Didn't I just show off in front of Ise Nanao?
Ise Nanao's favorability toward me was only seventeen, but because of what I just said, it's already risen to forty-eight!
That's the power of culture.
…
Yoshio arrived at the Squad in high spirits.
"Lieutenant!"
"Did Lieutenant Yoshio run into something good? You look so happy."
Everyone in the Squad greeted Yoshio. He smiled, said little, and went back to his office.
Yoshio glanced at the documents on the desk and clicked his tongue.
Pushing the files aside, he took a book from the drawer.
"The Pisces Reject"
It's an action-adventure serial written by 13th Division Captain Jūshirō Ukitake, published in the 9th Division.
The novel tells the story of the protagonist "Pisces" protecting villagers and fighting evil. Each episode is a standalone tale that punishes wrongdoers and encourages good deeds. It's quite popular in Seireitei.
After all, there isn't much entertainment in Seireitei. Reading has become the most enjoyable pastime during work.
Plus, the more I read, the more topics I'll have with Ukitake when I see him later, and that's great for raising favorability.
After finishing the last paragraph, Yoshio put down the paper and fell into thought.
This novel is that popular?
If I were to write the masterpieces I saw in my previous life, wouldn't I dominate the scene?
Thinking of this, Yoshio suddenly became excited.
I'm a genius!
I'll write a novel. Lieutenants often publish short pieces in the Seireitei anyway. That way I can raise my Squad's profile and make a fair bit of money.
So I can imitate Jūshirō Ukitake and write one too.
What to write?
Since it's in the Soul Society, it should naturally be a story that fits the Soul Society's character.
Soul Society's character...
He immediately took out a sheet of paper and began to write.
…
["Aizen, enough. Captain-Commander Yamamoto has already agreed to make you Captain-Commander next term."]
[In Central Great Underground Prison, where several of Seireitei's strongest captains were confined, 8th Division Captain Kyōraku Shunsui suggested,]
["I also told you—the next Soul King will be you! Then we'll see who's truly strong. Maybe I'll even] die!" [Aizen kicked the cell in anger: "If you're all dead by then, who do I talk to? Nonsense!"]
["If this keeps going, there'll definitely be a fight. Then there's nothing we can do! The play will be over." Ichimaru Gin also tried to dissuade him,]
["We can't help you either!" Tōsen couldn't help shouting,]
["Don't help! Whatever you do, don't help! Don't trouble yourselves, old-timers! I'll handle it myself!"]
["The new Gotei 13!"]
"Hahaha!"
Yoshio laughed when he got to this part.
"What are you laughing at?"
Suddenly, a voice froze the smile on Yoshio's face. He quickly put the paper away.
He turned around, his smile a bit stiff. "Captain Aizen, when did you get here?"
"Go on, keep talking. Why so quiet?"
"Yes—" At some point, Aizen had appeared behind Yoshio. Pushing up his glasses, he said, "You didn't hear me speaking just now."
"Uh..." Yoshio hurriedly stood up. "Please sit, Captain Aizen. I'll pour you some tea."
"No need. You seemed to be writing a novel just now, right?"
"Uh..." Yoshio's smile grew even stiffer. He nodded and said, "Yes, you caught me. But don't worry! It's just a novel, not my real thoughts!"
"You know how it is—novels have to be a bit exaggerated."
"Don't write things that undermine unity." Aizen smiled. "We're Shinigami who guard Seireitei and maintain the balance of the Three Realms. We should spread the radiance of our justice to ordinary Shinigami and souls."
"I understand." Yoshio nodded and smiled. "I was just fooling around. How could I write that kind of novel?"
Giving up is impossible. Worst case, I just won't set it in Seireitei, right? I'll set it in Hueco Mundo! Even if I paint Seireitei black over there, no one should care, right?
Oh, maybe Aizen would care. Then worst case, I'll swap Aizen for someone else!
Yoshio glanced around and then said, "To be honest, I've actually already decided what kind of story I want to write—of course it'll promote our 5th Division!"
"What are you thinking?"
"How about 'In the Name of Shinigami'?" Yoshio said. "The story is about severe corruption within Central 46. To thoroughly investigate it, the Soul King parachutes Captain Aizen in as head of Central 46, kicking off a series of political struggles."
Aizen gave Yoshio a meaningful look and shook his head. "A novel needs to stay grounded. Your story is too far-fetched for Shinigami."
"How is it far? It's clearly 'In the Name of Shinigami.' How could it be far from Shinigami?" Yoshio asked, puzzled.
"In any case, try another idea."
"Alright, alright. If I can't pitch you on that, I'll just write an action-fantasy." Yoshio thought of another theme.
"A thousand years ago, the Quincy lost the war against the Shinigami, and their king was captured by the Shinigami."
"At his execution, this king shouted: 'Do you want my power? Do you want my wealth? Do you want my authority? If you want them, take them all!'"
"'I've left everything in the depths of Soul Society. Go and claim it!'"
"And thus, the Great Quincy Age began!"
Well?
Yoshio raised his eyebrows at Aizen. "That theme should be fine, right?"
Aizen asked with interest, "And then?"
"Hmm, let me think," Yoshio said. "Of course, we Shinigami represent justice, so let's call us the 'World Government.' As for Hollows, although they're our enemies, they'll unite with us to take down the Quincy."
"So the Hollows will be the Warlords, temporarily cooperating with our Gotei 13 to fight the Quincy."
"The main antagonists will naturally be the Quincy. That fits Seireitei's main melody. No problem, right?"
Aizen patted Yoshio's shoulder. "Not bad. You've got imagination. You can try writing it."
"What do you plan to call it?"
"Then... how about 'Thousand-Year Blood War'?"