Kuchiki Ginrei's figure vanished at the end of the corridor, but the heavy atmosphere did not lighten much because of it.
"Muken, huh..." Shunsui Kyōraku sighed. "I never thought Lord Ginrei could really bring himself to imprison Kuchiki Kōga there."
One couldn't tell whether he was lamenting Ginrei's leniency towards the criminal as a father-in-law, or his determination as the head of the Kuchiki Clan.
Yamamoto did not respond to Kyōraku's comment. His slightly open eyes looked in the direction Ginrei had left, lost in thought.
After a long while, Yamamoto slowly looked away and looked at the two before him again.
"Since the judgment has been made, let this matter be considered concluded." Yamamoto's voice was low and calm, betraying little emotion. "Kyōraku."
"Here!"
Kyōraku responded immediately, his lazy posture becoming somewhat more composed. Having been Old Man Yama's disciple for so long, he naturally knew the task to be assigned next would be crucial, involving follow-up processing.
"You will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating all procedures for transferring Kuchiki Kōga to Muken, as well as the documents and materials that need to be submitted to Central 46 regarding this incident." Yamamoto issued clear instructions. "Ensure there are no objections from Central 46."
"Understood."
Kyōraku's reply was crisp. This kind of thing wasn't difficult—just some wrangling with Central 46. He had been a Captain for a decent amount of time; with his existing connections and diplomatic skills, handling it wouldn't be troublesome.
Moreover, doing this well would only benefit Little Junior Brother's future succession to Captain-Commander. Why not do it?
After giving Kyōraku his orders, Yamamoto turned his gaze to Kensei.
The little slacker was currently trying to shrink behind Kyōraku's garish haori, trying to reduce his presence, his eyes darting towards the door, clearly thinking about slipping back as soon as possible.
On a normal day, Yamamoto would certainly have scolded Kensei for his careless appearance. But his gaze fell on the exhaustion in Kensei's brow, brought on by his depleted Reiatsu. Then he thought about how, in this crisis, it was almost solely due to Kensei's efforts that the danger involving the entire Seireitei had been quelled.
The sternness particular to a stubborn old man in Yamamoto's heart finally faded, replaced by concern for this young man, and a touch of guilt.
When it came down to it, this youngest student of his was far too young in an age group where Soul Reapers often counted their lives in centuries. It was just that his dazzling talents often caused people to overlook his age. Hadn't I placed the heavy burden of the Soul Society on his shoulders too early, potentially crushing his lively, unconventional nature?
"Kensei Kenzuru."
Kensei jolted. Even though he hadn't done anything wrong and had actually performed meritoriously, being called out by his teacher always carried a bit of guilty conscience.
"You have rendered a great service this time." Yamamoto stared at Kensei in silence for a moment before speaking slowly, his voice a touch gentler than before. "Resolving the Seireitei's crisis... I am proud of you."
"I know you possess exceptional talent, and I hope you will train diligently and not let down your talent." Yamamoto said slowly, then changed tack. "But considering you have indeed labored much recently due to my orders, I grant you a period of rest."
"As for the matter of your early graduation," Yamamoto paused, saying something that even made Kyōraku's expression slightly changed, "if you are unwilling, it can be temporarily put on hold."
Hearing Old Man Yama's words, Kensei first reacted with disbelief, stunned for a few seconds before becoming ecstatic. His eyes lit up like two Hōgyoku.
"Thank you, Teacher! You are truly the best old man in the Soul Society! In the future, I'll definitely be as filial to you as Obito was to Minato, heart and soul!"
Yamamoto gave an almost imperceptible snort. Though he didn't understand what nonsense Kensei was spouting now, nothing good ever came out of his mouth. He quickly waved his hand.
"Since your Reiatsu is severely depleted, Kyōraku, take your junior brother to the Fourth Division for proper recuperation, lest any hidden dangers remain."
Kensei raised his head sharply, his face wearing an expression that said, 'After I just vowed to be a model disciple in filial piety to you, how could you harm your disciple like this?'
"As you command." Kyōraku responded with a smile, reaching out to grab Kensei. "Let's go. Captain Unohana's gentle treatment is an honor many beg for but never receive. You should be having fun, Little Junior Brother!"
As expected of Old Man Yama, who has held power for nearly a millennium. He deliberately shows favor to me, inciting jealousy in his senior disciple Kyōraku, causing fellow disciples to turn on each other. Captain-Commander's political maneuvering is truly terrifying!
Kensei, with a hopeless expression, mentally wove a palace drama plot involving Old Man Yama based on dramas he'd seen, as he was dragged out of the First Division by Kyōraku.
"Alright, stop looking so grim. I'll take you to a great place!"
Once far from the First Division, Kyōraku became mysterious, wrapping his arms around Kensei's shoulder with a lewd expression, like the uncle in his father's notebook.
"If I really sent you to the Fourth Division, what difference would there be from shoving you into a Menos Grande's mouth? Is your senior brother that kind of person?"
Kensei looked suspiciously at Kyōraku and couldn't help but ask, "A great place? How great?"
Kyōraku chuckled, pulling Kensei towards his usual haunt. "Of course, a place where you can truly relax! Senior brother often goes there to heal body and mind, and there are plenty of beautiful views too!"
Recalling Kyōraku's expression just now and considering his character, Kensei suddenly understood! Senior brother is taking me to one of those 'cannot be described' great places!
Though I have no experience yet, it's good to broaden my horizons. I, Kensei Kenzuru, am sworn enemies with gambling and drugs!
With excitement, Kensei followed Kyōraku, turning left and right into a secluded street, stopping before a shop with a discreet curtain.
Kensei felt the vibe was right. Those other services also had storefronts like foot massage parlors or pool halls. I never expected Senior Brother Kyōraku to be so well-versed!
Following Kyōraku nervously into the shop, Kensei glanced at the elegant decor and menu without a hint of guile. He gave Shunsui Kyōraku a strange look, his eyes conveying two words—this is it?
"What do you think? This is a hidden gem I discovered by chance. I don't bring just anyone here."
Looking at the smug Kyōraku, Kensei's lips twitched. Having expectations for this senior who's all talk and no action was truly a mistake.
"It's just that a place like this is convenient for chatting." Kyōraku swirled his glass, smiling at Kensei across from him. "Now, junior brother, can you tell me what use that bead you took from Kuchiki Kōga has?"
Kyōraku leaned forward slightly, his voice lowered just enough to ensure only Kensei across from him could hear. Though certain this little junior brother harbored no ill will towards the Soul Society, considering his... well, pure mind, it was still necessary to guard against him being deceived by people with bad intentions.
"It's for experiments. Old Man Yama agreed to it, though."
Kensei just thought Kyōraku had problems. You dragged me all the way here under false pretenses just to ask this? Why didn't you ask in front of Old Man Yama? And you dashed my expectations too.
So it seems the previous incident with Captain Meizen was also related to junior brother. But since Old Man Yama notified the other Captains that way, he must have defaulted his methods.
"No wonder." Kyōraku nodded, looking up and taking a sip of the wine in his hand. "But you need to be careful. There are many suspicious things in the Kuchiki Kōga incident."
"Who else could have the ability to do such things but that one family."
Kensei pouted, dissatisfied at Kyōraku underestimating his wisdom. The Tsunayashiro Clan practically has the words 'cause trouble' written on their family crest. What kind of shit basin couldn't be dumped on their heads?
"For now, it's still unclear what they're actually trying to do. Being cautious is never wrong."
Kyōraku's intuition told him the Kuchiki Kōga incident was just a start. The Tsunayashiro Clan definitely had follow-up plans; it was just that no one knew yet.
Kensei nodded, thinking he should inform Sōsuke about this incident. Consider it a test of his wisdom.
After relaxing in the shop with Kyōraku for a while, Kensei followed the bill-paid Kyōraku out. Passing a residence table of customers, he overheard them talking about something about a loud noise coming from the Tsunayashiro early that morning.
Although it involved the Tsunayashiro Clan, Kensei figured it was probably just movement caused by materialized Zanpakutō. He didn't pay it much mind for now, planning to just throw the information at Aizen later and let him run with it, saving himself the brainpower.
Right now, I should just go back and rest properly. Need to think hard about how to spend this vacation.
Yawning, Kensei headed towards the direction of the barracks.
***
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