The purpose of the so-called textbooks was to strike at the stubborn elements within the Wandenreich.
As stated earlier, not all Quincy are evil.
Although there are indeed some individuals with poor character among them.
However, as long as there is a possibility of correction, and their malice is no longer directed at Shinigami, then giving them a chance to turn over a new leaf is not out of the question.
Bambi was a very typical example of this.
Previously, she revelled in torturing ordinary Quincy.
From a Shinigami's perspective, these actions might even be seen as righteous.
However, even so, Bambi's acts of torture should still not be underestimated.
It was like a ticking time bomb, which would one day affect the Shinigami.
Therefore, before this day arrived, it was extremely important to correct her various bad habits as much as possible.
Kisuke Urahara recorded this crucial information.
After sending it to the Spiritual Arts Academy, he slowly opened his mouth and asked:
"Did Giselle provoke you? What exactly happened?"
"Is the battle over?"
Unable to witness the situation firsthand, Kisuke Urahara found it difficult to make an accurate judgment immediately.
In a few brief words, he could only draw one conclusion.
—Besides Gremmy, Haschwalth, and Bambi, there was also a fourth party trying to take advantage of the chaos.
Given the Sternritter that Giselle possessed...
Did he appear there to collect bodies?
Fortunately, Bambi had not died.
Otherwise, once Giselle controlled a zombie with a Sternritter.
Future restrictive actions against him would become exceptionally difficult.
"He didn't provoke me, it's just that his ideology is too dangerous, and his personality is extreme, with the potential to harm the Three Realms."
"After all, the Sternritter of [The Dead] is, in essence, a desecration of life."
Yoriichi pondered for a moment, recalling Giselle's performance, and gave his judgment word for word.
Although he disliked judging people by their appearance, Giselle had revealed his true personality on his face.
To prevent some Shinigami from becoming zombies and being controlled by Giselle, leading to a tragic situation of mutual slaughter.
The first thing to do was to restrict the Sternritter of [The Dead].
In a sense, Giselle's current treatment was largely 'promoted' by the Sternritter he possessed.
After all, a pervert with great power who does as he pleases is the most terrifying existence.
Kisuke Urahara nodded understandingly.
Then, he asked several more questions to confirm Yoriichi's current situation.
After learning that Yoriichi had successfully gained Haschwalth's trust and was about to obtain the important information of the Sternritter.
His heart also settled a little.
...
On the other side.
Creak—!
Bambi clenched her fists tightly, so much so that her knuckles turned slightly white, her heart filled with extreme anger.
At this point, Haschwalth had finished recounting the entire incident.
From his words, it was not difficult to deduce that her near-death experience this time was a completely unprovoked disaster.
If Haschwalth hadn't been testing Tokito, she wouldn't have become a sacrifice.
It was infuriating to think about, yet she had nowhere to vent her anger.
Putting herself in his shoes.
If she were in Haschwalth's position, for the sake of the entire Wandenreich's safety, she might also make the same choice...
"Damn it! These bastards..."
Bambi was almost driven mad with rage; she was almost killed, yet she couldn't even blame the other party.
What kind of logic was this?
Ultimately, it was all due to the disparity in status.
If Haschwalth wasn't the Captain, perhaps he would have been the one forced to sacrifice this time...
At this moment, Bambi seemed to understand something.
But she didn't say it aloud, only gritted her teeth hatefully, forcibly swallowing all her dissatisfaction.
Then, she glared at the two of them with fierce eyes, trying to convey her emotions, but the other party seemed indifferent...
Finally, she could only leave Silver Frame City quickly, filled with resentment.
...
"The matter has temporarily come to an end."
"Next, as long as I get through the Sternritter bestowal tonight, I can rest easy."
Yoriichi Tsugikuni looked at the time, a hint of contemplation in his expression.
Although he knew that only one thing remained before he completely gained the Wandenreich's trust.
He had no idea how to accomplish this.
Looking at Kisuke Urahara, Yoriichi asked:
"Kisuke, do you have any ideas?"
"Can Mukuro really obtain a Sternritter?"
"I'm very curious."
Kisuke Urahara was equally curious about this question.
Since the appearance of Mukuro, he had never considered this possibility.
He thought carefully for a long time before cautiously replying:
"Theoretically, it's possible."
"But in your situation... Yoriichi, I personally think there's little hope."
"Currently, the reason Tokito Iwákatsu can move freely is because you've split off a portion of your consciousness."
"These consciousnesses act like radio waves, affecting the internal machinery, thereby allowing precise control of his body."
"If your consciousness withdraws, Tokito Iwákatsu will instantly become a soulless Clone..."
"How can a soulless body obtain a Sternritter?"
Kisuke Urahara paused, shook his head gently, and continued:
"My suggestion is that you'd best find a suitable opportunity to subtly decline Haschwalth's proposal."
"Any reason will do."
"After all, with your current strength, even without the Sternritter's blessing, you should still be able to successfully enter the Sternritter."
"Of course, doing so might arouse Haschwalth's suspicion."
"But it's better than being exposed on the spot and having your true identity revealed, which would cause the plan to fall through."
"..." Kisuke Urahara's analysis made some sense.
Yoriichi thought seriously for a moment, then nodded slightly in agreement:
"You're right, but is there another possibility?"
"On the premise that Tokito Iwákatsu has a soul, can I still use my will to control his body?"
"This approach shouldn't be too difficult to implement, right? Aren't there many people in a vegetative state in the Human World?"
"They have complete souls but have lost their autonomous consciousness..."
"If an external consciousness enters their bodies, they can move again."
"And once the external consciousness disappears, they will return to a vegetative state."
"How similar these two are."
"Kisuke, what do you think of this idea?"
"Can it be achieved?"
At these words, Kisuke Urahara was stunned for a second, then he suddenly realized.
That makes sense.
The reason Tokito Iwákatsu couldn't obtain a Sternritter was simply because he lacked a soul.
Once he had a soul, although his personality might gradually change under the influence of various external factors.
But now that Yoriichi had mentioned it, Kisuke Urahara suddenly realized that soul and consciousness could not be simply equated.
What if it changes? As long as it's blank from the start, how much can it change?
If it could be achieved... the Sternritter engraved on the soul would become a magical plug-and-play existence.
Even if it encountered Seeleschneider, what was Seeleschneider was merely Soul Candy...
Thinking of this, Kisuke Urahara took a deep breath and nodded:
"I understand, it's theoretically achievable, I need to try it."
"Because I can't be sure if using an artificial soul can fool Yhwach."
"Although on a scientific level, it has no obvious difference from a true soul, but in the subtle details..."
Kisuke Urahara sighed, then looked up again, "We'll see, everything needs to be proven through practice."
"The time for bestowing the Sternritter is at night, right?"
"I will do my best to create and perfect a soul for Tokito Iwákatsu before nightfall."
"Before that, you try to stall for time."
"If it really doesn't work, then postpone it until tomorrow."
"Just one day, Haschwalth shouldn't be too suspicious."
Saying that, Kisuke Urahara turned around and walked to a machine.
He leaned his hands slightly, his tone thoughtful,
"Considering that the identity of Tokito Iwákatsu will need to exist long-term in the future... Yoriichi, I suggest you back up your consciousness."
"As long as you get through tonight, you won't need to personally handle the subsequent matters."
Yoriichi nodded, and the two immediately got busy with the matter, each with clear division of labor, proceeding in an orderly manner.
Meanwhile, Haschwalth was completely unaware of these things.
He was still engrossed in his own thoughts, a question constantly revolving in his mind.
If Tokito Iwákatsu was truly Yoriichi Tsugikuni's counterpart, then how long would it take for Tokito Iwákatsu to defeat Yoriichi Tsugikuni?
Even if he couldn't win, he should at least be able to barely contend.
Hopefully, this can be accomplished before His Majesty awakens.
Otherwise, even if they ultimately win, they will certainly pay a heavy price in casualties...
If only this war could end effortlessly...
His thoughts wandered...
...
That night.
In the Wandenreich, within the dim hall.
"Drink this blood wine, and I will bestow upon you a Sternritter on behalf of His Majesty."
Haschwalth's expression was grim, his hand steadily holding a cup of blood wine emanating a strange aura.
He looked deeply at Tokito Iwákatsu:
"Since the twenty-six letter Sternritter slots within the Sternritter are currently full."
"Therefore, the letter sequence will not be specified this time."
"What Sternritter awakens is entirely up to fate."
"Remember one thing."
"A Sternritter is not granted casually; it signifies the power that has long been hidden within your soul, a true reflection of your deepest self."
"Therefore, no matter what Sternritter ultimately awakens, do not be surprised; simply accept it."
"Now, begin."
With that, Haschwalth stepped forward and offered the cup of blood wine to Tokito Iwákatsu.
His gaze simultaneously locked onto the other party, not missing any change in expression.
Tokito Iwákatsu took it without hesitation, pondered for a moment, then tilted his head back and drank it all.
Everything that could be done had been done; the rest was up to fate.
Fortunately, fate seemed to be on his side for the time being.
After drinking the blood wine, the initial sensation was a sweet taste with a strong metallic tang, followed by an intense spiciness upon entering the stomach.
Gradually, Tokito Iwákatsu noticed a scorching, powerful force surging deep within his chest.
It was as if a raging fire was burning within him, continuously spreading and expanding, filling his entire body.
After accepting and integrating all these powers, a clear voice resonated in his ears.
— Sternritter H.
Homunculus — Artificial Life.
… …
"Artificial Life?"
The moment he understood the meaning of this Sternritter, Yoriichi Tsugikuni fell into deep contemplation.
As the name suggests.
If this Sternritter represented a true reflection of the soul's depths.
Then, did it not mean there was a direct connection to his true identity?
Was it exposed?
No… just one word couldn't mean anything.
After all.
Whether he succeeded or not, he was fully prepared.
Thinking of this, after savoring the thought, Tokito Iwákatsu spoke the Sternritter.
Haschwalth listened, and his gaze towards Tokito Iwákatsu held an ineffable depth of meaning.
After a moment of thought, he gently nodded, his fair face relaxing slightly, and he said calmly:
"Hmm… not bad, a very promising Sternritter. Work hard."
After speaking, he said nothing more.
Haschwalth raised his hand and made an elegant gesture, indicating that Tokito Iwákatsu could leave.
He himself, clad in a white robe, stood in place, continuing to ponder for a moment.
Head bowed, after a long while, he finally exhaled, his mood growing increasingly complex.
From the moment Tokito Iwákatsu obtained the Sternritter, whether he was Yoriichi Tsugikuni or not, it no longer mattered.
Because even if he were exposed, the Shinigami could still send others to infiltrate the Sternritter.
At that point, with changes in appearance, rooting out the mole would become even more difficult.
Rather than throwing caution to the wind, it was better to play along and see what the Shinigami truly intended.
At the same time, compared to others, Tokito Iwákatsu's moral compass was quite high.
Even if he wanted to harm the Wandenreich, he wouldn't take extreme actions.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have saved Bambi, nor would he have advised her not to kill.
Thinking of this, Haschwalth's lips curved slightly downwards, revealing a bitter smile, and he sighed deeply in his heart.
Once upon a time, the Wandenreich had to rely on the mole's mood and willingness just to expose them…
This was truly humiliating.
But he had no choice.
Thud.
Turning around, the hollow footsteps echoed continuously around him.
Haschwalth gazed at the wall behind him, his lowered eyes seemingly able to penetrate the building and reach the place where Yhwach slept.
Fifty more years…
Soon.
Once His Majesty awakens.
Everyone will submit.
Let's endure for another fifty years.
… …
Inner Silver Frame City.
Tokito Iwákatsu, dressed in a white trench coat, walked steadily along the path, the stone slabs beneath his feet making soft "tap-tap" sounds.
He recalled Haschwalth's expression just now and knew that the other party had completely conceded.
After all, the act of bestowing a Sternritter was not directly granted by Yhwach, so there was a significant loophole.
Utilizing this loophole, any Shinigami could obtain a Sternritter with the power of a Mukuro.
Haschwalth had no way of determining which Quincy were Mukuro.
Therefore, if they were to turn hostile before Yhwach awakened, the Wandenreich would likely be continuously flooded with Shinigami.
However.
The current situation was already quite similar; this was the charm of [Artificial Life].
Savoring his ability, Tokito Iwákatsu casually broke a branch from a roadside tree and gently held it in one hand.
He closed his eyes slightly, concentrating, and after a moment, opened his palm to reveal that the branch had transformed into a small person.
This small person had a nose and eyes, resembling Kisuke Urahara's Mukuro.
However, there was one crucial difference — it possessed life.
"#%"
The small person slowly opened its eyes, stood up, hopped a few times on Tokito Iwákatsu's palm, and spoke a few incomprehensible words.
Tokito Iwákatsu recorded them and handed them over to Kisuke Urahara on the other side for analysis.
Ten seconds later, a conclusion was reached.
This language did not exist within the Three Realms.
"Meaningless babble?"
Yoriichi Tsugikuni could only think this.
It was also normal.
After all, any Sternritter required a period of development before its abilities could be fully utilized.
At the same time, according to previously obtained information, the strength and intelligence of artificial life depended on its size.
The closer it was to the original person, the more aligned its power.
This one currently.
Could probably only arm wrestle a rabbit.
Crack.
Yoriichi's hand closed, gently squeezing, and the miniature Kisuke Urahara instantly turned into a pile of reishi, dissipating into the air.
The branch he had been holding was also gone.
Seeing this, Yoriichi thought for a moment and roughly understood the reason.
— Equivalent exchange.
It felt more and more like alchemy.
Only alchemy required specific materials, whereas his ability could use anything from the roadside, which was indeed very convenient.
He broke a few more branches, and Yoriichi concentrated, transforming them into the likenesses of Rangiku, Rukia, and others.
And just then, he thought of a crucial question.
That was, once these created lives were enlarged to human size and possessed a certain degree of intelligence, would they retain some of the original person's memories?
Although he wanted to verify these immediately, due to the potential presence of observers nearby, Yoriichi could only temporarily suppress these thoughts.
Now… it was time to search for Gojoshbe Kenpachi's location.
According to the nobles, Gojoshbe Kenpachi's disappearance was not their doing, so it could only be the work of the Quincy.
Even if he couldn't find him, he had to ascertain why these Quincy abducted Gojoshbe Kenpachi.
Perhaps… Bambi knew?
He would go ask her.
… …
A long time later, leaving Bambi's residence, Yoriichi did not obtain any valuable information.
Because seven days ago, when Gojoshbe Kenpachi disappeared, Bambi was located in Silver Frame City.
Previous intelligence led Yoriichi to believe Gojoshbe Kenpachi was in Inner Silver Frame City.
So it was reasonable that she didn't know.
Walking along the road, hands in pockets, the surroundings were silent due to the sparse population.
Yoriichi appeared to be familiarizing himself with the environment, but in reality, his thoughts were constantly drifting.
Since no useful conclusions could be drawn from Bambi, who should he seek out next?
As he pondered, a figure suddenly appeared on a long bench on the quiet, dark roadside ahead.
The figure had his legs crossed, in a relaxed and leisurely posture.
He seemed to be holding a teacup, from which steam billowed, and the swirling vapor was faintly visible in the moonlight.
Yoriichi stopped, and at the same time, the figure took a small sip from his teacup, letting out a relaxed and content sigh:
"Ah~ what a wonderfully beautiful night."
"Drinking hot tea while basking in the moonlight, it's truly intoxicating."
His voice carried a hint of languor, traveling far in the quiet night.
He turned his head.
"Hey kid, want to come over and chat with me?"
"I heard that you're the one who made Haschwalth, who never breaks rules, break one for you, insisting on your inclusion in the Sternritter even when it was at full capacity…"
"What's your name? Interested in being my friend?"
The moment his voice fell, the surrounding light gradually clarified, and Yoriichi saw the man's face clearly.
He was very young, with deep, defined features, a strand of slightly curly black bangs tied across his forehead, and a face that resembled a Latin American from the Human World.
Based on the information provided by Bazz-B, Yoriichi recognized him.
Askin Nakk Le Vaar, the owner of Sternritter D — Death Dealing.
He was the one Kisuke Urahara had repeatedly warned him about, an existence to be especially wary of when entering the Wandenreich.
Yoriichi had not yet responded when another voice appeared from not far away.
"Slothful, too slothful, Askin, when will you change your cynical personality?"
This voice carried a hint of seriousness and displeasure, breaking the slightly relaxed atmosphere that had just settled.
"Don't forget our purpose for coming here."
A tall man slowly emerged from the grove behind Askin.
He wore round-rimmed glasses, the lenses reflecting cold light in the moonlight, and his face was thin.
The standard Sternritter uniform gave him a unique sense of fortitude.
Kiruge · Opie, the owner of Sternritter J — Jail.
Tap-tap.
His black leather boots made crisp sounds on the ground.
Kiruge pushed up his round-rimmed glasses, his serious gaze fixed on Tokito Iwákatsu as he slowly began to speak:
"Kid, I heard that your inherited power comes from the Ikeda Clan. I now have strong reasons to suspect that you are connected to those traitors from two hundred years ago."
"The bloody massacre that occurred in Silver Frame City this morning, that's also related to you, isn't it?"
He narrowed his eyes slightly, seemingly observing Tokito Iwákatsu's reaction carefully.
"Liltotto and the others told me."
"As the current warden of the Wandenreich, I will certainly not let a Quincy like you, who so wantonly disrupts the rules, get away with it."
"Come with me."
"I'll give you one chance to surrender."
"Don't explain, and don't resist, because I am the authority."
He self-importantly straightened his sleeves, his posture elegant and composed, clearly not putting Tokito Iwákatsu in his eyes.
Seeing this, Tokito Iwákatsu frowned slightly.
Askin, who evidently knew some inside information, widened his mouth, looking at Kiruge with some surprise.
Is this kid always so bold?
When he previously encountered him, he said he was here to investigate some incidents…
He didn't expect it to escalate directly to an arrest.
His courage was immense, earning even his admiration.
"You're the warden?"
Tokito Iwákatsu ignored Askin's surprised expression and looked calmly at Kiruge.
He paused slightly, as if remembering something:
"You should have the files of all prisoners within the Wandenreich."
"I think you've got something wrong, but… never mind. How about we make a bet, since we've met on a narrow path?"
"I bet you can't arrest me."
"If I win, you'll have to answer a few small questions for me."
"Conversely, if I lose, I'll let you do as you please with me."
"Do you dare accept the challenge?"