Bleach Seireitei's Discipline Captain - Chapter 148
In the tea room of the Ninth Division barracks, a delicate fragrance of tea wafted through the air, permeating every piece of furniture and every inch of space.
“Is this the sincerity of the Shihouin family?” Tokikaze glanced at the list laid out on the table, speaking indifferently.
Besides various concessions in family interests, there was also a unique artifact exclusive to the Shihouin family. It had to be said that the Shihouin family held Yushiro in high regard. Without mentioning the distribution of various benefits, the mere inclusion of this unique artifact was extremely precious.
As the house specializing in divine armaments, the Shihouin family possessed many artifacts with powerful abilities. Some of these artifacts’ powers were not weaker than those of captains who had achieved Bankai.
For example, there was the divine bandage that could restrict the release of Zanpakuto, the spirit-cutting rope that could immobilize Yhwach, the heavenly sandals that allowed free flight within the Soul Society, and the sealing paper that could seal most of the world’s sealing techniques…
This was only what Tokikaze knew. The true extent of the Shihouin family’s capabilities might only be known to the family heads.
Based on their abilities, these artifacts had a strong possibility that their powers came from the Spirit King sealed in the Royal Palace. Tokikaze speculated that these artifacts might be the materialized forms of Fullbring’s power. However, lacking evidence, this thought remained conjecture.
“Lord Tokikaze, this is the utmost sincerity we can offer,” said the elderly man across from Tokikaze. With a kindly appearance, white hair, and a demeanor like a kindly grandfather from next door, his look and temperament were entirely out of place with the Shihouin family. Tokikaze remembered him well from the noble meetings they had both attended.
This was Shihouin Genji, the oldest member of the Shihouin family, rumored to have once assisted Shihouin Chiyoko. His exact age was unknown, but he likely belonged to the same era as Yamamoto Genryusai.
Facing the enemy who had detained their family head, Genji’s attitude remained sincere, as if they were merely discussing a routine transaction.
“This is the result of the Shihouin family’s collective decision. If you are unwilling to return Lord Yushiro, we will have no choice but to select a new head of the family.”
His stance made Tokikaze rub his tightly knit brows. If they had come with a hardline approach, he wouldn’t have minded and could have even asked for a few more artifacts. But this soft approach made it impossible to get angry.
Before the negotiations even began, Genji had already lowered his position to the minimum. Now, he was even talking about selecting a new head of the family. Left with no choice, Tokikaze could only agree. He couldn’t very well have Yushiro stuck in his hands, could he?
Maybe if it were his sister but a dark-skinned man? He had no use for one.
Genji left the artifacts and forcibly took the fuming Yushiro from the Ninth Division barracks. Usually a competent head, Yushiro’s brain seemed to shut down whenever it came to matters involving Yoruichi Shihouin, reducing his IQ to the negative.
Had Yushiro not acted recklessly, the Shihouin family wouldn’t have had to give Tokikaze several artifacts.
Halfway back, Yushiro stopped and looked seriously at Genji, asking, “Elder Genji, shouldn’t the Shihouin family and the Kyouraku family be sworn enemies? Our hatred should be deeply ingrained and impossible to eliminate, right?”
Hearing this, Genji laughed and gently placed his withered hand on Yushiro’s head, stroking it lightly:
“In this world, there is no such thing as eternal hatred. Compared to interests, hatred is as insignificant as a speck of dust.”
“Yushiro, as the head of the Shihouin family, your vision should be broader…”
Pausing for a moment, he continued thoughtfully:
“Lord Tokikaze holds a very special position in the Kyouraku family. Perhaps… he might change the dynamics among the Five Great Noble Families.”
Yushiro’s face showed shock, his eyes wide with disbelief as he stared at his family’s elder. For a moment, his mind was in turmoil. Could it be that Tokikaze wasn’t trying to provoke him? Had the two noble families already formed some unspeakable conspiracy?
Imagining a terrifying possibility, Yushiro instinctively hugged his slender frame, feeling the world’s intense malice.
Genji, seeing Yushiro’s sudden collapse, stood in confusion, unable to comprehend what had just happened. Deciding to take Yushiro to the Fourth Division for a check-up to prevent any hidden injuries or psychological trauma, he thought Unohana’s medical skills would easily diagnose Yushiro’s condition.
Recalling some unpleasant memories, Genji shuddered, his benevolent demeanor momentarily disrupted.
Still in the Ninth Division barracks, still in the exclusive tea room.
As Tokikaze prepared to examine the artifacts from the Shihouin family, two unfamiliar Reiatsu suddenly appeared outside the tea room.
Before he could go to investigate, two similarly tall individuals walked to the doorway. Dressed in light black noble attire with luxurious white inner garments and multiple shining clasps on their temples, their overall aura was imposing.
“Long time no see, Lord Tokikaze.”
The two bowed simultaneously, their attitudes respectful, wearing insincere smiles.
Tokikaze remained silent. The moment they entered his sight, he recognized them.
“It’s quite an honor for the Ninth Division barracks today. In less than half a day, two noble families have visited.”
One of them smiled humbly, responding calmly, “You’re too kind, my lord. Including you, that makes three noble families. Even a noble meeting can’t compare to this.”
Nodding, Tokikaze pushed two empty teacups forward, indicating that they should sit and talk. Unbothered by the gesture, they poured hot tea into their cups and took a seat.
“We came today with a request.”
Tokikaze replied with a polite yet indifferent smile, “You usually don’t get involved in noble disputes. Why seek me out now?”
Their serious expressions surprised Tokikaze. With sad faces, they replied word by word:
“Hell… has gone out of control.”
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