After returning to the Seireitei, Yoruichi yawned and bid farewell to Kensei Kenzuru, taking Soi Fon home to catch up on sleep.
Before leaving, the energetic current head of the Shihōin clan specifically instructed Kensei: "Take good care of it. As the major shareholder, I'll be making unannounced visits to inspect the goods. Don't let any defects appear."
"Yoruichi's really addicted to roleplay…"
Kensei scratched his head. Although yesterday's process was a bit… flamboyant, he had to admit the results were excellent.
But now wasn't the time for reminiscing. Kensei straightened his clothes, making sure to conceal any suspicious marks, before heading towards the First Division barracks with peace of mind.
The Seireitei patrols were always so diligent. Though the sky had just brightened, they were already on patrol throughout the streets. Utterly useless—major incidents would still happen regardless—but at least their attitude was commendable.
As he walked, Kensei imagined in his mind the possible conversation he would have with Old Man Yama when reporting on the Tsunayashiro clan:
Old Man Yama, after hearing his analysis, would slowly stroke his pure white beard and say something like, "This matter requires careful consideration."
Then, he himself would fly into a rage and shout:
"Old Man Yama, you'll regret this!"
Unfortunately, Old Man Yama was old and muddle-headed, only knowing how to roast sweet potatoes with Ryūjin Jakka and would only say something like, "Kensei Kenzuru, I am the Captain-Commander," to assert his authority.
As his mental fantasy concluded, Kensei had already arrived at the entrance to the First Division. He pushed the familiar door open and yelled, "Old Man Yama!"
Yamamoto, kneeling at his desk, tightened his grip slightly on the brush in his hand. A few veins faintly throbbed on his forehead. Fortunately, he was gradually growing accustomed to the 'greeting gifts' Kensei brought with each visit. This time, Yamamoto didn't destroy another piece of calligraphy.
Turning his head, Yamamoto slowly raised his eyes to stare at the figure that always lacked proper decorum entering from the doorway.
"Did I grant you leave just so you would have more energy to harass this old man?"
Old Man Yama's voice was low, carrying a hint of anger.
If this brat has so much energy, shouldn't he go find that Shihōin girl? Why always bother this old man?
Pretending not to hear the anger in Yamamoto's tone, Kensei cheerfully approached and began massaging the old man's shoulders. "Don't be so distant. As your most outstanding student, isn't it only right that I visit you frequently?"
Feeling the perfectly applied pressure from Kensei's hands, Yamamoto snorted disdainfully. This kid probably wants something again.
"Speak quickly if you have business. Otherwise, get lost."
Kensei's hands didn't stop moving, but his eyes grew slightly more serious.
He began to copy-paste the answer generated from 'Aizen-seek' and relay it to Old Man Yama.
At first, Yamamoto's face was grave. After Kensei finished speaking, he kept scrutinizing him, suspicion evident in his eyes. "Who are you? Get off my student's body this instant."
Kensei was stunned for a moment, followed by uncontrollable anger. Old Man Yama dares to look down on my intellect! Truly senile and incapable of recognizing talent!
"It was that mysterious person from before who gave you this analysis, wasn't it?"
Yamamoto glanced at the indignant Kensei and gestured for him to continue the shoulder massage. He nodded inwardly. It seems that the mysterious figure, whose allegiance is unclear, truly treats this kid sincerely.
"When will you bring him to meet this old man?"
Faced with Old Man Yama's question, Kensei could only chuckle. "Definitely when there's a chance. We've been a bit busy lately."
Yamamoto pondered for a moment before slowly offering a reminder. "It's good for young people to have ideas, but you must be mindful of boundaries."
"Don't worry, Old Man Yama. I'm the most mindful of boundaries."
Kensei gave verbal assurances while thinking internally, I wonder how Old Man Yama would react if he knew I might turn into a Visored later.
"The analysis is very reasonable," Yamamoto said slowly. "As one of the Great Noble Families, the Tsunayashiro clan's usual conduct and reputation are indeed not the best, and they have many covert operations."
Kensei's heart leapt. Is Old Man Yama going to order the Gotei 13 to surround the Tsunayashiro estate and eradicate them root and branch?
Unfortunately, Yamamoto changed tack. "However, the Gotei 13 cannot take any overt action against a Great Noble Family without irrefutable evidence. I believe you understand what that means."
Kensei instinctively frowned, then suddenly had an epiphany. It only says no overt action. That means covert action is fine.
Truly, ginger is spicier when old.
"By the way, Old Man Yama." Seeing the serious matter concluded, Kensei stopped massaging the shoulders and simply sat down at the side of the desk. "The three Captain candidates I selected have now all mastered Bankai. When do you plan to officially appoint them?"
Kensei said it lightly, completing Yamamoto's condition days ahead of schedule. But using conventional methods to train for Bankai, aside from special cases like Sasakibe, would take other Shinigami at least several years of attempts to have even a sliver of a chance.
Yamamoto guessed Kensei had probably used some special method. But since they had learned Bankai, they were indeed qualified to become Captains.
"In that case, summon all Captains for Captain proficiency tests in two days."
Once the three people this disciple of mine recommended become Captains, the majority of the thirteen squads will be on his side. Then, even if he stirs up trouble later, it shouldn't cause any major issues.
Yamamoto nodded secretly, feeling he could look forward to leisurely days ahead.
"Then, will you choose to graduate from the Shin'ō Spiritual Arts Academy?"
Given Kensei's current battle record, he essentially didn't need any graduation exam; he could enter the Gotei 13 directly.
"Nah, I don't want to deal with official duties every day. Besides, I have a lot of things going on lately, all for the future of Soul Society…"
Kensei shook his head. Although Captain haori were cool, recruiting squad members and handling paperwork were a hassle. Might as well use that time to research Hollowfication with Sōsuke.
He imagined himself possessing spatial powers, wearing a mask on his face…
Kensei's expression turned a bit strange. Why does that sound like Uchiha Obito?
"Is that so?" Yamamoto's eyes swept over Kensei from head to toe, his fingers tapping on the desktop. "It seems you were indeed quite 'busy' yesterday."
Although Kensei had used his clothes to simply cover the marks from yesterday, the lingering spiritual pressure residue identical to the Shihōin girl's on his person, and the faint red marks peeking from within his collar…
How could an old Shinigami like Yamamoto not know what kind of outrageous things had transpired between Kensei and Yoruichi?
"Was that also for the future of Soul Society?"
Noticing the teasing look in Yamamoto's gaze, Kensei suddenly felt like sitting on pins and needles.
You good-for-nothing Old Man Yama, living all these years in vain! And here I thought of you as a virtuous, respected teacher to revere. To think you'd act improperly in your old age and even tease your good disciple!
"Ahem! Old Man Yama, this was, of course, for the future of Soul Society!"
Kensei felt he couldn't let Old Man Yama misunderstand his noble integrity.
"To secure the Shihōin clan's support, your student exerted himself to the utmost. Not only was I utterly exhausted, but I was also humiliated by that she-devil!"
"Your student bore humiliation and heavy burdens, only barely managing to… persuade Yoruichi in the end. You mustn't misunderstand your student!"
Watching Kensei desperately defending himself, a trace of barely perceptible amusement flashed in Yamamoto's eyes, though his face remained stern. He withdrew his gaze, picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and resumed writing on the paper.
"Put more energy into proper matters. Go remind those three Captain candidates not to mess up when the time comes."
This was the dismissal order.
"Understood, understood."
Kensei had said all he needed to. Staying longer might just earn him a beating from the old man. Better to withdraw while ahead.
Once the room held only Yamamoto again, after finishing a piece of calligraphy that satisfied him, the old man slowly spoke.
"Sasakibe, order all Vice-Captains to take their men and strengthen the guard around the Tsunayashiro clan's vicinity."
It seems I've remained quiet for too long, letting some clowns forget my strength, daring to test my limits.
Yamamoto looked at the character "斬",(Kill) on the paper. A fierce, murderous intent once again ignited within his aged gaze.
***
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