Soul Society.
"Hoo…"
Tsugikuni Yoriichi let out a long breath.
His gaze slowly fell upon the shocking blood on the ground. He turned to look back at the old man who had suddenly vanished from his spot and reappeared in front of him, saying softly, "Sorry, Teacher…"
Yamamoto Genryusai waved his hand slightly and said in a deep voice, "No need to apologize to this old man."
"You did very well. It's just that Aizen was too cautious."
"To think that he could skillfully use Hado #99 without incantation, all without this old man's knowledge…"
"The fact that you could seriously injure him already means you've surpassed this old man."
Yamamoto Genryusai didn't have the confidence to withstand so many Five-Headed Dragon Destruction attacks in his Shikai state. The fact that Tsugikuni Yoriichi could perfectly block them already explained everything.
A hint of hesitation appeared on Yoriichi's face: "But…"
"There are no 'buts'." Yamamoto Genryusai directly interrupted Yoriichi, knowing full well what Yoriichi was about to say.
"Aizen merely escaped to Hueco Mundo. He didn't go to a place we can't reach."
"There will be a chance to catch him again in the future."
"Ultimately, after lurking in the Gotei 13 for so long, it's impossible for him not to have left other contingencies."
Yamamoto Genryusai raised his head, his gaze like a torch as he looked at Yoriichi:
"Tsugikuni Yoriichi, tell this old man what happened in the Seireitei during my absence."
"What is the situation now?"
Yoriichi pondered for a moment, then quickly informed Yamamoto Genryusai of several incidents.
When Yamamoto learned that Hirako Shinji's attack, the Fifth Division's rebellion, and the Shinigami Hollowfication incidents had all been perfectly resolved by Yoriichi, his eyes couldn't help but show appreciation, and he nodded with satisfaction:
"Excellent, truly worthy of being the student this old man thinks highly of."
Yamamoto Genryusai stroked his beard and said decisively, "Since that's the case, let's go back."
"It's time to clean up the mess he left behind. At this point, staying here, he won't show up again…"
"Hmph, escape. I'd like to see where he can escape to."
Yamamoto Genryusai understood in his heart that since Aizen was injured and retreated, it meant his strength had not yet reached a point where the entire Gotei 13 would find it difficult to contend with him.
While Hueco Mundo was boundless, Aizen's trip there couldn't be for the sake of merely surviving; he would surely make some moves.
And through those actions, his location could be determined.
Knowing his location, would he still be able to escape?
This thought flashed through Yamamoto Genryusai's mind. He slightly narrowed his eyes and soon returned to the Seireitei with Yoriichi.
At this moment, the Seireitei was permeated with a tense and oppressive atmosphere.
Before Yamamoto Genryusai could even meet with the remaining Captains, Chōjirō Sasakibe rushed over, his expression urgent, as if there was something critical he needed to report.
"Captain-Commander, this is bad! We found this in the Fifth Division!"
Soon after, as expected, it was an extremely urgent matter that could affect the entire structure of the Seireitei.
Chōjirō Sasakibe handed Yamamoto Genryusai something that looked like a notebook.
Yamamoto Genryusai took the notebook, casually flipped through it, and several sharp glints instantly flashed in his eyes.
He asked in a low voice, "Chojiro, is what's written here true?"
"The Tsunayashiro Clan had dealings with Aizen, and the previous Hollowfication incidents were their doing?!"
"How dare they commit such treasonous acts!!"
This notebook contained detailed records of Aizen's past dealings with the Tsunayashiro Clan.
In addition, other nobles were also implicated.
These matters, if brought up before, might have been insignificant.
Because previously, Aizen was merely a Vice-Captain, and having dealings with nobles would only indicate his extensive connections.
But now, after Aizen's incident, these names became quite glaring.
Not to mention that at some point, the Tsunayashiro Clan had purchased a bag of Hollowfication powder from Aizen. What did they want these things for?
Clearly, those Hollowfication incidents were connected to them.
Yamamoto Genryusai's expression grew colder, like a thousand-year-old ice.
Regardless of whether what was written was true or false, even the slightest possibility meant it couldn't be overlooked.
Betraying the Shinigami, even if they were nobles, deserved execution!
Chōjirō Sasakibe said with slight hesitation:
"I came to ask for your opinion precisely because I couldn't make up my mind. This notebook was found in the Fifth Division, hidden in a very concealed spot."
"But we can't deny that this might be a smokescreen to make us fight among ourselves."
"Too many nobles are involved, I…"
"No need to say more, Chojiro." Yamamoto Genryusai interrupted with a cold face,
"Whether it's true or not, we'll know by asking. Let's start with those lower-ranking nobles."
"Summon Kuchiki Ginrei."
"And have him seal off the Noble District to prevent any nobles from escaping."
"This old man wants to see if their audacity has truly swelled to the point where they don't even care about the Shinigami themselves."
Although Yamamoto Genryusai had agreed to the Hollowfication experiments and even condoned Kisuke Urahara's development of the Hōgyoku, it was always done with the Shinigami's safety ensured.
These nobles, on the other hand, used Captains for experiments, completely disregarding their lives.
If Yamamoto Genryusai were to overlook this, he wouldn't be fit to be Captain-Commander.
Because who knows, one day these nobles might be bold enough to use the Hollowfication experiment on him.
Upon hearing this, Chōjirō Sasakibe, sensing Yamamoto Genryusai's burning anger, immediately turned and excused himself: "Yes!"
Yoriichi then inadvertently saw some words written in the notebook Yamamoto Genryusai was holding.
Among them, Tsunayashiro Tokinada and Tsunayashiro Yashin were the first to catch his eye.
He hesitated and said, "Teacher, if I'm not mistaken, isn't the Tsunayashiro Clan the same family that kidnapped Kisuke Urahara last time?"
"That's right." Yamamoto Genryusai turned his head to look at Yoriichi, "Do you have anything to say?"
Yoriichi explained, "I know someone who should know some details."
"Perhaps we can get answers from him."
"Oh?" Yamamoto Genryusai narrowed his eyes, "Who is it?"
"That… I'm afraid I cannot say." Yoriichi shook his head. The matter of Tōsen Kaname was still a secret.
He and Kyōraku Shunsui had initially captured Tōsen Kaname with the intention of keeping it hidden from everyone.
After all, it was truly a tragedy for someone with a sense of justice to be so used by Aizen.
What they needed to do was resolve this tragedy.
Once Yamamoto Genryusai found out,
It was unlikely he would let him go, because he was involved with Aizen.
Hearing this, Yamamoto Genryusai snorted coldly: "Cannot say… Tsugikuni Yoriichi, when did you learn from your two senior brothers?"
Yoriichi did not speak, only stood quietly.
Yamamoto Genryusai glanced at him, then continued:
"However, seeing that you seem to have some difficulties, this old man will not press further."
"Go."
"If you find the answer, remember to tell this old man."
He wasn't the kind of teacher who liked to get to the bottom of everything.
Since his student didn't want to say, he wasn't bothered to ask. Being a hundred years old, he should understand the priorities of things.
Yoriichi nodded and excused himself.
Immediately, he went to see Tōsen Kaname.
…
"Kaname."
Inside the Ninth Division, Tsugikuni Yoriichi looked solemnly at the silent Tōsen Kaname before him and slowly began to speak, quickly informing him of the major events that had just occurred.
"Aizen escaped. We found a notebook in the Fifth Division, and what's written in it is enough to deliver a fatal blow to the Tsunayashiro Clan."
Tsugikuni Yoriichi stared intently at Tōsen Kaname, awaiting his response.
However, Tōsen Kaname remained silent, as if immersed in his own world.
"Don't you have anything to say? Your enemy, Tsunayashiro Tokinada, is also among them." Tsugikuni Yoriichi emphasized his tone.
Hearing the five words "Tsunayashiro Tokinada," Tōsen Kaname slowly raised his eyes.
His white eyes seemed to glimmer for a moment, but then quickly dimmed.
He murmured, "It's meaningless. They are nobles, and you are just Shinigami."
Tōsen Kaname had profoundly understood this truth nearly a century ago.
At that time, he was young and impetuous, full of righteousness, and accused the nobles.
However, what awaited him was the fate of almost being beaten to death.
In despair, Aizen fortunately appeared in time to save him, otherwise he would have long since perished.
What if there was evidence that could condemn the Tsunayashiro Clan?
If they didn't admit it, the Gotei 13 could only watch helplessly.
Tsugikuni Yoriichi's voice carried a hint of accusation:
"Why is it meaningless, Kaname? Do you still believe that the nobles' status is unshakeable?"
"Then how did the Shiba Clan decline?"
"Teacher is already acting, Kaname. I don't think you would just sit by and watch your enemy continue to roam free."
"Where is the justice in your heart?"
Justice… Wasn't justice already extinguished by you all?
Tōsen Kaname's heart was filled with bitterness.
He once would stop at nothing for justice, but now, he felt all his efforts were futile.
He said in a low voice, "Captain Tsugikuni, if you want me to cooperate with you, it's simple. I want to personally kill Tsunayashiro Tokinada."
"Since you said they are about to be nailed, then this request shouldn't be difficult for you."
"This is my only condition."
This condition was indeed quite humble; blood for blood was a universal truth.
However, Tōsen Kaname considered that Tsunayashiro Tokinada was one of the Five Great Noble Clans, even if he was at the bottom, his status was far from what an ordinary Shinigami could shake.
He didn't think Tsugikuni Yoriichi would agree.
Because Yoriichi had Yamamoto Genryusai above him, and Yamamoto Genryusai had the Forty-Six Chambers above him.
If the Forty-Six Chambers didn't give their consent, how could Tsugikuni Yoriichi dare to agree on his own?
But he underestimated what those nobles had done, and he overestimated the influence of the Forty-Six Chambers in Yoriichi's heart.
Yoriichi readily agreed.
"Mm!"
These words completely surprised Tōsen Kaname.
He frowned slightly, "Captain Tsugikuni, are you not going to reconsider? He is one of the Five Great Noble Clans."
"So what if he's a Noble Clan? He made a mistake, and it was a colossal one." Yoriichi's firm voice slowly echoed in Tōsen Kaname's ears.
Tōsen Kaname wanted to say something, but he opened his mouth, then swallowed it back.
Finally, he sighed, "Alright, you win. Tell me, what exactly is the situation?"
When Tōsen Kaname learned everything, he slowly said:
"I understand. Those things were left specifically for you by Aizen. The information he remembered should be true, because he disliked the existence of those nobles a long time ago."
"Aizen is an extremely arrogant man. He hates incompetent people standing above him, and among them, nobles are the worst."
"The Tsunayashiro Clan, in his eyes, should be the most incompetent family, right? They only focus on politics and disregard everything else."
"…So he wanted to leave evidence to destroy the Tsunayashiro Clan?" Yoriichi asked after a moment of silence.
"Who knows." Tōsen Kaname showed a bitter smile, "Perhaps he wanted you all to fight among yourselves and turn against each other. It's hard to say."
"Anyway, the things have been left. Whether you act or not is your business."
"When I first met him, he told me that he was still just a tiny Shinigami…",
"Since there is a present, there will naturally be a future…"
"Destroying the noble system, in his view, was just something to do conveniently."
"The Tsunayashiro Clan might just be an appetizer."
This is truly arrogant… Yoriichi fell silent again.
Because he disliked people standing above him, he needed to destroy them.
If it weren't for Tōsen Kaname, they wouldn't know when they would understand Aizen.
Tiny now… Did he already have a plan to overthrow everything a hundred years ago?
If Yoriichi remembered correctly, Aizen had just become a Seat Officer back then.
Truly a deep-laid plan.
Letting out a soft sigh, Yoriichi nodded:
"Understood. I will tell this to Teacher. Kaname, I believe you will be out soon."
"As long as you're not so stubborn, you will always be a member of my Ninth Division."
Tōsen Kaname raised his head, "I'm not interested in freedom or the position of a Shinigami. I just want to kill Tsunayashiro Tokinada."
"Captain Tsugikuni, don't forget what you promised me."
Upon hearing this, Yoriichi looked at him deeply.
"Don't worry."
Whispering a sentence, Yoriichi turned and left the room.
The air returned to a long silence.
That afternoon, with conclusive evidence, Yamamoto Genryusai led the Shihouin Clan and the Kuchiki Clan to directly arrest several high-ranking members of the Tsunayashiro Clan.
Tsunayashiro Tokinada and Tsunayashiro Yashin could not escape.
Although the latter was protected by a Shinigami of First-Class Spiritual Pressure, Yamamoto Genryusai was much stronger than him.
With one strike, Tsunayashiro guard was severely wounded and fell unconscious, and was also taken away.
During this time, Yamamoto Genryusai had expected pressure from the Forty-Six Chambers, but even after all the arrests were made, those wise men couldn't utter a single word.
This abnormal situation surprised him somewhat.
Later, he sent people to the Forty-Six Chambers' underground council hall and finally received news that all forty-six wise men had been annihilated.
Based on the dried bloodstains, it could be determined that these people died before Aizen's defection.
If nothing else, it must have been Aizen's doing.
It perfectly corroborated what Tōsen Kaname had said.
The nobles were too rotten, too incompetent, so they had to be eliminated.
Facing this matter, Yamamoto Genryusai's beard bristled and his eyes widened in anger, even the corners of his mouth started to turn up.
He narrowed his eyes, stroked his beard, and coughed heavily:
"This is truly a great joy… *cough*, a bad thing. This old man suggests a full-scale manhunt for Aizen. He has committed an unforgivable, heinous crime."
"As for those wise men… give them a proper burial."
"They dedicated their lives to the Seireitei; even if they had no merits, they had toiled. Aizen is truly heinous, daring to wantonly kill even these wise men."
As he spoke, Yamamoto Genryusai was extremely calm, making the few people beside him quite speechless.
Yoruichi Shihouin twitched her mouth. What did he mean, 'even if they had no merits, they had toiled'? Several elders of her Shihouin Clan were also on the list of the deceased.
And… you just said 'joyful event', didn't you?
If she couldn't beat Yamamoto Genryusai, she would surely show this old man what a noble's iron fist was.
Damn Aizen.
…
At the same time, inside a secret execution ground.
"Hey, hey! What are you doing? I am a noble!" Several urgent male voices quickly echoed in the silent, vast space, producing a distinct reverberation.
Tsunayashiro Tokinada knelt on the hard dirt ground, his hands and feet bound, his eyes wrapped in a thick cloth, his expression particularly anxious.
He struggled desperately, twisting his body, but all his efforts were fruitless.
At this moment.
Thump, thump, thump.
Several clear footsteps came from behind him.
Hearing the sound, Tsunayashiro Tokinada immediately turned his head and said, feigning bravery while inwardly fearful:
"You're the one who arrested me? I warn you! Your unauthorized act of judgment is illegal, do you know that!?"
"Hurry up and release me!"
Responding to him was a long sigh.
"Alas…"
This voice sounded somewhat familiar. Tsunayashiro Tokinada was startled. He immediately continued, "Kyōraku! It's you! Why did you arrest me, you bastard!"
Although he had been arrested by Yamamoto Genryusai, his life had been quite comfortable because he was a noble.
But unexpectedly, a few people suddenly broke in and took him directly from his cell, inexplicably bringing him to this strange place.
Tsunayashiro Tokinada felt a strong sense of unease.
Now, the appearance of Kyōraku Shunsui only confirmed this unease.
Because his will was Yamamoto Genryusai's will.
Yamamoto Genryusai wanted to kill him? Why!
Before him, Kyōraku Shunsui looked at the kneeling young man whose expression flickered with a hint of ruthlessness, his own expression full of helplessness: "I'm not the one who arrested you."
"Tokinada, I originally thought that after all these years of your house arrest, you would have reformed somewhat, but I never expected you to become even worse…"
"Now, retribution has come. I can't save you either."
"Nonsense!" Tsunayashiro Tokinada gritted his teeth, "Kyōraku Shunsui, you were the one who caused me to be placed under house arrest back then. Now you're saying such hypocritical words, don't you find it fake?"
"I did nothing wrong, so how can it be fake?" Kyōraku Shunsui shook his head, one hand resting on his straw hat, his tone somewhat wistful.
A moment later, when Tōsen Kaname arrived, Tsunayashiro Tokinada suddenly felt a subtle change in the surrounding atmosphere.
He was about to speak.
The next second, *whoosh*.
A stream of blood spurted out.
Dark red blood stained his clothes, and this sudden pain caused Tsunayashiro Tokinada to let out an unbearable wail.
He completely didn't understand what had happened.
But immediately after, he understood.
Simply because a strange voice appeared in front of him.
Strange, yet it made his eyes burn with rage.
"This cut is for Kaede."
"Tsunayashiro Tokinada, you once asked me if I would seek revenge…"
"This, is my answer."