"But wouldn't that force me onto the path of a thrill-seeker or a battle maniac? I'm an honest person."
If the Eleventh Division members heard this, they would surely weep tears of envy, jealousy, and hatred.
Even members of other Divisions would be extremely envious if they knew.
After all, except for the Fourth Division, which was strictly forbidden from the front lines, what Shinigami wasn't constantly treading on a knife's edge, unable to avoid battle?
Shimiya Takeru quickly focused his attention on the two ultimate techniques he had just "comprehended" through effort and a flash of inspiration.
The Soul Society is the Eastern Branch, and the Dragon's Blood from fairy tales comes from the Western Branch in Europe.
There, magic is more prevalent than Zanpakuto, hand-to-hand combat, movement, and Kido.
Essentially, it's no different from Kido; both are sorcery.
And while "Shichisen" and "Yuisen" appear to be sword techniques at first glance, they are actually magic.
Kido reiatsu is compressed to an invisible state, capable of being stretched and extended into a thread-like form at any time, then combined with the action of drawing a sword, it's propelled out at supersonic speed like a whipping long lash.
There are seven of them.
In short, it is a "Kido" that instantly slays an enemy seven times with seven Kido threads.
This is the "Shichisen" that Shimiya Takeru comprehended.
It's worth noting that—
Kido threads are pure reiatsu products that have not undergone qualitative change and transformed into spell formulas, so they are excellent as ready-made materials for casting spells.
Shimiya Takeru could even imagine a certain scene.
When an enemy, having anticipated the trick, prepares to defend, the propelled Kido threads suddenly transform into seven Kido with different effects, catching the enemy off guard, or the same Kido stack together, directly and unreasonably engulfing them…
If a sword master knew, they would probably exclaim, "No! This is too un-swordsman-like!"
As for "Yuisen."
The [machine soul] indicated it was still learning, meaning it hadn't been fully mastered yet.
The reason is also simple.
Shimiya Takeru knew too few Kido.
Just as Aizen, even without incantation, could only release a "Hado 90. Black Coffin" with less than a third of its power.
The power of "Yuisen" depends on the number and mastery of learned Kido; merely having strong reiatsu is not enough to unleash its true power.
It falls within the category of conceptual skills.
Both of these moves were a bit different from the versions Shimiya Takeru knew, but he felt that this was right, after all, the worldviews were different. Moreover, didn't the [machine soul] say that he "comprehended" them himself? Some differences were to be expected!
One day, he might point a finger casually.
Others would cast "White Lightning."
It would be white.
But his would be green.
That wouldn't be strange at all.
…
"Captain! Captain! That… this matter has nothing to do with them. They're just a few students; just send them away. Let's focus on investigating that woman from the Shiba family. I think she might be involved in this! She's highly suspicious. How about you let me interrogate those students, and Captain, you go deal with that woman."
Suì-Fēng walked quickly through the Division barracks corridor, with Ōmaeda trailing behind her, trying to persuade her with a fawning smile, carefully, yet righteously, not to make a big fuss.
At least, don't be so serious with those kids. If there's anything, just go after that obnoxious woman. Anyway, the Shiba family is known for their stubbornness, so isn't it a perfect match for the Second Division?
However, Suì-Fēng's attitude remained as cold and hard as ever.
"Shiba Kūkaku's matter will be left for last. These students are more suitable as a breakthrough for obtaining information."
"No, no… Captain, didn't I explain the whole situation clearly? What do those kids know? I think we should just let them go, otherwise, the Spirit Arts Academy will definitely cause trouble."
It would have been better if he hadn't mentioned it. The moment he did, Suì-Fēng became even angrier. She stopped at the cell door of the barracks where Shimiya Takeru was, glaring at Ōmaeda.
"The bodies of the missing students haven't been found yet, and there are many suspicious points. Most crucially, you actually believe the enemy's one-sided story. If the goal of devouring Zanpakuto is true, then do you know how long the enemy has been lurking in Rukongai, and how many accomplices they have?"
"You want me to hastily close this case and write a report of less than two hundred words about a highly dangerous Captain-level enemy's elaborate plot against the Seireitei, and hand it to the Captain Commander?"
"If you have this much free time, you might as well quickly take people to Junrinan and continue the secret investigation. Arrest and interrogate all suspicious individuals to prevent them from escaping to other areas."
When Suì-Fēng spoke, it was like a machine gun, spraying Ōmaeda until he couldn't lift his head. In the end, he could only flee in disarray.
"Incompetent…"
Suì-Fēng took a deep breath and ordered the guard.
"Open the door."
"Yes!"
The guard tremblingly opened the door.
Suì-Fēng stepped in with her head held high, her pure white Captain's haori accentuating her petite figure, making her appear full of dignity, with a chilling frost in her cold, beautiful eyebrows that kept people at a distance.
Her entire aura was like the short sword at her waist, slender and sharp.
As for her impression, it was as if she was covered in invisible thorns, never showing a pleasant face to anyone, making people not want to get close, let alone dare to get too close.
Hearing the footsteps, Shimiya Takeru temporarily put down his research on new moves, raised his head, and looked at the newcomer.
"Shimiya Takeru, first-year student of the Spirit Arts Academy, came to the Soul Society through soul burial by Thirteenth Division member Kuchiki Rukia, and it has been over a month since then."
Suì-Fēng looked deeply at Shimiya Takeru.
"To be able to contend with an Adjuchas in such a short time shows that your combat skills are excellent, and you are not merely a beginner whose only strong point is spiritual power."
"Furthermore, unlike that orange-haired brat who kept complaining and feeling wronged, you didn't say a word on the way back to the Seireitei. I presume you've already guessed my intentions."
"So I won't waste any more words. Tell me everything you know, and then you can leave."
"Is that all?"
Shimiya Takeru seemed puzzled.
Suì-Fēng scoffed coldly: "Otherwise? Do you expect me to rely on you to investigate the case? Being good at fighting and investigating incidents are two different things. Sometimes it looks like going to Rukongai to play, but in one trip, one can find the culprit's hideout. The methods involved are beyond the imagination of a kid like you who is still taking classes."
"Captain Suì-Fēng has a lot of experience."
Shimiya Takeru "revered" her.
"Of course, who do you think is standing before you right now?"
For some reason, Suì-Fēng's expression was a little unnatural.
"The Commander of the Onmitsukidō, Captain of the Second Division, a super elite who holds two positions and is one of the top combat powers of the Gotei 13, a benchmark for the younger generation, and the spiritual leader of female Shinigami?"
"…It's good that you know. Also, say such things less in the future. Benchmark, leader, and so on, while true, as a member of the Onmitsukidō, one must always maintain a low-key demeanor."
"I've learned a lot. I believe that with Captain Suì-Fēng's abilities, no culprit will be able to hide. I will now report all the information I know."
Shimiya Takeru's serious expression and sincere words greatly improved Suì-Fēng's somewhat irritated mood, and her gaze towards him gradually cleared.
Meanwhile, Ōmaeda, who had been chased away, was about to go to the Fourth Division to treat his wounds. As soon as he left the barracks, he ran into three Captains at the bottom of the hill.
White haori, powerful reiatsu, walking leisurely out of the night—the oppressive feeling was far stronger than an Adjuchas, scaring Ōmaeda into standing ramrod straight on the spot, cold sweat instantly beading on his forehead.
"Captain Aizen, Captain Kyōraku, and Captain Kurotsuchi?"
"Oh, Vice-Captain Ōmaeda, good evening."
Shunsui Kyōraku casually raised his hand to greet him.
"Good evening… No! Why are the three Captains here?"
"Does a mere Lieutenant wish to inquire about the Captains' private plans? If your curiosity is so strong, why not come back to my laboratory with me?"
Although Mayuri Kurotsuchi spoke with a disdainful tone, Ōmaeda dared not voice any objection.
"Captain Kurotsuchi, don't be so harsh on a colleague who has just returned from the battlefield and is still busy with official duties. Vice-Captain Ōmaeda meant no disrespect."
It was Aizen who stepped forward and played the good guy this time. He had done such things too many times, and even Mayuri Kurotsuchi had implicitly accepted this, letting out a light snort and not bothering to argue further.
But before Ōmaeda could feel grateful, Aizen's next words cornered him.
"Although our purposes differ, we are all here for the individuals involved who were recently detained by the Onmitsukidō."
"?!"
Ōmaeda's expression froze on his face, and he almost cried in his heart.
They had just brought the people back, and immediately after, three Captains showed up to claim them.
Although he expected trouble, he didn't realize it would be this much trouble.
Aren't Shigong, Kurosaki, and the others just students?
Or is it for the sake of the Shiba family?
Aizen's eyes were deep, as if he saw through Ōmaeda's thoughts, and he smiled: "Please don't misunderstand, I have no intention of interfering with another Division's internal affairs. However, Shimiya-kun and Kurosaki-kun are both my students at the Spirit Arts Academy, and I've been guiding their training recently, so I'm rather concerned."
The implication of his words was that he had a good relationship with these two, better than ordinary teacher-student relations, so he wanted to understand the situation… Hmm, just simply understand the situation, no other intentions. You can handle it as you see fit, please don't give me any special treatment.
Even if Suì-Fēng were here, facing such flawless rhetoric, she wouldn't get angry, and would subconsciously ponder whether there was room for discretionary handling.
Facing the sincere killer move of the good guy, Ōmaeda felt extremely ashamed. He had merely said a few good words for someone who had saved his life, and now he saw how others treated promising juniors.
His own Captain too.
Compared to other Captains, she was too unfeeling!
Thinking of this, a strong surge of indignation welled up in Ōmaeda's heart.
"Captain Aizen, with all due respect, I also feel that Captain Suì-Fēng has gone a bit too far. Those people are completely fine, and they even saved my life. Even if it's to get firsthand information, you can't just roughly and coldly arrest them for interrogation!"
"Allow me to ask an extra question, is there also a woman from the Shiba family among those arrested?"
Kyōraku interrupted.
"Yes, is that someone Captain Kyōraku knows?"
With Kyōraku, who was always friendly and had no Captain-like airs, Ōmaeda dared to ask a few more curious questions.
As he asked, he also felt a cold sweat on his brow.
After all, his relationship with Shiba Kūkaku wasn't very friendly, and he had even whispered a few slanders to Captain Suì-Fēng earlier…
"That young lady's older brother was Ukitake's former Lieutenant, so when I heard she was also involved, I wanted to personally intervene, but he fainted while rushing to change clothes, so I had to come on his behalf."
"Oh dear, I should have returned to the barracks earlier. While slightly tipsy, it would have been a good long-awaited sleep. Recently, Nanao has been bossing me around so much… Sorry, sorry, I accidentally said a bit too much."
"Not at all, not at all, you've worked hard."
Ōmaeda chuckled in agreement, wishing he could slap himself.
He only remembered that the Shiba family was a fallen noble family, and forgot that the former Lieutenant of the Thirteenth Division who sacrificed himself was also from the Shiba family.
If that was the case, it meant that Shiba Kūkaku had at least two Captains, Ukitake and Kyōraku, as her backing. Although the relationship wasn't as strong as that of a master and disciple, with the advantage of numbers, their influence was still considerable.
"Captain Aizen is Shigong and Kurosaki's teacher, and Captain Kyōraku and Shiba Kūkaku are old acquaintances. Then is Captain Kurotsuchi perhaps an elder of Hachihara or Rindo?"
Ōmaeda asked subconsciously.
He realized it too late to retract the question, but Mayuri Kurotsuchi didn't mock him. Instead, he chuckled darkly, glancing at Aizen intentionally or unintentionally.
"I'm not here to be a good person. I heard that there was a problem with the assessment equipment the Spirit Arts Academy bought from the Technical Development Bureau."
"Out of curiosity, I retrieved the equipment, extracted the data from it, and discovered some interesting things. Coincidentally, the two people who provided the data were arrested for committing a crime."
"Rather than letting the Second Division execute them, it would be better to hand them over to me as experimental subjects."
"—That's what I thought."
As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere suddenly changed.
Ōmaeda hated himself for asking, but he also knew that even if he didn't ask, the other party would eventually say it.
Being caught between the tense atmosphere of the two Captains was even more terrifying than facing a Menos Grande.
Under Ōmaeda's trembling gaze, Aizen's smile faded a bit.
"Captain Kurotsuchi, I respect your scientific spirit, but please abandon that idea now, otherwise…"
"Otherwise what?"