This is practically aiding the enemy!
If he hadn't had Shunko, how could he have been beaten so badly?
Of course, if the two had a close relationship, aiding the enemy wouldn't be a problem.
But surprisingly, Shihouin Sennich learned that Yoriichi Tsugikuni already had a wife...
With these two things appearing together, even with Shihouin Sennich's centuries of life experience, he couldn't figure out the true nature of their relationship...
Were they close friends?
Or was Yoriichi Tsugikuni's wife Yoruichi's best friend?
Otherwise, why would she give him such an important technique?
When he sees Yoruichi later, he must ask her properly, lest Yoruichi suffer.
As a grandfather, he truly worries himself sick over Yoruichi.
Shihouin Sennich sighed deeply.
...
Yoriichi was temporarily unaware of the various happenings at the Spiritual Arts Academy.
After he chatted with Yoruichi for a while just now, Yoruichi quickly left, using the excuse that she had matters to attend to in her division.
As for whether it was truly urgent or just an excuse, it was hard to tell.
In fact, just now, both Yoriichi and Uta clearly saw the complex emotions in Yoruichi's eyes.
Perhaps it was a sigh of emotion evoked by the scene.
Yoriichi clearly remembered that Yoruichi was not without friends.
Besides Suì-Fēng, Kisuke Urahara was probably the Shinigami she had known the longest.
Yoruichi once said that she met Kisuke Urahara when she was a child, and the two of them even worked together to create that underground space.
Judging by their ages, it was probably something that happened nearly two centuries ago... Two centuries, that was a considerably long period of time.
Yoriichi fell into a moment of recollection.
At this moment, Uta suddenly spoke, "Yoriichi, do you think Miss Yoruichi also has someone she likes?"
"Is that why she wants to personally arrange our wedding, as a way to adapt in advance? Or perhaps to experience it?"
"As the head of a high-ranking noble family, the burden on her must be very heavy."
Yoriichi naturally understood Uta's meaning, which was roughly that her status was too high, and she needed to deliberate repeatedly before doing anything, unable to make decisions lightly.
Even matters of affection could not be decided by herself, because every action affected the future of many people.
Nobles have always emphasized matching families, and occasionally there are situations where families do not match, but those are ultimately a minority.
And even if it works out, they will be criticized by the elders in the family.
Yoruichi...
Yoriichi gently shook his head, "Perhaps, but we have no right to interfere."
Yoruichi said that he and others were reserved, but wasn't she herself?
Beneath her seemingly carefree personality, a complex heart was hidden.
Regardless of her thoughts just now, without a clear declaration, she could only strive for it herself.
Moreover, all of this was merely speculation between him and Uta.
It's possible Yoruichi simply enjoys lively events.
"I always feel she's a bit lonely."
Uta continued, "Perhaps it's a misconception, Yoriichi, we can't be like her; we can't bear everything by ourselves."
"Miss Yoruichi must have many worries hidden in her heart. Next time Miss Suì-Fēng comes, we should tell her about these..."
"Mm..." Yoriichi nodded gently, "No, my worries have already vanished with your appearance."
"Suì-Fēng... although this isn't the best option, it's the only way."
"She should be able to resolve some of Yoruichi's emotional knots."
Yoruichi was indeed lonely, after all, her status was too high.
Even though she and Suì-Fēng seemed to be friends, there was still a distance between an officer and a subordinate.
Kisuke Urahara, needless to say, gradually went from being a friend to a subordinate, and then later a colleague...
The lifespan of a Shinigami is too long, which from another perspective, is actually a form of torment.
Fortunately, he had Uta and Rukia by his side.
...
Exhaling, after a moment of adjustment, Yoriichi slowly stood up.
Then, he bid farewell to Uta and went to the Ninth Division.
Upon entering, a group of Shinigami and some Rukongai residents were training together.
Hinamori Momo was also among them, and Yoriichi spotted her at a glance.
Sweat slowly trickled down her forehead, drenching her clothes, and her face showed an incredibly resolute expression.
Yoriichi felt very gratified.
Immediately after, he called over a Shinigami and inquired about the general situation.
Since everyone's physical constitution varied, the Breathing Technique they practiced also differed.
Yoriichi did not give names to these Breathing Techniques because, in his opinion, they were merely techniques.
Just like the Five Basic Breathing Techniques initially had no names; it was simply that those swordsmen happened to master the sword arts of the five major schools.
"Reporting, Captain, currently, there should be fifty-nine souls participating in the training, and fifty-nine are present."
"Among them are forty Shinigami and nineteen Rukongai residents."
"Currently, all Shinigami can complete one round of basic training, while the Rukongai residents are slightly behind, with only three able to do so."
Each completion of a basic training round extends the usage time of the Breathing Technique by two minutes.
Ten rounds make one set. If one successfully persists through three sets, they can enter the Full Concentration: Constant state, increasing their physical abilities by more than ten times.
A tenfold increase in physical abilities means one can easily defeat a beast even without using spiritual pressure.
Of course, as strength increases, this amplification will gradually decrease.
Yoriichi had not calculated these in detail, but it was already sufficient for self-preservation.
As for the situation of the three...
Yoriichi took the list and examined it carefully.
Hinamori Momo was not on the list because she was still young.
However, if she persisted for half a year, completing three or more rounds of training should not be an issue.
Ikkaku Madarame's sister, Shino Madarame, was also not on the list.
And because she was older than Hinamori Momo, she could persist for a longer time.
Currently, it's temporarily impossible to determine whose talent is better...
Thinking of this, Yoriichi nodded gently, "Understood. For now, let's leave it at that. Tell me when someone can complete thirty rounds of training."
"Regarding Ikkaku Madarame and Yumichika Ayasegawa, remember to add some strength and speed training for them. Both of their swords rely on flexibility."
"Yes."
Listening to the enthusiastic response, Yoriichi looked at the Shinigami and suddenly remembered something:
"By the way, where is Zaraki Kenpachi?"
"Reporting, Captain, Vice-Captain Karakura just ran out. He should have gone to the Spiritual Arts Academy. I heard that a few teachers with excellent Zanjutsu have appeared there..."
"You know Vice-Captain Karakura's personality."
"Although you frequently spar with him and train Zanjutsu, since there are no strong fighters in the Ninth Division, and you strictly forbid him from provoking members of other divisions without reason..."
"His visit this time is likely to test his Zanjutsu level."
"..."
Yoriichi slowly exhaled, "Is that so? Well, I'm truly sorry..."
Honestly, with Zaraki Kenpachi's spiritual pressure combined with his sword skills right now, neither Saito Furofushi nor Bakuzan Saigyunzai would necessarily be his match.
But speaking of which, if they saw that there were other strong fighters in Seireitei besides himself, they would probably be very happy, wouldn't they?
Probably...
Yoriichi could only pray silently, praying that those Captains wouldn't be taught too harsh a lesson by him.
...
However, things often turn out contrary to expectations.
In the afternoon, when Saito Furofushi was sent flying by Zaraki Kenpachi's sword in front of a crowd of students, a wave of excited discussions immediately erupted.
Everyone was astonished, having initially believed that a teacher with Captain-level Zanjutsu would surely be extraordinarily strong, but they never expected him to be defeated so easily by this big guy.
And, what's more, this big guy wasn't even a Captain...
When did the threshold of the Gotei 13 become so high?
Which division was he from, exactly?
A certain impulse arose in the hearts of some students. Of course, this impulse was not to fight Zaraki Kenpachi, but to join his division after graduation.
After all, he possessed such strength without even being a Captain.
What about his Captain?
Presumably, this First Division must be very safe.
As everyone pondered, Zaraki Kenpachi faced Saito Furofushi, scoffed disdainfully, and said with boredom while swinging his sword:
"You're that so-called First Generation Captain?
"I really overestimated you; you don't even provide one-tenth of the combat enjoyment my older brother does."
In that last sword strike, neither of them used spiritual pressure, so the clash was a pure test of skill.
Techniques from a thousand years ago were already outdated now.
And Zaraki Kenpachi, through numerous spars with Yoriichi Tsugikuni, had become extremely proficient in both offensive and counter-attacking techniques.
In his opinion, Saito Furofushi was a sieve full of holes; he could teach these students, but if he were to fight him...
It would be better to push rocks, at least that would improve his strength.
Zaraki Kenpachi grew increasingly bored. He wanted to turn and leave to challenge other Captains.
At this moment, Saito Furofushi climbed up from the ground, spat, and said with a displeased expression:
"You brat... Who's your older brother? Does your older brother know you're this arrogant?"
"Centuries have passed, and why are the youngsters in Seireitei becoming more and more arrogant?"
"Did Yamamoto Genryusai teach you your Zanjutsu?"
At these words, the surrounding Freshmen immediately turned into a crowd of onlookers, all eagerly listening to the conversation that was about to unfold.
This was something related to the Captain-Commander!
If they missed it, they would truly regret it for the rest of their lives.
Even if there wasn't any useful information, it could still serve as a topic of conversation after meals.
Zaraki Kenpachi turned and snorted coldly: "Yamamoto Genryusai? Hmph, he's not worthy of teaching me."
"Is arrogance illegal? I'm arrogant because I have strength, what about you?"
"Listen well, my name is Zaraki Kenpachi, and I am the Vice-Captain of the Ninth Division."
"My older brother…"
Before he could finish, Saito Furofushi's expression changed: "Ninth Division?"
She interrupted: "Is your older brother Yoriichi Tsugikuni?"
Zaraki Kenpachi glanced at her sideways: "What, is there a problem?"
There was an air of matter-of-factness in his tone, and Saito Furofushi took a deep breath:
"There's no problem, but I remember, isn't he a master of Hakuda?"
She still remembered the humiliation that punch caused her, thinking it would be the last time, but she didn't expect…
"Who said that?" Zaraki Kenpachi sneered, "Hakuda is just my older brother's hobby, he just practices it casually, what do you know?"
"It seems you know him, that makes things easier, everyone."
He surveyed the students, recalling what Yumichika Ayasegawa had told him before he left, and uncharacteristically softened his tone:
"Among you, there should be some Sixth Years who are about to graduate, my Ninth Division welcomes you."
"You've all seen what she said and my strength."
"My older brother, who is also the current Captain, is currently the strongest person in Seireitei."
"In the Ninth Division, you can learn anything you want to learn."
"This is an opportunity not to be missed, it won't come again."
"That's all."
Getting the point across was enough; saying too much would be counterproductive.
Although those two subordinates were somewhat useless, one of them was quite clever.
Knowing that he was going to challenge this Captain, and knowing that he would win, he thought of using the opportunity to promote the Ninth Division.
There was nothing to lose if he failed; after all, it was his decision whether or not to say anything.
Now it seemed…
The students' thoughtful expressions were reflected in Zaraki Kenpachi's pupils.
The beast's brain was suppressed by reason.
He nodded slightly.
— The effect was truly remarkable.
Big brother will definitely be happy.
…
Whether Yoriichi was happy or not, no one knew, but Yamamoto Genryusai was undoubtedly angry.
He wasn't angry that Zaraki Kenpachi challenged Saito Furofushi, easily defeated her, lost face, and disrupted the training plan.
What truly infuriated him were the words Zaraki Kenpachi said afterward.
Honestly, if it were a thousand years ago, Yamamoto Genryusai would have split him in half.
Did he really think he, the Captain-Commander, had no temper?
To promote the Ninth Division, he dared to say anything.
Although Yamamoto Genryusai knew that these words were probably not taught by Yoriichi Tsugikuni; Yoriichi had no interest or inclination for such things.
However, the speaker may not have intended harm, but the listener took it to heart.
Yamamoto Genryusai pondered carefully and was startled to realize that he was indeed old.
In terms of true strength, while his Bankai's power was indeed a notch stronger than Yoriichi Tsugikuni's, in a head-on confrontation, he was completely outmatched by Yoriichi due to his advanced age.
As the saying goes, a fist fears the young, and Zanjutsu is no different.
Yamamoto Genryusai sometimes even felt that he should perhaps step down.
But thinking of the Menos Grande in Hueco Mundo and Aizen's threat, he could only grit his teeth and persevere.
Unexpectedly, this perseverance was met with Zaraki Kenpachi's mockery.
How could Yamamoto Genryusai not understand Zaraki Kenpachi's words?
It was nothing more than thinking he was old and should give opportunities to the younger generation, instead of clinging to his position.
But the problem was, how to give it up?
Just hand it over directly?
Yoriichi had enough strength, but lacked seniority, making it difficult to gain widespread respect, so it was better not to hand it over.
As for the title of the strongest Shinigami in a thousand years, Yoriichi didn't want it, so he couldn't just rush to give it to him, could he?
This was neither in line with rules nor reason.
Neither option was good, so even if Zaraki Kenpachi said such things, he could only pretend not to hear, he couldn't possibly get angry with a child, could he?
Of course, pretending not to hear was one thing, but he was still extremely angry inside.
So, he summoned Yoriichi Tsugikuni and told him to rein in his subordinate.
Yoriichi didn't know what to say about this.
He felt Zaraki Kenpachi's enthusiasm, but it was perhaps too fervent.
He could imagine how many Freshmen would want to join the Ninth Division this year after this incident.
Although those remarks were arrogant, combined with his strength, they were truly convincing.
In fact, on his way there, Yoriichi had vaguely heard some Shinigami discussing his strength and how he compared to the Captain-Commander.
It was clear that his words had already spread from the Freshmen to those Shinigami.
Gently exhaling, Yoriichi nodded to indicate he understood.
Of course, Zaraki Kenpachi's intentions were good, so Yoriichi only gave him a verbal warning after returning, telling him not to do such face-slapping things again.
However, Yoriichi's seemingly light action was seen as deeply meaningful by others.
Captain Yoriichi did not deny it… what did that mean?
That day, rumors intensified. It was said that in the evening, someone saw a raging fire ignite in the Gotei 13, evaporating even the clouds in the sky.
Although it quickly vanished without a trace, it was said to be a gas pipeline explosion—heaven knows why there would be a gas pipeline inside the Gotei 13.
But anyone with eyes knew what was going on.
So, before long, the title of the strongest Shinigami in a thousand years inexplicably became two.
One was the strongest young Shinigami in a thousand years, and the other was the strongest old Shinigami in a thousand years.
Although the latter carried a hint of a hero's twilight, since the person involved did not come out to deny it, the matter was left at that.
…
…
"Happy Birthday, Uta."
One night, Yoriichi presented Uta with a gift, a ring.
Although their wedding was scheduled for a year later due to certain matters, the surprises that should be there could not be omitted.
Previously, Yoriichi had racked his brains trying to figure out what gift would be best, but when Yoruichi Shihouin talked about the wedding, he thought of something he owed Uta.
During their time in the Human World, they didn't need such items because of the special circumstances of the era.
But in Seireitei, everything had to follow the local customs.
Uta was deeply moved, her sparkling eyes making her forget to breathe, feeling only her heart pounding.
After all, before this, she had forgotten her own birthday, thinking that even if someone remembered, it would only be those cakes…
But she hadn't expected…
"Thank you…"
Her voice was faint, not daring to look Yoriichi in the eyes.
Ultimately, even after becoming a noble, her heart remained as simple as it had been in the past.
Yoriichi keenly heard this and chuckled softly: "No need to thank me, we're husband and wife, aren't we?"
"A belated surprise, I apologize."
"I'll be on vacation in a few days, and Rangiku will be back from her vacation, so let's take them to the Human World to relax for a while."
"Is your work alright?"
Uta's breathing gradually returned. She tried to calm herself, taking the ring, but her voice was still low, as if muttering to herself, "What about Momo and the others…?"
"It's fine."
Yoriichi gently shook his head, holding Uta's hand, "Their training can come to an end for now."
"I originally thought they would need half a year to master it, but they've nearly finished in just a few dozen days."
"The rest is just a matter of continuous practice."
"If you're still worried, you can bring her along too, as long as she doesn't run off, it'll be fine."
Hinamori Momo is not a Shinigami currently. If she gets lost, it would be virtually impossible for her to return to Soul Society on her own.
Hearing this, Uta nodded: "Alright, I am a bit worried about her, after all, she's Rukia's only friend…"
"Then let's bring her along."
Yoriichi made the decision. It would just mean Kisuke Urahara making one more Gigai, which would take an hour to complete.
Speaking of which, since entering Seireitei, their family hadn't truly gone out together yet.
It was only recently that the title of the strongest young Shinigami in a thousand years had spread.
Coupled with the Rukongai who were training in the Ninth Division, the news reached Rukongai, which greatly reduced the number of criminals for a while, otherwise their vacation would have to be postponed.
The two continued to discuss the matter for a while, then settled on a general time and place.
Considering it was currently winter, the most suitable place for relaxation and for the whole family to go together was naturally a ski resort.
…
At the same time.
Human World.
Inside the Ishida residence.
Ishida Ryūken fell into contemplation, looking at the ski resort tickets in his hand.