"I'm such a fool."
In the 2nd Division headquarters office, a girl knelt weakly on the ground, her tear-filled eyes lifeless as she stared ahead.
"I knew there were multiple enemies, yet I ignored my rear. I got ambushed and lost Lady Yoruichi because of my carelessness. It's all my fault..."
Marenoshin's face darkened, but he couldn't bring himself to blame her — after all, he had fallen first.
The enemy had come prepared with sneak attacks and deception. What they'd mistaken for an assassination attempt turned out to be a kidnapping.
Had he known their target was Yoruichi, he would not have yielded an inch. He would have died fighting rather than let her be captured.
And now this — the Shihōin family had finally produced an heir worthy of their ancestral Zanpakutō, the 2nd Division had welcomed their new Captain, and in mere days...
She was gone.
If word of this spread, losing face would be the least of their concerns — it could throw the entire Seireitei into chaos.
"That's enough, Suì-Fēng. This isn't yours alone to bear." Marenoshin said sternly, frowning at the dispirited girl, "Lady Yoruichi is only kidnapped — we can still save her. Once we know who did this, we can force them to return her! And I believe I know who they are!"
At this, Suì-Fēng's eyes sparked with focus as she looked up at the large, muscular man and whispered.
"There's still hope? We can truly save Lady Yoruichi?!"
Marenoshin nodded gravely, "Their attack methods show professional training, but these aren't techniques taught at the Shin'ō Academy. In Soul Society, only the Second Division and noble families train warriors this way. We must inform the Shihōin clan..."
News of the Shihōin family head's kidnapping remained contained, known only to a select few.
This included the Division Captains and certain noble families.
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"The Second Division Captain was kidnapped?!"
In the 1st Division, Genryūsai's eyes widened, flames seeming to ignite in his pupils.
At hearing this news, his first thought was of that foolish disciple of his.
But quickly, he shook his head.
Though Akira might be dim-witted normally, he could be quite clever when it mattered — and after a few beatings, he'd even show wisdom beyond his years.
When it came to important matters, he was actually quite sensible. He wouldn't do something this reckless.
Probably...
Genryūsai stood by the window, gazing toward the 6th District with an inexplicable sense of foreboding.
Yoruichi's kidnapping wasn't just an assault on the Gotei 13's dignity — it was a direct provocation against the Shihōin clan, one of the Five Great Noble Families.
The consequences would be devastating — he didn't even want to contemplate them.
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Seireitei, near the 6th District, in some unnamed alley.
A young man strutted down the street with a girl slung over his shoulder, looking like a triumphant bandit chief with his prize.
"Have you really thought about the consequences of this crude plan?" Yoruichi said irritably from her position across Akira's shoulder, "Kidnapping a Great Noble Family Head and Second Division Captain in broad daylight will cause chaos. Even if you blame Ansai Tsunayashiro, the Central 46 won't let you off when they investigate."
Akira grinned carelessly, "Crude but effective. Once we force Ansai Tsunayashiro to start his god-making plan early, old man Yama's iron fist will be waiting for him. As for the aftermath — well, that's what you're for, isn't it? Don't tell me the Head of the Shihōin family can't protect one person."
Hearing this, Yoruichi fell into thought.
From what she knew of Akira, such a calculated plan couldn't have been his idea.
With his personality and way of thinking, he would have preferred the direct approach — having the Shihōin family join forces with the Gotei 13 to overwhelm the Tsunayashiro clan.
This strategy — forcing the opponent to act prematurely so they could counterattack from a position of righteousness — must have been someone else's strategic advice.
Who could it be?
The young woman touched her delicate chin, thinking seriously.
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Tsunayashiro Manor, Study.
When Akira showed Ansai the Shihōin family crest and reported his actions, Ansai's blood pressure immediately spiked, making his head throb.
Though Ansai had been eager to act, his subordinate's haste surpassed even his own.
To think they'd actually kidnapped the current Shihōin Family Head! If anything went wrong, even he couldn't protect this fool!
"Lord Tsunayashiro, why do you hesitate?!" Akira demanded, "The Kuchiki clan is weak, the Shihōin are bound, the Shiba lack ambition — three of the Five Great Noble Families pose no threat. Even the Gotei 13 are too bound by propriety to move against you. This is the perfect moment to ascend to godhood."
"Or has the plan changed? Perhaps... you've betrayed us?!"
His tone had grown blunt, dropping all pretense of formality.
Watching Ansai's expression shift, Akira drew in a sharp breath.
Everything was unfolding exactly as Aizen had predicted — even these changes in expression.
Merely capturing Yoruichi wouldn't sway Ansai's mind. They needed to pressure him verbally, disrupting his thoughts until the plan could proceed smoothly.
Sōsuke truly was invaluable. All Akira had to do was parrot his words and let the mastermind's genius work.
Perfect.
"Nonsense!" Ansai exploded, "How could I abandon such a hard-won opportunity? I was merely planning our next move. You don't truly believe I fear Yamamoto, do you?"
Akira nodded calmly.
Ansai fell silent.
The young man was perfect in every way — strong, talented, brave. If only his mouth wasn't so infuriating…
No wonder Genryūsai beat him daily.
"Have you made your decision?" Akira pressed, "Everyone grows impatient."
His expression held no trace of pretense now.
Ansai's hesitation betrayed his lack of the decisiveness needed for greatness.
Everything stood ready — with just his command, the noble families and rebel forces allied with the Tsunayashiro clan would rise as one.
First, they would eliminate the Gotei 13, then slaughter the Five Great Noble Families.
Then Soul Society would hear only one voice!
"Hmph, of course!" Ansai narrowed his eyes with newfound resolve, "Usagimaru, relay my orders — convene the Golden Seal Noble Assembly and the Central 46 meeting!"
A figure emerged from the shadows, kneeling respectfully on one knee.
"Yes."
Akira startled — he hadn't sensed anyone hiding in the shadows until now. Such masterful concealment rivaled even the Keigun (Onmitsukidō).
The true strength of the Five Great Noble Families was indeed unfathomable. Even their ordinary members could match the power of a Seated Officer.
"Diplomacy before force." Ansai glanced at Akira, "If we can subdue others without bloodshed, that would be ideal. But if they resist — then we use force!"
Akira dared not press further. Any more pushing would expose his true intentions.
If he fell under suspicion now, he would become an outcast to both sides.
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The Golden Seal Noble Assembly convened.
The Shihōin clan struck first, directly accusing Ansai.
According to the Onmitsukidō's investigation, those who had abducted their clan head were last seen near his mansion.
Naturally, Ansai couldn't admit to this.
Instead, he redirected accusations toward the Kuchiki clan. He claimed they were conspiring with rebels, murdering Gotei 13 Shinigami, and attempting to assassinate the Shihōin Clan Head — presenting evidence for each charge.
He went so far as to threaten the Shihōin clan, demanding they side with him in voting to strip the Kuchiki clan of their Great Noble Family status and exile them to the Dangai.
Ginrei Kuchiki erupted in fury, declaring these were pure fabrications. He proclaimed that Ansai, not the Kuchiki clan, was Soul Society's true traitor.
The heated arguments plunged the Golden Seal Noble Assembly into chaos.
Finally, Ansai declared his intention to purge Soul Society of corruption and darkness, beginning with an attack on the Kuchiki house.
The Shihōin clan watched coldly from the sidelines, declaring that neither family deserved their trust.
With their Clan Head missing, the Shihōin elders now viewed everyone as potential conspirators. Had they possessed enough strength, they would have waged war against all noble houses until recovering their leader.
Both sides stood firm, and the meeting ended without resolution.
As it concluded, Ansai cast a cold glance across the conference room, snorted, and strode out.
Watching his departure, Ginrei felt an inexplicable sense of foreboding.
The Kuchiki family's recent battlefield defeat had severely damaged their prestige — otherwise, they wouldn't have found themselves in such a weak position during the meeting.
As for the Shihōin clan, concern for their leader's safety forced them to remain neutral, aiding neither side.
Or rather, in their eyes, both Ansai and the Tsunayashiro clan were potential culprits behind their Clan Head's abduction.
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That night, the moonlight was hazy, shrouded by a thin veil that deepened the darkness.
Suddenly, waves of Reiatsu erupted throughout the streets and houses, making the air thick and suffocating.
Ansai Tsunayashiro struck first. His rebel forces emerged in the 6th District, launching a direct assault on the Kuchiki manor.
Ginrei Kuchiki surveyed the rebel forces surrounding his mansion, his face twisting with fury.
He had prepared for many possibilities, but never imagined Ansai would brazenly discard Soul Society's million-year-old customs.
Could he truly be unconcerned about Genryūsai's retribution?
"We meet again, Lord Ginrei." Usagimaru regarded the elder with disdain, "Since you refuse to accept exile, the Kuchiki name shall be erased from Soul Society entirely."
As Ansai's chief commander, he was formidable — having achieved 4th Rank Reiatsu at a young age. With his family's inherited Zanpakutō, he could match the old Kuchiki, perhaps even defeat him!
"Have you truly lost your mind?" Ginrei said icily, "Willing to gamble everything for power — aren't you afraid of Captain-Commander Yamamoto's retribution?"
"Hmph." Usagimaru sneered, "Yamamoto is old, his blade dulled. Lord Ansai will deal with him. Don't underestimate the Tsunayashiro family's centuries of preparation! After tonight, Ansai will become Soul Society's new God — the supreme existence!"
Hearing this, Ginrei's pupils contracted.
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Meanwhile, at the Shihōin mansion.
Led by Akira, a group of nobles completely surrounded the vast mansion, their overwhelming Reiatsu distorting the surrounding air.
To prevent the Shihōin clan from aiding the Kuchiki house, Ansai had specifically ordered them kept occupied, using Yoruichi as a hostage if necessary.
Looking at the youth in front, Marenoshin rubbed his eyes hard, as if witnessing something impossible.
He never would have imagined that Akira, the least likely to join Ansai, would abandon righteousness for a mere taste of power.
"Lord Kisaragi, give the order!" Kusagusa's old face was flushed red with excitement, his breath coming heavily.
He could already see power beckoning — after this battle, the Segawa family would surely rise to become upper nobility, second only to one person in all of Soul Society.
"Everyone, our fate hinges on this moment." Akira grinned, "Attack the Shihōin clan, and by dawn we'll be the highest among nobles! Attack!"
As these words fell, Marenoshin's pupils contracted at an unbelievable sight.
In the darkness, countless black-shrouded figures materialized around the nobles' perimeter, their killing intent sweeping across the battlefield.
"This is... The Keigun?!"
Just as shock gripped him, another familiar figure appeared on a distant rooftop.
"That's... Lady Yoruichi?!!"
One revelation after another made his scalp tingle.
Yoruichi stood on the rooftop, her right hand resting on her sword hilt.
The next moment, a clear sword-drawing sound echoed through the night, signaling the formal beginning of the execution ceremony!
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1st Division Barracks, Office.
Genryūsai looked with displeasure at the elder who suddenly appeared before him, dangerous energy brewing in the room.
"Ansai Tsunayashiro, do you really insist on this course of action?"
⤫⤬⤫
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