The guy in front of him was introduced by Tsunayashiro Tokinada.
According to him, the other party possessed immense power.
And based on the current intelligence, it was indeed true.
As a direct descendant of the Tsunayashiro Clan, he was completely unaware of these three matters. This was an insult to his identity!
"Let's discuss the first matter first!" Tsunayashiro Yashin took a deep breath.
"I've heard of that beast, Kenpachi, but why did he leave the Eleventh Division?"
"Have your tentacles extended this far?"
"Hehe…" The masked man chuckled softly, his voice indistinguishable as male or female.
"Tsunayashiro-dono, your question falls outside the scope of our transaction…"
Before he could finish, Tsunayashiro Yashin interrupted:
"I can pay, no matter how much, as long as you tell me all the details of the matter!"
"I'm not that good-for-nothing Tsunayashiro Tokinada."
"I know you've had dealings with him before, but that's in the past. Now, your trading partner is me!"
If it weren't for their last meeting, he wouldn't have known that Tsunayashiro Tokinada held such a special resource.
Fortunately, he used his status to seize it.
Otherwise, leaving it in his hands would be a waste.
The masked man chuckled softly: "Money, huh…"
"It's not impossible…"
He was loyal to Aizen, and his research required substantial funds.
Therefore, whenever Aizen was short on funds, he would send him out to sell some intelligence.
This action not only stirred up various aspects of the Seireitei but also resolved the various drawbacks of acquiring funds through other means.
Spending the nobles' money brought no sense of guilt.
Recalling this.
He nodded: "Since our noble lord has spoken thus, if I refuse, I suppose I'll be hacked to death."
"Very well."
"One information for ten million kan, no bargaining."
"This amount shouldn't be much for you, should it?"
"Indeed, it's nothing." Tsunayashiro Yashin waved his hand behind his back, signaling the Shinigami in the shadows not to act rashly.
One thing the other party said was true: he had indeed stationed many "executioners" nearby.
A gentleman does not stand under a crumbling wall; he could not put himself in danger and meet an unknown individual alone.
Once the order was given, Tsunayashiro Yashin exhaled deeply, looking at the masked man, and said in a low voice:
"Speak. Three pieces of information, thirty million kan. I'll have it sent to you later."
"I hope these are all true intelligence. If you dare to deceive me with fakes…"
He narrowed his eyes slightly, a sharp glint flashing, the threat in his words evident.
The masked man didn't pay much attention to this and spoke the truth as if no one else was present.
For example.
Zaraki Kenpachi chose to leave the Eleventh Division because of Tsugikuni Yoriichi.
The Captain's examination at the time made him very unhappy. In order to fight Tsugikuni Yoriichi, he decided to give up the Kenpachi position and join the Division where Tsugikuni Yoriichi was.
Although this matter seemed ridiculous, given Zaraki Kenpachi's personality, it was highly probable.
What if he became Kenpachi?
What if he could fight without interruption?
If he couldn't defeat Tsugikuni Yoriichi for a day.
Then a day of fighting would be meaningless.
Tsunayashiro Yashin frowned slightly upon hearing this.
He didn't expect that Tsugikuni Yoriichi had even influenced a beast like Zaraki Kenpachi?
It seemed like he was Tsugikuni Yoriichi's enemy?
Hmm, that was good news.
The recent depression dissipated considerably because of this, and his whole being brightened up…
He exhaled deeply and continued to ask:
"And?"
The second matter was related to Zaraki Kenpachi's departure.
Due to his resignation, the overall strength of the Eleventh Division would be affected. The Gotei 13, for balance considerations, transferred Kensei Muguruma, the ninth division captain who excelled in Hakuda, over.
Although Kensei Muguruma's Zanpakuto's Shikai was a dagger, it was still a blade, and as the Captain of the Eleventh Division, it was sufficient.
And his departure would affect the strength of the Ninth Division.
Coincidentally, there was a vacant Captain-level combatant in the Seireitei, Tsugikuni Yoriichi…
With several matters combined, he naturally became the ninth division captain.
Of course, these matters were still under discussion, and the transfer order had not yet been issued.
However, according to the masked man, the probability of these events occurring was over ninety percent.
Even if there were some minor differences in details, they wouldn't be significant.
As for the third…
Namely, the Captain's examination.
Even a Captain who became one due to the departure of the previous Captain must undergo a battle to verify their strength.
Like Kisuke Urahara.
Tsugikuni Yoriichi was no exception.
As expected, his opponent would be Kensei Muguruma.
Because only then could the Ninth Division be convinced, and only then could the Eleventh Division be convinced…
Hearing this, Tsunayashiro Yashin narrowed his eyes slightly: "So…"
"The thing you gave me, is it to be used at that time?"
He held up a packet of colorless powder in his hand, shaking it gently, his gaze slightly puzzled:
"What exactly is this? Why can it kill Tsugikuni Yoriichi?"
"It's not some kind of poison, is it?"
"You guessed it." The masked man nodded gently, "Of course, calling it a toxin isn't entirely accurate."
"You, being a noble, have you ever seen a Hollow?"
"No." Tsunayashiro Yashin said casually.
"Such evil things cannot appear before us nobles; even a glance is an insult to our status…"
His tone was filled with disgust and disdain for Hollows.
As his voice fell, he suddenly thought of something, and his eyes couldn't help but freeze.
Then, he gritted his teeth:
"You bastard…"
He could vaguely guess what this thing was, so much so that he wanted to throw it away.
It felt like touching a pile of dog excrement, utterly disgusting and humiliating.
"Hehe…" Seeing the other party's expression, the masked man pressed his hand down, signaling him not to be nervous.
"Tsunayashiro-dono, please calm down. I understand your feelings, but you guessed wrong…"
"This isn't a Hollow, it's just a little substance extracted from a Hollow."
"Any Shinigami who gets contaminated can gain the power of a Hollow, and this… is the key to killing him."
"Of course, this substance is currently in the experimental stage, so there's a slight instability…"
"So, would you like to find a Shinigami to test it out?"
"Consider it a verification of our sincerity."
Taking a deep breath, Tsunayashiro Yashin quickly calmed himself.
His gaze no longer looked at the powder in his hand, but stared directly at the masked man, his tone cold:
"Sincerity?"
"What a joke."
"You people are truly eye-opening."
"Has the Seireitei become so corrupt now?"
"Even evil creatures like Hollows can be utilized?"
To be honest, no matter how much of a scoundrel he was, he had never thought of utilizing Hollows.
This was already an act of betraying one's race.
Although nobles had a high opinion of themselves, they weren't so foolish as to not distinguish between a full meal and constant full meals.
It was precisely because of this that they rejected all existences that threatened their safety.
And the person before him…
In his eyes, he was simply unforgivable!
"Who is your master behind you?"
The impulse in Tsunayashiro Yashin's heart intensified like a surging tide, and the hostility in his eyes burned unconcealed like a flame.
However, after that momentary impulse, his rationality quickly returned.
Thinking that the other party still had value, he decisively abandoned the idea of killing him on the spot.
He secretly decided that after the other party left, he must follow the clues and never let them threaten his status and safety!
Powder that could turn one into a Hollow with just a touch—this weapon was truly terrifying!
Evil and extremely dangerous!
Tsunayashiro Yashin's eyes revealed deep apprehension and disgust.
The surrounding air gradually became icy cold as if frozen.
The masked man sensed everything around him and chuckled softly: "I don't understand the meaning of your words."
"In short, that's the intelligence."
"Just apply some to Kensei Muguruma's or Tsugikuni Yoriichi's weapon, let it break the flesh, and invade the reishi circulatory system…"
"Even the strongest Shinigami will turn into a Hollow."
"And once a Hollow appears in the Seireitei, I don't need to explain their fate, do I?"
"Under the watchful eyes of all, they are doomed to die."
"The quantity is limited, so you must use it carefully."
"…I will certainly be careful." Tsunayashiro Yashin's voice was quite low.
He lightly waved his arm, throwing the powder backward.
Swish—
A whooshing sound suddenly rang out.
Immediately after, a Shinigami appeared silently behind him, steadily catching it and offering thirty million kan.
His gaze slightly cold, capturing this scene, he paused slightly, then slowly instructed in a meaningful tone:
"Uncle Feng, see our guest out."
…
…
Time flowed silently like a gurgling stream.
After this transaction ended, it was quickly the day the Shihouin Clan had meticulously prepared for.
This morning,
Yoruichi Shihouin sent attendants to deliver three exquisitely beautiful dresses to Yoriichi.
Once everyone put on their formal wear, they quickly followed the attendants' guidance and arrived at the venue.
Inside the venue, cups clinked, and the atmosphere was quite lively.
Initially, Hisana and Rukia were not accustomed to the scene before them.
Hailing from Rukongai, they felt self-conscious facing these noble and elegant individuals.
However, when Yoruichi Shihouin appeared at the opportune moment, her perfectly timed words were like a spring breeze, directly dispelling the gloom in their hearts.
Their mindset gradually improved.
"Haha."
Yoruichi smiled gently, "No need to be reserved, just treat it as your own home."
"Everyone here knows you; they are all retainers of my Shihouin Clan."
"Our future business will rely heavily on their support."
Her words were somewhat modest, causing some nearby people to raise their glasses and offer congratulations.
Yoriichi quietly scanned the room, his mood undisturbed.
He found a place to sit, listening to the murmurs of the surrounding crowd.
Watching Hisana and Rukia surrounded by a group of girls, seemingly building rapport, Yoriichi exhaled softly.
Step.
Yoruichi appeared behind him at some point, and asked in a somewhat relaxed tone: "How is it?"
"What do you think of this banquet?"
"…A bit noisy."
Upon closer inspection, it was no different from the Tenth Division's banquet back then, except the participants held higher status, and well, their demeanor was more elegant.
Yoruichi smiled faintly: "That's how banquets are."
"I heard that with the help of the Kuchiki Clan, you became a lower-ranking noble?"
"…That's right, is there a problem?"
"No problem, it's just… Kuchiki Ginrei, the old man, doesn't have much time left. If one day you feel the Kuchiki Clan isn't suitable for you, my Shihoin Clan welcomes you anytime."
The two chatted, seemingly about everyday matters, but Yoruichi Shihouin's words were an intentional and subtle reminder.
Yoriichi felt nothing; he said casually: "What's suitable or not suitable…"
"I…"
Before he could finish speaking.
Thump.
A powerfully built Shinigami walked in from the main entrance.
His tall stature blocked the sunlight from outside, and the large gold chain hanging around his neck was particularly eye-catching.
His golden curly hair was styled into a pompadour, exuding the aura of a nouveau riche.
It was the former Second Division Vice-Captain, Marenoshin Oomaeda.
His appearance immediately drew the attention of some nobles. As one of the few favored retainers of the Shihouin Clan, many nobles wanted to curry favor with him.
However, Marenishin Oomaeda didn't even look at them, spat, took a deep breath, and walked straight towards Tsugikuni Yoriichi.
Upon arriving before Yoriichi and Yoruichi, he immediately bowed, his tone respectful:
"Greetings, Yoruichi-sama!"
"And…"
"Yoriichi-dono."
Since Tsugikuni Yoriichi was no longer his student, and he had become Yamamoto Genryusai's disciple, his seniority had inexplicably increased by several levels, so the address changed accordingly.
Yoruichi Shihouin nodded gently, her gaze first moving away from Yoriichi before looking at Marenishin, and asked:
"Is something wrong?"
"Uh…" Marenishin seemed to have difficulty expressing himself. He looked up, his words faltering.
After a long pause.
"Well, Captain Yoruichi, please don't get angry when I say this."
He said tentatively, "I'm about to retire, aren't I? Once I leave, the Vice-Captain of the Second Division should rightfully be inherited by my son."
"But you know Ōmaeda Marechiyo,my son , he's very erratic."
"I'm worried he won't be able to fulfill his duties as Vice-Captain, so I was thinking…"
"Let him study with Yoriichi-dono for a period of time."
"I heard Yoriichi-dono's teaching is very experienced, what do you think…"
"Hmm?" As his words fell, Yoruichi Shihouin's eyebrows raised slightly.
What kind of talk was this?
Why did it make her feel as if the Second Division couldn't teach Ōmaeda Marechiyo?
She knew Ōmaeda Marechiyo,he was just over a hundred years old, same as Tsugikuni Yoriichi.
The difference was, his reishi was only at the eighth level, barely a mid-level Seat Officer…
How did Marenishin come to the conclusion that he could become a Vice-Captain?
An excuse?
To give Ōmaeda Marechiyo a better future and connection, so Marenishin, as a father, wanted Ōmaeda Marechiyo to study with Tsugikuni Yoriichi for a period of time?
Hiss…
It was a bit of a headache; Yoruichi didn't misunderstand this behavior.
Ōmaeda Marenishin's departure, given his strength, wouldn't have much impact on the overall Second Division.
But the key was, how would the other Divisions view it?
Yoruichi found it difficult to answer.
Not far away,
Those nobles were speculating about the deeper meaning of the Ōmaeda family's move.
To let the next family head, Ōmaeda Marechiyo, study with Tsugikuni Yoriichi…
Since when could Lord Yoruichi's friend be above her?
Yet… Lord Yoruichi wasn't angry.
The change in this was very thought-provoking.
Some people believed they had seen the truth, and knowing smiles gradually appeared on their faces.
Yoriichi, on the other hand, was rather bewildered…
Who was Ōmaeda Marechiyo?