Gosuke Shigure's visit was an extremely important event for the Tsunayashiro family, who had just endured a catastrophe.
After being notified by the servants, a short girl dressed in aristocratic attire, with the trademark dark green hair of the Tsunayashiro bloodline, trotted quickly before catching herself. Remembering her manners, she slowed to the delicate, measured steps befitting nobility. Standing before Gosuke Shigure, she bowed with respect and said:
"Ayana of the Tsunayashiro family greets Captain Gosuke."
Shigure inclined his head politely.
"The head of the Tsunayashiro family is welcome. I have heard of the tragedy that befell your house. I have just returned from Hueco Mundo, and so I took the liberty to visit."
Although it was their first meeting, Shigure had already heard whispers about this girl. She was the sole surviving youth of the main family. While several elders still lived, their bodies were frail and their time was nearly at an end. By tradition, the role of head had fallen upon her shoulders.
Naturally, this succession had stirred ambition in the branch families. To them, the massacre committed by Tsunayashiro Tokinada was both a crime and an opportunity to replace the main house. Yet their ambitions were checked.
The Kuchiki intervened. Kuchiki Ginrei himself declared: "As long as one remains of the Tsunayashiro main family, the branch has no right to usurp them."
The branch could do nothing but bow. Tokinada's actions had been a stain, and while his rebellion had shown how dangerous ambition could be, it also left the other branch families cautious. To attempt to murder Ayana now would have brought the wrath of the Kuchiki and Shihōin upon them, and perhaps liquidation by the other Great Clans as well.
Thus, the branch reluctantly accepted that the girl—Tsunayashiro Ayana—would inherit the title of family head.
Ayana composed herself and spoke, gesturing toward the estate.
"This is not the place for conversation, Captain Gosuke. Please, come inside."
Shigure followed her through the inner courtyard of the main house. The Tsunayashiro estate had not changed much since his previous life. Only now, the courtyards were eerily empty. Servants moved quietly, but where once the halls bustled with attendants and children of noble upbringing, now silence reigned.
Perhaps it was this emptiness, Shigure thought, that had once bred resentment toward him in his past life—as a branch member who rose above his station.
Eventually, they reached the main house's audience chamber. Ayana prepared tea herself, her movements precise. She presented a cup to Shigure and spoke softly:
"I must thank Captain Gosuke. Had you not gone to Hueco Mundo, the criminal Tokinada would never have been brought to justice."
Shigure's expression did not change.
"It was my duty. Tokinada committed grave crimes. As a captain of the Gotei 13, it was my responsibility to see him punished."
Ayana shook her head.
"Duty or not, Tokinada was powerful. My father, the elders, and countless retainers all perished by his hand. Against him, ordinary Shinigami were helpless. If not for you, Captain, he would still live."
Her voice grew more resolute.
"To us, you are the savior of the Tsunayashiro family. Even had you not come here today, I would have sought you out to give my thanks."
Despite her youth, her speech was clear and deliberate. Shigure was faintly amused. So fortune smiled upon them after all. The last surviving heir is no fool.
He leaned back, studying her.
"Now that the Tsunayashiro family is in decline, what does your family intend for the future?"
His question was blunt, perhaps even inappropriate. Yet Ayana met his gaze firmly.
"I will complete my studies at the Shin'ō Academy, then become a true Shinigami. Only then will I be strong enough to protect my family."
Her tone was unwavering.
Shigure's eyes narrowed slightly. In truth, Ayana had only survived Tokinada's slaughter because she was at the Academy at the time. Luck had preserved her.
"I see," he murmured.
His indifferent reply made her frown. She leaned forward slightly, brows furrowed.
"Does Captain Gosuke think I jest? I am serious."
"Even if only I and a handful of elders remain, as long as I grow strong, the branch houses will be forced to submit to the main family."
Her voice sharpened.
"In the past, the branch family produced Tsunayashiro Shusui. Though only of branch blood, his strength was such that even the head of house feared him. If strength commanded respect for a branch member, then as head of the main family, my strength will ensure the Tsunayashiro name endures."
Shigure blinked, momentarily taken aback. For a moment, he almost smiled. She had, without knowing, spoken of him, his past self.