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

Chapter 511 A Prodigy: Matsumoto Rangiku.

"Ichimaru Gin, Matsumoto Rangiku?" Kuchiki Byakuya repeated softly, then revealed a kind smile and said, "My name is Kuchiki Byakuya, the next head of the Kuchiki family, and currently the third seat of the sixth division of the Gotei 13."

"Byakuya-sama." Gin Ichimaru and Rangiku Matsumoto immediately bowed respectfully upon hearing this.

However, since they both came from Rukongai, they didn't really know any manners, so their actions were somewhat comical.

Even though they came from Rukongai, they could understand how noble the seemingly kind man in front of them was.

The Kuchiki family is a renowned noble family in Soul Society. Not to mention anything else, the entire Tenju Castle is managed by the Kuchiki family. Any of their retainers are treated with utmost respect and courtesy by those noble lords who used to seem high and mighty.

Not to mention that this person is the next head of the Kuchiki family.

Besides, they were also very familiar with the reputation of the Gotei 13. In fact, the reason why they and Rangiku were chosen by this steward was because he felt that Rangiku and Rangiku had some potential and might be able to join the Gotei 13 in the future.

"No need for formalities." Byakuya Kuchiki waved his hand, not bothering with formalities, and said directly, "I see that you two have good potential and talent. If you are willing, I can recommend you to the Seireitei to join this year's Shinigami Academy recruitment. Judging by the time, there are still about half a month left, which should be enough time. What do you think?"

Byakuya Kuchiki really thought highly of these two kids. One of them, Gin Ichimaru, seemed a bit shrewd, like a little fox who was mature beyond his years. Despite being hungry and cold, his spiritual pressure was already almost on par with that of an ordinary squad member, which showed his extraordinary talent.

Without a doubt, if all goes well and he is properly trained, he will likely become an outstanding Shinigami graduate immediately upon graduating from the Shinigami Academy, and it's not impossible for him to compete for the top spot.

With such outstanding achievements, one could join one of the Gotei 13 squads and train for decades or even centuries, perhaps eventually becoming a captain-level talent.

This was Byakuya Kuchiki's first impression of Gin Ichimaru.

As for Matsumoto Rangiku, it was an even bigger surprise.

In Byakuya Kuchiki's eyes, Gin Ichimaru is a promising talent with the potential to become a captain, but whether he can ultimately achieve that depends on his own performance and efforts.

As for Matsumoto Rangiku, Kuchiki Byakuya felt genuine surprise and delight the moment he first saw this little girl!

She appeared delicate and even slightly timid, as if Gin Ichimaru was the one protecting her. However, in reality, her spiritual pressure was stronger than Gin's. In Byakuya Kuchiki's spiritual vision, Rangiku Matsumoto exuded a refined spiritual aura.

She doesn't need any special care or effort. With this kind of talent, as long as she grows up normally, she has a very high chance of naturally becoming a captain-level Grim Reaper!

He is a true genius.

Kuchiki Byakuya even suspected that Matsumoto Rangiku's constitution was very special, and that if she were brought back to Seireitei, she could be properly examined to see what her condition was.

In fact, Matsumoto Rangiku's talent is indeed outstanding. Not only is she very gifted, but she also has the Spirit King's fingertip growing inside her!

In the original story, Aizen was wandering around Rukongai, looking for potential candidates to use for experiments, when he encountered Matsumoto Rangiku. Aizen then noticed Matsumoto Rangiku's specialness and excellence, forcibly taking the Soul King's fingertip from her body, which resulted in Matsumoto Rangiku being severely injured and almost dying.

All of this was witnessed by Gin Ichimaru, who was hiding nearby. Gin then resolved to help Rangiku reclaim what was inside her body and began to work on his revenge plan. He followed Aizen and committed many atrocities. In the end, he almost killed Aizen, but he failed and died in Rangiku's arms.

Not to mention that these ill-fated relationships are unlikely to happen.

Take Matsumoto Rangiku for example. When she was young, she was severely injured by Aizen, who took away the Soul King's fingertip from her body. Even so, she still managed to join the Gotei 13 by chance, thanks to her outstanding talent, and quickly became an outstanding Shinigami, serving as the vice-captain of the 10th Division.

Even though she never achieved Bankai in the end, Matsumoto Rangiku was still a very young Shinigami even after the Thousand-Year Blood War ended. No one could say for sure whether she would be able to achieve Bankai in the future.

Despite being severely injured and having the Spirit King's fingertip stolen from her body, she still managed to end up like this.

Now, if he is completely unharmed and is taken in by Byakuya Kuchiki to be properly trained in Seireitei, becoming a captain-level officer, or even surpassing most captains, should be a certainty.

Therefore, at this moment, Kuchiki Byakuya actually favored Matsumoto Rangiku more.

Byakuya Kuchiki's invitation was rather abrupt and lacked any subtlety, but this was very much in line with the difference in status between him and Gin Ichimaru and Rangiku Matsumoto.

After all, one was a high-ranking nobleman, while the rest were just lowly commoners in Rukongai who barely made ends meet.

It was already an immense honor for both of them that Kuchiki Byakuya had asked for this.

Gin Ichimaru was mature beyond his years, so he understood this principle very well. At the same time, he also knew very well that this might be the best opportunity for him and Rangiku to turn things around.

Between the two of them, it was always Gin Ichimaru who made the decisions, so there was no need for discussion. Gin immediately knelt on one knee and, using the courtesy he remembered, said to Byakuya Kuchiki, "Thank you for your appreciation, sir. We are willing!"

Having received a satisfactory reply, Kuchiki Byakuya was also pleased. Seeing that Matsumoto Rangiku was about to bow after realizing what had happened, Kuchiki Byakuya quickly lifted them both up, saying, "I told you, there's no need for such formalities. With your talents, if you work hard in the future, your achievements may not be inferior to mine. Perhaps I'll even need you to take care of me in the future."

This was indeed a rather polite remark, but Gin Ichimaru immediately replied, "If Lord Byakuya has any needs, I, Gin Ichimaru, will gladly die for you."

Although Gin Ichimaru looks mature beyond his years, like a little fox.

But in reality, he was very simple-minded; he only had one thought and one vision: that Rangiku could live a good life.

That's why he was so grateful to Kuchiki Byakuya and said such things. He even felt that if he really died for Kuchiki Byakuya, Rangiku would definitely be well taken care of by the Kuchiki family.

Even if it's just as an example, or as a case of spending a fortune to buy a horse's bones, it will definitely happen!

"Don't be so serious." Kuchiki Byakuya shook his head with a smile, then looked at the steward and said, "You did a great job, I'm very satisfied. Keep up the good work and do more things like this in the future to discover more outstanding talents for Seireitei. I'll come back to see you again in the future."

The steward, flattered by Byakuya Kuchiki's praise, felt like he was ascending to heaven. His eyes practically disappeared from his smile, and he quickly replied, "Lord Byakuya, rest assured, no one dares to disobey your orders!"

And so, when they returned to Seireitei, Byakuya was followed by two little ones who looked around curiously, as if they were curious about everything in this vast Seireitei.

Byakuya wanted to show his kindness to the two little ones, so he planned to take them back to the Kuchiki family first, take care of them for a few days, and make a deeper impression on them before sending them there when the Shinigami Academy of Spiritual Arts was about to close for admissions.

After entering the White Gate and arriving at Seireitei, Byakuya Kuchiki led the two little ones towards the noble district.

The streets where the noble district is located are patrolled and guarded by members of the Sixth Division. Ordinary civilians and even ordinary Shinigami members are not allowed to enter the noble district.

However, Byakuya doesn't follow this rule when leading people.

As if this place naturally evoked a sense of tension and awe, Gin Ichimaru and Rangiku Matsumoto unconsciously restrained their auras and dared not speak much after entering the area with Byakuya Kuchiki. They also tried to keep their steps as light as possible.

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Soon, they arrived at the edge of the Shihōin family's territory, a city within a city. Passing through here and going further in, they would reach the Kuchiki family's territory.

As it turned out, as soon as they arrived at the place, Byakuya suddenly seemed to sense something, his mouth twitched, and his spiritual pressure burst forth as he quickly shielded Gin Ichimaru and Rangiku Matsumoto behind him.

At the same time, he chanted: "Chosen One of Heaven, Iron Walls, Dragon's March, Lion's Roar, Tiger's Howl, Wolf's Charge, Sever Heaven and Earth Before Collapse, Binding Path Eighty-One - Severing the Void!!!"

A transparent barrier, as clear as tempered glass, suddenly unfolded in front of the three of them.

Gin Ichimaru and Rangiku Matsumoto were completely bewildered and had no idea what was going on.

Wasn't Seireitei supposed to be much safer than Rukongai? Wouldn't anyone dare cause trouble there?

However, before this thought could even settle down, two powerful and chaotic spiritual pressures, seemingly intertwined, erupted from the castle within the castle of the Shihouin family. The thick castle walls were instantly smashed into countless fragments. A figure as agile as a black cat, crackling with golden electricity, suddenly leaped out from the ruins and slammed into the void barrier that Byakuya had opened.

Then, as if unable to withstand the force, it was thrown off the barrier and rolled more than ten times on the ground, landing on all fours, baring its teeth like a wildcat.

Without even seeing the person's appearance, just from the spiritual pressure and posture, Kuchiki Byakuya knew that it was that bastard Yoruichi Shihouin.

Yoruichi landed on all fours, suddenly gathering her strength, ignoring her injuries, and sprang up as if trying to dodge something.

The next second, a streak of azure flame broke through the ruins of the city wall and roared in.

"The Gate of Death Opens - Heavenly Phoenix!!!"

Like a giant beast, the Azure Flame Phoenix burst forth from the smoke and ruins, carrying with it immense spiritual pressure and turbulent energy, and slammed headfirst into the spot where Yoruichi Shihouin was standing.

However, Byakuya could see clearly that a black cat had already darted away before the explosive attack landed.

The black cat leaped back and forth a few times among the flying rocks, instantly finding a new angle, transforming into human form, and suddenly unleashing its spiritual pressure while shouting, "Instant Roar - Thunder Beast Battle Form!"

Before she could finish speaking, Kuchiki Byakuya expressionlessly formed several hand seals, his spiritual pressure surging as he uttered a low shout: "Sage Art: Four Pillars Heavenly Prison!"

With a hum, a square barrier instantly sealed Yoruichi Shihouin inside.

Yoruichi paused for a moment, then shouted in obvious displeasure, "Hey, Byakuya, what are you doing?!"

"You can fight however you want in your castle within a castle, but since you've already fought on the streets, as the third seat of the Sixth Division, I can't just stand by and do nothing." Kuchiki Byakuya said with a very cold expression.

As if hearing Byakuya's voice, the enormous blue flame phoenix rapidly shrank, transforming into Nami's appearance. She stuck out her tongue, somewhat embarrassed, and said, "Sorry, sorry, I didn't mean to stop. Don't worry, the Shihouin family will cover all the losses!"

Byakuya looked at the woman sticking out her tongue and felt a mix of emotions.

Third Seat of the 10th Division: Phoenix Nami.

According to rumors, she has not yet mastered Asauchi, and therefore does not possess the power of a Zanpakuto.

But no one dared to underestimate her, not even Byakuya, because this guy could easily defeat most Shinigami with just his hand-to-hand combat skills!

(End of this chapter)