Chapter 234: Kaname: ?
Hearing Kaname's answer, Satoru showed a smile.
He turned his head, looking toward the distant Shunsui and Jūshirō.
Seeing Satoru look their way, both men grew somewhat tense.
"Don't worry, I won't kill Tokinada anymore."
Satoru pointed at Kaname beside him.
"Uncle Kyōraku, Senior Ukitake, please watch carefully!"
"This man, Kaname Tōsen!"
"I, Satoru, will train him into a qualified warrior."
"One day, he will grow strong enough to defeat Tokinada, kill him with his own hands, and avenge his friend!"
Shunsui and Jūshirō remained silent.
Both men felt an inexplicable sense of dread at this moment.
If anyone else had said such words, it might have been nothing but impotent rage.
But Tokinada was genuinely powerful, a bona fide captain-level combatant.
And in the time to come, he would continue to grow stronger.
Whether it was the intensity of his Reiatsu or his understanding of the sword, it was all the same.
No matter how you looked at it, it was impossible for him to be surpassed by a mere commoner.
But... when these words came from Satoru's mouth, they felt so real, making one unable to resist the feeling that this was something that would happen in the near future.
This was a genuine death prophecy!
The two exchanged a glance, both seeing the same sentiment in each other's eyes.
Then, they turned together to look at Tokinada, who lay on the ground, his condition unknown.
After sensing his state, the two put aside Satoru's words and hurriedly took him to the Shin'ō Academy's medical facility for treatment.
Satoru turned around.
"Come with me."
Hearing this, Kaname instinctively nodded.
Then, he quickly added:
"I'm sorry to ask such a question at a time like this... but I truly want to know, why are you helping me?"
From everything that had just happened, he had keenly sensed that the man before him had offended the highest echelons of the Soul Society to help him.
That ferocious combat stance, the terrifying Reiatsu that seemed capable of distorting heaven and earth—it was like a series of relief carvings, etched into his heart.
Why would such a dazzling existence go to such lengths for someone like him, a blind man from Rukongai?
Satoru turned to look at him.
"Help you?"
"Don't misunderstand, Tōsen."
"The one who helped you was yourself."
"I just dislike that Tsunayashiro guy and want him to meet the most unacceptable end."
"And you are merely the executor fulfilling my wishes."
"If you had insisted on not seeking revenge earlier, I would have left immediately. Whether you'd be beaten to death by Tsunayashiro Clan guards or starve to death on the streets with regret would be none of my concern."
"If you understand, then hurry up and follow me."
After saying this, he turned and walked away.
"Watching" Satoru's retreating back, Tōsen froze for a few seconds.
For some reason, though Satoru's words were so cold and offered no comfort, he couldn't help but feel a sense of reassurance.
If he followed this figure, he could surely move forward without hesitation, forever?
With an unprecedented sense of belonging, he strode forward to follow.
Ah, that's right.
Following behind Satoru, Tōsen suddenly remembered something.
This piece of cloth with writing in his hand... it felt like an outer robe.
Judging by its faint warmth, it was probably something Satoru had been wearing earlier.
The texture was excellent, made of high-quality fabric.
It was likely quite expensive, perhaps worth a commoner's monthly food expenses?
He must train hard, become stronger quickly, and earn money to compensate for this clothing!
...
...
Bringing Kaname along, Satoru returned all the way to the Eleventh Division.
He didn't look for Aizen.
With so many people earlier, given Aizen's personality, he would have definitely left already.
Right now, he just wanted to take a bath and get a good night's sleep.
Tomorrow, the old man would surely summon him for a scolding. If he didn't conserve his energy, standing punishment would be exhausting.
But shortly after entering the division barracks, he witnessed a bizarre scene.
In the night, a tall, thin man with long hair was training in the practice field.
It was none other than Zaraki.
Zaraki training on his own wasn't strange in itself.
The problem was, this guy had stuck his sword in the ground nearby while he himself was throwing punches at the air.
Satoru watched curiously for a few seconds before walking over.
"Hey, Kenpachi!"
Hearing Satoru's voice, Zaraki paused slightly, then turned his head, grinning widely to reveal a ferocious smile.
"Aniki!"
"..."
Being called "big brother" by a bloodthirsty beast felt rather strange.
Satoru had corrected him several times before, telling Zaraki to just call him by his name, or call him Captain.
But whether Zaraki was missing some screws or what, every time after being told, he'd forget shortly after and casually throw out another "aniki."
Over time, Satoru had somewhat gotten used to it.
He walked over and looked at the sword Zaraki had stuck in the ground.
"What's this about?"
Zaraki blinked, not understanding what Satoru was asking.
Not far away, a little girl sitting on the ground yawning raised her hand.
"Satoru-chan! I know, I know!"
"Ken-chan here, after you knocked him out with one punch before, started thinking fists are better than swords."
"Ken-chan's been flailing his fists around like an idiot here for several days now~"
Satoru fell silent.
Should he say Zaraki was good at absorbing knowledge, or that this guy was just toxic?
He seriously discussed combat styles with Zaraki, finally strictly forbidding him from pointlessly practicing this useless stuff anymore.
Zaraki's entire strength lies in his sword; if he were to switch to using fists midway, it would truly be a waste of his talent.
Zaraki was initially a bit reluctant, but after Satoru promised to personally guide him in training twice this month, the tall man became happy again.
While Satoru and Zaraki were talking, the pink-haired girl noticed Kaname not far away.
She bounced over and, seeing the white haori in his hands, showed a surprised expression.
"Little Satoru's haori? Huh... why are there words written on it?"
Hearing Yachiru's voice, Kaname first nodded politely.
Although he didn't know who she was, since she was someone Satoru knew, she must be his senior.
He briefly explained how he had received Satoru's calligraphy and his plan to save up money to buy a new one to return to him.
Hearing this, Yachiru tilted her head.
"Saving money to buy a haori..."
"But I heard from little Lisa that a captain's haori is a symbol of the captain's status, something very important."
"As for the price... hmm, let me think... I think it's worth about a shop near the Seireitei?"
Kaname: "...?"
"Looking" at the haori in his hands, he felt his brain tremble.