The Hollow horde under Baraggan's command swept through Hueco Mundo in a grand search for traces of Kensei and the other two. Unfortunately, Kensei had already returned to the Soul Society ahead of them.
The two remaining in Hueco Mundo—Yoruichi, the Onmitsukidō commander proficient in stealth and counter-tracking, and Aizen, the meticulous schemer—were more than a match for the simple minds of mere Adjuchas. Trying to find these two in the vast expanse of Hueco Mundo was as likely as the author winning a boxing match against Mike Tyson.
As for why Kensei returned to the Soul Society, it was purely because he was like the Tang Sanzang on the pilgrimage in Hueco Mundo—the Hollow factor within his body attracted nearby Hollows. After Aizen drew another vial of his blood for research, he was promptly kicked back.
I wonder if Sōsuke can manage to complete the Hollowfication research this time as well.
Walking the streets of the Seireitei, Kensei stroked his chin, his thoughts drifting.
But I remember mastering Hollowfication requires first defeating the Hollow within, and you lose consciousness during the process. If Yoruichi and Sōsuke have to face me in a berserk, Hollowfied state... yikes. Hope they're okay.
Sigh. In the end, it's all the fault of being too powerful.
Kensei let out a long sigh toward the sky.
"Lord Kensei."
A figure suddenly appearing before him startled Kensei, and he almost blasted it with Ikotsu on reflex.
Focusing his eyes, Kensei saw a Shinigami with an extremely respectful attitude.
"The family head invites you to the Kuchiki estate for a visit. He wishes to express his gratitude to you in person."
Ever since capturing Kuchiki Kōga last time, Kensei hadn't spoken with Kuchiki Ginrei again; they'd merely exchanged nods during the Captain Proficiency Test.
This was a good opportunity to see how many capable people the Kuchiki family still had, find out if Byakuya had been born yet, and see if he could resolve the Technology Development Bureau's funding issues.
Following the guide to the Kuchiki family grounds, Kensei couldn't help but widen his eyes slightly.
The buildings previously damaged in the battle had now been completely restored to their original appearance. If Kensei didn't clearly remember capturing Kuchiki Kōga here, he would have thought no fight had ever taken place.
How long has it been? How did they rebuild such a large residential area so completely? Are there Shinigami who know the Wood Release: Three-Bedroom-One-Living-Room Technique?
Led by a servant, Kensei walked through a long corridor to the main hall of the Kuchiki residence. The various rare construction materials along the way, showcasing the Kuchiki family's wealth, made Kensei inwardly marvel. Truly, only someone from a family this wealthy could later call a Captain's haori a "cheap item."
Kuchiki Ginrei seemed to have been waiting for some time. Seeing Kensei arrive, he slowly rose and bowed.
"Lord Kensei, my apologies for presuming to invite you here."
"You're too polite, Elder Ginrei."
Kensei smiled and returned the courtesy. He couldn't be as disrespectful with Kuchiki Ginrei as he was with Old Man Yama; proper etiquette was still necessary.
After the servants presented exquisite food and tea, Kuchiki Ginrei gestured for Kensei to partake.
After a suitable interval, Kuchiki Ginrei finally spoke slowly. "The primary reason for inviting you today is to express the Kuchiki family's gratitude regarding the Kuchiki Kōga incident. That you allowed him to keep his life is a kindness our clan will remember for generations."
His gaze was steady as he solemnly uttered the words he had long prepared. "I hereby pledge that the Kuchiki clan will always be your ally. Furthermore, having heard of your application to establish the Technology Development Bureau, the Kuchiki family has already allocated a sum for research funding and will provide regular funding in the future."
Kensei naturally had no reason to refuse this token of gratitude. After all, the Technology Development Bureau's funding was indeed a tricky issue; he couldn't keep living off Yoruichi's wealth forever.
After expressing his sincere thanks, Kensei noticed a faint weariness between the old man's brows.
Kuchiki Ginrei remained silent for a long while, an uncharacteristically conflicted expression finally appearing on his face. With a soft sigh, he spoke. "There is one more matter on which I would seek your assistance."
"Please, go ahead."
Kuchiki Ginrei tightened his grip on his teacup slightly. "To be frank, I have been deeply troubled about the clan's future lately. Kuchiki Kōga, while exceptionally talented, has now gone astray. My only son, Sōjun..."
Remembering his son's condition, Kuchiki Ginrei's voice grew softer. "He is gentle and kind-hearted, but has been frail and sickly since childhood. Though he became a Shinigami, he has been bedridden with illness for a long time and will likely struggle to shoulder the responsibilities of family head in the future."
"Why not consider nurturing a grandchild?"
Kensei instinctively thought of the future Kuchiki Byakuya. He would undoubtedly be a qualified family head.
Kuchiki Ginrei shook his head with a bitter smile. "Sōjun's condition has worsened considerably in recent years. Matters of grandchildren... are still premature."
Hearing this, Kensei frowned deeply, feeling something was off. Kuchiki Sōjun was definitely Byakuya's father, that much was certain. But if Byakuya wasn't around yet, why had Sōjun's illness worsened already?
Could it be like that white-eyed fruit fly from the biology textbook, mustering one last burst of energy before death?
"Would it be possible to take me to see Mr. Sōjun? I've learned a bit of medicine from Captain Unohana and would like to examine his condition."
A flicker of surprise passed through Kuchiki Ginrei's eyes, but he would have taken Kensei to see Sōjun regardless, hoping to entrust his ailing son to Kensei's care after his own death.
"Then I must trouble you, Lord Kensei."
The two left the main hall, passing through corridors to a quiet courtyard.
Upon entering the room, Kensei was met with the heavy scent of medicinal herbs.
On the sickbed, Kuchiki Sōjun, with his pale complexion and gentle features, leaned against soft cushions, flipping through a book. Despite occasional bouts of violent coughing, he persisted in his studies.
Hearing the sound, Kuchiki Sōjun looked toward the door. Seeing his father and a young man enter the room, he tried to rise to greet them but was gently held down by Ginrei.
Glancing apologetically at Kensei, Kuchiki Sōjun spoke with some weakness. "You must be our Kuchiki family's benefactor, Lord Kensei Kenzuru. Thank you for your assistance in the Kōga matter. I am ashamed that my illness prevents me from offering proper greetings."
Looking at the humble and courteous Kuchiki Sōjun, aside from inheriting the Kuchiki family's handsome features, he lacked Ginrei's sternness and the emotional reserve of the future family head, Byakuya.
If not for his frailty, he likely would have been an excellent family head.
"It was my duty. After all, Old Man Yama is counting on me for his retirement." Kensei smiled in response, his gaze discreetly scanning Sōjun's body. "I've studied medicine under Captain Unohana. If you don't mind, may I perform an examination?"
Seeing his father give a slight nod from the corner of his eye, Kuchiki Sōjun smiled and extended his wrist. "I am in your debt, benefactor."
"No need to be so formal. Just call me by my name. I was hoping your son would call me 'Uncle' someday."
As he spoke, Kensei began his examination of Kuchiki Sōjun.
Kuchiki Sōjun was still puzzled why this benefactor was so certain he would have a son, but before he could ask, Kensei stepped back, his expression peculiar.
"Heh heh, it's alright. I've grown accustomed to this chronic illness."
Thinking Kensei was troubled by his condition, Kuchiki Sōjun spoke to comfort him.
"Elder Ginrei, a word in private."
Kuchiki Ginrei's heart also grew uneasy. He had seen Kensei's expression earlier. After advising Sōjun not to worry, he followed Kensei outside.
"Lord Kensei, please speak. I am prepared."
In Kuchiki Ginrei's view, when a physician speaks to family members alone about a patient's condition, it usually means they are truly at a loss.
"Why are you talking as if your son is about to die?"
Kensei looked strangely at the solemn-faced Kuchiki Ginrei, not understanding why the old man wasn't hoping for his son's recovery.
Kuchiki Ginrei's expression froze.
"How to put it... Your son's illness isn't incurable. The reason I didn't speak inside is mainly because it's a bit awkward to say."
"You... what did you say?"
Kuchiki Ginrei's voice was slightly hoarse. Even after weathering countless storms, he found this hard to believe. He had already given up hope, and now Kensei was telling him Sōjun's illness could be cured.
Good grief, are you also the Schrift 'D' (The Deathdealing)?
Kensei repeated his words. To show he wasn't deceiving Kuchiki Ginrei, he added:
"Your son's illness is simply..."
***
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