"What do you plan to do?"
Yamamoto's expression was one of extreme vigilance.
Naraku Sora gave a smile of feigned profundity. "You only need to answer my question, Teacher. I promise I won't cause you any trouble."
Out of trust, Yamamoto pondered for a moment before speaking in a low voice:
"While there is no explicit regulation, internal struggles involving noble interests are typically resolved by the nobles themselves. Other institutions of the Seireitei are forbidden from interfering."
"Furthermore, as long as the parties involved do not cause excessive destruction to the Soul Society or the Seireitei, they generally won't be held accountable by the Central 46 or the Council of Golden-Sealed Nobles."
Naraku Sora nodded. "Then there's no problem."
"I have recorded everything you just said using Kidō. If anyone comes looking for trouble later, I'll have to ask you to step forward as a witness."
Hearing this, Yamamoto suddenly had a bad premonition. "Wait, you don't mean to..."
Naraku Sora said with a serious face:
"Just as you said when you first taught me the Genryū style, Teacher—as a Soul Reaper, especially one in a high position, one must have a clear self-awareness."
"I do not consider myself a kind person, nor am I the broad-minded type."
"Quite the opposite."
"Being narrow-minded and seeking vengeance for the smallest grievance is my true nature."
"Moreover, Ishikawa Sosuke has already made his intentions clear. I am standing in their way. This time it was a Lieutenant-level Soul Reaper; next time, there's no guarantee it won't be a Captain-level one."
"They have already issued a challenge. Am I supposed to just offer up my life?"
"Therefore, those people must pay the price."
Yamamoto looked deeply at the youth before him, then narrowed his eyes, making it impossible to read the shift in his gaze.
"But remember one thing: never underestimate others at any time."
"Arrogance and complacency surely invite calamity."
Having said his piece, Yamamoto stood up and left the dojo without waiting for Naraku Sora to respond.
Watching his receding figure, a satisfied smile appeared on Naraku Sora's face.
'Though he's a bit harsh sometimes, he's not as pedantic as I imagined.'
'The old man is a classic case of his heart and mouth not being in sync.'
---
"Lady Yoruichi, these are the documents to be processed today."
A petite figure carried a stack of files that was completely disproportionate to her height, piling them onto the desk until they were like a mountain.
"Mm, good work."
The dark-skinned girl sitting behind the desk replied without looking up.
Though the gesture was somewhat perfunctory, it caused the girl standing nearby to flush red, as if being acknowledged by Yoruichi was a monumental event.
"Another riot in the Maggot's Nest."
"How many times has this been this month?"
Yoruichi flipped open the top document, her brows furrowing instantly.
"That fellow Ōmaeda knows nothing but patrolling all day. Can't he help me share some of the load?"
"There are still too few talented people I can use. The only one with a bit of ability is a self-deprecating salted fish I can't count on at all."
"Shaolin, you must never learn from him."
Hearing this, the girl nearby seemed to make a firm resolution, nodding heavily and letting out a soft "Mm" that was as quiet as a mosquito's buzz.
Shihōin Yoruichi paid no mind to the response, quickly scanning and processing various documents.
From personnel transfers within the Punishment Force and secret orders from the Central 46, to the training and cultivation of newcomers in the Onmitsukidō, as well as personnel assignments for assassination and investigation missions.
Though she was usually a bit lazy, Yoruichi knew what she had to do in critical moments.
She had been somewhat unaccustomed to it at first, but with increasing frequency, she had gradually become familiar with the processing methods for all types of documents.
"An application from the Shino Prison?"
Soon, Yoruichi discovered a unique document. The format was no different from previous applications.
Since the Onmitsukidō was often responsible for clandestine missions, they had frequent dealings with the Shino Prison; communications regarding secret orders were common.
However, the signature on this document looked familiar.
"Shaolin, I'm going out for a bit. Guard the door; no one is allowed in."
"Yes, Lady Yoruichi!"
---
"Have you finally decided to join my Squad 2?"
By the window of the dojo, a familiar voice called out. Naraku Sora, who was currently training, looked over to see a girl with short purple hair flashing him a bright smile.
"The moment I saw the name on the signature, I rushed over."
"I've already approved the transfer papers. You just need to sign."
Naraku Sora glanced at the document Yoruichi held out and waved his hands repeatedly.
"Until you deal with that Shutara woman, don't mention the transfer. I asked you here today primarily to ask about something."
Yoruichi raised an eyebrow, compared the gap between herself and Shutara Senjumaru, and decisively moved to the next topic.
"What is it?"
"Do you know Ishikawa Sosuke?"
Hearing that name, Yoruichi thought for a moment before her brows knitted tightly.
"Did he come looking for you?"
Just as Aizen had guessed, Yoruichi knew Ishikawa Sosuke.
Naraku Sora nodded, then recounted what had happened at Mount Kobushi.
During the description, Yoruichi's expression shifted between light and dark, and she occasionally made a clicking sound from gritting her teeth.
It was obvious.
She had originally thought the filth of the Araki family was being supported by other nobles. She hadn't expected that after going in circles, it would lead back to the Shihōin.
Although there was no explicit evidence to prove it, with a retainer like Ishikawa Sosuke acting in secret, she would have to be a fool not to guess something.
"What do you plan to do?" Naraku Sora suddenly asked.
Yoruichi froze, her frown deepening.
With her current level of control over the Shihōin family, she couldn't actually pose a threat to those people.
If she deployed the Onmitsukidō for assassinations, it would only result in greater losses for the Shihōin in the end.
As the Captain of Squad 2 and the Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukidō, she might not like the position, but she could not let down those who trusted her.
Moreover, who knew if those people had planted spies within the Onmitsukidō?
In short, Yoruichi's current position meant she was under constant scrutiny from her clansmen; a single move would affect the whole.
"I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do right now."
Yoruichi looked like a defeated kitten, her entire aura sagging.
"The Clan Elders occupy high positions in the family, and my status is too sensitive. Moving against them recklessly would only trigger a larger upheaval."
Naraku Sora walked over to Yoruichi and sat on the floor, looking at her seriously.
"That's why I asked you to come here."
"I need a legitimate identity—an identity that allows me to strike at those old fogies."
Hearing this, Yoruichi snapped her head up, her short purple hair bouncing. She stared straight at the youth, her golden eyes growing brighter and brighter.
---