"Are you sure you want to hear this?"
Kensei stopped mid-sentence.
Kuchiki Ginrei's eyebrows rose slightly. If he weren't older and able to maintain noble etiquette, he probably would have grabbed Kensei by the neck by now to make him spit it out.
"Please speak freely, Lord."
Taking a deep breath, Kuchiki Ginrei even set up a soundproofing barrier nearby to ensure Kensei's words wouldn't be overheard by Sōjun inside.
"I've lived this long. I've seen what should be seen and what shouldn't. As long as it can cure Sōjun's illness, I can accept even the most bizarre treatment methods."
Kensei stared at Kuchiki Ginrei for a few seconds, then leaned in closer, lowering his voice to explain to the old man.
Several minutes later, after listening to Kensei's explanation, the expression on Kuchiki Ginrei's face shifted from solemnity to confusion, then to shock, finally settling into a daze of "such an absurd thing exists?"
"You mean," Kuchiki Ginrei struggled to articulate, "Sōjun's condition is due to a problem with his... kidneys?"
"To be precise, your son's spiritual pressure core is located in his kidneys." Kensei explained seriously. If not for his extremely keen perception of spiritual particles, he probably wouldn't have been able to identify Kuchiki Sōjun's physical issue. "The spiritual pressure core is the energy source sustaining a spiritual body's life. But Sōjun's kidney function is somewhat..."
Kuchiki Ginrei raised a hand to support himself against the corridor pillar, feeling his blood pressure spike.
Although Kensei didn't finish the sentence, he understood completely. So, Kuchiki Sōjun's chronic frailty was caused by the unique location of his spiritual pressure core combined with... kidney deficiency.
"But... this..."
Kuchiki Ginrei still found it somewhat hard to accept. No wonder Kensei had wanted to tell him Sōjun's diagnosis privately. This kind of cause was indeed quite embarrassing for a man. The key was Sōjun being the direct heir of one of the Five Great Noble Houses. If this got out, the Kuchiki family would become a laughingstock.
"The treatment is quite simple." Kensei raised a finger. "First, you can ask Captain Unohana for a few prescriptions to help Sōjun... well, strengthen his body."
"Second, I can also go to the Technology Development Bureau and have them research some miraculous invention to solve this problem. However, the consequence might be Sōjun ending up with excessive energy."
Mayuri never held back when experimenting on other Shinigami. If left to solve this issue, he might directly dig out Kuchiki Sōjun's existing kidneys and regrow new ones using Healing Kaidō.
Kuchiki Ginrei remained silent for a long time, perhaps finally suppressing the complex emotions in his heart. He squeezed out a sentence through gritted teeth. "Lord Kensei, regarding this matter... I must ask you to keep it absolutely confidential."
Of course, he didn't think Kensei was mocking him with such a matter. He was, after all, the Captain-Commander's disciple and wouldn't lightly jest with an elder.
Kuchiki Ginrei removed his hand from the pillar, stood straight, took a deep breath, and regained the impassive iceberg face of the Kuchiki family head.
"As for the treatment method, I will personally seek Captain Unohana's advice." Kuchiki Ginrei paused, seeming to think a backup plan was wise. "I'll leave the Technology Development Bureau to you, Lord Kensei."
"Don't worry. I'll just say it's for my senior, Ukitake. He's a sickly guy anyway; no one will suspect."
Kensei never hesitated when it came to dealing with his seniors.
The struggle for succession has always been like this. Senior Ukitake, for the sake of the Soul Society, please bear this burden with peace of mind.
"I've troubled you with this, Lord."
Although Kuchiki Ginrei felt damaging Jūshirō Ukitake's reputation was unprincipled, he couldn't afford to care now.
As long as it could cure Sōjun, he could even accept his future grandson marrying a woman from the Rukongai.
With matters settled, Kensei departed like a breeze, leaving no trace of his meritorious deed.
This awkward matter was best left for the father and son to discuss themselves. After all, when a man visits a traditional doctor with an acquaintance present and the doctor diagnoses kidney deficiency, he'll likely yell "Quack!" at the doctor. Unless, of course, it's curable.
Leaving the Kuchiki estate, Kensei walked the streets in a good mood. One visit solved the Technology Development Bureau's funding issue. A profitable trip.
Just as he turned a quiet corner, Kensei's steps paused slightly.
A familiar figure leaned against the wall in the shadows, as if waiting specifically for him.
"Lord Kensei." Ban'ya's unpleasant voice sounded. "What a coincidence."
Kensei inwardly rolled his eyes. Spit it out.
Ban'ya stepped out from the shadows, stopping before Kensei. "My master is very concerned about your recent research progress."
Kensei blinked, realizing the other party likely meant the Hollowfication experiments. It seemed another gift delivery was incoming.
"Sigh, things haven't been going smoothly lately."
Seeing Kensei's sighing demeanor, Ban'ya sneered inwardly. Those oddballs you recruited can't compare to the Tsunayashiro family's accumulated knowledge over generations.
"Heh heh. My master admires your wisdom and specifically ordered me to deliver a humble offering."
Ban'ya retrieved two finger-length metal test tubes from his robe and handed them to Kensei.
"So generous?" Kensei toyed with the test tubes, staring at Ban'ya with a half-smile. "Your master isn't running a charity, is he?"
"You jest." Ban'ya gave a slight bow. "We merely hope you will honor your promise and maintain friendly relations with my master."
"Don't worry. The word of the Soul Society's Crown Prince is as good as gold."
Kensei accepted the gift without a second thought, patting his chest in assurance.
But the promises of the Soul Society's Crown Prince, Kensei Kenzuru, have nothing to do with the Lord of Hueco Mundo, Kensei Kenzuru, right?
"Then I can return to report with peace of mind."
Ban'ya said no more. Nodding to Kensei, he turned and melted into the shadows. Within a few breaths, his spiritual pressure signature vanished without a trace.
"The Tsunayashiro family head is such a good person. Last time he gave experimental data, this time he directly sends experimental results."
Muttering this sentiment, Kensei continued toward the Technology Development Bureau.
Can't use this stuff directly. Who knows if it's been tampered with.
Technology Development Bureau.
Kensei summoned both Urahara and Mayuri to his office. He was, after all, a nominal Special Advisor; he deserved a private office.
"Got something good for you two."
Kensei handed each of them one of the test tubes he was carrying, wanting them to check for any issues.
"More garbage?"
Mayuri sounded impatient. He had just been immersed in his artificial Shinigami research when Kensei abruptly interrupted him.
"This isn't simple stuff. Someone gave it to you?"
Urahara opened a tiny gap in his test tube, sensing the violent spiritual pressure within, and immediately frowned.
"From the Tsunayashiro."
"I see."
Urahara nodded. The spiritual pressure inside the tube was a mixture of Shinigami and Hollow—definitely not a simple item.
"A semi-finished Hollowfication product. Interesting." Mayuri leaned closer to the tube, his eyes rolling irregularly. "Might be useful for my experiments."
"Anyway, the stuff is yours. How you research it is your business." Kensei yawned. "Oh, right. You two also whip up something that can boost a person's vitality. It's for my senior, Ukitake."
Recalling Jūshirō Ukitake's perpetually sickly appearance, the two didn't ask further. Not wanting to waste more time, they headed to their respective labs to get busy.
Before leaving, Urahara Kisuke glanced subtly at Kensei. Seeing his still carefree expression, he left reassured.
I actually doubted for a moment that Kensei might be blinded by power. Must be doing too many experiments, affecting my brain.
***
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