The defeat of Kuchiki Sōjun brought disgrace upon the entire Kuchiki clan.
The Kuchiki family was renowned within Seireitei for its strict discipline, so Sōjun naturally did not escape punishment.
"Father, I was too complacent before, and that led to yesterday's failure. I'm willing to accept any punishment," said Sōjun, kneeling before Kuchiki Ginrei.
"House arrest for a month. You'll stay home and focus on your swordsmanship. Reflect seriously on your failure yesterday," said Ginrei.
"Yes. I'll train diligently," Sōjun replied with a lowered head.
"Your class's swordsmanship instructor is Tsunayashiro Tokinada, correct? His teaching standards aren't exactly stellar, are they?" Ginrei continued.
He hadn't paid much attention to the teaching staff at the Shin'o Spiritual Arts Academy, believing they wouldn't significantly affect Sōjun, who mainly trained at home anyway.
However, Kotetsu Ayane had considerately prepared a comparison chart of the previous assessment scores for the observing captains.
Ginrei noticed that Class One's performance was only lacking in swordsmanship.
Meanwhile, Class Two had seen a dramatic improvement, which caught his attention—hence his invitation to Katori Nanatsuki to serve as a swordsmanship instructor at the Kuchiki estate.
Though Ginrei hadn't reacted at the time, he had taken note and decided to investigate Class One's instructional situation after the duel.
"I don't really know what Tsunayashiro-sensei's teaching ability is like because..." Sōjun hesitated. "He's never taught us anything."
"He's never taught you anything?" Ginrei's eyes narrowed. "He's been your swordsmanship teacher all this time, and he hasn't taught you a single thing?"
Sōjun responded helplessly, "He rarely shows up to class. And when he does, he just tells us to train on our own."
Ginrei's face darkened, and he let out a cold snort. "The Tsunayashiro family... they don't even bother pretending anymore?"
He was aware the Tsunayashiro family was trying to encroach upon the Academy, but he hadn't expected them to skip the formalities and blatantly pocket the institution.
The Kuchiki clan didn't want to intervene in such matters—it wasn't a wise move.
After all, the Academy still operated under the authority of Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, and without his consent, there was no way the Tsunayashiro family could seize the headmaster's seat or devour the Academy whole.
"The Tsunayashiro clan has gotten arrogant… they've forgotten how terrifying that man truly is..." Ginrei shook his head. "Heh—maybe it won't be the Four Great Noble Houses for much longer."
He thought of the other noble clans. The Tsunayashiro were rotting, the Shiba had been devoid of talent for years, and only the Shihōin had a promising heir.
Ginrei sternly warned his son: "Sōjun, remember this—arrogance and conceit are the road to ruin, no matter the era."
"Yes, Father. I'll keep it in mind," Sōjun bowed his head.
Looking at his kneeling son, Ginrei couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt.
Had he paid more attention to his son's studies, perhaps he could have discovered this issue earlier.
Years of strict parenting had left their relationship somewhat distant, and apologies didn't come easily to him.
After a brief pause, Ginrei continued, "The reason I haven't monitored your studies closely is because I trusted your talent. In a few days, Katori-sensei will come to guide your swordsmanship. I hope you'll cherish the opportunity."
"Yes."
After Sōjun left, Ginrei headed to the Academy himself. He didn't want someone like Tsunayashiro Tokinada continuing to teach his son.
The Academy's headmaster's office was bustling today—Ginrei and Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto were both present.
Headmaster Kotetsu, Vice Headmaster Tsunayashiro, and Tsunayashiro Tokinada were also in attendance. Outside the office, many teachers had gathered to watch the drama unfold.
"Captain Kuchiki, your duty is to manage the Sixth Division. What do you mean by sticking your hand into the Academy's affairs? Are you trying to interfere now?" Tokinada sneered.
"I'm not here as a captain today. I'm simply a father of an Academy student," Ginrei replied calmly. "Tsunayashiro Tokinada, you've been a teacher for quite a while now—how many classes have you actually taught?"
He had learned from Sōjun that Tokinada had held the post for some time, yet could count his actual lessons on one hand.
Even during those rare lessons, he barely taught anything, leaving students to their own devices.
He couldn't tolerate someone like that educating his son.
Still, he had no intention of provoking a direct clash between the Kuchiki and Tsunayashiro clans. His target was Tokinada alone—and he had already reported the issue to Genryūsai beforehand.
Vice Headmaster Tsunayashiro presented a modified attendance sheet. "Tokinada-sensei is quite diligent—he hasn't missed a single class."
"Heh. Diligent?" Ginrei scoffed. "From what I've heard, he's barely taught Class One at all."
"Tokinada-sensei customizes his teaching. The students in Class One all have their own personal training arrangements at home. Too much interference would hinder their progress," the vice headmaster argued.
"Sparring is also a crucial part of training. And you've never arranged a single match!" Ginrei snapped. "Don't use 'personalized teaching' as an excuse for your irresponsibility."
Tokinada curled his lip. "Captain Kuchiki, why don't you ask the other students in Class One if they think I'm a bad teacher?"
But of course, those students wouldn't dare speak the truth—not with the Tsunayashiro name hanging over them.
"Enough!" Genryūsai thundered. "I'm not blind!"
"Tsunayashiro Tokinada, you haven't improved at all!"
"I've spoken to several students myself. What you've done is utterly disgraceful."
"Your attitude is deplorable—you are unworthy of the title of 'teacher'!"
"There's nothing more to discuss. Tsunayashiro Tokinada, you're hereby dismissed!"
Genryūsai's anger flared. Though Tokinada, like Kyōraku Shunsui and Ukitake Jūshirō, had been part of the very first cohort after the reform of the Academy, and thus shared a sliver of student-teacher history with him, this betrayal left Genryūsai seething.
"Looks like the last punishment didn't straighten you out. After your dismissal, report to the First Division's confinement quarters—for three years!" Genryūsai commanded.
Panic immediately spread across Tokinada's face. Three years of confinement under the First Division?! That basically meant three years of beatings!
For once, Tokinada dropped his pride and pleaded, "Commander Yamamoto! I just didn't teach the students properly—it's not like I committed some huge crime! Isn't three years a bit excessive?"
Genryūsai let out a cold snort. "Since you don't know how to teach, I'll personally show you what it means to educate!"
Tokinada's face turned deathly pale, haunted by memories of those dreadful iron fists.