Chapter 39: A Perfect Tai Chi — Passing the Blame with Style
"So…you're slacking off again."
"Who's brave!?"
[TL: Lisa is retorting to what Shunsui said in previous ch– check on my brace vice-captain. That was what was written in the raw "Who's brave!?" If u guys have any suggestions to change it suggest here.]
Two sharp retorts met him head-on, but Kyōraku Shunsui only smiled, shrugged carelessly, and sat himself down across from them. He gave both Lisa and Mizuma a long, knowing look before giving their shoulders a friendly pat.
"Alright, alright, as long as you're both safe. I heard from Captain Urahara about your performance, you know. Excellent work—the very pillars of the Seireitei. I'll be sure to recommend you both to Old Man Yamamoto for commendation."
"…"
"…"
Lisa and Mizuma exchanged the same look—equal parts annoyance and disbelief. The difference was, Mizuma still tried to be polite, while Lisa pushed her glasses up, the lenses flashing coldly.
"Just say what you came here to say, Captain," she warned. "That face doesn't suit you. I'll have nightmares if you keep smiling like that."
"So heartless, Lisa-chan?" Shunsui tilted his straw hat, sighing dramatically. "And here I thought I was seizing the perfect chance to polish my 'responsible captain' image."
"That kind of image is supposed to be built into your daily behavior, you know."
Mizuma's tone was half helpless, half teasing. "Captain, your reputation's been gone for years. Even new recruits know what kind of person you are before their first week ends."
"What!?" Shunsui gasped in exaggerated horror. "So that's why none of the new female recruits admire me anymore!"
"Your self-awareness deficit is truly a wonder," Mizuma sighed. "Anyway, let's skip the act, Captain. You came for something serious, right?"
"You're so thoughtful, Mizuma-kun." Shunsui sighed again, lowering his hat a little. "Well then, straight to the point—"
He lifted his eyes. "When exactly did you regain consciousness?"
"So that's what you're here for, huh…" Mizuma smiled faintly. "Five twelve in the evening—too late, isn't it?"
"Exactly."
Shunsui nodded. "According to Captain Urahara, your clone died at precisely three thirty-nine."
"So who's behind all this? The Tsunayashiro Clan? Or the Central 46?"
"Hard to say," Shunsui murmured. "But I'm inclined to believe both sides had a hand in it."
His tone darkened as he sipped his tea. "The situation is... unusual. Katani—the one who issued the exploration order—vanished when Ukitake and I went to question the Central 46. They've seized the chance to deflect blame. From their attitude, I'd say they plan to stall until the entire matter fades away."
"Of course," Mizuma snorted. "No one died, so to those old fossils, it's a 'minor issue.' And even if someone had died, they'd still find a way to call it a small matter—so long as they can shift the blame onto someone else."
"Mizuma, you shouldn't say that out loud," Shunsui coughed. "As for the Tsunayashiro Clan... their behavior is even stranger."
"How so?"
"You remember the one who guided your team into that Trial Ground—Tsunayoshi Yoki?"
"Remember him?" Mizuma sneered. "I could never forget."
"The Tsunayashiro Clan has placed all the blame squarely on him," Shunsui said grimly. "Their official statement claims: 'Tsunayoshi Yoki misinterpreted ancient records and acted independently. We apologize. The offender will be severely punished.'"
He glanced toward the First Division barracks. "They've already decided—he'll be imprisoned in Muken within days. A sentence of at least a thousand years."
"What?"
Mizuma frowned. In Tokinada's subordinates' memories, Tsunayoshi Yoki had been his cousin and co-conspirator. The plan to seize the Divine Sword was a joint operation, their roles equal.
Now it seemed clear—Yoki was just another disposable pawn.
"Hmph. 'Considering how much we have yielded, on what basis do you continue to press for more?'" Mizuma clicked his tongue. "Such impressive political maneuvers…"
"Hm?" Shunsui blinked.
[TL: "Hmph. 'Since we've paid such a price, what else is there to pursue?'" Mizuma clicked his tongue. "Such elegant Tai Chi footwork…"
"Tai Chi?" Shunsui blinked.
Idk how Tai Chi makes sense.]
"Just a weird saying of mine. Forget it."
"If you say so." Shunsui didn't press. His tone turned grave again. "Mizuma, Lisa—be cautious. This incident runs deeper than it looks. It's already entangled with the Urahara household. More storms will follow, and with your current strength and backing, you'll be easy targets in these political games."
"Understood," Lisa said, nodding seriously.
"You're giving me too much credit, Captain." Mizuma grinned. "I'm just looking forward to a quiet fishing trip, not another conspiracy."
"In any case, stay sharp."
---
That day, many people broke down.
Someone was furious enough to burst a vein—Katani Shinno, dead in spirit and reputation.
Someone became a scapegoat—Tsunayoshi Yoki, the "rogue agent" condemned to Muken.
The true culprit, Tsunayashiro Tokinada, should have felt relieved—he'd lost both his sword and his pawns, but his plan had ended without public disaster. Yet, back at his mansion, his face was still dark as ash, his fury barely contained.
The Divine Sword he should have acquired was gone, as well as his ally and scapegoat. Gone and used up.
And though he told himself it was "inevitable," Tokinada's pride wouldn't let it rest.
He dismissed his attendants, tempted more than once to smash a plate in anger—but restrained himself. His image as a refined noble could not be tarnished over a mere setback.
Still, even if his hands stayed still, his mouth didn't.
"Urahara… family…" Tokinada hissed, his breath sharp, fists clenched tight enough to creak.
Dozens of malicious schemes raced through his mind, only to be discarded one after another.
No good. The sword was taken by the Messenger—essentially an extension of the Urahara head's will. For now, I can't touch them.
I'll have to wait… plan carefully…
He never noticed that something else lurked in the shadows of his room.
Three figures stood in the darkness—men in black Shihakushō.
The one in front, bespectacled and calm, laid a gentle hand on the shoulder of the dark-skinned man beside him.
"Calm yourself, Tōsen."
"Forgive me, Lord Aizen. I lost my composure."
The dark-skinned man tore his gaze from Tokinada's back, bowing in shame.
The silver-haired youth next to them exhaled with a faint smile.
"Now, now. We're here for business, aren't we?"
"No need to rush," Aizen said smoothly. "Since the Soul King's weapon is already in Urahara's possession, we no longer need to hurry."
Beneath the illusion of Kyōka Suigetsu, the trio—Aizen Sōsuke, Tōsen Kaname, and Ichimaru Gin—had entered the Tsunayashiro estate unseen, their next scheme already unfolding in silence.
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〔TL〕
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