Starting as a pirate, he rose to become the strongest Shinigami in Soul Society.

Chapter 446 The Kuchiki family has come again to ask for the Heart Crossing!

When Bane finished inspecting the underground prison and returned to the third level, he saw that Mayuri's cell had been emptied and they had all left.

"It's good that they're gone." Bane didn't pay much attention to the matter and quickly returned to the entrance of the Great Prison with Shinji Hirako and Hiyori Sarugaki.

Orochimaru and his group were nowhere to be seen at the entrance, clearly having left beforehand.

However, another group of people was waiting there.

Sixth Division Captain Kuchiki Ginrin, Sixth Division Vice-Captain Kuchiki Sojun, and Sixth Division Third Seat Kuchiki Byakuya.

Three generations of the family were standing there. As soon as they saw Bane leading his men out of the gate, a smile appeared on Kuchiki Ginryu's face as she went to greet them.

"It's been a long time since I last greeted you, Spirit Lord," said the rotten wood silver bell as it stepped forward.

"Lord Spirit Lord." Kuchiki Sojun and Kuchiki Byakuya nodded in unison.

"Huh? What brings you all here?" Bane asked curiously, then looked at the Azure Dragon Heart Crossing hovering above the gate behind him, as if he understood something, and said, "Another mission out?"

"Nothing can be hidden from you." Kuchiki Ginryu nodded with a smile.

As soon as he finished speaking, Kuchiki Byakuya, who was still quite young and had a youthful face, stepped forward and, as if trying to appear more mature, respectfully raised the gift box in his hand, saying, "This is Heavenly Spirit Tea produced by the most vigorous mother tree of the Spirit Flower Tree on Tianxiu Peak this year. Please accept it, Spirit Lord."

Every time Kuchiki Ginryo came to Borrow Heart Ferry, she never came empty-handed. As a model of nobility, she was naturally very courteous. In the first few times, she formally invited Bane to the Kuchiki family to be a guest, to have a banquet, and to prepare songs and dances to entertain him. Only when things were almost over did she bring up the matter at hand.

Later, Bane felt it was too formal, so he told Kuchiki Ginryu not to be so formal, and then Kuchiki Ginryu would bring a gift every time she came.

It's not something particularly valuable, but it is indeed a 'luxury item' that most people can't even see.

The tea leaves from the Spirit Flower Tree of Tianxiu Peak are basically only circulated among the great nobles. Even the captains of the Thirteen Gotei 13 have no chance to see them, and only Yamamoto Genryusai can occasionally drink them.

This is the sophistication and cultural heritage of the nobility.

"You're too kind." Bane smiled and nodded to Kuchiki Byakuya, then asked, "Your spiritual pressure seems to have increased quite a bit since we last met. Are you close to mastering the power of Bankai?"

As he said this, without Bane even having to speak, Hiyori Sarugaki naturally stepped forward and took the gift box from Byakuya Kuchiki's hands.

Kuchiki Byakuya humbly shook his head and said, "Not yet. This junior is still learning and inexperienced. I'm sorry to trouble you, Lord Spirit Lord, with your concern."

"You were the top student back then. If you claim to be ignorant and inexperienced, what will the others do?" Bane teased with a smile.

Kuchiki Sojun, standing to the side, also looked helpless and said, "Byakuya was influenced by you, Spirit Lord, and Yoruichi from the Shihouin family. He became obsessed with Kido and Shunpo, spending all his time studying these two things. He didn't care much about Zanpakuto. Otherwise, he would have mastered the power of Bankai years ago."

"Slaying fists and walking ghosts are the four basic skills of a Shinigami. I believe that one must be proficient in all aspects, and none of them can be lacking," Kuchiki Byakuya said with a serious expression.

"Look," Kuchiki Sojun said with a smile and a shake of his head.

Bane laughed heartily and said, "Although for most Shinigami, mastering the elements of the Slash Fist and the Demon Walker is enough, and then choosing a direction to specialize in can lead to success, for a genius like Byakuya, it is also good to solidify the basics and develop in all aspects. He has this talent, so let's not delay him."

Having received Bane's praise and approval, Byakuya Kuchiki's "mature beyond his years" expression suddenly became slightly excited, and he immediately replied, "Thank you for your guidance, Headmaster!"

This time, he addressed Bane as "Dean" instead of "Spirit Lord," indicating that there was another layer of master-disciple relationship between them.

As Kuchiki Sojun said, he was influenced by Bane.

Back when Byakuya Kuchiki was still in the Shinigami Academy, he was very interested in the new school of Kido that Bane described. He became so engrossed in it that he couldn't extricate himself from it. Even though he was the first student to master Shikai that year, he continued to study Kido afterward.

Unfortunately, he was also very talented in this area, and he even helped Bane figure it out. The two of them worked together to improve several demonic arts techniques.

While chatting about these things, Bane waved his hand, and then saw that the Heart Crossing stuck in the ground not far away reacted quickly, with a clang, it was lifted off the ground and spun back into Bane's hand.

The azure dragon that had been coiled above the gate let out an excited roar and plunged into the blade.

Bane then sheathed his sword, took the Heart Crossing from his waist, and handed it to Kuchiki Ginryo, saying, "I've been keeping this guy Heart Crossing here to guard the gate. Although he doesn't say it, he really wants to go out and get some fresh air. Every time he goes out with you guys, he comes back happy for a long time. I'm leaving him here this time as well."

Hearing this, Kuki Silver Bell was also very moved. That's why everyone says that the Spirit Lord is kind and gentle.

They came to ask for the Heart Ferry, but the Spirit Lord made it sound like they were the ones who came to take the Heart Ferry out for some fresh air.

"I will certainly live up to the Spirit Lord's trust." Kuchiki Ginryu solemnly replied, then took the Heart Transfer with both hands and handed it to Kuchiki Sojun.

After receiving the Heart Crossing, Kuchiki Sojun had a faint smile on his face. He brushed the Heart Crossing's scabbard, and then the flower tassel on the hilt of the Heart Crossing seemed to come alive, patting Kuchiki Sojun's shoulder with great intelligence.

A knife and a man, they seem like inseparable brothers.

If someone who didn't know better saw it, they might think that Shinto was Kuchiki Sōjun's Zanpakutō.

After lending his heart to show his trust, Bane asked curiously, "I heard you're going on leave in a few days, why are you going out again?"

"It is precisely because of this matter." Kuchiki Ginryu did not continue to "block the door" here, but stepped aside and raised her hand to invite him.

And so, Bane, Kuchiki Ginrin, and Kuchiki Sojun walked ahead, while Hirako Shinji, Sarugaki Hiyori, Kuchiki Byakuya, and others joined them behind, chatting quietly as they walked.

Because of the good relationship between Bane and the Kuchiki family, Kuchiki Byakuya had a lot of contact with Hirako Shinji, Sarugaki Hiyori, and others. They were all very familiar with each other and there was no sense of estrangement. Soon they started talking about Sarugaki Hiyori's transfer to another team.

On the other side, Kuchiki Ginryu, who was walking in front, said softly, "In a few days, I will be taking a break from the squad, and Cang Chun will take over as the captain of the Sixth Division. Although everyone has no objection to this, as long as the Captain-Commander approves, no one else has the right to interfere with the succession of my Sixth Division."

"Cang Chun has been the vice-captain of the Sixth Division for many years now, and he has always had a harmonious relationship with everyone," Bane said, offering a compliment.

Kuchiki Ginryu smiled and then said, "But after that, I will be interacting with everyone as the captain, so I thought that at least Cang Chun should lead the team alone and handle a mission of sufficient importance to prove himself."

"So this time, Cang Chun is leading the team alone?" Bane asked curiously. "What kind of mission is it?"

"Let's head to Hueco Mundo and cooperate with the Eleventh Division to defeat the Hollows," said Kuchiki Ginrin.

The Eleventh Division mainly targets only two areas: the high-numbered districts of Rukongai and Hueco Mundo.

In the human world, the Eleventh Division doesn't usually need to intervene. High-level Hollows don't typically appear there, so the Thirteenth Division, led by Jushiro Ukitake, is usually stationed there, with the Twelfth Division assisting.

Even if a powerful Hollow really does appear, most of the time, the Quincy in the human world will handle the problem themselves before the Seireitei can even arrange for its suppression.

Therefore, the Eleventh Division's expeditions generally do not involve going to the human world.

The expeditions to Hueco Mundo are conducted periodically, roughly every three years. This is to reduce the number of Gillian Menos Grande by eliminating them. Reducing the number of Gillian Menos Grande can stabilize and weaken the possibility of the emergence of Adjuchas-class Menos Grande.

Not a single mistake, not a single poem, not a single post, not a single piece of content, not a single look!

This further reduced the birth rate of Vastod-class Hollows.

In modern terms, this situation is equivalent to the Central Plains dynasties reducing the population and burning grass on the grasslands.

The goal is to steadily weaken Hueco Mundo's power to prevent any imbalance and reduce Hueco Mundo's threat to Soul Society.

At the same time, in order to avoid a situation where the Eleventh Division is too strong while the other divisions are weak and lack combat experience, although the Eleventh Division is always responsible for the main subjugation work in Hueco Mundo, the other divisions will take turns to cooperate with the Eleventh Division.

Even the Ninth Division under Bane's command went there, but it was Genjiro Oki who went with Shinji Hirako and others; Bane didn't go.

"With Kenpachi Kuruyashiki around, there shouldn't be any problems. That guy is incredibly skilled," Bane said with a reassuring smile.

As someone who has witnessed the ups and downs of the Eleventh Division, Bane can confidently say that the current Seventh Kenpachi, Kuruyashiki Kenpachi, is absolutely the strongest since Hana resigned from the position of Kenpachi.

He might even be stronger than Sister Hua!

His strength alone was enough to attract the attention of the Spirit King Palace, who wanted to recruit him into the Zero Division, demonstrating his formidable power.

Of course, from the perspective of strength, Hana, Yamamoto Genryusai, and Bann are all qualified to go to the Spirit King Palace.

But how to put it, the Gotei 13 can't do without Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryusai. In the eyes of the newcomers of the past 150 years, Hana is a gentle and reliable captain of the Fourth Division, but in the eyes of the veterans, she is an unprecedented villain, a slasher. How could the Soul King Palace possibly recruit her?

Bane's existence is extremely unique. Not to mention being recruited, he has never had any dealings with the Soul King's Palace since he arrived in Soul Society.

Despite being the first in the Spirit King Palace to discover Bane's special nature in the mortal world, he never showed his face again afterward.

It is clear that the Spirit King's Palace is completely unwilling to have any dealings with Bane in this regard.

It somewhat fits the feeling of "kings never meeting".

"I'm planning to take Aojun to pay a visit to Captain Kuruyashiki after this," said Kuchiki Ginryu.

From a macro perspective, his actions were intended to allow Kuchiki Sojun to demonstrate his ability and strength in independently leading the Sixth Division.

But this move was a bit too clever; he went to Bane specifically to borrow the Heart Ferry, which felt a bit like cheating.

In reality, this was merely a means to protect Kuchiki Sojun's life. With the Heart Ferry in hand, even if something unexpected happened, the next head of the Kuchiki family wouldn't die on the spot in Hueco Mundo.

At the same time, this behavior may be criticized, but in the eyes of Xiu Mu Yin Ling, being able to borrow the Heart Crossing from the Spirit Lord means that the Spirit Lord supports Cang Chun!

This is also a great help to Kuchiki Sōjun!

The Spirit Lord's Heart Crossing has been placed at the entrance of this great prison for many years, but only one person, Xiu Mu Cang Chun, has been able to borrow it. Isn't that enough to prove anything?

Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryusai supported Kuchiki Sojun taking over as captain. Now that the Spirit Lord has lent his Heart Transmission, any other trends within the Gotei 13 would never dare to emerge again!

This is the cunning and shrewdness of Kuchiki Ginryo.

Cang Chun is physically weak and sickly, so as his father, he must make proper arrangements for Cang Chun before he retires!

The fact that the head of the Kuchiki family is physically weak and sickly is not a problem. What is necessary is to gain the support of many powerful connections and demonstrate the Kuchiki family's strength and influence!

Strength is one aspect, but isn't the influence that garners support also a manifestation of ability?

As they chatted, Bane arrived at the entrance to the Great Book of Spirits corridor once more. He then looked curiously at Lisa Yadomaru, who stood alone before the gate, and asked, "Lisa-chan, where's your Kyoraku captain?"

Lisa Yadomaru said with a helpless expression, "I've gone to have a drink with Captain Jushiro."

"Hahaha, I've only been out for a short while and he's already skipped work. That's typical of him. You must be exhausted." Bane laughed heartily, waved his hand, and left with Kuchiki Ginrin.

(End of this chapter)