Chapter 10 I Do

"He doesn't currently have the intention to graduate early."

"Mm..." Yamamoto stared at the headmaster and slowly spoke, "What is the reason?"

Could it be that those nobles acted so quickly, and before he even received the news, Tsukizuki gets lured by them and decides against joining the Gotei 13?

As the actual controller of the Gotei 13, the largest and most powerful faction in the Soul Society, Yamamoto is loyal to the royal family and upholds the aristocratic rule.

This is well known, and it's also why the nobles dare to act recklessly under his nose.

He firmly defends the laws of the Soul Society and has no need to expand his own power.

The only reason to recruit Tsukizuki is to prevent this genius, who surpasses Kyōraku Shunsui and Ukitake Jūshirō, from getting involved in the nobles' meaningless dirty dealings, turning from a once-in-a-thousand-years prodigy into mere fodder for the aristocrats.

So, which family is trying to recruit Tsukizuki...?

The ambitious Kanemiyake family?

The Kiryū family, seeking to join the ranks of the four great noble houses?

Or...?

Yamamoto looked down at the teacher column in the file.

Could it be the Shiba family, who might have an easier opportunity?

If it's the Shiba family, that's acceptable.

Although the Shiba family has been forced to engage in power struggles, Shiba Ginrei, not only his old friend but also a model noble, should not ruin him.

The Kiryū family is also tolerable, as their methods are more gentle.

But if he's involved with the Kanemiyake family, then Tsukizuki would truly be ruined.

"He believes his abilities are insufficient and hopes to continue learning at the Spiritual Arts Academy."

The headmaster swallowed nervously and spoke, "It seems he doesn't plan to leave the Spiritual Arts Academy anytime soon."

He could clearly feel that the atmosphere in the room had suddenly become chilling.

"Has no noble approached him...?"

The headmaster immediately understood what Yamamoto was concerned about and relaxed.

"Rest assured, Head Captain, I've been paying attention to him since he enrolled."

"In the past few days, the only ones who have had close contact with him are two teachers, as well as two friends from his region."

"I understand that Shiba-sensei is a respectable person; he would never do anything improper. As for the other teacher, her relationship with Tsukizuki is purely academic."

The headmaster nodded.

Hm... a purely spiritual relationship.

Yamamoto leaned back in his chair, silent for a long time, seemingly deep in thought.

The headmaster walked over to the tea table and skillfully poured tea for Yamamoto.

After an unknown amount of time, the headmaster, who had been standing for a while, grew somewhat bored, when Yamamoto suddenly spoke.

"Since that child enjoys learning, let him come to the First Division every week. I'll personally teach him how to become a qualified Shinigami."

"I'll have the 11th Division notify him. You may leave now."

The headmaster was taken aback for a moment, before his eyes gleamed with excitement.

To personally teach Tsukizuki... what is that supposed to mean?!

Letting him come to the First Division surely involves not only learning but also evaluating and protecting him.

After the evaluation... could it be that...?

The possibilities were so beautiful, the headmaster didn't even dare to imagine them.

Why don't I have such talent?

If I had talent like that, the person whom Captain Yamamoto would have taken under his wing would have been me, Sato Keito, instead of his current Vice-Captain, Zaraki Kenpachi.

The headmaster sighed inwardly and left the Captain's quarters.

...

"I'll confirm one last time: Tsukizuki, a student of the Spiritual Arts Academy, do you wish to study at the First Division?"

"I do."

Tsukizuki immediately gave his affirmative answer as he looked at the messenger from the 11th Division.

After all, it's Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, the strongest Shinigami of the millennium, a true hexagonal warrior, standing at the peak of all things Shinigami. There's nothing wrong with learning from him.

It would be difficult for anyone in the Soul Society to find a better teacher than him.

And, he also commands the Gotei 13.

Building a good relationship with him would help avoid many troubles—at the very least, he wouldn't have to worry about the nobles causing problems for him.

Watching the 11th Division messenger leave, Tsukizuki returned to his dorm.

As soon as he entered the door, Rangiku put down her snacks and immediately hugged him.

"Tsukizuki, was it the 11th Division that came for you just now?"

"Yes, Captain Yamamoto wants me to come to the First Division every week. He'll guide my training."

Tsukizuki didn't hide anything and had no intention of doing so.

He actually hoped this news would spread as widely as possible—more people knowing about it would mean fewer troubles for him.

"You mean, Captain Yamamoto is taking you as his disciple? Rangiku asked, excited, as she straddled him and swayed.

"He didn't say anything about taking me as a disciple, just guiding my training." Tsukizuki lay down on the couch and adjusted Rangiku, preventing her from becoming too excited and falling off.

Rangiku sat up properly and thought for a moment before showing a puzzled expression. "So... hmm... this is extracurricular guidance from the Captain?"

Tsukizuki felt this explanation was a bit odd, and it reminded him of his teacher, Yui.

He poked Rangiku's cute little face, then nodded. "Something like that."

"This doesn't seem too different from being a disciple! You could be considered Captain Yamamoto's unofficial disciple."

Rangiku recalled the stories Tsukizuki had told her about the disciples of large clan, and this situation seemed to fit the category of an unofficial disciple.

"If you have the Head Captain's guidance, won't you become strong really quickly? Does that mean I can slack off?"

"Of course not! You mustn't slack off in your training."

Tsukizuki sighed, saying, "Rangiku... do you know why I brought you to the Spiritual Arts Academy?"

"I know, because Tsukizuki is a loli lover and can't leave them alone."

"…"

Tsukizuki pinched his forehead, feeling a headache. "There is some truth to that, but it's not entirely accurate. I'm into all types."

"Wait, that's not what I meant."

"The main reason is that there's a villain hiding in Rukongai."

"Something inside you is very important to him, but he doesn't realize its value yet."

"To be safe, you must work hard on your training, because strength is the foundation of survival."

At this point, Tsukizuki grew serious and placed his large hand on Matsumoto Rangiku's chest.

Within that petite body is a part of the Soul King's body, which is needed for the Hōgyoku.

He believes that Rangiku has the Soul King's fingertip, so her potential cannot be too far behind.

As night fell, the mansion grew quiet.

Tsukizuki and the innocent Rangiku lay on the couch, staring at each other silently for a long time.

Growing up in the Rukongai, constantly looked down upon and neglected, Rangiku could never have imagined that someone like her, with nothing to her name, possessed something so important to a great villain.

.....

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