My Heart and Actions Are As Clear As Mirror

Kaido differed significantly from Hado and Bakudo even though they were all part of Kido.

Due to its difficulty to learn, there were only a handful people who could use it really well.

Furthermore, with the Research and Development Institute focusing on research and development in fields like body alteration, Kaido seems to be less prominent compared to Hado and Bakudo.

"I suddenly thought of something."

While Tokikaze was practicing Kaido techniques, he looked aside and said, "Members of the Research and Development Institute have developed various healing potions, but have they not attempted to create Reiatsu recovery potions?"

Yamada Seinosuke wiped away the blood and habitually turned to search for answers among the stacked files. Soon, several documents were placed on the table:

"Yes, not only the Research Development Institute and Twelfth Division, Fourth Division has also made several attempts. Even Captain Unohana has tried studying related fields.

Realizing Tokikaze's lack of interest in these documents, Yamada Seinosuke shrugged and patiently explained:

"In reality, the speed of Reiatsu recovery is related to the nature of the soul. Research in this area focuses on modifying the soul and Reishi technology, and the person who stands out in this expertise is none other than Captain Hikifune Kirio."

Even someone rude like Yamada Seinosuke would show respect towards the cheerful and friendly Hikifune Kirio, who had been promoted to the Zero Division.

"At present, the only method for recovering Reiatsu is through Kaido, such as Lord Kirinji Tenjiro's hot spring."

Tokikaze nodded slightly. While hot spring therapy appeared like superficial methods for treatment, it was fundamentally an advanced Kaido technique.

"The path seems pretty thorny." Tokikaze sighed, "In that case, it might be more practical to try and imitate hot spring's effect."

Yamada Seinosuke nodded, "Actually, Captain Hikifune Kirio's temporary soul implantation technique is also worth considering. In terms of instant boost in Reiatsu, it is equivalent to recovery."

As a researcher who drowned himself in various data files all year-round, Yamada Seinosuke knew many secrets unknown to others. 

Of course, this had a lot to do with his position. After all, being the Vice-Captain granted him considerable authority in the Soul Society.

"Learning Kaido is not an overnight task."

Tokikaze put down the files containing various Kaido techniques, "Achieving Reiatsu recovery in combat through Kaido is even more challenging."

"So, how far along are we in the Kaido?"

Hearing this question, Yamada Seinosuke showed a troubled expression. His initially composed demeanor became hesitant and reluctant, "Captain Tokikaze, although I've sacrificed sleep and meals to delve deeper into research, it's been less than ten days... 

Tokikaze was well aware of what Yamada Seinosuke meant.

"Take your time with your research." Tokikaze wasn't in a hurry, knowing that being hasty wouldn't change much. "Send a sample of that Adjuchas to the Research Development Institute, or to be more specific, to Mayuri Kurotsuchi. He's pretty talented, and I made a deal with him in exchange for a sample of the Adjuchas's body."

"Remember, don't personally go to the Research Development Institute. Let your subordinates handle the delivery."

Yamada Seinosuke was a useful pawn - simple and practical, with a good understanding of himself. While his personality might be somewhat eccentric, it was pale in comparison to Mayuri Kurotsuchi.

If he were to personally visit the Research Development Institute and meet Mayuri Kurotsuchi, there was no guarantee that he wouldn't be implanted with some unknown substances.

But it was a different story when it came to ordinary Division members.

The practical Mayuri Kurotsuchi wouldn't waste time on them.

"I understand." Though puzzled, Yamada Seinosuke earnestly noted, "I will ask a Division member to deliver some of the sample to the Research Development Institute later."

"However, there's another matter I need to report to you."

"What is it?"

"Regarding the treatment for Kaname Tosen, the former Fifth Seat of the Ninth Division, I make a slight adjustments on my own..."

Yamada Seinosuke's expression revealed a strange mix of emotions, as if he had touched upon something indescribable.

"Originally, it was a treatment using body alteration technology, but with the support of the analysis data from that Adjuchas..."

Following Yamada Seinosuke's explanation, Tokikaze's expression also became peculiar. In a way, the two of them seemed oddly similar.

According to the plan, after the treatment, Kaname Tosen's entire body would, at most, turn dark green for a short time, no more than three to five decades.

But after the change in the treatment, Yamada Seinosuke made a bold attempt to merge the Adjuchas's Reishi with Kaname Tosen through Kido.

On top of having all his injuries completely healed, Kaname Tosen was healthier than before.

Now, Kaname Tosen's vision was even better than that of a normal Soul Reaper, surpassing it by two fold!

"For the specific details, you'll understand when you take a look with me."

Before cooperating with Tokikaze, Yamada Seinosuke wouldn't have cared about such occurrences. After all, it wasn't the first or second time. But now, as Tokikaze's accomplice, there were certain matters on which he needed to seek the opinion of the higher-up.

After all, it was Tokikaze who sent Kaname Tosen to the Coordinated Relief Station.

Coordinated Relief Station, Ward Nine.

This was a recovery zone, serene and beautiful.

The air was filled with the faint fragrance of gentian flowers, and everywhere you looked, greenery was soothing to the soul.

A figure in a patient's gown stood quietly by the window, enjoying the view of the garden.

His body was stiff, as if he had maintained this posture for a long time.

"Clumsy as ever, just hand me the medicine."

A voice came from outside the ward, "You can go attend to other tasks."

"Yes, Vice-Captain!"

As the door opened, two figures entered, and what caught Tokikaze's eye was the iconic purple hair.

From the back, the body was intact, and Yamada Seinosuke's infamous reputation in the Soul Society wasn't as exaggerated as imagined. At least, Kaname Tosen hadn't turned into a monster.

"You're recovering well," Yamada Seinosuke said smoothly, "Here's today's medication; deal with it yourself later."

Toward anyone else, he wouldn't be as polite and respectful as he was with Tokikaze. There was no sarcastic tone this time, perhaps because Kaname Tosen was not fully recovered.

"What are you here for?"

Kaname Tosen turned around expressionlessly, "To mock the fallen loser as the victor now?"

"Ahem." Tokikaze suppressed the emotions that were about to get out of control.

He changed his mind. Yamada Seinosuke truly lived up to his infamous reputation in the Soul Society.

In front of him, Kaname Tosen, to some extent, was already on par with his close friend.

On the dark face, pupils as black as ink revealed undisguised anger, staring fixedly at the two figures in front of him.

If it were just blackened eyes, that wouldn't be much of an issue. After all, Yamada Seinosuke had cured him of his blindness, and Kaname Tosen should be grateful for that.

Unfortunately, the side effects were too much, and Kaname Tosen had already lost his humanity.

Where his eyebrows should have been, a pair of black eyes replaced them. Both the sclera and iris were pitch-black. Below the original eyes, there was even a faint seam, likely another pair of eyes.

One eye turned into three; the description of earning it with blood seemed fitting.

Tokikaze recognized it; Kaname Tosen's eyes were almost identical to those of Ukitake Jusanro and the Adjuchas after absorbed the power of the Soul King before. Without surprises, his restored vision was also due to absorbing the residual power of the Spirit King.

More precisely, it should be the Spirit King's Reishi.

When a Soul Reaper with Rank 3 or higher Reiatsu died, their Reishi didn't simply return to the atmosphere but become part of hell.

Describing the Reiatsu of the Spirit King with spiritual power seemed too narrow.

Undoubtedly, the Reishi possessed the ability to change the form of things.

Ukitake Jusanro, the Adjuchas, and the current Kaname Tosen were all typical examples.

"What nonsense." Tokikaze remained calm and indifferent, as if this matter had nothing to do with him. "Just paying a trivial price, and you get to see the world you want. Shouldn't you be grateful?"

Kaname Tosen remained silent for a moment, lowering his gaze. "This world is not what I wanted to see."

"Why? Because it lacks the justice you envisioned?"

Tokikaze was well aware of Kaname Tosen's thoughts and understood the purpose behind his actions – strictly for revenge.

"Captain-Commander Yamamoto claims to be righteous, but the first generation of Gotei 13 was nothing more than a bunch of murderers under the guise of protecting the Soul Society," Tokikaze stated calmly.

"Even Captain Komamura, a person who often speaks of justice, only follows Captain-Commander Yamamoto's words and actions."

"As for the justice in your heart, it's merely a narrow-minded concept – revenge."

Kaname Tosen's expression darkened even further, and Tokikaze's words made him instinctively recall that unforgettable past. Coupled with the identical surname, Kaname Tosen's forehead veins bulged, and his Reiatsu fluctuated like ripples in water.

Tokikaze didn't show any sign of taking him seriously and continued to speak for himself.

"My heart and actions are as clear as a mirror; everything I do is for justice. This is probably your way of thinking."

Yamada Seinosuke's expression twisted slightly. His eerie gaze wandered between the two figures, finally settling on Tokikaze.

This discourse once again refreshed his understanding of Tokikaze.

"Whether it's justice or evil," Tokikaze calmly smiled, "I don't really care. I won't label my actions as justice; that would be too hypocritical."

Although he had made similar statements to Kaname Tosen before, it was merely rhetorical.

From the beginning, Tokikaze never considered himself an ally of justice.

Even completing disciplinary tasks and putting an end to wrongdoing in the Soul Society was just to become stronger.

Kaname Tosen fell into a deeper silence, and even his tumultuous Reiatsu calmed down.

Judging from the current conversation, Tokikaze wasn't as malicious as he had imagined.

Although Tokikaze shared the same surname as Tokinada, Kaname Tosen couldn't simply hate Tokikaze because of that.

In a way, Tokikaze was still kind to him.

"Make good use of the eyes that Seinosuke gave you."

Tokikaze crossed his arms, a gentle smile appearing on his face. "Go and see this world that's filled with justice and evil more clearly."

"To celebrate your emergence from the darkness, I've prepared a gift for you."

Kaname Tosen looked up in confusion, gazing at Tokikaze with four eyes filled with questions.

"Tsunayashiro Tokinada is dead."

Kaname Tosen's eyes widened suddenly, and the black pupils shrinking. His body trembled, and his Reiatsu surged once again.

He would never forget the name Tsunayashiro Tokinada; it was deeply engraved in his soul.

"As a branch family member, attacking the main family heir without authorization…"

Tokikaze stared directly into Kaname Tosen's eyes. "Do you think this is justice or evil?"

Kaname Tosen remained silent, but there was a glint of light in the depths of his eyes compared to before.

"Of course, it doesn't matter," Tokikaze continued without waiting for his answer. "What matters is that your previous sense of justice has come to an end."

"How your justice goes from now on depends on you."

"Before that, why not help me with something?"

"What is it?"

"Coordinate with Seinosuke to record the data of your body and complete the development of the Kaido."

Kaname Tosen didn't speak and nodded silently.

Even if Tokikaze hadn't said it, he would have chosen to cooperate to repay Yamada Seinosuke's kindness.

Indeed.

Now, his appearance had turned into a monstrous one, but compared to gaining vision, this price was negligible.

He was just momentarily unable to accept the change.

Tokikaze nodded in satisfaction. The current Kaname Tosen was undoubtedly a better experimental specimen than the deceased Adjuchas.

Both of them were fundamentally influenced by the power of the Spirit King.

If, under these conditions, Yamada Seinosuke's development still fell short, Tokikaze would have to consider assigning an assistant to him.

For this, Mayuri should be more than happy to help.

"I won't disturb your rest. Recover as soon as possible, then report to Seventh Division."

Tokikaze walked towards the door without looking back. "Captain Komamura has already handled your transfer procedures, and even your personal belongings have been sent to Seventh Division's barracks."

"I understand."

Kaname Tosen lowered his head, closed his eyes, and responded with a low, hoarse voice.

As Tokikaze reached the doorway, he reminisced about his earlier words and gave a summary with a wry smile.

"Justice? What a grandiose term!"

His voice gradually faded away down the corridor. Kaname Tosen's lowered gaze also lifted, staring into the distance. In a nearly imperceptible voice, he spoke in the room:

"Thank you..."