Hearing Yoshio's words, Dark Rukia grew a little tense.
"Your Bankai?"
Instinctively, she pressed her hand to her Zanpakuto—not Sode no Shirayuki, of course, but her shinigami scythe.
"Relax."
Yoshio smiled. "I never said I'd attack you."
Even so, Dark Rukia remained wary, just as before.
At that very moment, Yoshio had already drawn his own Zanpakuto.
As the saying goes, teaching and learning complement each other. While guiding Renji and Hinamori, Yoshio's understanding of Bankai had deepened.
Not long ago, he had already mastered Bankai.
He has both the "Strict Teacher Produces Outstanding Students" ability and the "Child of Kirin" ability. If he hadn't often used "Child of Kirin" for other purposes, he might have grasped Bankai much earlier.
After all, the innate talent granted by Child of Kirin corresponds directly to Tōshirō Hitsugaya's gifts; Hitsugaya grasped Bankai within a few years, so naturally Yoshio could as well.
He just hadn't prioritized it until recently, when the opportunity to instruct Renji and Hinamori let him finally complete his Bankai.
After drawing the Jigoku Zoku (Lonely Hell), he gradually loosened his grip under Dark Rukia's vigilant gaze.
Like Kuchiki Byakuya when he uses Bankai, Yoshio's Zanpakuto left his hand, fell, and then gradually dispersed.
In an instant, the surroundings seemed to change.
Dark Rukia stared tensely and suspiciously at Yoshio. "Is this your Bankai?"
"Don't worry, my Bankai has no destructive power," Yoshio said with a smile. "I just want to give you a place to be."
He held his right hand flat at his side; the space beneath his palm rippled, and from those ripples a doll slowly surfaced.
"What is this?"
Dark Rukia asked, looking at the doll.
Yoshio didn't answer immediately. He began explaining: "You know my Zanpakuto's Shikai plunges people into the Lonely Hell.
"But unlike sinners in the Eight Hot Hells or Eight Cold Hells, who suffer fixed punishments within fixed locales, those suffering in Lonely Hell aren't in fixed positions.
"They might be by a river, on a hillside, in a wasteland, in underground spaces, and so on. They might even become the bricks under our feet, the fallen leaves stirred by autumn wind, our clothing, the broom we use to sweep. In such an environment, one feels true loneliness."
After comprehending his Bankai, Yoshio had also come to a deeper understanding of solitude.
"The characters for 'loneliness' can be decomposed into four elements: child, melon field, puppy, insect. These four sketch a lovely pastoral scene.
"Children laughing in a midsummer melon patch, a family dog keeping wary watch, tiny insects crawling on melon leaves…
"Only…
"The children, the melon field, the family dog, the insects—so bustling—but none of it has anything to do with you. Who are you? You're but a small, unnoticed stone by the path.
"That is loneliness.
"The Human World brims with prosperity and laughter, but you're only a bystander; you cannot partake, and joy never sweeps you up."
Yoshio's Bankai is the embodiment of Lonely Hell—more precisely, it's the reincarnation of those who fell into Lonely Hell. The secular things they clung to at death often become their final destination.
For example, the doll in Yoshio's hand is actually Metastacia's reincarnation; in his previous life he coveted shinigami spiritual bodies, so he reincarnated as a Gigai.
This is the Bankai of Jigoku Zoku (Lonely Hell): it materializes the reincarnation vessels of those trapped in Lonely Hell. These vessels retain certain traits from their previous lives.
As Yoshio said, this Bankai has no direct offensive power; it needs Shikai.
The more people who fall into Lonely Hell, the more items Yoshio can use while in Bankai.
If no one is trapped in Lonely Hell, the Bankai is basically useless!
This Bankai may seem unremarkable, but a Zanpakuto is the window of the soul. Perhaps subconsciously, Yoshio knows his combat fundamentals still rely on Souls Abilities, so he doesn't demand much combat power from his Bankai.
Yoshio introduced it to Dark Rukia: "This Gigai is a bit different from those commonly used in the Seireitei. It has an 'anti-parasitic' trait. When you pour reishi into it, a part of your consciousness can inhabit it without affecting your main body."
In other words, it's also a way to create a clone.
Or rather, this is a true clone, unlike the independent beings Yoshio splits off via Spirit Split.
Dark Rukia frowned. "You want me to inhabit it?"
"Aren't you curious whether I'll harm Rukia? Then see for yourself," Yoshio said.
"Words alone never convince. Witness with your own eyes, then judge me."
Dark Rukia was somewhat moved—mainly because this would let her act independently without relying on Rukia's body.
She still couldn't be sure Yoshio spoke truthfully.
But after thinking it over, she stepped forward.
Standing before Yoshio, she said, "I only need to infuse spiritual power, right?"
Yoshio smiled and nodded.
Dark Rukia placed her hand on the doll's head. In the next instant, the doll began to change…
Its body swelled and twisted, finally taking a humanoid form identical to Dark Rukia.
There, in the street, two Rukias appeared out of thin air.
These two girls even wore identical clothing.
Dark Rukia raised her hand and looked at herself.
"You really are… resourceful."
"A small trick," Yoshio said, looking at the two Rukias. "Compared to your phase-shifting, my ability is nothing."
"I see…" Dark Rukia said quietly. "So how do you plan to deal with me? The Seireitei can't have one Rukia and then another me."
"Go to Hueco Mundo," Yoshio said. "Go to Las Noches—you've been there. That's my turf.
"If you get tired of it, you can leave."
Dark Rukia gave Yoshio a long look, then both Rukias moved.
The two Rukias sped off in opposite directions.
Centered on Yoshio, their silhouettes grew farther apart until both vanished.
Items reincarnated from Lonely Hell persist even after Bankai is ended, but Yoshio will bear the reishi used to generate them.
That reishi burden is manageable for him.
Because he coveted Dark Rukia's Souls Ability, Yoshio separated Dark Rukia out and called it "Mind-Cleaving Blade."
Previously, Dark Rukia was hidden deep within Rukia's primary soul; Yoshio couldn't raise her favorability at all. Only after attaining Bankai did he find this method to temporarily peel Dark Rukia away and let her exist apart from the main body.
Even if Dark Rukia returns and sleeps again, she can still use the separated consciousness to control this special Gigai reincarnated from Metastacia.
She is inherently hollow-tainted, and Metastacia is also a hollow soul—this is arguably the most suitable Gigai for her.
As long as Dark Rukia can act independently, Yoshio will have a chance to raise her favorability.
With that problem solved, Yoshio felt noticeably better. He glanced at the dim sky and couldn't help ducking into a nearby shop to buy some food to bring back.
As he neared home, the skies seemed to grow heavier.
"Looks like… rain."
He opened the door and saw the four still training in the courtyard. "Hungry? I brought snacks," he called.
They shook their heads— they'd eaten before coming.
Yoshio set a jug of wine on the stone table in the yard along with peanuts, ready to sip and snack.
But the weather didn't cooperate. No sooner had he sat down than lightning split the sky, thunder rolling right after.
In a heartbeat, the rain poured down, as if the sky had been punched open and water columns gushed out. The two persimmon trees in the yard looked pitiful, bent by the gale.
"Wind's strong."
Yoshio felt a touch of letdown. The ones training—Reiji and the others—took their leave too, planning to return the next night.
"Why leave? It's pouring and I live alone. Just stay here."
He tried to stop them.
Yoshio's residence wasn't just a single house. It had once belonged to a minor noble family, with many residents and even servants. Though it hadn't been thoroughly cleaned in a while, it was enough for them to make do for a night.
Better than getting drenched on the way home.
But in the end they didn't stay—the downpour came in a rush and stopped quickly.
At first it was heavy, but it ended in short order, and they seized the chance to head back.
So, Yoshio was left alone again.
It was better if they didn't stay; this way he could head to Hueco Mundo more easily.
Yoshio opened a Garganta from the Seireitei to Hueco Mundo.
He'd just summoned Dark Rukia, after all.
…
As soon as he entered Las Noches, Dark Rukia appeared by his side.
"You're fast. Were you waiting for me?" Yoshio said, surprised.
Dark Rukia has the ability to lock onto a spiritual target and appear at their side instantly. Even while using a Gigai, she can use it.
This may relate to innate properties of Metastacia's Gigai; it seems partially parasitized by Dark Rukia.
"They wouldn't let me in. I didn't want to argue," Dark Rukia said coolly.
"They're just following orders," Yoshio chuckled. "Don't make it hard on them.
"Dealing with hollows and Arrancars is a headache."
"Yoshio, who is this?"
Their conversation had drawn Lilynette from the next room. She opened the door and saw Dark Rukia speaking with Yoshio.
"Oh, her? She's been to Las Noches—Rukia Kuchiki," Yoshio said. "This is Lilynette Gingerbuck."
Dark Rukia nodded.
"I think I remember her," Lilynette said, eyeing Rukia—she did look familiar.
"Rukia will be staying in Las Noches for a bit. Please help Starrk look after her," Yoshio told Lilynette.
Dark Rukia glanced at him, saying nothing.
"Hi, uh… weird girl…" Lilynette felt secretly pleased—Rukia didn't seem hard to get along with, better than most Arrancar, right?
But looking at Rukia, she didn't know how to address her.
Was this a shinigami… or a hollow?
Strangely, even Arrancar cannot make their mask fragments disappear entirely.
Even Starrk and Szayelaporro still have partial mask remnants on their faces.
The mask is the hollow's emblem; no matter how far they evolve, until they fully shed the hollow's influence and identity, the mask won't vanish.
Because the mask is the hollow's lost heart—when it disappears completely, it means that part of the heart has returned to the soul!
What else do you call a soul with a whole heart but a whole being?
As of now, no hollow has reached that state—not even Starrk or Szayelaporro!
So Rukia shouldn't be a hollow, and yet…
The spiritual pressure emanating from her is indeed something only hollows have.
So strange.
Seeing Lilynette's doubt, Yoshio didn't elaborate. "Rukia's situation is special and complicated. If she's interested, she can tell you herself."
Rukia didn't want to continue that topic; she turned to Yoshio instead.
"You said you wanted me to join your team?"
Yoshio rubbed his forehead. "I did think that before, but Espada has already been established. I had urgent business and couldn't wait."
Lilynette said blandly, "The Espada roster isn't set in stone. Why not challenge for an Espada seat?"
…Rukia fell silent for a moment. "I'm only a Gigai now, a clone. I can fight somewhat, but I'm far weaker than the main body."
Yoshio nodded. "Right.
"Rukia will only be in Las Noches temporarily, so I don't think an Espada seat fits. Are you interested in a Three-Digit rank?"
Yoshio had thought, since Dark Rukia killed Aaroniero, that an Espada seat was vacant and she could fill it.
But with Espada already set, putting the still-unstable Dark Rukia into it wasn't ideal.
Since Nelliel is Three-Digit already, why not have Dark Rukia accompany her?
"I don't care," Dark Rukia said. "Will you be around often?"
"I…" Yoshio thought. "I'll usually come by at night.
"Daytime I've still got Seireitei work." He stretched.
"Loly!"
He called for Loly; the next moment, she appeared at the door.
"Yoshio-sama, your orders?" Loly asked respectfully.
"Rukia is my friend. When I'm not around, look after her. And… get her a room."
"Yes."
Yoshio's real intent was to have Loly keep an eye on Dark Rukia. He wanted to raise her favorability, but just as she didn't know him well, he didn't know Loly well either.
So some quiet precautions were necessary.
Loly understood and waved a hand.
"You all chat. I'm heading back—I work tomorrow."
He yawned again.
Dark Rukia said nothing, leaving with Lilynette and Loly.
Only then did Yoshio return home.
…
The next night, the four-person training meet resumed.
After training, the other three left—only Hitsugaya remained.
"Yoshio-san…"
He stood before Yoshio, a bit expectant. "I want to spar with you."
"Hm?"
Yoshio yawned. "Don't be ridiculous. Lieutenants can't just release Zanpakuto inside the Seireitei."
"Then let's go outside," Hitsugaya insisted.
Yoshio eyed him skeptically. "What grudge do we have that you're so eager to fight me? And you should call me Senior Yoshio."
"We're both lieutenants now—in theory, we're about the same level," Hitsugaya replied stiffly. "And I don't want to fight, only to see our gap."
"There isn't much of a gap," Yoshio shook his head. "Like you said, both lieutenants—similar level.
"Plus, you've learned Bankai; you've surpassed me."
"Impossible!" Hitsugaya blurted. "I sense a pressure from you—a feeling only captains give me!
"I know you're hiding your strength because you don't want to be captain. Being a captain means you can't slack, but…"
He seemed a bit agitated. "I really want to know how big the gap is between us!"
…You misunderstand. I hide my strength because I'm a villain…
But—well—he's not wrong. I don't want to be captain because I don't want paperwork.
The only captain slot opening is Tenth Division; partnering with the lazy Rangiku would be a painful experience.
"You're really that set on this, huh?"
Yoshio's expression hardened. "In that case, I can give you a chance.
"But Gotei 13 forbids infighting, so I can't grant it lightly. How about this…
"Captain Ukitake plans to pass his position to you—we both know. When you become Thirteenth Division captain, I'll fight you. But we can't let others know."
"Alright," Hitsugaya said. Then he added, "When the time comes, should you call me Captain Hitsugaya?"
"In your dreams!" Yoshio rapped him on the head; Hitsugaya covered his head with both hands.
"You brat—want me to call you captain? Too early.
"Come on, looks like rain again."
Hitsugaya nodded and left Yoshio's home.
He had his reasons to challenge Yoshio.
Hitsugaya knew he was a prodigy, yet facing Yoshio always left him frustrated.
Joining Fifth Division he learned Yoshio had graduated not long ago and became Lieutenant in under six years.
He set Yoshio as his target—feeling even a hint of competition.
Hitsugaya trained hard, but no matter how strong he grew, whenever he saw Yoshio, he felt Yoshio was still stronger.
Even knowing Yoshio was older and graduated earlier, the genius still felt frustration—followed by a fierce competitive drive.
Having someone like Yoshio was good for him—not only because Yoshio took him from Rukongai to Shin'ō Academy, but because Yoshio's existence taught him there's always someone better, calming his restless heart.
He longed for the day they'd officially fight.
He didn't expect to wait years.
…
When nothing major happens, time flies.
Since the last incident, the Seireitei had been searching for the Visored and Arrancar. If they were easy to find, the Seireitei under Central 46 wouldn't be what it is.
If Kisuke Urahara's whereabouts aren't found, the Seireitei remains peaceful.
While Wandenreich and Las Noches raced to develop, the Seireitei's shinigami slipped into complacency, oblivious to external shifts, enjoying peace.
Thus, a few years passed in a flash.
By now, Yoshio's coaching class had ended, because those shinigami who attended his Bankai seminar had all achieved materialization.
The rest is submission—and then they'll grasp Bankai.
During this time, their favorability toward Yoshio rose further—
From the 80s to the 90s. Sadly, their abilities haven't changed yet, including Renji. Souls Ability had fluctuated before, so Yoshio still wasn't sure his earlier hypothesis was right.
In these years, Yoshio acquired some soul ability.
He permanently obtained: Ise Nanao's "Mirror Counter," Lieutenant Kotetsu's "Don't Want To Grow Taller," Iba Tetsuzaemon's "All-rounder," and Rukia Kuchiki's "Stars."
Temporary one-time: Nelliel's "Size Shift," Dark Rukia's "Mind-Cleaving Blade," and Ginjiro's "Glasses Designer."
As for the Wandenreich side…
As noted, Wandenreich is brutally harsh; most lower classes are consumables. You have no time to build favorability—your duty is to serve the Empire.
If you have time to chat, better think how to contribute!
Perhaps only true high officials—the Sternritter—have selves.
Baelz trained in the Third Training Ground for five years and wasn't expelled, but by process and results, his talent is average within that cohort.
Given the Third Ground's high baseline, his talent is actually decent.
Compared to shinigami, he's essentially a Hinamori—if lucky, he might reach lieutenant level.
Not enough for Sternritter, but he isn't discouraged—talent isn't everything anymore.
In five years he barely interacted with the woman who looked like Suì-Fēng, only learning her name: "Surtur."
Unfamiliar, never seen in the manga. Given her appearance, Yoshio faintly judged she was a change caused by his existence.
After Surtur graduated and directly entered Sternritter as "S," he was even more convinced!
S should be The Superstar!
Realizing this, Yoshio paid more attention to Surtur, thinking she might be crucial.
Only… he couldn't contact her.
I need to think about how to join the Sternritter first!
After graduating from the Third Training Ground, Baelz chose the Wandenreich Technology Research Institute—analogous to the Seireitei's R&D Institute.
Not a conventional path, but perfect for him.
He plans to combine Quincy tech with shinigami and hollowfication techniques to develop a system to strengthen himself, making his Quincy clone stronger—then use the Institute as a springboard into the Sternritter.
Fastest way to power is devouring Soul King fragments. Quincies aren't hollows, but they should be able to use the fragments' power well.
But the Tsunayashiro stock was devoured by Angra Mainyu; the remaining fragments…
He'll likely only find them among Hollowfication Users.
Which is what's happening now in the Seireitei.
Shortly after Baelz joined the Institute, Yoshio in Fifth Division heard news.
…
"What?"
"Captain Ukitake is stepping down?" he asked Hitsugaya, surprised.
"Why so shocked?" Hitsugaya said coolly. "Didn't you expect it? Aren't you close with Captain Ukitake?"
"I am, but he told me he had things to handle."
"Yes," Hitsugaya nodded, then grew serious. "So, he's already handling it."
"What is it? You're not here because of Captain Ukitake, are you?"
"You've heard the fuss about the Substitute Shinigami, right?" Hitsugaya sighed, hand to forehead. "You're careless!
"A human named Ginjō Kūgo is wielding a shinigami's Zanpakuto. According to Captain Ukitake, he's likely of shinigami lineage…"
"That…" Yoshio frowned. "How is that possible?"
"I know it sounds unlikely," Hitsugaya said gravely, "but it's the only way to explain a human possessing shinigami power."
This means Yoshio is, too; but those from Rukongai like Hitsugaya aren't—though their descendants would be.
Spiritual pressure, though mysterious, can be passed like blood.
Shinigami offspring are more likely to have spiritual aptitude.
Noble children have stronger reiatsu.
For the Five Great Noble Families, even if a generation lacks it, in a few generations a captain-class reiatsu shinigami appears.
That's their advantage—others might shine for two or three generations; they shine for millennia.
Don't be fooled—Byakuya is only the 28th head because the Kuchiki Family appears as one of the Five Great Noble Families at that time.
Across a million years, the system wouldn't remain noble-based forever.
Ancient systems were more brutal and people more ignorant; the Five Families still ruled but not necessarily as nobles until nobility replaced the old and they surfaced as its apex.
In short, as a shinigami descendant… it's no surprise Ginjō Kūgo has shinigami power.
Even so, Yoshio feigned surprise. "No way—how can a shinigami have a child with a human?"
Shinigami are composed of reishi; humans of kishi. Even using a Gigai, their life essences differ.
Different species have reproductive.
"I… don't know," Hitsugaya admitted.
"So what's Central 46's plan? You said 'Substitute Shinigami'—they want to recruit him?"
"That's Captain Ukitake's idea. He's submitted it to Central 46," Hitsugaya said. "He proposes the Substitute role to see if the human can become one of us."
"I see…
"As expected of Captain Ukitake—so kind," Yoshio murmured.
Hitsugaya wasn't keen on the Substitute matter; he'd come mainly because…
"Captain Ukitake says that after this, he'll formally apply to retire," Hitsugaya said. "Don't forget what you promised."
"Yeah, yeah," Yoshio said dully. "I won't go back on it."
He was considering how to handle things.
The main issue: Baelz is trapped in the great prison that is Wandenreich—he can't get out, no one can get in.
Even if he gets fragments from Fullbringers, he can't send them into Wandenreich.
Wandenreich lies in the Seireitei's shadow, but that shadow is a special spatial domain made by Quincy shadow power.
Having shadow powers doesn't grant entry; for example, Kyōraku Shunsui's Shikai has "Kageoni," letting him sneak into an object's shadow.
Yoshio doesn't believe Shunsui hadn't used Kageoni in the Seireitei over a thousand years—yet he never discovered Wandenreich.
Thus, merely entering shadows doesn't mean entering Wandenreich—only the chosen can enter.
Yoshio believes Aizen has been investigating Wandenreich all this time, though he rarely shares what he does.
If it's Aizen, he's probably found clues, but Yoshio can't just ask him for help.
He can't say, "Captain Aizen, I want to send the Soul king fragments I collected to my clone in Wandenreich; can you let me in?" right?
So… he can't do that.
Thankfully, Aizen isn't the only one investigating Wandenreich.
There's someone even more technically adept—Kisuke Urahara!
Yoshio had another idea:
He'd acquired Dark Rukia's Souls Ability "Mind-Cleaving Blade," which splits off an existence exactly opposite to the target.
Though he can only use it once for now, used on the right target it would be hugely useful.
For example… if he slashed Aizen, he could split off another Aizen—opposite in personality, race, even gender. But both would be Aizen, with Aizen's memories.
The only question: how would intellect be apportioned…
If it's inverted, would the split be an idiot?
Aizen's a genius—would his opposite be a fool?
What a waste—a beautiful idiot…
More importantly, Aizen won't stand there and let himself be cut.
Wait—should he proactively tell Aizen?
Would Aizen be interested in another version of himself?
Given Aizen's twisted humor, maybe he would?
Perhaps he'd welcome being cut once?
No, too risky to ask directly… test the waters later?
This plan stays as backup; if he really prepares, he must prepare thoroughly.
Before collecting fragments from Fullbringers, he must set Urahara's hollow avatar in motion.
As for using Mind-Cleaving Blade on Kisuke Urahara?
Forget it!
On Aizen, it's because his arrogance means the split-off Aizen might be easier to handle.
On Urahara, that'd make life too hard.
A pitch-black Kisuke Urahara as a boss is terrifying—no weaker than Aizen!
Aizen sometimes cares about aesthetics and spares enemies; Urahara doesn't—he typically kills them.
…
Yoshio in Angra shook his head, dismissing the thought, then went to Kisuke Urahara.
In the former training area, Angra sat opposite Urahara and asked:
"The Ishida clan in Karakura Town seems to have taken in a baby girl from the Kurosaki family. You said we must deal with Quincies, but you're awfully lenient toward those in Karakura Town."