The Shihoin Family’s Inquisition

The intruders were dressed in light black clothing that bound their wrists and ankles, with sleeveless haori draped over their shoulders. Some were middle-aged, while others were elderly, which puzzled Nanao Ise. Why were these people surrounding a young man as if he were someone of great importance? Was he another member of the noble clans?

However, Tokikaze understood the situation immediately upon seeing them. The exposed dark skin was a giveaway of their identity.

They were from the Shihoin family, one of the Five Great Noble Families and part of the Tenshiheisouban. Their undisguised reiatsu signalled hostile intent.

The young man at the forefront, with his dark skin and long black hair falling behind him, had a timid expression that didn't seem much stronger than Yamada Hanataro's. Tokikaze knew his name.

He was Shihouin Yushiro, the 23rd head of the Shihouin family.

"Long time no see, Mr. Tokikaze," Yushiro greeted with a slight bow. "I am here to inquire about something."

Despite his impeccable manners, his undisguised and slightly threatening reaction was irritating. Predictably, before Tokikaze could respond, Yushiro continued on his own:

"Recently, our family's retainers stationed in the Human World detected both your and my sister's reiatsu in Naruki City..."

"I don't know, I don't care, and I have no idea," Tokikaze interrupted with a rapid series of denials, forcing Yushiro to swallow his words.

Tokikaze already knew what Yushiro was after. As expected, it was about Yoruichi Shihouin. What surprised Tokikaze was Yushiro's composure and bearing. Clearly, he was worthy of being the head of the Shihouin family.

Unlike the Kanimata family, the Shihouin family was a single-voice entity with no factions, provided the head was competent. Tokikaze had initially thought Yushiro was just a nominal leader, but his current demeanour was impressive.

Though Yushiro might not match Yoruichi, he was certainly not a puppet head. Upon hearing Tokikaze's blunt rejection, Yushiro's expression darkened. Although he had anticipated this response, it was still hard to accept.

"I only wish to know my sister's whereabouts. I have no intention of violating the laws of the Soul Society," Yushiro explained in what he believed was his most sincere tone. "If you provide this information, the Shihouin family will fully support you at the next Kanimata meeting."

Tokikaze chuckled, shaking his head. What kind of offer was this, trading something that was rightfully his? With the current head of the Kanimata family, Kanimata Akizuki, on the verge of stepping down, did Tokikaze really need the Shihouin family's support to become the new head?

"I can only tell you that Yoruichi Shihouin was spying on me, and I discovered her," Tokikaze replied. "We fought, and that's all."

Yushiro's expression grew darker, clearly unwilling to accept this explanation. Noticing their leader's mood, the other Shihouin family members began to spread out, assuming combat positions.

"What's this?" Tokikaze's dissatisfaction was evident. "You've already intruded into my private dojo, and now you want to fight? Yushiro, has your brain been eaten by a Hollow? Do you think the Soul Society is run by the Shihouin family alone?"

Due to his dark complexion, Yushiro's facial expressions weren't very noticeable, but his rising reiatsu clearly indicated his intense emotions, rivalling the madness of Kurotsuchi Mayuri.

"Mr. Tokikaze, I only want to know..."

Boom!

A terrifying pressure descended, the tangible light forming into a gust that churned the air within the dojo, pressing down on everything like a flood.

The Shihouin members felt their breath catch, their dark faces turning red as a sense of impending doom overwhelmed them. The power of this Kanimata family scion exceeded their expectations. Even as the elite members of their family, they felt crushed under the weight of Tokikaze's reiatsu.

"Head, perhaps we should..." a middle-aged Shihouin member began to suggest quietly.

"Shut up!" Yushiro's face twisted with anger, looking almost comically fierce given his usual gentle demeanour. His expression silenced his subordinates, who had never seen him so angry.

"This guy definitely knows where my sister is," Yushiro declared, tearing off the scarf around his neck and tossing it aside. His powerful reiatsu surged around him.

"We must make him talk. Formation!"

At his command, the Shihouin members spread out to the dojo's edges, their reiatsu interweaving to form a barrier.

Seeing this, Tokikaze couldn't help but marvel at how terrifying siblings were, whether in the Soul Society or the human world. Yushiro, usually wise, had lost all sense of reason in his current state.

"Though I understand your feelings, this has nothing to do with me," Tokikaze said coldly. "I am the victim here..."

Before he finished speaking, the Shihouin members, their reiatsu combined, launched an attack on Tokikaze. Their black figures blurred, merging with shadows to evade Tokikaze's reiatsu detection.

A blade aimed at Tokikaze's heart appeared behind him. But before it could reach, a powerful fist intercepted, striking the attacker's face.

The next moment, the powerful blow sent the attacker flying back, their head snapping back and their body hurtling away faster than they had arrived. Their legs straightened as they carved a deep trench in the ground.

Boom!

The impact embedded the attacker in the wall, which collapsed in a pile of rubble, leaving only a faint trace of their reiatsu.

Such a display of brute strength left the Shihouin members stunned. None of their intel had mentioned Tokikaze's mastery of Hakuda being this terrifying.

Yushiro was shocked but then clenched his teeth, unwilling to abandon his mission. His reiatsu flared, tearing apart his haori as his shoulders emitted a wild burst of Kido energy.

Staring determinedly at Tokikaze, Yushiro shouted, "Shunko..."