There was no limit to how low Mayuri Kurotsuchi would stoop. Just like now. Although his attitude is sincere, and he has shown considerable sincerity, he still didn't hesitate to use some despicable means."
"Before that," Tokikaze stared at Mayuri Kurotsuchi, "What's the deal with these abnormal spirit particles?"
"Oh, you figured it out already?" Mayuri Kurotsuchi shrugged, "It's just a small test."
"I figured that if you couldn't even detect this, then we don't need to cooperate, and I will obtain the body of that Adjuchas through other means for my research."
As a dangerous individual who repeatedly infiltrated the Great Archive, Mayuri Kurotsuchi had an audacity beyond ordinary. Tricking other Captains was nothing unusual in his record.
"I see."
Tokikaze nodded and smiled, "Because our thoughts align."
As the words fell, Mayuri Kurotsuchi's pupils suddenly contracted. One hand enlarged in front of his eyes, instantly covering his face, and Reiatsu erupted, entwining the surroundings, blocking everything.
Boom!
Tokikaze's power burst forth on his arm, instantly slamming Mayuri Kurotsuchi onto the metal floor.
In that instant, the sounds of bones breaking, metal collapsing, and blood splattering echoed in the room, creating different kinds of color in this dull room.
With just one strike, Mayuri Kurotsuchi was severely injured, with multiple fractures in his bones and leaving him slumping on the ground. Even his breathing was getting weak, as if he could die at any moment.
"Heh, cough, it's really terrifying!"
Mayuri Kurotsuchi's eyes were lifeless, looking up at the ceiling, speaking with a weak voice, "If I hadn't modified this weak body in advance, I might be dead now."
"As expected of Captain Tokikaze..."
Tokikaze put away his hand, and the splattering blood thankfully didn't stain his clothes as Reiatsu covered his side.
He looked at Mayuri Kurotsuchi indifferently, "If you do it again, this won't be all."
"If you want to cooperate, feel free to negotiate with Yamada Seinosuke."
With that, Tokikaze, carrying the black box containing the Rikioh, walked straight to the door.
"Haha, hehehehehehe..."
As he walked away, a mad laughter rang out, echoing in the research room.
"It's really desirable..."
On the distorted and unrecognizable body, bones shifted, flesh wriggled, as if possessing self-awareness, constantly piecing together, attempting to restore its original appearance.
...
Tokikaze left the Twelfth Division barracks and headed straight to the Noble District.
Although he didn't want to get involved in the rebellion, he couldn't avoid it due to his status.
The struggles for interests among the nobles could often get really ugly.
Soon, Tokikaze, who used Shunpo, appeared deep in the Noble District, where a magnificent and luxurious mansion stood.
Above the gate, a plaque was erected with the word "Tsunayashiro."
Tokikaze's sudden appearance did not cause panic among the guards. Instead, they respectfully saluted:
"Tokikaze-sama!"
"Hmm." Tokikaze responded with a nod, walking straight into the courtyard.
As one of the Five Great Noble Clans, Tsunayashiro Clan's mansion was even bigger and more luxurious than the First Division barracks.
In the courtyard, people were coming and going.
Apart from servants, there were also unfamiliar faces that Tokikaze didn't recognize.
Tokikaze didn't pay much attention to it. In addition to the distinction between the main and branch families, the Tsunayashiro Clan had multiple noble Clans affiliated with them.
He walked through the courtyard, and many people recognized Tokikaze and offered respectful greetings. Their attitudes were sincere and cordial, as if they were seeing their own elders.
To this, Tokikaze just nodded in acknowledgment.
He walked into the main hall.
In view, all were members of the aristocracy dressed in luxury, with haughty expressions. Tokikaze's gaze didn't linger on these individuals. He casually threw the black box onto the table and gestured, "The replica of the Spirit Severing Rope developed by Mayuri Kurotsuchi."
One elderly man with a wrinkled face and white hair stepped forward. He opened the box, examined it briefly, and nodded approvingly, "A good spiritual tool. It should be helpful in the current situation."
His name was Tsunayashiro Akizuki, the current head of the Clan, and Tokikaze should have addressed him as an uncle. However, within noble Clan discussions about family relationships often seemed absurd.
Tokikaze had always been indifferent to him, considering him more like a familiar stranger.
"Last night, many family elders reported to me that you take the laws lightly and do as you please in the Underground Assembly Hall..."
Tsunayashiro Akizuki squinted slightly, looking at Tokikaze.
"Do you have any explanation for this?"
Tokikaze remained calm, lifted the teacup, and took a gentle sip, "Feathered Robe Tea, the familiar taste."
Seemingly accustomed to Tokikaze's attitude, Tsunayashiro Akizuki showed no signs of anger. In his eyes, although Tokikaze was still an heir, his authority within the Tsunayashiro Clan wasn't far behind the current family head. During their conversations, they often stood on equal footing.
"Explanation?" Tokikaze sneered, putting down the teacup, "Even a low-ranking noble dares to reprimand me. Since when they can insult Tsunayashiro Clan like that? If the Noble Council doesn't provide an explanation, it might be better to disband it."
Tsunayashiro Akizuki nodded, changing the subject, "Yesterday evening, several family elders reported that the heads of the main family and branch families, including the chief of the affiliated Clans, have all gone to the battlefield. What do you think..."
Tokikaze raised an eyebrow, looking surprised as he glanced at Tsunayashiro Akizuki.
"Is this a suggestion from the family elders, or is it your own opinion?"
"The suggestion of the Clan elders. As the chief of the main family, one should contribute in such times."
Tsunayashiro Akizuki smiled, "The war has been dragging on for too long. Too many casualties don't align with the interests of the Tsunayashiro Clan anymore."
The Tsunayashiro Clan had numerous factions, and even the Clan head like Tsunayashiro Akizuki couldn't dictate all the elders. Although most of these wars were orchestrated by the Tsunayashiro Clanfrom behind the scenes, situations often occurred beyond their control.
Just like now.
The massive casualties among family members and affiliated nobles had already made Tsunayashiro Clanfeel the pain.
"I understand."
Tokikaze placed down the teacup, "I will end this war..."