"Gin, don't underestimate my creation."
Under the unexpected gaze of Ichimaru Gin, Aizen pushed his black-framed glasses and gently smiled as he reminded him:
"It is made using the soul of skilled Soul Reapers as the main material, and it's the embodiment of our efforts so far."
"It has made great progress compared to three years ago."
Upon hearing this, Ichimaru Gin lowered his gaze, making it impossible to see the changes in his emotions. Upon hearing Aizen's words, his heart throbbed.
Even though a considerable amount of time had passed, he still hadn't forgotten the scene in the Rukongai...
"Well, I'll be looking forward to it!"
Ichimaru Gin said casually, showing no change whatsoever to his emotion, "A good show is about to begin!"
The two remained hiding under the cover of Kido, leaving no traces whatsoever.
...
Tokikaze, with his sword sheathed, stood there expressionlessly.
Due to the special nature of the opponent's power, he didn't hold back the moment he unsheathed his sword.
Using the wind to strip away the lingering Reiatsu of the opponent before cutting the enemy with a massive energy blade!
As the strongest wind-attribute Zanpakuto, being able to do that much was quite normal.
The only drawback was that he still had a long way to go from achieving Bankai.
Becoming the Captain of Gotei 13 despite not achieving Bankai yet was extremely rare in the history of the Soul Society.
However, since considering that Zaraki Kenpachi couldn't even use Shikai, Tokikaze's case actually was not that surprising.
After all, he even subdued Tosen when he used Bankai, so was mastering Bankai still that important to become a Captain?
"Captain Ukitake, I did as you asked."
"Your brother is dead, not even his ashes remained."
Tokikaze walked to the side of a half-dead-looking Ukitake Jushiro, "Care to explain what he did?"
Ukitake Jushiro's face was pale and he could barely breathe, followed by his coughing fits, it was as if he could pass away at any moment.
"This is my fault, I was too immersed in my duties as a Captain that I failed to notice what my elder brother was up to. By the time I realized it, it was already too late."
Through his brief narration, Tokikaze got the gist of what happened.
Ukitake Clan had always revered the fallen god Mimihagi. However, it had gotten even more intense and fanatical in Ukitake Jushiro's parents' generation.
So, when Ukitake Jushiro was about to die from lung disease, his parents disregarded the Clan's rules and sacrificed his lungs in exchange for a new lease on life.
This led to jealousy and resentment in Ukitake Jushiro's elder brother. The seeds of resentment took root and grew rapidly.
Afterward, through numerous attempts, he found the most suitable offering for Mimihagi: Ryodoji Clan!
It could be said that the downfall of the Ryodoji Clan was not accidental but premeditated.
From the beginning, Ukitake Jushiro's elder brother had planned it all out.
After meticulous calculations, until today, his plan had succeeded. Through sacrificing the remnants of Ryodoji Clan, he gained the last remaining Reiatsu of the Spirit King.
Unfortunately, even if the plan succeeded, he still did not get what he wanted.
The Reiatsu was indeed powerful, but it also depended on the user and how they utilised it.
Absorbing the Reiatsu of the Spirit King like that, he would eventually assimilate and transform into a new Mimihagi even if Ukitake Jushiro and Tokikaze did not do anything.
"Not just a stain," Tokikaze shook his head, "Annihilating an entire lower noble Clan. I don't even think we had to ask Central 46 Chambers' opinion on this."
"The same goes for his accomplice."
He no longer paid attention to Ukitake Jushiro and instead turned his gaze to the remaining Ukitake Clan members.
Being stared by Tokikaze, they instantly felt the same sensation as when facing the shadow back then. The fear immediately welled up within them, causing their bodies to stiffen.
In fact, during the internal conflict of the Ukitake Clan, they had thought about escaping from the Rukongai.
However, Ukitake Jushiro's ruthless elder brother had already intimidated everyone with his Reiatsu. Any movement would attract destructive blows.
How could the members of the Noble Clans, who possessed the strength of the Seated Officers, dare to act recklessly?
"Bakudo #4: Hainawa!"
Following Tokikaze's signal, Matsumoto Rangiku and Nanao Ise proceeded to apprehend the group. Strands of rope-like light overflowed from their fingertips and immediately entwined around each person. While restricting their movements, it temporarily sealed their Reiatsu.
"No need for the prison, just send them straight to the Palace of Penitence," Tokikaze surveyed the crowd, "Pick a date. You guys will be either executed or exiled to the Dangai."
Upon hearing the first half of the sentence, the nobles were taken aback, but they were a little relieved by the time Tokikaze mentioned the second half of the sentence.
Immediately after, Tokikaze received a long-awaited task reward.
[Daily disciplinary tasks completed.]
[Reiatsu has increased, now at Rank 2!]
Plop—
A barely audible sound came from Tokikaze's body, as if a bubble had burst. Following that, his Reiatsu surged, like a torrent breaking through a dam, steadily reaching new heights.
It even triggered changes in the surrounding Reishi. Gentle winds shrouded Tokikaze, forming visible mini-vortices, with a tendency to expand continuously.
The sudden changes surprised Ukitake Jushiro. However, he didn't say a word.
He already had his hands full with the mess Ukitake Clan made; he had no spare energy to pay attention to other things.
Tokikaze quickly stabilized his Reiatsu and waved his hand to dispel the strange phenomeon around him.
Breaking through to Rank 2 Reiatsu was within expectations.
Although the mission seemed simple, it was much more dangerous than the one with Ikkaku Madarame.
After all, the opponent possessed the Reiatsu of the Spirit King.
If it were Ikkaku Madarame who took over this mission, he might not be able to defeat the opponent even with Bankai.
Moreover, Rank 2 Reiatsu might sound intimidating, but in reality, it was just an average level according to the measuring standards.
Rank 1 Spiritual Power was considered the highest in the measurement standards, but it was limited to the perception of those who formulated these standards.
Had the nobles in that era encounter a Reiatsu potent enough to bring down the Spirit King's Palace?
Tokikaze shook his head, no longer dwelling on these thoughts.
He glanced at the slightly recovered Ukitake Jushiro and suddenly felt a doubt.
"Forgive my curiosity," Tokikaze spoke, "Captain Ukitake, how many elder brothers do you have in total?"
"Thirteen."
Tokikaze fell silent.