"I don't mind, but I have a few conditions." – Ren said, his eyes sweeping across everyone in the hall before settling on Yamamoto – "First, don't bring me trivial missions. Second, you cannot force me to do anything I don't want to. Third, you will protect my family. And lastly, make sure that if you ever try to harm us or lay a hand on those close to me, I will make certain that the name Shinigami is erased from this world."
A heavy silence followed Ren's words, as if the entire conference hall itself had stopped breathing. His threats weren't mere words… they were a promise, drenched in a terrifying power that every commander present could feel.
Yamamoto stared at Ren for long seconds without blinking, then slowly closed his eyes.
"... Understood." – he finally said, his voice quiet but resolute.
"As long as your intentions remain honest, no one will dare force you into anything."
Then he opened his eyes and turned his gaze toward Ichigo.
"And you, Kurosaki Ichigo?"
Ichigo hesitated for a moment, then gave a firm nod.
"I don't think much about politics, factions, or gods…" – he said, placing a hand over his chest – "but I will fight for what I believe in. If joining means protecting my friends… then I'll do it."
"Excellent." – Yamamoto replied, glancing toward one of the attendants standing at the side – "Send the documents immediately to the Research Division… and prepare the rank insignias."
But before the meeting could end… before anyone else could speak…
The air shifted.
Time itself froze for a heartbeat.
The temperature in the hall dropped to an unnatural degree, before slowly rising again, as though the sun itself was awakening.
A golden-white radiance appeared at the center of the chamber. It wasn't Shunpo, nor any known technique.
And suddenly…
A figure formed from the light, a woman of divine presence, her long black hair flowing down to the floor, dressed in a white kimono embroidered with the patterns of the sun, her violet eyes blazing like twin suns.
Several commanders fell to their knees without realizing, while others staggered back, staring in awe and disbelief.
Even Yamamoto froze in place, his gaze sharp, yet filled with reverence.
"Impossible…" – one of the captains whispered – "Could that be…"
The woman smiled softly, raising her hand lightly, and the divine pressure vanished for a moment.
Then she spoke, her gentle voice resonating directly within their minds:
"I am Amaterasu-ōmikami, bearer of Takamagahara's light, Goddess of the Sun."
Ichigo gasped, while Ren's eyes widened slightly, though he said nothing.
Her gaze then turned to Yamamoto:
"Ancient Captain of Souls… my revelation was never a threat, but an invitation. And you chose wisely."
Yamamoto bowed his head in respect.
Amaterasu then walked forward calmly, approaching Ren.
"You've truly grown." – she murmured, her delicate hands cupping his face, her fingertips tracing his features gently – "From the very moment of your birth, I noticed you—an existence that should not have been. I granted you my blessing and divine protection, which allowed you to preserve your being and keep yourself from fading into nothingness."
"You were… an exception to the laws of creation." – Amaterasu whispered softly, while the entire hall sank into complete silence.
Even Yoruichi stood frozen in place, her half-lidded eyes reflecting rare astonishment.
"You were born from forces that should never converge… the blood of Shinigami, of humans, and a power unknown to this world. You were an unstable mixture, a danger even to yourself." – she said, gently pulling her hand away from Ren's face – "But I chose to let you exist… not because you were sacred, but because I wished it. I have chosen you, and so remember this—Amaterasu and Takamagahara walk beside you with every step."
Silently, she rose on her tiptoes—still two heads shorter than Ren—then lifted herself slightly into the air and pressed a soft, gentle kiss to his forehead. A radiant, divine light shone from Ren's brow before sinking deep within him.
"This… is Kagutsuchi's Seed. The flame of the god who purged the heavens of darkness. You alone can wield it. But beware… though it follows your will, it will consume you should it deem you unworthy of its use."
She stepped back, then turned her gaze to the gathered captains:
"And you, who call yourselves rulers of souls… the time has come for you to cease living in the past."
Her voice never rose, yet it pierced through their chests like a blade.
"The world is beginning to stir. The Sekiryuutei and Hakuryuukou of this generation have awakened, joining with Devils and Fallen Angels. This will send ripples throughout the entire supernatural realm, and the Shinigami will not remain untouched." – Amaterasu continued, her face serene like the sun, though beneath it lay an unspoken warning.
"If you think the Hundred-Year War was the end… you are gravely mistaken. It was merely the prologue."
The faces of several commanders hardened, especially those who knew the story of that ancient war—its details erased even from the greatest records.
"Eyes have turned toward the earth once more… from the highest skies of Takamagahara, to the deepest pits of the Seventh Hell. The balance we have preserved for thousands of years is beginning to fracture…"
"..." – Amaterasu cast one final look at Ren before her body dissolved into countless fragments of light, vanishing and leaving the entire hall drowned in a deathly silence.
...
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