The amount of information was quite overwhelming.
Arima Shinya fell silent for a moment before showing a slightly puzzled expression.
"You… just said what?"
"Already going deaf at such a young age? Geez~ I asked if you're interested in joining me for something big."
Ah, so that's what this was about. It seemed Yoruichi had finally touched on the topic she'd been meaning to discuss.
Her expression, once playful and carefree, shifted noticeably.
She set down her sake cup and turned her gaze toward the window beside her.
The relaxed smile she always wore — as if nothing in this world could ever surprise her — slowly faded.
Perhaps…
this was her true face?
"Hey, kid. What do you think of the Soul Society these days?"
She's asking me that?
That was such a heavy question, he didn't even know where to begin.
"I imagine you don't think it's doing too well, right?"
…So you already know the answer, huh?
You're just looking for an excuse to bring this up.
Yoruichi leaned slightly back against the futon. She folded her left leg, resting her arm casually on her knee.
…She looked tired?
"Kid, do you know how many years of history the Seireitei has?"
How would I know…
"About three thousand years."
"That's an estimate based on the age of the current Head-Captain, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni."
"For an ordinary human, that would already be an eternity, don't you think? Even for spirits, living a thousand years isn't exactly easy."
Arima Shinya had some notion of the old captain's age, but he couldn't figure out what that had to do with the topic at hand.
"And what about the history of the Soul Society as a whole — do you know anything about that?"
Without waiting for an answer, Yoruichi continued.
"It's something far beyond imagination. According to humans in the real world, this place is like paradise — or hell. Yeah… no, forget that for now."
"Anyway. It was born from nothingness, and for thousands, tens of thousands of years, it followed chaotic and formless rules. It was only in this last millennium that a defined order emerged — and with it, the barriers between people."
"Compared to the vastness of history, this ridiculous obsession with lineage and inheritance is almost laughable…"
Yoruichi twirled the small cup between her fingers, eyes lowered.
"Don't you think that's absurd?"
"…"
For a moment, Arima was at a loss for words.
There was so much to comment on that he didn't even know where to start. In the end, he decided to focus only on the question itself.
He needed to reassess his impression of Yoruichi.
After all, his view of her had been superficial — a calm, reliable, dark-skinned woman with a playful side who could also be generous.
But he'd never really thought about the motives behind her actions.
Now that he had the chance to reflect, some conclusions began to form…
She must be the kind of person who also wants to change the current state of things.
Back when he had been with Soi Fon, Yoruichi had made it clear she didn't see the need for hierarchical distinctions between them.
And considering her close bond with Urahara Kisuke, it was only natural their ideals aligned.
So…
Yoruichi was a reformist — but a much more moderate one than Aizen.
After some thought, Arima answered slowly:
"Although I believe everything that exists has a reason to exist, I don't mind seeing certain things change."
A neutral response, but an honest one.
He had never been someone with strong revolutionary ideals. What drove him was gratitude — the desire to repay Aizen for his recognition.
And, in the end…
"If I had to say something that bothers me about the nobles…"
Arima crossed his arms, thought for a moment, and murmured:
"It would be the fact that I'm not one of them."
Privileges — who wouldn't want them?
Having them and choosing not to use them was one thing; not having them and envying them was something else entirely. Without ever seeing the world from Yoruichi's perspective, he couldn't pretend to understand.
Arima didn't want to get lost in grand speeches, nor appear foolish in front of a noble.
Sometimes, sincerity was the best choice.
Yoruichi stayed silent for a moment, then let out a short laugh.
"What a useless answer… but you know, I actually like it. After all, I'm also someone who benefits from this system. Talking too prettily about it would just sound hypocritical."
It was a light laugh, without contempt. And for an instant, the mood between them softened.
"Hey, Arima Shinya."
"We're trying to change a few things in the Soul Society. And right now, we're recruiting allies. Would you be interested in joining us?"
"Of course, we won't make you do anything dangerous. It's really more of a verbal alliance — nothing with legal weight or real obligations."
How to put it…
Ah, right —
"When you become a captain, I hope that in many of your choices and directions, you'll be aligned with us. Only then can we change what's corrupt and outdated in this place."
So that was it.
Hearing that, Arima Shinya kept his expression calm but inwardly let out a sigh of relief.
Just as he'd suspected — Yoruichi was a reformist.
But unlike Aizen, both she and Urahara seemed to prefer gentler methods.
Yoruichi twirled her cup between her fingers, smiling.
"Even if it's little by little, step by step, that's fine."
"After all, time doesn't mean much to a shinigami. We have plenty to waste… and plenty to reflect on."
"As centuries pass, I believe we'll find a point of balance. And when that day comes… this world will have changed — even if just a little."
So that's how it was…
Those were Yoruichi and Urahara Kisuke's ideals.
A gentle and patient approach — very fitting for the shopkeeper, someone with a warm heart and a cool head.
Aizen had probably sent him to the 2nd Division precisely because of this — everyone had their own plans, after all.
Except that while Urahara sought a bloodless revolution… Aizen was the opposite.
He wanted blood to flow.
"All right, I've said everything I needed to. What's your answer?"
Well, at this point, the only thing to do was to agree and play the role of the infiltrator. (And rightfully so!)
But before accepting, Arima couldn't help but ask:
"Captain Yoruichi… you told me all this so openly, without hesitation. Does that mean you really trust me?"
She smiled brightly, showing her teeth.
"Of course I don't trust you!"
Huh?! Seriously?!
"But I trust Urahara's judgment. And after confirming your talent, I believe you have the right to walk beside us."
So it was Urahara himself who recommended him…
Thinking about it, Aizen was probably involved in this too.
Nothing ever escaped his plan, after all.
"Then I'll be counting on you, Captain Yoruichi."
Her grin widened even more.
"Oh, don't worry! I'll make sure to train you properly, kid!"
(End of Chapter)
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