"That's a novel deduction."
Kyōraku Shunsui fell into deep contemplation.
Even though he had always been indifferent to legends like the Soul King, at this moment, he gradually became interested.
He nodded:
"Indeed, I will investigate this aspect carefully.
If it's true, then the Soul Society is going to get lively."
"A group of Shinigami who master rules, even if they don't utilize them, cannot be allowed to disrupt the existing peace."
Due to the sheer volume of data in the Great Spirit Book Corridor, and the time limit preventing a long stay inside.
The two briefly communicated, then returned the data to its original place and left together.
Within the Kuchiki Clan, Kuchiki Ginrei was very happy.
When Tsugikuni Yoriichi returned, a thought suddenly arose to adopt Hisana and Rukia as his foster daughters.
After all…
The Kuchiki Clan's repeated good fortune was all due to Tsugikuni Yoriichi's presence.
The first time, if not for him, Kuchiki Sōjun would surely have lost his life.
And Kaede might also have become even more despondent due to Soujun's death, and would soon leave this world.
The second time, if not for him, the Kuchiki Clan would have fallen into a great disaster, and even he, as the clan head, might have been impeached.
The third time, he directly restored Soujun and Kaede's health.
As a result, the Kuchiki Clan would have successors in the future, at least maintaining prosperity for thousands of years.
Before this, Kuchiki Ginrei had always worried that the Kuchiki Clan would face a shortage of talent.
The reason for this was simply that Soujun's health was too poor.
This was a congenital deficiency, and even the best doctors were helpless in the face of such a condition…
However, what he didn't expect was that the Red and White Hot Springs actually cured him directly.
The joy brought by Kuchiki Byakuya's birth could not compare to his current mood.
The idea of adopting them as foster daughters also took into account the generational relationship between the two parties.
After all, he couldn't possibly make Tsugikuni Yoriichi a generation younger than Soujun because of this; he couldn't do such a thing.
Initially, Kuchiki Ginrei thought this way and also put forward this suggestion.
However, after he finished speaking, before Tsugikuni Yoriichi could respond,
Kuchiki Byakuya, who was standing by the door, appeared directly and refused without hesitation.
"I won't! Grandfather!"
"Foster daughters? They are much younger than me!"
"How can you mess up the generations?"
His voice was strong and powerful, causing Kuchiki Ginrei to quietly glance at him.
"Byakuya, eavesdropping on my conversation with guests is not good behavior…"
"I know, but compared to being impolite, isn't violating ethics more serious?!"
Kuchiki Byakuya argued strongly.
"You're so old this year, adopting foster daughters… Isn't that finding me two Aunts?"
You can't say that, Kaede is Soujun's sister, and also my daughter, and you haven't treated her as a Aunt…
Kuchiki Ginrei pondered quietly.
He had felt that Byakuya's personality had some issues before, but now it seemed to be true.
Ethics?
For Shinigami, love spanning thousands of years exists, and the current situation is nothing.
Besides, these are just foster daughters, not real daughters.
Thinking of this, Kuchiki Ginrei slowly spoke:
"Byakuya, you are overly agitated, calm down, this is just a suggestion."
"Lord Yoriichi has not yet agreed."
"Then absolutely do not agree, I don't want two more Aunts!" Kuchiki Byakuya said righteously.
"Of course, I don't want a sister either, one heir to the Kuchiki Clan is enough with me!"
"…"
Kuchiki Ginrei slowly exhaled, somewhat understanding Byakuya's thoughts.
A young man's mind is so straightforward.
Although his words contained a hint of selfishness, his excuse as an heir was somewhat strained.
Foster daughters…
How could they inherit the Kuchiki Clan?
He slowly turned his gaze to Tsugikuni Yoriichi: "Lord Yoriichi, what do you think…"
"It's nothing." Yoriichi gently shook his head, he also knew what Byakuya meant, nothing more than not wanting to lose hope.
To appear at such a critical moment also proved his courage.
So, Yoriichi nodded and said:
"This child is right, I also think the suggestion about foster daughters is a bit abrupt."
"Hisana and Rukia are still young, and a life that suddenly elevates them to such heights is truly not conducive to their growth."
"Also, I don't want to take advantage of you, old man, the Red and White Hot Springs were discovered by my teacher, and have nothing to do with me."
"You can't say that." Kuchiki Ginrei gently shook his head,
"If not for your reminder, this old man would not have remembered that the Seireitei actually had something like the Red and White Hot Springs."
"I have roughly heard about what happened, it is precisely because you injured Lord Yamamoto Genryusai that Lord Yamamoto Genryusai was able to re-formulate the long-lost Red and White Hot Springs."
"You are the source of this series of events."
"Our gratitude to you is only natural."
"However…"
Kuchiki Ginrei pondered for a moment, then finally sighed helplessly.
"Alright, their age is indeed a bit young, let's discuss it later."
"This old man truly cannot think of anything that can compensate you for the kindness you have shown us this time… How about my daughter?"
In his opinion, money was too vulgar.
As for items, Yoriichi lacked nothing.
In terms of improving strength, there was Yamamoto Genryusai and Yoriichi's own powerful talent.
After much thought, Kuchiki Ginrei realized that the only thing he could give Yoriichi was his beloved daughter.
Of course, this was not a relationship of marrying into the family; with Yoriichi's current status, no one could force him to marry into a family, except for those who couldn't see the situation clearly.
Kuchiki Ginrei didn't know if Yoriichi would accept it, but he had to try.
If it succeeded, it would be a strong alliance, and the Kuchiki Clan would not have to worry for ten thousand years.
However, naturally, Yoriichi refused.
Although marrying a noblewoman was something many Shinigami dared not even dream of, let alone a direct descendant of one of the Five Great Noble Clans.
But these were useless to Yoriichi.
His heart only held uta.
Kuchiki Ginrei's words reminded him that in the near future, he might try to return and enter the underworld of the Demon Slayer world.
Poetry might have reincarnated, or even might no longer be her, but with a glimmer of hope, he could not let it go…
"Is that so…"
Knowing the reason for Yoriichi's resolute refusal, Kuchiki Ginrei couldn't help but sigh.
He truly didn't know which family's daughter could make Tsugikuni Yoriichi so infatuated, never forgetting her for hundreds of years.
Although this character was good, even noble, it cut off what he had hoped for.
Hopefully, Soujun and Byakuya, father and son, will be able to support the entire Kuchiki Clan in the future.
Thinking this, as time passed, the sun gradually set, and Yoriichi, taking Hisana, Rukia, and Matsumoto Rangiku, rose to bid farewell.
Although Rangiku was a bit reluctant, because since birth, she had never experienced such a life.
But to defeat Ichimaru Gin, to achieve her goal, she ultimately forced herself to forget these things.
…
A few days later.
During an operation by the Ninth Division.
To resolve the problem caused by Tōsen Kaname, guided by Kyōraku Shunsui's reminder, Yoriichi finally found an opportunity.
…
"Captain Yoriichi, why are you here?"
On a vast and boundless wilderness, a gentle breeze swept across, and Tōsen Kaname, who was apprehending criminals with Kuna Mashiro and Ikkaku Madarame, listened to the voice ahead.
He couldn't help but stop.
In his perception.
Tsugikuni Yoriichi appeared before him.
Tōsen Kaname thought for a moment and asked softly: "Is there a problem with this mission?"
"There's no problem with the mission." Tsugikuni Yoriichi's calm, water-like voice slowly echoed around.
His gaze was like a torch, sweeping over Tōsen Kaname, Kuna Mashiro, and Ikkaku Madarame in turn, finally settling on Tōsen Kaname.
"Kaname, I ask you, why did you become a Shinigami?"
This sudden question plunged Tōsen Kaname into deep silence.
His mind raced, trying to figure out why Tsugikuni Yoriichi had asked this question.
Although he couldn't understand, as a subordinate, he still slowly spoke:
"For justice, to eliminate all injustice in the world."
"I am blind, and in the past, I suffered various unfair treatments because of this identity."
"From then on, I swore to change this world."
"…Isn't it because of Kaede?" After a moment of silence, Yoriichi's slightly questioning words continued to echo in Tōsen Kaname's ears.
As if a bolt of lightning flashed through his heart, Tōsen Kaname's expression suddenly froze.
Although he couldn't see Yoriichi's expression at this moment, he could infer Yoriichi's extremely complex state of mind from this tone.
Taking a deep breath, Tōsen Kaname said hesitantly and heavily: "You know everything?"
"That's right." Yoriichi gently nodded.
"Your past, Kaede's past, and your relationship with Komamura Sajin, I know all of it."
"Now, I ask you, why did you become a Shinigami?"
"…"
Tōsen Kaname fell silent again.
Time seemed to stand still at this moment, and the surrounding air became unusually heavy.
After a long while.
He finally showed a bitter smile: "Don't you know everything? Why ask me?"
"Knowing is one thing, but what I want to understand is not these."
Yoriichi's gaze intently scrutinized Tōsen Kaname, as if trying to see through his exterior to his deepest heart.
"You want to avenge Kaede, right?"
"Thus, you want to eliminate all injustice in the world."
"…Yes, and no."
Tōsen Kaname hesitated for a moment, slowly shaking his head.
His eyes revealed a hint of confusion and struggle.
"Kaede's death is the pain of my life, but the injustice I want to eliminate is not just these."
"You wouldn't understand."
"If you still insist on asking me the reason for becoming a Shinigami, I can only tell you that everything is for justice."
"So you're going to lie in wait by my side?" Yoriichi slightly furrowed his brow, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes.
"What is your so-called justice?"
"You, who were hurt by Shinigami, who were hurt by nobles, become a Shinigami."
"Developing silently for decades, clearly having the strength of a Vice-Captain, yet being incredibly low-key now, is this also the justice you uphold?"
"What are you plotting?"
The surrounding atmosphere gradually became subtle.
The breeze seemed to sense the tense atmosphere and quietly stopped.
Even though Ikkaku Madarame and Kuna Mashiro didn't know the reason or the cause and effect, they were now tightly furrowing their brows.
Ikkaku Madarame spoke: "Vice-Captain??"
"Captain, you're joking!"
"Is this guy actually that strong?"
Ikkaku Madarame didn't know Kaede, nor did he understand the justice Tōsen Kaname spoke of; the only thing he heard was that Tōsen Kaname possessed the strength of a Vice-Captain but had hidden it.
Yoriichi nodded: "You have to ask him."
Tōsen Kaname did not answer this question; after Yoriichi's words fell, he fell into a long silence.
He already knew he was exposed.
Although he didn't know how he was exposed.
But the facts were obvious.
At this moment, he suddenly remembered the occasional rumors among the Seat Officers, saying that Tsugikuni Yoriichi's eyesight was very keen, as if he could see through everything.
Before, when Tsugikuni Yoriichi said he was strong, he thought it was just his intuition, but he didn't expect…
Hoo…
Tōsen Kaname's hand rested unnaturally on his Zanpakuto, his palm already covered in sweat.
He slightly raised his head, his white pupils now somewhat dim, and asked in a deep voice:
"Captain Tsugikuni, could you please tell me how you found out?"
"I'm not plotting anything, I'm just doing what I should be doing."
"There has never been justice in the world; even Shinigami themselves are not just.
In a world full of filth, what I believe in is justice."
Whoosh…
The Zanpakuto at his waist slowly unsheathed, emitting a crisp metallic scraping sound.
This sound was exceptionally loud in the silent wilderness.
Tōsen Kaname's breathing grew heavier with the changing situation.
The blade pointed forward, though he could not see Tsugikuni Yoriichi's figure.
But his hearing and intuition told him.
Tsugikuni Yoriichi was right there.
At this moment, a calm, slightly disappointed voice suddenly entered Tōsen Kaname's mind.
Tsugikuni Yoriichi quietly looked at him:
"This… is your choice?"
"Tōsen Kaname…"
"Do you know…"
"Once you make a move, there's no turning back…"
"I know." Tōsen Kaname's tone was firm, "Haven't you already seen it? Appearing before me."
"Since that's the case, I don't need to continue pretending."
"You placed Ikkaku Madarame and Kuna Mashiro beside me to prevent me from escaping, right?"
"What I want to tell you is, I will not run."
"You're quite confident." Yoriichi said in a low voice.
"This is not confidence." Tōsen Kaname slowly shook his head.
"I just have a resolve to die. My heart already died the day Kaede died."
"The Tōsen Kaname who appeared afterward is merely a lingering obsession to eliminate all injustice in the world."
"So for these, you will betray Shinigami, betray the Soul Society?"
Yoriichi slightly raised his eyes, a hint of disappointment in his gaze.
"I don't know what your so-called justice is, but since you've become a Shinigami, saying these things now seems a bit hypocritical."
"Kaede's death is not your fault, and Tsunayashiro Tokinada's actions do not represent all Shinigami."
"Lurking by my side, and now drawing your sword against me, what ideology has the Fifth Divsion instilled in you?"
"Enough."
Yoriichi let out a long sigh, a sigh filled with helplessness and regret.
"Tōsen Kaname."
"Since this is your choice, then I will respect your choice."
"However, I will not kill you. Aside from those extreme ideas, I also agree with your philosophy, it's just a pity…"
"Shinigami are Shinigami."
Shinigami are responsible for the stability of the Three Realms; regardless of whether it's just or not, without them, the Three Realms would be destroyed.
Tōsen Kaname's words were undoubtedly a denial of everything Shinigami stood for.
What he believed in was justice…
If Yamamoto Genryusai heard these words, he wouldn't even give him a single chance to explain.
A personal will overriding the will of the world, what arrogant words.
"Perhaps." Tōsen Kaname lowered his gaze and chuckled softly, his voice somewhat bitter.
Then, the sharp blade gleamed with silver light, emitting a crisp resonant sound.
Buzz…
He murmured:
"Cry, Kiyone."