The plot of the movie "Bleach: Fade to Black" is roughly as follows.
Shizuku and Homura are actually parasitized by the Parasite Hollow, but because they are fixated on finding Rukia, they ignore the problem.
They first attack the Research and Development Institute, throw Seireitei into chaos, and then take the chance to kidnap Rukia.
Wanting to be with Rukia, they even fuse with her, ultimately triggering the classic appearance of Dark Rukia.
Even Kurosaki Ichigo ends up the only one who still remembers Rukia!
Yoshio thinks he can seize this opportunity… kill three birds with one stone!
First, to boost Rukia's favorability. If the storyline he designs goes to plan, everyone will forget Rukia—and at that time, only he will remember her. Wouldn't Rukia be moved to tears?
Rukia's favorability toward him is already at 80. If he can push it to 90, he'll probably be able to permanently acquire her current Souls Ability.
Yoshio isn't that interested in this ability, but having it is better than not, and getting another Souls Ability never hurts.
Second, he can also raise Dark Rukia's favorability.
Compared to "Two-Selves," the ability "Mind-Cleaving Blade" is crucial. Yoshio is very eager to obtain it.
Dark Rukia has been contemplating how to resolve her co-existence with Rukia's original body. If that can be properly solved, it will raise both Rukia's and Dark Rukia's favorability.
Third, acquire Quincy souls from the Technology Research Institute for follow-up research on the Hōgyoku.
Speaking of which, this might be considered helping the Quincy in the Technology Research Institute find release.
According to Mayuri Kurotsuchi, the Quincy souls in the Institute had been tortured to death; he then used various means to sustain their lives, subjecting them to great suffering.
If they're sacrificed for the Hōgyoku… they might even thank us.
However, this requires dedicated time to design, and he must also find a way to make everyone forget Rukia while only he remembers her, and do so in a seemingly reasonable manner.
Most importantly, he must design the two souls "Homura" and "Shizuku," and the key "Parasite Hollow"!
Yoshio previously read about the Parasite Hollow in the Daireishokairō.
The Parasite Hollow is a special Hollow discovered while Kisuke Urahara was head of the Research and Development Institute. He performed some experiments and extracted data.
But before he could go further, the hollowfication incident occurred, forcing Urahara to leave the Institute and Soul Society. The Parasite Hollow was thus stored in the Institute for an unknown number of years.
Left unsupervised too long, the Parasite Hollow escaped and successfully parasitized a Shinigami.
In this world, the Parasite Hollow exists too!
It just never leaked; and it was Mayuri Kurotsuchi who discovered it here.
When they were in the Daireishokairō, Mayuri Kurotsuchi was present, so he must have seen the Parasite Hollow data as well.
After returning, he certainly would have found the Parasite Hollow—perhaps continuing Urahara's research? Or altering it?
In biotechnology, Mayuri Kurotsuchi's technical prowess even surpasses Urahara's. He might really be able to transform the Parasite Hollow into something bizarre and grotesque.
So before starting his plan, Yoshio still has a lot of preparation to do.
In short, this can't be wrapped up quickly.
Before Dark Rukia left, Yoshio told her: "Wait a bit longer. I'll investigate thoroughly, make all preparations, and then notify you."
"I can't use your Gigai anymore," Dark Rukia said. "To notify me, you'll have to do it the way you woke me before."
"Understood."
"Alright, I'm going back. If I stay out of touch too long, Rukia will notice something's off."
"Okay." Yoshio sent Dark Rukia back to the Soul Society.
…
At the Kamado family home, Rukia, slumped over the table, groggily opened her eyes.
She shot upright, face flushing red, and hurriedly said, "Sorry, Senior Yoshio! I nodded off just now!"
Yoshio was nearby leafing through books on Kidō. Seeing Rukia wake, he couldn't help saying, "You seem really tired lately. Head home and get some rest."
A bit embarrassed, Rukia said, "I don't know why I suddenly fell asleep. Maybe these days… I really have been too tired…?"
"Mind your rest," Yoshio cautioned. "Even if you want to grow stronger, don't overwork your body."
"Yes, I understand, Senior Yoshio."
After Yoshio saw Rukia off, he returned home.
He went to his desk and sat down again.
This time, he didn't read, but fell into thought.
He must figure out the layout of the Research and Development Institute and find the Parasite Hollow.
But the Institute isn't an ordinary place. Unless he had Aizen's Kyōka Suigetsu, there's no way to enter unnoticed.
Kyōka Suigetsu…
Thinking of Kyōka Suigetsu, Yoshio naturally thought of Enrakyōten, which is currently in Angra Mainyu's hands.
Enrakyōten can copy Zanpakutō, and by using Enrakyōten, naturally one can also use Kyōka Suigetsu.
However, that's a hassle, because Enrakyōten's Kyōka Suigetsu is not shared with Aizen's; meaning he'd still have to perform Enrakyōten's Shikai on the Institute's personnel to put them under the hypnosis ceremony.
Moreover, Yoshio himself possesses the 'Appearance Mimicry' ability. He can use it to transform into Aizen's appearance and use his powers.
When using Kyōka Suigetsu via an Appearance Mimicry transform into Aizen, the linkage is to Aizen.
Yoshio once used this method to subdue a weakened Baraggan.
However, transforming into Aizen consumes too much reishi. When he dealt with Baraggan, he only transformed for a short moment.
This time, going to the Institute to search for clues won't be easy; it'll certainly be a long process.
The method isn't impossible, just troublesome, so Yoshio set it aside as a fallback.
He now thought of a better solution: seek someone in Seireitei who is nearly all-seeing.
One is his clone, Baelz; another is Sōya Azashiro, the Eleventh Division's eighth Kenpachi, imprisoned in Muken!
Sōya Azashiro goes without saying. He was the eighth Kenpachi of the Eleventh Division. His Bankai allows him to merge with reishi, thereby completing a fusion with Seireitei.
Though his body is imprisoned in Muken, he himself has merged with Seireitei, so one could say he is "everywhere."
Even Aizen's Kyōka Suigetsu can't escape his gaze.
Presumably only safe houses can escape Sōya Azashiro, because safe houses are absolutely "safe" and absolutely private.
However, because Muken contains many barriers that weaken Zanpakutō and spirit stones that impede reishi flow, he can only monitor the outside world, not intervene.
This person can certainly see the Institute—but how to contact him is an issue.
He can know what you say, but you cannot convey your thoughts to him, nor communicate.
So, after thinking it over, Yoshio still listed Sōya Azashiro as the second choice.
The first choice had to be his clone.
Baelz is located in Seireitei's shadow, and Quincy located in shadows can monitor the outside world.
But this work is handled by an independent department—the Monitoring Team.
The Monitoring Team specializes in observing Shinigami in the external world, collecting their combat data, and analyzing their reishi. After collating, classifying, and analyzing all footage, they also forward it to the Sternritter.
As a member of the Technology Research Institute, Baelz isn't far from the external monitoring department, and can even borrow some data from them.
Under the pretext of investigating Shinigami, borrowing surveillance footage from the Institute should be feasible.
With that in mind, Yoshio decided to set Baelz in motion.
He must develop the Hōgyoku!
The clone's task is arduous and the road long.
…
Baelz opened his eyes at this moment. His thoughts aligned with Yoshio's, so he naturally knew what to do.
Early this morning, he headed to the Sternritter palace.
The Sternritter reside in Quincy City, the Wandenreich's main city. The Sternritter palace sits at the core of Quincy City, guarding the king's innermost residence.
Someone like Baelz is considered important in the Wandenreich. He lives in the mid-outer ring of Quincy City—Quincy City being where ordinary people live.
After Baelz joined the Technology Research Institute, he could have moved closer to the core area, but…
He's penniless.
The reality of it. He has no savings. Though his monthly income is considerable, he spends it all on experimental materials and equipment, so he has no money to buy a house.
Damn, this must be the worst identity he's ever drawn.
Baelz grumbled inwardly.
He's so miserable he needs to find himself a rich big sister to latch onto!
Baelz arrived at the Sternritter's palace with a briefcase. Each Sternritter commands numerous subordinates. While these people are considered cannon fodder in war, they hold high status in the empire.
Cannon fodder is a relative term.
When Baelz reached Liltotto's palace, he was stopped by Quincy guards before he could enter.
"Who goes there!?"
A masked Quincy held out an arm to block Baelz's path.
Baelz produced his ID, a badge emblazoned with a sun.
This is the Gate of the Sun badge, used to enter and exit the Gate of the Sun. In rank, it's slightly below the Sternritter badge.
It also serves as an ID, recording personal identity information.
The Quincy took the badge, returned it shortly, then said, "Please wait a moment, I'll notify Lady Liltotto."
"Thank you," Baelz replied politely.
Moments later, Liltotto came over.
She wasn't in Quincy uniform this time, but in casual clothes—and still eating constantly.
One hand tucked in her jacket pocket, the other holding a piece of bread, she came out with a touch of annoyance, looked at Baelz, and said, "Hey you, what are you doing coming to a place like this?"
"Lady Liltotto…"
Baelz said, "It's like this, Lord Haschwalth once said anyone who can devise new imperial security measures can be promoted to bureau chief."
"This is the plan I came up with over the last two days, please take a look!"
With that, he took out a draft from his bag.
Hm?
Liltotto looked at Baelz in surprise and said, "Even if Haschwalth said that, isn't this too fast for you? And why ask me? Just go straight to Haschwalth."
Still, despite her words, she picked up the draft for a glance.
She didn't take it seriously at first, not believing Baelz could design anything in such a short time.
This guy must be trying to take a shortcut.
That's how she felt initially, but after reading it carefully a few times, even she—no tech expert—couldn't help but be impressed. It really is a flawless defense system.
She couldn't parse the various data and techniques, but Baelz had considered that and provided detailed explanations in many places.
"Not bad," Liltotto said after reading, "This is a good thing—why not show it directly to Haschwalth?"
"...Well," Baelz said, a bit embarrassed, "The system still lacks one final step, so I wanted to finish it before meeting Lord Haschwalth."
"Hm?" Liltotto continued, "So you came to me just for that last step?"
Baelz looked even more awkward. Scratching his head, he said, "Though there's no theoretical problem and it's fully supported technically, I haven't had time to simulate it on machines because the Research and Development Institute self-destructed."
"And finally, part of the Shinigami reishi analysis is missing, so…"
Seeing Baelz's slightly tense expression, Liltotto couldn't help saying, "Say what you mean. You're still a kid but talk like an old man—so long-winded."
Baelz continued, "I lack funding to purchase simulation equipment, and… I want to borrow some data from the Monitoring Team."
Liltotto pulled an "see? bothersome as expected" face, but turned and said, "Fine, I'll help you one more time."
"Follow me."
Baelz was overjoyed and couldn't help thanking her loudly: "Thank you, Lady Liltotto!"
As for money, the Sternritter, absolute high officials within the Wandenreich, certainly aren't short of it.
And Monitoring Team data is a mere word from Liltotto.
Whatever the Technology Research Institute, the external monitoring department, the armory…
All these departments are subordinate to the Sternritter! The twenty-six Sternritter are the leaders of all departments!
With one word from Liltotto, Baelz can borrow the data!
This was Baelz's first time entering the core area of Quincy City. It's packed with Quincy—not ordinary Quincy, but the kind who hardly even use Hirenkyaku.
These are elite among the Quincy; when war breaks out, hunting and fighting ordinary Shinigami poses no problem for them.
They've trained for a thousand years for revenge—how can Seireitei's peace match that?
Following Liltotto, Baelz also drew some Quincy eyes.
The Sternritter palace stands apart yet connects to the central palace, like a massive ring guarding it.
As Baelz followed Liltotto inside, he saw a woman at the doorway.
The girl wore a red dress and a sky-blue beret.
Her long hair cascaded to her waist like a waterfall; she looked both valiant and stunning.
By looks alone, she was even prettier than Liltotto.
"Hey, where've you been?"
The girl leaned impatiently on Liltotto's room door.
After speaking she saw Baelz behind Liltotto and said curiously, "Huh? Who's that?"
While talking, she moved up to Liltotto and teased, "Since when did you start liking to pick up pretty boys?"
"You idiot, not everyone's like you," Liltotto said coolly. "What do you want with me? It's a rare day off; didn't I say I just want to eat?"
"I came to chat, but now I'm really interested in the handsome little guy behind you!"
Under the girl's gaze, Baelz tensed a little.
Because he knew—this was E, Bambietta Basterbine of the Sternritter!
This woman has a habit: when she gets angry, she finds a handsome guy, does some things with him in a room, then kills him!
Right now, the person in front of Baelz is scarier than a billion serial killers standing there!
He couldn't help it. Although Baelz still looked like a young boy, he was very handsome—no less than that arrogant guy Tōshirō Hitsugaya.
If Bambietta targets him…
"Idiot, Baelz is my former neighbor. You'd better not get any ideas," Liltotto said coldly. "If you're idle, go find Candice. I have business here."
"Sounds like I'm totally idle!" A loud voice came from afar. The green-haired sis walked over, displeased: "Sounds like I've got nothing to do. I can't pretend I didn't hear that!"
What were you saying just now?
When Candice came over, she also noticed Baelz. She widened her eyes and said, "Wow! Liltotto, where'd you pick up such an adorable little brother?!"
Liltotto slapped her own forehead with her palm.
"You two hopeless girls, I really can't with you," she said weakly. "Ignore them, Baelz. You come in first."
Liltotto opened the door and went in.
Baelz cautiously looked at Candice and Bambietta; after the two entered, he went in as well.
"Hey, Liltotto…" Bambietta looked around Liltotto's room and said, "At least tidy up if you're having a guest."
Baelz was speechless too. Liltotto is a pretty girl, but her room was as messy as a shut-in fat nerd's.
Crumbs of cookies and bread littered the floor, a bag of half-eaten donuts sat on the desk, and a bottle of the nerd's favorite sugar soda beside it.
Still, her room was huge. The living room alone was larger than Baelz's entire house.
"You're too noisy; I never said I'd let you in!" Liltotto said. "I hadn't planned on letting Baelz in either—it's your fault!"
As Liltotto spoke, she went into her inner room, then came out with a bag and tossed it to Baelz.
Baelz quickly caught it, and heard Liltotto say, "The gold coins inside should cover your next round of research. While those two crazy women are still relatively normal, get going. When you reach the Monitoring Squad, just say I greenlit it."
"Thank you, Lady Liltotto!"
Receiving a bag of gold coins, Baelz said happily.
Then he withdrew according to Liltotto's instructions.
"You make it sound like I'd actually do something to him," Bambietta said nonchalantly. "I like pretty boys, sure, but he's too young."
"Yeah, you make it sound like I'm a pervert," Candice added. "But why have I never heard you mention you had such a cute little neighbor brother? You don't have some special kink, do you?"
Liltotto gave them a bored look, grabbed a donut from the table, and stuffed it in her mouth.
"The only ones with weird kinks are you two."
"By the way, you said you're having him do research? He's from the Technology Research Institute?"
"Yes. He designed a security system but seems short on funds for simulation, so he came to borrow money," Liltotto yawned. "Honestly, that brat's actually quite capable."
"To get into the Institute at such a young age—he's got potential. He might even make Sternritter rank someday."
Baelz had no idea about the three women's conversation. He only wanted to quickly buy equipment, go home to run analyses, and study the Institute's surveillance footage.
This time, he had appeared before three Sternritter, thus gaining a glimpse of their Souls Abilities.
He had already seen Liltotto's Souls Ability, "Calamity Undying."
"Calamity Undying: In danger, you suffer self-injury only, but will not die."
This is very powerful—essentially a locked life bar. In battle, once activated, it grants the user an invincible state.
Baelz guessed this might be because Liltotto repeatedly survives in the original story.
She survives during the Auswählen period.
Even upon going to the Soul King Palace and facing Yhwach directly, Liltotto still survives.
Others survive too, but Liltotto leaves the deepest impression.
Candice's Souls Ability is "Lightning Wielder."
"Lightning Wielder: Passive. Upon reaching 80 favorability, gain permanent control over lightning."
This is just extra offensive output, which is important for Baelz since he's merely a clone and lacks attack methods.
Bambietta's Souls Ability is "False Leader."
"False Leader: Upon activation, subordinates will rebel."
Heh, what junk skill is that?
Baelz nearly laughed out loud when he saw it.
Bambietta prides herself on being the captain of a girl squad, but is ultimately betrayed by her friends and turned into a puppet.
If that's so, then Liltotto's ability should be "True Leader," right?
If Baelz were arranging things, he'd assign that to Liltotto, with the effect… to replace the real boss and become the true number one of the group.
However, "Calamity Undying" is also extremely strong, so Baelz had no regrets.
In fact, given his current identity, as long as he can become Sternritter and be their peer, gaining their favor shouldn't be too hard.
He's handsome. Though still small-bodied now, he's indeed good-looking—and won't stay small forever. When he grows up, he'll naturally become a devastatingly handsome guy.
Baelz's base appearance is much higher than Yoshio's. Yoshio is handsome now too, but that's thanks to "Appearance Enhancement."
Pretty boys attract beauties. This is a face-value world.
Most Sternritter are eccentric. Not idiots and lunatics like the Espada, but normal people are few.
You don't need to be special—just act like a normal person and it's easy to be liked.
However, Sternritter character development pales in comparison to the Espada and Gotei 13, so most of their Souls Abilities should align with their own powers. Among them, Baelz is most focused on the Sternritter's and Yhwach's abilities.
As for Haschwalth, Baelz had also seen him previously at an execution.
Haschwalth's Souls Ability is "The Scales."
"The Scales: Place two items on either side of a scale to make the values equal."
"Note 1: The higher-value item has a 50% chance to become low-value; the low-value item has a 50% chance to become high-value."
"Note 2: Items placed on the scale must belong to yourself."
Frankly, this is extremely powerful.
For example, if Baelz obtained the Hōgyoku, he could place a rock on one side and the Hōgyoku on the other.
Then, the Hōgyoku has a 50% chance to become a rock, and the rock a 50% chance to become the Hōgyoku!
However, Baelz also knows Haschwalth's favorability isn't easy to raise.
Even if he gets promoted to Sternritter, his status would still be below Haschwalth; Haschwalth is the commander of the Sternritter!
With unequal status, favorability is hard to improve.
Just like how Yoshio worked long and hard but couldn't raise Kyōraku Shunsui's favorability.
So he didn't pin hopes on this Souls Ability; he won't get it anytime soon—no, likely never.
These people's favorability can't be pushed further now.
They've lived for millennia; even if their hearts aren't stone, it's hard to raise their favorability easily.
If you want to raise favorability, the best way is to go back and raise it when they were young.
If he could go back to Haschwalth's childhood, Baelz would say boosting his favorability would be child's play.
Speaking of which, Tsukishima Shūkurō's ability "Book of the End" can alter the past; it's just unknown what his Souls Ability is.
If his Souls Ability can alter the past, it would be a powerful tool for raising favorability.
'Looks like I need to go see Ginjō again.'
Thinking this, Baelz delivered Liltotto's verbal authorization to the Monitoring Team.
Although there was no letter, verbal authorization sufficed; no one would lie about this as it's easy to verify.
Yoshio obtained monitoring access to Seireitei; he opened the program and found the state of Seireitei truly shocking.
Every place in Seireitei is monitored by Quincy!
At least Quincy have some professional ethics—they aren't peeping on girls bathing.
Baelz tuned the screen to the Research and Development Institute and examined its layout.
Naturally, the Institute has many strict security measures, but none guard against shadows.
This is the drawback of a knowledge gap; after learning about the Wandenreich, Aizen and Kisuke Urahara specifically guarded against shadows.
Even if Aizen appeared on screen, Baelz knew the one in surveillance might not be the real Aizen!
Mayuri, having received no further intel on the Wandenreich, had no defenses against shadows.
From the shadows, Baelz easily saw the Institute's layout.
Parasite Hollow…
Baelz searched everywhere and finally found it in a corner of Mayuri's lab.
The Parasite Hollow was sealed in a massive container; it itself was tiny, only the size of a pinky finger, but the container was a huge cylinder.
Green liquid filled the cylinder; the Parasite Hollow floated in its center, seeming dormant.
Baelz wanted to review the data on the Parasite Hollow, but unfortunately Mayuri did not make that public.
They could monitor only; they could not intervene.
But that's fine; Baelz didn't believe that combing through the past years' surveillance recordings wouldn't turn up footage of Mayuri's research.
So when he left the Monitoring Team, Baelz carried an oversized box packed with surveillance tapes of the Institute.
Back home, he used the money borrowed from Liltotto to purchase a large amount of equipment and materials.
While continuing to design security measures, he began watching the surveillance, ultimately analyzing Soul King fragments and browsing related Quincy information.
Baelz's current identity is probably the busiest among the three clones.
But no matter how busy he is, the other clones can't help; Yoshio must study the Hōgyoku, and Angra must study the books brought from the Tsunayashiro Clan.
As the three were busy, the Black created by Aizen finally took form.
…
That day, Yoshio again visited Aizen's lab.
There he saw a girl.
Well, she technically isn't a girl; though her appearance is gentle, a cool beauty, she has no sex yet.
However, Yoshio felt Black would certainly become a girl in the future—after all, gods are girls.
Ahem, external form reflects inner self; since she already looks like a beauty, wouldn't it be a pity if she didn't become a girl?
Black's Souls Ability is "Apotheosis."
"Apotheosis: Upon use, you gain qualification to become a god."
At first glance, it looks like a Soul King candidate, but seems totally useless.
Aizen's Souls Ability is "Apotheosis," which upon use makes him a god.
Thus, using your Souls Ability grants "qualification to become a god."
Isn't that just a subsidiary version of Aizen's?
Moreover, "qualification to become a god" is too abstract; what counts as qualification?
However, compared to Aizen, Black's Souls Ability should be easier to obtain, at least easier than Aizen's "Apotheosis."
"So from now on, she's my cousin?"
Yoshio asked with a slightly odd expression, "Captain Aizen, how do you plan to arrange her identity?"
"Let's call her Yamiko," Aizen said. "Next, send her to Shin'ō Academy as your distant cousin."
"Okay," Yoshio said, "But in her current state, can she attend school?"
Yoshio looked at Black; though formed, her eyes were vacant. Even with Yoshio and Aizen talking in front of her, she had no response.
"Her growth will be astonishing," Aizen said softly. "Don't underestimate her, Yoshio. Black's future achievements will be astounding."
"Alright…"
Yoshio looked at Black; she had silver hair and emerald eyes. Would anyone believe she's his cousin? She looks more like Tōshirō Hitsugaya's little sister!
No matter—let the old man Aizen do as he likes.
Yoshio checked the time and said, "Want me to take her over tomorrow?"
"If you wish, do it."
What do you mean "if I wish, do it"? You still want me to do it, don't you?
Yoshio grumbled internally, then said, "Alright, I'll take her home for now."
Aizen nodded, so Yoshio reached out to Black and said, "Hey, let's go home."
Black—Yamiko—looked at Yoshio, and a glint flashed in her eyes.
"Yes, brother."
Yamiko reached out; Yoshio took her hand and couldn't help saying, "I'm not your enemy. I won't attack you."
Her hand was hard, like touching stone.
She didn't seem to trust him.
In the end, Yamiko only dismissed Blut but kept her Hierro.
Seeing Yoshio's puzzled gaze, Yamiko said, "Hierro is innate; I can't control it."
"Alright, take it slow," Yoshio let go and said, "Just follow me."
Hierro is inherent, but won't affect daily life; like the Arrancar in Las Noches, their bodies aren't that hard outside combat.
Yamiko had just been created and hadn't grasped Shinigami, Hollow, and Quincy abilities yet; hence the situation.
Yoshio brought Yamiko home; of course they didn't share a room—he arranged her room next to his.
…
Upon waking the next day, Yoshio finally understood what Aizen meant by the child having an astonishing learning aptitude.
Last night she was like an emotionless problem child; by morning, she was a normal kid, with no trace of vacancy in her eyes.
"Brother, will you take me to school?"
Yoshio was a little surprised; as expected of a Soul King candidate crafted by Aizen, the effect is much stronger than the Hikone Ubuginu created by Tokinada Tsunayashiro. While the early stage might be weaker, Yamiko's growth rate far outpaces Hikone.
This child…
Her future is full of possibilities!
Yoshio then said, "Yes. Once you're there, get along well with others."
…
Shin'ō Academy is a basic academy for Shinigami, but most there are adults; few have a child-like physique like Yamiko.
So Yoshio also took Yamiko to see Oounabara Gengorō and asked him to look after her.
When meeting Oounabara Gengorō, Yoshio found Kyōraku Shunsui also in the office.
"Captain Kyōraku?"
Kyōraku turned, surprised to see Yoshio. "Oh, Yoshio—what are you doing at the Academy?"
"Uh, my cousin is enrolling today, and I was thinking…" Yoshio said with some embarrassment, "Please take care of her, teacher—she's still young."
Kyōraku looked at Yamiko then, a bit surprised, and said, "Yoshio, you have a cousin? Why have I never heard of her?"
"Oh, she moved out of Seireitei long ago. There was a family matter recently, so she had to come to Seireitei alone."
"I felt there wasn't much to do if she stayed at my place, so I'm having her enter Shin'ō Academy to become a Shinigami for her future safety."
Yoshio patted Yamiko's head; she seemed shy and hid behind him.
Looking at timid Yamiko, Kyōraku said, "Oh, what a cute little girl."
Yoshio's gaze turned dangerous: "Captain Kyōraku, Yamiko is still a child."
"Of course. Hey—what's with that look? Why are you looking at me like I'm some pervert?"
"Ahem." Yoshio coughed, then turned to Oounabara Gengorō. "Teacher, this is Yamiko. Do you think she can enroll now?"
"Of course." Oounabara Gengorō was delighted. "Yoshio, Hitsugaya you referred last time was a super prodigy! And now you're recommending another—your own relative no less. I'm sure she's also a genius!"
"Come, I'll take her to test her reishi aptitude."
Yoshio had warned Yamiko not to be too astonishing.
When created, Yamiko already had third-class spiritual pressure, but displaying that would be frightening.
So Yoshio instructed her to only show sixth-class spiritual pressure!