Ichigo leaves and takes up residence in Soul Society!

"But wouldn't that push me down the path of being a fun-loving person or a battle maniac? I'm an honest person."

If the members of the Eleventh Division heard this, they would be filled with envy, jealousy, and hatred, to the point of shedding tears of blood.

Even if people from other squads knew, they would be extremely envious.

After all, apart from the Fourth Division which is strictly forbidden from stepping onto the front lines, which Shinigami doesn't walk on the edge of a knife all day long and can't avoid battle?

The Four Palaces Master quickly focused his attention on the two extraordinary techniques he had just "comprehended" through hard work and a flash of inspiration.

Soul Society is the easternmost region, while the Dragon Blood of Fairy Tale comes from the westernmost region of Europe.

Over there, magic is more popular than fist fighting and ghost walking.

Essentially, it is no different from the way of ghosts; both are forms of incantation.

While "Seven Flashes" and "Only Flashes" may appear to be sword techniques at first glance, they are actually magic.

The Kido Spiritual Pressure is compressed to a level invisible to the naked eye, and can be stretched and extended into a line at any time. Combined with the action of drawing a sword, it is launched out at supersonic speed like a whip being lashed out.

There are seven of them.

In short, it is the "Kido" that instantly kills the enemy seven times with seven strands of demonic energy.

This is the "Seven Flashes" that the Four Palace Master comprehended.

It is worth mentioning that--

Kido threads are pure spiritual pressure products that have not undergone qualitative changes to transform into spell formulas, so they are excellent as readily available materials for casting spells.

The Four Palaces Master can even imagine a certain scene.

When the enemy learns the details of this move in advance and prepares for it, the launched ghostly threads suddenly transform into seven different ghostly techniques, catching the enemy off guard, or the same ghostly techniques are superimposed together, directly and ruthlessly engulfing them...

If the swordsmanship instructor found out, he would probably exclaim, "No! This is so un-swordsmanship!"

As for "Weishan".

The message "[Machine Soul] is in the learning stage" means that you have not yet fully mastered it.

The reason is also very simple.

The Four Palace Master has mastered too little of the ways of the demons.

Just like how Aizen could only unleash less than a third of the power of "Hidden Blade" even without chanting.

The power of "Only Flash" depends on the number and mastery of the Kido (demonic arts) learned; simply having strong spiritual pressure is not enough to unleash its true power.

It falls under the category of conceptual skills.

These two moves are quite different from the versions that Shigu-zun is familiar with, but he feels that this is the right way to do it. After all, their worldviews are different. Besides, didn't [Machine Soul] say that this is something he "comprehended" himself? It is reasonable that there are some differences!

I'll just point at it sometime.

Others are using "white thunder".

It is white.

And he is green.

That's not surprising.

……

"Captain! Captain! Um... this matter has nothing to do with them. They're just a few students. We can deal with them easily. Let's focus on investigating that woman from the Shiba family. I think she might be involved in this matter! She's highly suspicious. Why don't I interrogate those students and you deal with that woman, Captain?"

Soi Fon walked briskly down the corridor of the team barracks, with Ōmaeda following closely behind, trying to persuade her with a smile, albeit cautiously and righteously, not to make a big fuss.

At least don't take those kids too seriously. If you have a problem, take it out on that stinky woman. Anyway, the Shiba family is known for being tough. Running into the Second Division is like meeting a worthy opponent, isn't it?

However, Soi Fon's attitude remained as cold and hard as ever.

"Let's leave Shiba Kukaku's matter for last. These insei are more suitable as a breakthrough point for obtaining information."

"No, no... Captain, I've explained everything clearly. What do those kids know? I think we should let them go, otherwise the Spirit Arts Academy will definitely cause trouble."

It would have been better if this hadn't been mentioned, because talking about Soi Fon only made her angrier. She stood at the entrance of the cell where Shinomiya-no-Taka was located, glaring angrily at Ōmaeda.

"The bodies of the missing students have not been found yet, and there are still many suspicious points. The most crucial thing is that you actually believe the enemy's one-sided story. If the goal of devouring Zanpakuto is true, do you know how long the enemy has been lurking in Rukongai and how many accomplices they have?"

"You want me to just hastily close this case and write a report of less than two hundred words on the plot of an extremely dangerous captain-level enemy who is plotting against Seireitei?"

"Instead of wasting your time, you should take your men to Runlin'an to continue your secret investigation, arrest and interrogate all the suspicious people, so that they don't take the opportunity to escape to other areas."

Soi Fon is quiet until she opens her mouth, then unleashes a barrage of machine gun fire, leaving Omaeda unable to lift his head and forced to flee in a sorry state.

"Incompetent..."

Soi Fon took a deep breath and gave the order to the gatekeeper.

"Open the door."

"Yes!"

The gatekeeper opened the gate with trepidation.

Soi Fon strode in with her head held high. Her pure white captain's haori accentuated her petite figure, making her appear dignified. Her cold and beautiful brows concealed a frosty aura that kept people at a distance.

His entire aura was like a slender yet sharp dagger at his waist.

As for the impression, it's as if she's covered in invisible thorns, never giving anyone a friendly look, making people reluctant to approach her, let alone get too close.

Upon hearing footsteps, the Four Palace Master temporarily put down his research on the new technique and looked up at the person who had approached.

"Shinomiya-sama, a graduate of the Spirit Arts Academy, was brought to Soul Society through the soul burial of Rukia Kuchiki, a member of the 13th Division, and has been here for over a month."

Soi Fon gave Shinomiya-sama a deep look.

"To be able to contend with a Hollow in such a short time shows that you have mastered combat skills exceptionally well, and are not just a novice whose only merit lies in spiritual power."

"Also, unlike that orange-haired brat who kept complaining and feeling wronged, you didn't say a word on the way back to Seireitei. You must have already guessed my intentions."

"So I won't waste any more words. I'll just tell you everything you know, and then you can leave."

"Is this enough?"

The four palaces seemed puzzled.

Soi Fon scoffed dismissively: "Otherwise what? Do you think I can count on you to help me solve cases? Being good at fighting and investigating cases are two different things. Sometimes it may seem like you're just going to Rukongai for fun, but you can find the criminal's hideout in one trip. The methods you use are beyond the imagination of a kid like you who is still in school."

"Captain Soi Fon has a lot of experience."

The four palaces were filled with awe and reverence.

"Of course, who do you think is standing in front of you right now?"

For some reason, Soi Fon's expression looked slightly unnatural.

"Commander-in-Chief of the Covert Forces, Captain of the Second Division, a top-tier elite among the Gotei 13's highest combat force, a role model for the younger generation, and a spiritual leader for female Shinigami?"

"...Good to know. And please refrain from saying things like that in the future. While it's true that you're a role model or leader, as someone in the Covert Forces, you must always maintain a low profile."

"I've learned a lot. I believe that with Captain Soi Fon's abilities, the criminals will have nowhere to hide. I will now report all the information I have."

The serious expression and sincere words of the Four Palace Master greatly improved Soi Fon's somewhat agitated mood, and her gaze towards him gradually became clearer.

Chapter 20 Soi Fon: I understand!

On the other side, Ōmaeda, who had just been chased away, was about to go to the Fourth Division to treat his wounds when he ran into the three captains at the foot of the mountain as soon as he left the barracks.

A white haori, powerful spiritual pressure, strolled out from the darkness. The oppressive feeling was much stronger than that of Ajakas, which frightened Ōmaeda so much that he stood up straight on the spot, and cold sweat instantly seeped out of his forehead.

"Captain Aizen, Captain Kyoraku, and Captain Kurotsuchi?"

"Oh, good evening, Vice Captain Ōmaeda."

Kyoraku Shunsui casually raised his hand in greeting.

"Good evening... Wait! What are the three captains doing here?"

"Does a mere vice-captain want to pry into the captains' private plans? With such a strong curiosity, why don't you come back to the research lab with me?"

Although Mayuri Kurotsuchi spoke in a condescending tone, Ōmaeda dared not utter a word of objection.

"Captain Kurotsuchi, please don't be so harsh on a colleague who has just returned from the battlefield and is still busy with official duties. Vice Captain Ōmaeda did not mean any disrespect."

Aizen stepped forward and played the good guy this time. He had done this kind of thing too many times, and even Mayuri Kurotsuchi had subconsciously accepted it. He snorted and was too lazy to continue arguing.

But before Ōmaeda could feel grateful, Aizen's next words cornered him.

"Although we have different purposes, we are all here for those involved in the case who were recently detained by the Covert Operation."

"?!"

Ōmaeda's expression froze on his face; he was on the verge of tears.

No sooner had they brought the person back than three team leaders came to demand him back.

I expected it to be troublesome, but I didn't expect it to be this troublesome.

Shinomiya, Kurosaki and the others aren't students?

Or is it because of the Shiba family's reputation?

Aizen's eyes were deep and unfathomable, as if he could see through Ōmaeda's thoughts. He smiled and said, "Please don't misunderstand. I have no intention of interfering in his team's internal affairs. It's just that Shinomiya-kun and Kurosaki-kun are both my students at the Spirit Arts Academy, and I've been guiding their training recently, so I'm a bit concerned."

The implication of this statement is that I have a good relationship with these two people, better than that of ordinary teachers and students, so I want to know the situation... Well, I just want to know the situation, I have no other intentions. You can do whatever you want, but don't give me any face.

Even if Soi Fon were here, she wouldn't get angry at such impeccable rhetoric, and would subconsciously wonder if there was any room for discretion in handling the situation.

Faced with the genuine yet deadly sincerity of the kind-hearted man, Ōmaeda felt extremely ashamed. He had just helped by saying a few kind words after being saved, and then he saw how the man treated his promising junior.

Even their own captain.

Compared to other team leaders, this is far too heartless!

Thinking of this, a strong sense of indignation welled up in Ōmaeda's heart.

"Captain Aizen, if I may be so bold, I also think Captain Soi Fon went a bit too far. Those people were perfectly innocent, and they even saved my life. Even if it was to obtain firsthand information, you shouldn't have used such a rough and indifferent work attitude to arrest them and interrogate them!"

"If I may ask, is there a woman from the Shiba family among those who were captured?"

Kyoraku interrupted.

"That's right, is that someone the band leader knows?"

Despite being friendly and approachable like Kyoraku, who was never one to put on airs as a captain, Ōmaeda still dared to ask a few more questions out of curiosity.

As I asked the question, I was also on edge.

After all, his relationship with Shiba Kukaku wasn't very friendly, and he had even said a few disparaging words to Captain Soi Fon before...

"That girl's brother was the former vice-captain of Ukitake, so when he heard that she was also involved, he wanted to come forward in person, but he fainted while changing clothes in a hurry, so I had to run the errand for him."

"Oh dear, I should have gone back to the barracks earlier. I could have gotten a good night's sleep while I was still a little tipsy. I've been getting bossed around by Xiao Qixu lately... Sorry, sorry, I accidentally said a bit too much."

"Not at all, thank you for your hard work."

Ōmaeda chuckled awkwardly, wishing he could slap himself.

People only remember that the Shiba family was one of the four fallen noble families, and have forgotten that the former vice-captain of the 13th Division who sacrificed his life was also from the Shiba family.

If we calculate it this way, it means that Shiba Kukaku has at least two captains, Ukitake and Kyoraku, as her backers. Although their relationship isn't as strong as that of a master and apprentice, they still carry considerable weight due to their numerical advantage.

"Captain Aizen is the teacher of Shinomiya and Kurosaki, and Captain Kyoraku is a friend of Shiba Kukaku. Could Captain Kurenai also be an elder of Hachiyahara or Rindo?"

Ōmaeda asked instinctively.

It was too late to take it back by the time he realized what had happened, but Mayuri Kurotsuchi didn't mock him. Instead, he chuckled twice and glanced at Aizen, seemingly unintentionally.

"I'm not here to be a good guy. I heard that there's been a problem with the assessment equipment that the Spirit Arts Academy bought from the Technology Development Bureau."

"Out of curiosity, I retrieved the device, extracted the data from it, and discovered some interesting things. Coincidentally, the two people who provided the data were arrested for committing crimes."

"Rather than letting the Second Division execute people, it's better to hand them over to me as experimental subjects."

"--I thought so."

The atmosphere changed abruptly as soon as these words were spoken.

Ōmaeda hated himself for asking, but he also knew that even if he didn't ask, the other person would tell him sooner or later.

Being caught in the tense atmosphere between the two captains is even more terrifying than facing a Hollow.

Under Ōmaeda's trembling gaze, Aizen's smile faded slightly.

"Captain Nie, I respect your scientific spirit, but please give up this idea, otherwise..."

"How else?"