Ichigo leaves and takes up residence in Soul Society!

"I knew what they were most interested in, so in order to get rid of them, I racked my brains and summarized some 'insights'. Then I begged the teacher to record a few paragraphs to increase the credibility. Coincidentally, the teacher also appreciated my literary talent, so he readily agreed."

"As expected, those girls regarded it as a warning, and it is said that it even spread to the Gotei 13 and was known to the teacher's fans. Someone planned to compile it into an article and submit it to the Seireitei Newsletter."

"Now, not only does no one bother me, but they also consciously protect me from being bothered by others, so that I can focus on summarizing more 'insights'. Occasionally, they even provide me with some of the latest information... giving me the feeling that as long as I raise my arms, a sect will appear."

"Now I can't hear any of the gossip from the noble children at all, and I'm still a little unaccustomed to it."

"..."

Soi Fon's expression was stiff.

"To be honest, I feel like you're doing something incredible. Maybe one day I'll really have to invite you over in a covert operation to have a serious talk with you."

"It doesn't matter. It's not the first time anyway."

The Four Palaces Lord appeared incredibly carefree and open-minded.

Seeing him like this, Soi Fon was quite troubled.

"Alright, let's get back to the point... Are you trying to fob me off like you would those other students by showing me this recording?"

"Putting aside its origins, Captain Soi Fon, don't you think this explanation adequately addresses your situation?"

"Hmph, although it sounds convincing, it's just that. When I interrogate prisoners, they spout similar platitudes just to emphasize their own correctness and get away with it. I'm sick of hearing it... And ultimately, you don't even understand the actual situation, yet you want to convince me with such frivolous words. It's ridiculous."

Soi Fon chuckled, a mocking smile playing on her lips.

It's like watching a child trying to reason with an adult.

It was purely out of a sense of humor.

However, she couldn't laugh anymore the next moment.

Because Shinomiya no Miyako pressed the play button again without changing his expression.

Don't make boastful remarks lightly, as that will only reveal your weakness.

"..."

Upon hearing Aizen's voice again, Soi Fon's breathing quickened, and she looked at Shinomiya Mikoto with considerable annoyance and embarrassment.

"The 46 should really transfer Aizen to be the headmaster. He can even deliver the lines perfectly. Letting him give a speech on stage would definitely be even more inspiring!"

"I thank Captain Soi Fon for the praise on behalf of the teacher."

Shinomiya-sama politely bowed slightly, leaving Soi Fon speechless with her remaining sarcasm. He could only pick up his sake glass and drink it down in one gulp before abruptly changing the subject.

"So...did you gain anything?"

"?"

"Don't play dumb, I don't have much patience left."

"What did I gain...? After listening to Captain Soi Fon's experience, especially the sentence he said at the end of his first half of life, I was quite moved."

"Oh?"

"It only touched me somewhat, I haven't thought of anything specific yet."

The Four Palaces Venerable changed the subject.

"Yeah……!"

Curiosity led to disappointment, and Soi Fon looked at him with hostility.

"Then starting tomorrow, give me the Second Division... until you remember it now."

"..."

"Are you dissatisfied?"

"No... because the Bankai training is over, there's no need to go to the teacher every day, so it's fine."

The Four Palaces Venerable shook his head slightly.

Otherwise, he wouldn't be idly strolling around.

"Then it's settled. Report to the Second Division tomorrow."

Soi Fon suddenly stood up, her slender and petite body exuding an undeniable majesty. The frost between her brows and the faint smile on her lips complemented each other, making her seem somewhat dazzling.

She was indeed not overly arrogant, and the brilliance she shone in this position was in no way inferior to that of the person who once needed to be treated with respect.

"Special training, huh... Perfect, I've been practicing a technique lately, and I'm almost done with it. I'll show you what unimaginable power really is... Hey! Stop it right now!"

Under Soi Fon's reprimand, Shinomiya-no-Mikoto reluctantly put down the messenger device.

The third recording was not played.

"Tomorrow... I understand."

"now it's right."

Soi Fon nodded in satisfaction, feeling that she was one step closer to bringing this talent into the Second Division.

Although mastering Bankai means one is qualified to be a captain.

But there are no vacancies right now.

Ukitake of the 13th Division preferred that blond kid.

The Ghost Path has been in decline for many years, so there's no need to rebuild its glory for the sake of a Grand Ghost Path Master position... although there was never much glory to speak of to begin with.

……

Early the next morning.

The Fourth Palace Master bumped into an old acquaintance as soon as he left the Spiritual Arts Academy.

"Omaeda?"

"Even though we're close, I'm still the vice-captain, so remember to use my title when we're working!"

Ōmaeda didn't dwell on the topic. He pointed with his thumb and said irritably, "Let's go. The captain sent me to pick you up."

"Let's go then."

"...Aren't you going to ask why?"

"Although I know the way, outsiders are strictly prohibited from entering the Second Division's compound, and I'm not familiar with its layout. It would be great if someone could show me the way, and you... aren't you on patrol? You're just showing me the way, you don't expect me to do you a favor, do you?"

The Four Palaces Lord looked at him with a puzzled expression.

"You're incredibly clever, no wonder the captain acted strangely when he came back last night."

Ōmaeda subconsciously distanced himself from Shinomiya Takeru, his expression full of defensiveness, as if he was also afraid of following in his captain's footsteps.

"No, we seemed perfectly normal when we parted ways after dinner. Don't you trust my judgment?"

"That being said... but even though I was clearly slacking off, she only glanced at me and didn't even scold me!"

“...That does seem a bit off.”

"So I volunteered to lead the way for you, and wanted to find out what happened, so I wouldn't accidentally cause trouble later... This is the first time I've seen a captain like this. If he gets angry, he might really chop me up."

"Don't worry, the fact that she's ignoring your mistake means she's not interested in you. Just don't wander around in front of her and you'll be fine."

The Four Palaces Master habitually makes analyses.

"Oh... I'm relieved then, hehe... Shinomiya, why do you look a little unhappy?"

Ōmaeda breathed a sigh of relief and patted his chest with some relief. He then noticed that Shinomiya's lips were twitching and his expression was not very natural.

What do you think I'm planning to do now?

"We're going to find the captain... uh... sorry, let's skip this topic."

He should have been laughing, but because the person in question was his own captain, Ōmaeda felt more of a sense of shared sorrow for his former partner than schadenfreude.

Chapter 56 That's not how you use the Ghostly Spiritual Pressure

The Second Division's barracks are built on a high mountain, with a quiet atmosphere similar to temples and shrines, but in reality, the first impression it gives is more likely to be associated with the headquarters of a certain martial arts school.

After passing through the maze-like corridors and courtyards and arriving at the back mountain, the impression of the rugged stone forest that resembled a place where hermits and masters would meditate was not diminished, but rather strengthened.

Especially when Soi Fon stands proudly atop the sharp rock pillar, displaying the demeanor of a reclusive master, no one would believe that she is unskilled in martial arts, not a master, or that this is not a secret realm of some sect.

"You came pretty quickly... But what's with all those expressions? Especially you, Ōmaeda, you look like you're watching your comrades bravely go to their deaths."

"Huh? No, um... Captain! If there's nothing else, I'll go back to work!"

Omaeda's hasty retreat made Soi Fon even more suspicious.

"Shinomiya, is this guy talking badly about me behind my back again?"

"No, he said you seemed off, and you didn't scold him when you slacked off yesterday... But I don't think it's a big deal. Not getting angry over such a small thing is a sign of inner strength."

Shinomiya-sama looked Soi Fon up and down.

"...Ah, yes, that's it...that guy is always making a fuss over nothing."

Soi Fon seemed a little awkward, and quickly changed the subject as if afraid of being noticed.

"Whatever happens to me... How's your Bankai progressing? If you haven't figured it out, I happen to have a solution..."

"finished."

"Although it's a bit dangerous, Bankai training is inherently difficult, so... what?"

"I said, it's done."

The four palaces appeared relaxed.

Not just his face, but his whole body, including his posture and breathing... everything exuded an indescribable sense of relaxation.

But Soi Fon doesn't underestimate him because of this, thinking that he's full of weaknesses.

Because behind that relaxed feeling lies an outrageously strong confidence, and the explosive power inherent in soft yet resilient elasticity.

It's hard to notice without careful observation... It's even higher than yesterday, with a powerful spiritual pressure that firmly holds the captain's level.

"...What happened? What happened after we got back?"

"Nothing special happened, I just took a nap, and then..."

The four palaces swayed their chins slightly, appreciating the natural scenery of the rugged stone forest.

"Perhaps it's because I've been saying a lot of arrogant things lately, I managed to get a good night's sleep and had a good dream... I dreamt of my past self who wasn't so arrogant, and that's how I remembered it."

"They say that what you think about during the day, you dream about at night, and that's really true."

"...I don't think it has anything to do with this statement."

Soi Fon's gaze was quite complex.

"You're just too strong-willed. You seem obsessed, but you're actually just treating it like a puzzle game, thinking about it with an interesting mindset. Otherwise, normally... you wouldn't be able to fall asleep at all."

The confident tone suggested that he held irrefutable evidence.

The Fourth Prince quickly glanced at the pretty woman in front of him out of the corner of his eye. Although he noticed her slightly dark circles under her eyes, he remained silent, pretending not to know anything.

"It was mainly Captain Soi Fon's words that had an effect."

"Perhaps... By the way, what is the answer?"

"what is the answer?"

"..."

Soi Fon narrowed her eyes, her expression unfriendly.

Shinomiya-sama sighed and said helplessly, "The thing I fear most so far? To be honest, it's not something complicated or philosophical, and it's even a little difficult to talk about when I'm sober."

"Oh? It's not complicated, and it's not philosophical... Can it be interpreted as something simple yet naive? I'm getting more and more curious. Would a man like you really give an answer like snakes or worms on this question?"

Soi Fon was quite interested.

"Let's bring this up next time we're drinking. Don't worry, I won't lie."

"I don't mind if you lie; it seems more interesting that way."

"...Speaking of which, Captain Soi Fon mentioned something earlier...there happens to be a method, although it's a bit dangerous...what are you referring to?"

Seeing that Soi Fon seemed quite interested, as if she was about to visit the tavern again that night, Shinomiya asked calmly.

"You mean that one...?"

This is a very clever way to change the subject.