Infinite Chimera Creation

"If I remember correctly, Kyoraku Shunsui, you are also a nobleman. I will investigate the truth of this matter myself. If I find that this matter is related to those damned nobles, don't blame me for defying my superiors and killing those nobles!"

Seeing Yuan Yuan rush out of the First Division barracks without even saying goodbye, Kyoraku Shunsui wasn't angry at being offended. He simply shook his head helplessly, slowly walked down from his position as Captain-Commander, and stood in the seat of the Eighth Division Captain—the very spot that had once belonged to him. Facing forward, it seemed the old man was still standing there, waiting for him to report.

“Old man Shan, I didn’t agree with you compromising with those nobles back then and exiling Yuan Yuan to Hueco Mundo. Now look, that once aloof genius who was almost devoid of emotion has become so impulsive. You can imagine what he was forced to do in that godforsaken place, Hueco Mundo.”

To maintain his authority as captain-in-chief, Kyoraku Shunsui, who no longer wore the flowered straw hat, raised his hand as if to adjust it, but found nothing. He could only rub his hair, then a smile, seemingly helpless yet tinged with cruelty, appeared on his lips.

"Although Xing Jun's investigation concluded that 'no nobles were involved in this matter,' I am truly helpless. Xing Jun is the private army of the great noble Shifengyuan clan."

Now that Captain Yuan Yuan is back, and given his obvious animosity towards the nobility, whether for your sake or for his own selfish reasons, he will undoubtedly begin a full-scale investigation into those corrupt officials.

Oh dear, I can tell without even looking that you're angry again. Don't be so angry, you're an old man, why are you still getting angry every day? I haven't disobeyed your teachings, you know, [Captain-in-Chief, you can't investigate nobles], I've endured it for nine years, I haven't investigated at all.

If, and I mean if, Yuan Yuan found out that the nobles were involved in this matter,

The hand that was rubbing his hair became even rougher, turning the hair that the vice-captain had spent so much time styling into a complete mess. This man, who had endured immense grief after his teacher's death but hadn't shed a single tear, and who had resolutely stepped forward to inherit his teacher's position with the support of the other captains, let out a sound that sounded like a mournful cry.

"I'm going to war with the nobles you've protected your whole life."

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Chapter Fifty-Five: Criminal Army

Yuan Yuan has been back in the Soul Society for almost a month. During this time, he has gradually regained his original coldness, unlike when he first returned to the Soul Society when he was overly aware of danger and always had his Zanpakuto in his hand, as if an enemy might jump out from a corner at any moment.

During that month, Yuan Yuan also learned from Kensei Muguruma and Nozomi Koto about the various events that had occurred in Soul Society during his fifty-year absence, including the death of the Captain-Commander. At least, that's how it appeared to outsiders.

Moreover, what unsettles some is that this captain, who returned from Hueco Mundo, seems to be investigating something concerning the nobles. If, when Yuan Yuan first returned, some still thought he was blind and not a threat...

So, after his subconscious reaction to the Eleventh Division Captain, the current Kenpachi, who had previously been defeated by him and habitually showed hostility towards him at the team leader meeting, no one dared to underestimate him because of his blindness anymore.

Even a month later, the Shinigami of the Seireitei could not forget the sudden appearance of that overwhelming spiritual pressure that enveloped the entire Seireitei. That powerful sense of oppression reminded them of their former Captain-Commander, who had already passed away.

The captains who were gathered in the First Division barracks at the time could never forget the stunning slash that brought Kenpachi down.

A powerful Shinigami, capable of single-handedly taking down an entire squadron, was investigating a nobleman. The Executioners, whose function was almost equivalent to the nobles' private army, naturally wouldn't allow him to continue.

"Lord Yuan Yuan, the legion commander has something to ask you. Please come with us."

Although these executioners presented themselves as cold, emotionless machines to Yuan Yuan, he easily sensed their tension. With a cold laugh, Yuan Yuan placed his hand on his Zanpakuto. This simple gesture caused the executioners surrounding him to collectively take a step back.

Yuan Yuan wasn't surprised by their performance. The Execution Army wasn't part of the Root and hadn't undergone training to extinguish emotions. To put it bluntly, the Execution Army consisted of a small number of minor nobles who served the Shihouin family and had some potential as Shinigami, and the majority who were merely proficient in Shunpo and Concealment but lacked the ability to awaken their Zanpakuto and become Shinigami—the discarded members of the Shihouin family, serving as cannon fodder and private soldiers.

To be frank, this group of useless trash, who are only used by nobles to monitor their own kind and prevent them from harming their own interests, could not possibly bravely face a powerful Death Captain.

Stroking the hilt of his sword, Yuan Yuan looked at the useless people before him and spoke in a voice as cold and dangerous as a snake.

"If I say no, what will you do? Are you going to take me away by force, or will you announce that the Third Division Captain has betrayed us and demand that he be killed on the spot?"

Hearing the cold voice, the executioners took another step back, but dared not utter a word. Take Yuan Yuan away by force? Don't be ridiculous. Given the spiritual power he displayed that day, even if he stood there and let them chop at him, they couldn't possibly break through his instinctive spiritual power defense.

As for declaring Yuan Yuan's betrayal, that's even more impossible. Not only do they not have that authority, but even if they did, they wouldn't dare to use it.

The captains already held a very high position, and now, with the bloody battle nine years ago just over, the Soul Society is facing an unprecedented shortage of high-end combat power, making the Shinigami captains' status even higher. At this time, even if the Captain-Commander wanted to announce a captain's defection, without a reason that could convince everyone, he would definitely be forced by the other captains to rescind the decision.

"Yuan Jun, are you showing contempt for the Execution Army, the law enforcement agency of Soul Society?"

A black figure emerged from behind the wall and stopped in front of Yuan Yuan.

The current head of the Shihouin family, captain of the Second Division, and commander of the Execution Army had a gloomy expression. It was clear that if he weren't lacking confidence in defeating Yuan Yuan, he would have already taken action and forcefully arrested this person who dared to inquire about the nobles' information. Unfortunately, he couldn't defeat Yuan Yuan. He knew clearly that even if he used Bankai, he wouldn't be a match for the man who had taken down Kenpachi with a single strike. So he could only listlessly mention the Soul Society, hoping to overwhelm Yuan Yuan with the momentum.

"Ha, law enforcement, how impressive. But I'll say it again: if I refuse, what can you do to me? You arrived here before these criminal investigators, yet you hide like rats, afraid of letting your life slip out and being discovered. Do you have the guts to start a war with me?"

"Oh my, what a coincidence! I was just out for a walk and I ran into two captains. Is there anything I can help you with? Do you need my help?"

Before the head of the Shihōin family, whose face had turned extremely pale, could speak, a somewhat frivolous voice rang out, abruptly interrupting their conversation.

Although he has become the Captain-Commander and made changes to maintain his authority, Kyoraku Shunsui still retains some of the charismatic, flower-hatted uncle's charm.

For example, in informal settings, he habitually makes flippant remarks.

"Greetings, Commander-in-Chief."

As if he had found a savior, the head of the Shihōin family greeted Kyōraku Shunsui loudly upon his arrival, then pointed at Yuan Yuan and began a barrage of accusations.

"Captain-Commander, the Execution Army has discovered that the Third Division Captain Yuan Yuan is conducting unauthorized investigations into the nobles, attempting to uncover their secrets. As you know, Captain-Commander, all the nobles in Soul Society are personally appointed by His Highness the Soul King. Yuan Yuan's investigation into the nobles' secrets is tantamount to investigating His Highness the Soul King's secrets."

For the sake of peace in Soul Society, I personally led the Execution Army to invite Yuan Yuan, who was spying on the Soul King, to the Second Division for a detailed discussion. However, relying on his strength, he not only ignored my invitation but also threatened me—threatened me, the head of the Shihouin family, one of the four great noble families!

"Ahem, I understand what you're saying. Leave this to me. A new broom sweeps clean, so let me handle some things and show everyone my abilities. Yuan Jun, you've gone too far. Come with me to the First Squad's barracks; I'm going to give you a good scolding."

The head of the Shihōin family knew that Yamamoto Genryūsai's two disciples were extremely powerful. Although he didn't know exactly how powerful they were, he believed that defeating Yuan Yuan was no problem. Therefore, he didn't hesitate to lower himself and, like a student tattling, uttered a bunch of exaggerated words in front of Kyōraku Shunsui.

Kyoraku Shunsui was also a nobleman, and he believed that Kyoraku Shunsui would definitely help him, but he did not expect to get this kind of situation. Kyoraku Shunsui's behavior at this time was undoubtedly biased towards Yuan Yuan.

Following behind Kyoraku Shunsui, Yuan Yuan's lips curled into a subtle smile.

Everything was as expected.

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Chapter Fifty-Six: Letting Go

Sitting in the captain's office of the First Squadron, Yuan Yuan took a sip of tea without saying a word, his expression calm, showing no signs of nervousness at being called to his superior's office for a talk.

Sitting opposite him, Kyoraku Shunsui held a small wine cup, taking sips every now and then, and showed no sign of reprimanding Yuan Yuan.

"Ah, ever since I became the captain, I can't drink too much alcohol anymore, even though it's my only hobby."

With a hint of complaint, Kyoraku Shunsui shook the wine glass in his hand. Although he wasn't drunk, his eyes were rather hazy.

Setting down his teacup, Yuan Yuan looked up and gave a cold smile in the direction of Kyoraku Shunsui.

"Stop with the useless nonsense, everyone's time is tight. Just say it, Kyoraku Shunsui, are you trying to stop me because you, like those other trash, feel threatened by my investigation?"

Shaking his head with a wry smile, seemingly helpless at Yuan Yuan's directness, Kyoraku Shunsui downed the little wine in his cup in one gulp, gently placed it back on the tray, and spoke in an unusually soft voice.

"How could that be? How could I possibly stop you, Yuan Jun? Yuan Jun wants to investigate those nobles, that's your own business, your private matter. Even if I'm the captain, it's not right for me to interfere in Yuan Jun's private affairs, is it?"

However, I hope that Yuan Jun's investigation can be conducted more discreetly. That way, even if those nobles move out of the Central Forty-Sixth Bureau, I can still cover for Yuan Jun. After all, I am now the Chief Commander, and Yuan Jun is my subordinate. As the Chief Commander, I have a duty to protect my subordinate, don't I?"

Yuan Yuan's lips curled into a cold smile. He was not at all surprised by Kyoraku Shunsui's laissez-faire attitude. When he showed his willingness to investigate whether Yamamoto Genryusai's death was related to the nobility, it foreshadowed the attitude of the new captain who regarded Yamamoto Genryusai as his father.

Because of Yamamoto Genryusai's death, the Shinigami, from ordinary members to high-ranking captains, unconsciously became somewhat neurotic, subconsciously wary of everything around them. This wariness inevitably caused some trouble for Yuan Yuan's subsequent actions. But now, with the new captain-general's laissez-faire attitude, things have become much easier to handle.

"Understood, I'll be more discreet. Hopefully, your name won't appear in my investigation results, Captain-Commander. Farewell, the tea from the First Division is quite delicious."

Having gotten the result he wanted, Yuan Yuan coldly tossed out a sentence and prepared to leave.

However, Kyoraku Shunsui called out to Yuan Yuan again.

"Please wait a moment, Mr. Yuan, I have something else to discuss with you."

Frowning, Yuan Yuan sat down again, waiting for Kyoraku Shunsui to speak. He didn't understand what else he and Kyoraku Shunsui could discuss besides the matter of Yamamoto Genryusai.

Although he noticed Yuan Yuan's furrowed brows and somewhat impatient expression, Kyoraku Shunsui didn't care. After a moment of silence, he spoke of something he had been considering for a long time.

"If I remember correctly, before going to Hueco Mundo, Yuan-jun was a Kido instructor at the Shinigami Academy. I wonder if Yuan-jun would be willing to return..."

"impossible!"

Before Kyoraku Shunsui could finish speaking, Yuan Yuan interrupted him directly. His brows furrowed, Yuan Yuan's voice was full of undisguised displeasure.

"Your already limited brain has been ruined by sake. It's pathetic that you even thought of having a blind person teach students."

Kyoraku Shunsui rubbed his hair, giving a wry smile.

"No matter what, there's no need to say that. Of course, I have my own reasons for saying that. Besides, even if you're blind, Yuan Jun, aren't you just as capable as a sighted person in daily life and combat?"

"What you're thinking is none of my business. Your thoughts are your concern, not mine. Okay, if there's nothing else, I'm leaving."

With his brows furrowed even more, Yuan Yuan showed no regard for the fact that the person in front of him was the captain, his superior. After refusing again without hesitation, he planned to leave immediately.

"Don't be so heartless, Yuan Jun."

With a wry smile, Kyoraku Shunsui grabbed Yuan Yuan's sleeve, gathered a spiritual pressure in his palm, and used an almost shameless method to press Yuan Yuan back into his seat.

He is called a rogue because the spiritual pressure he condensed was not enough to overwhelm Yuan Yuan, but he activated this spiritual power so that it would explode if the force applied to it was slightly greater.

This level of spiritual energy explosion naturally wouldn't harm Yuan Yuan, but Kyoraku Shunsui had openly and completely disarmed himself. If Yuan Yuan insisted on standing up, he would inevitably detonate that ball of spiritual energy, injuring Kyoraku Shunsui who had disarmed himself. If such a scene were to occur, it would be a complete breakdown in relations.

Even with Yuan Yuan's personality, he couldn't help but feel helpless when faced with someone as shameless as Kyoraku Shunsui.

Seeing Yuan Yuan sit down with a grim expression, Jing Le Chunshui smiled and nodded, then poured him another cup of tea.

"This isn't just about me; it concerns the entire Soul Society. Even if you still intend to refuse, Yuan-kun, please let me finish speaking first."

Amusedly, Kyoraku Shunsui seemed oblivious to Yuan Yuan's displeasure, beaming with an unparalleled smile, as if he had won a war. In truth, in Kyoraku Shunsui's mind, being able to frustrate someone as cold and unapproachable as Yuan Yuan was no different from winning a duel.

"How clever of me!" I thought to myself, praising myself a few times. Only then, seeing Yuan Yuan's increasingly unpleasant expression, did Kyoraku Shunsui suppress his smile.

"As you know, Yuan Jun, because of the recent war, the Soul Society's fighting strength is extremely scarce. Not only are there three fewer captains, but even ordinary Shinigami members are experiencing a shortage of personnel."

Our surveillance capabilities have decreased in both the human world and Hueco Mundo. Even the Seireitei, which serves as our headquarters, is facing a shortage of manpower. Even the Fourth Division of the Medical Division has been assigned to patrol duties.

In this situation, we urgently need a fresh batch of blood. And in Soul Society, the one most skilled at teaching is undoubtedly you, Yuan-kun. On your very first teaching experience, you enabled Tachibana Koimaru, who would normally need at least another hundred years to learn Bankai, to master this top-tier Shinigami skill ahead of schedule and become a captain.

The second time, although almost all of your students were wiped out due to an accident, the two who survived also gained captain-level strength. Moreover, unlike Tachibana Koimaru, Koto Nozomi, whose talent was not particularly high, at least not compared to Kensei Muguruma and Tachibana Koimaru, also learned Bankai and gained captain-level strength at a young age.

Under these circumstances, I really can't think of anyone more suitable to teach at the True Central Spiritual Arts Academy than you, Yuan Jun.

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Chapter Fifty-Seven Dissatisfaction

Kyoraku Shunsui originally thought that after invoking the righteousness of Soul Society, Yuan Yuan would definitely waver even if he continued to refuse. Therefore, he had prepared a lot of persuasive words to show Yuan Yuan the secret art of verbal persuasion that Japan started in the ninja era and has been passed down from generation to generation.

but,

"I refuse."

To his surprise, Yuan Yuan did not waver in the slightest and still refused decisively.

Immediately, Kyoraku Shunsui swallowed back the words he was about to utter. After coughing violently a few times, he glared at Yuan Yuan somewhat embarrassedly and angrily slammed his hand on the small table in front of him.