Ichigo leaves and takes up residence in Soul Society!

Steamed green tea: The tea leaves are steamed until soft and then baked to dry.

Grinding: The tea leaves are ground into powder using a natural stone mill, and then sieved to remove impurities.

Tea preparation: Take a small amount of tea powder and put it into a scalded tea bowl. Pour in boiling water and whisk it with a tea whisk until a dense foam is produced.

Shinomiya-no-Tsuru was a chaebol elite who had experienced aristocratic education and was very knowledgeable about Japanese tea ceremony, but he had never seen anyone complete the first step by hand without the aid of any tools.

After that, natural stone was used for grinding.

The teacups and boiling water were also prepared.

The fact that there was a burning knife placed under the kettle instead of an induction cooker or firewood was a bit too unconventional.

Looking at the others, they all had expressions of indifference, which left one speechless.

But soon there was no time to pay attention to these details.

The old man stirred the tea bowl with a whisk that looked like a bundle of hair. The steam rising from the green tea, combined with his rhythmic movements, gave people a sense of Zen.

He prepared two bowls in one go and placed them on the tea tray.

Facing the gaze of the crowd, he unexpectedly called out two names.

"Shinomiya-no-Kami, Kurosaki Ichigo... let's start by appreciating my skills."

Chapter 44 My biggest weakness is that I can't play dumb.

Upon hearing this, Shinomiya-no-Kami and Ichigo stood up and stepped forward.

"thanks for treatment."

"thanks for treatment."

The four palaces were all poised and elegant, displaying impeccable manners.

Ichigo tried to imitate him but found he couldn't learn it at all, so he simply gave up and took what he thought was the most serious attitude.

The captain quietly observed all of this.

After the two of them took a small sip of tea and put it down, they slowly began to speak:

"how is the taste?"

"feel good."

This is Ichigo's answer.

"It's okay."

This is the answer from Shinomiya-no-Mikoto.

Ichigo couldn't help but glance at him; saying that was far too disrespectful.

But the evaluation by the Four Palace Master was not yet over.

"The tea leaves are very ordinary, not anything special, but with skillful craftsmanship, their full potential has been unlocked."

"Hey, Shinomiya..."

Ignoring Ichigo's fear and anxiety, the Fourth Prince closed his eyes and let out a long breath.

"Therefore, although the taste is nothing special, and laymen will forget its flavor soon after drinking it, it also means that you will never get tired of drinking it."

"If this were applied to daily work, it would be impossible for such a thing to happen."

"Having a cup of this during breaks from work can keep life fresh and make work less boring. Even... this feeling itself can leave the body and mind along with the taste of the tea and be gradually forgotten after drinking it."

These words didn't sound like a reply to the other person; they sounded more like an inner monologue.

The voice was very soft and flat.

Like steam rising from a teacup.

Like the aroma of tea, it naturally wafts into the ears of others.

It flows gently in the heart, making people feel the same way.

"..."

Perhaps others are like this.

But Ichigo only stared at Shinomiya with a subtle look in his eyes.

He wants to say something but stops, and yet he wants to say something again.

At this moment, Yamamoto Genryusai nodded slightly: "To have reached this level of understanding, I have nothing more to say. Your excellence has exceeded my expectations."

"Indeed, it was the right decision to call you here this time."

"Eh?"

More than being acknowledged by the Four Palace Masters, Ichigo was surprised by the last sentence.

"The Captain-Commander has thought this through carefully. He knew it wasn't appropriate to summon two students who haven't graduated yet, so he chose this method. Only in this way can he better understand... the true nature of these mischievous rascals who have been causing trouble lately... right?"

The Fourth Prince took another sip of tea and said casually.

The old man opened his eyes and looked at him calmly.

"Kid, didn't your teacher remind you that showing off your intelligence can sometimes backfire?"

"There was nothing I could do. Before I was even born, a medium pointed to my mother's belly and said that the biggest flaw of this child would be that he wouldn't be able to pretend to be confused."

Shinomiya-no-Zun put down his teacup and looked into the eyes of the Captain-Commander.

"Commander-in-Chief, is it possible for me to make changes?"

"That's just how it is, there's nothing we can do about it."

The old man glossed over the matter in a casual manner.

"Let's talk about business."

"As the most dazzling twin stars in the history of the Spiritual Arts Academy, I have been paying attention to you ever since the Dean of the Spiritual Arts Academy submitted the report. I thought that although you were exceptionally talented, you would have to wait until graduation to accumulate achievements."

"Unexpectedly, first there was the murder case in Rukongai, then the drug scandal, and recently we encountered an unprecedented soul burial incident."

"Although you are still young, your performance is better than most Grim Reapers, and you have even helped two other talented people of the same generation to show their talents."

"As both the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13 and the founder of the Shinigami Academy, I feel gratified but also worried. Rapid growth is not always a good thing."

"I have seen far too many talented people go astray."

"But now that I see you all, I feel at ease."

“Especially you, Shinomiya-no-sama.”

The Fourth Prince, whose name was mentioned, was slightly taken aback.

"Why do you say that, Captain? I feel that I am much more reliable than the guy next to me."

"...While I can't refute it, could you at least consider my feelings a little?"

Ichigo couldn't help but roll his eyes.

"Because you look very tired."

Yamamoto Genryusai's answer left many people present, including Ichigo, completely bewildered, but what followed was impossible for them not to understand.

“When I had Aizen summon you, I asked about your condition over the past few days. He said that you have been training hard, but to the point of being visibly exhausted, I can only think of one possibility.”

"Fourth Palace Master, you've already begun your training for Bankai, haven't you?"

"what?!"

Renji stared wide-eyed in the crowd, a huge sense of absurdity welling up inside him.

It took him decades to get to this point after graduating.

Now, however, a graduate student has surpassed him!?

Others also found it difficult to remain calm.

Kuchiki Byakuya's face grew more serious, and it was unclear what he was thinking.

Soi Fon was filled with doubt and surprise, feeling as if she had come to know Shinomiya-sama all over again.

After their initial surprise, Kyoraku's expression turned to one of knowing satisfaction.

It seems like I've seen similar situations before.

Aizen simply smiled and remained silent.

Komamura Sajin... could not be seen clearly because he was wearing a helmet.

Tosen remained silent.

As for the other vice-captains...

The female Shinigami were alright, because of Hinamori Momo, they actually had some understanding of Shinomiya Mikoto and Ichigo, and had no other thoughts besides being amazed and moved.

The male vice-captains, aside from Sasakibe, generally had the same reaction as Renji.

"You're kidding, right? This is only the first time!" Ōmaeda.

"He actually said Bankai...!" Kira Izuru.

"...Is this the strongest prodigy in the history of the Spirit Arts Academy? What a despair-inducing talent!" - Iba Tetsuzaemon.

"Hey, hey, hey... there's a limit to how outrageous things can be." Hisagi Shuhei.

In fact, let alone them.

Ichigo, who was also considered one of the "freaks," was surprised.

"Shinomiya, when did you...!"

The person involved, whose actions sparked much discussion, showed a hint of regret.

They exposed it so quickly; they were hoping to master it and use it as a hidden trump card.

Yamamoto Genryusai, however, misunderstood.

"What's wrong, kid... Do you think you can fool this old man's eyes?"

"Don't be too complacent. There were geniuses who mastered Bankai during the Spirit Arts Academy, but some of them went astray."

"From the current perspective, you don't have that tendency, which is good."

"Furthermore, I have seen the records in the video hall. Your fearless battle in the face of danger in the present world also showed the demeanor of a great general. Although it had a very bad impact on the present world, I will not pursue it because of your youth and vigor and your ability to turn the tide."

"After all, your actions have minimized the losses. Some damage is inevitable. On the contrary, I particularly admire your decisiveness in taking responsibility."

Hearing these words, the one most moved was not Shinomiya-sensei, who was strung up like a flower, but Ichigo.

Finally, we don't have to bear the blame for "damaging the city" anymore.

But then again.

Ichigo never expected to be praised for doing something like that.

"You flatter me. As you said, it was just youthful impetuosity. When I saw the Void making a big invasion of the world, I acted directly without having time to think about anything else. I am already satisfied that it did not cause a worse result."

Hearing what the Fourth Prince said, many people subconsciously glanced at Aizen upon seeing this situation.

With such a composed and humble demeanor, no one would believe they weren't master and disciple.

"Yes, that's the truth."

Yamamoto Genryusai nodded.

"It seems that your claim that you can't pretend to be confused wasn't just an excuse."

"—Ichigo Kurosaki

"……exist!"

When Ichigo was suddenly called by name, he immediately sat up straight.

The old man gave him a deep look.

"My first thought was to protect my family in the real world. Considering that you are not a formal member, I cannot hold you accountable for dereliction of duty by the standards for formal members."

"But while I admire your childlike heart, I also hope you will remember this."

"There will always be times when you have to choose between sacrificing someone and not sacrificing someone."

"If you don't want to face this situation, then strive to become stronger."