Because of the large number of Shinigami graduating from the Spiritual Arts Academy, even though Yumichika Ayasegawa had never attended school, he still heard rumors from his colleagues.
For example.
Last year, two exceptionally talented geniuses emerged from the Spiritual Arts Academy.
One was Tsugikuni Yoriichi.
The other was Ichimaru Gin.
Although the latter was not as brilliant as the former, he still became a topic of conversation among people.
Yoriichi did not immediately answer Yumichika Ayasegawa's question, but instead lowered his head slightly, looked at Matsumoto Rangiku, and asked softly, "What is your name?"
"Rangiku, Matsumoto Rangiku!"
"And you?"
Matsumoto Rangiku's temper was indeed as willful as a child's, even her words were impolite.
However, considering that she was over eighty years old, still very young in the concept of Shinigami,
Yoriichi did not take this matter to heart, only nodded slightly: "Tsugikuni Yoriichi."
After speaking, he paused and continued, "The Ichimaru Gin you mentioned, does he have pale purple-silver hair, eyes that are always narrowed into a slit, and a smile on his face all day long?"
"Huh?" This made Matsumoto Rangiku extremely confused.
Purple-silver hair was one thing, but who was this person with squinted eyes?
"No, no, the Ichimaru Gin I know often smiles, and he does have pale purple hair, but he doesn't squint."
"At least he opens them when he's with me."
Matsumoto Rangiku vigorously waved her hand to explain, "The person you're talking about might be someone else."
Upon hearing this,
Yoriichi understood: "Understood."
He nodded, put Matsumoto Rangiku down, turned to face Yumichika Ayasegawa, and ordered, "There's no need to alter her memory; take her back with us. She shouldn't have seen anything."
"Although I'm not sure if Ichimaru Gin is the one she knows, it's worth meeting him, if only to honor this child's efforts."
"You must be very tired, aren't you?"
Yoriichi tilted his head slightly, his gaze quickly scanning Matsumoto Rangiku's patched clothes.
His tone gradually softened: "Don't worry, we won't do anything to you. Your spiritual pressure isn't weak. If you came here for him, do you, by any chance, have the desire to become a Shinigami?"
"If I become a Shinigami, will I be able to see him?"
"Probably."
"Then I'll do it!"
Matsumoto Rangiku's tone was unwavering: "I traveled all the way here from District 60-something just to find him."
"I want to ask him why he left without saying goodbye!"
"You're a Captain, right? So your status must be very high. Can you help me ask him?"
Her gaze was fixed on Yoriichi, eager for his answer.
She knew that with her current strength, it would be difficult to get an answer from Ichimaru Gin.
So, in order to resolve the confusion in her heart, it didn't matter if she used external help.
She just wanted an answer, whether that answer was correct or not.
Yoriichi was silent for a moment: "I'll do my best, but he might not answer if he truly has unspeakable difficulties."
"It's okay, I'll work hard too!"
...
As the two spoke,
Not far away,
Yumichika Ayasegawa opened his mouth, then hesitated.
He really wanted to ask, is it really okay to make such a hasty decision?
Just because the other party is a child, and because her spiritual pressure isn't weak, they're going to take her to the Seireitei?
Although... well, this is indeed the standard for becoming a Shinigami: young and with potential, no Shinigami would ignore it upon seeing it.
But to coincidentally encounter a genius in such a desolate place...
And this genius is also related to another genius.
No matter how you look at it, it's quite outrageous, isn't it?
Additionally, Matsumoto Rangiku's attire was simply too messy and not beautiful at all, which was what Yumichika Ayasegawa found most unacceptable.
But since the Captain had already given the order, what else could he do?
Alas... a helpless sigh escaped his heart.
Kuna Mashiro, on the other hand, innocently stepped forward, smiling and greeting Matsumoto Rangiku.
After some discussion, the group decided to change her clothes first, and then return to the Seireitei.
After all, the incident had been resolved, so the follow-up would naturally not be as busy.
Meanwhile, several Shinigami from the Kuchiki Clan offered their congratulations and then bid farewell.
They all lamented that the Ninth Division would gain another great general in the future, which would surely make them even stronger, leaving Matsumoto Rangiku full of questions.
Ninth Division?
She looked up blankly, just about to ask the question in her heart, but in the next second, due to the sudden rush of wind, she abruptly swallowed her words.
The scenery on both sides changed rapidly as Yoriichi brought her to the nearest relatively prosperous street.
With the help of everyone, Matsumoto Rangiku's demeanor and appearance underwent a drastic transformation in a short period of time.
Her originally dull hair became golden and shimmering, like smooth silk;
Her clothes were no longer stained with blood, replaced by neat and clean attire.
At a glance, she no longer looked like a wild child.
Only then did Yumichika Ayasegawa dare to approach her slightly.
Once everything was settled, the group returned to the Seireitei, and soon after, received a summons from the Gotei 13.
At the same time, Zaraki Kenpachi and Kusajishi Yachiru, who learned that the mission had been completed, also returned, though Zaraki Kenpachi's expression was somewhat displeased.
After all, they had made a wasted trip.
He loudly grumbled, "Yachiru, I told you we were going the wrong way!"
"But you wouldn't believe me!"
"Now look, the enemy was cut down by Tsugikuni! How are you going to compensate me!"
"Kenpachi, isn't this great? The more enemies he cuts down, the stronger he'll become. Isn't that what you hoped for?"
As soon as these words were spoken, Zaraki Kenpachi's dissatisfaction vanished without a trace.
His battle-hungry gaze was fixed on Tsugikuni Yoriichi's back, and the longing in his heart grew even stronger.
That's right!
Defeating an unchanging Tsugikuni Yoriichi was meaningless.
Only when he became stronger and then defeated him could he truly demonstrate his own power!
So, Zaraki Kenpachi followed closely behind.
...
Inside the Gotei 13.
Yamamoto Genryusai sat quietly in the main seat, with Kuchiki Ginrei and Kuchiki Sōjun beside him.
The moment these two saw Tsugikuni Yoriichi, their eyes showed a clear ripple.
They had already heard the details of the incident from the Shinigami.
It was very dangerous.
They were just one step away from being firmly nailed down, because they couldn't explain why the culprit turned into a Hollow as soon as he left the Sixth Division.
Fortunately, they arrived in time and nipped the situation in the bud.
Thinking about it carefully, this was already the second time their Kuchiki Clan had been saved by someone.
To be honest, if Tsugikuni Yoriichi hadn't already become Yamamoto Genryusai's disciple,
Before, Kuchiki Ginrei would have done anything to pull Tsugikuni Yoriichi into the Kuchiki Clan.
Even if it meant abandoning the so-called pride of a high-ranking noble.
This was clearly their lucky star!
Without him,
Who knew what the Kuchiki Clan would have become.
Framing, assassination... the actions of those villains were impossible to guard against.
...
"Cough, cough!"
Yamamoto Genryusai's slightly aged but majestic figure sat upright in the center of the conference room.
He coughed heavily twice.
Then, seeing that everyone had arrived, he used the incident involving the Kuchiki Clan as an introduction to begin a serious discussion.
This meeting was highly confidential, so only a select few could participate.
Even Zaraki Kenpachi, who had come with Tsugikuni Yoriichi, could only stand outside, guarding the surroundings to prevent the meeting from being eavesdropped on.
During the meeting, Tsugikuni Yoriichi recounted the incidents he had experienced in detail.
When he mentioned Bai Yunzongshu's sudden Hollowfication and attack on the Shinigami, the air around them seemed to instantly solidify, and the atmosphere became as heavy and oppressive as lead.
Thud!
Yamamoto Genryusai's staff struck the ground heavily, emitting a dull thud.
He sternly interrupted Tsugikuni Yoriichi's narration: "So, you killed him?"
"Yes," Yoriichi nodded.
"Your student arrived a step too late; by the time he arrived, his Hollowfication had already spread throughout his entire body."
"Considering that this might be another conspiracy, forgive your student for not holding back."
After all, it wasn't Kensei.
As a criminal, escaping, smuggling, and even trying to kill, Yoriichi couldn't treat him the same way he treated Kensei.
What if he used Bankai?
It would be meaningless.
It was better to eliminate him directly to minimize the loss.
Upon hearing this,
Yamamoto Genryusai narrowed his eyes slightly, falling into a brief contemplation.
A moment later, he raised his gaze, not showing any clear blame for Tsugikuni Yoriichi's words, only nodding lightly: "You did very well."
Immediately,
He looked sideways at Kuchiki Ginrei and Kuchiki Sōjun: "Gentlemen, what are your thoughts?"
"..."
Kuchiki Ginrei was the first to step forward, his voice old but firm: "Yamamoto Genryusai, this old man believes this is a provocation to us, the Gotei 13."
"If it's confirmed that our Sixth Division caused his Hollowfication, then your prestige and credibility, along with ours, will be suppressed."
"We absolutely cannot let them get away with this."
"So who do you think is responsible?" Yamamoto Genryusai narrowed his eyes.
"Tsunayashiro? Would they be that foolish?"
Kuchiki Ginrei raised his eyes, falling into deep thought.
After a few seconds, he slowly shook his head and said, "Hard to say."
Who could fully understand the struggles between nobles? If they truly did it, then Kensei Muguruma must also be involved.
And the Hollowfication incident cannot be revealed publicly.
Unbeknownst to them,
Two people's plans collided.
It wasn't impossible.
Kuchiki Ginrei's words were somewhat vague, but Yamamoto Genryusai understood his meaning.
His slightly narrowed eyes gradually opened,
He decisively ordered: "Chojiro, contact Yoruichi Shihouin and Shiba Kaien."
"My Gotei 13 cannot suffer this hidden loss in vain!"
"Yes."
A faint voice sounded from behind.
After Chōjirō Sasakibe left,
The air returned to a long silence.
Yamamoto Genryusai said nothing more.
Instead, Kuchiki Ginrei and Kuchiki Sōjun looked at Tsugikuni Yoriichi, intentionally or unintentionally.
The former gave the latter a knowing look.
After the meeting ended,
"Please wait, Yoriichi!"
Kuchiki Sōjun quickly stepped forward, swiftly detaining Yoriichi, his words sincere: "You've helped us tremendously again this time, we are truly grateful. Do you happen to have time recently?"
"No need to be so polite," Yoriichi nodded lightly.
"We are all colleagues; helping each other is only natural. Besides, I can't stand those conspiracies and schemes."
"As for time, I do have some recently. Why?"
Kuchiki Sōjun responded solemnly: "Please bring Hisana and Rukia along and come to our Kuchiki Clan for a casual meal!"
"Although you consider this a small matter, for us, it is a major event that could shake the very foundation of our existence."
"If it weren't for your timely appearance, our Kuchiki Clan, along with the Captain-Commander, would likely have been sent to the Forty-Six Chambers for judgment."
"Your help to us is simply beyond words!"
"..."
"Hmm..." Yoriichi thought for a moment,
"That's too exaggerated. I will bring Hisana and Rukia, but please, no thanks. We are friends, aren't we?"
"Yes," Kuchiki Sōjun's face broke into a bright smile.
Then, he changed the subject.
"However, one thing at a time, you truly helped us, and as the Kuchiki Clan, I will certainly not overlook it."
"It's good that you agreed. The time will be set for tomorrow at noon. I will send someone to invite you then."
"We eagerly await your visit."
...
Leaving the Gotei 13,
Yoriichi had a strange, inexplicable feeling.
The Kuchiki Clan was overly enthusiastic.
Although he had slain that Adjuchas, it was merely a casual act.
Even if it hadn't been him, any other Captain would have made the same choice.
Perhaps it was because he had foiled the enemy's conspiracy?
As he pondered,
Matsumoto Rangiku ran up from somewhere.
Her golden hair swayed in the wind, like a young deer, and she directly tugged at Tsugikuni Yoriichi's hem: "Hey, you said you'd let me become a Shinigami, didn't you?"
"Why did you suddenly disappear?"
"Where's Gin?"
Feeling the pull, Yoriichi looked sideways slightly.
Facing Matsumoto Rangiku's three questions, he pondered his answer: "No need to rush. You've just arrived here and aren't very familiar with your surroundings yet. Let's go to my house for a meal first."
"As for Ichimaru Gin, he's in the Fifth Division."
"If he's not on a mission, you should be able to see him this afternoon."
A Captain's words, even in other Divisions, carried significant weight.
As a Third Seat, Ichimaru Gin could certainly refuse an order, but if they approached his Captain, explained the situation, and said his friend had appeared...
Given Hirako Shinji's personality, he wouldn't likely refuse to give Ichimaru Gin half a day off.
Coincidentally, Yoriichi also wanted to see.
What exactly was going on in the Fifth Division?
Tōsen Kaname had problems, but Yoriichi didn't expose them because mishandling it might alert the enemy.
But once Ichimaru Gin entered his territory, as long as he saw Matsumoto Rangiku...
If everything that had happened before was truly as Matsumoto Rangiku said, and Ichimaru Gin's personality had undergone a drastic change overnight...
Then something could surely be discerned from their meeting.
Baselessly suspecting a colleague was not Tsugikuni Yoriichi's nature; having evidence was different.
Back then, if he had seen his brother's resentment towards him, if he had seen that unusual emotion.
All the subsequent tragedies would have been impossible.
With his Transparent World, he couldn't see through people's hearts at that time.
This was a lesson.
He had learned it.
Later,
He wouldn't make the same mistake again.
"Eat?" Matsumoto Rangiku frowned slightly, somewhat expectant, but also a little worried.
As a Rukongai resident who had scraped by in the outer districts, she had never had a proper meal since childhood.
Water was used to fill her stomach, and her regular food was dried persimmons, which was also Ichimaru Gin's favorite food.
Now...
What would Shinigami food be like?
How was Gin doing now...
after becoming a Shinigami?