Chapter 39
"Please wait, Genryūsai-sama!"
Yoruichi reached out, grabbing Kaelith Yurei's wrist.
Pulling Kaelith, she quickly took a few steps forward, passing by two captains to stand across from Yamamoto.
"Shihoin-sama, is there an issue?" Yamamoto asked slowly.
Yoruichi spoke up boldly, "Genryūsai-sama, Kaelith Yurei already promised me he'd join the Second Division after graduation!"
"As the Captain-Commander, surely you won't let your student go back on his word!"
Hearing this, Yamamoto was slightly taken aback and looked toward Kaelith Yurei.
Kaelith let out a small sound of surprise.
Just as he was about to speak, he felt a sudden pinch at his side.
Without thinking, Kaelith reached out to pinch Yoruichi back.
From behind, several captains watched the "battle" between the two with subtle expressions.
Pushing Yoruichi's hand away, Kaelith nodded and said, "Yes, Sensei, I promised Yoruichi that after graduation, I'd join the Second Division."
They had agreed on this condition while learning the transformation technique together.
Although he was often accused of being unreliable, Kaelith usually kept his promises.
Seeing Kaelith standing next to Yoruichi, Yamamoto felt a slight urge to hold his forehead in exasperation.
He knew exactly what kind of person Kaelith was.
Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't interfere with his students' personal relationships.
But... Shihoin Yoruichi was the head of one of the five noble families, the Shihoin family.
Once associated with the Shihoin name, trouble would surely follow.
After a few seconds of contemplation, he slowly began to speak—
"Ahem, ahem!"
Just as Yamamoto was about to say something, Kaelith started coughing, interrupting him.
Yamamoto couldn't help but frown.
Under his gaze, Kaelith scratched his head and gave a wide grin.
"No need for reminders, Sensei. I'll work hard and won't bring shame to you!"
Looking at Kaelith's silly grin, Yamamoto remained silent for a long while.
Then, he turned his gaze toward Ōmaeda Marechiyo.
"Lieutenant Ōmaeda."
"Y-Yes?!"
Ōmaeda was taken aback, quickly straightening up.
Yamamoto spoke in a grave tone, "Lieutenant Ōmaeda, Kaelith Yurei's safety is now in your hands."
Ōmaeda Marechiyo: "..."
Upon hearing Yamamoto's words, Ōmaeda nearly cried.
Kaelith Yurei had fought Shinchira Renzosuke and single-handedly foiled a crucial plan of the rebels.
Now, Kaelith had amassed considerable hatred from the rebel side.
As a mere lieutenant, how could he be expected to protect someone capable of battling captains?
Though he was reluctant, he couldn't muster the courage to protest against the Captain-Commander.
He quickly bowed, "Yes, Captain-Commander!"
Yamamoto gave a slight nod.
After reminding the division captains to stay alert for any new movements from the rebels, the captains' meeting officially ended.
The captains all bowed to Yamamoto, then turned to leave.
Yoruichi chuckled, nudging Kaelith with her elbow.
"Not bad! Sticking to your principles, even when facing the Captain-Commander. No wonder I took an interest in you."
"And especially that part where you played dumb to interrupt him—I'm really starting to admire you."
Hearing this, Kaelith couldn't help but roll his eyes.
The reason he interrupted Yamamoto was simple.
If Yamamoto had tried to pressure him into joining the First Division in front of all the captains, it would have damaged his reputation.
Moreover, it would offend the Shihoin family, one of the noble families.
In peaceful times, Yamamoto wouldn't care about such a minor issue. But in the current situation, his authority needed to remain unshaken.
At the very least, it couldn't be compromised over something trivial involving Kaelith.
Seeming to guess his intentions, Yoruichi smirked slightly.
She didn't mind men with a sense of loyalty.
Suddenly, a voice called out from behind them.
"Kaelith Yurei."
The two stopped in their tracks and turned to look.
Chojiro Sasakibe stood not far behind, silently looking at Kaelith.
Yoruichi frowned slightly.
Chojiro Sasakibe was the Lieutenant of the First Division.
Was he here to settle a score with Kaelith on behalf of his captain?
That couldn't be, right? There were still captains nearby who hadn't gone far.
But then again, maybe he was planning to use the element of surprise...
While she quickly considered these possibilities, Ōmaeda Marechiyo noticed the situation and hurried over, positioning himself in front of Kaelith.
Under their watchful eyes, Sasakibe bowed to Kaelith.
"I sincerely apologize for the great trouble caused by our captain's mistake."
"If there's ever anything you need from me, please don't hesitate to let me know. I will do my utmost to make amends for the inconvenience."
With that, he straightened up, nodded at Kaelith, and walked away.
...
"...Graduating early, by the end of the month?"
In the Kenod dojo of the Shin'ō Academy, Aizen was diligently practicing his sword technique.
Hearing Kaelith's words, he paused and looked over.
"Yes, the Captain-Commander gave the order. I don't have much choice."
"It seems my pure, idyllic student days are coming to an end."
Kaelith sat cross-legged on the floor, resting his chin on one hand with a sigh.
He hadn't even been enrolled in Shin'ō Academy for half a year.
When he watched the anime, he thought it was unbelievable that Ichimaru Gin graduated in just a year.
Now, he was graduating even earlier.
Thinking about it, he looked at Aizen.
If Aizen was willing, he could graduate with him.
They'd join the Second Division together, giving him a familiar face.
He couldn't help but laugh.
Expecting Aizen to reveal his true strength willingly was as likely as finding a hundred gold coins lying on the street.
While he was lost in thought, Aizen asked, "What's the final judgment for Shinchira Renzosuke?"
Kaelith snapped back, considering for a moment, then replied, "He's been sent to the Nest of Maggots, for about five hundred years, I think."
"What?"
Hearing this, Aizen frowned.
Kaelith looked at him curiously, "What's wrong?"
Holding his bamboo sword, Aizen slowly sat down.
"The Nest of Maggots is for potential criminals or those with minor offenses."
"Given Shinchira's crimes, even if he wasn't sentenced to death, he should have been sent to Muken." ( t/n it is the eighth and final level of the underground prison, Aizen was sentenced there for 20,000 years)
Mimicking Kaelith, Aizen rested his chin on his hand, lost in thought.
Kaelith wasn't in a hurry; he was used to Aizen's frequent contemplative silences.
He took out his Asauchi, placed it across his knees, and began meditating.
After a while, Aizen finally spoke up.
"I'll apply for an early graduation with you at the end of the month."
Even deep in meditation, Kaelith opened his eyes in surprise at that statement.
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T/N:
You all managed to reach the 60 stone benchmark so here is your extra chapter! Currently on 177. was on 84 meaning you we are 33/60! Just 27 more to get another extra chapter!
Also, I was thinking of giving extra chapters depending on what our ranking would be.
For example top 20=2 extra chapters:
top 10= 4 extra chapters
top 5= 6 extra chapters! What do you think about this? Btw you will get the extra chapter at the END of the week.
You could also go here for 65 advanced chapters!
Patreon(.)com/IDKjust