Inside the conference room.
Swish.
A flash of a blade, the air was torn apart, like a silver crack, chilling to the bone.
Compared to the panic of the others, Ai was remarkably calm.
Because she knew that a Quincy invasion of the conference room was practically impossible within the Seireitei at this stage.
At the same time, the presence of those adults outside completely eliminated the extremely small chance of anything unexpected.
But, these Quincy still appeared before everyone's eyes.
In Ai's opinion, there was only one possibility.
—This was a test from the adults.
"How boring," Ai snorted softly.
However, she might as well play along with them.
It was a rare opportunity for actual combat against Quincy.
Previously, all battles with Quincy had taken place in a virtual world.
Now, she could finally see what differences existed between the virtual world and reality.
Thud.
Stepping lightly forward, she cut down one enemy with a single strike, Ai was about to head straight for the back of the enemy formation to kill the strongest.
Suddenly.
A nearby explosion caught her attention.
"Shunko…"
"Explosive Flame Unparalleled!"
Looking back, she saw Shiro throw out his fists, and a small explosion directly incinerated the person in front of him into ash.
The surging Reiatsu swept over like a storm, disheveling Ai's hair.
"Shunko…"
Although it was just a hurried glance, a hint of surprise still flashed in Ai's eyes.
She had also learned Shunko from her father, but had never grasped the knack of it.
She hadn't expected to see it on someone who seemed so unassuming.
Exhaling, she regained her composure, Ai no longer paid much attention.
She lowered her breathing, fully immersing herself in slaying the enemies before her.
As blade light flickered, enemies fell one after another.
Among the nobles beside her, whose stances differed from hers, only a few reacted quickly, drawing their Zanpakuto and attempting to resist.
The majority of nobles, however, shrieked in terror, scrambling to escape in all directions and crying out to their elders for help.
This scene, observed by those watching outside, caused some noble heads to darken.
What cowardice!
Yoruichi timely teased:
"Oh dear, it seems the juniors of your families are still quite incapable of standing on their own in the present."
"Even though they already experienced that kind of thing back then."
"My Shiro, however, performed well."
"Even when encountering this kind of attack for the first time, he remained calm and was able to use the techniques I taught him."
This undisguised self-praise was nothing short of a psychological blow.
Some nobles immediately decided that they would revoke their heirs' succession rights upon returning.
They had clearly been told in advance to remain calm, that enemies would appear.
Yet, even now, they had lost so much face.
Just as they were thinking about how to salvage some dignity.
A sharp-eyed noble noticed the abnormality of Tsugikuni Ai using two swords.
She cut down Quincy as easily as slicing vegetables, even Sternritter users had their limbs severed by her in a single strike.
This was clearly not Tsugikuni Ai's usual strength.
Was it the effect of that sword?
Since the appearance of Sayafushi was known to few, and its appearance was ordinary, they looked for a long time but still couldn't see anything special about it.
Just like that, as all the Quincy in the room lost their ability to resist, Tsugikuni Ai abruptly cut down the door with a single strike and strode out.
Boom!
Upon seeing the adults outside, her thoughts were confirmed.
Following closely behind her was Yushiro Shihouin.
He was panting slightly, his forehead covered in large beads of sweat, clearly the use of Shunko had severely depleted his stamina and Reiatsu.
Seeing his elder sister, he paused slightly, then forced a wry smile, instantly understanding everything.
Yoruichi gave him a thumbs up, silently commending him.
With such a performance, there was no fear that Tsugikuni Ai wouldn't remember him.
Differences are highlighted through comparison; next would be more contact to deepen the impression, and finally, to see if they were suitable.
Yoruichi exhaled, then collected her thoughts, looking into the depths of the room, and said:
"It can end now, this test; the results are already out."
"Aside from Shiro and Ai, everyone else has more or less some shortcomings."
"It's a pity that the Kuchiki Clan, Shiba Clan, and Tsunayashiro Clan didn't send their juniors to this meeting."
"Otherwise, there should have been more qualified people."
The reason for this was that the family heads did not have juniors of suitable age.
The prerequisite for a youth was around a hundred years old; only the Kuchiki Clan barely had a candidate, but he was still too young, only a few decades old.
Byakuya, citing the need for further training, did not let him participate.
Yoriichi nodded, informing the dismembered Quincy inside.
At the same time, he instructed his clone to deactivate the artificial lives.
Visibly, over 95% of the Quincy dissipated into reishi, vanishing like a dream bubble.
Seeing this, Ai couldn't help but marvel at how ruthless her father was.
She had wondered why there were so many Quincy; it turned out they were all created by her father.
No wonder those nobles were screaming; it served as a lesson for them.
"Everyone, go and bring your children out."
The danger disappeared completely as the plan concluded, Yoriichi nodded, saying,
"Although this might be a psychological trauma for them, at least it revealed their shortcomings."
"When war comes, we cannot protect every single part of the Seireitei."
"If they encounter danger, they can only rely on themselves."
"If their performance is still like today…"
Yoriichi shook his head, not continuing, as the meaning was obvious.
The nobles' faces darkened at this, was he cursing them?
Although it was true, it was a bit too "blunt"; it was practically saying that the juniors of their families would all die.
What a bunch of failures, they wanted to refute Yoriichi's words, but couldn't find any reason to.
They could only rage impotently in their hearts, then entered the room, dragged their respective juniors out, and left quickly without much delay.
Soon, only Yoriichi and Yoruichi, along with Tsugikuni Ai and Shiro, remained inside and outside the conference room.
"Let's go."
The Quincy also left after treating their limbs.
Yoriichi led the three of them towards the door.
Yoruichi looked at the two silent figures behind her, smiled, and said:
"There are still three years left, I wonder if the various defense preparations within the Seireitei are ready?"
"Are you interested in letting these two spar?"
"Of course, Sayafushi cannot be used; that would be too much cheating."
Yoriichi turned around, just as Tsugikuni Ai and Shiro looked up, a hint of surprise flashing in their eyes.
Spar? This…
Shiro and Ai exchanged glances, Ai felt nothing, Shiro was numb.
Why would his elder sister say something so terrifying in such a calm tone?
He had just witnessed Ai's strength; it was terrifying, unfathomably deep.
Enemies he could only defeat by expending a large amount of Reiatsu and using Shunko.
She could cut down with a single effortless strike.
Could he even withstand her?
What was his elder sister thinking? Shiro really wanted to refuse, but then Yoriichi suddenly spoke:
"Kisuke Urahara has been following up on the defense work; you shouldn't be asking me."
"As for the spar…"
Yoriichi looked at Ai, "What do you think?"
Ai pouted: "Whatever, I don't care, anyway, even without Sayafushi, he won't be my opponent."
"If he wants a beating, then come on, I won't hold back."
Saying this, she gave Shiro a deep look, and Shiro suddenly shivered.
Seeing her younger brother's reaction, Yoruichi sighed.
Although he was brave in battle, he was still very passive in social interactions.
Just like Kuchiki Sōjun, he had the personality of a good-natured person.
But, never mind, he was her younger brother after all.
Before Shiro could speak, Yoruichi accepted the spar on his behalf.
She patted Shiro's shoulder and whispered:
"The Shihouin Clan is counting on you; you must build a good relationship with the Tsugikuni Clan family, it's just a fight, I believe you can do it."
"Even if you get injured, there's still the Hell Hot Spring for healing."
"Ai knows how to hold back; trust me."
Should he trust her? Shiro was helpless, but what could he do if he didn't trust her?
His sister was right, everything had to prioritize the family.
It was just an injury.
Sighing, with no other choice, Shiro regained his spirit and said loudly:
"Please leave it to me, Sister."
His voice was loud, catching Ai's attention.
But Ai didn't speak.
A few days later, the spar arranged by the two families officially began.
As Ai had said earlier, she did not use Sayafushi, but even so, as the battle began, Ai gradually gained the upper hand.
Because Shunko was not good for prolonged battles.
And Shiro's speed couldn't keep up with her.
Just like that.
From the spectator stands, Yoruichi watched as Shiro was kited, needlessly expending his stamina, and she couldn't help but shake her head helplessly.
But immediately after, a smile appeared on her face again.
"This is real combat; the virtual world is ultimately just a virtual world…"
Shiro would probably realize this after this experience.
Ai was the same.
Without Sayafushi, her strength was greatly reduced.
As expected, upon returning, the study of dual-wielding would be put on the agenda.
She wondered what level she would reach with her talent.
Beside them.
Shiba Isshin, who had brought his son to explore the Seireitei during his holiday, watched the battle between the two on the stage, his eyes widening slightly.
He looked at Yoruichi and exclaimed:
"It's been over a decade, has Captain-Commander's daughter become so formidable?"
"Looking at her strength, she should already be at the level of a slightly weaker Captain, right?"
Yoruichi heard the exclamation, turned to glance at Shiba Isshin and his son beside her, and nodded lightly:
"More or less, she can become even stronger, but it's a pity you left too early and didn't get to see it."
"Is this your son? He's very cute. How old is he this year?"
Cute? Kurosaki ichigo's mind, which had been shocked by the sight of the two fighting, suddenly returned.
He scanned Yoruichi's face, feeling that this sister didn't look much older, so how could she say such an old-fashioned thing.
He was fourteen this year, and would be fifteen when school started.
As a Shinigami's son, he had naturally awakened Shinigami powers, otherwise, he wouldn't frequently come to the Soul Society to play.
However, even when he came frequently, he always stayed near the Shiba Clan, rarely entering the Seireitei.
This was his first time seeing Yoruichi Shihouin.
Kurosaki ichigo was about to retort Yoruichi Shihouin's words for the sake of his dignity.
However, before he could speak, Yoruichi suddenly remembered something, raised her eyebrows, and asked first:
"Oh, that's right, Isshin, if I'm not mistaken, this child of yours should have awakened Shinigami powers, right?"
"His Reiatsu doesn't seem low; do you plan to let him obtain a Zanpakuto?"
"War is about to begin, and at that time, the Human World might also be affected."
"With a Zanpakuto, he can at least gain some self-preservation ability."
Zanpakuto? These three words made Kurosaki ichigo's expression freeze, and the words on the tip of his tongue were swallowed back down.
He swallowed, his heart seemingly quickening a few beats, as he looked at Shiba Isshin with eager eyes, his expression subtly hinting at anticipation.
Kurosaki ichigo had heard of Zanpakuto; earlier, when some Hollows attacked him, it was his father who repelled them with his Zanpakuto.
From that moment on, he knew it was a Shinigami's exclusive weapon, and he envied it greatly.
Which boy doesn't want to show off with a sword when he's young? It's well-known that Japan has long revered swordsmanship.
It was just a pity that his father politely refused with the reason, "You're still too young, it's too dangerous."
Now… Shihouin's words were like a ray of light in the darkness, illuminating the hope in his heart.
Can I also get a Zanpakuto?
Kurosaki ichigo thought, his heart racing, his palms slightly sweating, the beads of sweat feeling a bit clammy, making him unconsciously rub them on his pants.
Shiba Isshin cleared his throat twice and said with a conflicted expression:
"A… Zanpakuto, huh? We'll see about that. Ichigo is still too young. Although he just graduated from junior high, he still has high school life ahead of him."
"As his father, although I have confidence in him, he is still a human, after all, and his studies cannot be neglected."
"Communicating with an asauchi and awakening one's own Zanpakuto takes a considerable amount of time."
That's true; it could be as short as three to five years, or as long as several decades. For a human's short lifespan, it is indeed too long.
Listening to Shiba Isshin's words, Yoruichi finally realized what she had overlooked.
She nodded, enlightened:
"Ah, I see. I was careless. I apologize, little Ichigo. I originally wanted to help you."
"I didn't realize you were a human. That's quite a shame."
Yoruichi crossed her arms, facing Kurosaki ichigo, and shook her head slightly.
She looked as if the goddess of salvation had withdrawn her helping hand at the crucial moment.
Kurosaki ichigo was stunned.
No, did you just pass a death sentence on me directly?
Don't! I can still be saved!
Three to five years… At least give me a chance!
Ichigo clenched his fists, his voice slightly displeased:
"Idiot Dad, what are you talking about? This beautiful big sister finally gave me a chance, why did you refuse?!"
"You know me, I've wanted to be a Shinigami for a long time, ever since you took me back to Soul Society for New Year when I was nine."
"It's just academics; it's no problem. I can guarantee that my grades will always stay in the top ten of my grade."
"As long as you let me become a Shinigami, I can even get first place in my grade!"
"I've wanted to surpass Uryū that guy for a long time!"
This spirited tone attracted the attention of some people present.
However, they only glanced casually, and seeing that they didn't recognize him, they didn't pay much attention.
Shiba Isshin was silent for a moment, then raised his eyebrows and retorted:
"Really?"
He crossed his arms over his chest, patted Ichigo's shoulder, and said earnestly:
"It's not that I don't trust you, son. Since you've brought up the topic, I'll be frank with you too."
"Not letting you become a Shinigami is your mother's wish, because it's too dangerous, and there are other Substitute Soul Reapers in the Human World."
"If you rush into it at such a young age, you'll have no competitiveness at all and will easily be looked down upon by other Shinigami."
"And your grades."
"Top ten in your grade…"
At this point, Shiba Isshin paused deliberately, then shook his head slightly,
"Yes, your grades in junior high were always very good, consistently in the top three of your grade, on par with Ishida Uryū that guy."
"But high school is not like junior high. You know the conditions and situation of Uryū's family."
"A villa, able to hire tutors, and he himself had his Quincy abilities sealed, so he can focus on studying. What about you?"
"Once you become a Shinigami, I really find it hard to believe your grades can be maintained."
"If they drop then, and you can't get into university, your mom will definitely not let me off the hook."
It was mainly the last reason that Shiba Isshin couldn't accept.
He wasn't afraid of his wife; he loved his wife, and he didn't want to see his son go down a path of no return.
Humans have human lives, and Shinigami have Shinigami lives.
Humans should study hard, get into a good university, marry a good wife, and live a life of prosperity until their natural death.
Only then can they come to Soul Society and serve as Shinigami.
Not skip decades of life, face danger directly, and ultimately suffer a tragic death.
Kurosaki ichigo fell silent. He could understand his father's actions, but he still wanted to try harder.
Surrendering before even trying, just because the task is too difficult, was not his style.
He was about to bring up his previous argument, stating that he would definitely get into university and even make a solemn pledge.
However, before he could speak, Shiba Isshin changed the subject:
"Of course, I'm not an unreasonable parent either."
"I trust you with your grades. Your mom is your mom, and I am me. She's too sentimental; I'm different."
"At worst, I'll sell everything we have to support you in the university you want to attend."
"I only have one condition here."
Shiba Isshin slightly folded his arms, his expression becoming serious:
"Can you promise that after obtaining a Zanpakuto, you won't show off to your classmates or bully the weak?"
"You've always been the type who can't hide your feelings since you were young; every emotion is written on your face."
"In human terms, this is straightforwardness, and straightforward people are often the most likely to leak secrets, and the existence of Shinigami is a secret."
"If your classmates find out, Ichigo, even I won't be able to cover for you."
He emphasized, asking again, his voice rising a few decibels:
"Can you strictly keep the secret?"
Young and reckless—Shiba Isshin understood this deeply, and recklessness often came with a heavy price.
This price, whether it was him or Ichigo, could not be afforded, not even by the upper noble clans.
Leaking secrets and causing chaos in the Human World would result in the Sōkyoku execution.
Upon hearing this, Kurosaki ichigo felt a heavy atmosphere, as if they were discussing an extremely important matter.
He was silent for another moment, his hands tightly clutching his pants, then nodded solemnly:
"Yes, I can!"
"Just keep it a secret!"
"If you need me to, I can even keep it from Mom!"
As soon as these words came out, although he knew it was just formality, Shiba Isshin still smiled with relief.
Good, this was his son—courageous and bold, even daring to "challenge" the highest-ranking mother in the family.
Shiba Isshin approved of Ichigo's actions, released his hands, and nodded:
"Very good. Since you have such determination, I naturally cannot ignore it."
He turned to look at Yoruichi,
"Yoruichi, is it okay if I take a few asauchi from the Shiba Clan without permission?"
Yoruichi snapped out of the father and son's conversation and suddenly felt that Shiba Isshin wasn't as afraid of his wife as she thought.
She thought for two seconds and replied:
"Of course, it's fine. Although it's not allowed in principle, you know, principles only apply to those commoner Shinigami."
"The asauchi they receive are leased from the Spiritual Arts Academy, unlike those of the nobles."
"Even when nobles retire, they don't have to return their Zanpakuto or go to the Maggot's Nest."
"However, I recommend you still explain it to the Captain-Commander."
"Lest an unregistered Substitute Soul Reaper appears, thereby affecting the order of the Human World."
"Understood." Shiba Isshin nodded knowingly.
He let out a long breath, then led Kurosaki ichigo to Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
At this moment, Yoriichi Tsugikuni was intently watching the battle on the stage, which was gradually nearing its end.
Shiba Isshin respectfully explained the matter to him and added a small plan:
"Captain-Commander, I suggest including Ishida Uryū from the Human World in the ranks of Substitute Soul Reapers."
"Although he is a Quincy, theoretically, he can also awaken his own Zanpakuto."
"Because he is not a pure Quincy."
Yoriichi frowned slightly, a flicker of doubt in his eyes.
He turned his head, looked at Shiba Isshin, and asked:
"How so?"
Subsequently, he learned the news that Ishida Uryū was an unawakened X-cution.
Shiba Isshin continued: "Ishida Ryūken told me this when he was drunk once."
"Although I don't quite believe it, there's no harm in trying."
"A Quincy becoming a Shinigami is more influential than their superficial cooperation."
"At the same time, once both of them obtain asauchi, they can also supervise each other to prevent any mishaps."
Yoriichi pondered for a moment, finding some truth in it.
Indeed, a single thread does not make a line, and a single tree does not make a forest; only through cooperation can the order of the Human World improve.
Currently, there seem to be no problems, but once the war breaks out, no one knows what will happen to the Human World…
They needed to prepare for a rainy day.
Yoriichi nodded:
"Since that's the case, then go ahead and do it boldly. I remember that child Uryū values power, so you can use that as an entry point."
"Isshin, remember not to make any mistakes. Even if he doesn't agree, don't force him, lest it affects the reputation of the Shinigami."
"I understand. Please rest assured, Captain-Commander, he will definitely agree."
Shiba Isshin spoke confidently.
With Ishida Ryūken not interfering, he didn't believe a fourteen-year-old child would be indifferent to this matter.
It would also be good for both of them to become Shinigami, to divert some of the pressure from Ichigo.
If Kurosaki Masaki ever found out and asked about it, he would have an excuse.
Ichigo is a child, so he could be vaguely excused as impulsive, but he couldn't.
He truly worried himself sick for himself, for the Human World, and for his son.
Shiba Isshin even admired himself a little.