As Asano Kiyoshi's words fell, he grabbed one end of Ikkaku's Hōzukimaru, and from his hand surged a continuous stream of blue lightning—a thunder serpent crackling with power!
The lightning serpent coiled along the weapon's body and channeled violent electric current directly into Ikkaku, paralyzing both his fighting will and physical functions.
Though his body trembled, Ikkaku wasn't ready to give up. Gritting his teeth so hard his gums bled, he forced himself to stay upright, still intending to attack Asano Kiyoshi again.
But at that moment, a black spiritual-pressure-forged blade was already resting against his neck. Ikkaku froze, feeling the icy edge of the blade. Following the inky blade up to its wielder, he looked toward Asano Kiyoshi.
Upon recognizing the sword, Ikkaku was stunned. He asked instinctively:
"How… how is this possible…? I saw you throw that sword away!"
Asano Kiyoshi looked at Ikkaku and gave a resigned nod. Realizing Ikkaku had lost the will to fight, he released the blade from Ikkaku's neck. With a light squeeze of his hand, the sword dissipated into a cloud of black spiritual pressure.
Seeing this, Ikkaku's doubts disappeared. He let out a bitter chuckle and said:
"Ah… didn't expect that trick. Next time, I won't lose to you."
Kiyoshi smiled faintly and reached out to brush the dust off Ikkaku's uniform, replying:
"And I won't let you surpass me. Let's both give it our all."
Back in the observation room, once the screen stopped showing any meaningful data, Mayuri Kurotsuchi unceremoniously pressed the shutdown button. Muttering to himself, he said:
"I'll never understand why these fools always have to exchange such meaningless words. What a waste of time."
The other captains, long used to Mayuri's temperament, didn't respond. Instead, they each began discussing the battle with the colleagues closest to them.
Unsurprisingly, the focus was overwhelmingly on Asano Kiyoshi. Ikkaku may have performed admirably, but at best, his future was likely to peak at an ordinary captain-level—a notable achievement in Soul Society, yet hardly unique among those present.
But Asano Kiyoshi was different.
His ability to simultaneously perform dual incantation and delayed incantation was enough to ensure his name would be written in bold in the annals of Soul Society history.
Add to that his strange Shikai, peculiar abilities, and... the clear and deliberate nurturing from the strongest Soul Reaper in history…
It was becoming increasingly obvious—if nothing went wrong, Asano Kiyoshi could very well one day replace the man before them as the next Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13.
He might even... inherit the title of "The Strongest Soul Reaper of the Millennium."
Byakuya Kuchiki, captain of the 6th Division and head of the Five Noble Houses, watched Kiyoshi with a thoughtful expression. As someone in a key political position, he understood the importance of aligning himself with whoever might be the next central pillar of Soul Society.
The Kuchiki Clan had always leaned in favor of the Gotei 13, a stance that had become increasingly awkward in recent years as tensions between the nobility and the military force had grown. The Gotei 13's duty was to protect all of the Seireitei—not just the upper classes.
Caught in the middle of these two factions, Byakuya had long felt the burden.
If Asano Kiyoshi was to become the next Captain-Commander, Byakuya needed to assess his views on the nobility as early as possible—to steer the Kuchiki Clan accordingly.
Still, based on Kiyoshi's final words to Ikkaku, he didn't seem like a ruthless or power-hungry type. That was reassuring. Now the only question was: what kind of gift should I bring when I meet him…?
Amid the chattering chaos, the Head Captain let out a weary sigh. Raising his cane, he struck the floor twice with force—tap-tap!
The sharp sound cut through the room, and everyone instinctively fell silent. All eyes turned toward the elderly figure at the center of the hall.
Looking at the group, the old man—Yamamoto Genryūsai—felt a mix of exasperation and resignation. He'd shepherded this flock of captains for so long… Ugh, guess I have to keep dragging this Gotei 13 I founded, even if I have to do it crying...
Clearing his throat, he spoke gravely:
"Today's recording is classified as First-Grade Confidential by the 13th Division. No captain is allowed to disclose even a single detail! Any matter related to Asano Kiyoshi must be approved personally by me. Do I make myself clear? I won't allow a talent this important to Soul Society's future to die due to someone's stupidity!"
By the time he finished, the temperature in the hall had noticeably risen. Everyone felt it—heat radiating like the midday sun.
They turned to the Head Captain and saw... that he had opened his eyes.
And those eyes—those were not the eyes of a thousand-year-old man.
In them burned a blazing sun, fierce and scorching—eyes that seemed capable of incinerating all of existence.
Everyone present understood just how seriously the Head Captain was taking this. Not a single one dared challenge it.
In unison, they responded, "Yes, sir!"
Satisfied, the Head Captain nodded. After issuing a few more instructions, he dismissed everyone—except for Mayuri Kurotsuchi and Byakuya Kuchiki.
Once the room was reduced to just the three of them, the Head Captain turned and said slowly:
"Mayuri, I want you to either delete or hide all records of Asano Kiyoshi in the Great Spirit Archive. Don't let any nobles lay eyes on them. Can you do that?"
Mayuri's face twisted into a sneer. He replied coldly:
"That? Child's play. The Great Spirit Archive is difficult to breach—difficult, not impossible."
Yamamoto nodded, understanding his meaning. "Once it's done, come to me to collect a new budget for the Department of Research and Development. I'll increase your funding appropriately."
Mayuri's face lit up at the mention of funding. Ah, science… there's never enough money for it.
Waving him away, the Head Captain turned to the last person remaining.
He spoke to Byakuya in a serious tone:
"Byakuya, your Kuchiki Clan has always maintained close ties with the Gotei 13. This time, I hope you'll make the right choice again."
Meeting the elder's eyes, Byakuya nodded solemnly.
As the gentle moonlight bathed the halls and a soft night breeze stirred outside, far away… Aizen's lips curled into a dangerous, knowing smile.
T/N: For up to 20 chapters ahead on all my translations, become a p@tron at [email protected]/LordHipposApostle
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