This is a novel type of power.
Upon his approval, the Twelfth Division monitored it for one year.
They confirmed that this power does not disrupt the balance of the Three Realms. The spirit energy of "Hollows" eliminated by Fullbring returns to the Soul Society, much like those eradicated by the Shinigami, not "utterly extinguished."
Thus, although this power lies outside the jurisdiction of the Gotei 13, as long as it does not disrupt balance, and since Ginjo Kugo is the only example, they decided after discussions to maintain their current stance towards him without making any changes.
There are many intrigued by "Fullbring."
Yet only a few dare to express such thoughts, let alone take action.
That substitute Shinigami, after all, was brought back by Seventh Division Captain Naruto Uzumaki.
Communication with the Soul Society is primarily led by Captain Uzumaki.
Clearly, the individual is considered his junior.
Anyone attempting to act against him would essentially be challenging Captain Uzumaki himself, and none have the courage for that.
Mayuri is the sole person who openly expressed interest in "Fullbring," but after multiple thrashings from Naruto, he learned to speak politely.
He personally requested Ginjo Kugo's permission, and after several attempts, was allowed to conduct minor, non-invasive studies with provisional conditions.
Kyoraku Shunsui's Eighth Division functions as the "Intelligence Squad."
They gather information swiftly.
A few days later.
He brought a list.
Naruto took it and saw three pages full of names.
Most were individuals, with members of the Twelfth Division making up almost two-thirds.
A small number were minor "groups" within the Seireitei, composed of low-ranking officers and regular squad members.
The strength of these people or groups was insufficient.
Not only would they not necessitate Naruto's intervention, but they also posed no threat to Ginjo Kugo.
Only the group listed last, taking up almost half a page, made Naruto frown.
"The Kamo Family." He read aloud.
Kyoraku Shunsui's eyes were profound.
Having commissioned the collection of this information, he naturally had read it.
Upon reviewing it, his conclusion mirrored Naruto's — among these individuals and groups, only this noble family poses a threat to Ginjo Kugo.
"If it's them, pre-emptive measures are difficult to enact." Shunsui frowned, "It's hard to imagine such extremity in their choice."
"Either it's not worth their time, or it's too risky for them to act."
"Uncle Shunsui, do you think this is just a coincidence?" Naruto shook his head.
Shunsui was taken aback.
Naruto put down the information, "I know a bit about the Spirit King."
Shunsui's breath suddenly turned heavy, "Naruto, how did you find out?"
"Captain Ukitake told me." Naruto reached out, pointing at the line that mentioned the "Kamoniyadai Family." "He didn't tell me the truth, saying I'm not ready to know these things yet."
"Don't worry, Uncle Shunsui, I won't press you either."
"I just want to know."
"Did Toki Tsunayashiro marry that Shinigami named 'Kokufu' because of something related to the Spirit King?"
"I remember you were the one handling that matter."
Shunsui scratched his head, looking troubled. "Such keen insight. How did you come up with such an idea?"
He didn't answer directly.
As the captain of the Intelligence Division, he could not disclose matters that were to be kept secret.
He could only confirm his thoughts in a roundabout way.
"Byakuya and Miss Kuchiki had the loudest voices against it." Naruto sneered. "How could a family so obstinate allow its members to marry a Shinigami from Rukongai?"
"Moreover."
"Toki Tsunayashiro doesn't even seem to like her."
"If he wasn't scheming something, why would he do such a thing?"
Shunsui said nothing.
Naruto continued, "They studied the Spirit King's power. Their reasons for acting against Ginjo Kugo were compelling."
"So it's not just a coincidence, but inevitable."
"This is a carefully chosen opponent by Aizen for me."
"Also a carefully chosen pawn, one that least exposes his existence."
Kyoraku Shunsui shook his head. "He truly is bold."
"To dare even use the Kamoniyadai Family."
Naruto spoke calmly, "How does the Kamoniyadai Family compare to the Head Captain?"
"Yet Aizen still dares to use his abilities to deceive the Head Captain?"
Kyoraku Shunsui smiled, "I'll be prepared."
"If any problems arise, the Eighth Division will take action immediately."
"Should we inform them about it?" Shunsui referred to those captains who also knew about Aizen Sousuke.
Naruto thought for a moment and shook his head.
Kyoraku Shunsui squinted slightly.
"Last time, I took the opportunity to tell you and Uncle Shunsui about this while treating Byakuya's father," Naruto pondered, speaking slowly. "On other occasions, whenever this subject comes up, Nine-Tails is always on guard."
"Aizen probably doesn't know how many people I've told about his actions."
"This is a test."
"Aside from figuring out the Nine-Tails' situation, he also wants to know how many people exactly know about him."
Kyoraku Shunsui thought of Urahara Kisuke and understood the reason. He whispered, "Maybe he can't solve you immediately, but he can get rid of your allies first."
"Being isolated is a despair-inducing strategy."
"Upon reflection, he truly is a terrifying opponent."
Naruto chose not to inform too many people.
The reason is the same as why Yoruichi Shihōin didn't take him and Soi Fon away—to protect them.
"The Soul Society depends on you, Captain Shunsui," Naruto smiled wryly, "although it might be ineffective."
"But please still send some personnel to keep an eye on the Tsunayashiro family."
Kyoraku Shunsui shared a wry smile.
Naruto prepared to apply for a trip to the human world, and on this point, Aizen hadn't interfered. However, due to the special nature of the "Captain" title, the application process was cumbersome, and it wasn't approved until two days later.
Stepping into the sky,
Naruto gazed down at the city.
Since his last visit, it had changed again. It was hard to imagine that these towering structures rising from the ground were built by ordinary humans without any power.
Across wide roads, some four-wheeled vehicles moved back and forth.
Within those metal shells lay an energy not particularly strong.
Hot water, air currents, burning fuel driving the vehicles.
This too is a contraption created by ordinary humans without any special powers.
Humans are evolving.
Following the information provided by the Twelfth Division, he landed on a street and stopped in front of a restaurant.
He pushed the door open and walked in.
The bell jingled, ringing sharply to alert the owner of the restaurant.
"Welcome—" The cashier started, then paused, surprised at the visitor. "Captain Uzumaki, what brings you here?"
"Is this your place?" Naruto asked, looking around at the clean and shiny environment.
"Yes, it is." Ginjo Kugo scratched his head embarrassedly. "Although the Soul Society does provide some subsidies, living aimlessly as a human can be quite boring."
"Given some other influences, I decided to open this place."
"Would you like to try my cooking?"
Naruto leaned over to check the menu on the wall. "In that case, I'll have a bowl of tonkotsu ramen."
A few minutes later, the food was ready.
"Captain Naruto, is there something you need from me?" Ginjo Kugo asked as he brought the bowl over. "Is there something from the Soul Society..."
Naruto slurped a loud mouthful of noodles. "Someone's got their eye on you."
Ginjo Kugo was taken aback.
"It's something from the Tsunayashiro Clan," Naruto said, withholding the information about Aizen. "They seem to have an interest in your Fullbring abilities."
"The Tsunayashiro Clan?" Ginjo Kugo frowned. "I think I've heard of them."
"A very eminent noble family, right?"
Naruto took a sip of soup. "Their shamelessness is also quite eminent."
Ginjo Kugo looked at Naruto.
What he'd heard from other Soul Reapers about the Tsunayashiro Clan wasn't favorable.
However, for Captain Uzumaki to speak so openly and harshly about them, that noble family must be quite detested.
"I'll be cautious in the upcoming days," Ginjo Kugo smiled. "Thank you, Captain Uzumaki."
"Seeing as that's the case."
"When you're done eating, I'll take you to see something interesting."
"Should this thing also be reported to the Soul Society?"
Naruto looked up at him for a moment.
"Is this a report?
What's the big deal this time?
Is this why Aizen chose to act at this precise moment?"
"Ginjo Kugo's cooking is impressive, but it's still not on the level of Ichiraku Ramen in Konoha."
After finishing their meal, they were led through two streets, arriving in a residential area, and stopped in front of a villa.
Ginjo Kugo opened the door.
"Kugo, you're back so early?" A cheerful boy with an octopus-like hairstyle came running out to greet them but stopped abruptly upon seeing Naruto.
A one-eyed young man emerged from the house, also staring at Naruto with a tone of instinctive caution: "Kugo, is this samurai-looking guy our new companion?"
Ginjo Kugo shook his head at them: "This is my benefactor."
"He's my guide and my teacher."
Naruto assessed them as well.
Neither of them possessed the 'power of the Soul Reaper' within them, yet both carried the same 'King's Presence' as Ginjo Kugo.
"Are they Fullbringers as well?" he inquired.
Ginjo Kugo nodded: "That's right."
"As Fullbringers like us, we naturally possess certain abilities."
"But these abilities can also attract danger, such as attacks from Hollows, Captain Mayuri, or the Tsunayashiro Clan you mentioned."
"Moreover,"
"Because we are different from ordinary people, we often face societal rejection."
"After witnessing the Soul Society, I was inspired to form a Fullbringer organization."
"I named this organization 'Protector.'"
Naruto eyed him, puzzled, "What kind of language is that in the end?"
"It's a term from another country," Ginjo Kugo scratched his head. "'Protector' is one of those words,"
"It means guardian or defender."
"My hope for this organization is to protect humanity,"
"And also safeguard other Fullbringers who have yet to fully develop."
(End of Chapter)