join p atreon.com/KeyofStars for advance chapters | Every 100 powerstones = 1 extra chapter | Report issues @discord.com/GVBdncd9Wr
"Hime, Hire!"
Accompanying this soft cry, the wind rose out of thin air and instantly became violent.
Like a fierce giant beast, it opened its gaping maw and bit down tightly on the Hollowfied Ryusui and Izumo, preventing them from escaping.
In the blink of an eye, the wind field formed an indestructible cage, firmly trapping them within it.
The terrifying pressure was as heavy as a mountain, pressing down on Ryusui and Izumo, making them unable to move, as if they were suppressed by an invisible mountain.
Their bodies began to emit heart-palpitating cracking sounds, as if they could shatter at any moment.
Aozaki Reiji stood still, his gaze like a torch, staring at Ryusui and Izumo trapped in the wind field.
His eyes revealed a hint of expectation, as if he was waiting for some miracle to happen.
Time passed minute by minute; an hour went by, yet Ryusui and Izumo still showed no signs of releasing their Hollowfication.
Aozaki Reiji couldn't help but frown, gently shaking his head, and extended his finger, pointing at the two men's foreheads, muttering to himself:
"Did it fail? Which part went wrong?"
His voice carried a hint of doubt and unwillingness, and his originally tense expression became even more solemn.
He stared intently at the Hollowfied Ryusui and Izumo lying on the ground, not missing any subtle changes.
Suddenly, his expression changed, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.
On the white bone layer covering Ryusui and Izumo's bodies, a dense, spiderweb-like network of cracks actually appeared.
These cracks spread rapidly, intertwining with each other, a shocking sight.
Immediately after, with a crisp "crack," the entire white bone layer collapsed, turning into countless tiny particles that scattered everywhere.
Ryusui and Izumo, having lost the support of their bone layer, slumped softly to the ground.
It succeeded?
"This… is this the power of Hollowfication? Now, we are probably several times stronger than before!"
Ryusui and Izumo both had expressions of disbelief, but their hearts were filled with immense excitement and elation.
However, just as they were still immersed in joy, suddenly, the masks they wore on their faces shattered without warning, turning into countless tiny fragments that fluttered down.
"Now, if you can release your Zanpakuto and successfully Hollowfy, your strength will probably be comparable to that of ordinary Captain-class Shinigami who don't use Bankai."
Aozaki Reiji quietly sensed the Reiatsu emanating from the two, nodded slightly, then waved his hand, signaling that they could leave.
"You can find a place to practice at your leisure, and strive to adapt to this power and extend your Hollowfication time as soon as possible."
"Alright, thank you, Aozaki-sama. We'll go find a place to practice diligently now and strive to master this new power as quickly as possible."
Ryusui and Izumo exchanged glances and said in unison.
Then, they turned and left, preparing to find a suitable place to begin their training.
Aozaki Reiji, on the other hand, released his Reiatsu sensing and found Ichimaru Gin of the Eleventh Division.
......
A week later, Squad One Barracks.
Captain's meeting room.
The Gotei 13 Captains gathered, except for Aizen Sōsuke, the Third Division Captain who was out on duty; his Vice-Captain, Chikane Iba, attended in his place.
"That's how it is." Yamamoto didn't even lift his head, handing out the already prepared documents for everyone to read. "Central 46 has already investigated the truth of the matter."
"Due to an internal experimental leak accident, the Tsunayashiro Family suffered unprecedented heavy losses. This Old Man feels deep sorrow; it is the dereliction of duty of our Gotei 13."
"Hollowfication? A practice strictly forbidden in Seireitei, yet these great nobles were researching it privately? No wonder they didn't ask us for help!"
Kyōraku Shunsui opened the document, which contained various investigation materials, each stamped with the official seal of Central 46.
"Oh dear, it's gotten into such a mess. Are there still people left in the Tsunayashiro Family?"
"The Tsunayashiro Branch family was annihilated, but a few children from the Main family survived. They are currently under the protection of the Gotei 13."
Yamamoto glared at him fiercely, though his mood was much better than when he first learned of the Tsunayashiro Family's attack.
After all, internal strife is different from external invasion.
If it were an external invasion, the Gotei 13's failure to protect them would indeed be a dereliction of duty.
But the Tsunayashiro Family destroyed themselves.
Conducting Hollowfication experiments in Seireitei, it was already good that Yamamoto didn't make trouble for them; blaming the Gotei 13 was truly unreasonable.
Aozaki Reiji's expression was a bit strange. He flipped through a few documents and could only lament Aizen's meticulousness; there wasn't a single flaw.
Yamamoto said sternly: "Next, I will announce the orders issued by Central 46..."
"What does this mean?" Kyōraku Shunsui murmured softly, "They've already investigated it thoroughly, so what else is there to say?"
"Tsunayashiro Tokinada, the lowest-ranking member of the Tsunayashiro Branch family, in this incident, stole the family's most precious treasure and massacred his relatives. His crime is unforgivable."
Yamamoto continued:
"Starting today, Tsunayashiro Tokinada is wanted throughout the entire Seireitei, dead or alive. I hope all Captains will notify their respective Squads!"
The more senior Captains showed surprised expressions. This matter was not recorded in the documents, but they knew of Tsunayashiro Tokinada.
Decades, almost a century ago, he was confined to his home for killing his wife and friends.
The one who reported him at the time was the Eighth Division Captain, also his former classmate, Kyōraku Shunsui.
He was a known madman; they never expected him to do something like this!
"Yes," the Captains said in unison.
"Next, there are two more matters." Yamamoto scanned the entire meeting room, and seeing everyone's performance, he nodded with satisfaction.
Even his most mischievous young disciple was respectful, which showed that this incident had not affected his authority within the Gotei 13.
However, even if it did, it wouldn't be a big deal; it would just be a bit troublesome to re-establish his authority with his fists.
Aozaki Reiji didn't know what the Old Man was thinking; he was just a bit guilty, not afraid of the Old Man.
Not to mention killing Tsunayashiro Tokinada, he also killed many Tsunayashiro Family members, and he was the one who took Enrakyoten.
He himself was completely fine, and a huge blame was placed on the dead Tsunayashiro Tokinada. He was afraid he wouldn't be able to stop himself from laughing out loud.
"First matter, Captain Kuchiki Ginrei will be transferred to the Central District, and has therefore applied for retirement and removal from the registry. He recommends Vice-Captain Kuchiki Kōga of the Sixth Division to serve as the new Sixth Division Captain. Do any of you have objections?" Yamamoto said.
The Captains all looked at Kuchiki Ginrei. Kuchiki Ginrei nodded calmly, "This Old Man is old; opportunities should be left for the young."
Since the Old Man said such words, the Captains present naturally expressed their agreement.
After all, everyone was aware of Kuchiki Kōga's strength; his performance on the battlefield was outstanding, and he had mastered Bankai.
Furthermore, the Sixth Division Captain position was hereditary in the Kuchiki, and Kuchiki Soujun, as the legitimate son, had been transferred to the Central District early due to health reasons.
With Kuchiki Ginrei's retirement, the only suitable Captain candidate was indeed Kuchiki Kōga.
join p atreon.com/KeyofStars for advance chapters | Every 100 powerstones = 1 extra chapter | Report issues @discord.com/GVBdncd9Wr