Chapter 111: I've decided to take over as head of the Gangmi Dai clan; even the Spirit King will change

Gangmi Dai family……

After hearing Shi Tan's words, his father pondered for a long time and finally decided to give Shi Tan a push!

After all, Shi Tan is his son, his only son; no father does not wish to see his son achieve fame and success……

Thus, Shi Tan's father used his connections within the clan to recommend Shi Tan to the clan's Second Elder and Third Elder; as for whether Shi Tan could obtain the support of the clan's Second and Third Elders and successfully be elected as the clan's Fifth Elder, it would depend on Shi Tan's own fortune.

When Shi Tan arrived at the meeting room where the Second Elder and Third Elder were located, according to the address his father gave him, he immediately felt two domineering spiritual pressures inside the room, causing him to narrow his eyes slightly……

The Gangmi Dai clan's strength is truly formidable, living up to the name of the Five Great Aristocratic Families; even those ranked second and third in the line of inheritance possess spiritual might of at least the third rank.

Feeling the spiritual pressure inside the room, Shi Tan did not rush in directly; instead, he stood at the meeting room's main door, lightly adjusting his appearance, fully showing respect for the clan's Second Elder and Third Elder!

After Shi Tan finished adjusting his appearance, he immediately pushed hard on the door before him; the meeting room's door, upon feeling his domineering spiritual pressure, swung open at once……

With the door swung open, the light inside the meeting room gradually illuminated Shi Tan's cheeks.

When Shi Tan pushed open the meeting room's door, stepped halfway inside, and glanced within, the Gangmi Dai clan's Second Elder and Third Elder were chatting while sipping tea from their cups.

"Greetings, two uncles!"

Shi Tan strode forward with steady steps, entered the meeting room, and greeted his two elders with a smile.

"Oh! Shi Tan, you've come~"

"Come sit, don't stand while speaking……"

The clan elder whom Shi Tan called 'uncle' only, after hearing his respectful greeting, realized that Shi Tan had entered the meeting room; the two then gestured for him to sit beside them.

"Good!"

Shi Tan did not decline, generously pulling out a chair and sitting before them.

"I heard from Shi Di that you want to compete for the clan's Fifth Elder position!?"

Not long after Shi Tan sat down, the Gangmi Dai clan's Second Elder directly looked at him and asked.

"Yes."

Shi Tan replied with a chuckle.

"Hahaha……"

Good! It's right for young people to have drive; the line of heirs within the clan should have more like you, Shi Tan, a young clan member possessing great strength!

After hearing Shi Tan's words, the Second Elder burst into loud laughter, lavishing praise upon him, as if this Gangmi Dai clan's Second Elder greatly appreciated Shi Tan……

"Thank you for your appreciation, uncle!" Shi Tan gave a slight smile to the Second Elder who appreciated him, while thinking to himself, "Hmm, this guy is playing the good cop!"

"What do you mean by praise? You're already excellent! I'm just stating the facts!"

Upon hearing that, the Second Elder immediately waved his hand at Shi Tan, indicating he had no intention of praising him; he is always someone who speaks the truth……

It was precisely after this Gangmi Dai clan's Second Elder finished praising Shi Tan that he glanced over at the Third Elder beside him and gave a subtle blink.

Shi Tan, although I and your second uncle hope you will successfully be elected as the clan's Fifth Elder, you also know that, compared to other candidates competing for the clan's Fifth Elder position, you are too young……

Of course we're not saying you lack strength; as a disciple of the contemporary Sword Eight, you naturally aren't lacking in strength! It's just that once people are young, they tend to act impulsively, and impulsive actions often lead to irreversible consequences, and what the clan's Fifth Elder least needs is impulsiveness.

Of course we old fogies aren't saying we must stop you youngsters from expressing yourselves; it's just that some things aren't better simply because one is young……

You see, let's do this! Since you intend to run for the clan's Fifth Elder, the clan is also willing to give an outstanding young person like you a chance to compete for the Fifth Elder……

After discussion between me and your second uncle, we decided to first entrust you with some of the clan's enterprises; if you can achieve suitable results from them, the clan is willing to let you try to succeed the current Fifth Elder.

The Third Elder is obviously the one playing the 'good cop'; as soon as he spoke, he pointed out all of Shi Tan's shortcomings.

However, Shi Tan is truly outstanding, having reached spiritual might of at least the second rank while still young; such ability among the younger generation of the Five Great Aristocratic Families is considered exceptional, so after much thought, the Third Elder could only criticize him for being too young.

At the same time, the Third Elder's words were flawless: he first spoke harshly, then expressed willingness to give Shi Tan a chance, effectively playing both the bad guy and the good guy; as for whether Shi Tan could actually achieve results with the clan's enterprises entrusted to him, the Third Elder deems it unimportant—what matters is that Shi Tan will definitely not be able to keep up with this term's Fifth Elder election.

"……"

In response, Shi Tan silently listened to the evaluations of the two clan elders, and after pondering for a long time, he suddenly felt that everything was utterly boring……

Shi Tan suddenly had no intention of continuing to accompany the two clan elders in playing this boring noble game.

"Master, you were indeed right; if such a vast Soul Society were handed over to these incompetents, the Soul Society would absolutely see no progress whatsoever!"

Unbeknownst to us, even the conservative old fogies of our Gangmi Dai clan have already become shackles hindering the clan's progress! Moreover, in this Soul Society, such clueless old fogies are countless……

Shi Tan recalled the teachings of Huangmu Zeng, and he seemed to see through these nobles before him, their boring games.

"Shi Tan, you also heard your third uncle say it—let's just settle this matter like this!"

"Hurry up and thank your third uncle; this kind of training opportunity is truly rare~"

Seeing that Shi Tan had remained silent for a long time, the Gangmi Dai clan's Second Elder seemed to be trying to smooth things over for the Third Elder, or perhaps to give Shi Tan a way out, and he looked at Shi Tan with a smile and spoke.

"Hahaha……"

When Shi Tan heard the Second Elder's words, he suddenly burst into loud laughter, his laughter filled with contempt for the Second and Third Elders.

"What are you laughing at!?"

Upon hearing Shi Tan's laughter, the faces of the Gangmi Dai clan's Second and Third Elders darkened instantly; they seemed to be thoroughly enraged by his contempt.

"I'm laughing at you two useless old wastes……"

Shi Tan looked at his two clan elders and spoke contemptuously.

"What did you say? If you have the ability, say it again!"

Upon hearing Shi Tan's words, the Gangmi Dai clan's Second and Third Elders instantly flared with anger, their eyes sharp as they continuously burst forth with formidable spiritual pressure.

"Hmph!"

Feeling the spiritual pressure from the two clan elders before him, Shi Tan merely let out a disdainful snort; a massive spiritual pressure that completely overwhelmed both elders erupted from within him, forcibly suppressing the power they had just released.

"Er……"

When the Gangmi Dai clan's Second and Third Elders felt that, in both quality and quantity, Shi Tan's spiritual pressure completely overwhelmed theirs, their faces changed dramatically; they had thought Shi Tan strong, but never imagined he could be this strong.

"Rest assured, I have no interest in the clan's Fifth Elder position!"

Shi Tan looked at the two clan elders before him and spoke calmly.

"Oh, okay, okay……"

After hearing Shitan's words, the two clan elders of the Koumida Family exchanged a glance and simultaneously nodded slightly.

At the same time, the two clan elders also breathed a sigh of relief; in their view, this meant Shitan was yielding to them……

For a moment, the two clan elders' hearts filled with confidence again. How great could Shitan's strength be? Could he still defy them, these elders of the Koumida Family? This Koumida Family was not the young people's Koumida Family, but theirs, these old fogeys' Koumida Family……

I intend to directly become the head of the Koumida Family!

However, before the two clan elders could even catch their breath, Shitan's voice sounded again in their ears.

What?!

Shitan, are you crazy?!

You aren't even one of the Five Elders! What qualifications do you have to run for head of the Koumida Family?

Upon hearing Shitan's words, the two clan elders' faces all changed; in their view, Shitan must be crazy to utter such nonsense about directly running for head of the Koumida Family.

You've misunderstood……

I'm not saying I want to compete for the next head of the Koumida Family; I'm just telling you that I will be the next head of the Koumida Family!

This isn't for you to consider whether I have the right to be head of the Koumida Family; I'm merely notifying you, that's all……

Koumida Shitan revealed his domineering aura, coldly addressing the two clan elders of his own family.

What did you say?!

At this moment, the two clan elders were dumbfounded; since becoming the Second and Third Elders of the Koumida Family, they had never encountered a clan member like Shitan who didn't take them seriously.

Are you hard of hearing? Then I'll repeat: I've decided to be the head of the Koumida Family, and even the Spirit King Majesty cannot change my mind! What I said……

Alright, that's all I have to say, you two old coots—remember to notify the other clan members for me.

After Shitan finished speaking, he couldn't wait to leave; he turned and walked out, pushing open the meeting room doors and striding away.

You'll regret it! You'll regret it, Shitan!

Turning the heavens upside down! Turning the heavens upside down!!

You've indeed been corrupted by the Primordial Flow; you're no longer one of our Koumida Family……

As Shitan walked out of the meeting room, only two old dogs remained, still barking incessantly here; but these two elders dared not give chase, for they clearly knew they were no match for Shitan.

Hah……

Finally, I feel at ease!

Shitan walked out of the meeting room doors, ignoring the frantic barking of the two old dogs behind him, took a deep breath, and then slowly exhaled.

His originally irritable mood finally eased after that outburst……

So next, I'll meet up with Teacher and the others~

Shitan stepped forward cheerfully, heading toward where Aramaki and the others were.

Along the way……

Shitan also encountered Jingle and Ukitake, who were likewise rushing toward Aramaki's location.

Yo yo yo, isn't this Lord Shitan of the Koumida Family? How's it going? Have you become the head of the Koumida Family?

Jingle, seeing Shitan as usual, gave a snide remark.

I heard your sister-in-law is pregnant? I was just saying you should get a move on.

Look at you back then, all defeated-dog like; now it's fine, but everything's already beyond repair, sigh……

Seeing Jingle, Shitan wasn't angry; he glanced at the irritating straw hat on Jingle's head, raised his eyebrows slightly, then feigned sorrow and spoke to Jingle.

Huh?! What nonsense are you spouting, asshole……

Upon hearing Shitan's words, Jingle's eyelid twitched; he almost directly drew his sword and released his Bankai.

Before you speak of me! You might first listen to your own previous words—just how foolish they were?

Shitan shouted angrily at Jingle.

Got it! You're planning to exchange a few moves with me?

Jingle said while drawing the Soul-Cutting Sword at his waist.

Seeking your own death!

Shitan smirked contemptuously; he knew Jingle's Soul-Cutting Sword abilities inside out.

Of course, Jingle was equally familiar with Shitan's Soul-Cutting Sword abilities……

Alright, you two, stop quickly! Don't keep Teacher Aramaki waiting too long……

Ukitake, seeing that Shitan and Jingle were about to fight again, hurriedly stepped in to mediate.

Hmph~

Upon hearing that, Shitan and Jingle both sheathed their Soul-Cutting Swords, simultaneously giving each other a disdainful look.

Sigh……

Ukitake looked at the scene before him and sighed helplessly.

Let's go!

Thus, Ukitake directly used Flash Step to move ahead first.

Wait for me!

Seeing Ukitake sneak off, Shitan and Jingle's faces instantly changed; they immediately used Flash Step to chase after him.

Given their understanding of Aramaki, if everyone were late, they'd likely not be criticized; but if someone arrived early, then the latecomers would surely be scolded……

On the other hand……

In a tea house renowned within the Tranquil Spirit Court……

The captains of the 8th Division, 9th Division, and 13th Division had all arrived.

Obviously, they had all been summoned by Aramaki.

What?!

However, those three captains didn't know that Araki, besides inviting them, had also invited the other captains!

So when the three captains arrived and entered the tea house private room together, they stared at each other for a moment and were momentarily stunned…

"That's right! It's the Daisy Room."

The captain of Team Nine even stepped out of the tea house, checked the room number, and after confirming it matched the number Araki had reported when inviting him, he frowned and walked back in.

"Everyone, could it be that we were all invited by Captain Araki?!"

The captain of Team Thirteen seemed to sense a clue; he stroked the goat‑like beard on his chin and asked the captains of Team Eight and Team Nine.

"This …"

"Exactly so."

The captains of Team Eight and Team Nine were startled at first, then nodded vigorously, affirming what the captain of Team Thirteen had said.

"Indeed …"

Hearing that, the captain of Team Thirteen's expression darkened slightly.

Originally, the captain of Team Thirteen, like the captains of Teams Eight and Nine thought, believed Araki had invited only him, and he was quite pleased at the time …

If Araki had invited only one person, it would mean his personal standing in Araki's mind was entirely different, but contrary to his hopes, when he saw the captains of Teams Eight and Nine, he felt especially awkward, realizing he truly had no special advantage.

"Hehe …"

At this moment, the captains of Teams Eight and Nine thought much the same as the captain of Team Thirteen; all three gave an awkward smile and then gave each other a slight nod.

"Everyone, please sit first!"

"Once Captain Araki arrives, we'll naturally understand why he gathered us …"

In the end, it was still the captain of Team Thirteen who, smiling broadly, said to the other two captains,

"Fine then!"

The captains of Teams Eight and Nine, after hearing the captain of Team Thirteen, thought for a moment and finally had to nod; they had no better option than the captain of Team Thirteen.

"Bring the tea!"

In an instant, the three captains entered the elegant room, gestured lightly to the tea house attendant, and called out,

This time the three seemed to be on the same wavelength …

"Here~"

The attendant, hearing the call, immediately came to the three captains and offered them the tea house's signature tea.

Of course, the tea house wouldn't charge these three captains; after all, this place had been arranged by Araki in advance, and Araki hadn't even reached the point of collecting tea fees from them—he still had that sense of magnanimity …

And this tea house, naturally, is an enterprise of the Four Maple Court family …

Araki would never spend a single cent when treating others! *cough cough* …

Time ticked by second by second, and the three captains who had been waiting in the tea house since early morning grew increasingly tormented!

Because Araki hadn't arrived, and the three belonged to different noble factions, none of them intended to speak to the others, so they could only keep drinking tea …

"What? Why hasn't Captain Araki shown up yet?!"

"I still have several meetings this afternoon to attend."

Among them, the captain of Team Nine was already growing impatient.

Honestly, given his usual temper, if anyone dared to keep him waiting half an hour, he would have left long ago!

But at present, the captain of Team Nine, seeing that the two captains from different factions remained still, did not leave, fearing that Araki might be swayed by other factions, so he stayed seated and kept waiting.

Another half hour passed …

"Sluurp~"

The captain of Team Eight, a senior noble with spectacles perched on his nose, could no longer recall which bowl of tea this was for him; he only felt his lower belly swelling and his complexion growing increasingly sallow.

"Tsk~"

As for the captain of Team Nine, who had already intended to leave, his impatience grew even more; he had decided that after waiting half an hour for Araki, if Araki still didn't appear, he would simply walk out, and he no longer cared whether Araki might be courted by other noble factions …

"Hehe~"

As for the captain of Team Thirteen, a smile still lingered on his face; compared with the captains of Teams Eight and Nine, who were senior nobles, he—being a lower‑rank noble who had luckily become the head of Team Thirteen—remained far more composed, having grown accustomed to such scenes …

It was merely a classic display of superiority that senior nobles often employ against junior nobles; the captains of Teams Eight and Nine felt uneasy because they were accustomed to using such a tactic on others, and this time the modest "show of force" was turned against them, nothing more.

Time flew by …

About another half hour passed.

"I can't wait any longer!"

The captain of Team Nine could no longer endure it; he rose from his seat, intending to leave outright.

"I'm leaving too …"

Seeing the captain of Team Nine about to depart, the captain of Team Eight also decided not to linger any longer and likewise rose from his seat.

"Hehe~"

The captain of Team Thirteen, however, remained seated, sipping the tea in his cup.

"Snap~"

"Everyone's here?!"

Just as the captains grew impatient, a door was pushed open and Araki finally arrived, strolling into the tea house and appearing before everyone.

"Captain Araki …"

When the three captains inside the room saw Araki himself, they all rose immediately, showing basic respect toward him.

"Please sit~"

After entering the tea house, Araki went straight to the main seat, and gave a gentle nod to the three standing men.

"This …"

Araki's nonchalant demeanor made the captains of Teams Eight and Nine feel uneasy; as senior nobles, they had never been treated so lightly before.

"What? Is this tea not to your liking?"

Araki looked at the pallid‑faced captains of the Eighth Squad and the Ninth Squad, and, pretending not to understand, asked.

"No, this tea is quite to my liking."

The Eighth Squad captain, upon hearing that, waved his hand repeatedly.

"Oh? You startled me! I thought my hospitality was insufficient. Since the tea is decent, that's fine!" Araki, hearing this, feigned a sigh of relief, and then continued to ask the Eighth Squad captain, "But if the tea is not the issue, why are your faces so grim?"

"Captain Araki, we don't know why you summoned a few of us this time—what is it for?!"

Before the Eighth Squad captain could continue, the Ninth Squad captain stepped forward and asked Araki.

"Hey, it's nothing. This time I called you, actually it's not a big matter..."

"It's about my few disciples—weren't they just back from training at the Spirit King Palace? It just so happens that positions of squad leaders in the Guardian Court Thirteen Squad are needed. Looking at the positions you hold, they seem quite suitable for my disciples. How about you all lend them a worthy post?!"

Araki, known as Da Ma Jin Dao, sat solidly in his chair, gave a slight smile to the three captains before him.

"What?!"

As Araki's words fell, the three captains' expressions all changed.

In their hearts, the three captains thought simultaneously, "Damn! This time we've really put ourselves in danger!"