As Kuchiki Kōga entered the Shino Central Underground Prison behind Naraku Sora, he realized the atmosphere here was entirely different from what he had seen before. Unlike the looks of awe and fear the Soul Reapers of Squad 6 gave him, the prison guards showed Naraku Sora a deep, respectful bow whenever they encountered him. It wasn't hard to tell from their faces that these guards weren't just afraid of his personal martial strength; they truly respected their superior.
'Could this new Soul Reaper, who just graduated not long ago, be stronger than me?' Kōga didn't hide his gaze as he studied Sora walking ahead of him.
Although Kōga spent most of the year away on missions to suppress rebellious Soul Reapers, he had heard various rumors about Naraku Sora. This wasn't the first time they had crossed paths. During their first meeting, Shihōin Yoruichi had publicly announced their engagement. Only later did Kōga learn that Sora had forced his way into the Shihōin estate in the middle of the night and eliminated nearly half of the family elders, single-handedly laying the foundation for Yoruichi's control over the clan.
He also heard that Sora had clashed with the Captain of Squad 7, Takeda Goki, during a mission. Sora came out unscathed, while Takeda Goki was the one who faced punishment. After further inquiry, he discovered that Sora had been taken under the wing of the Head Captain as the youngest disciple of the Genryu style.
Despite being a newcomer, all sorts of rumors about him were already circulating through the Soul Society. Seeing him again, Kōga couldn't help but feel a strong sense of curiosity. Furthermore, during their brief exchange just now, he realized that Sora hadn't been lying.
As far as he knew, Naraku Sora came from the Rukongai just like him. To some nobles, people with such backgrounds were naturally rejected. To integrate into the Kuchiki family and gain the recognition of his father-in-law and others, Kōga had constantly been on the front lines, accumulating various achievements to stabilize the Kuchiki family's status in the Soul Society.
Yet, despite this, Kuchiki Ginrei still maintained a stern face every day, and the attitudes of the others remained lukewarm. In contrast, Sora had seemingly done nothing for the Shihōin family, yet he commanded such respect. This difference in treatment naturally caused a bit of psychological friction. He was curious—just what did this guy rely on?
"On my fists, of course," Naraku Sora said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "I fought my way from one end of the mansion to the other without so much as blinking."
"Those Shihōin elders aren't idiots. Why would they try to stick to their principles with me?"
Kōga's expression stiffened, and his voice lowered significantly. "You're perhaps being a bit too extreme."
Those people just didn't recognize him; it wasn't worth killing them over. Besides, Kuchiki Ginrei treated him well enough; though he was strict, he never looked down on him. Kōga just wanted recognition—nothing more.
"Extreme?"
Sora grinned. "Actually, I think you're more extreme than I am."
Kōga froze, unable to grasp the meaning behind those words for a moment.
"As far as I know, you haven't lost a single battle since your debut. Even against Captain-level rebellious Soul Reapers, you've shown your own style," Sora continued. "Add to that your absolute loyalty to the Kuchiki family and the Seireitei, and your willingness to tirelessly brave the most dangerous battlefields. Looking at the entire Soul Society, you are an extremely rare existence worthy of the title 'Rising Star.' Do you know what others call you? The 'Once-in-a-Millennium' genius Soul Reaper."
"Graduated from the Academy in one year, mastered Bankai while still a student, and later achieved great military feats for the Seireitei. With this kind of talent, even most Captains can't compare to you..."
To anyone else, these words would sound like flattery, but it depended on who said them. If it were an ordinary Soul Reaper, Kōga would have likely just laughed it off. But when the person praising him was an equally powerful genius, it was hard not to feel a surge of emotion.
Kōga took a deep breath, and his gaze toward Naraku Sora softened considerably. When everyone else seemed to dismiss him, a fellow genius had appeared who truly appreciated him. If this wasn't a soulmate, what was?
"Actually, Kōga, did you know?" Sora opened a cell door and tossed the rebellious Soul Reaper at the front of the line inside.
[SUCCESSFULLY SUPPRESSED SINNER HIJIKATA YAMAKAWA, SIN VALUE 365, PARTICIPATION 5%!]
The reward was negligible.
"The Teacher once mentioned you to me. He shares my view—that you are a rare talent in the Soul Society, the pillar of the future—no, the pillar of the present."
"If I remember correctly, he intends to transfer you from Squad 6 to Squad 1. This move is undoubtedly a sign of his recognition."
Upon hearing this, Kōga's face flushed with excitement. "Does the Head Captain... does he really think that?"
"Before I came here today, the Head Captain did indeed transfer me to Squad 1 and appointed me as the Captain of the first detachment. I will be his direct subordinate from now on."
Sora paused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Kōga, tell me—if even that doesn't prove how much the Teacher values you, what does? A talent like you is ignored and given the cold shoulder by those old fogies in the Kuchiki family. Yet you've managed to endure it until now. Doesn't that make you more extreme than me?"
Kōga was stunned. He hadn't expected Sora's perspective to be so novel. Thinking about it carefully, there was some truth to it. But then, a thought crossed his mind, and his expression suddenly darkened. His voice echoed lowly in the prison corridor.
"But my father-in-law... he really is good to me. It's just that he never praises me. He hasn't even said 'well done' once. In dealings with other noble factions, the suggestions and advice I offer are never adopted."
"Naraku, in my father-in-law's eyes, is my performance really that subpar? Or has he simply never considered me a part of the Kuchiki family from the very beginning?"
The distance between the two had narrowed during their conversation. Although they had only met twice, because they shared similar statuses and were both geniuses—and because Sora's words resonated with him—Kōga had lowered his guard and begun to speak from the heart.
Hearing this, Naraku Sora grinned confidently. "The bystander sees more than the player. If you ask me, the problem isn't just you; it's both of you—father-in-law and son-in-law alike."
Under Kōga's bewildered gaze, Sora looked down, his entire temperament undergoing a world-shaking transformation.
"Admiration... is the emotion furthest from understanding."