Ginjo Kugo stood tall, his tone proud and face full of confidence.
Naruto listened with a smile.
"However, Fullbringers are often those hurt by human society," Ginjo said, casting a glance at the octopus-haired boy and beckoning him over.
The boy hesitated briefly, but his trust in Ginjo outweighed his wariness of Naruto, so he walked over.
The one-eyed young man remained unmoved.
Ginjo sighed, ruffling the boy's hair. "That's why they find it difficult to trust strangers."
"Although our organization has been around for a few years, we haven't been able to recruit many members."
"I think this growth is just beginning. I wanted to achieve something significant before telling you and Captain Ukitake."
Naruto expanded his "Kagura's Mind Eye," enveloping the entire area.
Except for this house.
At a convenience store a kilometer away, there was another spiritual pressure, but not one belonging to a "Shinigami."
He mused, "Your organization only has three members, and the last one is also a child."
The octopus-haired boy lifted his head, wariness intensifying in his eyes. "How do you know that?"
That person isn't even at home!
"Captain Uzumaki is very skilled, of course he can sense it," Ginjo said, patting the boy's head to calm him down.
Once the boy was settled, Ginjo continued speaking to Naruto, "This isn't the organization's base."
Naruto gave him a questioning look.
"Karakura Town is a place where spiritual energy often culminates," Ginjo explained. "It's easy for Fullbringers to be born here, but once they grow up and gain some financial means, they almost always choose to leave."
"Though they don't move far from home, they no longer wish to return."
"So we decided to make Naruki City, next to Karakura Town, our base."
"Most of our members are there."
"I just got a place here to find companions."
Naruto furrowed his brow slightly.
This was indeed a good thing, unorganized power being brought into an orderly system.
Plus, the core of this organization is "protection."
Over time, I've come to understand that Ginjo Kugo is inherently a gentle person.
But at this moment...
"Shall we go inside and talk?" Ginjo Kugo gestured towards the room.
They walked into a meeting room.
"It seems I've inadvertently made a troublesome decision," Ginjo Kugo said with a somewhat heavy heart.
After Captain Uzumaki mentioned that the power of the 'Fullbringers' had caught the attention of the Tsunayashiro family, Ginjo knew things weren't going to end well.
Now, thinking it over, his actions seemed like skipping all the tedious steps and serving the Fullbringers on a silver platter, just waiting for someone to come and enjoy the dish.
Naruto shook his head without saying anything.
He drew his sword and drove it into the floor, allowing the power of the Nine-Tails to envelop the room.
"Why did you make such a decision?" Naruto asked him.
Ginjo was stunned for a moment, then hung his head slightly, feeling guilty, "I shouldn't have done that."
"No, it was a brilliant decision," Naruto shook his head. "There are just some reasons I can't disclose yet, and I need to verify some details."
Ginjo replied, "A few years ago, I came across a Fullbringer battling a Hollow. After saving him, the idea just took root."
Naruto frowned.
Was it really by chance?
Or was it a deliberate arrangement?
The most frustrating thing was precisely this.
Naruto could sense something was amiss, but only he seemed capable of doing so.
No one else noticed.
Even when Uncle Shunsui and Captain Unohana were warned, they couldn't detect anything unusual.
"Aizen Sousuke," that man, what was terrifying wasn't just his ability to be 'unseen,' but his meticulous and extraordinary mind.
In complete ignorance, who's to say he hasn't manipulated me?
And he's very patient.
He only needs to exploit a trivial part of human nature, 'taking advantage of the situation,' 'going with the flow,' and layer by layer, achieve his goals.
Just like now.
Having long been interested in the "Power of the Spirit King," the Tsunayashiro family targeting the "Fullbringers" was only natural.
Ginjo Kugo, with a warm heart, established an organization to protect the "Fullbringers," which was also to be expected.
Yet, with each of these "expected" events, the situation quietly morphed into the developments Aizen wanted to see.
"Captain Uzumaki?" Ginjo Kugo looked at the blonde youth with such a somber expression and cautiously asked, "What should I do next?"
Naruto was still pondering.
That man had his advantages, but Naruto wasn't entirely at a disadvantage either.
Aizen operated in the shadows, unlikely to engage in any actions that might easily arouse suspicion.
Naruto, in contrast, could act more freely, addressing each point of suspicion. As long as he didn't resort to violence, that was his advantage.
The best solution was to have the entire Fullbringer organization live within the Soul Society.
But that was simply unrealistic.
Humans and souls, after all, were two entirely different life forms.
Moreover, they all had their own lives to live.
To imprison them in the name of protection would be akin to the Hyuga clan's approach in Konoha. Neji's reaction had already proven that, even with good intentions, it was difficult for the recipients to accept.
"Do you also engage in activities to eliminate hollows?" Naruto asked him.
Ginjo Kugo nodded, brows furrowing, "Of course, should we cease our activities?"
Ginjo Kugo nodded cautiously.
After some thought, Naruto continued, "If any Shinigami attempts to harm you, capture them but don't kill them. Keep them as evidence."
Ginjo Kugo was taken aback.
Wait.
What does that mean?
What did he mean by "capture them"?
Could a guy that even Captain Uzumaki regarded so severely be dealt with by his group?
"Can we really do it?" He lacked a little confidence.
"I've already asked a very reliable senior to monitor the Tsunayashiro family. Those powerful Shinigami won't escape easily. Even if there's a slip, they're the kind you can handle," Naruto said softly, assuredly. "However, just in case, proceed as cautiously as we discussed before."
The Tsunayashiro family, though an upper-ranked noble clan, doesn't boast significant strength. Despite their status, only the head of the family possesses captain-level spiritual pressure, with several at the lieutenant level under close scrutiny by the Eighth Division.
On the surface, Tsunayashiro Shitan merely exhibits the strength of a lieutenant.
Aizen's interest in utilizing the Tsunayashiro family is minimal for direct intervention. Yet, caution is warranted.
Should he find an opportune moment, a subtle motion might evade detection by the Eighth Division.
Ginjo Kugo nodded heavily.
Just as Naruto was about to leave, he glanced at Ginjo's waist pocket, "Are you still carrying that Substitute Shinigami Badge?"
"Captain Uzumaki trusts me completely, confiding in me about all matters," Ginjo grinned, retrieving the wooden badge with a bright smile. "How could I ever betray Captain Uzumaki's trust?"
Naruto gazed at it silently.
His visit to the human world wasn't merely to exchange words with Ginjo. His primary objective was to uncover any slip from the Tsunayashiro family.
He aimed to capture a few Shinigami secretly observing Ginjo or retainers of the Tsunayashiro family.
Unexpectedly, within his awareness range, these so-called 'observers' were absent.
The Tsunayashiro family is culpable, but they are not reckless.
Neglecting intelligence collection on their targets is implausible.
They must be monitoring, but through what means?
Ginjo's expression changed, realizing something too.
"There seems to be a malfunction with this," Naruto extended his hand, crafting a casual excuse. "Hand it over to me so I can take it back to the Twelfth Division for repair."
Ginjo agreed, handing it over without resistance.
Naruto sealed it and, after briefly advising him, returned to the Soul Society.
He hurried to the Twelfth Division barracks, where the hustle and bustle was as usual.
The division members greeted Naruto with respect, leading him to a nearby corner where they pulled out Mayuri.
"Naruto-kun," Mayuri lazily greeted, "What brings you to me this time?"
"Stop bothering me with trivial matters, I'm busy right now."
Naruto's tone was calm: "Take me to your true form."
"I have something important to say."
"It's very important."
Mayuri looked at Naruto. The gravity on his face could only be caused by that man in the Soul Society.
Is it related to Aizen?
He nodded slightly and gestured to lead the way.
In the Seireitei, at the Tsunayashiro estate.
Naruto's meeting with Ginjo Kugo in the real world quickly reached the ears of the Tsunayashiro family head.
"Captain Uzumaki went to see the Substitute Shinigami?" The head's face was heavy, "And he even took the Substitute Badge?"
"Has he discovered something?"
The family member reporting this was trembling with fear.
"Before, Kyoraku's men seemed to have inquired about what we were planning." Tsunayashiro Shitan's face was set in a false smile, "Looks like they've teamed up with Captain Uzumaki."
"As nobles, standing on the same ground as a commoner from Rukongai is truly disgraceful," scolded the Tsunayashiro head. "Since Captain Uzumaki found out,"
"Shitan."
He called out a name.
A man sitting at the end of the table smiled.
"You take care of this matter." The Tsunayashiro head stated without hesitation, "The family needs these Fullbringers."
"The fusion of spiritual power and Hollow strength is a very valuable sample."
"You've disappointed us once, don't let it happen again."
Tsunayashiro Shitan bowed his head, forcing a smile away, "Yes."
Only after everyone had left did he lift his head and laugh freely.
The sound was wild and joyful.
He was well aware of the family's intentions; by pushing him forward now, there was almost no hope of achieving their goals.
In order to avoid offending Captain Uzumaki, they decided to push themselves forward as scapegoats, allowing the Tsunayashiro family to remain impeccably clean.
(End of Chapter)