Koga walked towards the group, a gentle smile on his face. "As long as Setsuna-kun joins the 6th Division, our Captain, Kuchiki Ginrei, can personally instruct you in Kido Training. As one of the Five Great Noble Families of the Soul Society, the Kuchiki Clan's heritage in Kido is even deeper than that of the Gotei 13."
Hearing this, Yoruichi pouted in dissatisfaction. "Joining the 2nd Division is the same. Heritage in Kido, as if anyone lacks it."
As the young lady of the Shihoin Clan, she naturally wasn't willing to show weakness in terms of family heritage.
Seeing this situation, Koga revealed a meaningful smile.
He walked to Setsuna's side and lightly patted his shoulder. "With your talent, I suggest you don't take the same path I did. The title 'Future of the Kuchiki Clan' sounds good, but in reality, it bears too much criticism and pressure."
Setsuna gave a slight bow. "Thank you for the reminder and advice, Senpai."
He politely declined Koga's invitation. "However, I am still a student now. Which division to join after graduation requires careful consideration."
Koga wasn't surprised by this answer. He shrugged. "Actually, the old man disagreed with me inviting you from the start, saying it would break the rules. But I couldn't help it. After all, when I see outstanding talent, I always want to recruit them."
He paused, his expression turning serious. "Also, a reminder: it's best not to go out recently. A few days ago, a tragedy occurred in the Rukongai. Thirty rebel Shinigami were found dead in the 80th district of North Rukongai."
"Although the deceased were all rebel Shinigami, being able to kill so many at once means the culprit's strength cannot be underestimated. For the stability of the Seireitei, this is also a huge security risk."
"This is no ordinary wanderer. A heavy hand must be used. The Central 46 has issued a wanted order and is pursuing the matter with full force."
Setsuna's expression turned somewhat odd. He asked, "The 80th district of North Rukongai... that seems to be Zaraki District, right?"
He remembered from the original story's introduction of Zaraki that the man's unrestrained nature and intimidating strength made even the Central 46 somewhat fearful.
'Could it be that they were forced to offer him amnesty after he killed enough of them to scare them?'
Koga nodded in confirmation. "It is indeed Zaraki District. That area has always been one of the most chaotic regions in the Rukongai."
He seemed unwilling to discuss this topic further and turned to leave.
Just as Koga was about to step out of the training ground, Setsuna suddenly spoke. "Senpai, there's something I'm not sure if I should say."
"Please do."
"When others accuse you of rebellion, you'd better actually have the ability to rebel." Setsuna's tone was calm, yet carried a certain depth of meaning.
Hearing this, Koga laughed heartily, his laughter tinged with a touch of dismissiveness. "The Kuchiki Clan is a cornerstone of the Soul Society. As the Kuchiki Clan's son-in-law, how could I possibly rebel? Such a joke cannot be made."
He waved his hand, his figure disappearing down the corridor.
After Koga had gone far, Aizen asked in a low voice, "Setsuna-nii, do you think he will be framed?"
Setsuna nodded, saying gravely, "The ability of his Zanpakuto is too terrifying. It can control others' Zanpakuto, even causing Zanpakuto to turn on their masters. Such a completely unconventional ability is something the Central 46 could never tolerate. If it weren't for the protection of the Kuchiki Clan's name, he probably would have been thrown into the Maggot's Nest long ago."
Yoruichi frowned. "But isn't he doing quite well now? The Kuchiki Clan also values him highly."
"On the surface, yes," Setsuna nodded slightly. "He said the Kuchiki Clan's head didn't want him to invite me because it would break the rules. But I think there's another interpretation: the Kuchiki Clan's head didn't want him to attract too much attention, to avoid unnecessary scrutiny."
Aizen pushed up his glasses. "So, Kuchiki Koga appears prosperous now, but his situation is actually delicate?"
Setsuna chuckled softly. "That's why I told you not to reveal your ability. After all, this world is ruled by some mediocre people with no tolerance for others."
Hearing this, Aizen felt a surge of excitement inwardly, 'It seemed Setsuna-nii shared the same ideals as me.'
...
Ten months later, Kasumioji Clan's estate.
Tsunayashiro Tokinada sat in the main seat of the tea room. His slender fingers gently stroked the edge of the teacup, his face showing his signature gentle smile.
That smile seemed amiable, yet it sent shivers down the spine of Taishi sitting opposite him.
"I don't mean to criticize you intentionally," Tokinada began, his voice as smooth as flowing water. "But the commotion you caused capturing that wanderer was simply too great. Nearly a hundred people died. Even I could smell the bloodshed that permeated the Rukongai. The Central 46 is quite displeased with your methods."
Cold sweat beaded on Taishi's forehead. He repeatedly bowed his head in apology. "I'm truly sorry. I also didn't expect that guy's strength to be so troublesome. We dispatched six squads to encircle him, but he defeated them one by one..."
He paused, then tentatively asked, "The Gotei 13... still isn't willing to assist?"
"The Gotei 13," Tokinada took a sip of tea, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "They use the excuse that Hollow invasions have been frequent lately, and all divisions are busy guarding the borders, truly unable to spare any manpower to assist with noble families' private affairs."
Taishi clenched his fist, his eyes filled with anger. "It must be that Unohana Retsu's doing again!"
"Watch your words," Tokinada interrupted him, his tone still even, yet instantly silencing Taishi. "Captain Unohana, no matter what, is one of the founders of the Gotei 13. She's a veteran from the same era as Captain-Commander Yamamoto. Even the Central 46 can't say much about her."
He set down his teacup, lowering his voice slightly. "You must understand, the Gotei 13 was originally an assassination organization. Although it has nominally transformed now, what's in its bones isn't so easy to change. If you truly push that 'Yachiru' too far, no one can bear the consequences."
Sato Taishi's face turned pale, recalling some terrifying legends about the original Gotei 13.
"In short," Tokinada stood up, straightening his sleeves. "You need to speed up your progress. The Kasumioji Clan needs that 'thing'. The Tsunayashiro Clan also needs it. If you cannot complete it by next spring, we will have to reassess our future cooperation with the Kasumioji Clan."
After saying this, Tokinada performed an elegant bow, turned, and left.
His figure moved through the long corridor, his pale moon-colored haori shimmering faintly under the dim lamplight, soon disappearing into the depths of the estate.
Only after confirming Tokinada had gone far did Taishi suddenly slam his fist onto the tea table. The expensive porcelain shattered.
"Just a low-ranking member of a Tsunayashiro Clan's branch family, putting on airs as if he's a big shot!" He growled through gritted teeth. "Tsunayashiro Tokinada, just wait until I complete the Bakkoto research and become a highly sought-after figure. Let's see if you still dare to speak to me with that attitude!"