This mission succeeded entirely thanks to you. When our plan comes to fruition, your contributions will be honored above all others."
Akira merely blinked, fixing him with an intent stare.
Ansai hesitated, briefly puzzled, then understood the meaning behind that expectant gaze.
"I keep my promises. The Golden Seal Noble Assembly will convene in three days. There, I shall nominate you as a new lower-ranking noble. This mansion will become yours as well."
To Ansai, this was a trivial concession. Once his plan succeeded, all of Soul Society would kneel before him.
Then, he would reign as Soul Society's sole god!
These current possessions meant nothing in comparison. Besides, Akira's perfect execution of the mission warranted reward.
"Very well, very well." The young man nodded eagerly, greed evident in his expression, "Thank you for your generosity, Lord Tsunayashiro."
This reaction put Ansai further at ease.
He didn't fear subordinates with desires — he feared those who wanted nothing. Desire was a leash; those who wanted could always be controlled through satisfaction.
"You've worked hard tonight. Get some rest." He could barely contain his impatience to study the Gikon technology.
Akira and Kusagusa rose, bowed, and left the study together.
In the corridor, they engaged in lengthy conversation.
Kusagusa openly displayed his admiration for Akira, who had achieved such distinction so soon after joining Ansai's service.
With the lord's recognition secured, his prospects seemed limitless.
Akira vowed that should he rise to prominence, he would never forget "Kusane's" guidance and support.
In that moment, the bond between them deepened significantly.
⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬
The next morning.
When news of the 12th Division's uprising spread throughout the Seireitei, Gosuke arrived punctually at his lord's dormitory door, offering a respectful greeting.
"Lord Magistrate, a Jigokuchō message has arrived. The Captain's meeting will be held in an hour. We must leave now to avoid being late."
Akira opened the wooden door, gazing puzzled at the man kneeling before him.
"What does the Captain's meeting have to do with me? Shouldn't you be attending?"
Gosuke sighed helplessly, "I'm merely the Acting Captain. This meeting requires both Captain and Vice-Captain to attend. If I go alone, the Captain-Commander will hold me accountable. Please, freshen up and join me."
He had completely given up hope for this future Captain. Despite his incredible talent, Akira's methods were far too unorthodox.
Currently, apart from those maintaining essential barracks operations, Akira had dispatched the entire 11th Division to spread faith throughout the Rukongai.
More outrageous still, just days ago, he had spent a fortune building a luxurious shrine in the prime location of North Rukongai's 1st District.
His actions made it clear that he no longer took the Ise family seriously at all.
The sole consolation was that, outside of matters concerning faith propagation, Akira proved reasonably receptive to advice.
Soon, both men completed their preparations and headed directly to the 1st Division barracks.
⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬
Captain's Meeting Room.
In the spacious, bright room, Genryūsai sat in the chief position, his aged hands resting on his spiral-patterned staff, his dignified gaze sweeping over those who had arrived on time.
In the early hours of this morning, Chōjirō had awakened him with news of the uprising at the 12th Division barracks.
Though the losses were minimal, this attack was an undeniable affront to the Gotei 13's dignity.
"Regarding last night's events — as you've all surely heard — the Twelfth Division barracks suffered a shocking attack. The perpetrator was none other than Seventh Division, Captain Okama Shinji!"
The Captains' faces showed varying degrees of shock.
As colleagues, they had worked closely together over the years.
Shunsui Kyōraku, in particular, had spent many nights drinking with Okama in the pleasure district. Okama's generous nature had made him a dear friend.
Who could have predicted his betrayal of the Seireitei? What a shame.
Now he'd need to find another drinking companion.
Shunsui sighed heavily, his weathered face resigned. The other Captains wore similar expressions.
"He has been detained in the Senzaikyū, awaiting the Central 46's verdict. He will answer for his crimes!" Genryūsai's deep, authoritative voice resonated through the meeting room, making everyone cower beneath his presence.
{T/N: Senzaikyū = Palace of Penitence, where prisoners are sent before being sentenced to death at Sōkyoku Hill for various reasons, in this case treason.}
Many Vice-Captains paled at these words.
Only the 11th Division's representatives showed contrasting reactions.
Acting Captain Gosuke appeared utterly helpless, his face ashen and beaded with cold sweat.
Meanwhile, Akira stood behind him, relaxed as a spring breeze, completely at ease.
For him, this level of reprimand was barely a fraction of what he was accustomed to. Old man Yama was being quite gentle now, at least in his eyes.
Genryūsai paid little attention to his foolish disciple, his stern gaze fixed on the other Captains. After a brief pause, his aged voice continued.
"But we face an even graver matter. According to witness accounts and scene analysis, not all rebels were captured — one fish slipped through our net. To preserve our dignity, the Seireitei gates will be closed immediately, patrols tripled, and we shall arrest these criminals to uphold Soul Society's laws!"
Upon hearing this, many of the more laid-back Captains wore expressions of dismay, as if facing their doom.
This reaction was most evident among the 5th and 8th Divisions.
Meanwhile, a certain escaped "fish" calmly observed the meeting room's occupants, displaying remarkable composure despite being a suspect.
He exchanged occasional glances with Yoruichi Shihōin.
The concern in her eyes suggested she had already deduced the identity of this escaped "fish".
She was already imagining this fish dressed in priest robes and summoning a one-eyed sacred black fish.
As the discussion drew to a close, Genryūsai tapped the floor to gather attention and formally concluded the meeting.
The moment he finished speaking, Akira sprang toward Yoruichi.
But before he could take two steps, an authoritative gaze stopped him. Genryūsai fixed his narrowed eyes on the sprightly youth and spoke gravely.
"You stay behind. I have something to ask you."
Akira's heart lurched as dark forebodings washed over him...
⤫⤬⤫
T/N: If you want more chapters like this, check out my Patreon! Take a look at my other translations too, you might like them!
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บท 109: Chapter 109 ⥤ Akira's Quick Thinking
When Genryūsai's voice suddenly rang out, he tensed, his guard instantly rising as he nervously eyed the elder seated at the head of the room.
"Teacher, I just remembered I left the gas on at home..."
Shinji Hirako watched the amusing scene unfold with a delighted grin. As someone who loved entertainment, he found such moments captivating.
The last time he'd encountered Akira, the youth had shattered an Adjuchas's skull with a single punch, leaving Shinji psychologically scarred. He'd later heard that during the graduation assessment, Akira had beaten the criminal Shiraki Shin'ichi to death with his bare hands.
These incidents had led Shinji to believe Akira was a cold-blooded killer who took lives without hesitation.
Yet watching him now, those rumors seemed far from the truth.
"Never mind — Vice Captain Gosuke can return instead." Genryūsai said calmly, "Come with me. This matter is urgent and non-negotiable."
The others acknowledged and filed out one by one.
Yoruichi cast Akira a sympathetic look before her Vice Captain ushered her from the meeting room.
⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬
In the newly renovated training hall.
Genryūsai narrowed his eyes, studying the nervous youth before him.
His teacher's intuition told him this boy was hiding something — and it wasn't good.
"You heard everything I said in the meeting, correct?"
Akira startled, then nodded, unsure what the old man was getting at.
"About the investigation of the night raid on the Twelfth Division." Genryūsai said softly, "The Thirteen Divisions alone lack the strength to complete this quickly. According to intelligence from the scene, the escapee had at least Vice-Captain level power. So I was thinking, perhaps through the power of the ritual..."
Before he could finish, his disciple's eyes went wide.
Since when had this old man become so flexible, actually suggesting they use the One-Eyed God's power to investigate?!
In Akira's experience, Genryūsai was rigid in his thinking — the most conservative of conservatives. Though their long association had changed the old man somewhat.
But on matters of principle, he never compromised easily. Akira's earlier proposed undercover plan had met with clear resistance.
"Is there a problem?" Seeing his disciple's foolish expression, Genryūsai's brows furrowed, his intuition sharpening.
"No, no!" Akira waved his hands frantically.
Genryūsai's eyes narrowed as he studied the youth, "Are you hiding something from me?"
Swoosh—
Cold sweat beaded on Akira's forehead as he stammered wordlessly.
Acting was for outsiders. Before this old man — this teacher who truly cared for him — any lie would be transparent the moment it left his mouth.
Genryūsai leaned on his cane, watching intently as the boy's expression grew more unnatural by the second.
This scene felt familiar.
He remembered hundreds of years ago at the Shin'ō Academy, how Shunsui wore exactly this expression whenever he'd done something wrong.
This boy definitely hadn't done anything good.
He began considering what foolish things Akira might have done recently.
Beating up colleagues? No, the 11th Division revered martial virtue — even if beaten, they'd only admire and respect their attacker.
Marrying into the Shihōin family? No — this boy had strongly resisted the idea and had even warned him about it before.
{T/N: Just to explain that the MC is not against the marriage, he just doesn't want to be called Akira Shihōin. In the future, could we see a Yoruichi Kisaragi?}
Then, neglecting his duties?
At this thought, Genryūsai almost laughed — if this boy had even a shred of professional ethics, he wouldn't be getting beaten up every day.
Wait...
He suddenly came to his senses, realizing with horror that his foolish disciple wouldn't have disobeyed him and joined the Tsunayashiro faction on his own, would he?
Akira, watching the old man's expression change, saw the shifting facial muscles and without hesitation threw a reverse punch — shattering the training hall's wall!
Bang!
He wasn't foolish enough to truly counterattack Genryūsai. The gap in strength was too vast — even if the bald eagle were sound asleep, a sneak attack would fail, let alone when he was merely distracted.
If he dared to strike at him now, the old man's instinctive reaction alone would send Akira straight to heaven, back to Mimihagi's embrace.
Boom!
A thunderous crash echoed from the barracks, drawing the attention of countless division members. They saw a massive hole in the newly repaired training hall wall and a figure darting through the streets like lightning.
⤫ Shunpo ⥤ Flash Steps ⤬
In an instant, Akira reached the barracks gate. Seeing freedom within reach, he felt elated, as if his Shunpo had gained new power. He pushed himself to run even faster.
But someone was faster.
Bang!
Akira's vision went black as he crashed into a mountain-like figure, his body bouncing backward.
When he raised his head and cleared his dazed mind, a looming shadow stood before him.
Though less than 170 centimeters tall, the figure carried the presence of a 280-centimeter giant.
"Teacher, let me explain..." He managed an awkward smile in one last desperate attempt.
But Genryūsai said nothing, simply picking him up like a chicken and carrying him back to the training hall.
The division members barely spared the scene a glance before looking away.
To them, this was just another case of the 3rd Seat Kisaragi getting overconfident, challenging his superior, only to be swiftly humbled by the Captain-Commander.
Or perhaps his strange ideas had annoyed the Captain-Commander, who decided to teach him a lesson.
Ever since Akira had become Genryū's disciple, such scenes played out weekly. The Captain-Commander's roars regularly echoed throughout the 1st Division barracks.
It had all become routine by now.
Nearby, Lieutenant Chōjirō and 3rd Seat Genshirō were calmly drinking tea.
One could only say — business as usual, nothing to see here.
As Akira was dragged back into hell, his wails echoed throughout the training grounds, accompanied by thunderous crashes and the sounds of combat that resembled two polar bears wrestling.
"Would you like more tea?" Chōjirō asked.
"If you would be so kind." Genshirō replied with a nod.
Chōjirō expertly added water and poured the tea, sliding the rippling cup toward Genshirō.
Both men lifted their cups in unison, taking delicate sips and savoring the exquisite aroma, silently agreeing on its excellence.
Right on cue, Akira's furious roar erupted from the nearby training grounds.
"This is too much, this is rebellion! Yamamoto, I—"
BANG!!
A thunderous strike, like heaven itself splitting apart, cut off the rest of his sentence.
⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬
In the battered training hall.
Genryūsai sat cross-legged on the only intact section of flooring, calmly sipping freshly heated tea while savoring its aroma.
"Tell me what intelligence you've gathered since joining the Tsunayashiro faction." Though he might doubt his disciple's wisdom, he never doubted Akira's ability to get results.
After all, how could someone who had disrupted the rebels' movements multiple times simply go undercover quietly?
"It's not really any important intelligence." Akira hesitated, "I just went to the Twelfth Division and got some Gikon technology..."
CRACK!
The cup in Genryūsai's hand instantly shattered, crumbling into fragments as thick veins bulged on his gleaming forehead.
The previously composed old man transformed into a demon from hell, his burning presence exploding outward.
To think that moments ago at the Captain's Meeting, he had been discussing how to catch criminals, uphold Soul Society's laws, and maintain justice. He had even been willing to show flexibility for this cause.
Yet the fish that slipped through the net had been in his own pond!
"You'll be the death of me!" With that, Genryūsai struck down with his palm — though merely an ordinary strike, it carried enough force to split heaven and earth.
Akira's eyes widened, and before he could defend himself, his body crashed through the broken floorboards like a mole being driven underground.
⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬
After a thorough beating, the old man's anger subsided, and he sat back down at the tea table.
"Stop playing dead and get over here!"
Hearing this, Akira — who had been lying like a dead fish on the ground — sprang up with surprising vitality and sat cross-legged before him.
Looking at his seemingly unfazed disciple, Genryūsai considered whether he should increase the force of his teaching methods.
After these two beatings, aside from being black and blue with some superficial injuries, there wasn't any lasting effect. If this continued, the kid might grow even more rebellious.
Genryūsai, who knew him all too well, pondered this.
"Tell me the details. Don't leave anything out!"
After a moment's consideration, Akira described everything in detail — Yoruichi's support and all that had transpired after joining the Tsunayashiro faction.
He only omitted Aizen's involvement. Though he didn't understand why Aizen wanted to keep his role secret, as a good friend, all he could do was respect that wish.
As for the fake Gikon technology, Akira claimed full responsibility.
He boasted that he was naturally gifted, having learned Kirio Hikifune's years of research in one glance and even recreated a fake version for Ansai.
Watching Akira, who seemed to almost believe his own tale, Genryūsai shook his head, deciding not to burst his bubble.
'These claims are only believable to yourself.' He thought, 'You can't even focus in class for three minutes — if you could actually understand Artificial Soul technology, I'd hand over my Captain-Commander position to you.'
It was too late for reproach now.
Besides, though this disciple might be foolish at times, his heart was in the right place — he was genuinely working for Soul Society's peace and stability.
Moreover, if not for his actions last night, Ansai might have obtained the real Gikon technology. That would have caused chaos throughout Soul Society and even the Living World.
Still, whenever Genryūsai thought about how this kid had disobeyed him and stubbornly infiltrated one of the Five Noble Houses, he couldn't help but feel angry.
"What do you plan to do next?"
Akira shrugged helplessly, "What else can we do? Take it one step at a time. From my conversations with Ansai Tsunayashiro, it's clear that old fellow isn't satisfied with his current position and is determined to change Soul Society's status quo. I really don't understand it though. What position could be higher than being the head of the Tsunayashiro family? If I were him, I'd just start drinking and enjoying life to the fullest."
"Don't make accusations without solid evidence. Without definitive proof and orders from Central 46, the Gotei 13 cannot move against the Five Noble Houses. They can only resolve their disputes internally."
Akira was stunned, "Investigate themselves?"
Genryūsai gave him a look and said irritably, "What else?"
Hearing this, the young man's brows furrowed deeply. He wasn't well-versed in Soul Society's system structure.
But from the old man's words, it was clear that trying to bring down the Tsunayashiro family with this evidence alone would be impossible. Without sufficient proof, their hands were tied.
No wonder everyone wants to be nobility. The protection is even better than he imagined.
"In that case, we can only wait for them to slip up." Akira pondered thoughtfully, quickly grasping the heart of the problem and formulating a solution.
Strangely, after receiving two beatings from Genryūsai, his mind felt unusually clear and sharp.
"Teacher, what do you think about setting up a sting operation?" His eyes lit up, "For example, helping Ansai Tsunayashiro achieve his ambitions..."
⤫⤬⤫
T/N: If you want more chapters like this, check out my Patreon! Take a look at my other translations too, you might like them!
For just $1 you can access all the extra content, and descriptive images, costs only $2!
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