Yoriichi Tsugikuni quickly arrived at the Gotei 13.
Although he wasn't clear why the Captain-Commander had summoned him, he figured it must be related to some affairs within the Seireitei.
And considering the recent events… perhaps it was related to the Ninth Division.
Because Yoriichi knew that the current Ninth Division had already surpassed the Gotei 13 in overall strength.
Their combat power was even somewhat excessive.
He was considering whether to reassign duties, that is, to transfer some team members to other divisions…
Such things often happened within the Seireitei; Zaraki Kenpachi and Komamura Sajin were both transferred from other divisions…
So, Yoriichi was already mentally prepared.
However, what he hadn't expected was to see a rather strange scene as soon as he entered the Gotei 13.
In the empty hall, the atmosphere was quite solemn, with Chōjirō Sasakibe and Okikiba Genjirō standing on either side of Yamamoto Genryusai.
They looked as if they were about to discuss something of great importance.
Upon seeing Yoriichi Tsugikuni appear, Okikiba Genjirō immediately nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
A faint smile then appeared on his face, a mix of admiration and emotion.
It subtly lightened the somewhat heavy atmosphere.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni naturally noticed this subtle change, but he couldn't quite grasp its deeper meaning.
Then, after a brief encounter, when Yoriichi clearly heard the true purpose of his summons to the Gotei 13, he couldn't help but be slightly stunned.
It wasn't the personnel reassignment issues he had anticipated, but rather…
"Honorary Dean?"
The four words spoken by Yamamoto Genryusai instantly plunged Yoriichi Tsugikuni into a brief silence.
He knew that the Spiritual Arts Academy had a Dean.
The first Dean was Yamamoto Genryusai, and since the academy's founding, this position had never changed.
After all, he was the founder of the academy, and his status and prestige within the Spiritual Arts Academy were naturally extremely high.
Although there was also a Vice-Dean below him, it was merely a position for Okikiba Genjirō to handle official duties on behalf of Yamamoto Genryusai.
However, now there was suddenly an additional position of Honorary Dean…
And he was to take it…
Why?
"There is no why," Yamamoto Genryusai seemed to see through Yoriichi Tsugikuni's confusion; he steadily leaned on his staff and explained in a deep voice:
"To be precise, this is what you deserve."
"You created an orphanage, allowing some orphans to work in the Seireitei…"
"You preemptively discovered those Rukongai who might become Shinigami, and even allowed them to enter the Ninth Division for training."
"Regardless of status or background…"
"Yoriichi Tsugikuni, your name is now practically a household name in the seventy-odd districts."
"Some Shinigami are even spreading rumors that you've turned the Ninth Division into a mini-Spiritual Arts Academy…"
At this point, Yamamoto Genryusai realized his words might be somewhat inappropriate, so he forcefully struck the ground with his staff, emphasizing:
"Of course, this old man is not assigning blame; you have done very well."
"Allowing those Rukongai to receive training in advance also strengthens the Seireitei's own power."
"Moreover, you discovered them, and it's a matter of mutual consent, so others naturally have no right to criticize."
"What this old man cares about is the impact your actions will have on the Soul Society."
Yamamoto Genryusai spoke very slowly, as if deliberating how to express himself so that Yoriichi Tsugikuni would accept this appointment.
He slightly narrowed his eyes, his tone deep:
"From ancient times to now, the more Shinigami, the better."
"Although there is no longer the threat of Hueco Mundo, those unintelligent Hollows still occasionally attack the Human World and the Soul Society."
"Yoriichi Tsugikuni, in terms of rallying those Rukongai, this old man is not as good as you, which is why the position of Honorary Dean was established."
"With your qualifications and prestige, you are certainly capable of holding this position."
"This is why we sought you out; you don't need to handle any affairs within the Spiritual Arts Academy, just have your name listed."
"If needed, Genjirō will assist you; he is the Vice-Dean."
An Honorary Dean is still a Dean, and in the world of Shinigami, strength ultimately speaks loudest.
It seemed to have no real power, but if Yoriichi wanted it, would Yamamoto Genryusai not give it to him?
Clearly impossible.
And at this moment, Okikiba Genjirō's role became prominent.
His will was Yamamoto Genryusai's will, and his attitude was Yamamoto Genryusai's attitude.
No wonder…
Okikiba Genjirō had such an expression when he first entered…
Yoriichi pondered for a moment and realized that everything was indeed as Yamamoto Genryusai had said.
His unintentional actions had indeed made his name known to many Rukongai…
Conversely, the seemingly high-ranking and powerful Captain-Commander had become a mere backdrop…
Slightly raising his head, Yoriichi nodded and replied, "I understand. When will this appointment begin?"
Yoriichi Tsugikuni's response greatly pleased Yamamoto Genryusai; he knew his disciple was not the type to meddle in everything.
But he couldn't just let it go… such powerful influence being confined solely to the Ninth Division would be too much of a waste.
Thump.
Yamamoto Genryusai stood up, leaning on his staff, a hint of admiration and solemnity in his eyes, his voice slowly sounding out:
"It will be announced in half a month, when the Spiritual Arts Academy reopens."
"Yoriichi Tsugikuni, remember to be prepared."
"You are the first Honorary Dean in the history of the Soul Society; your deeds will be recorded in textbooks alongside mine."
"Do not neglect this matter."
After Yamamoto Genryusai said this, Yoriichi Tsugikuni suddenly felt that the position of Honorary Dean seemed quite important.
As if it concerned the very face of the Seireitei…
He felt something was a bit off, but he couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was.
Never mind, it was just a name to be listed; he was also listed in the Forty-Six Chambers…
After Yoriichi Tsugikuni left, Yamamoto Genryusai slowly turned around and looked at his two subordinates, asking in a calm tone:
"How is it, Genjirō, are you confident?"
"That boy has already left, you can speak freely."
"This old man feels his body is getting worse day by day, and this Dean position probably won't be held for too long."
"And you two, like me, are also getting old…"
Hundreds of years ago, their appearances were as youthful as Jūshirō Ukitake and Kyōraku Shunsui.
However, after hundreds of years, their appearances had changed significantly.
Chōjirō Sasakibe looked to be in his early fifties, and Okikiba Genjirō appeared even older, already in his sixties.
And Yamamoto Genryusai himself had gone from being spirited and vigorous to having white hair.
Barring any accidents, he still had nearly seven or eight hundred years to live.
Seven or eight hundred years, at first glance, seemed like an extremely long time.
But in reality, when one looked at Yoriichi Tsugikuni, one would realize that he had not yet reached the peak state of a Shinigami at that time.
The peak period for a Shinigami is around thirty years old, which, converted into age… according to first-class spiritual power, would be over a thousand years old.
Yamamoto Genryusai could hardly imagine what kind of strength Yoriichi Tsugikuni would possess at that time.
Even harder to imagine was to whom, besides him, the position of Captain-Commander or Spiritual Arts Academy Dean could be entrusted.
Kyōraku, Ukitake?
But when prestige and status were almost the same, according to custom, the stronger individual naturally took precedence.
Therefore, Yamamoto Genryusai's move was to pave the way for Yoriichi Tsugikuni; Okikiba Genjirō knew this well, and he bowed his head respectfully:
"Lord Genryusai, please rest assured, your subordinate will absolutely fulfill the task you assigned with all his might, without compromise."
"Furthermore, you will surely live for ten thousand years."
The reason he didn't say 'live for a hundred years' was because it was too inauspicious in the world of Shinigami.
Currently, no Shinigami in the Soul Society, apart from those people in the sky, could live for ten thousand years.
But Okikiba Genjirō felt that Yamamoto Genryusai was different.
Things were not as they used to be; they had gained control over parts of the Soul King's body, and even Hell was under the Soul Society's supervision.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni could even negate the past and revive Shinigami…
Extending life was nothing that couldn't be done.
It was just that Yamamoto Genryusai himself couldn't bring himself to do it.
As an observer who had always quietly paid attention to these matters, and also as a subordinate fiercely loyal to Yamamoto Genryusai.
Okikiba Genjirō wanted to help Yamamoto Genryusai.
Starting from… the interaction with Yoriichi Tsugikuni in half a month.
Nearly a thousand years, that should be enough time…
Yamamoto Genryusai merely took Okikiba Genjirō's words as flattery. Live for ten thousand years? Heh…
He gently shook his head inwardly, then dismissed the thought.
Soon after, he, Genjirō, and Chōjirō discussed the general matters for a while longer, after which the two left the Gotei 13.
They planned to set up the arrangements while the students were away during the summer break, to avoid any mishaps on the day itself.
…
Half a month passed in a flash, like a white steed galloping by.
When Matsumoto Rangiku arrived at the school, filled with excitement, she suddenly saw several brightly colored banners hanging along the paths within the Spiritual Arts Academy.
The banners were extremely conspicuous, causing the smile on her face to instantly freeze.
Simply because.
She saw a familiar name.
"Honorary Dean?"
She could hardly believe what she was seeing. How did her brother become a Dean in just one short summer break?
No one had told her, and besides, wasn't something a bit off?
In Matsumoto Rangiku's understanding, Deans were usually venerable elders, and Yoriichi Tsugikuni clearly didn't fit that description.
He was too young, only a dozen years older than her.
It was no exaggeration to say that some students were even older than him…
The word "Honorary" was subconsciously ignored by Matsumoto Rangiku.
She stared up blankly, her mind in a jumble.
Countless thoughts seemed like tangled threads woven together, leaving her speechless, filled with bewilderment and shock.
It was as if.
She was dreaming, everything seemed so unreal.
…
After a long while, Matsumoto Rangiku let out a long breath, finally accepting what was before her.
After all, the facts were there; even if she wanted to doubt, she couldn't find any reason.
It was just that she never liked to boast, otherwise… just thinking about it, she knew how awkward and ridiculous the situation would be.
Matsumoto Rangiku silently warned herself that it was better to keep a low profile.
Lest she be enveloped by all sorts of halos, making her feel pressured.
One must know that people often hold stereotypes about certain things.
With these thoughts, Rangiku turned into a small path, and it wasn't long before she arrived at the classroom.
She had been assigned to the Elite Class upon enrollment, so many students knew Matsumoto Rangiku's identity.
When Matsumoto Rangiku walked into the classroom, some noble students immediately turned their gazes to her, their expressions complex and hard to describe.
Their eyes seemed to say, 'Your brother is already the principal, why haven't you graduated yet?'
They were under a lot of pressure because the elders in their clans knew about Yoriichi Tsugikuni's appointment as honorary principal.
Experienced elders could tell at a glance that this was Yamamoto Genryusai paving the way for Yoriichi Tsugikuni, intending to firmly grasp the Gotei 13 faction.
As long as the noble faction could not interfere with the affairs of the Spiritual Arts Academy,
then from now on, those non-noble students who graduated from the Spiritual Arts Academy would inevitably become Yoriichi Tsugikuni's core.
This was a rather ominous piece of news; if left unchecked, the noble faction would weaken year by year and eventually disappear, just like the Shiba Clan.
But they had no way to intervene; looking across dozens of noble families, there wasn't a single one who could contend.
Therefore, they could only slowly change their stance to adapt to the development of the times.
Considering that the future ultimately belonged to the younger generation, they instructed the younger members of their clans to build good relationships with Matsumoto Rangiku.
If there was an opportunity, they could try to arrange a marriage alliance... who knows, it might work out?
These actions were reasonable and logical; the world isn't about fighting and killing, it's about human relationships and social etiquette.
However, those noble students affected by their family's orders were complaining endlessly.
She didn't even look at them; rushing to get close, wasn't that just throwing themselves at her, only to be coldly rebuffed?
And to be watched by everyone, getting slapped in the face repeatedly.
It was too humiliating; they couldn't swallow their pride. They were nobles; when had they ever suffered such indignities?
Ultimately, these orders from their elders were using their dignity to secure a future for their families.
Not only was the probability extremely small... but it was also easy to be humiliated, leading to social death.
So, they could only hope that Matsumoto Rangiku would graduate quickly and disappear from their sight.
Only then could they maintain their dignity while ignoring their family's orders.
At this moment, these noble students looked at Matsumoto Rangiku as if she were a hot potato...
Very delicious, but they couldn't bring themselves to eat it...
"Heh heh."
Matsumoto Rangiku keenly noticed these gazes and chuckled softly, her laughter carrying a hint of subtle teasing.
"Everyone, why are you staring at me like that? Could it be that you want to congratulate me?"
"Don't worry, I won't do anything to you. We're all going to be colleagues in the future."
"If you think about it carefully, I still have to spend four more years here with all of you..."
Yoriichi Tsugikuni had no intention of letting her graduate early, even though she had already mastered Shikai.
Ultimately, only a minority could graduate early.
Although her combat ability met the standards, other aspects had not, such as coordination with comrades and the accumulation of knowledge.
Rangiku was an orphan before this and hadn't learned anything.
Starting from scratch, it was difficult to master all the knowledge of a Shinigami in just two short years.
Ichimaru Gin's situation back then was different from now.
Upon hearing the number four years, a thunderclap seemed to explode in their ears.
The noble students immediately felt their vision go dark, bitterly complaining in their hearts, feeling that they were doomed. How would they endure the days ahead?
Enjoying the despair evident in some people's expressions, Matsumoto Rangiku nodded with satisfaction. She smiled and quickly walked to her seat.
Before she could even sit down, a little girl who looked about seven or eight years old next to her spoke helplessly:
"Rangiku-nee, do you have to tease them like that?"
"They are nobles, after all."
Matsumoto Rangiku slightly turned her gaze, and what met her eyes was an extremely cute little girl.
She wore black-rimmed glasses, and her soft black bob-length hair gently framed her face, making her cheeks appear slightly rosy and exuding an endearing aura.
At this moment, she was quietly sitting there, holding a book, looking like a serene scholar, which made people feel favorably towards her.
Matsumoto Rangiku smiled, her voice carrying a hint of warmth:
"It's little Nanao. Oh, my, I haven't seen you in two months, and you've changed so much, I almost didn't recognize you. Why are you wearing glasses?"
Before, Vice-Captain Ise Nanao didn't have the habit of wearing glasses, even though she was naturally a bit nearsighted.
But she always felt that to become a qualified Shinigami, she absolutely could not have any weaknesses, not even this minor nearsightedness.
Now...
Hearing Matsumoto Rangiku mention her appearance, Vice-Captain Ise Nanao's originally serene expression couldn't help but dim a little, and a hint of loneliness seemed to flash in her eyes.
"Ah, you mean that? I don't have much talent. I've had my asauchi for two years, but I can't even master Zanjutsu."
"So I thought if I couldn't make progress in Zanjutsu, I might as well delve into Kido..."
She pointed to the book in her hand, then changed the subject,
"This is what I borrowed from the library. Rangiku-nee, want to read it together?"
Vice-Captain Ise Nanao didn't explicitly state the reason for her change in appearance, but Rangiku still understood.
It was probably a change in her mindset... This was the Elite Class.
Even with poor talent, most people could master Zanjutsu within a year.
Vice-Captain Ise Nanao had not; not only had she not, but she also found it difficult to communicate with her Zanpakuto. Six years were almost half over, perhaps she was anxious.
Rangiku thought to herself, but didn't point it out. Instead, with a hint of concern, she quickly moved closer to Vice-Captain Ise Nanao...
This child looked young, but she was actually already forty or fifty years old...
Still a seedling that needed nurturing.
...
...
Time passed by little by little like this.
It was unknown how much time had passed.
Perhaps half a lifetime in the eyes of short-lived species, or perhaps the blink of an eye in the eyes of long-lived species.
One day, in the Eastern District, amidst a flurry of shouts:
"Miss Ai, please slow down!"
"Watch the steps!"
A young girl, just over ten years old, was swiftly moving through the streets of Seireitei.
She had a red ponytail, wore a dark red haori, and was running quickly towards the Ninth Division in an extremely excited manner.
Visibly, her body had almost turned into an afterimage, and with every movement, a small amount of reishi traces would burst from her feet.
—This was Shunpo.
Behind her were several hurried maidservants.
The maidservants could only see flashes of red light, like leaping flames.
Although they had also learned Shunpo, their own spiritual pressure was insufficient, and after running for a while, they could only watch helplessly as Miss Ai disappeared without a trace...
—They simply couldn't keep up!
This speed was even faster than some Seat Officers.
Hoo...
The maidservants were panting, exhausted.
Just as they were forced to stop, looking worriedly in the direction where Miss Ai had disappeared, a silver-haired young man quickly arrived, hearing the commotion.
Ichimaru Gin stood on a nearby wall, his gaze sweeping over the maidservants. Sensing the lingering reishi traces, he immediately understood what had just happened.
This made him can't help but rub his forehead, feeling a bit weary:
"That Rangiku, did she actually teach her Shunpo?"
"This talent is simply too terrifying..."
The maidservants were still catching their breath when they suddenly noticed the young man who looked about seventeen or eighteen years old not far away.
Because Ichimaru Gin often visited, they all recognized him and immediately called out:
"Ichimaru-sama, Miss Ai, she..."
"I know."
Ichimaru Gin raised a hand to interrupt them.
He jumped down from the wall, looked at the group of maidservants, and his tone was gentle as he comforted them:
"It's alright. This area is the Ninth Division's territory; it's unlikely for anything to go wrong."
"You all go back first. If I'm not mistaken, she must have gone to find her father. I'll send her back later."
"No need to worry."
"..."
The maidservants exchanged glances, looking at each other.
Although they were still somewhat worried, considering that they really couldn't keep up and couldn't control her, they could only do this...
...
...
Ninth Division.
"Father, Father, I've learned Shunpo!"
Tsugikuni Ai's clear voice, tinged with a hint of pride, echoed through the division headquarters.
Some division members, though slightly surprised to see who it was, did not stop her.
Because they clearly knew the identity of this little princess.
Many Shinigami even thoughtfully pointed the way for her.
"The Captain is in his office."
...
In the office, Yoriichi Tsugikuni suddenly heard a familiar voice, and the movement of his hand, which was writing documents, abruptly froze.
Then, he slowly raised his eyes, a hint of helplessness in his gaze.
He put down his pen, intending to get up.
Whoosh.
A figure suddenly burst through the previously open door.
Tsugikuni Ai had intended to show off to her father because Rangiku-nee said she was a genius.
Shunpo, which ordinary people needed half a year to master, she had learned and could skillfully use in just one day.
However, she seemed to have forgotten, or perhaps didn't know, that Shunpo couldn't be used in a confined space.
Thus, she uncontrollably crashed into Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
This scene happened very suddenly, so suddenly that Tsugikuni Ai's mind hadn't even reacted yet.
She only felt her body was somewhat out of control.
Then.
Whoosh.
Ai's figure was steadily caught by Yoriichi, her haori flaring up due to inertia, like a Kochou spreading its wings, ready to fly.
The sudden stop made Ai realize she seemed to have caused big trouble, so she faced her father and showed her usual playful smile.
However, Yoriichi didn't pay attention to Ai's behavior. He simply gently put her down, then softly stroked her head, signaling that there was no need to be nervous.
This silent scene was perfectly witnessed by Ichimaru Gin, who had arrived in a hurry.
Ichimaru Gin lightly coughed, politely knocked on the door, his voice carrying a hint of hesitation:
"Um... Captain, regarding Miss Ai, she..."
...
After Ichimaru Gin sent Ai out, Yoriichi clearly heard Ai's murmuring, full of resentment.
"Hmph, always tattling. I'm going to tell Rangiku-nee not to talk to you anymore."
The childish remark was also heard by Ichimaru Gin, who was close by, but he didn't take it to heart. He merely smiled slightly and paid no further attention.
Upon returning to the Ninth Division, Ichimaru Gin stood beside Yoriichi Tsugikuni and suddenly caught sight of a special document on the desk.
The document seemed to read—"Regarding the reincarnation of some Demon Slayer Corps swordsmen in Soul Society"...
Ichimaru Gin didn't quite understand.