"Don't dwell on those unimportant matters."
Genryūsai changed the subject.
"Regarding the investigation of the Azashiro family — those who have nothing to hide have nothing to fear. Simply cooperate. Your priority now is to train diligently and become a pillar of Soul Society. I had planned to have you come once or twice a week, but since you're here today, why don't we continue yesterday's unfinished training?"
Akira was taken aback, then broke into a grin.
"That's exactly what I wanted. I've thought up several counter-strategies since yesterday. Captain-Commander, you'd better not let your guard down."
With that, he stood up from his seat and quickly left the tea room.
Genryūsai extinguished the tea stove's fire, removed his captain's haori, and slowly followed.
⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬
In the dojo, two figures stood facing each other.
Eager to begin, Akira took his stance first, his imposing aura radiating powerful pressure.
Genryūsai observed him carefully, a hint of surprise flashing across his aged face as he nodded slightly.
"That's the standard opening stance of Death Sword Style. Did you learn it from Captain Unohana?"
Akira nodded, not hiding anything.
"Impressive talent. I didn't expect there would be a second person in all of Soul Society who could master the Death Sword Style."
"Isn't that very powerful?"
"It's decent, but she hasn't fought anyone for a long time. The Death Sword Style, which incorporates various schools, has likely become somewhat outdated."
Genryūsai seemed to recall something from the past and sighed heavily, then removed the upper half of his shihakushō and casually tied it around his waist.
As his body stretched, his joints rubbed against each other with a terrifying sound like breaking strings. His already massive muscles bulged further, revealing numerous fierce scars, and a crushing pressure — like a mountain collapsing — descended upon the room.
"Akira Kisaragi, now this old man will teach you the first principle of life: Whether it's fighting styles or the world itself... they are all constantly progressing!"
Boom!
A thunderous roar, as the fist strike came!
⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬
On the street outside the 1st Division quarters, Akira limped along while humming an unknown tune.
Despite his battered appearance, his spirits were high.
Not only had he made progress since his last session, but today's Check-in had also rewarded him with +2 levels in Hakuda, raising it from lv38 to lv40.
Training under a true master like Genryūsai had yielded extraordinary results — his improvement could only be described as meteoric.
After absorbing those transmitted Hakuda techniques and enduring countless strikes, his skill had advanced rapidly, becoming his third-highest ability after Reiatsu and Zanjutsu.
Akira opened his personal status panel.
" Name: Akira Kisaragi "
" Identity: Sakahone Shrine Head Priest, Rukongai Commoner, Shin'ō Academy First-Year Student, Genji School Disciplie "
" Reiatsu: Level 60 | Rank 9 Spirit Class "
" Zanjutsu: Level 70 "
" Hakuda: Level 40 "
" Hohō: Level 30 "
" Kidō: Level 35 "
" Exclusive Trait: Reishi Affinity | Danger Instinct | Heart of a God | Miraculous Healing | Light as a Feather | Merciful Death Blade | Kidō Mastery | Unique Insight | Absolute Justice"
Compared to his humble beginnings, his current status could only be described as extraordinary.
Even without considering his internal advantages, Akira's raw stats alone put him on par with an average Lieutenant — and his skills could give him the upper hand. Factor in his Spiritual Body, Kidō patterns, and special Traits, and he could potentially hold his own against certain Captains.
Despite his Reiatsu being only at Rank 9, the conventional rules of Soul Society no longer fully applied to him.
The thought filled him with pride.
Suddenly, the Reishi in the air began flowing in irregular patterns, quickly converging into a faint white light on the path ahead. The hazy glow gradually solidified, revealing a simple white figure.
Captain of the 11th Division, Sōya Azashiro.
"Long time no see, Kisaragi-kun."
Though typically cold toward others, Sōya's demeanor warmed considerably when facing Akira, his pale face softening with the hint of a smile.
"Ah, Captain Azashiro, long time no see." Akira waved in greeting.
Their familiarity made formality unnecessary.
"Thank you for the matter with the bell." To Akira's surprise, Sōya bowed deeply, his gratitude unmistakable.
For a Captain — one of the highest authorities in the Gotei 13 — to humble himself so deeply spoke volumes.
"It was nothing, no need to be so polite." Akira brushed it off casually.
After all, stabilizing Sōya's sister's soul had only required a small amount of his Reiatsu — hardly a significant effort.
In return, Sōya had gifted him the Azashiro family's accumulated wealth after everything was settled. Though this had led to some complications now, Sōya's intentions had been pure — he'd simply wanted to repay Akira's kindness.
"I came to warn you." Sōya said gravely, "The Azashiro branch family uprising involves numerous forces and competing interests. The situation is serious. Since you received the family's wealth, you may well be drawn into this conflict. Please exercise extreme caution when the time comes."
Akira nodded, his respect for the Captain's character deepening.
Rather than fleeing at the first sign of trouble, Sōya had chosen to warn him — a testament to his integrity.
"As for myself, due to the branch family's rebellion and certain other reasons..." Sōya paused briefly, "I may no longer be able to serve as Captain of the 11th Division."
Akira's eyes widened in surprise.
Had the situation become this serious?
When young Sōya had slaughtered numerous nobles in the past, he'd faced no consequences. Yet now, surprisingly, this branch family rebellion would affect his position.
Seeming to guess Akira's thoughts, Sōya spoke slowly. "It's not just about the branch family rebellion — there are more reasons. Do you remember the plan I told you about?"
Akira frowned, "To modify all Rukongai residents, give them the ability to eliminate Hollows, and then invade Hueco Mundo?"
Sōya nodded slightly, though an almost imperceptible confusion flickered across his pale face.
"Actually, besides you and Sōsuke Aizen, very few people know of this plan. I'm certain neither of you has told anyone else, yet somehow Central 46 learned about it. When news of the branch family rebellion emerged, they summoned me to appear in the Underground Assembly Hall."
"I came this time also to say goodbye..."
⤫⤬⤫
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