The Disqualified Matsumoto Rangiku

Fortunately, those kinds of techniques weren't too difficult for Tokikaze. Even though he rarely used Dual Incantation, mastering it wouldn't take much time.

"About this research result, try to keep it low-key," Tokikaze reminded Yamada Seinosuke after receiving the information. "The old folks in the Central 46 Chambers are zero-tolerant when it comes to things like this. In their eyes, using the power of Cero means the Soul Reaper is being Hollowfied. You should be more aware of the consequences than I am."

Cold sweat slid down Yamada Seinosuke's forehead. He took a deep breath, temporarily suppressing his excitement.

The success of the research was too exhilarating, almost causing him to forget about this matter. In the Soul Society, the research of Hollows or Menos Grande was not forbidden. However, the general direction of research was usually focused on exploring their weaknesses to reduce casualties among the Soul reapers.

Yamada Seinosuke's actions were, without a doubt, repeatedly skirting the edge of taboo. A slight misstep could lead to a sentence of capital punishment.

"Thank you for Captain Tokikaze's reminder."

Yamada Seinosuke took a deep breath. "Regarding the development of Kaido, I will prioritize it as soon as possible and research relevant results as soon as possible."

Tokikaze nodded slightly and reminded once again, "Although you don't like the atmosphere of the Research and Development Institute, I want to tell you that the place in the Soul Society with the most scientific research atmosphere is the Research and Development Institute. Of the few who can help you in this experiment, they are among them."

With that, he turned and left.

Looking at Tokikaze's gradually disappearing figure, Yamada Seinosuke's face was full of tangled emotions.

How he chose had nothing to do with Tokikaze; he was only responsible for picking peaches.

He was very clear about the words just now, but due to certain individuals' crazy ideas, he still had some reservations about the Research and Development Institute.

"Do I really have to cooperate with that guy?"

A hint of doubt appeared in Yamada Seinosuke's gaze.

...

The next morning.

Ninth Division barracks, Captain's office.

A figure stealthily entered, holding an ancient teapot in hand. A faint stream of water vapor rose from the spout, and the rich aroma of tea instantly filled the room.

Judging from the shadows cast on the wall, the person had a well-proportioned figure, exuding a mature charm.

Matsumoto Rangiku looked around and, finding no one in the room, sighed in relief.

Based on her observations over the past few days, Tokikaze usually engaged in daily daily practice in his exclusive training ground around this time. Although she didn't understand the meager amount of exercise he did and its significance, if Tokikaze had done it for so long, so there must be a reason.

Carefully placing the teapot on the desk, Matsumoto Rangiku took a few steps back, preparing to leave the office.

However, just as she stepped back a few paces, she bumped into an unknown object.

"Rangiku, why are you here in the office so early?"

The familiar voice and warmth made Matsumoto Rangiku's heart skip a beat. She turned around with a wry smile, explaining softly, "I came to change the tea for you, Captain. It's the high-quality Hagiya tea brought from the Tsunayashiro Clan..."

Tokikaze's expression was strange. He felt something was off.

Offering goodwill or stealing underhandedly?

"Yesterday, Nanao told me that your salary has been pre-advanced for three years."

He suddenly remembered something and said nonchalantly, "Although it's not a huge amount, according to Nanao, this will cause quite serious adverse effects."

"Until you complete a major task, your salary is temporarily suspended."

"What!!"

Hearing this, Matsumoto Rangiku widened her eyes and, forgetting her previous actions, exclaimed loudly, "Captain, my meager salary isn't even half as precious as your hair clip, how can you brush off my hard-earned sakary..."

Captain Tokikaze's face remained calm, as if he had expected this reaction.

Under the emotionless gaze of Tokikaze, Matsumoto Rangiku's voice gradually lowered until it was barely audible.

Apparently, she realized her wrongdoing.

True.

The amount of money involved was insignificant for Tokikaze, but he had delegated the financial authority of the Ninth Division directly to Nanao Ise.

If he were to backpedal now, it would somewhat damage his reputation.

After a moment of silence, Tokikaze sighed and took out a stack of money from his pocket. "Consider this a one-time thing. Also, this is not your salary."

He thought for a moment and pointed at the tea pot on the table. "Let's call it the tea fee."

Matsumoto Rangiku's eyes gleamed, then she pounced onto Tokikaze, hugging his waist.

"Thank you, Captain!" Matsumoto Rangiku cheerfully took the money from Tokikaze's hands and went out of the office with a triumphant smile.

Halfway through, she turned around and shouted back, "Captain, leave the tea to me every day!"

In Tokikaze's opinion, Matsumoto Rangiku always instinctively let down her guard. In her view, this level of intimacy seemed to be just a daily occurrence.

As she left, Tokikaze wiped away the lipstick mark on his face, sat back at his desk, and contemplated who to bother today.

Nobles, Soul Reaper, or Kido Corps?

As he continued to learn about the dark and murky side of the Soul Society, Tokikaze realized that no side was without its dirty secrets.

Even the self-proclaimed righteous Gotei 13 had a considerable degree of darkness.

Take the Kuchiki Koga incident hundreds of years ago, for example. Despite being a talented Soul Reaper affiliated with the Kuchiki Clan, who managed to become the Vice-Captain of the Sixth Division, due to differences in the factions among the Soul Reaper, he was framed and ultimately walked a path of no return.

However, Considering that the Gotei 13 was originally formed from a group of murderers, everything seemed reasonable.

Whether it was the original Gotei 13 or the current Gotei 13, both had hands stained with blood.

Thinking of this, Tokikaze shook his head. Achieving a world without sin was an impossible task.

Where there was light, there must be darkness; the two are interdependent and coexist.

He poured himself a cup of tea, but his his keen perception suddenly detected something unusual when he was about to take a sip.

Releasing his Reiatsu, Tokikaze enveloped the tea, instantly discerning the anomaly.

"Is this the highest concentration of Reiatsu sedative?!"