Seireitei.
Swish.
A sound of air breaking suddenly rang out, and a sharp blade of light cut through the air, instantly severing the sealed stone in front of Yoriichi.
Uta stood quietly to the side, her hands clasped in front of her, her gaze fixed on the severed sealed stone, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.
Although she had heard of the sharpness of Sayafushi before and was somewhat prepared.
Witnessing this scene firsthand still made her involuntarily hold her breath.
Cutting the sealed stone was as easy as cutting butter, no wonder Yoriichi thought this sword was suitable for him.
If this sword fell into the hands of a newly graduated Shinigami, it could probably easily defeat even Captain-level powerhouses.
After all, it was death upon contact.
"It seems what Nimaiya Ōetsu said was true; it really has that feeling of cutting all things in two."
Yoriichi murmured, his gaze falling on the mirror-smooth cross-section of the sealed stone, then he looked down at Sayafushi's blade.
The blade was still gleaming coldly, completely unharmed.
He turned and handed Sayafushi to Uta.
"You try it too."
Uta reached out and took Sayafushi, her fingers lightly touching the hilt, feeling a cool and heavy sensation.
Yoriichi continued:
"According to Ōetsu, this sword doesn't need to be sharpened and won't be damaged no matter how much it cuts."
"Although it's unclear if this statement is exaggerated, at this stage, nothing can affect it."
Uta softly hummed in acknowledgment, then looked up at Yoriichi.
Yoriichi patted her shoulder, his tone gentle:
"You can try it here first; I need to go to Hell next to find suitable materials."
Uta nodded, and before she could speak, she saw another sealed stone being moved in.
Her gaze slightly narrowed, and Sayafushi in her hand suddenly vibrated, as if responding to her action.
Immediately after, a slightly displeased voice abruptly rang out in the room:
"Hey, what are you talking about? What do you mean exaggerated?"
Uta and Yoriichi turned their heads simultaneously, only to see a black-haired girl with twin pigtails standing in a corner of the room, hands on her hips, pouting.
Her figure was petite, her face delicate, and her expression carried a hint of arrogance, much like the Kyōkotsu owned by Kyōraku Shunsui.
She glared at Yoriichi, her voice full of complaint:
"What was Ōetsu thinking, sending me to you? You immediately used me to cut killing stones; they're very hard, you know!"
Yoriichi was slightly taken aback, clearly not expecting Sayafushi's Zanpakuto spirit to suddenly appear, and to be so blunt and outspoken, without any pretense.
Uta, on the other hand, was a bit at a loss, her hand gripping Sayafushi subtly tightening, her gaze shifting between Sayafushi and Yoriichi.
Sayafushi continued, her tone disdainful:
"Shinigami, let me tell you, I do possess the characteristic of being indestructible because this was exchanged for abandoning Shikai and Bankai."
"Ōetsu has already tested it, so you don't need to test it again. Take me away; I also want to go to Hell."
After speaking, her gaze swept over Uta, her brows furrowing slightly, her tone carrying a hint of disdain:
"Is my next master this weak-looking woman?"
"No way, I was born to kill; who can she kill?"
Uta's face flushed slightly, and she lowered her head as if in shame.
I'm too weak, I'm really sorry.
Why is this sword so sharp-tongued?
Killing is bad, although Sayafushi is very sharp and can only be used to kill.
Hearing these words, Yoriichi's expression instantly turned cold, his gaze sweeping over Sayafushi like a knife.
At this moment, he no longer had the thought of leaving the Soul Society to go to Hell.
He strode forward, grabbed Sayafushi's wrist, and pulled her in front of Uta, his voice serious and cold:
"Apologize."
Sayafushi was startled by Yoriichi's action, and the force on her wrist made her frown involuntarily.
She looked up at Yoriichi's stern face, her heart trembling, but she still stubbornly retorted:
"Who? Me? Apologize to her? I won't!"
"Didn't I speak the truth? She's too weak; it's clear she hasn't killed even a handful of enemies in her life!"
"If she masters me, how is that any different from being sealed? Ōetsu sent me to you, not for me to be collected!"
"It's been ten years; do you know what it's like to not shed blood for ten years?"
Yoriichi's gaze remained cold, without the slightest waver.
He heard the dissatisfaction and resentment in Sayafushi's words, but that couldn't be a reason for her to insult Uta.
He repeated his previous words, his authority evident:
"Apologize, don't forget who the master is."
Sayafushi's lips pressed together slightly, a hint of struggle flashing in her eyes.
She really wanted to blurt out "I won't" again, because even her master couldn't force her.
But then she remembered that her fate was now completely in Yoriichi Tsugikuni's hands.
Recalling Nimaiya Ōetsu's words.
If he became displeased...
Thinking of this, Sayafushi felt a chill in her heart.
She lowered her head, her voice carrying a hint of reluctance, but she still conceded:
"I... I was wrong, I am truly very sorry, Uta."
"That wasn't really me just now; every woman has those few days each month."
"I just had a momentary rush of blood; please don't take it to heart."
"Master, please, for my sincerity, won't you forgive me this one time?"
She looked up, gazing pleadingly at Yoriichi, a few glimmers of entreaty in her eyes.
This sudden change in attitude left Yoriichi speechless.
You're a sword; where do you get those few days?
Although after Nimaiya Ōetsu's forging, her Zanpakuto spirit could be seen by anyone, a materialized existence.
But isn't using this reason a bit too clumsy?
Yoriichi sighed, but... it's good that she's willing to apologize.
He didn't want the sword he or Uta would use in the future to have a bad relationship with its master.
No one would like such a bad temper.
He'll keep her by his side for now and teach her well; he can't rashly give her to Uta.
"I can forgive you, as long as you behave well."
Yoriichi's voice softened slightly, and he turned his gaze.
"Uta, continue, don't mind her."
Uta nodded gently, gripping Sayafushi, her gaze firm.
Sayafushi watched Uta's actions, disdainfully pouting, but then instantly returned to her obedient demeanor.
Foolish Shinigami, you want to change me.
No way.
Even Ōetsu couldn't do anything to me; otherwise, he wouldn't have given me away.
Considering that few people could master her, Sayafushi decided to pretend for now.
She wanted to see what methods Yoriichi Tsugikuni would use.
And so, as one sealed stone after another was cut by Uta,
Knowing that even Uta, who was not skilled in Zanjutsu, could possess the strength of a great swordsman by relying on Sayafushi's characteristics.
Yoriichi took Sayafushi and temporarily left Soul Society.
...
Some time later, Yoriichi returned from Hell, bringing back a special material.
Sayafushi could cleave through it, but it required some effort.
Because of this, Yoriichi knew that Sayafushi's scabbard had a place.
As it was processed and repaired, Sayafushi was sealed within it, and Yoriichi could clearly sense her excitement at that moment.
It was as if she was saying that she finally had a home.
Yoriichi felt a mix of emotions about this.
Perhaps her bad temper was influenced by this matter.
Now that it was resolved, he hoped everything would go smoothly.
Time continued to flow after this incident concluded; during this period, Yoriichi had Uta try a few more times.
It was visibly clear that Sayafushi's temper was improving day by day; sometimes, when she saw Uta's movements were not standard, she would even actively remind and correct her.
He had thought that the two would soon reach a state of mutual recognition.
Unexpectedly, one day, Sayafushi met Tsugikuni Ai.
And then, Sayafushi was completely captivated.
...
"She's your Master's daughter! She's truly heroic and spirited. I've decided, I want to stay by her side."
Sayafushi's voice held a hint of excitement.
Her gaze was burning as she looked at Tsugikuni Ai's back ahead, her eyes filled with admiration,
"Although this is unfair to Uta, I think she is more suitable for me."
On a street in Seireitei, Yoriichi Tsugikuni and Sayafushi walked side by side.
Sayafushi's figure was still petite; they looked like father and daughter walking on the road, but their conversation clearly showed their respective identities.
"She's too perfect. I can feel that she's very young, yet her combat experience is extremely rich; she must be a Genius."
"A sword like me was born for her."
"Master, since you don't use me, please give me to her."
Yoriichi was silent, somewhat conflicted.
It wasn't because he was reluctant to give Sayafushi to Ai.
After all, she was his daughter, and Uta would also feel relieved knowing this.
It was because Ai's killing intent was too strong.
With a sharp weapon, the desire to kill arises.
With Sayafushi, a sword that cuts through anything, her actions would only become more extreme.
Yoriichi's original intention was for Sayafushi to be for self-preservation; if the priorities were reversed, it might lead to different results.
However... recalling Ai's age and her current strength, Yoriichi pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke:
"It seems you've already made up your mind. I can agree, but choosing a master requires mutual consent. What does Ai say?"
"Ms. Ai has no objections; she's also very satisfied with my sharpness. It's just that she already has a Zanpakuto, so she needs to consider it."
Sayafushi quickly replied, "I don't know how long the consideration will take, but I imagine she will agree."
"Since you have no objections, that's good. Please forgive me for only being able to accompany you for this last period. I've been very happy during these days with you."
Her voice gradually lowered, with clear emotion, as if recalling those beautiful times,
"You made a scabbard for me, and you found a suitable master for me..."
"Honestly, I don't know how to thank you enough."
"Your great kindness is beyond words; I..."
Before she could finish, Yoriichi glanced at her and interrupted:
"Has anyone told you that your personality has changed a lot compared to before?"
"I don't need your gratitude; after all, you are a sword."
"Just perform well. Ai will be much trouble for you to take care of next."
At this point, Yoriichi stopped walking:
"Recently, she's going to meet that boy from the Shihouin Clan. I hope you can keep an eye on things for me."
"How do I keep an eye on things?"
Sayafushi blinked, a little confused.
"However you like, just test if he has the responsibility of a man."
Yoriichi started walking again, "It's inconvenient for me to show up, and it's not good to find someone else to do this. You're different."
...
...
"Sister, are you really stepping down as head of the family? Isn't this a bit too soon? I'm worried..."
Meanwhile, within the Shihoin Clan territory.
Yushiro Shihouin looked at Yoruichi Shihouin, his face filled with worry, and said.
However.
Before he could finish, Yoruichi interrupted him directly:
"There's nothing to worry about. This is a decision I made a long time ago. Shiro, you've grown up. You've been capable of standing on your own for a long time."
"Especially in recent years, after learning Shunko from me..."
"With your strength, you are fully capable of taking over the position of clan head."
"Don't belittle yourself, Shiro."
Yoruichi gently patted his shoulder, her movements carrying a hint of comfort and encouragement.
She let out a long sigh, as if giving Shiro time to digest everything, then continued:
"Indeed, I can understand your thoughts. Although you are still young, everyone goes through a period of youth."
"With those elders helping you, and Grandpa Senri, as well as Mom and Dad standing behind you, there's nothing to fear."
Shiro remained silent. Although Yoruichi's words somewhat reassured him, he was still deeply worried.
His gaze dropped, staring at the stone slabs beneath his feet, recalling his responsibilities, and suddenly felt that the burden of being the family head was truly too heavy.
A slight misstep could lead to being targeted by political enemies, and if not handled well, it could cause irreparable losses, subsequently implicating the entire clan.
But seeing his sister's resolute attitude, he could no longer persuade her and could only reluctantly nod:
"I understand. I will definitely become a qualified family head."
"But speaking of which, Sister, why are you choosing to step down at this time?"
"Is it because of the war?"
In Shiro's view, this was the only possibility.
During wartime, having a male as the clan head had a greater chance of preserving the lineage.
And considering his sister's actions.
She only resigned as clan head, not as Captain, so this might be a do-or-die mentality.
Yoruichi didn't answer, she just smiled.
She reached out and ruffled Shiro's hair, her movements gentle yet with a hint of teasing:
"Don't worry about that. As the clan head, you just need to ensure the continuation of the family line. Mom and Dad are waiting."
"You haven't forgotten the noble council in a few days, have you?"
"It involves the younger generation from each clan, to assess the capabilities and strength of the current young generation..."
"You must not disgrace our Shihoin Clan."
"I haven't forgotten, Sister." Shiro confidently patted his chest. He had it firmly in mind.
No one knew which noble first proposed it, but the proposal was only officially passed this year.
The war was still three years away, perhaps they wanted to add some confidence and morale.
After all, at this stage in Seireitei, the youths were the future.
Yoruichi smiled, a hint of undetectable slyness flashing in her eyes:
"Good that you haven't forgotten. I'm really looking forward to that day."
Because that day would not only be a day for the youths to showcase their demeanor, but also a day for them to display their strength and courage.
At that time, Quincy would attack, which would better determine the future of Seireitei.
If no one proved capable, then... the inheritance rights within each clan would surely be re-evaluated, which would also be a major reform.
However, Yoruichi was not worried about this; she was only looking forward to Shiro and Tsugikuni Ai's meeting.
She hoped it would properly 'cure' Shiro.
Being too smooth-sailing was not good either.
The two chatted back and forth. About five minutes later, after explaining everything, Yoruichi turned and left.
Shiro watched his sister's retreating back, a surge of melancholy rising in his heart.
Only three years left, and everything would be over...
At that time, his sister, as a Captain, he wondered if she could return safely.
To live up to her expectations, he had to work hard.
Shiro clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white from the effort.
Then, he turned resolutely and walked towards the direction of his home.
He planned to enter the virtual combat simulator and engage in more battles with Quincy.
He heard that some new Sternritter had recently been updated, such as Sternritter D, The Deathdealing, and other words that sounded particularly powerful.
Even if he couldn't defeat them, he had to at least end in a draw.
...
On the day of the council, Tsugikuni Ai arrived at the scene with two Zanpakuto on her back.
The nobles who knew her at the scene all kept their distance.
Because her sealed stone was too strong and her reputation had been damaged.
She had almost kicked a high-ranking noble to death back then, and her father often disregarded the rules of the nobility.
If Yoriichi Tsugikuni hadn't been the Captain-Commander and had close ties with the Kucihki, Shihouin, and even Squad Zero, his status as a high-ranking noble would have been stripped long ago.
No noble had ever considered the common people.
This was simply absurd.
However, the nobles who disliked the Tsugikuni Clan had no way to target them. Public sentiment was on their side, and it was the prevailing trend.
If they couldn't win, they could only hide.
Thus, the current scene unfolded.
Tsugikuni Ai, who had graduated from Spiritual Arts Academy, had almost no friends around her. The only ones were some minor nobles and even some commoners.
However, commoners and minor nobles could not participate in this council.
This led to her being isolated.
Looking at the people around her who were avoiding her like a plague, Tsugikuni Ai snorted coldly, completely unconcerned.
But at this moment, a boy walking towards her caught her attention.
Because that boy was completely unafraid of her.
Tsugikuni Ai narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing him from head to toe.
"Hello, my name is Yushiro Shihouin. You must be Ms. Tsugikuni Ai, the one my sister mentioned, right?"
Shiro walked up to her, smiling as he greeted her, his voice gentle and polite.
He extended his right hand, his movement natural, without the slightest hesitation.
Tsugikuni Ai hesitated for a moment, then finally politely shook his hand and asked:
"Shihouin? Is your sister Ms. Yoruichi?"
"No wonder..."
No wonder this person named Shiro wasn't afraid of her.
The Tsugikuni Clan Clan and the Shihouin Clan had a somewhat ambiguous relationship; although not allies, they were not far off.
Because currently, some of the Tsugikuni Clan Clan's businesses had the backing of the Shihouin Clan.
Shiro nodded: "Yes, my sister said your situation wouldn't be very good, so she asked me to look after you. It seems..."
He looked around, a hint of helplessness in his eyes, and sighed,
"She really guessed right. Come with me, don't mind these people's isolation; they're just puppets."
Except for a small number of nobles, most noble heirs were puppets. Whatever the elders said, they had to do.
Because only then would they not make mistakes.
Ai snorted coldly again:
"I don't care at all. True strong individuals don't care about the thoughts of the weak. Their disdain and isolation only highlight their helplessness."
"Because they can't do anything to me, they can only resort to cold treatment."
"With their caliber, I can cut down at least three with one swing."
As soon as these words came out, because the voice was undisguised, the young nobles not far away widened their eyes.
Bang!
"What did you say?"
Some even stood up and slammed the table, their voices loud, clearly enraged.
Upon hearing this, Shiro immediately stopped, wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, and forced a smile:
"Is that so? You're really amazing. I can't do that."
"Um... Ms. Ai, when you say such things, please be mindful of the occasion. The adults are watching outside."
Although it was domineering, it was still a bit too arrogant. At least his Shihouin Clan couldn't make a move that would make them enemies of the world.
It was a complete group taunt.
The Captain-Commander's daughter is not what I imagined... Shiro thought to himself. He had expected her to be more rational.
He didn't expect... Was it because of these nobles' rejection that she had no scruples?
Unsure of the reason, Shiro could only act as a mediator at this moment, inviting Tsugikuni Ai to a seat.
Their seats were adjacent, and by the time they sat down, everyone had arrived.
And at this moment, Shiro also happened to notice the two Zanpakuto Tsugikuni Ai carried with her...
—Two?
...
Outside.
"Yoriichi, your daughter is as domineering as ever."
"She's nothing like you, or Uta, or Hisana, or Rukia, or Rangiku."
"Instead, she's like a combination of Rukia and Rangiku."
Yoruichi Shihouin teased.
She crossed her arms, a clear sense of emotion flashing in her eyes.
Yoriichi shook his head helplessly.
Their words were heard by the other nobles, but these nobles dared not speak out their anger.
What nonsense about domineering, she was clearly stepping on the heirs of their clans to rise.
Why didn't they stand up then? All they did was talk empty words.
Useless.
Although if it were them, they would also act similarly in Yoriichi Tsugikuni's presence, it didn't stop them from secretly scolding their own juniors as elders.
When they returned, they would definitely give them a good lesson.
Some people snorted coldly.
Then, seeing that the atmosphere was sufficiently set, they subtly suggested:
"The council proceedings are already one-third over. It's time to release those Quincy, isn't it?"
"I'd really like to see Ms. Ai's heroic demeanor when facing danger."
"Yes, yes." Some nobles who enjoyed watching the commotion echoed.
If Tsugikuni Ai didn't defeat those Quincy, things would get interesting.
Carrying two Zanpakuto, one who didn't know might think she was going to use a dual-wielding style.
He hadn't heard that Yoriichi Tsugikuni was skilled in that style.
Hearing this, Yoriichi nodded:
"Since that's the case, release them. Have Liltotto, Meninas, Bambietta, and Bazz-B get ready."
"My clone will also create a batch of Quincy to participate in the battle."
"Please watch over your children, lest they lose their lives due to an accident."
After speaking, the secret passage to the room opened.
A moment later, the conference room fell into chaos, the sounds emanating from it all indicating the start of the action.
The screams of many young nobles were continuous, their voices terrified and panicked.
Then.
Shiro and Tsugikuni Ai began to rampage.