Chapter 171: We've Encountered Trouble
As the sky gradually darkened, Satoru dragged his exhausted body back to the Second Division barracks.
He had quite a fulfilling day.
In the morning, he received orders to participate in an operation in the living world as the vice-captain.
In the afternoon, he was at the First Division, telling Yamamoto about his new Shikai.
Seeing that Satoru's sword was related to fire, Yamamoto said this was his area of expertise.
Although the core ability of Risō Jakumetsu wasn't fire, the fiercely burning blue flames indeed had a certain degree of destructive power.
Yamamoto brought over a stack of books, all compiled from his usual insights and experiences regarding the use of fire-type Zanpakutō.
He handed the stack of books to Satoru, demanding he study them thoroughly and memorize them, with random checks to follow.
Staring at the thick pile of books before him, Satoru's eyes widened as if he had been transported back to his previous life—those nightmarish three years.
Having barely survived his time in the First Division, he was now caught by Yoruichi.
Bringing Satoru along, Yoruichi headed straight back to the Shihōin Clan.
Finding a secluded spot, she got straight to the point.
"Satoru, would you like to become the captain of the Second Division?"
Satoru was taken aback. "Did the old man send you as reinforcement?"
"Huh?"
Yoruichi was equally confused.
Seeing that she didn't seem to be acting, Satoru breathed a sigh of relief.
He had thought that Yamamoto, in his desperation to assign him a captain's position, had started resorting to extreme measures, even targeting those close to him.
Leaning against the wall lazily, he said, "The Second Division has already been reserved for the Shihōin Clan. You don't need to worry about the position being vacant and someone else snatching it."
"If it were the old Central 46, they might still have designs on your family. But now, Central 46 is entirely made up of the Kuchiki and your clan's people. Who would dare provoke the Shihōin?"
Hearing this, Yoruichi shook her head.
"It's not about power struggles."
"I've come to realize that, no matter how hard I try, I'm still quite far from being a qualified captain."
"Until I bridge that gap, I hope the Second Division can have a captain to serve as a guide, leading everyone forward."
Satoru fell into thought.
Becoming the captain of the Second Division… wasn't a bad idea.
First, the Second Division had Marenoshin Ōmaeda, who could handle the captain's duties, allowing him to reap the benefits without effort.
More importantly, as a captain, he would wield significant authority over the members of his division.
The Gotei 13 was an organization with an archaic structure, one that didn't prioritize the rights of ordinary members.
If he became captain, wouldn't all the female members of his division be like meat served to his mouth?
The Second Division paradise plan was within reach!
Heh heh!
Watching the shifting expressions on Satoru's face, Yoruichi narrowed her eyes.
"Never mind, I take it back. Let's discuss the captain position another time."
Satoru: "?"
Just as he was about to say something, a voice suddenly called out—
"Brother-in-law! You're here!"
Following the voice, a figure rushed over cheerfully.
Yoruichi made an exasperated face and turned to look.
It was a child with coffee-colored skin, just like hers.
With delicate features and a slender build, the child wore a black kimono topped with a white haori.
Of course, this wasn't a captain's haori but the kind worn by nobles, symbolizing their esteemed status.
At first glance, the child appeared to be a finely featured young girl.
The first time they met, Satoru had been fooled, thinking it was Yoruichi's younger sister.
But it was a boy.
Satoru reached out and placed his hand on the rushing boy's head, keeping him at arm's length.
Though held back by Satoru's grip, the boy remained undeterred, his face beaming with a sunny smile.
"Brother-in-law, brother-in-law, it's me, Yūshirō!"
"Yes, dear, and precisely because it's you, I'm not letting you get any closer~"
Satoru smiled with an air of refined amiability.
This little brother-in-law of his… ahem, Yoruichi's brother, was simply too enthusiastic.
If left unchecked, the kid would cling to him like a Husky, never leaving his side.
To a certain sect's priest, this might be the highest form of blessing.
To Satoru, it was just noise.
Through Satoru's fingers, the boy asked curiously, "Brother-in-law, can I see your Shunkō? I heard yours is fire-elemental?"
Without waiting for Satoru's reply, he continued on his own:
"That's so cool! I hope when I learn Shunkō someday, mine will be fire-elemental too!"
"Since brother-in-law is fire-elemental, I should be able to inherit it too!"
Yoruichi: "?"
What ridiculous things was her little brother saying?
She raised her fist and thumped him on the head.
"Idiot! This guy isn't your brother-in-law yet! Stop calling him that so familiarly!"
Yūshirō crouched down holding his head, his beautiful large eyes welling up with tears as he looked at Yoruichi.
"But all the elders say it's just a matter of time..."
Hearing this, Yoruichi froze momentarily.
Satoru stood nearby, casting her a teasing look.
Feeling Satoru's gaze, Yoruichi coughed lightly.
"Speaking of Shunkō... perfect timing, Satoru, let's practice together!"
"Whoever becomes the Second Division captain between us, we need to keep working hard!"
As she spoke, electricity already crackled around her body.
For some reason, when she first met Satoru, she had always been the one taking initiative.
Whether joking around or making him blush, she had always been the one starting things.
So why did these topics recently make her increasingly flustered?
Despite her confusion, she performed even better than during her usual solo practice.
After finishing practice with Yoruichi, Satoru finally returned to his dorm.
The moment he stepped inside, he was startled.
Aizen was already waiting in his room, though he had no idea when the man had arrived.
"What the hell, you scared me!"
Satoru patted his chest to calm his racing heart.
Aizen sat with his eyes closed, seemingly meditating.
Hearing Satoru's voice, he opened his eyes.
"Satoru, I visited the Great Spirit Book Repository today."
Satoru was taken aback by this.
He knew Aizen had been to the Great Spirit Book Repository before.
But during the recent chaos in the Soul Society, the Tsunayashiro Clan, responsible for managing the repository, had been too preoccupied to pay much attention, making occasional infiltrations relatively safe.
Lately, however, their defenses had been restored. Wasn't Aizen worried about getting caught if he kept sneaking in so recklessly?
Just as Satoru was about to voice his concern, Aizen spoke up. "We have a problem."
Under Satoru's watchful gaze, Aizen produced a glass vial and tossed it to him.
Satoru caught it and immediately sensed the Reiatsu within.
It was heavy, dense—somehow familiar.
He frowned slightly.
The Reiatsu in the vial seemed to belong to a Shinigami, yet it was different.
If he had to describe it, it was as if a Shinigami's Reiatsu had rotted, transforming into something else entirely.
That made no sense.
When a Shinigami died, their Reishi would gradually dissipate into the air. There was no such thing as "rotting" or "transforming."
So, what was he holding?
Before he could ask, Aizen explained, "This is Kenpachi Kiganjō's Reiatsu."
"To be precise, these are the Reishi particles left behind after his death."
Satoru was stunned.
Aizen continued calmly, "You've heard of the Soul Funeral Ceremony, right?"
"This vial of Reiatsu is the real reason the Soul Funeral Ceremony exists!"