The barracks of the First Division.
There were no fancy decorations here, only the iron-blooded aura and absolute authority accumulated over a thousand years.
The tall gates were like heavy history; every echo of footsteps on the bluestone floor sounded exceptionally clear.
Passing through the silent corridor, Vice-Captain Chōjirō Sasakibe was already standing at attention outside the Captain Commander's office.
The loyal adjutant's face maintained its eternal rigor, yet a faint, imperceptible trace of scrutiny flickered in his eyes.
His understanding of Shihōin Hiroki was far deeper than that of an ordinary captain—controlling the Onmitsukidō to amass wealth, utilizing the independent nature of the Second Division to bypass some of the Thirteenth Division's oversight, and maintaining ambiguous and dangerous gray-area dealings with certain sages of the Central 46 Chambers.
Furthermore, his subordinates included Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Fugaku, two powerful individuals whose strength was Captain-level but whose identities were somewhat "ambiguous."
Just then, he felt the Captain Commander's Spiritual Pressure erupt within the office!
Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto's aura changed abruptly! The vast Spiritual Pressure that had previously permeated the surroundings like a quiet deep-sea current instantly transformed into a towering tsunami! It wasn't an intentional attack, but a natural outburst of momentum triggered by the doubts in his heart.
An overwhelming and terrifying pressure suddenly descended, the air seemingly sucked dry in an instant, letting out a groan as it buckled under the weight. Documents on the desk rustled under the invisible force, and even space itself produced subtle distorted ripples in one's vision!
This power instantly concentrated on the standing Shihōin Hiroki!
However, Hiroki remained calm, showing no reaction.
He just stood there, his back straight, the smile on his face not fading in the slightest.
That majestic Spiritual Pressure, enough to make ordinary Lieutenant faint instantly and leave even a powerful Vice-Captain pale and drenched in cold sweat, fell upon him like a gentle breeze over a mountain or waves hitting a boulder, failing to stir even a single ripple.
"Oh?" A flash of astonishment instantly erupted in Yamamoto's eyes.
Yamamoto knew very well how heavy the Spiritual Pressure he was releasing was. The pressure triggered by this burst of anger was no mere show; it was a genuine standard for testing a Shinigami's strength.
If Hiroki were merely relying on some special items or secret techniques to hold out, he would inevitably reveal flaws under such close-range pressure, such as a change in expression, a slight tremor, or fluctuations in Spiritual Pressure.
But Hiroki did not.
His posture lacked any stiffness, his breathing was not at all labored, and even the hem of his clothes remained unmoved by the Spiritual Pressure storm. This wasn't an effect achievable through mere willpower; it was a manifestation of absolute power—his own Spiritual Pressure was already formidable enough to easily resist or even dissipate the pressure that could crush a Vice-Captain!
However, facing such a situation, what Hiroki was thinking in his heart was...
If he were still at Rank 9 Spiritual Pressure like before, he would probably be shivering on the ground by now.
Huge waves surged within the Captain Commander's heart.
His assessment of Hiroki's strength was instantly overturned! Although there were rumors that Hiroki had many powerful subordinates and his own strength seemed decent, most speculated he was at most near Vice-Captain-level, perhaps relying mostly on secret treasures.
After all, it was hard to imagine that someone rumored to "live a peaceful life" and fear hardship could attain Captain-level strength through conventional means within twenty years.
Hiroki's strength was definitely more than just near Vice-Captain-level! His Spiritual Pressure had reached at least a genuine [Captain-level] standard, and he was among the elite!
Otherwise, it would be impossible for him to be so relaxed under the pressure of his aura! This solid foundation was by no means a superficial power!
Once this thought arose, Yamamoto-Genryūsai Shigekuni's gaze instantly became even deeper.
The various strange events of the past decade or so flashed through his mind like a revolving lantern.
"Don't be in such a hurry, Captain Commander."
"It won't be too late to make a decision after you hear me out."
He spread his hands, his posture as relaxed as if he were sitting in his own courtyard chatting with an old friend.
This attitude made Yamamoto's heart tighten again. To not only be completely unfazed by his furious pressure but also to negotiate so calmly... this boy's depth was unfathomable!
"Hmph." A low snort escaped Yamamoto's nose.
The old man's still-sharp eyes stared intently at Hiroki, but the terrifying, almost physical Spiritual Pressure surrounding Hiroki receded quickly like a tide, becoming condensed and unreleased once more, deep and immeasurable.
The frozen air in the office began to flow again, but the silent shock and scrutiny grew even more intense.
Seeing that it had no effect, Yamamoto withdrew his aura.
Deep in Yamamoto's eyes, doubt spread wildly like a spiderweb.
Then, Yamamoto thought of something else. An extremely bold deduction that could perfectly explain many bizarre phenomena exploded in his mind like a thunderclap, making his heart contract violently!
Could it be that since the Captain Hollowfication Incident, Shihōin Hiroki has been the one pulling the strings behind the scenes?!
Once this thought appeared, it was almost irrepressible!
Who was the biggest beneficiary? Urahara Kisuke's reputation was ruined, he was branded a criminal, and he fled in haste; only the Shihōin Clan benefited! Yoruichi's "exile" allowed the then-immature Hiroki to rightfully take over the Shihōin Clan and quickly gain control of the Second Division and the Onmitsukidō!
Yoruichi's departure cleared the last stumbling block for him within the Shihōin Clan.
He was the biggest and most direct beneficiary of that world-shaking upheaval!
But then, what about Urahara Kisuke's accusations?
When Urahara Kisuke was on trial in the Central 46 Chambers, he recounted the entire situation (including the accusations against Aizen).
However, because dozens of Shinigami testified that Aizen was on duty in his division that night, it was ruled as a false accusation.
But Yamamoto didn't believe it.
Urahara Kisuke's intelligence was at the very pinnacle of the entire Soul Society.
He had meticulously planned to counter Aizen; it was impossible for him to make such a low-level mistake as providing a target with a clear alibi.
The only explanation was that there was something wrong with the testimony of those so-called "dozens of Shinigami"!
However, he had no evidence to prove this; it could only be considered speculation.
Therefore, he couldn't convict based on mere speculation.
This was precisely what was most terrifying about Aizen—he could invisibly manipulate testimony and forge a "perfect" alibi!
Moreover, after a thousand years, he also believed he could defeat anyone.
So, let them make their fuss.
This was Yamamoto's consistent confidence.
He was the strongest Shinigami, possessing "Ryujin Jakka," a power capable of destroying everything.
He feared no challenge and preferred to believe that in the face of absolute power, all conspiracies and schemes would eventually crumble.
Maintaining the overall stable order of the Soul Society was his duty above all else.
As long as the foundation wasn't shaken, he could tolerate some hidden maneuvering, even using it to achieve a balance of power.
Yamamoto remained silent.
The young man before him had too large an appetite and too deep a mind.
The position of Captain of the Sixth Division for the Kuchiki Clan represented not only the Thirteen Court Guard Squads but also one of the leading banners of the old nobility! What would it mean to let the Shihōin Clan, which already controlled the Second Division (Onmitsukidō), also have a hand in the Sixth Division (the exclusive domain of the nobility)?
This meant that Shihōin Hiroki would directly control two core divisions, simultaneously possess the ability to infiltrate the Central 46 Chambers, and combined with the three Captain-level individuals under his command and the intelligence system woven through the Onmitsukidō and noble networks... his power would instantly swell to a point where it threatened the balance of the entire Soul Society's original power structure!
Dangerous! Extremely dangerous! A cold killing intent flashed through the depths of Yamamoto's eyes for a fleeting second.
Seeing the sharp light that flashed through Yamamoto's eyes, the smile on Hiroki's face deepened instead, carrying a sense of knowing that saw through everything.
He spoke unhurriedly, throwing out a promise that seemed like a concession: "I know what you're concerned about, Captain Commander. I, Shihōin Hiroki, can make a formal promise on behalf of the Shihōin Clan..."
His voice slowed down intentionally, carrying an unquestionable certainty: "Once Kuchiki Byakuya completes his Bankai and can prove he has enough strength and qualifications to shoulder the responsibilities of the Kuchiki Clan and the Sixth Division, I will immediately step down from the position of Captain of the Sixth Division and return it to its rightful owner!"
All I seek is to temporarily take the helm for the Kuchiki Clan's great ship before it passes the most dangerous reefs, ensuring the ship doesn't completely capsize in these turbulent times, nothing more."
"Acting?"
A faint, imperceptible cold curve seemed to hook at the corner of Yamamoto's mouth, which was highly uncharacteristic of his usual serious and rigid image, showing his extreme displeasure and sarcasm.
"Head Hiroki, are you doing all this for the Kuchiki Clan? Or for the Shihōin Clan? Or rather," his voice suddenly sank, "is it for yourself?"
Yamamoto didn't believe Hiroki would go to such great lengths just to help the Kuchiki Clan through a crisis.
Without sufficient profit motivation, a noble of this level would never act lightly, especially when it involved the core power of a Captain!
He had even begun to suspect whether Hiroki was plotting to completely integrate the Kuchiki Clan into the Shihōin system!
Facing Yamamoto's questioning, which was practically a showdown, Hiroki let out a cold laugh in his heart.
Can I tell you the benefits I'm getting?... "Of course, it's to help the Kuchiki Clan." Hiroki's smile deepened, carrying a sort of matter-of-fact innocence.
But in Yamamoto-Genryūsai Shigekuni's eyes, there was no innocence at all, only the cold, scrutinizing light of judgment.
Hiroki seemed completely oblivious, continuing in a tone that was almost like casual conversation: "Oh, right, if you agree, this donation can be sent to the Thirteenth Division immediately."
"Donation?" Yamamoto's aged brows furrowed imperceptibly. He had long heard of the Shihōin Clan's wealth, but the word "donation" coming from Hiroki's mouth, especially right after proposing to "act" as the Captain of the Sixth Division—a sensitive position—seemed particularly jarring.
This was clearly a guise for a trade of interests!
While Yamamoto's thoughts were racing, Hiroki calmly took out a neatly folded list on a scroll sealed with special Spirit Power Threads from his robe. The aura emitted by the scroll itself showed that its material was extraordinary.
Without the slightest hesitation, he handed the list, whose weight far exceeded the paper itself, to the Captain Commander who sat as steady as a mountain.
Yamamoto took the list with some doubt. His fingertips touched the cool silk surface of the scroll, and his heart sank for some reason. He slowly and steadily broke the sealing thread and unrolled the scroll.
His aged but still sharp gaze fell upon the handwriting at the beginning of the scroll.
Then, his pupils widened!
The pupils that had been gathering a thousand years of majesty just a moment ago suddenly contracted like needles! On that face that seemed eternally solemn, a trace of extremely rare—astonishment—uncontrollably emerged!
After a long while, our Captain Commander put down the list. His hands trembled slightly, but he forced it down.
He slowly placed the scroll on the desk, his movements carrying a caution as if regaining control of the entire situation.
When those deep, oppressive eyes looked up at Hiroki again, the sharpness and scrutiny within them had been replaced by... a nearly benevolent light.
"Mm, Captain Hiroki," Yamamoto's voice even took on a hint of a gentle smile. The previous "Acting Head of the Shihōin Clan" had been quietly replaced with the more formal and identifying "Captain Hiroki."
"I'll leave the Sixth Division to you."
These words were like the final strike of a gavel, confirming the transfer of power.
"However," he changed the subject, restoring the sense of ironclad rules appropriate for a Captain Commander.
"Becoming a captain still requires completing an assessment under the witness of three captains. Do you have any thoughts on this, Captain Hiroki?"
He needed this formality; it was also the rule.
Hiroki seemed to have expected this, responding easily without a second thought: "Well, I'm not familiar with the other captains. Let's call Suì-Fēng."
Suì-Fēng had a direct subordinate relationship with Hiroki; having her as a witness made the assessment process almost entirely controllable.
"Very well." A flash of understanding crossed Yamamoto's eyes, also carrying a hint of "as expected."
He didn't expose it and immediately responded: "I'll call Captain Kyoraku as well. With me added, it's enough to serve as witnesses."
Kyoraku Shunsui was one of his most trusted confidants, powerful and experienced. Having him as a witness also added authority to the assessment.
"Alright, then I'll trouble the Captain Commander." Hiroki accepted readily; this combination was within his expectations.
"No trouble, no trouble at all. It's all for the Seireitei!" Yamamoto waved his hand, the "benevolent" smile on his face growing even wider, as if all disagreements had vanished under the weight of that list just now.
At this moment, he looked very much like a gratified elder.
Hiroki understood and immediately bowed: "Alright then, Captain Commander, I shall take my leave. I will arrange for someone to deliver the donation on the list immediately."
"Mm." Yamamoto nodded slightly.
After Hiroki left, Yamamoto's hand still tightly gripped the list scroll.
He didn't put it away immediately, his gaze still fixed on the heart-pounding items on the scroll.
He still felt a bit lightheaded even now.
Even with his thousand years of experience, seeing so many critical strategic resources listed in a "near-giveaway" format on a single list was still shocking.
At the same time, he thought to himself.
These damn nobles are truly wealthy.
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