Although the reason was unclear, the situation was now crystal clear.
Under Haschwalth's influence, Bambietta Basterbine completely retreated a step.
Even though Yoriichi knew Bambietta was unwilling, he understood that accepting the situation was the most appropriate course of action at the moment.
Adding fuel to the fire at such a critical juncture was not Yoriichi's style.
What concerned Yoriichi the most right now was Haschwalth's attitude.
Had he noticed something?
In fact, Yoriichi had intentionally used a appearance similar to his older brother's, with the aim of creating a sense of pressure on them.
The more one does, the more mistakes one makes, and then loopholes will appear.
He subtly observed Haschwalth; his expression remained as usual, as if all his previous actions were heartfelt.
Yoriichi thought for a while, but due to the short contact time and insufficient information, he quickly dismissed the matter.
If that appearance truly had an impact on Haschwalth, then a flaw would surely be revealed in the future.
Moreover, just now, he had heard a special term.
Silver Frame City.
Although he wasn't quite sure why there was a'Silver' in front, Yoriichi believed that as long as he delved deeper, he would surely uncover the truth behind it.
And once one truth surfaced, would it be long before the second truth was revealed?
Gojoshibe Kenpachi, perhaps, was inextricably linked to this matter…
Yoriichi's expression carried a faint hint of contemplation.
However, in the eyes of the others around him, this was precisely an outward manifestation of Yoriichi's doubts about the current situation.
Very reasonable.
However, Haschwalth frowned upon seeing this.
He sternly said to Bambietta:
"It seems your apology has also caused trouble for this gentleman."
"I told you long ago to rein in your temper, yet you still act as you please…"
"Bambietta, did you do anything excessive to him just now?"
Bambietta, upon hearing this, became annoyed again. What did he mean by excessive?
As a member of the Sternritter, did she not even have the authority to deal with a Quincy?
She had already humbled herself to apologize and promised to make appropriate compensation, what more did the other party want?
Surely he didn't expect her to take a whip and lash herself, performing the same actions as him, freely venting her anger, before being willing to reconcile.
Bambietta was practically fuming; today was truly her unluckiest day.
If such a thing really happened, she would rather die than continue to apologize.
This was no longer a matter of dignity…
But…
However, before she could utter these words, Haschwalth suddenly whispered to Yoriichi Tsugikuni:
"Given that my subordinate has caused you trouble, and you seem unwilling to accept her apology, then allow me to compensate you."
"I heard you want to join the military, is that right? Excellent, our Sternritter is in need of Quincies like you who dare to challenge authority."
"I declare you qualified. There's no need for an assessment. Come tomorrow to complete the onboarding procedures."
"After all… you can even fight Bambietta to a draw."
"May I ask, from whom does your heritage originate?"
Bambietta's eyes widened, utterly astonished. Since joining the Sternritter, this was the first time she had seen such a kind Haschwalth.
Do you even hear what you're saying?!
If she remembered correctly, Haschwalth hated nothing more than Quincies who dared to challenge authority.
Because it meant disrupting the established order…
But now?
An illusion, it must be an illusion.
Bambietta took a deep breath, hypnotizing herself in her mind.
Unfortunately.
No matter how unwilling Bambietta was to accept the truth, the situation was clearly laid out before her eyes.
For a moment, she suddenly thought this kid might be Haschwalth's relative.
Because their temperaments were so similar, both aloof and superior…
As Bambi was thinking, Yoriichi slowly stated his heritage:
"My heritage comes from the Ikeda Clan…"
These were all pre-prepared statements; he understood this was Haschwalth's test.
So no matter what he said, Haschwalth would investigate carefully, thus there was no need to hide anything.
The heritage genuinely existed, but it had disappeared two hundred years ago, along with the Ishida Clan.
Even if he investigated, he was destined to find no results.
However, the current Haschwalth was not aware of this.
Knowing Tokito Iwákatsu's background, he nodded thoughtfully: "So that's how it is."
After speaking, he wanted to verify this matter as soon as possible.
But considering that his actions shouldn't appear too eager, otherwise he would be seen through by this man, who was possibly Yoriichi Tsugikuni…
After pondering for a while longer, he could only say:
"The heritage of the Ikeda Clan? Although I've never heard of it, I imagine it must be a rather formidable clan."
"I never thought that even today, those Eastern Quincy clans still exist within the Wandenreich…"
"Not bad, it seems His Majesty's lingering influence has not faded."
He did not inquire why Tokito Iwákatsu had acquired the Ikeda Clan's heritage.
This was a matter for the Ikeda Clan to answer, and irrelevant to others.
After making a promise, Haschwalth quickly turned and left, assigning Tokito Iwákatsu to Bambietta's command.
His position was Vice-Captain.
Regardless of whether Tokito Iwákatsu was Yoriichi Tsugikuni or not, as a superior, resolving the animosity between the two was something he had to do.
If he was, then all the better. No matter what Yoriichi Tsugikuni intended to do by infiltrating the Wandenreich, Bambietta would always keep him in check.
This could effectively reduce the efficiency of his actions.
If he wasn't…
If he wasn't, then he wasn't. As long as he didn't die, and later surpassed Bambietta, then Bambietta would be at his disposal.
All Quincies were His Majesty's sustenance; Haschwalth knew this well.
And so, after Haschwalth departed, upon learning that Tokito Iwákatsu would be under her command, a subtle smile immediately appeared on Bambietta's face.
This was truly too… good! She had thought she would never get her revenge in this lifetime.
What did speed matter? Aloofness? Could aloofness fill one's stomach?
In the Wandenreich, ultimately, one still relied on military rank, status, and strength to speak.
If she couldn't use her Sternritter in Silver Frame City, then she would wait until they returned to Inner Silver Frame City before making plans.
She was determined to wash away today's humiliation.
And… she hadn't even used her Vollständig yet!
…
Since it was now night, after a period of commotion, Yoriichi controlled Tokito Iwákatsu's body to rest.
He paid no mind to the intense fighting spirit that was practically erupting from Bambietta's eyes.
Nor did he dwell on Haschwalth's thoughts before he left.
He had no intention of vying for a Sternritter position; this was merely one of his clones. Once used, it would be destroyed, and even if it gained status, it wouldn't be useful later.
There was only one goal.
That was to thoroughly investigate all circumstances within the Wandenreich.
Although he greatly wished to complete this mission within a single day, due to Haschwalth's strong defensive mindset, it was temporarily impossible to achieve.
—Let's talk about it tomorrow.
…
At this moment, in Inner Silver Frame City.
"How is it? Have you found out? Is Yoriichi Tsugikuni really in Seireitei right now?"
Haschwalth asked one of Gremmy's clones.
This clone had just returned from Seireitei, and the expression on his face seemed to indicate that he had understood everything.
He nodded:
"Yes, he is resting. His combat power is still unfathomable. I am certain it is him."
"Everything else can be faked, but not combat power. I trust my abilities."
Haschwalth also believed him.
But…
"Still, we cannot be careless. Nothing is impossible for him."
"Moreover, we have no understanding of the Shinigami's current technological mastery."
"For instance, can they guess that we are currently researching and seizing their Bankai with the power of Gojoshibe Kenpachi?"
"Then what do you propose we do? Expel him? Don't joke around, even if both of us go, we might not be his match."
Gremmy frowned, the scene of being cut into three thousand six hundred pieces still haunting his mind.
He didn't even dare to recall it in detail, because once he did, those wounds would reappear on his body…
And he dared not forget.
Because once he forgot, losing his reverence, he might arrogantly charge forward one day…
In short, he was extremely distressed.
Taking a deep breath, Gremmy reminded him with a grave tone:
"The one in the Wandenreich currently, although his combat power is displayed as only three thousand, as you said, there's a possibility of it being faked."
"If it's intentional, then for the two of us to rush over would be walking into a trap."
"Losing and being captured is a minor matter, but if it delays His Majesty's grand plan, or even ruins His Majesty's millennium plan.
Even if we escape to Soul Society, we probably won't escape death."
What Gremmy worried about was precisely what Haschwalth was also worried about.
Haschwalth thought for a moment and replied:
"You are right, but even so, we cannot ignore it."
"I have already assigned Bambietta to be by his side, monitoring him constantly."
"Bambietta is unaware of his identity, so there is no possibility of exposure…"
"Let's take it step by step and find out his purpose for infiltrating the Wandenreich."
"If there is none, then that would naturally be for the best…"
Haschwalth then looked at Gremmy and posed an extremely important question,
"When will the Bankai analysis be completed?"
"Still early." Gremmy replied, "It will probably take about seven more days. After all, I am not His Majesty."
"Just analyzing and absorbing their Bankai is far from enough."
"We also need to utilize their power so that Quincies can also use Bankai. Only then can the scales of victory tip in our favor."
Upon hearing this, Haschwalth understood.
Although he was somewhat anxious, there was nothing he could do as the situation had already occurred. Being anxious was useless.
He would try to buy as much time as possible.
Perhaps…
He could try to turn him?
One must know that the probability of anything happening in this world can never be zero, because even the Soul King's left hand joined the Quincy ranks…
However… considering the power disparity between the two sides, Haschwalth pondered for a moment and ultimately decided to wait and see.
From refusal to hesitation, it was but an instant. He absolutely could not act too hastily.
…
The night passed swiftly.
Due to the conditions Haschwalth promised Yoriichi Tsugikuni last night.
Upon waking, Yoriichi put on the white uniform exclusive to Quincies and, led by a Quincy, headed towards the conscription point.
The path was unobstructed, with no unexpected situations occurring.
Bambietta Basterbine, who had threatened to make trouble for him yesterday, also did not show up.
Perhaps she overslept, or for some other reason.
In any case.
It didn't take long to complete all the onboarding procedures.
When Yoriichi saw his military rank and position, even though he had received prior notification and was mentally prepared, he still couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.
Because he had originally planned to climb to the upper echelons of the Wandenreich within a year.
In his opinion, using Tokito Iwákatsu's identity would certainly bring some pressure to many Sternritter members.
However, the inevitable significant resistance would also not be lacking.
Fortunately, he had Kisuke Urahara.
Kisuke Urahara was extremely intelligent, there was no doubt about that, coupled with his own noble status.
He could leverage the think tanks of some noble subordinates…
With their assistance, he could easily defeat all enemies without revealing his full strength.
But now?
One day… to be precise, not even a day had passed, and he had transformed into Bambietta's Vice-Captain…
"The speed is too fast. According to the hierarchy within the Wandenreich, a Vice-Captain is at least on the same level as a Vice-Captain from seretei."
"No matter how much Haschwalth values me, he shouldn't have made such an arrangement. It seems he has indeed started to suspect me."
"Next…"
Yoriichi Tsugikuni looked at his brand new uniform, touched the Quincy cross in his pocket, his brows furrowing briefly before relaxing again.
He murmured to himself, "Next, it should be Bambietta's test, right?"
"After all, if you want to know which identity is most suitable for testing my true strength, it can only be someone close to a Sternritter member."
"Even if I'm seriously injured, they can say it was an accident, after all, Bambietta is full of hatred for me."
It had to be admitted, Haschwalth's actions were perfect. A Vice-Captain was equivalent to a Vice-Captain, seemingly a position of honor, but in reality, without much actual power.
If he were a native Quincy, experiencing all this so suddenly, he would undoubtedly be full of gratitude towards Haschwalth, believing that true feelings still existed in the world.
It was just a pity that he was a Shinigami…
He already knew everything he was about to face, but he felt no fear.
No matter what kind of test, let it come. As expected, Bambietta had already become a gun in Haschwalth's hand…
"Guns also have their merits and demerits. Being chosen can only be considered her bad luck. If it weren't for her nature of enjoying abusing others, Haschwalth wouldn't have appeared.
It seems the intelligence that said she wasn't very clever was indeed correct. Perhaps I can try to turn her."
"However…"
Yoriichi's mind suddenly flashed with Bambietta's arrogant and overbearing behavior from last night, and a flicker of almost imperceptible hesitation crossed his face.
Standing outside the recruitment point, he gently shook his head:
"Her temperament is too bad. Her sadistic nature must be corrected."
"Otherwise, even if the defection succeeds, she will end up being thrown into Kisuke's laboratory."
Traitors have never had a good end since ancient times, let alone traitors with bad personalities.
If it weren't for Bazz-B's precedent, after Kisuke Urahara's hypnosis, Yoriichi knew that he hated Yhwach and wanted to kill Yhwach…
The idea of defection would not have even arisen.
Who would have thought that a Quincy, and a top Quincy at that, would want to kill the Emperor?
It was too unconventional, so much so that Yoriichi and a group of Shinigami, including Kisuke Urahara, had different ideas.
Now that they had successfully infiltrated the Wandenreich, it was time to verify this idea.
His thoughts continued to diverge. Yoriichi tidied his collar and quickly walked forward.
Before long, the expected happened.
However, the plot development was slightly different from what Yoriichi had imagined.
A "Shinigami" unexpectedly released a powerful spiritual pressure within Silver Frame City.
Bambietta's spiritual pressure also erupted at the same time.
The location was very close, and the air currents swept in.
It looked like a battle was taking place.
Many Quincies around were greatly surprised by the sight.
They had no idea that the Wandenreich would be infiltrated by a Shinigami.
It was too illogical, but no matter how illogical, it had already happened.
Some fearless Quincies quickly rushed over, and the entire Silver Frame City instantly fell into chaos.
And in this chaotic scene, there was an out-of-place presence…
Yoriichi's hands were casually in his pockets, his eyes moved slightly, subconsciously remembering their faces.
As expected, these were all "strong ones."
"Tokito Iwákatsu! Where the hell are you?! Hurry up and help me!"
Yoriichi was observing his surroundings, not yet acting, when he suddenly heard Bambietta's shout.
The voice was very urgent, as if her opponent was extremely powerful, and she was unable to contend.
And that was indeed the case.
Bambietta had not anticipated that the enemy would be able to suppress her.
The whistling blade was like a mountain, easily tearing through her Blut Vene.
The Heilig Pfeil she shot couldn't even get close to the enemy.
If only she could use her Sternritter… Damn it, where did this bastard come from!
Didn't they say the Shadow Realm was perfect and it would take Shinigami hundreds of years to break through?
Or was it a problem with Silver Frame City, a loophole in Gremmy's creation?
In any case, no matter whose problem it was, she felt like she was about to collapse.
She called out to Yoriichi, then fled frantically under the Shinigami's torrential pursuit.
The brief skirmish left some shocking wounds on her body, and blood splattered out, drawing crimson arcs in the air.
Yoriichi pondered for a moment, deep in thought.
He simultaneously controlled the Tokito Iwákatsu identity to go forward and assist Bambietta.
At the same time, he used his main body in the Seireitei to ask Kisuke Urahara beside him:
"Kisuke, besides me, has Soul Society sent any other Shinigami into the Wandenreich?"
Kisuke Urahara was startled at first, his face full of confusion, seemingly not understanding Yoriichi's meaning.
Then, he reacted.
He shook his head gently:
"No, I'm not a fool. How could I give such an important thing as the Shadow Invasion Pill to someone else?"
"Besides, the dangers of the Wandenreich are well known to everyone."
"Anyone with a certain level of strength knows that it's difficult to move forward there and wouldn't dare to advance rashly."
At this point, Kisuke Urahara raised his eyebrows, showing a hint of interest, "Yoriichi, did you encounter a Shinigami over there?"
"Indeed."
Upon hearing this, Kisuke Urahara smiled: "Interesting. It seems they are thoroughly suspicious of you now."
"If they were just simply doubting your strength, it's unlikely they would stage a Shinigami rampaging through Silver Frame City in front of you."
"Without a doubt, that Shinigami should be the Visionary, a creature imagined by Gremmy Thoumeaux, right?"
"I've carefully studied his ability; he can basically make anything he imagines come true, even more comprehensive than the Hōgyoku."
"Creating a Shinigami is as simple as breathing for him."
"I suggest you play along with them for now."
"As long as your main body is still in the Seireitei, they will never be able to determine whether Tokito Iwákatsu is you, or someone who just looks like you."
Currently, their communication was taking place within a structure built from sealed stone.
So, even if Gremmy wanted to monitor them secretly, it would be futile.
This had already been tested.
Yoriichi nodded knowingly: "I understand, but, Kisuke, I don't think this will be their only action."
"It's only the first day, and they've already caused such a big commotion, even forcing Bambietta, a Sternritter, to get injured…"
"Haschwalth is even more decisive than I imagined."
"Just in case, you should create a few more identities."
Kisuke Urahara roughly understood Yoriichi Tsugikuni's meaning.
He frowned, a deep "river" character forming between his brows:
"…Are you worried that Haschwalth will use the lives of other Quincies to verify your identity?"
"That's not right, is it? Isn't he the Captain, his status in the Seireitei is similar to yours."
"Sacrificing comrades doesn't seem like something he would do."
"At least in Bazz-B's impression, Hugo… which is Haschwalth, is a Quincy who values rules very much."
"It is precisely because he values rules that he disregards them," Yoriichi Tsugikuni replied.
"After my interaction with him last night, I already understand what kind of person he is."
"In the face of Yhwach's safety, all rules can be abolished."
"Including compromising with me, a Quincy who is suspected of being a Shinigami."
"In fact, if I had shown even a hint of unusual attitude last night, Bambietta would have been decapitated."
"This is also why I am worried."
"Don't put all your eggs in one basket."
Kisuke Urahara had never heard of such a thing before.
If Haschwalth was truly as loyal as Yoriichi said, then, indeed, double preparations were needed…
He thought for a moment, then nodded:
"Is that so? I understand. Please rest assured, this work will be completed before today."
"Hopefully, we won't have to use them, because that would mean Haschwalth is far more extreme than we imagined, and some plans might need to be re-evaluated…"
Kisuke Urahara spoke with a heavy heart, his face full of worry. Yoriichi wasn't particularly concerned about these things.
After explaining his reasons, he began to fully control the Tokito Iwákatsu identity with all his heart.
Even if the spiritual body named Tokito Iwákatsu only possessed one-tenth, or even one-hundredth, of his power.
That "Shinigami" was still no match.
It looked very real, and the moves were all deadly, but in reality, it was full of flaws.
It was enough to fool some fresh graduates, but in front of an experienced Captain, it would basically be a one-hit kill.
However, considering his current identity, Yoriichi did not attack the flaws.
Instead, he made a very simple move.
Drew his bow.
Charged his power.
Bang!
In one fluid motion, the Shinigami fell in response, pinned to the ground, unable to move.
Great power creates miracles, everything seemed like a performance.
Even Bambietta, who was strategically retreating nearby, couldn't help but be stunned for a long time when she saw it.
And then…
She laughed in anger.