This battle was like a stone thrown into a lake, its ripples spreading far faster than anyone could have imagined.
In less than half a day, the name 'Chiaki Setsuna' had spread to every corner of the Shin'o Academy.
Furthermore, this small 'storm' did not stop at the Academy's walls.
The news quietly seeped along the intricate information network of the Seireitei, spreading into the estates of the noble families.
Some nobles scoffed at it, while others held it in high regard.
The quiet room of the Kuchiki household.
"Father-in-law." Kuchiki Koga sat below, his expression eager. "Have you heard about that new student named Chiaki Setsuna?"
Kuchiki Ginrei sat cross-legged in the upper seat, his eyes half-closed, fingers lightly stroking the teacup before him.
"You wish for me to invite him to join the 6th Division now?" His voice was calm, betraying no emotion.
"We are not 'preemptively poaching him'," Koga knew his father-in-law's stubbornness and took the initiative to explain. "A figure like this will likely be highly regarded by many factions from the moment he enrolls. Making early contact isn't breaking the rules, and it's demonstrating the Kuchiki Clan's foresight and sincerity."
Ginrei shook his head slightly, his movement slow but resolute.
"I understand your meaning. But precisely because of that, we must be the first not to break convention."
He opened his eyes, his gaze pure. "The Kuchiki Clan is a model for the noble houses. If even we take the lead in 'rushing ahead', what right do we have to regulate the other nobles?"
"Moreover..." Ginrei paused, his tone carrying a hint of a barely perceptible warning. "For such a figure, being drawn into the whirlpools between noble houses too early may not be a good thing. It's better to let him settle in the Academy for a few more years, truly see the path ahead before making a choice."
Koga looked at his father-in-law's face, which seemed never to waver, and sighed softly.
This father-in-law of his possessed a nearly stubborn faith in order.
Observing the rules wasn't just for the sake of 'rules' themselves, but to protect everything built upon those rules.
Koga sighed inwardly: 'But it's precisely because of this that he is worthy of my respect.'
"I understand," Koga bowed slightly. "We will do as you wish."
At the same time, in the head of the Shihoin Clan's study.
The lamplight cast a warm glow on the carved wooden windows. The air held the faint, elegant scents of paper, ink, and incense.
"Captain, I am absolutely not exaggerating!" Masahiko was so agitated his voice trembled slightly. "With Chiaki Setsuna's ability, if we don't extend an invitation immediately, someone else will certainly move faster!"
He took a deep breath, placed both hands on the low table, and stared intently at the middle-aged Shinigami before him… Shihoin Ken'ichi.
Masahiko continued, "I recommend immediately extending a formal invitation to Setsuna, appointing him as Corps Commander of the 2nd Division's 3rd Unit, the Detention Unit."
"The Detention Unit is responsible for guarding the Nest of Maggots. However, even Detention Unit's Shinigami are not permitted to carry any weapons when entering the Nest. This requires the Corps Commander of the Detention Unit to be able to subdue all prisoners within the Nest of Maggots with bare hands. This position has been vacant for many years..."
Ken'ichi did not answer immediately. Instead, he turned his head, his gaze moving to the southwestern corner of the room.
He said gravely, "Stop hiding. Come out."
The air shimmered slightly.
An instant later, a figure appeared in the shadowed corner.
She wore light-colored casual clothes. Her face was bright and carefree, yet the sharpness in her eyes was like that of a cat on a night prowl.
Masahiko praised, "As expected of the Captain's daughter. Your Shunpo has reached a truly marvelous level."
Ken'ichi's mouth curved upwards slightly, but he then waved his hand, correcting in a mild tone, "You flatter her too much. Compared to the Chiaki Setsuna you mentioned, she is still far behind."
Yoruichi wrinkled her nose slightly, a bit indignant. "Uncle Otsuka, is that Chiaki Setsuna really that amazing?"
Masahiko nodded emphatically. "His Hakuda has reached a level of effortless mastery. It was as if he foresaw my every move. I even suspect that when he fought me, he didn't even use one-tenth of his true strength."
"Hmph." Yoruichi pursed her lips. "If Father hadn't forbidden me from attending the Shin'o Academy, he wouldn't have had the chance to steal the spotlight like that."
She looked at Ken'ichi. "Is it just because we're one of the Five Great Noble Families, so attending the Academy would make other nobles think our family has declined?"
Ken'ichi slowly shook his head. "I don't care what other nobles think. But the Shihoin Clan, possessing the best resources in the Seireitei, bears a corresponding responsibility."
"You can access higher-level Shunpo teachings, older Hakuda texts, even receive personal instruction from multiple powerful Shinigami right here at home."
He paused, then said word by word, "So why should you go to the Academy and compete with those commoners who have nothing, for those limited resources and opportunities?"
Yoruichi was stunned. She had never thought about it from this angle.
After a long moment, she spoke somewhat sullenly, "I wasn't planning to take their opportunities anyway. I just wanted some companions. Couldn't you just have the Academy ignore my status?"
Ken'ichi looked at the rare earnestness in her eyes, pondered for a moment, then said, "If you truly feel that way, then come with me to the Academy tomorrow."
Yoruichi exclaimed excitedly, "Father, you're letting me enroll?"
"Heh, not for you," Ken'ichi chuckled. "I intend to go and invite that genius."
Masahiko said in shock, "Captain, you're personally going to extend the invitation?"
Ken'ichi gave a slight nod. "Such a genius indeed deserves higher courtesy."
The next day's morning sunlight fell upon the West Quad training ground as usual.
But unlike the previous day, Setsuna was now standing in the teacher's position.
He was still dressed in simple student attire, his expression calm.
Masahiko stood in the first row of the formation, looking at Setsuna with an expression of earnest humility.
"The essence of Hakuda lies in perceiving the 'cause' and creating the 'effect'," Setsuna spoke eloquently. Given his level, even explaining the most basic Hakuda carried a deep and mysterious air.
"All attacks stem from a 'cause'… the flow of Reiatsu, the contraction of muscles, the shift in balance. Each 'cause' inevitably produces a corresponding 'effect'."
"What you must do is, while your opponent creates a 'cause', create your own 'effect'. Anticipate the enemy's moves, guide the situation according to its momentum."
By the end of the lesson, not only the freshmen but even Masahiko felt he had benefited greatly.
While most of the freshmen were still standing where they were, absorbing the lesson, a middle-aged Shinigami with a slightly dark complexion and resolute features silently appeared at the edge of the training ground.
Masahiko quickly walked over. "Setsuna-sensei... Cough, Setsuna, this is Shihoin Ken'ichi, Captain of the 2nd Division, and also the current head of the Shihoin Clan."
Yoruichi asserted her presence forcefully. "And me!"
Masahiko smiled as he introduced her. "This is the Captain's daughter, Shihoin Yoruichi. A genius like you."
Ken'ichi spoke solemnly. "Setsuna, may we speak privately?"
Setsuna nodded slightly. "Please."