Yoriichi was unaware of Yoruichi's thoughts at this moment.
He simply watched her quietly, then instructed Zaraki Kenpachi to leave first.
Only after Zaraki Kenpachi's figure completely disappeared did Yoruichi Shihouin suddenly snap back to reality.
Her gaze lingered on Yoriichi for a long time, and she sighed helplessly, saying,
"Since you don't want to talk about it, then forget it. Actually, we all know that your current strength already surpasses most Shinigami."
Her tone carried a hint of emotion, and also seemed to be mixed with a bit of complex feelings.
"Sigh, the more I think about it, the more disheartened I feel. Clearly…"
She was clearly his senior, yet his influence in all aspects had already completely surpassed hers.
Unconsciously, he rapidly rose from a Shinigami squad member to a Captain.
In just two short years, he had smoothly resolved so many crises in Seireitei, yet no one found it strange, which was truly absurd.
Perhaps… this was the so-called charisma?
Because he was too outstanding, any absurd actions he made were only natural…
Yoruichi Shihouin thought to herself, and before she could finish speaking, Yoriichi spoke at the right moment: "Why did you keep me here? What do you want to say?"
Yoruichi looked up, her gaze meeting Yoriichi's, and said: "Of course, it's to discuss Shunko."
She slowly exhaled, paused, and continued:
"Let's get back to business, Yoriichi, as I said last time, I have a few questions I want to ask you…"
The two engaged in an in-depth discussion about some details of Shunko, and time passed unknowingly.
Not long after, Yoriichi left the underground space.
…
Ninth Division.
"What, Boss, you've completely conceded?" By the pond, Ikkaku Madarame's eyes widened, filled with disbelief.
He looked at Zaraki Kenpachi with a face full of astonishment, and for a moment, he even suspected that there was something wrong with his ears.
After all, in his eyes, Zaraki Kenpachi was indomitable, and had fought with Yoriichi Tsugikuni for so long, so how could he just concede like that?
At this moment, the gigantic axe in Zaraki Kenpachi's hand had returned to its original form.
Zaraki Kenpachi glanced at nozarashi at his waist, and in response to Ikkaku Madarame's questioning, he replied impatiently:
"Nonsense, I'm Zaraki Kenpachi, I'll do whatever I want."
"This is a notification, not a discussion."
His tone was forceful, carrying an undeniable dominance, implying that if Ikkaku Madarame spoke any more, he would act, which choked all the words Ikkaku Madarame wanted to say.
"Heh heh." From the side, Yumichika Ayasegawa slowly walked out of the corner.
He chuckled softly while fiddling with the feather stuck to his eyebrow.
He said to Ikkaku Madarame:
"Ikkaku, you just need to obey what the Boss says. Whether the Boss has conceded or not, he will always be our Boss."
"He's the one who brought us from Rukongai."
"Besides, Captain Yoriichi isn't bad at all. I heard he even specifically decided to send you to the Second Division for training?"
"Since that's the case, why resist?"
"The Boss hasn't lost before."
The last sentence was purely redundant. Ikkaku Madarame glared fiercely at Yumichika Ayasegawa. Of course, he knew the Boss had lost before, but he just couldn't accept it.
Because his goal was to defeat Zaraki Kenpachi…
Now that Zaraki Kenpachi had voluntarily conceded, the feeling it gave him was no less than his idol, whom he admired, kneeling and singing a song of surrender.
His heart was broken.
However… considering Yoriichi Tsugikuni's actions, Ikkaku Madarame's sharp, bayonet-like inner core gradually softened.
The air around them was a bit heavy, and he exhaled: "Fine, who told this to be your idea, Boss."
"According to your wishes, Boss… so from today onwards, Captain Yoriichi is our new big brother?"
Zaraki Kenpachi nodded, a hint of displeasure also appearing on his face.
But a gentleman's word is his bond, and it's not shameful to recognize a strong person as a big brother.
Upon hearing this, Ikkaku Madarame understood everything.
Immediately after, when he saw Yoriichi Tsugikuni return, before he could act, he saw Yumichika Ayasegawa approach first.
The voice was somewhat fawning: "Big brother Yoriichi, are you tired? How about I give you a massage, or should I have Kuna Mashiro come over and give you one?"
…
Damn it!
Hearing this, Ikkaku Madarame immediately cursed under his breath.
Did he need to act like that?
Although Zaraki Kenpachi was no longer the Boss in a practical sense, there was no need to fawn over him.
Anyone who didn't know would think he was asking him to do something.
Speaking of which…
Just as Ikkaku Madarame was pondering, Yumichika Ayasegawa's words once again roused him:
"Don't call you big brother… Alright, Captain Yoriichi, I have something I want to ask you."
"I heard that you are proficient in all kinds of weapons, and any technique comes naturally to you."
"I wonder if there's a fighting method suitable for a handsome man like me…"
"That is…"
"The more elegant kind…"
"You still remember the Breathing TechniqueŌmaeda was practicing in the Ninth Division, right? I heard you taught him that?"
…
After some time, Yumichika Ayasegawa left contentedly.
This was because Yoriichi Tsugikuni had agreed to slightly popularize the Breathing Technique cultivation method.
The reason he hadn't done so before was because there had been too many disturbances in the past few days.
The Ninth Division had even paused its daily training for a while, let alone cultivating the Breathing Technique.
After the unrest was resolved, Yoriichi went to Hueco Mundo.
From his return from Hueco Mundo until now, because Ōmaeda and Suì-Fēng had left, no one had mentioned it to him, so Yoriichi had temporarily forgotten about it.
It was only when Yumichika Ayasegawa reminded him again that he remembered…
It was time to spread this technique.
Although it could only improve physical fitness and not Reiatsu, which is the density of the soul, it could at least serve as a safeguard in combat.
When ordinary Shinigami fight Hollows, Reiatsu is secondary, as both sides are equally matched. In such cases, physical fitness becomes particularly important.
If you can't win, you must be able to run.
Watching Yumichika Ayasegawa turn and leave, Yoriichi subtly shook his head.
Immediately after, he saw Ikkaku Madarame and Zaraki Kenpachi standing not far away: "Do you have something to say?"
The moment he saw Zaraki Kenpachi, he knew where Yumichika Ayasegawa had learned the address he had just used.
Ikkaku Madarame was startled and subconsciously responded: "Captain, can we also learn that technique you mentioned?"
"It can improve physical fitness, allowing the soul to fight or even escape when facing a Hollow… Can ordinary souls learn it?"
Yoriichi nodded: "Yes, if you have family members who want to learn, you can also bring them to the Ninth Division. I will be conducting a period of teaching recently."
Upon hearing this, Ikkaku Madarame quickly regained his composure: "Understood."
A thought had already formed in his mind; he had a younger sister back in his hometown.
Because the area was remote, it was easy to encounter danger. If possible, he hoped to teach her this technique…
…
In the evening, the lingering glow of the sunset dyed the sky a reddish-orange.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni returned home.
At this time, Uta had already returned from the Fourth Division.
The work of the logistics department was never heavy; her daily task was merely to organize supplies.
Once she completed this work, she had ample time to observe the medical work of the Fourth Division, meticulously preparing for her future study of Kaido.
However, due to her relatively weak strength, and the fact that many nobles in Seireitei currently harbored hostility towards the Tsugikuni Clan .
Out of concern for Uta's safety, Yoriichi personally escorted her to and from work almost every day.
Today, although some unexpected situations occurred, such as Yumichika Ayasegawa's sudden request, which led Yoriichi to organize the Breathing Technique until now.
But he never forgot to escort Uta.
Coincidentally, Zaraki Kenpachi's strength had greatly increased. As a First-Class Spiritual Pressure user, even without using Shikai, there were very few Shinigami in Seireitei who could contend with him.
Therefore, Yoriichi sent him to perform the escort mission and planned to continue having Zaraki Kenpachi protect Uta if he remained busy in the coming days.
He didn't need to guard her during work hours; Retsu Unohana was in the Fourth Division. He only needed to escort Uta home after work.
Although Zaraki Kenpachi was displeased about this, it was his big brother's order, so he could only reluctantly accept it.
At this moment, Zaraki Kenpachi had already left, and Uta was busy in the kitchen preparing dinner.
Although there were maids at home, Uta did not want to rely on them.
And the maids, considering that Uta was the mistress of the house, could not let her get tired or hurt.
Therefore, dinner was actually completed by them together.
In the kitchen, Uta wore an apron and hummed a cheerful tune.
Suddenly, a familiar sound of footsteps came from behind her.
The sound made her heart leap with joy, and she quickly turned around, a happy smile blooming on her face:
"Welcome home."
"Hurry up and wash your hands to get ready for dinner. Let me tell you, that subordinate of yours is quite a chatterbox. He asked me so many things about you on the way…"
Uta was quite talkative, as if she had endless things to say.
Yoriichi listened quietly, not interrupting her.
The maids beside them exchanged glances, and tacitly picked up the dishes on the table, quickly leaving the kitchen.
They knew well what to listen to and what not to listen to.
If any secrets were inadvertently revealed during seemingly casual conversations and overheard by them, it would be disastrous.
Yoriichi's gaze swept over them, but he didn't pay them any mind.
After a while, by the time Uta had finished recounting everything that happened today, dusk had already fallen.
It was only then that Uta came to her senses, patted her head, and said with a smile,
"I almost forgot, Yoriichi, Rukia's friend Hinamori Momo will be staying with us tonight. You don't have any objections, do you?"
Hinamori Momo?
The image of the little girl who was with Rukia back then instantly appeared in Yoriichi's mind.
The two had a close relationship, showing signs of becoming best friends.
Thinking of this, Yoriichi nodded lightly: "Whatever you decide is fine."
It was just for one night, no big deal, and it would be livelier with more people.
If possible, bringing Hinamori Momo over might even allow her to accompany Rukia throughout her entire childhood.
It was just a pity that Hinamori Momo had family.
Uta nodded, took off her apron, and seeing no one around, she quickly approached Yoriichi, and the two left the kitchen hand in hand.
...
Outside, Hinamori Momo sat quietly beside Rukia.
Her gaze slowly swept across the surrounding buildings, her heart filled with shock and awe.
Everything here, no matter when she looked at it, exuded an aura of extreme luxury.
In contrast, her own home was merely a simple hut built of wooden planks.
Recalling this, Hinamori Momo lowered her voice and softly said to Rukia,
"Will I really not disturb you if I stay here? Maybe I should just leave…"
"I just feel like it's not right."
Her face was full of embarrassment, like someone from the countryside who had suddenly stepped into a five-star hotel.
The environment and service here were beyond her imagination.
Rukia rolled her eyes at her, her gaze filled more with a sense of exasperation at her "lack of ambition":
"Why leave? I won't eat you, and Brother Yoriichi won't mind either."
"Besides, you're my friend, and in the future, we'll both be enrolling in Spiritual Arts Academy."
"Take this opportunity to meet Brother Yoriichi more often; it'll be helpful in the future."
"Momo, don't tell me you don't want to make something of yourself, don't want your grandmother and Toushiro to live a better life."
Rukia's words left Hinamori Momo speechless for a moment.
She slightly parted her lips, her gaze falling on the stacks of exquisite dishes in front of her, and she couldn't help but sigh softly:
"I know your Brother Yoriichi won't mind, but I am an outsider after all."
"Furthermore, while I certainly want my grandmother and them to live a better life, I don't want to rely on your strength…"
"Rukia, I appreciate your kindness, but I ultimately want to make something of myself through my own efforts."
No sooner had she spoken than Rukia suddenly gripped her hand tightly, as if trying to hold her back, her voice filled with concern:
"Don't say such things. We're friends, aren't we?"
"Friends should help each other."
"You're not relying on my strength; I'm just doing what a friend should do. Don't overthink it, Momo."
Rukia vaguely felt that Hinamori Momo was somewhat distant from her, perhaps due to some misunderstanding.
After all, assistance from those of higher status to those of lower status can easily be misinterpreted as special favoritism.
Feeling the warm touch in her palm, Hinamori Momo really wanted to say something.
And just then, Yoriichi Tsugikuni entered from the doorway with Uta.
Yoriichi's gaze first fell on Rukia, and then he looked at Hinamori Momo.
Although his expression was calm, the kindness in his eyes was clearly visible.
Noticing this, Hinamori Momo swallowed the words she had intended to say.
She kept her gaze on Uta, who had a gentle smile on her face, behind Yoriichi.
Following that, dinner officially began.
During the meal, Yoriichi inquired about Rukia's current training progress.
The latter immediately stated that she had almost mastered Zanjutsu.
At the same time, she subtly implied that Hinamori Momo was just like her, only slightly inferior in terms of strength and speed, believing that it wouldn't be long before she could become a qualified Shinigami.
Upon hearing this, Yoriichi quietly glanced at Hinamori Momo.
This gaze made Hinamori Momo shyly lower her head, only focusing on eating her food.
At this moment, she had an urge to crawl into a hole.
It was simply too awkward, listening to others praise her...
If she were indeed strong, it would be fine, but the problem was, this was all Rukia's exaggeration.
Although she had learned Zanjutsu from Rukia for a while, at most, she had only just begun to grasp the basics.
Slightly superior? She couldn't even block three of Rukia's attacks.
Becoming a Shinigami was even more out of reach...
Would Rukia's brother see through it…
Ah… it would be better to leave earlier.
This atmosphere was really too heavy…
Hinamori Momo thought so.
But then, she no longer thought that way.
...
Hinamori Momo was immersed in boundless daydreaming.
Her thoughts were like feathers floating in the wind, without a place to land.
Just then, Yoriichi Tsugikuni's steady and powerful words suddenly pulled her thoughts back.
"Are you interested in coming with me to the Ninth Division for formal training?"
"Ah?" Hinamori Momo suddenly looked up, parted her lips, and for a moment wondered if he was talking to her.
She looked around… well, it was just her.
Hinamori Momo felt it was unbelievable.
As if struck by a sudden pleasant surprise, her whole being was somewhat dazed.
Time seemed to freeze at this moment.
After a long while, she finally blinked.
She asked, "Is that really possible?"
The Ninth Division, she didn't know what these numbers represented, but these past few days, she had heard a lot about the Shinigami divisions from Rukia.
There were a total of thirteen divisions within the Seireitei.
Each division had an incredibly powerful Captain.
And Yoriichi Tsugikuni was undoubtedly one of them.
He was among the highest-ranking individuals in the Seireitei.
Hinamori Momo never doubted whether his words could be realized.
She just felt that she was too ordinary and simply unworthy of such an opportunity.
After all, she was just a commoner, as insignificant as dust.
Thinking of this, she took a deep breath.
Her heart began to pound uncontrollably, as if it wanted to leap out of her chest.
Yoriichi quietly observed these changes in her.
His eyes were gentle.
Gradually, a benevolent smile appeared on his face:
"There's nothing impossible about it. You are Rukia's friend, and naturally, you are my friend as well."
"The training is merely based on improving your ability to protect yourself."
"Of course, if you feel you don't have time, don't worry, it won't be long."
"At most, it won't exceed half a year."
"If you can't bear it during that period, you can also choose to withdraw voluntarily. We won't force you. After all, this is just a small-scale experiment."
Although the threshold for Breathing Technique training is extremely low, it still requires a certain amount of time to learn.
Shinigami squad members don't need to worry, mainly the commoners invited by the squad members, who are all their family members.
Some of them will also become Shinigami in the future, and early training is also for the benefit of the division.
Any skill, before widespread dissemination, will undergo several or even dozens of small pilot tests to avoid unexpected situations.
Of course, during this period, other training will also be interspersed.
Such as basic moves like Zanjutsu and Hakuda, used to improve their physical fitness.
Hinamori Momo was deeply shaken by Yoriichi Tsugikuni's words, unable to recover for a long time.
Her heart had unknowingly quickened its pace, as if a small drum was beating rapidly in her chest.
She had to admit, she was tempted.
Because compared to Rukia, the training at the Ninth Division would undoubtedly allow her to become a Shinigami more quickly.
She had neither Shinigami elders to guide her nor a true Shinigami friend—Rukia was merely a Shinigami in training.
While sparring with her could improve her combat ability, it was ultimately just child's play and couldn't truly help her grow.
However, despite thinking this in her heart, she simply couldn't bring herself to say it.
She felt that once she spoke, she would be indebted to Rukia, betraying the resolve she had once made.
She had clearly said she wouldn't rely on others' strength…
However, at this moment, Rukia seemed to sense the conflict in Hinamori Momo's heart.
She tightly gripped Hinamori Momo's hand.
Her eyes firm and bright, she quickly said, "Momo, just agree, this is a rare opportunity for you."
"Haven't you always wanted to see what a true Shinigami is like?"
"Go, for our friendship…"