Although it felt somewhat like a farce, the Captain Proficiency Test was over. By tomorrow, Ōtoribashi, Love, and Kensei would receive their captain's haori and officially assume their posts in their respective divisions.
Sitting beside Yoruichi, Kensei Kenzuru pursed his lips in dissatisfaction. "Old Man Yama made it way too obvious he was going easy. Feels like he's handing out these three captaincies to me as charity."
Yoruichi chuckled softly, her purple hair tickling Kensei's ear. "You're not happy Old Man Yama gave you face? Don't pretend to be modest after getting such a good deal. Though I didn't expect him to give each of them a good whack with his stick in the end."
"Sigh, how embarrassing! If it were me, I'd have had Old Man Yama kneeling on the ground already."
Yoruichi naturally believed in Kenzuru's bold claim.
Kneeling on the ground begging Kenzuru not to die was a form of kneeling, after all! Not embarrassing at all!
As Kenzuru and Yoruichi bickered, a hooded figure in the shadows not far away pricked up its ears, gathering intelligence.
Ban'ya Tenshirō held his breath, committing Kenzuru's words, "have Old Man Yama kneeling on the ground," firmly to memory.
So that's it!
Understanding flashed in Ban'ya's eyes.
The family head truly possessed god-like foresight, even predicting that Kenzuru harbored dissatisfaction—perhaps even an ambition to replace—Captain-Commander Yamamoto. No wonder he scolded me as a fool yesterday. It seems I am indeed still far from the family head's level.
Silently retreating into deeper shadows, Ban'ya began planning how to report this information to Tsunayashiro Jin after his upcoming exchange with Kenzuru.
From below the training hall, the agonized cries of the trio could still be heard—complaints about broken backs, cracked ribs, dislocated shoulders, and the like.
As a core member of the "Crown Prince's faction," Kenzuru should have gone down there now to offer sympathy and concern, showcasing his magnanimous leadership. Unfortunately, he was afraid those guys would latch onto him and not let go. After all, before the test, he had confidently assured them that the examiner couldn't possibly be Old Man Yama. The result was predictable.
Kenzuru decided to return to his quarters. Just as he turned the corner, a figure in a black hood silently appeared ahead of him.
"Lord Kenzuru, a moment please."
Ban'ya's voice was low, careful not to attract attention.
"Thanks, but I don't want insurance, I'm not joining any cults, and I don't want to help anyone with some 'cut one, get one free' scam."
Kenzuru raised a hand to stop Ban'ya's approach, worried he might pull out a stack of flyers to stuff into his robes or take out a phone asking for help with a group buy. Oh, right, this is the Soul Society. No phones yet.
"I am not a salesman!"
The corner of Ban'ya's mouth twitched. He could only think to himself that Kenzuru's act of playing dumb was too convincing—he couldn't detect even a hint of flaw!
"This subordinate comes on behalf of my master, bearing a humble gift for you, my lord. Might we speak in a more private setting?"
"Your master?"
Kenzuru eyed Ban'ya suspiciously. This was clearly a man, and his own keen eyes had never been wrong!
Could it be that his master covets my dashing looks and plans something untoward?
"I'm not interested in men."
Ban'ya took a deep breath, repeatedly comforting himself that this was all part of Kenzuru's disguise, and forced out a smile. "The content of the gift, my lord, will surely interest you. Are you certain you do not wish to see it?"
Kenzuru was ready to walk away, but these words gave him pause. Remembering his own character, he figured the other party must have prepared ten stunningly beautiful women for him.
He hadn't wanted to go initially, but now he had to. All for the sake of thoroughly investigating their scheme, for the peace and stability of the Soul Society!
"Lead the way."
Kenzuru wore an expression of righteous purpose, even pushing Ban'ya to hurry.
Just as expected. The moment a schemer like him hears of a beneficial offer, he changes his tune. The family head truly plans for every contingency.
In a secluded tearoom, Ban'ya respectfully poured Kenzuru a cup of hot tea.
"The gift?" Kenzuru scanned the room but saw no sign of any beautiful women, making him somewhat annoyed. "Are you trying to fool me? Do you wish to test my Crown Prince's Divine Fist?"
Seeing Kenzuru's impatience, Ban'ya inwardly sneered, thinking Kenzuru had now revealed his true colors and negotiations could begin.
A brilliant smile plastered on his face, Ban'ya calmly sipped his tea. "Don't be hasty, Lord Kensei. Shall we talk first?"
Even Kenzuru's mind had caught on by now. It seemed there was no honey trap—this was a trap of a different sort.
"What does the Tsunayashiro family want with me?"
Though unclear about the exact mastermind, pinning the blame on the Tsunayashiro was never wrong.
"Lord Kensei is indeed astute," Ban'ya offered flattery, only to have Kenzuru rudely reply, "Keep going."
"My master hopes that in the days to come, you will not obstruct the Tsunayashiro's plans. As a token of sincerity…"
Ban'ya retrieved a scroll, wrapped layer upon layer with sealing Kidō, and carefully placed it on the table.
"This contains my master's family's previous research findings on Hollows. It includes crucial data such as comparative spiritual pressure analyses between Hollows and Shinigami, and Hollowfication induction experiments. To my knowledge, this is the only copy of such secrets in the Soul Society."
Even Kenzuru couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement upon hearing the gift's description.
He had just been worrying that Aizen was too busy with the Hōgyoku to conduct Hollowfication experiments, and now the Tsunayashiro delivered this grand gift. Truly, a pillow arrives just as you're falling asleep.
The Tsunayashiro are such honest, decent folk.
Though he very much wanted to snatch the scroll right then, Kenzuru refrained from touching it for now. Instead, he crossed his legs, adopting the aloof demeanor Aizen used when analyzing situations for him.
"Not enough."
Kenzuru tapped the table twice with his finger and uttered the two words coolly.
Ban'ya's heart leaped with joy. These words meant Kenzuru had basically agreed to the earlier condition. Immediately, he produced a list with a smile and handed it to Kenzuru. It detailed numerous precious research instruments and a substantial amount of Hollow specimens.
Kenzuru nodded slightly, inwardly noting how generous the Tsunayashiro were, delivering a complete package.
"Such valuable things, just handed over to me like this?" Kenzuru pocketed the list. "Aren't you afraid I'll turn around and give them to Old Man Yama, then lead a team to surround your Tsunayashiro estate tomorrow?"
"You jest, my lord. This subordinate has some skill in judging character. Moreover, since I dare to place these items in your hands, I naturally do not anticipate such an outcome."
Ban'ya's tone was relaxed, partly to display the Tsunayashiro's power, partly to warn Kenzuru against any treacherous thoughts.
Unfortunately, Ban'ya was playing the lute for a cow. While Kenzuru wouldn't give these things to Yamamoto, there was still Aizen, wasn't there?
"Very well. Go back and tell your master that his conditions are accepted by the Soul Society's Crown Prince, Kensei Kenzuru." Picking up the scroll from the table, Kenzuru strode towards the exit. "But add one more clause: when the time comes, the position of Captain-Commander is mine."
"That goes without saying."
Ban'ya responded, watching Kenzuru leave. Once Kenzuru's figure had completely vanished from sight, he too dissolved into shadow and disappeared from the tearoom.
"Sōsuke, I got you a sponsor!"
Kenzuru barged into Aizen's laboratory as usual, casually pulling Aizen away from an instrument he was observing and shoving him into a seat, then placing the scroll on the table.
"Who did you extort this time?"
Aizen didn't look at the scroll's contents just yet, feeling it necessary to understand Kenzuru's recent movements.
"They insisted on giving it to me. So enthusiastic, I couldn't even stop them."
Ignoring Kenzuru's bragging, Aizen picked up the scroll and began examining its records, his eyes narrowing slightly behind his glasses.
"These are experimental data concerning Hollows. It seems the Tsunayashiro have invested heavily this time."
Kenzuru leaned close to Aizen, their shoulders touching. "Is it useful?"
"It has some value," Aizen nodded. "However, our current focus must remain on the Hōgyoku. Your Hollowfication dream will have to wait a while longer."
Kenzuru grinned. Useful was good. He wondered if his Hollow mask would look cool.
Watching the excited Kenzuru, Aizen offered a reminder. "They gave you this, but not out of pure goodwill. Should you violate the conditions, the entire Seireitei will learn of your involvement in Hollowfication experiments."
"Who would believe the words of a criminal?"
Kenzuru didn't care. By then, whether the Tsunayashiro family even still existed was debatable.
Besides, it was all Sōsuke's experiments. What did it have to do with him? One shouldn't wrongfully accuse a good person.
"I'll keep the data. Remember to report this to the Captain-Commander when you return, to avoid any mishaps later."
Aizen put away the scroll, not forgetting to instruct Kenzuru a few more times, only relaxing after ensuring Kenzuru nodded in understanding.
Why is Sōsuke acting like such a nagging housekeeper?
Watching Aizen's busy back, Kenzuru scratched his head and couldn't help but think.
As usual, the Tsunayashiro family's basement was pitch black.
Ban'ya knelt respectfully on one knee, reporting the situation to Tsunayashiro Jin.
"Hmph. Young, but his appetite is not small."
Tsunayashiro Jin snorted coldly, one of the prayer beads in his hand cracking.
"Still, he now has a handle in my grasp. I need not fear any rebellious thoughts from him."
Jin closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened them again, he had regained his composure.
"Keep a discreet watch on him. Observe if he carries any trace of Hollow spiritual pressure."
"Yes, sir!"
After Ban'ya withdrew, Tsunayashiro Jin, seated in his high-backed chair, continued gazing at the ancient painting of the One King and Five Great Noble Houses on the wall, muttering under his breath.
"Just as I predicted. Kensei Kenzuru is also a seeker of power. Those previous absurd rumors were merely a smokescreen."
"It seems Yamamoto, that old thief, wouldn't choose a true fool to groom as his successor."
At the thought of Yamamoto, a cold smile surfaced on Jin's face.
"I wonder if you'll be able to remain calm when you learn Kenzuru has dabbled in forbidden experiments."
"Yamamoto, this time I will not only kill your man, but also crush your spirit."
Tsunayashiro Jin's face appeared particularly grim in the dim light of the basement. Who knew if Yamamoto had killed his father or his mother, for his obsession to run so deep.
***
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