Indeed, that is the case.
If he hadn't experienced it himself, Tsugikuni Yoriichi probably wouldn't have believed it.
Vasto Lordes in Hueco Mundo were so easy to encounter.
But fortunately, this encounter was a close call.
Facing Yamamoto Genryusai, Tsugikuni Yoriichi's expression was as calm as water: "Perhaps I am born different from others.
"However, since I've already returned, there's no point in dwelling on past encounters."
"Gojoshibe Kenpachi is indeed trapped deep within the Forest of Menos; before he left, he told me he was sacrificing himself for Seireitei…"
"Speaking of which, Captain-Commander…" Tsugikuni Yoriichi paused slightly,
"Is the Forest of Menos really that dangerous?"
"Not much different," Yamamoto Genryusai nodded.
He stroked his beard, his voice slow:
"But, that place is a realm that Soul Society can never reach."
"With our power, we can clear over eighty per cent of the threats in Hueco Mundo."
"However, the Forest of Menos is an exception."
"Most of the Hollows in the Human World originate from the Forest of Menos; since Gojoshibe Kenpachi is deeply trapped within it, and he entered voluntarily, then he must have been prepared to die…"
"What a pity."
Yamamoto Genryusai sighed, unsure if it was due to Gojoshibe Kenpachi's sacrifice or the loss of a vital force for Seireitei.
Before entering Hueco Mundo.
No one had ever expected.
He would actually encounter an enemy that even Kenpachi Kuruyashiki couldn't resolve centuries ago.
"What else did Gojoshibe say?"
Yamamoto Genryusai slowly raised his eyes, "Tell this old man everything."
"Currently, the Eleventh Division's Captain position is vacant, Tsugikuni Yoriichi, do you have the desire to become a Captain?"
As his words fell, the air fell into a brief silence.
Beside him, Yoruichi Shihouin pouted, seemingly quite displeased with Yamamoto Genryusai's decision.
She was here first.
If Tsugikuni Yoriichi truly accepted Yamamoto Genryusai's words and became a Captain, then she, the Shihouin Clan, would have no more opportunities.
There had never been a precedent in Soul Society's history of a Captain marrying into a family.
This would be an insult to the Gotei 13, and Yamamoto would absolutely not agree.
Yoruichi watched Tsugikuni Yoriichi with a mix of anticipation and worry.
Yoriichi pondered for a moment, then shook his head slightly: "My apologies, Captain-Commander.
"Currently, I have no desire to become a Captain, although Gojoshibe Kenpachi suggested before he left that I replace him and become the Captain of the Eleventh Division."
"But you know my nature."
"Fighting, for me, is more a means to fulfil a Shinigami's duty and protect my family; if I were to make it my life…"
"This would not align with my philosophy."
"Please forgive me, I cannot take on the role."
"Oh?" These words caused Yamamoto Genryusai to narrow his eyes slightly.
Protecting family… it had been a long time since he had heard such a reason.
Without exception, all previous Shinigami protected Seireitei.
This seemingly perfect excuse was in fact unoriginal and empty.
As if reporting a standard answer.
A thousand years ago, he might have found this excuse incredibly weak. Because in the face of Soul Society's safety, all minor considerations had to take a backseat.
However, now…
Perhaps it was due to a millennium of self-cultivation, his inner aggression gradually wore away…
Yamamoto Genryusai increasingly cared about the emotions he had once overlooked.
Coupled with the increasingly stable Three Realms…
Hmm…
He nodded gently, his gaze sweeping over Rukia and Hisana beside Yoruichi Shihouin, a hint of appreciation in his eyes.
Very good.
This was the type of Shinigami he valued; if one couldn't even protect those around them, even if they reached a high position, they would ultimately be incompetent.
"In that case…"
He drew out his words, his tone calm:
"As you wish, you will be reinstated to your original position, and when a Captain position becomes vacant someday, you can take it…"
"Is that acceptable?"
"I have no problem," Yoriichi replied.
Not far away, Yoruichi Shihouin's lips curved into a brilliant smile.
Her two fair canine teeth were revealed.
However, recalling what happened to Kuchiki Sōjun, her smile gradually faded, and her eyes dimmed.
Although she didn't want to see Tsugikuni Yoriichi completely become Yamamoto Genryusai's person, due to what happened today, Tsugikuni Yoriichi would undoubtedly be targeted by a certain noble faction.
To protect him.
A mere Vice-Captain position would not be enough.
Yamamoto Genryusai should be well aware of this.
However…
Just as Yoruichi Shihouin thought that the Captain-Commander might use Tsugikuni Yoriichi himself as bait to lure out that rebellious noble faction.
Yamamoto Genryusai suddenly spoke.
He had a serious expression.
His tone was solemn:
"We've discussed the position; Tsugikuni Yoriichi, let me talk to you about what happened today."
"You once said that fighting is to protect family, so let me ask you."
"Are you satisfied with the current situation?"
"What I mean is the misfortune you encountered today because you saved Kuchiki Sōjun."
"Regarding this matter, I believe Kuchiki Sōjun has already told you."
"The person who attacked him possesses immense power, so much so that even he didn't dare to act rashly."
"Do you regret it?"
"Never," Yoriichi responded calmly, without hesitation in his tone.
"What's done is done; why regret it?"
"Let them come if they wish; I believe Miss Yoruichi can protect Rukia, as long as my family is not threatened."
"Exactly," Yoruichi Shihouin quickly interjected, as if to follow up on that statement:
"As the head of the Shihouin Clan, as long as I exist, I will not let Sister Rukia suffer any harm."
"This place is the territory of my Shihouin Clan; even the other Four Great Noble Clans wouldn't dare to trespass, and now there's also Sister Hisana…"
"Naturally, we must take even greater care."
The effort and money spent on caring for two Rukongai residents were negligible for the Shihouin Clan.
Even if Tsugikuni Yoriichi became a Captain and couldn't join the Shihouin Clan, the friendship formed through care could last for hundreds or thousands of years.
This was also one of the reasons why the Shihouin Clan could prosper for so long.
Even if he died.
Who could guarantee?
That Rukia or Hisana wouldn't soar to great heights in the future?
That's how investment works.
After speaking, Yoruichi Shihouin raised her eyebrows at Tsugikuni Yoriichi, signalling that everything was fine.
As long as she was there, Rukia and Hisana would be safe.
Seeing this, Yoriichi silently nodded: "That's right, I trust Miss Yoruichi."
"Of course, I also trust that you, Captain-Commander, can handle this matter properly."
"…"
Facing their unintentional cooperation, Yamamoto Genryusai remained silent.
His slightly lowered gaze surveyed the few people present.
In silence, the atmosphere in the room gradually became heavy.
Like a dark cloud covering the roof, making everyone feel a little stifled in their chests.
A moment later.
"Very good."
"It's good that you don't regret it."
His slightly narrowed eyes gradually opened, and the oppressive atmosphere around them dissipated instantly.
The dark cloud above everyone's heads dispersed, and Yamamoto Genryusai nodded gently.
"Tsugikuni Yoriichi, I approve of you."
"What do you think of my Genryu?"
"I want to hear the truth."