If the information came from them, it would indeed have some credibility.
The Human World, huh…
Yoriichi Tsugikuni pondered for a moment, then spoke:
"So, this is why you came to me instead of other Captains?"
"Is it just because my abilities are related to Hell?"
"Precisely." Kenpachi Azashiro controlled the pen, nodding slightly.
"Although Yamamoto Genryusai can also deal with those Sinners, it's ultimately just treating the symptoms, not the root cause."
"Only you are special."
"Only by finding the reason for the Hell Gate's disturbance can the trouble be resolved from its source."
"Captain Tsugikuni, what are your thoughts?"
"…" Yoriichi did not rashly agree to Kenpachi Azashiro's proposal.
Although he had explained the situation and reasons very clearly, seeing is believing.
After a brief silence, Yoriichi's steady voice rang out again: "I have a question."
"Since you think they didn't want to blow things up, they chose to handle it themselves."
"Wouldn't solving it faster prevent it from escalating?"
"If so, why didn't they inform me?"
His abilities could easily capture every culprit; however, if Sinners truly escaped and he was completely unaware… that would be truly unacceptable.
Kenpachi Azashiro's explanation ultimately had loopholes.
As Yoriichi spoke, the gently shaking pen suddenly paused for two seconds, as if time itself had frozen at that moment.
Then, Kenpachi Azashiro helplessly wrote: "Captain Tsugikuni, regarding this matter, you and I should both know the truth."
"Your abilities are unique in Soul Society for ten thousand years; they dare not take risks."
"No one can be certain what changes will occur to the Hell Gate's Ontology after you act, after you touch its true form."
"Perhaps everything will remain normal, or perhaps control will be seized by you."
"Ultimately, that gate is their foundation."
"If it were taken by you… do you think they would let it go?"
Kenpachi Azashiro revealed the truth.
The reason he hadn't said it before was that he didn't want Yoriichi Tsugikuni to become suspicious of those nobles, so he had altered some of his words.
But he hadn't expected that these altered words would become loopholes, forcing him to reveal the truth under Yoriichi Tsugikuni's questioning…
Kenpachi Azashiro felt extremely exhausted.
Even after being imprisoned for so long, the upper echelons of Seireitei still couldn't work together.
Yoriichi gazed at the lines of text, instantly understanding the nobles' concerns.
They feared Hell becoming their possession.
So much so that they had suppressed all information.
As long as the problem could be solved, it could be treated as if nothing had happened, and Hell would remain Hell.
Yoriichi gently exhaled and nodded slightly: "I understand."
"However, if, as you say, they fear me, then how should I intervene in this matter?"
"Even if I arrive in the Human World, I don't know the locations of those Sinners; how would I capture them?"
"Also… how long ago was this 'not long ago' you mentioned?"
"If too much time has passed, those Sinners should have already been captured, right? Do I still need to act?"
This matter was extremely serious; as things stood, Kenpachi Azashiro could serve as a collaborator for a period of time.
Regardless of his good or evil, Yoriichi almost felt his fervent dedication to Seireitei.
Hearing this, Kenpachi Azashiro pondered for a few seconds, then slowly wrote: "You can inform Yamamoto Genryusai about this; he will handle everything."
"To enter the Human World, faking a mission will suffice."
"And regarding their locations, I know some…"
...
...
Some time later, at Gotei 13 Headquarters.
"In short, that's roughly it."
Yoriichi stood before Yamamoto Genryusai, calmly recounting the information Kenpachi Azashiro had given him.
Due to Kenpachi Azashiro's unique Bankai, even if Yamamoto Genryusai knew these sources came from Kenpachi Azashiro, he couldn't do anything about it.
Simply because the few of them were all part of the Gotei 13 faction.
Yamamoto Genryusai's expression was stern, and veins popped out on his right hand gripping his cane, clearly enraged by this news.
How ridiculous!
Just because of some baseless suspicions, they sealed off information, trying to hide it from everyone… When did Hell become such a trivial matter?
Although the Hell Gate had been passed down from ancient times and was under their supervision, it was ultimately not their private property.
If it couldn't be controlled, then naturally, the virtuous should possess it.
Thinking of this, Yamamoto Genryusai coldly snorted:
"Such a major incident occurred, and even I wasn't informed; what a scheme."
"Yoriichi Tsugikuni, what are your thoughts?"
"Do you want to go to the Human World to apprehend those Sinners as Kenpachi Azashiro suggested, or do you want to temporarily remain in Seireitei and try to resolve these troubles by entering Hell?"
"Kenpachi Azashiro gave you two options; it seems that kid isn't so foolish as to think you can openly contend with them."
"They didn't do anything wrong; even if an accident occurred, they handled it promptly, it's just that they are wary of your abilities."
"I can't even find a good reason to intervene."
It was perfectly normal for nobles to be wary of those who could affect their status.
If the Hell Gate were seized by Yoriichi Tsugikuni, Yamamoto Genryusai could imagine their expressions then, and because of that, they would make such a decision.
Just as Yamamoto Genryusai wouldn't let others snatch his Ryujin Jakka.
The Hell Gate, as an entrance and exit to a world, was far more important than Ryujin Jakka.
Yoriichi pondered for a moment, then slowly said: "Both of these options don't seem good to me."
"If I choose the first, I will confront them directly, and while I'm not afraid, this might affect my life."
"Furthermore, I cannot guarantee the situation of the Hell Gate."
"If I choose the second… because those Sinners weren't apprehended in time, they might cause disturbances in the Human World."
"However, considering that no news has come in at this stage, presumably their activities in the Human World are restricted…"
At this point, Yoriichi made up his mind, "Let's wait a bit for now, for further news from Kenpachi Azashiro."
"But before that, I'll need to trouble you, Teacher, to help forge a mission, to avoid any unexpected situations later and to be able to act promptly."
Yamamoto Genryusai nodded slightly: "Is that so… Very well, matters concerning Hell and Sinners truly cannot be rushed."
"No news is also good news, indicating that the situation is still under their control."
"Since that's the case, let's proceed with that for now."
"These fellows really don't make things easy…"
Speaking of this, Yamamoto Genryusai suddenly reminded: "Yoriichi Tsugikuni, if one day you gain control of the Hell Gate, you must never be like them."
"The Five Great Noble Families, apart from Kucihki, Shihouin, and Shiba Family, have truly become more and more unreasonable in recent years."
...
Yoriichi remained silent, not responding to Yamamoto Genryusai's words.
Because, ultimately, only those nobles of the Gotei 13 faction were trustworthy, such as the Kucihki, Shihouin, and Shiba Family, all of whom were among them.
As for the others…
Yoriichi shook his head slightly internally, offering no comment.
Once the matter was concluded, he quickly left the place.
...
Time flew by; the waiting period passed in an instant.
In the office, Kenpachi Azashiro sent news again.
After some investigation, he finally confirmed the identities of the Sinners who had escaped to the Human World.
There were as many as three of them, and all were Captains, from the First Generation Captains of the Gotei 13.
"First Generation Captains?" Yoriichi frowned slightly; this answer was truly beyond his expectation.
He had originally thought that those who could break through the Hell Gate's blockade and escape to the Human World must be extremely vicious and heinous criminals.
But why would it be them?
"Why couldn't it be them?" A soft inquiry came from beside him, and Yoriichi looked up to see a young man in white standing before him.
This person was entirely composed of illusory reishi, with a refined appearance that gave off an impression of being well-read.
His demeanor was cool and detached, with two braid-like strands of hair falling on either side of his eyes, and his slightly narrowed eyes conveyed an attitude of keeping others at a distance.
Yoriichi recognized him at a glance; this person must be Kenpachi Azashiro.
Under the careful observation of his Transparent World, this body before him lacked the usual human structures like blood vessels and bones.
Yoriichi was not surprised to see the newcomer; instead, he asked directly:
"What do you know?"
"I know everything." Kenpachi Azashiro's voice was low, as if he didn't want anyone to detect his presence.
Immediately after, he nodded slightly, a faint smile appearing on his face, "Finally, we meet, Captain Tsugikuni."
"I came in person to tell you something."
"Those people lost, and they lost badly."
"According to my observations, they encountered Saito Furofushi, the First Generation Captain of the Sixth Division, Shihouin Sennich, the First Generation Captain of the Second Division, and Bakuzan Saigyunzai, the First Generation Captain of the Eighth Division, in the Human World."
"Among them, Shihouin Sennich defeated them one by one, rendering them unable to fight, without even using his Zanpakuto."
"Now they must be troubled, wondering how to deal with these three."
"Is Shihouin Sennich very strong?" Yoriichi asked.
"Of course, much stronger than the current head of the family, Yoruichi Shihouin," Kenpachi Azashiro explained. "However, that's not the most important thing."
"The important thing is that the other two did not make a move."
"These three Captains… one could say that, at this stage, only you and Yamamoto Genryusai in Seireitei can deal with them."
Yoriichi looked up: "So, what are they doing in the Human World?"
"Also, you haven't answered my previous question: why did they escape to the Human World?"
"Are these two questions very important? What can they do by escaping to the Human World? It's nothing more than avoiding capture by the Hell Gate."
"No Shinigami would tolerate being imprisoned in one place for thousands of years," Kenpachi Azashiro shook his head slightly.
"Furthermore, Captain Tsugikuni, you might not be aware."
"A thousand years ago, the Gotei 13 was a group of assassins who carried out killings in the name of protection."
"These First Generation Captains are not to be trifled with; even the bloodshed caused by my plan is mere child's play in front of them."
"Is it strange for them to want to escape Hell with their personalities?"
If that's the case, then it's indeed not strange.
Yoriichi had only heard their names but never truly met these First Generation Captains, so he wasn't aware of their personalities.
Retsu Unohana and Yamamoto Genryusai were exceptions; he saw them a thousand years later, and their personalities were much gentler compared to a thousand years ago.
Hearing this, Yoriichi retorted:
"I generally understand the situation. Is your purpose in appearing to make me act now?"
"More or less. You can also deal with it later."
Kenpachi Azashiro judged,
"After all, those noble families won't give up, and those Captains will remain hidden to avoid being detected by the Hell Gate."
"Both sides are currently in a delicate balance. Your appearance will break this balance; it just depends on when you act."
"Considering you have some unfinished business recently…"
Thinking of this, Kenpachi Azashiro gently exhaled, "Just handle it as you see fit. I just came to remind you."
"Notification complete. I have to go."
"Captain Tsugikuni, we'll meet again. I hope you can resolve these matters properly. I thank you on behalf of the countless Shinigami of Seireitei."
With that, Kenpachi Azashiro seemed to have settled a matter on his mind, and his body gradually turned into specks of light and vanished.
Yoriichi watched all of this, his mind filled with thoughts.
But soon, he wouldn't need to worry about how to handle this matter.
Because a plea for help from the noble families was placed before him.
…
…
Soon after, at Shiba Miyako's birthday party.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni watched Uta, Shiba Miyako, and Yoruichi Shihouin getting along, feeling immense relief and deep emotion.
After all, this was Uta's first time interacting with other noble families.
Yoruichi didn't count; she never considered herself a noble family member.
Shiba Miyako's demeanor, however, carried a certain noble reserve and elegance.
Yoriichi gently exhaled, about to speak, when suddenly, a knock came from outside the room.
"Captain Tsugikuni, Captain-Commander Yamamoto has summoned you to the Gotei 13. What do you say?"
This was the voice of a Ninth Division Seat Officer.
Upon hearing this, the lively atmosphere in the room instantly fell into a temporary silence.
Uta and the others stopped speaking, quietly turning to look at Yoriichi, their expressions seemingly asking—what happened?
Yoriichi pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke: "Understood. Tell the Captain-Commander I'll be there in a moment."
To summon him at this time, it must be about those First Generation Captains.
And not summoning him immediately indicated that the matter was not extremely urgent.
So, a little later would be fine.
Uta's matter was the most important; he couldn't just leave her alone.
Also, there were Rukia and Hisana, who were eating cake nearby.
Receiving Yoriichi Tsugikuni's answer, the Seat Officer outside the door nodded slightly in response: "Yes."
After speaking, he vanished with a whoosh, his voice gone.
However, the lively atmosphere around them did not resume with his departure.
Shiba Kaien leaned forward: "Captain Yoriichi, is it really okay not to go immediately?"
"Leaving Uta and Ms. Rukia here is fine; Miyako can take care of them."
"For the Captain-Commander to issue a personal order, the matter must be very important, right?"
"It's fine," Yoriichi shook his head slightly, looking at Uta with a calm demeanor, "Continue. I know what I'm doing."
He couldn't let Uta worry because of these matters, and besides, he knew Yamamoto Genryusai's personality.
Yoriichi decided to stay for another ten minutes.
Thus, after comforting Uta, ten minutes passed, and Yoriichi arrived at the Gotei 13.
Then, he saw the last of the Five Great Noble Families.
The moment he saw him, Yoriichi knew what his teacher's purpose in summoning him was.
…
"A request for help?"
Listening to the other person's subsequent words, Yoriichi nodded, "Understood. When, and what's the situation now?"
He looked at the noble man.
Although he didn't express surprise at the Sinners escaping Hell, due to Yoriichi's calm demeanor displayed to the world.
So this reaction was attributed by the other party to a composed mindset.
The noble man was quite satisfied with this, as only composure could prevent things from being messed up.
He quickly explained: "Not so good, Lord Yoriichi."
"You might not be aware, but those three who escaped are all one-in-a-million experts."
"Although we are noble families and have some private soldiers, we are utterly helpless against them."
Saying this, he sighed and turned his gaze to Yamamoto Genryusai:
"Lord Genryusai, you were their comrade. Do you know the abilities of their Zanpakuto?"
"Just Shihouin Sennich alone is already quite troublesome."
"I can hardly imagine the strength of Saito Furofushi and Bakuzan Saigyunzai."
"If they are not returned to Hell, it will inevitably cause a series of disturbances."
"This is something you wouldn't want to see, either, would you?"
What were you doing before?
Coming for help now?
Yamamoto Genryusai glared at him.
Then he fell into thought.
Even though he was dissatisfied with the actions of these noble families, for the peace of the Human World and the Three Realms.
He finally spoke slowly in a serious voice:
"Their Zanpakuto… if this old man remembers correctly, Shihouin Sennich never used his Zanpakuto."
"He believed fists were more reliable than external forces."
"As for Saito Furofushi… her Zanpakuto is time-type, the only one in a thousand years."
"Quite unique."
"However, this old man only knows her Shikai, which can strip others of their time to use for herself…"
"What?"
At these words, the man's eyes widened slightly, his face full of shock.
"Time-type?"
This was the first time he had heard of a Zanpakuto having the ability to strip time.
It was comparable to Yoriichi Tsugikuni's summoning Hell.
Except one was the only one in a thousand years, and the other was the only one in ten thousand years.
Stripping time… This was too unsolvable, even more absurd than cutting space.
Yamamoto Genryusai gently snorted, unfazed by the man's reaction.
Just stripping time. If it were truly unsolvable, he, Yamamoto Genryusai, wouldn't be the strongest Shinigami in a thousand years.
As the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, the other twelve Captains had undoubtedly all been defeated by him.
His gaze swept over Yoriichi Tsugikuni, seeing that he remained unperturbed, and only then did he nod in satisfaction, continuing to speak:
"Don't be so easily surprised. Let's get back to business."
"Saito Furofushi's ability is indeed troublesome, but it's not without a solution. You just need to react faster than her."
"The time she steals can only accelerate or decelerate her own physiological functions, which is why she changed her name to Furofushi (Immortal)."
"Unfortunately, she still died in the end."
"Yoriichi Tsugikuni, your ability completely counters her."
"This old man heard that even Retsu Unohana was no match for you in a single blow, so dealing with her should be as simple as dealing with a child."
"She is not Retsu Unohana's opponent."