Rumble!!
With a sudden streak of lightning across the sky, rain began to pour in torrents.
The rolling thunder seemed to herald the coming chaos and conflict. As the downpour washed away the dust of time, it felt as if the long-standing strife that had plagued Seireitei for years was about to be swept away as well.
Masatsuki Aozaki had no interest in the power struggles.
What mattered to him were the souls of the rebels.
And if he could extract fragments of the Soul King from them, all the better.
...
"In other words, the 6th Division is only participating in name, and the main force responsible for wiping out the rebels is just our 11th Division?"
Kuchiki Clan Mansion, Reception Hall.
Masatsuki Aozaki, mid-sip of his tea, paused for a moment before looking up at Ginrei Kuchiki, who sat across from him with a solemn expression.
The elderly head of the Kuchiki Clan was meticulously groomed, exuding an air of quiet authority just by sitting there.
Being around someone like him inspired a sense of security—but at the same time, it was suffocating.
Ginrei Kuchiki nodded. "That is the Captain-Commander's decision."
Masatsuki Aozaki fell into thought.
He understood his Master well enough to know what this meant.
Yamamoto intended to let this battle play out as just another noble conflict. Eliminating the rebels was merely a way to solidify Masatsuki Aozaki's footing within the Gotei 13.
With the rebel faction nearly wiped out—especially its high-level combatants—the 11th Division, led by Masatsuki himself, couldn't possibly lose, even without the 6th Division's involvement.
This war was already decided.
"Aozaki, you will determine when and how the battle unfolds," Ginrei continued.
"The 6th Division will not intervene, but Kōga will assist you on behalf of the Kuchiki Clan."
The Kuchiki Clan had always been the model of nobility. Though inevitably drawn into political struggles, they rarely initiated conflict themselves.
Having Kōga Kuchiki represent the clan in supporting him was a clear and deliberate statement of their stance.
Masatsuki Aozaki glanced at Kōga, who was kneeling quietly behind Ginrei.
The once-proud warrior now sat stiffly, not daring to utter a word—like a frightened bride on her wedding night.
Damn, that old man must have really left a psychological scar on him.
A captain-level fighter, reduced to this?
Instinctively, Masatsuki's gaze shifted to the Zanpakutō at Kōga's waist.
Muramasa...
Now that was a fine blade—a true Shinigami killer.
Not only could it incite Zanpakutō to rebel against their masters, but unlike Kyōka Suigetsu, it didn't have the limitation of being ineffective when facing an opponent with vastly superior Reiatsu.
Against Shinigami who lacked overwhelming spiritual pressure, this blade's practicality was off the charts.
Noticing Masatsuki's intense gaze, Kōga's brow twitched slightly.
He's looking at my Zanpakutō... does he want to fight me?
The rumors claimed this so-called genius was obsessed with battle and training.
Seems those rumors weren't wrong.
For the first time, excitement flickered in Kōga's eyes as he looked at Masatsuki.
He had long been curious about him.
In both the 1st Division and the Kuchiki Clan, Masatsuki Aozaki's name was constantly whispered in the halls.
The Captain-Commander's disciple.
The one who slew a captain-level rebel.
The one who even defeated the previous captain of the 11th Division.
Even Ginrei Kuchiki, a man who rarely gave out praise, spoke of him from time to time.
For years, Kōga had strived for his father-in-law's approval. Yet after their first few years together, Ginrei had never once spoken highly of him.
And yet, he repeatedly brought up this man.
Though there were two or three centuries between them, they were both still considered part of the younger generation.
And now, Kōga wanted to know—what exactly made Masatsuki Aozaki so special?
"Let's set the final assault for six months from now."
Masatsuki Aozaki gauged the situation and made his decision.
This was like a trial.
In six months, the 11th Division would be fully restored, its ranks replenished, and there would be time for the new recruits to integrate. Old man Yamamoto had already ordered the 2nd and 8th Divisions to monitor the rebels' movements—there was no way they could escape.
"That works." Ginrei Kuchiki nodded. After a brief moment of thought, he understood the young man's reasoning.
Calm and composed, this one was certainly much better than his son-in-law.
Ginrei was strict with his son-in-law, not because he doubted his strength, but because he had hoped the man would learn to be more level-headed. Yet, after all these years, there had been no growth—if anything, he had only become more impatient. It made Ginrei question his ability to train the younger generation.
Masatsuki Aozaki seemed to sense his thoughts. Out of consideration for Sōjun Kuchiki, he offered a word of advice.
"Captain Kuchiki."
Ginrei Kuchiki looked at him, puzzled.
"Young people tend to prefer straightforwardness over roundabout words. Sometimes, saying things directly is more effective than beating around the bush."
"There's nothing wrong with letting people figure things out on their own."
"But thoughts can be hard to control. If you let them wander too much, they might lead to the wrong conclusions."
Even this kid can see through me?
Ginrei Kuchiki was stunned.
Meanwhile, Kōga Kuchiki stood there, completely lost.
He had no idea why someone younger than him was talking to his father-in-law in such a mature manner.
Masatsuki Aozaki glanced at the two men and shook his head with a slight smile.
An outsider shouldn't meddle too much in family matters. A word or two was enough—any more would be overstepping.
Besides, his interest in Kōga Kuchiki lay solely in Muramasa. He didn't have the same patience here as he did with Suì-Fēng.
"I'll take my leave."
Deciding to give them space to talk, Masatsuki Aozaki left the parlor.
...
Strolling through the vast Kuchiki estate, he soon spotted a young boy in a kendo uniform practicing diligently in the courtyard.
"Long time no see, young Byakuya."
The boy's eye twitched. Without hesitation, he swung his wooden bokken in a sharp downward strike.
Masatsuki Aozaki easily leapt back, dodging the attack.
This was Byakuya Kuchiki, the future head of the Kuchiki Clan.
Right now, though, he was still just a bright, spirited young boy.
"Masatsuki Aozaki! You actually dare show your face in front of me!? This time, I'll make sure you taste my strength!"
"Oh? Calling me by name so casually—how rude. If Sōjun knew, he'd be heartbroken."
"Who gave you permission to call my father so familiarly!?"
Byakuya's temper flared instantly. Clenching his fists, he shouted angrily,
"Besides, you're younger than me! What gives you the right to act like my senior!?"
Masatsuki Aozaki suddenly appeared at his side and smugly slung an arm around his shoulders.
"Because I entered Shin'ō Academy and the Gotei 13 before you."
"And… looking at the two of us, anyone would think you're the kid, right?"
Byakuya struggled to break free, but Masatsuki's grip was surprisingly strong.
"What the hell are you even here for!?"
"I just finished some business with your grandfather, so I thought I'd drop by. Where's your father?"
Byakuya's expression darkened. "Father is still recovering…"
Masatsuki Aozaki placed a hand on his head and said gently,
"If you have time, take him to the 12th Division. If medicine can't help, maybe science can."
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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