You are very strong, but my painting style is better than yours!

"..."

Yinling looked surprised: "Hueco Mundo?"

"With Fengqiao staying behind, the Third Division can maintain its daily operations. He has already mastered Bankai, but he hasn't told anyone yet because he lacks the confidence to take on greater responsibilities."

Iori said casually, as if it were a casual conversation, "It's time to give him some training... Even if I don't come back, he can still hold down the fort in the Third Division."

"What do you mean, Iori...?"

A thought flashed through Yinling's mind, "Could it be..."

"The conquest of Hueco Mundo—is now of utmost urgency!"

When Tsuna Yashiro defected, the Seireitei was in dire need of rebuilding due to the unclear strength of Hueco Mundo and the need to bide its time and accumulate power.

Now that Yoruichi, Lou Shiro, and Cang Chun have all matured, and there are many hidden masters among the young members of Team Thirteen, the new team has laid a solid foundation. It's time to remove this tumor, Shi Tan!

Iori sat upright and said solemnly, "I personally organized the expeditionary force, and now the Third Division and the Tenth Division are on the right track, relieving me of any worries."

In times of crisis, someone must step forward. If we need to deploy elite troops for a campaign against the enemy, who else but me should be the commander-in-chief?!

“Iori…”

Yinling was deeply shocked, and his long-dormant heart couldn't help but surge with passion. "But you have a bright future, and Shitan must have prepared many unknown dangers in Hueco Mundo. We can't let a young man like you—"

"Because I am young, it can only be me."

Iori's smile contained a convincing power: "Whether it's the Captain-Commander, you, or any other captain, they are all too familiar to Tokina. Judging from his arrangements when he defected, he was absolutely meticulous. How could he not have made targeted arrangements for combat forces?"

But I am the only one whom Shi Tan knows almost nothing about, and even Mr. Yamamoto doesn't know everything about me. Therefore, only I can become Shi Tan's unexpected surprise weapon!

With such reasoning and evidence, Yinling was speechless, and then filled with emotion.

Iori's awareness, beliefs, character... that noble soul is something Ginrei has never seen before!

Strong individuals are often highly individualistic. Among the entire thirteen teams, there might be two or three others with such vision and magnanimity, but someone whose strength, wisdom, and personality are all flawless is probably one of a kind.

Sending Cang Chun to assist him was definitely the right choice!

"So, besides the matter of Xianghe, you've come here today also hoping I'll recommend you?"

"It sounds like there's something ulterior motive behind saying that."

Iori smiled nonchalantly, "I have some confidence in myself, but I'm afraid I'm not qualified enough. It would be great if Captain Kuchiki could support me."

"Since you have such a mindset, how can I refuse?"

Yinling nodded. "What are your plans for conquering Hueco Mundo?"

"Quick victory."

Without hesitation, Iori replied, clearly having already prepared a plan: "The main army will feign an attack, while the elite troops will be beheaded. I will then lead my squad to directly kill Shitan and his confidants!"

Hueco Mundo itself has Vasto Lorde-class Hollows, and the force called Las Noches wields immense influence. As an outsider, if Toki no Nami is defeated and killed, the remaining Hollows will naturally be taken over by Las Noches wields.

This way, excessive killing can be avoided from affecting the balance of the soul.

"Hmm~"

Yinling nodded approvingly, "Since you already have a well-developed idea, I have no suggestions. But do you know anything about Shitan?"

"The [Hollow Night Palace] has spies in Shitan who can pass on intelligence to us."

Iori appeared calm and made no attempt to conceal his involvement with the Hollow.

Yinling narrowed his eyes upon hearing this, but he wasn't too excited: It's true that Death Gods and Hollows are natural enemies, but that doesn't mean they can't have any communication at all.

In reality, the existence of the Great Hollows is essential for the three realms. Toki, as an ambitious man with immense destructive power, poses a far greater threat to Soul Society than Las Noches.

Iori had previously publicly suggested to Yamamoto that they establish contact with the Menos Grande forces, and the captains were aware of this.

Of course, this "friendly relationship" was limited to dealing with Shi Tan.

"Xianghe will certainly not be ostracized in the expeditionary force, because no one there has the extra energy to be wary of their own people."

During wartime, he can serve as a military supervisor. If he wins, he will have military merits and can rightfully remain in Hueco Mundo to hold an important position. When his spiritual pressure is sufficient and he can perfectly control his Bankai, he can return with a glorious resume.

By then, I believe no one will be able to say a word.

Iori's considerations were extremely comprehensive, especially considering that he himself had no need to get involved in such matters, yet he still came out to protect Xianghe without hesitation. Moreover, Yinling believed that he acted out of public interest and was of noble character.

As for Iori's true thoughts, Ginrei was destined never to know.

For Iori, such a good opportunity to transfer such a sensitive candidate as Hibiki to his own hands was one he would never let go of.

In this way, once he reaches Hueco Mundo, he will be able to advance a crucial research project...

"...Then I'll have to trouble Captain Aizen."

Yinling let out a long breath, and despite his seniority and status, he actually bowed to Yizhi.

"The future of Seireitei is in your hands as well."

Please don't do this!

Iori bowed in return, his expression calm and indifferent in the shadows, even a little cold.

"I'm just trying to realize my own ideals."

Chapter 413 I'm a universally acknowledged nice guy!

Kuchiki Ginrei was not one to drag things out; he quickly transferred Senko Hibiki, who belonged to the Sixth Division, to the Third Division, placing him under Iori's command.

Sending Xianghe to Hueco Mundo is indeed a good choice. Apart from what Iori mentioned, if he can return with merits, then Silver Ridge can rightfully adopt him as their son and then betroth their daughter to him.

Yes, Ginryo also has a daughter, who is Kuchiki Sōjun's younger sister.

This young lady is a true noblewoman, possessing both an elegant and gentle personality and a beautiful and refined appearance, completely unlike Yoruichi, who grew up to be a tomboy who went astray.

Xianghe was regarded as a confidant by Yinling, and in fact he was already like a retainer. He also entered the Xiumu Mansion for some reason, and somehow got to know the young lady and they developed feelings for each other.

This has nothing to do with political struggles; it's purely due to Xianghe's own abilities.

Although Yinling was dignified and serious, he was not old-fashioned and had no intention of consolidating his position through his children's marriages—his reputation as a rotten tree could not be shaken by such things.

According to his thinking, when choosing a son-in-law, one must consider his character and ability, and his own daughter must also be satisfied. Although Xianghe is not from a noble family, his conditions in all aspects are quite good, and he is qualified to enter the Xiumu family.

Yes, Xianghe will be married into the family in the future...

It's quite normal for an adopted son to become a son-in-law in Japan or the Soul Society. If the social status of the two families is too different, this development is considered natural by the public.

If Xianghe had gained a certain status in the Expeditionary Force or the Thirteenth Squad, no one would have gossiped about the marriage, thus avoiding a lot of trouble.

Qianzi Xianghe himself was unaware of the secret conversation between Yizhi and Yinling. He only thought that his future father-in-law had asked Yizhi to give him a chance to make a name for himself. He was grateful and determined to make a name for himself, to be worthy of the "Rotten Wood" clan, and not to disappoint the young lady who favored him!

"Captain Aizen, my name is Senko Kyoga. I have been transferred to the Third Division starting today. I am open to any mission. I look forward to your guidance."

"No, no, you should get up first."

After completing the handover procedures, Iori chuckled and told Hibiki to stand up: "We're old acquaintances, no need to be so formal. There's no one else here, so let's treat this as a private chat and relax."

"This... the Gotei 13 has its own rules and regulations, how could I dare..."

"This is the captain's order."

"Yes!"

Xianghe straightened up and knelt on the ground. From his hair to his shihachi (death knight) attire, he was meticulous in his appearance, showing that he was a serious and careful person.

"Does the captain have any instructions?"

"You should know that there are currently no vacancies for the Third Division's leadership positions, right? Let me be clear from the start: you're being transferred here to Hueco Mundo. A massive war will break out soon, and you'll be at the forefront, facing the most elite enemies on the front lines."

Iori looked him straight in the eye: "I won't give you any special treatment just because you're Captain Kuchiki's confidant."

"I don't need special treatment!"

Hibiki said with a strong voice, "I am just an ordinary Shinigami. I would give my life to protect the Soul Society and the Seireitei!"

Anyone can say nice things... but your eyes don't seem to be lying.

Iori nodded slightly: "It's good that you have this awareness, but remember, death is not the highest honor. Only those who can persevere to the last moment on the battlefield can better protect Soul Society."

So, for the sake of your resolve—strive to survive, Hibiki-kun.

"……Yes!"

Xianghe's expression changed drastically.

"But to be honest, your presence is a great help."

Iori sat cross-legged on the opposite side of the Xianghe River, and the atmosphere immediately relaxed.

"The conquest of Hueco Mundo requires manpower, but if too many are sent out, the losses will be incalculable if something goes wrong. I also prefer to only select elite troops... I was worried about that, but now with you, it's like adding wings to a tiger!"

"Uh, Captain, you flatter me."

Xianghe quickly replied, "I am just a seat officer. I will never refuse to contribute my meager strength if possible, but my level is not considered outstanding in the entire Thirteenth Division. There are many Grim Reapers who are more outstanding than me."

"Heh~"

Iori smiled and shook her head: "Do you really think so, Yi? If this is what you truly believe, then I might have to slightly change my opinion of you—you are unduly self-deprecating."

"Well!"

Xianghe was startled and subconsciously clenched his fist and placed it on his knee, a defensive stance.

Why...why say that?

"For someone about to go to the battlefield, being able to objectively evaluate oneself is a very important quality. Only in this way can one know the gap between oneself and the enemy and measure one's own limits."

Those who cannot do this are likely to die meaningless deaths on the battlefield.

"Then I'll ask you one more time, Senji Xianghe-kun, do you really think you're not good enough?"

"..."

Xianghe remained silent, but the sharp glint in his eyes revealed his true thoughts.

Whether it is excellent or not, this is actually insufficient to describe Xianghe's qualifications.

Qian Zixianghe is certainly outstanding; there is no problem in calling him a "genius"!

Among the five noble families, not many can grow to the level of captain. Xianghe possessed Bankai during his student days (although it was exaggerated), and was also skilled in Kido, Shunpo, and Hakuda, making him a scaled-down version of a hexagonal warrior.

If it weren't for the emergence of an anomaly like Iori in this era, Hibiki would have been even more dazzling.

Objectively speaking, he is definitely one of the most talented individuals in Seireitei, and he has every right to be complacent!

He is actually quite strong-willed, proud, and confident about his future. But for some reason, he can't show that side of himself.

"Captain, I..."

"You don't need to explain. I don't like to make things difficult for others. I was just testing you. Actually, I could guess some of what you were thinking."

Iori first calmed Hibiki down, and after he calmed down, she sighed softly and said with some regret:

"I think not many people would point fingers at you because they're afraid of incurring your wrath... Many people are subtly distancing themselves from you, and you must be able to sense it."

The reason behind this is self-evident and I don't need to explain it.

Therefore, you cannot show arrogance or pride. Captain Kuchiki probably also told you to be humble and cautious, and not to easily get into conflicts with others, because once you lose control of your behavior, it will be a dangerous signal in the eyes of others.

Keeping a low profile is a necessary prerequisite for a stable life.

Upon hearing this, Xianghe subconsciously gripped the scabbard of Muramasa, his brows furrowing slightly, revealing a hint of discontent.

It seems that although he understands the reasoning behind it and knows that Yinling is doing it for his own good, he still cannot let go of his inner feelings.

That's normal, isn't it?

His mere dissatisfaction with such treatment was already quite mild.

If it were a Chinese transmigrator, even without any unfair treatment, the very first day after acquiring the Muramasa, the phrase "Are the five noble families born with special privileges?" would be playing on a loop in their mind.

But soon Iori added, "But here, all those unspoken rules are thrown into the trash!"

Talented people must be properly evaluated and treated accordingly.

This is not a favor, but a rightful reward.

If you are prepared to give your life for the Soul Society, then the Soul Society will naturally reciprocate this enthusiasm!

From now on, don't spout those hypocritical pleasantries and empty words to me, because on the battlefield, I only entrust my back to confident comrades.

"King Xianghe, do you understand?"