After returning to Soul Society, the wanted posters for Yoruichi and the others were lifted.
And on the second day after the wanted posters were lifted, the Shihōin clan announced Yoruichi's ascension to the position of clan head.
Being able to sit on equal footing with Byakuya and Yoruichi and attend this important meeting, Tokinada naturally held the position of head of one of the Four Great Noble Clans.
However...
"Main clan members in the line of succession were assassinated, and the last heir rose to power."
"To be honest, this is too much of a coincidence. It's hard for me not to suspect that you hired those assassins."
"Yoruichi, you're just shifting the blame." Tokinada shrugged and patted the Zanpakuto at his waist.
"Just like the main clan heirs, I also faced assassinated. If I weren't strong, I would probably be lying in a coffin with those old fogeys."
"Speaking of which, the Tsunayashiro clan suffered heavy losses this time, and the Second Division will be held accountable."
"As a covert operations unit, they didn't even detect assassins approaching the Tsunayashiro clan."
"Yoruichi, shouldn't you give an explanation?"
"Go ask Soi Fon for an explanation. She is the Second Division Captain now." Yoruichi rolled her eyes, not taking any blame.
Ultimately, a large part of the reason she returned to the Shihōin clan was Tatsuma. If it weren't to help him maintain order, she would still be out wandering. As for the Second Division's matters, they had nothing to do with her.
"Let's stop the small talk." Byakuya's voice rang out.
Although he was also a head of one of the Four Great Noble Clans, his seniority was actually the lowest among the three.
Interrupting the two elders' bickering, he looked at the man emitting a dark aura.
"Tokinada, you sent someone to invite me and Yoruichi to convene the Four Great Noble Clans meeting. There should be something important to discuss."
"Of course."
Tokinada chuckled lightly, resting his arms on the table and crossing his hands, adopting a profound expression.
"Don't you two think this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?"
"With Aizen's betrayal and Yhwach's attack, Seireitei is in internal disarray. Central 46 is in ruins, and several Captain positions in the Gotei 13 are vacant."
"Yet, as the pinnacle of the nobility, our Four Great Noble Clans were fortunate enough to suffer no losses. If we seize this chance to grow and develop, the Four Great Noble Clans have a great opportunity to advance further."
Soul Society was not a unified front. Based on power, it was divided into three major factions: the Four Great Noble Clans, the ordinary minor nobles, and the Gotei 13.
Ordinarily, the Gotei 13 maintained order. The lower-tier minor nobles, in turn, sent people to form Central 46, balancing the power of the Four Great Noble Clans.
After the Aizen and Yhwach incidents, both of these factions were affected. Especially Central 46, which was completely annihilated and suffered unprecedented devastation, with its reorganization nowhere in sight.
If the Four Great Noble Clans united, installed a few more confidants as Gotei 13 Captains, and brought some small and medium-sized nobles under their wing to become candidates for Central 46, the influence of the Four Great Noble Clans could be further enhanced, indirectly affecting the entire Seireitei.
However...
"Boring."
"I'm not interested."
Yoruichi and Byakuya rejected Tokinada's proposal.
Yoruichi asked, "Tokinada, have you forgotten who holds power in Soul Society now?"
"Increasing the influence of the Four Great Noble Clans is shaking Tatsuma's position and dividing his power."
"If you want to die, stab yourself. Don't splatter your blood on us."
"Yoruichi, it seems you've truly been scared by the Red Dragon Emperor to be so timid."
Tokinada shook his head slightly. "It's been almost twenty days since the Aizen and Yhwach incidents ended."
"Since that day, the Red Dragon Emperor has never come to Soul Society again. He even sent the Fallen Angel Governor to communicate with the Four Great Noble Clans."
"Don't you understand what this means? The Red Dragon Emperor doesn't care about Soul Society at all, nor does he care about the power it gives him."
"In fact, this isn't the first time. According to my investigation, neither Akatsuki nor MAR, both under the Red Dragon Emperor, are directly managed by him."
"I've said this much. You should understand what this implies, right?"
Tokinada's lips curved upwards, and he raised a finger, pointing to the ceiling above.
"The Red Dragon Emperor only cares about fighting, he doesn't care who manages Soul Society. All he needs is an obedient subordinate who will follow his commands."
"Shunsui can hold this position, and our Four Great Noble Clans can do the same, perhaps even better than Shunsui."
"I see, so that's what you think."
Yoruichi sighed, "Tokinada, it seems you still don't understand Tatsuma enough."
Tokinada frowned. "So, after I've explained it to this extent, are you still going to refuse?"
Yoruichi said, "I just said it. If you want to die, stab yourself. Don't drag me down with you."
Tokinada looked at the other party present. "Alright, what about you, Byakuya?"
Byakuya replied with a calm expression, "I'm not interested in the role of a manager."
The Kuchiki clan is responsible for upholding and enforcing the rules of Soul Society.
Expanding the influence of the Four Great Noble Clans, or even rising to become the acting manager of Soul Society...
If this were to be fully achieved, it would affect the entire order of Soul Society. Byakuya had sworn never to defy the rules again, so he naturally wouldn't do such a rebellious thing.
"Let's conclude this meeting here. Tokinada, do not attempt things beyond your capabilities."
"Allowing your desires to swell will only lead you down the same path as Aizen and Yhwach."
"Sigh, how boring." Tokinada sighed in deep disappointment.
In fact, he wasn't very interested in the role of a manager. However, he held a grudge against Shunsui. Previously, because of Shunsui, he was confined by the Tsunayashiro clan for several centuries.
This time, uniting Yoruichi and Byakuya to help, increasing the influence of the Four Great Noble Clans was merely the overt objective. In reality, his true goal was to get revenge on Shunsui, to step over him and rise in power.
If the two didn't cooperate, his plan to retaliate against Shunsui would have to be forcibly halted.
"Fine, since you two aren't interested in fame and fortune, surely you can help me with a small favor."
"What favor?" Byakuya inquired.
"I want the authority to deal with Tosen." Tokinada stated his second objective.
"Kaname Tosen?" Byakuya frowned slightly.
In the battle over half a month ago, Aizen was executed on the spot by Tatsuma for attacking Grayfia. However, as accomplices, Ichimaru and Kaname escaped their fate.
Ichimaru surrendered without resistance and was sealed of his Reiatsu and imprisoned in the Nest of Maggots.
As for Kaname, he resisted fiercely but was ultimately apprehended by Shunsui and Sajin.
Byakuya was unaware of what the three discussed after the battle. However, after that negotiation, Sajin's expression was extremely grim, often wearing a sullen face.
As for Kaname, he was imprisoned by Shunsui in Muken, the lowest level of the First Division's prison, with a sentence of 8574 years.
Shinigami have incredibly long lifespans but nearly ten thousand years still exceeded the lifespan limit of most Shinigami.
And as the most terrifying prison in Soul Society, Muken would erode a prisoner's Reiatsu and wear down their mind. Even with Captain-level strength, Kaname would not be able to endure it.
A sentence of over eight thousand years was no different from a death sentence. Because of this, the moment the verdict was announced, Byakuya stopped paying attention to Kaname. He hadn't expected to hear his name again today from Tokinada.
"Tosen's punishment was personally issued by Captain Kyōraku, I have no authority to change it."
"Exactly, just give up. We can't help you with Tosen." Yoruichi shrugged, echoing the sentiment.
Tokinada said, "Gentlemen, don't be so quick to refuse."