Part 6

Squad 9 Barracks.

"..."

Hisagi Shūhei was sitting at his vice captain's desk, gazing at and reflecting on previous issues of Seireitei Communication.

At his back, the voice of Muguruma, his captain, called out to him.

"Hey, what's with the long face, Shūhei."

"Uh, captain…"

"Is it because of the business from just a short while ago? Well, it's not surprising that you're irritated."

"…sorry, it really shows on my face huh?"

He intended to bottle up his emotions, but it seems he couldn't even do a good job of that, no matter how hard he tried.

After taking a deep breath, Hisagi posed a question to Muguruma.

"Captain, did you know about it? Captain Tōsen…I mean, Tōsen Kaname's past?"

"…Just a little."

Even now, Hisagi has a habit of calling Tōsen "captain Tōsen" when he gets worked up.

He understands this is discourteous towards the current captain Muguruma, but no matter what, when it came to Tōsen, it seemed impossible to keep in control of his reasoning power.

Because Muguruma is understanding of that, he couldn't even blame Hisagi for it.

"I'm not the kind of person who concerns myself with a subordinate's past or something. So I didn't inquire that deeply, and even if I didn't ask, he was able to work in a reliable enough manner… but thinking back on it now, perhaps I should have gotten to the core of things some more."

"What about the Tsunayashiro noblemen…?"

"All the same, the likes of nobility was not a matter worth worrying about as far as I was concerned. It's okay if they were like Kyōraku san, Kuchiki or Yoruichi, but ordinary nobles were not ones who wanted to get too close to that bunch."

Hisagi also knew well about the arrogance and irrationality of the Shinigami noblemen.

If it was arrogance that is somewhat genial in nature like the Omaedas' then it would be excusable, but the conduct of nobles like that which was seen from the Central 46 not too long ago was outrageous.

Although he had heard that Central 46 had also happened to reform their way of thinking after the war, still, among those who live in Kizokugai*, there were many who openly looked down upon commoners or those who hailed from Rukongai.

(*TN – "Noble Town" i.e. the district within Seireitei where many nobles live, see my WDkALY Part 6 translation for more info.)

"It would've been great if they were all like Yoruichi san."

"…That in its own way will only spell trouble."

Imagining the figures of a crowd of Yoruichis leaping around Kizokugai, Muguruma knit his eyebrows together in unease, whilst recalling the past he crafted his words.

"Come to think of it, around the time that Byakuya guy was still a brat, whenever Yoruichi would tease him, he'd be furious and he was a delight to be around, but now he's become completely nobleman-like."

"It can't be helped. He is the head of one of the four great noble clans after all."

"But then Yoruichi would have had the same standpoint too back then…"

As he said that Muguruma picked up a copy of "Seireitei Communication" which was on the desk, he flipped through the pages whilst questioning Hisagi.

"Anyway, you've dared to undertake this task huh? Given the circumstances, I think it would have been fine if you had refused and passed the matter off to others in the squad you know?"

"…I was also hesitant when it came to deciding."

An hour ago - Squad 1 barracks

"…Understood. I will take on this special edition matter."

"Eh? Really?… You're fine with it?"

In response to Kyōraku who spoke as if he was surprised, Hisagi gives a firm nod.

"Yes, I am, but I inherited Seireitei Communication from the former editor-in-chiefs like it was my castle…so, whether or not that guy deserves to have a special edition made for him, I will first and foremost collect information on him with my own hands."

"You talk more boldly than I could've imagined… ah… Just so you know, if you're bringing up the past it's likely you're already being watched by the Kinin Noble Assembly*. But I think we can curb the efforts of those belonging to Central 46 one way or another if we ask Nayura chan." (*TN– they deal with matters relating to the four great noble clans, see WDkALY Part 9 translation)

"No, it's not the past I'm going to collect information on, but rather the current situation around that man. I will write down exactly what I have observed with integrity, if there are no problems, then please leave the special edition up to me."

"…You have no personal grudges?"

Kyōraku inquired in a certain manner, as if feeling him out, after a short silence hung between them, Hisagi replied.

"I can't be certain of whether or not there is some…in any case, to distort an article with my emotions, that in itself would be an insult to captain Tōsen."

Although he had unintentionally called Tōsen "captain" even here, Nanao only slightly narrowed her eyes and and no one directly pointed the issue out to him.

After watching Hisagi with a serious look in his eye for a short while, he lightly shrugged his shoulders and opened his mouth to speak.

"I see, well then, you've been asked to do this. But don't push yourself too hard. Your addressee is a leader amongst the nobles who operates under a completely different set of principles to we of the Gotei 13. It's possible that they may meddle with any weak points they see in you the interviewer."

"I'm prepared for that. I can't interview cunning Shinigami if I'm afraid of such things."

"Really? You'd be okay even if a seductive young lady like Rangiku chan used flirtatious means to get what they want?"

"Ehh? You really think I'd be taken in by that kind of thing…?"

A flustered Hisagi turns his attention towards Nanao, but she immediately averts her eyes.

Subsequently, when he turned his face towards Muguruma–

"Well, amongst the vice captains you seem to be second only to Omaeda when it comes to falling into a trap."

–He said, expressing his impressions quite frankly.

"Second to Omaeda!?"

"That's right, but Omaeda has money, so perhaps he's galavanting​ about the place more than one would expect and is accustomed to flirtatious advances. Then that would mean your actually number one…"

"No, no, not at all! What about the others, such as Renji… the others…?"

He recollected various things that happened in the past – more specifically things like the reactions of both himself and Renji when Kurotsuchi Mayuri once told them "I can perform a Zanpakutō sex change", he realised there was little difference between them.

"Well, that's quite enough of that conversation don't you think! Anyway, you can leave this matter with me!"

"Of course, it's better to have a certain kind of relaxed attitude. Since it's pretty tough keeping company with those nobles who do nothing but strain your nerves."

"Captain Kyōraku..."

Realising that those words from just a moment ago were said for the purpose of alleviating his mental strain, Hisagi felt a sense of gratitude towards Kyōraku whilst speaking once again.

"I understand. In the name of Seireitei Communication, please allow me to undertake this task."

"Yes, do let me know if there's anything I can assist you with too. However, a captain commander's job is more hectic than I expected, so I can't be available at all times."

"Thank you very much! Err..."

Then, Hisagi remembered.

Questions he had to ask the captain commander personally.

" ?  What's the matter?"

Responding to Kyōraku who tilted his head in puzzlement, Hisagi broached the subject with a serious look on his face.

"Captain Kyōraku…sorry to change the subject but, there's one more thing I want to ask you."

"What would you like to ask me? I hope I can give you an answer."

"...It's about captain Ukitake, and Ginjō Kūgo."

"..."

A slight shadow is cast over Kyōraku's expression and after a brief silence, he opened his mouth to speak.

"I'm at a loss, why ask about that at this point in time I wonder?"

"I met with Ginjō today."

"!  I see… right, there's no need to worry about him. Regarding his treatment, Ukitake requested to prolong it as much as possible."

Whilst calling to mind the face of his now deceased dear friend, Kyōraku quietly glanced towards an empty space.

"Captain Ukitake, he..."

"However, that's because it wasn't possible to say whether or not he was innocent in all this from outward appearances, in truth, Ukitake tolerated it and adopted a wait and see attitude."

After displaying a wry smile, Kyōraku then asks Hisagi about the fundamental points.

"So then…did you hear the story from him?"

"Yes, but, I can't very well listen to and swallow up only one side of the story."

"You treat such matters seriously huh? I think that's a good thing, yes."

After flashing a smile as if he was reassured by Hisagi's attitude towards his work, Kyōraku released a small sigh whilst he formed his words.

"Be that as it may…will you give me a little time?"

"Time?"

"It appears that Ukitake tried to keep the matter to himself. I too was unable to grasp the whole story. However, with my current position, various things that were ambiguous before can now be cleared up I think. If that happens, it's possible that Ginjō Kūgo will also be given a pardon of sorts."

After going as far as to say that, Kyōraku narrowed his one eye.

"…On the flip side, there is also a possibility that a criminal amongst the Shinigami will be uncovered."

"…Understood. I will wait until then."

Following that, he was given a short briefing and after obtaining a number of 'interview permissions', Hisagi left the 1st division barracks.

As he hurried back towards his own squad barracks, Hisagi thinks over the instructions for the special edition issue once again.

—- Tsunayashiro Tokinada.

Whilst reflecting upon the name that was carved into his mind many times over, he tried to subdue his emotions as he headed towards his squad barracks with an extremely grim looking face ——  it was enough to frighten Yamada Hanatarō who he had passed by en route.

Present time - Squad 9 Barracks.

"Oh damn, is that the time? Sorry captain, I have to head out for the interviews."

"You're a busy guy huh. Where will you go to next?"

"Squad 11. To those guys Madarame and Yumichika, I'm going to interview those two about the left arm of the Soul King."

One hour later - Squad 11 Barracks - Resting Area.

"Well… that's precisely what we saw. If that's somewhat helpful?"

"In fact, during that battle we were mostly just watching. So it's a rather tedious matter. Oh, I hate to admit it too much, but Nemu chan's fight was truly beautiful."

In response to to Madarame and Yumichika who continued to narrate their rough accounts on the matter, Hisagi knit his eyebrows as he replied.

"So in brief, if I understood you correctly, captain Kurotsuchi was being crazy as usual. Still, I hope Nemu san will be healed without problem…"

"Rather than 'healing', it seems she'll have a new body soon. That Akon guy said that a few years later, by crawling around she'll probably be able to use a certain level of shunpo."

"That will be a sight to behold."

Unable to imagine it he tilted his head to the side, but Hisagi didn't probe too deeply into the subject and decided to ask other questions instead.

"So then, surely captain Kurotsuchi talked about the left arm of the Soul King?"

"Yeah, I couldn't understand anything at all about that thing…"

Because he had heard rumours surrounding that topic, Hisagi had paid a visit to these two specifically to enquire about the details of the battle.

Hisagi was trying to investigate whether or not there was some kind of connection between the "right arm of the Soul King" that dwelled in captain Ukitake, and the "left arm of the Soul King" that for some reason was in the Wandenreich camp.

A local deity called "Mimihagi sama" dwelled within Ukitake. If it was truly the right arm of the Soul King, why in the world were the arms of the Soul King detached from the body?

Given that this may also affect Ukitake's honour depending on the circumstances, Hisagi wanted to make a clear distinction between the boundaries of rumour and reality, however – with this interview, the state of affairs started to appear increasingly chaotic.

"That guy, he was changing his manner of speech and had some strange things to say. Like "I have always been a Quincy" for example."

"...?"

At the words which had unexpectedly left Yumichika's mouth, Hisagi reflexively knit his eyebrows together.

"No way, that's strange. Why is the left arm of Soul King sama Quincy from the beginning? Could it be that somebody amongst the Quincies obtained the left arm of Soul King sama somewhere, and then implanted it within their body like Ukitake san or something?"

"How should I know? It's not like we could even hear the whole exchange after all."

"What about you Madarame?"

"I probably can't explain the reasoning behind things that Yumichika can't understand. Ask captain Kurotsuchi."

Although it was a reasonable suggestion, Hisagi could only release a sigh at that.

"I've requested permission to collect information on a variety of other subjects, such as the situation with kira…but these past six months he seems to be busy all the time. He rejected any interviews. He says he has a mountain of new research."

Realising that he was already complaining, Hisagi dropped his shoulders whilst backing-up with his next words.

"Well, that's mostly because of Seireitei's restoration and Nemu san so I guess it can't be helped…"

"You look like you're having a hard time. You never seemed suited to this line of work to begin with."

"It's not a question of being suited or not. Madarame, you too wouldn't listen to someone who told you "the battle is not suited to you so give up" would you?"

"Right, I would cut the guy down before he could tell me a joke like that."

Just when he let out a sigh at Madarame's unsettling reply, Hisagi remembered something.

"Come to think of it, you have a younger sister right? When I investigated the name of the Shinigami who is currently in charge of Karakura Town with the intel I recovered, I was surprised that the name that came up was Madarame."

"Oh…Shino? I'm not sure if she's my sister or a cousin. Apparently, on the first day she was dispatched to Karakura Town, she was knocked out by a group of huge Hollows and then rescued by Ichigo, she's still got a long way to go. It's just like what I kept telling her, squad 11 is too difficult. She won't be able to mix in with us tough guys."

Madarame looked worried despite speaking so bluntly, in response, it was Yumichika who matter-of-factly pointed out the flaws in his argument rather than Hisagi.

"Well, if several large Hollows were your opponents, normally, a novice soldier alone would end up dying even if they were squad 11."

"…That's right Madarame. Not everyone is like you or captain Zaraki."

After his vague interjection, Hisagi cast his eyes down.

The time he was still a pupil at the Shinō Academy sprang into his mind – he was leading the juniors in a training exercise when they were attacked by huge Hollows, that was when he lost his comrade Kanisawa.

At that time, Hisagi was at his wit's end, the incident was swiftly dealt with when Aizen and Ichimaru Gin who had appeared in the wake of the trouble, defeated the enemies by themselves.

—- I wonder if the person I am today has become as strong as Aizen and Ichimaru was back then…?

Despite thinking that, he still cautioned himself, what he wanted to obtain was not really such strength.

He reaffirmed that since that fight, it was Tōsen who gave him a 'way' to regard fear in battle —- at the same time, he recalled the name of the man which he had heard from Kyōraku.

Tsunayashiro Tokinada.

The man who was the root cause of Tōsen being led astray.

—- Such a guy is really a clan head of one of the four great noble houses?

"Oi, what's the matter Hisagi?"

"Huh? Ah, it's nothing, sorry. I was just thinking about something."

Coming to his senses at Madarame's voice, Hisagi scolded himself whilst returning to the subject of the "left arm of the Soul King".

"Isn't there someone else who also witnessed that battle? I want to gather as much information as possible."

"Ah, perhaps, there is someone."

"Who?"

When Hisagi enquired - thinking that surely there was no other spectators other than Madarame and co. - with his curiosity peaking, Madarame calmly revealed the name of the person in question.

"Yamada should have been lying around nearby. That's right, the 4th division's 3rd seat."

1 hour later - Squad 4 Barracks.

"Well, about that…I was really just paralysed and ended up collapsing that's all…"

As he tilted his head at Hanatarō who for some reason had a fearful expression on his face, Hisagi began to consider that this trip had been made in vain.

At the time of the battle against the Quincy called Pernida who was apparently the "left arm of the Soul King", it seems Hanatarō was caught up in Kurotsuchi Mayuri's Zanpakutō ability and all the muscles in his body were paralysed.

"Anyway, why does it seem like you're too afraid to look at my face?"

"Eh? No, about that… you were making a grim face earlier on the street, I thought something had put you in a bad mood…"

"…Ah, sorry. I was feeling a little irritated earlier."

—- I let it show on my face that much?

As he reflected upon himself, Hisagi crafts words in order to dodge the real issue.

"It's nothing, after this I have to go to Kizokugai to collect information, but I'm not quite sure how to start work on it. I was just a little irritated because of that."

"Eh? Kizokugai?"

"That's right, in brief, I've received authorised entry, but the question is from which establishment do I start the interviews… captain Kuchiki and Yoruichi san seem busy. And the procedures surrounding Central 46 and the Noble Assembly are troublesome."

The latter half of his sentence was no deception but rather a true sentiment.

Although he had obtained permission from Kyōraku to freely enter Kizokugai in order to interview this Tokinada character, it was necessary to acquire separate permissions to collect material on each of the institutions surrounding the nobles.

Hisagi considered it too early to go to the Tsunayashiro clan directly, he intended to begin his investigations in the documents of the Great Spirit Book Gallery which was under the management of Amakado Nayura, however —-

"Well err, if you need someone who is well acquainted with Kizokugai, then I know a person."

"Ehh? This person is in Squad 4?"

"N-no… not quite but… but he said it's his day off today, so I think it would be no problem."

"?  Who in the world is it?"

At Hisagi's question, Hanatarō lowered his head seeming somewhat apologetic, at the same time he replied as if he was lacking in self confidence.

"R-right… it's Yamada Seinosuke…he's my older brother… probably. He left just a short while ago, so if he's not at our family home right now, then he'll be at the Shinō Seyakuin in Kizokugai I think."

"Oh! Come to think of it, Yamada was the name of a representative of the Shinō Seyakuin! So he's actually Hanatarō's older brother! I remember because he was featured in articles a few times before I became editor-in-chief! ...wait a minute, what do you mean by probably?"

"…My brother, he's got a talent for Kaidō unlike myself…sometimes I grow doubtful about whether or not we're truly brothers"

"How can someone like you be worried about something like that…?"

Releasing a sigh Hisagi tries to cheer Hanatarō up.

"Relax. Your reputation for Kaidō is considered top-class even in Seireitei Communication opinion polls you know?"

"...How can…such a thing… huuhh? M-maybe my brother pitied me, and handed out bribes to everyone who voted...I-I'm sorry, I beg your forgiveness!"

"Both you and captain Kotetsu too, why are talented members of the 4th division so negative about themselves…?"

—- Perhaps it's a reaction to Unohana san being more than twice as powerful as almost any other Shinigami.

Although Hisagi considered such a thing, in his eyes, he could confidently say that Hanatarō's skill in Kaidō was more than outstanding. Even if the person himself says he has no talent, if he was able to reach his current level just by pushing himself, then it's safe to say that he has plenty of talent in Kaidō.

In fact, the opinions on Hanatarō that was sent into Seireitei Communication also had some saying that "because he always has a negative expression on his face, we get somewhat uneasy around him", but for the most part, only when it came to healing did he display a positive stance, and the voices of those who acknowledged that talent and attitude were in the majority.

It was the same after the Great War had ended, far from being timid, he rushed around the scene of the battlefield together with Inoue and others to provide medical treatment, and everyone who saw him acknowledged Hanatarō as a respectable Shinigami.

Hisagi who was one of the people among those who acknowledged him, began to once again consider Hanatarō's suggestion from earlier.

Meeting the chief of the Shinō Seyakuin in Kizokugai would mean there is an extremely high possibility of being able to detail things such as the interpersonal relationships between the nobles and their reputations. If that's the case, then there was no way he could let slip the opportunity to secure connections here.

—- well, if he's Hanatarō's brother, then he's surely a friendly person.

Coming to an optimistic conclusion with his carefree speculations, Hisagi decided to accept Hanatarō's proposal.

"Pardon me, Hanatarō. If it's alright with you, I'd really appreciate it if you could introduce me to your older brother."

He remained unaware of the fact that this choice has once again, significantly altered his fate.

Meanwhile at the Squad 1 Barracks.

Around the same time as Hisagi meeting with Hanatarō ——

Even at the 1st division barracks, a reunion drama was unfolding.

"Long time no see, Shunsui. Since I was sent to the Maggot's Nest I think."

A large escort had accompanied an important noble to the 1st division barracks – Tsunayashiro Tokinada ordered those people to leave the room so now he was facing the captain commander of the Gotei 13 one-to-one.

"Is that so? At any rate, I heard that you were in a state of house arrest for a few hundred years."

"It's a foolish affair. Those guys from the head house tried to humiliate me by making me take responsibility for my crime, so they tried to treat my very being itself as nonexistent. Rather than behaving in such a way, they might as well have given me a formal sentence, like execution or exile. And what is the consequence of hesitating to root out the criminal from their own house? Take a look, that criminal has now taken everything from them."

If one were to hear those words alone, its contents could be interpreted as something akin to self-mockery.

However, he was talking whilst his whole face was lit up with a smile, Kyōraku could sense that Tokinada was sneering at each and every aforementioned member of the Tsunayashiro clan, from the bottom of his heart.

"…Can I take that as a confession that you conspired to dispose of your family predecessors?"

"Oh my, you're not serious are you? I was merely being sarcastic you know?"

After giving a strained laugh, Tokinada narrowed his eyes as he spoke.

"However, even if that is the case, I am clan head already. And even if something happens afterwards, I can easily silence it. There won't be a reduction of penalty like the time I killed my comrade and wife. Rather, I can make it out to be so that the crime itself was completely nonexistent."

"Would you really be able to pull off such a thing? The current Central 46 are beginning to change their old fashioned ways you know?"

"Nonetheless, aristocrat society itself hasn't changed. Isn't that right?"

"..."

"Even though everything was being destroyed by that herd of Quincies, and they only had to seclude themselves indoors, the majority of the nobles of Seireitei still couldn't change. The only ones that have changed are those who have had various experiences out in the world from the very outset, such as you, the Kuchiki clan, the Shihōins and so on. It's laughable that as many as two houses among the four great noble clans were fighting on the frontline. Though if the Shiba clan were taken into account, then it would have been three houses amongst the five great noble clans."

The five great noble clans.

The Shiba clan which had completely collapsed in recent years, used to be counted amongst the four great noble clans, the "founding five houses" are said to be connected to the beginnings of Soul Society.

It is also said that Tsunayashiro clan were the leaders amongst the five great noble houses, and aside from the Soul King and squad zero who were in effect isolated from politics, it's possible to say that they were the most influential voice in existence within Seireitei.

The current head of that very Tsunayashiro clan distorts his lips into a leering smile.

"Naturally, I haven't changed from the old ways either. The same is true of my resentment towards you, Kyōraku Shunsui."

"Your resentment is undue. I was merely preventing you from committing evil deeds that's all."

"That was a completely unexpected turn in the road. I intended to play the part of an ill-fated husband who was betrayed by both his comrade and his wife whilst remaining undetected by everybody, however… I couldn't believe it, a man like you who did nothing but chase after women was too sharp-witted for me. Truly, it's quite admirable how you were the one to expose my crimes."

With a crooked smile still playing on his lips, Tokinada talked about the past in a dispassionate manner.

"I didn't expose anything. "He killed his buddy following a dispute, and while he was at it he also killed his wife who rebuked him for it"... Something like that was the only conclusion I could come to when all the fundamental details were in a grove*." (*TN – "in a grove" is a Japanese idiom taken from a story title meaning one is unable to discern the truth because it's shrouded in mystery/evidence is conflicting or insufficient)

After responding with that, Kyōraku also uttered an 'apology' of sorts.

"There is one thing I need to apologise to you about."

"…What? You apologising to me? I don't think it's possible but, you're not going to beg my forgiveness because you exposed my crimes are you?"

Then, after Kyōraku shakes his head a little, he fixes his eyes on the man with the cool demeanour who belonged to one of the four great noble clans.

If the escort of noblemen were still around him whilst he stared at Tokinada with that kind of look, that alone would have them up in arms considering the act 'disrespectful', in an unconcerned manner Kyōraku then spoke of his own 'crime'.

"At the time of Rukia chan's execution scandal… to be honest, until I understood the truth of the matter, I even suspected you just a little. I wondered if you had given her a heavier punishment than what was originally intended by making the necessary preparations in secret from the shadows of Central 46."

"Dear me, you were on the verge of pinning Aizen's wrongdoings on me? But why would you think such a thing? I don't have a motive to force the killing of Kuchiki Rukia do I? I've never even met her anyway."

"When Kuchiki kun took Hisana chan who was a resident of Rukongai as his wife… as well as the time he tried to adopt Rukia chan into the family...it wasn't just the Kuchikis. The voice of opposition also came from the Tsunayashiro clan. So I thought that if it's the case that you made those recommendations whilst in the process of reinstating yourself, then it's possible that you were pulling the strings behind the Tsunayashiro clan."

"So, I had no reason to make the recommendations in the first place?"

In response to Tokinada who shrugged his shoulders, Kyōraku spoke.

"You don't need things like reasons. It merely stems from harassment… killing time. And attracting the attention of the nobles."

"..."

"You've made it this far through sheer harassment. That's your true nature isn't it? Tokinada."

"Show some self-restraint, Shunsui. Do you really think the likes of a mere Gotei 13 captain commander can talk about me as they please?"

Quite in contrast with his words from just now, Tokinada grinned from ear to ear.

It was as if he was admiring Kyōraku's speech word for word.

Without returning a smile to him, Kyōraku simply questioned him in an unfazed manner.

"And? What business has brought you all the way here specifically? If you have a complaint against the Gotei 13, I'd be happy to pass it onto the Kinin Noble Assembly or the Central 46 for you."

"Ah, it's an uncomplicated matter. I wanted to obtain some contacts."

"Contacts?"

"Kuchiki aside, Shihoin Yoruichi cannot be contacted through the aristocratic networks. Even the Kinin Noble Assembly are unable to get a hold of her whereabouts… but, perhaps you know a way to get in touch with that unruly woman?"

As Tokinada said so, he handed over a piece of paper on which he had written his message to Yoruichi.

After receiving it and scanning through it with his eyes, Kyōraku maintained a blank expression as he posed a question to Tokinada.

"She has already handed over her position as clan head to her younger brother Yūshirō… but what are you planning?"

"Nothing at all? I'm merely thinking of putting forward a solemn proposal. For the sake of Soul Society, no, for the sake of harmony in all worlds, the Human World and Hueco Mundo included as well.

Unable to place even a fragment of trust in the words Tokinada had just spat out, Kyōraku grew even more suspicious.

"Really, you came for that alone?"

"In addition to that, I came to see you. Though you've already dwindled quite a lot by now, compared to your time at the Shinō Academy. Thanks to you, my resentment has simmered and risen to the surface once again."

Continuing to flash smile in which one could not discern whether he was being serious or simply joking, Tokinada added one more thing as if he had just remembered something.

"Which reminds me, it seems Ukitake has kicked the bucket?"

"..."

"And the right arm of Soul King sama dwelled within his lowly body, I suppose it's too much of an honour for the undeserving paupers of Rukongai."

Although Tokinada's manner of speaking was not dissimilar to a provocation, Kyōraku remained unswayed by it and asked further questions instead.

"Ginjō Kūgo. Do you know that name?"

"…Ah, if I'm not mistaken, he was the first substitute Shinigami. I heard that he's the mad dog that betrayed Seireitei but, well, thanks to that precedent we were able to gain a hero named Kurosaki Ichigo. It must have been a good bargain from Ukitake's viewpoint too. But, why ask me about such a man?"

"Nevermind, I was just checking… and, Ukitake's resolution was never cheap like you think it is."

When Tokinada heard that, he shrugged his shoulders a second time, as soon as there was nothing more to talk about, he turned his back to Kyōraku.

"There is nothing of great value in this world. Especially in Soul Society where just about everything is a sham."

After taking a few more steps, he came to a stop once again and cast a glance towards the corner of the captain's office.

"Oh, just so you know, I truly had nothing to do with the execution of your mother, Ise Nanao."

" ──── "

At the corner of the room, from the depths of the space which to all appearances seemed empty, came the sound of a gasp.

"It's not like I'm the mastermind behind everything. Anyway, if I had the authority back then… I wouldn't execute her so quickly. Just like how it was in Kuchiki Rukia's case, I would play cat and mouse before killing her in a grand performance atop Sōkyoku Hill. And, I'd order Kyōraku to attend with front row seats at the Garden of Judgement*." (*TN – Mentioned in Bleach Ch. 65, the name of the area atop Sōkyoku Hill where one would gather to witness an execution.)

Flashing a villainous smile towards the vast empty space, Tokinada added more words.

"Just like that time with Kuchiki Rukia, will Kyōraku try to rescue your mother by going as far as to destroy the gallows? Would he go as far as making an enemy out of Seireitei like Kurosaki Ichigo by trying to save her? I'm afraid that's unlikely to be the case. Kyōraku would forsake your mother. He did forsake her. In order to protect none other than you, Ise Nanao!"

"Would you kindly end your monologue right there? Head of the Tsunayashiro clan, Tokinada sama."

Although it sounds like a statement made in jest with his usual easygoing manner, Tokinada who was before his eyes sensed Kyōraku's cold Reiatsu on the back of his insincere honorific language, like he was under a bed of water that had frozen still.

After Tokinada had become aware of that atmosphere and narrowing his eyes in response, he placed his hand on the Zanpakutō attached at his hip as he continued to speak.

"…Good heavens, how frightening. I don't want to get dragged under a sea of water and have my throat cut up. Allow me to excuse myself for today."

After confirming that Tokinada had left the squad barracks along with his escort group, Kyōraku walked over to the corner of his captain's office and lightly brushed his hand through the space there.

Then, the space distorts like cloth, Nanao, whose face had turned pale, materialised from the other side of the scenery which was being lifted up.

Kyōraku encircled his arm around the shoulders of Nanao who was trembling whilst washed in a cold sweat, she was engulfed in the warmth of his Reiatsu which made her feel safe.

"Are you okay, Nanao chan?"

"Y-yes…I'm sorry, captain."

"Oh my, not even I could notice you eavesdropping, you've grown up fast haven't you. Is this Lisa chan's influence?"

Perhaps he was trying to put her mind at ease by making her remember a familiar face and that's why he mentioned Yadōmaru Lisa's name, his former vice captain and a person who is currently being regarded as a candidate for captain of squad 8.

Perceiving Kyōraku's concern, Nanao used her willpower to regain control over her breathing.

"Did he scare you? He gives you such a feeling because he emits quite a creepy Reiatsu doesn't he?"

"…In the past, when I was exposed to former captain commander Yamamoto's Reiatsu, I was unable to even move…but in that man's case, it's completely different in nature."

If it's the case that she was a frog being glared at by a snake when she was faced with Yamamoto Genryusai's wrath, then in her self-analysis, just now, she was the one that appeared to be the snake that has been made to dissolve into a slithering slug. (TN– The frog being glared at by a snake is a Japanese idiom meaning one is paralysed on the spot, it has the same nuance as "a deer in the headlights" idiom in English.)

Before she could even get aggravated by the fact that he had used both herself and her mother as tools in order to denigrate Kyōraku, a deep and bottomless feeling of eeriness was gnawing away at Nanao's heart.

Whilst harbouring fear of this mysterious character in addition to the fact that he had the ability to see through her own Injūtsu* (*Concealing art) that not even Kyōraku could notice, Nanao opened her mouth to speak with a slight tremble that remained in her voice.

"Captain…I am against such a man… becoming a head amongst the four great noble clans."

As he pondered 'when was the last time she spoke about things relating to personal matters with personal feelings', Kyōraku quietly looks up at the sky.

"Regarding that matter, I agree completely."

Next, reflecting upon the man's request to contact Yoruichi, Kyōraku mutters to himself.

"This is a troublesome turn of events huh… very much so."