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Actually, Aozaki Reiji had a vague guess about the Old Man's thoughts.
Maintaining the stability of Seireitei's power might only be a partial reason; this was also a way for him to pave his own path.
He wasn't a particularly brilliant genius, but he wasn't an idiot either; having followed the Old Man for so many years, how could he not see the Old Man's expectations for him?
Although the Old Man often punched and kicked him, he was genuinely good to him when he chose to be.
Putting everything else aside, as a teacher, he truly taught him everything he knew.
He even allowed him to observe his Bankai, which he hadn't used in years, and taught him all the techniques he employed.
And the Old Man, knowing full well his relationship with Shiba Kūkaku, still allowed the Shiba Family to return to the center of power in Seireitei.
He didn't believe for a second that it had no connection to him.
Shiba Kūkaku and Shiba Kaien weren't fools either; they should also be able to discern the Old Man's intentions.
But Aozaki Reiji wouldn't force it; after all, if they agreed, it would be a decision that went against their ancestors.
Shiba Kūkaku's immediate agreement had already shown her stance, and that was enough.
"Do you know why the Shiba Family left Seireitei back then?" Shiba Kaien asked, taking a deep breath.
"I know," Aozaki Reiji said lightly, glancing at her, "Because the Shiba Family couldn't accept that the Five Great Noble Houses could commit such heinous sins and still rule Seireitei from above, so they came here."
"Such heinous sins?"
She tilted her head, clearly unable to understand what Aozaki Reiji meant by "sins."
Aozaki Reiji didn't answer her.
If Shiba Kaien wanted her to know, he would tell her.
"Since you know, why do you still want us to go back?" Shiba Kaien asked.
"Seireitei will change sooner or later, but not now."
Aozaki Reiji slowly spoke. Now was not a good time for internal strife; those Quincy were still lurking in the shadows, eyeing them covetously, and Aizen was up to who knows what.
The Old Man was already quite old, and he might kick the bucket any day now. Before that, he might as well reluctantly protect the things he cared about.
"Besides, aren't you currently serving as a Vice-Captain in Seireitei?"
"That's different; that's just to ensure the family's continuation," Shiba Kaien retorted, "That was also the reason you gave Uncle Isshin when you sent him to Seireitei, do you remember?"
"Of course, I remember," Aozaki Reiji nodded.
This was one of the pretexts he used to trick Shiba Isshin back then, and it was also the most important reason why Shiba Isshin was willing to join the Gotei 13.
Otherwise, with his lazy personality, even if he had the strength, he would have preferred to idle away his life in Rukongai.
"So we absolutely cannot allow that sin to continue," Shiba Kaien said, his eyelids slightly lowered.
"This isn't a sin; let's just consider it for everyone!" Aozaki Reiji said.
"Everyone?" Shiba Kaien was puzzled.
"The Tsunayashiro Family are undoubtedly a bunch of scoundrels. The Seireitei they rule has no future. Compared to them, the Shiba Family is better."
Aozaki Reiji's face was devoid of expression as he uttered words that would be punishable by death in Seireitei.
"Let's consider it for the future of everyone, and let that truly evil family be utterly shattered."
"Isn't it for this very reason that the Omnipotent and Omniscient Soul King was willing to endure such suffering?"
"Whether it's for atonement or for the continuation of the family, please persevere, persevere until the day this world changes!"
...
"I truly didn't misjudge you, Aozaki Reiji. You are indeed this Old Man's disciple." Yamamoto's lips curved into a faint smile, and his eyes were filled with admiration.
Aozaki Reiji secretly grumbled in his heart:
"This Old Man is just trying to take credit for himself. I've been talking my head off, and you just want to snatch all the credit with a single 'this Old Man's disciple'? How dishonest!"
However, on the surface, he maintained a humble attitude, bowing slightly and saying, "Teacher, you flatter me. It's all thanks to your excellent guidance."
Yamamoto sat opposite Aozaki Reiji, leisurely sipping a cup of hot tea, while Aozaki Reiji gently blew on another cup, the steam rising as the aroma of tea filled the air.
The atmosphere between the elder and the younger man was exceptionally harmonious, as if time itself had stood still at that moment.
They were immersed in this tranquility, like a close grandfather and grandson.
However, they had completely forgotten about Kyōraku Shunsui and Jūshirō Ukitake, who stood by their side.
These two were like forgotten light bulbs, standing awkwardly, watching Yamamoto and Aozaki Reiji enjoy their tea.
Kyōraku Shunsui couldn't help but nudge Jūshirō Ukitake with his shoulder, lowering his voice and saying, "Jūshirō! The Old Man and our junior brother are really too much! They're drinking tea by themselves and didn't even prepare any for us two. They clearly don't see us as people!"
Kyōraku Shunsui couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. He felt that Yamamoto used to treat him very well, but now that he had a junior brother, it seemed he had neglected him and Jūshirō Ukitake.
However, he also accepted it. How could they, as disciples, not know what the Old Man wanted to do?
This Old Man was already so old; besides indulging him, what else could they do?
He nudged Jūshirō Ukitake with his shoulder, his eyebrows raised in delight: "Later, let's go for a drink and celebrate."
"A little taste is fine, but not too much," Jūshirō Ukitake said, covering his mouth with his hand.
"I thought you'd refuse again. It seems your body has recovered well!" Kyōraku Shunsui said in surprise.
"Recently, the Shinigami Research and Development Institute has been helping me restore my bodily functions. Once my bodily functions meet the standard, I can begin the surgery," Jūshirō Ukitake said with a smile.
He truly had to thank his junior brother. His junior brother had given him hope. Before, he would never have dared to dream of having a healthy body.
"Has the Head of the Shiba Family arrived? Since the Shiba Family is willing to return to Seireitei, as Captain-Commander, I should meet with him once," Yamamoto said.
A slight tremor caused ripples on the surface of the tea, making Aozaki Reiji feel as if he was seeing the waves stirred up by Nejibana.
"Reiji, this is the last time. This time, we must settle things once and for all."
Shiba Kaien held up his trident-shaped spear, his expression serious as he spoke.
He pushed off with his legs and ran, like a giant wave rushing towards him.
And then...
A scream swept through the entire forest, scaring the birds in the sky so much that their wings twitched, and they almost fell.
Aozaki Reiji shook his head helplessly.
He remembered his brother-in-law's bruised and swollen face at the end, a truly horrible sight, and Shiba Kūkaku stood by, laughing unrestrainedly.
His brother-in-law must have been very sad at that time!
"There was a slight accident; he accidentally rolled down the mountain and is currently receiving treatment at the Fourth Division," Aozaki Reiji said, saving his brother-in-law's face.
How embarrassing would it be to say he was beaten by his own brother-in-law?
Alas, he, as a brother-in-law, was truly too thoughtful. His brother-in-law would surely be very happy when he found out!
Rolled down the mountain and went to the Fourth Division? Are Captain-class Shinigami that fragile? You probably hit him too hard, didn't you?
The three master and disciples' eyes twitched. Who would believe such nonsense?
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