The Alchemist in Bleach

"Aaaaaah!!! Huh? Eh? Hahaha~ I.....I'm not dead?"

"How much do you look down on us? We are the captains of Team Thirteen."

Renji looked at Byakuya, who was carrying Rukia, with a mixture of fear and confusion. Why did he have to throw him? He didn't need to be carried like Rukia in a princess carry, but he didn't have to be thrown, did he? Couldn't he have been carried like Ichiro, with his arms around his waist?

Despite his confusion and bewilderment, he ultimately dared not say anything due to Byakuya's status as captain, and could only swallow his anger.

Of course, sooner or later, he will personally avenge this humiliation!

absolute!

"Let's go." Ichiro casually tossed Renji onto the dragon's back and lightly stomped his foot, giving the order.

"Awooo!!!"

With a roar, the dragon flapped its wings and soared into the sky amidst the horrified cries of Renji and the others!

Even the usually calm Rukia was tightly clutching Byakuya's clothes.

However, this fear did not last long. As the dragon gradually resumed its stable flight, the group's fear gradually turned into curiosity. After overcoming the initial fear, the magnificent view from high above was indeed easy to immerse them in.

Of course, the premise is that you can't look down...

Byakuya, standing to the side, looked at Rukia's slightly bright eyes as she happily surveyed her surroundings, then glanced at the demonic dragon and nodded thoughtfully. Perhaps this could slightly improve their relationship with Rukia.

Hmm, I can discuss it with Hishin when I get back.

Soon, to Rukia's slightly disappointed gaze, the dragon gradually descended to the ground. Byakuya, who witnessed this, if he weren't so eager to tell Hisana the news, he really wanted the dragon to fly around one more time...

Ichiro looked at Byakuya with a puzzled expression. Was it just his imagination? Why did he get the feeling that this guy wanted to fly again? Had his chuunibyou spirit been awakened?

Thinking of this, Ichiro was eager to try. Perhaps, when he had free time after returning, he could go to the Sixth Division more often to exchange ideas and also get him a mount-type mimic Zanpakuto.

While thinking, Ichiro grabbed the three children again, jumped down, and after putting them on the ground, he caught Renji, who had been thrown down by Byakuya.

After getting their bearings, Ichiro led the group into Rukongai No. 6. Renji and the others followed behind Ichiro and the others, looking at the street in astonishment. The disbelief in their eyes made Byakuya feel a pang of heartache. This scene reminded him of when he first met Hisa, when she first came to Rukongai and had the same expression on her face.

They seem surprised that such a vengeful spirit town still exists in this world...

Soon, amidst the fearful gazes of the crowd, Ichiro led them to the old ghost's general store.

"Tsk~ You've really become a captain? You've really made Rukongai proud!" Upon seeing Ichiro arrive, the old ghost, who was leisurely lying on the recliner, quickly got up, walked up to Ichiro, and marveled at the haori he was wearing.

Although he had already learned through his own channels that Ichiro had become the captain, he was still surprised when he actually saw him. At the same time, he felt a bit proud. He had beaten up the captain of the Thirteenth Team before!

Of course, he could only secretly rejoice in this; he wouldn't dare to boast about it.

"And this is...?"

"Sixth Division Captain Kuchiki Byakuya, that's not important. I'm here to talk to you about these little ones." Ichiro waved his hand, pointing at Rukia and the others.

Captain of the Sixth Division?

Then he wouldn't be the head of the Kuchiki family, the head of the four noble families.

Old Ghost swallowed hard, glanced fearfully at Byakuya, and merely bowed slightly without making any further contact. Such a powerful figure was not someone of his caliber to associate with. Ichiro had some past connections, but Byakuya did not.

While Byakuya had some reservations about Ichiro's unimportant statement, he ultimately said nothing, though he was somewhat surprised that the old man had such strength yet stayed in a place like Rukongai.

But he was only slightly surprised; such strength and status were not worth befriending.

This caused Rukia and the others to change their impression of Byakuya. They had thought that Byakuya was easygoing with everyone, but now it seemed that he might only be that way with Rukia...

"These little guys will stay here for a while. As for Rukia and this red-haired brat, give them..." Ichiro suddenly turned to Byakuya and asked, "Should Rukia's training be done here first, or will you arrange it yourselves?"

"What kind of training programs are there?" Byakuya didn't refuse directly. He wanted to ask first. He had only just become the clan leader and had already caused so much trouble. The clan must have a lot of opinions about him. It would be better to save trouble if possible.

"It's just some basic training methods for cultivating spiritual power, nothing special."

"Is it only the most basic one?"

"You can't get the good stuff here."

Ichiro's words made Byakuya glance at the old man again. It was truly strange that he could possess such strength in this environment. It was as if a monster like Kenpachi had a low-powered version.

"It's alright, just the basics will do. I'll make arrangements for the rest after we get into the True Central Spiritual Arts Academy."

“Understood.” Ichiro nodded, then looked at the old man again. “That’s roughly the situation. This little girl Rukia and the red-haired girl will receive basic training here. As for the other three, you can arrange some work for them. If you’re interested, they can work as assistants here. But tell them to keep their claws to themselves. If they dare to mess around, I’ll show them what it’s like to wish they were dead!”

Old Ghost withdrew his gaze from Rukia and asked curiously, "Give me an example? So they can directly experience the consequences."

"For example, growing five or six extra hands, growing a few more toes in the mouth, or being unable to use certain parts of the body—I'm familiar with these kinds of surgeries, and I guarantee they'll be painless!"

Everyone: "......"

This... is indeed very intimidating!

"Alright, I'll just give the instructions like this, and I guarantee no one will dare to mess with them."

"Hmm." Nodding, Ichiro turned to the group of people who were somewhat afraid of him. "Then you can stay here for now. I won't say anything more. You've lived in a place like Rukongai number seventy-something for over ten years. You know what to do. I only hope for one thing: Renji and Rukia, when the Shinigami Academy recruits students, you will participate in the entrance exam."

"In this world, mountains may crumble, people may run away, only yourself is truly reliable. Being strong yourself is better than anything else! Do you remember the old man I just spoke to?"

The group nodded.

"That's a sage from the Kuchiki family, one of the sages of the Central 46 Chambers. They are the highest rulers of this Seireitei and even the entire Soul Society. Even someone as powerful as Old Demon in Rukongai is not worthy of obeying their orders. Even Byakuya, the head of the Kuchiki family, wouldn't dare to disobey any of their orders in front of them."

"But I dare! Do you know why?"

"...Because you're strong?"

"That's right, it's because I'm strong enough! In the Soul Society today, there are only a handful of people stronger than me! So their orders depend on my mood. Even if I make a big mistake, they only dare to verbally reprimand me. If I show the slightest impatience, they will immediately end the conversation!"

"I'm not telling you this to show off how strong I am, but just to tell you that in this world, nobility and power are all bullshit! Only strength matters! So what if you come from Rukongai? Which noble would dare to act as recklessly as I do now? Even Byakuya has to think twice before acting, but I don't. As long as you're strong enough, even if you come from Rukongai, no one will dare to have a problem with you!"

Ichiro's words ignited Renji's passion! His eyes burned with a fierce flame!

At the same time, it also rekindled a glimmer of hope in his heart!

Yes, so what if he becomes a noble? As long as he's strong enough...

Thinking this, Renji secretly glanced at Rukia, his gaze becoming even more determined!

Byakuya, who witnessed this scene, frowned, feeling inexplicably displeased.

However, he didn't say anything, because after Ichiro's encouragement, Rukia's eyes also lit up with some fighting spirit. If she were at the Shinigami Academy, he could take better care of Rukia.

Of course, more importantly, he really couldn't refute Ichiro's words... after all, they were the truth...

Ichiro's life story is absolutely legendary!

Even more legendary than the Captain-General!

In less than a hundred years, he rose from an ordinary person to the top of the Soul Society!

Furthermore, he obtained all the resources he needed through his own abilities. Whether it was the appreciation he received from Captain Unohana and the others, or those magical items, he built them all up single-handedly.

As an example, it is indeed very inspiring. When he was still in the clan, Ichiro was used as an example to motivate him. At that time, Ichiro was not as strong as he is now.

After giving Rukia a few words of encouragement, Byakuya quickly returned to Seireitei. Ichiro wanted to go back and investigate the missing Shinigami, while Byakuya rushed back to report the good news to Hisana.

Um, and I should also apologize for taking it upon myself to mention Hishi's situation...

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Chapter 288 You're not trying to pick me up, are you?

After returning to Seireitei, Ichiro parted ways with Byakuya. Byakuya was going back to the Kuchiki family to report the good news of finding Rukia to Hisana, and at the same time, to explain the matter to the elders of the Kuchiki family and give them an explanation.

Ichiro, on the other hand, had to rush back to see what was going on with the missing Shinigami, to find out whether it was Aizen who was behind it, or if there were other forces involved in the secret.

When Ichiro returned to the Fifth Division, it was already dark. Unbeknownst to him, he and Byakuya had been out for most of the day.

When he returned, he saw his friend, who was playing a minor role, walking out with a document in her arms. Ichiro quickly went up to her.

"**, are you free tonight?"

The extra's best friend was taken aback for a moment, then slightly delighted. Forcing herself to calm her excited heart, she nodded: "I'm free!"

"Okay, then I'll work overtime with you."

"Huh! Huh? Overtime?" The extra's best friend suddenly realized, looking at Ichiro's departing figure with a puzzled expression. Was she overthinking it? Or was that how people ask to work overtime?

No one told her best friend, who was only a supporting actress. With a sigh, she carried the documents and walked inside.

If you look at it another way, even if it's overtime, it's just him and her at night, which can be considered a date in disguise!

......

"Go to the Fourth Division now and get this Shinigami's recent medical examination data for me."

"..." The extra's best friend looked at the documents Ichiro handed her, slightly speechless. What was she expecting...?

The extra's best friend sighed deeply, took the document, and began to read it carefully.

Ichiro looked at his friend, who was playing a minor role, with a puzzled expression, not understanding why she was sighing.

However, he had more important things to do at the moment, so he didn't think too deeply about it. Instead, he looked down at the life story of the Shinigami he had obtained from the Second Division on the way, and studied it carefully.

Over here, the extra's best friend frowned immediately after opening the file: "This... is that the missing Grim Reaper?"

"You know? Yes, that makes sense. I need to verify with you first. Hmm, go and get a copy of his most recent medical examination records."

"A medical checkup? You suspect he was kidnapped and used for experiments?"

"That's possible. Also, while you're at it, find out who reported the disappearance."

The extra's best friend raised an eyebrow slightly. After Ichiro said that, she realized what was going on. How could someone who had only been missing for a short time be considered missing? And why was it reported to the Central Bureau of 46?

Under normal circumstances, even if the Thirteenth Division finds that a Shinigami is not at his post during their routine inspection, they will usually keep the news for three days. After all, Shinigami are not uncommon, and it is normal for them to be delayed for a day or two due to some unexpected situation.

Although this may lead to problems such as delayed rescue and delayed information, there is no other way. The Thirteenth Division is short-handed and has to make this compromise. Moreover, there is a clear rule that the Thirteenth Division, which guards the Shinigami in the human world, must contact the Soul Society immediately in case of any emergency. The Soul Society will then arrange support personnel based on the reported information, which is Ichiro's Fifth Division.

Those who don't follow the rules will die, but those who do will die. If they follow the rules, the death penalty won't be calculated based on three days. However, they haven't received any news from them.

Logically speaking, it shouldn't be considered missing yet, since the Grim Reaper doesn't have that kind of bugged thing like the soul lamp in fantasy to confirm whether someone is alive or dead.

Therefore, this whole thing seems very abrupt, including all the things that happened before...

The extra's best friend's expression turned somewhat serious, all the lingering romantic thoughts in her mind vanished. She always knew what was important, so she closed the file, nodded to Ichiro, and quickly turned to walk towards the Fourth Division.

Meanwhile, after instructing the Fourth Division to prepare the documents, Ichiro continued to peruse the life story of this Shinigami, who was also quite extraordinary.

Koichi Sanaya is of average strength. His spiritual pressure is even lower than that of the last seat of the 13th Division. He is only of average to above average level among ordinary members, but he is very good at surviving!

He is one of the very few original 13th Division Shinigami who have survived to this day; such Shinigami are extremely rare.