Chapter 133

One month later……

First Division barracks.

One hundred billion, exactly one hundred billion!

This Room 46 is damn greedy! But I like it.

Araki looked at the pile piled up before him, as tall as mountains, about a hundred billion rings of vast wealth, and couldn't help but narrow his eyes slightly……

We need to keep "ring" as is? It's a unit; we should translate meaning? The term "ring" appears as a unit of currency? In context, it's likely "rings". We should translate meaning: "rings". However the rule says we translate common nouns by meaning. So we should translate "ring" as "rings". But we need to check if it's a named entity? It's not a named entity; it's a unit. So we translate. So line 5: "about a hundred billion rings of vast wealth". We'll keep "rings". Not keep original Chinese.

Thus translation: "Araki looked at the pile piled up before him, as tall as mountains, about a hundred billion rings of vast wealth, and couldn't help but narrow his eyes slightly……"

But we need to keep the ellipsis? The source has "……". We'll keep as "……". We'll output exactly.

Araki's deal with Room 46 was: the more given, the more earned, but Araki never expected this bunch of Room 46's sages to be so greedy, squeezing wealth from the Five Great Noble Families and pulling out a full hundred billion.

We need to keep "a full hundred billion" meaning "a full hundred billion". We'll translate as "a full hundred billion". Good.

Looks like I still underestimated the wealth Room 46 holds.

Araki gazed at the 'Gold Mountain' before him and muttered to himself.

I have to say, as Captain-Commander of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, he still underestimated the wealth controlled by this bunch of Room 46 scumbags; he originally thought this pack of bastards could at most scrape together thirty or fifty billion!

In less than a month, this bunch of Room 46's great sages managed to pull out a full hundred billion of wealth for him; however, according to Araki's estimate, this isn't even the limit of those sages! This hundred billion is merely Room 46 probing him……

Given Araki's understanding of these scumbags, if they can produce a hundred billion for him, they can naturally produce two hundred billion! Selling off all the assets of those sages and judges would easily yield three hundred billion!

Indeed, the wealth accumulated over countless ages by feudal-era aristocratic clans far exceeds Araki's imagination.

Where did all this money come from!!

Even Saito Furouroushi, a member of the Original Thirteen Squads, had his jaw drop at the sight of the mountain‑high pile of immense wealth; the impact of stacking money like a mountain is no ordinary huge.

We need to keep meaning. "jaw dropped" = "jaw dropped". We'll translate as "had his jaw drop". Good.

This is a gift from Room 46's sages to our First Division; make sure to keep it safe……

Araki, upon hearing this, explained.

Those old fogeys in Room 46 actually have this much money?!

Saito, upon hearing this, spoke in shock.

Heh, those old fogeys in Room 46 have been collecting taxes from Wandering Soul City and Pure Spirit Court for four hundred ninety years straight! That's the year 2003 in the Gregorian calendar! Who doesn't have money if they do?

We need to keep "tm" as is? It's internet slang; we should translate? The rule says exclude internet slang. But we need to translate faithfully; we cannot omit. The source includes "tm". Should we keep it as is? It's not a word to translate; it's slang. We should keep it as "tm". The rule says exclude internet slang from glossary, but we still need to translate the line; we can keep the slang as is. So we output "tm". Good.

Araki, after hearing Saito's question, couldn't help but give a cold smile.

But would those old fogeys in Room 46 really be so kind as to give us this money?!

Saito, after hearing Araki's words, asked doubtfully.

They certainly aren't that kind-hearted; I used some means, and this money is nominally a loan from them……

Araki gave a cold smile, explaining to Saito just how this huge wealth ended up in his hands.

'A loan? Does that mean we have to pay it back?'

Saito, upon hearing it was a loan, immediately showed a bit of dissatisfaction……

How could there be any reason to return money that's already in their hands?!

Naturally, we won't be paying it back……

This money is just bait, waiting for those old fogeys in Room 46 to keep pouring funds into our empty account; as for paying them back……

Heh, I will definitely pay the money back, but I never said when I'd do it!

Araki said this, revealing a faint smile.

Araki always keeps his word; borrowed money will naturally be repaid, once the Hollow Realm expedition troops have cleared the great hollows of the Hollow Realm, he will naturally repay Room 46!

As for what comes next……

Saito, tell the heads of the Five Great Noble Families that Room 46 raised a hundred billion for the Thirteen Squads; then they'll naturally know what to do……

Araki glanced at Saito Furouroushi beside him, chuckled, and spoke.

I understand.

After receiving the order, Saito wasted no words and instantly vanished from Araki's sight.

From now on, it's just a matter of waiting quietly……

After Saito left, Araki came to the corridor of the First Division, and through that corridor built on the mountainside, he gazed out over the entire Pure Spirit Court, his thoughts constantly active.

While Saito followed Araki's plan to inform the heads of the Five Great Noble Families about paying the protection fee, Araki wasn't idle either; today is the day his teacher, Yamamoto Genryusai, descends from the Soul King Palace……

According to the schedule, Araki should now go to the Shiba clan's lands to welcome and cleanse Genryusai.

Well……

Araki checked the sun overhead, confirmed the time, and then his figure vanished into the First Division barracks.

Boom!

When Araki arrived at the Shiba clan's lands, the Heavenly Pillow Carriage launched from the Soul King Palace, after accompanying a roar, finally landed on the ground.

Crack……

With a soft sound, the Heavenly Pillow Carriage slowly opened before Araki's eyes, revealing the figure inside, but that figure did not move at all despite the carriage opening……

We need to keep the quotes? The source uses Heavenly Pillow Carriage with Chinese quotes. We'll keep the English translation without quotes. So we wrote "the Heavenly Pillow Carriage". Good.

Genryusai-sensei, you've descended?

Seeing this, Araki couldn't help but give a light smile and greeted that little old man inside the Heavenly Pillow Carriage

"「……」" -> "……"

translation.

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After a moment, Yuan Liuzhai, who wore the Zero Squad's haori, slowly stepped out from the Heavenly Pillar Palanquin and came before Araki and the others.

No need for a welcome feast……

Just take me directly to the True Central Spiritual Arts Academy.

Yuan Liuzhai looked at Huangmu and spoke lightly.

Changjiro!

Next, without waiting for Huangmu to speak, Yuan Liuzhai, on his own, called out lightly to the empty space.

I'm here, Commander Yuan Liuzhai!

Following Yuan Liuzhai's call, Quebu Zhangelang immediately came to his presence and spoke respectfully.

Where do you plan to go next?

Yuan Liuzhai looked at Quebu Zhangelang, who was kneeling on one knee before him, and asked.

Wherever Commander Yuan Liuzhai is, that's where we are!

Not only me, but all the members of the original First Division behind me also think this way.

Quebu faced Yuan Liuzhai and spoke from the heart.

We swear to follow Commander Yuan Liuzhai to the death……

As Quebu's words fell, countless black shadows came behind him, just like Quebu Zhangelang, kneeling on one knee before Yuan Liuzhai, and all looked respectfully at Yuan Liuzhai and spoke.

Among them, Chongya Yuanzhilang, who was recommended by Huangmu and after spending hundreds of years had already taken the third seat of the original First Division, also appeared on the list! Evidently, over the past century, he too had been deeply captivated by Yuan Liuzhai's charm and decided to become a soul reaper solely loyal to Yuan Liuzhai.

Do you see that? Huangmu!

In terms of personal charm, you still need to work harder!

Yuan Liuzhai looked at the troops before him, suddenly smiled, and proudly said to Huangmu beside him.

That's right, Teacher Yuan Liuzhai!

Compared to you, I still feel inadequate~

Huangmu, upon hearing this, laughed and said to Yuan Liuzhai.

At times like this, it's natural not to lose face in front of one's teacher; whatever Yuan Liuzhai says goes~

Proceed to the True Central Spiritual Arts Academy to conduct the handover ceremony!

In response, Yuan Liuzhai naturally felt extremely satisfied with Huangmu's words.

It must be said, since Huangmu became Captain-Commander, he's become increasingly eloquent……

Yes, sir!

After Yuan Liuzhai issued the order, the former First Division troops who had originally been kneeling on one knee immediately rose and headed to the True Central Spiritual Arts Academy; they naturally would arrive before Yuan Liuzhai and Huangmu……

As for Yuan Liuzhai and Huangmu, they weren't in a rush; they first waited for those troops to finish preparing what the True Central Spiritual Arts Academy needed, then they'd speak. Although neither of them were showy types, for such a solemn occasion they still needed to put on a bit of a front.

Huangmu, how comfortable has it been lately being Captain-Commander?!

After everyone had left, Yuan Liuzhai's stern expression eased a bit, and he asked Huangmu beside him.

Not bad.

Huangmu thought for a moment and then spoke frankly.

After all, when he was in the First Division, he always had his subordinates do the work when there was work, and did nothing when there wasn't……

Cough cough……

Hehe, don't push yourself; if you encounter any difficulties, just tell me!

I'll gladly think of a way for you……

Yuan Liuzhai, after hearing Huangmu's words, laughed and said.

Really, I'm not pushing myself.

Huangmu merely gave a light smile in response.

And with 'Forty?

Yuan Liuzhai ignored Huangmu and instead asked on his own.

Not bad! The judges and great sages of Central 46 are all talented, pleasant to speak with, and additionally generous—I really like them……

Huangmu, upon hearing Yuan Liuzhai's words, smiled at the corners of his mouth and gave an objective evaluation of the sages of Central 46.

Huh?!

Yuan Liuzhai, upon hearing Huangmu's words, was slightly stunned.

In Yuan Liuzhai's view, as long as Huangmu, after becoming Captain-Commander of the Guardian Thirteen Squads, doesn't go to war with Central 46, that counts as a victory; he'd even thank heaven and earth.

But Huangmu's response defied Yuan Liuzhai's expectations; looking at Huangmu's expression, it seemed as if he got along extremely well with Central 46, which in Yuan Liuzhai's view was nearly impossible……

Perhaps it's not that Huangmu encountered no problems during his first month as Captain-Commander, but rather that, having only just assumed the post a month ago, if after a month he ran into an insoluble problem and needed to seek help from his teacher, that would be quite embarrassing!

Hehe, this kid.

Yuan Liuzhai, thinking of this, couldn't help but give a light laugh.

In response, Yuan Liuzhai said nothing more; it's only natural for young people to care about face~

But what Yuan Liuzhai wanted to tell Huangmu was, the Soul Society isn't just about fighting and killing!

Back when Huangmu was captain of the Eleventh Division, he gave no one any face, because he had his teacher as a safety net! Now that Huangmu has assumed the post of Captain-Commander, everything must rely on him alone—the Guardian Thirteen Squads' salary issues, welfare benefits, and the distribution of death compensation all must be resolved by Huangmu himself……

Having strength alone isn't enough to become Captain-Commander; you also need connections and a lot of money!

At this moment, Yuan Liuzhai didn't know that Huangmu had secretly dealt with the sages and judges of Central 46, and now the money in Huangmu's hands was so abundant he could raise fish with it……

Hehehe……

Hahaha……

As for Huangmu, he also couldn't be bothered to explain; would he have to tell Yuan Liuzhai that the sages of Central 46 now see him as if looking at their own ancestors? After all, these days, those in debt are the big bosses~

Just like that, for a while Huangmu and Yuan Liuzhai got along harmoniously, talking and laughing as they walked toward the True Central Spiritual Arts Academy~

The reason Huangmu and Yuan Liuzhai can laugh so happily is because……

Yuan Liuzhai believes that Araki will sooner or later encounter a situation he cannot handle and will run to the Mao Spirit Technique Institute to seek his help! Then he, as a master, will pull Araki back from the brink and also teach him the way of being a person, because having only power is not enough. ~

Araki, however, thinks that Yuan Liuzhai will one day run short of money because of the teaching at the Mao Spirit Technique Institute; after all, Yuan Liuzhai intends to educate the common folk of Wandering Soul Street, and the common folk cannot afford the Institute's steep tuition, so Yuan Liuzhai will have to figure out the money himself!

When the number of geniuses in Wandering Soul Street keeps growing, Yuan Liuzhai will inevitably have a day of deficit, and then he will surely run to the First Squad barracks to ask for help~

At that point Araki will tell Yuan Liuzhai that power alone cannot truly rule Jingling Court, but besides power he also has a steady flow of money; with endless power and boundless money, he is effectively the father of everyone in Jingling Court.

With that, both Yuan Liuzhai and Araki laughed heartily……

Only after several hundred years, who will end up crying remains unknown~

Mao Spirit Technique Institute!

"Greetings, Dean Yamamoto Yuan Liuzhai! Greetings, Captain Araki!"

When Yuan Liuzhai and Araki arrived at the Mao Spirit Technique Institute, one after the other, two full rows of Shinigami squad members clad in black Death Overlord armor, with Zanpakuto at their waists, were already standing before the Institute's main gate……

The two rows of Shinigami squad members, seeing the tardy Yuan Liuzhai and Araki, immediately placed their hands behind their backs in a relaxed stance and subtly bowed their foreheads toward them, showing respect to the two.

"Lord Yuan Liuzhai, and Captain Araki, please follow me!"

At this moment, Que Bu arrived before Yuan Liuzhai and Araki, leading the way for them. Since Yuan Liuzhai and Araki began their duel in the Void Circle, Que Bu, following Yuan Liuzhai's instructions, has taken the position of Vice Dean at the Mao Spirit Technique Institute!

Meanwhile, during the period Yuan Liuzhai spent at the Spirit King Palace for cultivation and refinement, Que Bu already seized full control of the Mao Spirit Technique Institute; one must admit Que Bu works with great efficiency!

"Honestly, acting like a yakuza boss—aren't we basically turning into villains?!"

Araki looked at Que Bu and muttered under his breath.

"Um…"

Que Bu, who was leading the way, trembled slightly after hearing Araki's words.

Que Bu turned his face, glanced at Araki, and thought, "Brother Araki, have you been in Jingling Court so long that you forgot how we were stationed there? It's fine to deceive others, but don't deceive yourself!"

Our 13 Divisions now control the Soul Society only because Lord Yuan Liuzhai, hundreds of years ago, led the First Generation Guardian Thirteen Divisions to conquer it! Even the position you sit on now was taken from Lord Yuan Liuzhai's hands! You say, you, a killer who only does burning, killing, looting, and plundering, really think that slapping the five big characters 'Guardian Division Captain' on your head makes you righteous? Do those dead nobles agree?

Araki, whose eyesight is always extremely sharp, felt Que Bu's gaze and asked him.

Aramaki has always been extremely sensitive to gazes; feeling Quebu's gaze, he turned to Quebu and asked.

Upon hearing that, Que Bu immediately lowered his head.

Meanwhile, inside the Mao Spirit Technique Institute……

"Come quickly, or there won't be a spot later!"

"Don't block the way, I want to see too, I want to see…"

At this moment, the noisy Spirit Technique Institute students burst out of their classrooms, crowding the main corridor and constantly peering toward the Institute's gates; fortunately, on both sides of the main corridor, Shinigami squad members in Death Overlord armor stood as guards, blocking these fervent students……

Otherwise, Araki and Yuan Liuzhai would likely be swallowed up by these uniformed Institute students, making it impossible for them to move within the campus! Of course, given Araki and Yuan Liuzhai's strength, if they wished, the students could not stop them.

Otherwise, Aramaki and Yuan Liuzhai would likely be drowned directly among these uniformed students of the Spiritual Arts Academy, and eventually the two would find it impossible to move an inch in this campus! Of course, given Aramaki and Yuan Liuzhai's strength, as long as they wanted to, these students couldn't stop their steps.

While all the students were lined up on both sides of the main corridor, watching toward the Institute's gates, a boy with short brown hair and a pair of extremely thick-looking glasses perched on his nose showed a hint of confusion.

"Hehe, Lan Zhan, you're either reading or training most of the time! Not knowing this is understandable. Right now, the new dean of the Mao Spirit Technique Institute and the current captain of the Gotei 13 have come to inspect our institute! That's why the students are so excited…"

"Lan Zhan, don't you want to come over and take a look? For us students, it's an extremely rare chance to behold the visage of the strongest Shinigami in the Soul Society! If we miss this, the next time we might have to wait years, until we graduate from the institute and successfully join the Gotei 13."

A student who was on good terms with Lan Zhan, upon seeing his puzzled gaze, immediately explained.

"The strongest Shinigami in the Soul Society?!"

The brown-haired boy named Lan Zhan, after hearing the student, instantly had a glint of brilliance in his eyes.

Since he entered the Mao Spirit Technique Institute, he has felt an overwhelming loneliness…

Whether it's the teachers or his classmates, they all seem too ordinary and weak for him, causing him to remain detached and never truly integrate into those groups.

However, the chance for change has finally arrived; now he will see someone as outstanding as him, perhaps even more so, and his heart can't help but surge with excitement…

But now the opportunity for change has finally arrived; now he will see an existence as excellent as him, even more excellent, which makes his inner excitement uncontrollable…

Lan Zhan said that, and together with the youth, rushed toward the crowds on both sides.

"Excuse me, excuse me…"

The two politely called out to those beside them while continuously pushing inward.

The two shouted politely at the people beside them while continually squeezing inward.

"Everyone wants to behold the captain's glory! Get in line behind me! Bastard!"

"Hey, hey, hey! What are you touching, kid?"

For a moment, the packed crowd erupted in a gasp.

In an instant, the crowded crowd suddenly let out a gasp.

However, while the hot-headed kid, still pushing forward with Lan Zhan, kept advancing, Lan Zhan's figure had unknowingly moved to the very front of everyone…

At this moment, at the front, besides Lan Zhan—the sole first-year newcomer—all the others were third- and fourth-year upperclassmen.

Though a first-year freshman, Lan Zhan wasn't intimidated by the seniors; he politely smiled faintly at the senior girl blocking his way and gently asked, "Hello senior, may I stand here?"

As a first-year newcomer, Lanran did not feel intimidated despite being surrounded by upperclassmen; he politely smiled at the upperclasswoman blocking his way, then gently said, 'Hello, senior. May I stand here?!'

Upon hearing Lan Zhan's resonant voice, the senior's cheeks flushed, and she nodded.

Upon hearing Lanran's magnetic voice, that senior's cheeks flushed red, and she immediately nodded.

In response, Lan Zhan's smile deepened.

Thus, Lan Zhan finally stood ahead of everyone as he had hoped…

It was at the moment Lan Zhan finally reached the front of the line that the three imposing figures finally walked toward the crowd.

Exactly then, as Lanran successfully arrived before the formation, those three oppressive figures finally walked toward the crowd.

Lan Zhan felt the subtle spiritual pressure emitted by the three behind him, and his whole body trembled slightly as if pricked by needles.

Lanran felt the subtle spiritual pressure emanating from the three behind him, and his whole body trembled slightly as if pricked by needles.

Lan Zhan slightly turned his body, looking at the three approaching, his eyes sparkling with bright light.

Lan Ran slightly turned their body, gazing at the three people walking toward them, both eyes sparkling with bright luster.

Regarding Jiro, the head of the Sparrow Division, who walked ahead of Yuanliuzhai and Araki, introducing them while clearing the way, Aizen's gaze only paused briefly before continuing to look behind…

The Sparrow Division's strength is not lacking; regardless of the future! As for now, the Sparrow Division's power is definitely far above the young Aizen! However, in Aizen's view, reaching the Sparrow Division's strength with his talent is not easy, at most a "trifle"…

What truly shocked Aizen were Yuanliuzhai and Araki walking behind the Sparrow Division.

"What kind of overwhelming spiritual pressure is this? Such a massive force that seems capable of destroying the world! Is it truly something the Shinigami can control? This 'sky' appears even higher than I imagined~"

"But precisely because it's high enough, isn't it more interesting when I stand on it?!"

Aizen's mouth twitched slightly upward; he did not feel despair at the vastness of the sky…

On the contrary, after Aizen sensed the spiritual pressure emanating from Yuanliuzhai and Araki, he finally found this world—so simple for him that it felt like unlocking a cheat, boringly easy—no longer so hopeless!

"This boring world has finally become interesting~"

Aizen suppressed his inner excitement, his expression gradually returning to calm.

Then Aizen showed the same fervent look as those around him, cheering to Araki and Yuanliuzhai: "Captain, Director! Long live!!"

"Hm?"

At the same time, Araki was quietly walking with Yuanliuzhai along the path of the Spiritual Arts Institute.

Facing the enthusiastic cheers of the surrounding students, Araki suddenly understood why Aizen in the original always liked to run here! The feeling of showing off in front of people is truly exhilarating…

Cough, of course Araki knows that besides showing off, Aizen is mostly laying out plans for decades ahead; Aizen never does anything outside his scheme, except when he meets the 'destined savior' Kurosaki Ichigo, Aizen is usually rock‑solid in other situations!

"Hehe…"

While Araki was thinking of Aizen, he glanced at the crowd on the left and saw Aizen Sosuke shouting loudly.

"Isn't that Sosuke? First meeting, why so…?"

Araki thought this and cast a slightly mocking glance at Aizen Sosuke.

"Boom!!"

Aizen only exchanged a brief glance with Araki, and felt as if his head were about to explode.

"Ugh…"

In an instant, Aizen's body slipped out of his control and fell backward.

"Hey classmate, why so careless?"

Yet, just as Aizen was about to fall, a gentle voice and a figure arrived behind him first, lightly supporting the slipping Aizen Sosuke as if his foot had slipped.

"Ah!!"

Before Aizen could think further, a chorus of screams rose around him, many female students—including the senior who had previously agreed to stand by him—screamed at the sight of this newcomer's stunning handsomeness, looking upward behind him…

Unfortunately, those who fell backward received no one to help them.

"Ugh! Captain… Captain?!"

At this moment, amid the echoing, earth‑shattering screams, Aizen finally came to his senses, looking at the face behind him and immediately tensing…

Because that person was the Gotei 13 Captain Araki, and in that brief eye contact, Aizen felt as if all his secrets had been seen through by Araki, leaving him very insecure.

The Araki standing behind Aizen, after seeing the scene, simply smiled lightly, then released his supporting hand and continued forward without looking back, leaving Aizen with a remark: "Classmate, be careful, watch your step."

"Th‑thank you, Captain Araki!"

Aizen hesitated for a few seconds, then pretended to be grateful and nervous for being rescued by Araki, bowing deeply toward Araki and Yuanliuzhai's departing backs.

"Araki, what's wrong?"

"Is that kid having any problem?"

Ahead, Yuanliuzhai, walking slowly forward, asked the tardy Araki from behind.

Araki's actions can deceive others, but never Yuanliuzhai; Yuanliuzhai clearly knows that Aizen's fall and Araki's rescue were all staged by Araki…

"No problem, just find him interesting."

"Yuanliuzhai‑sensei could really cultivate that kid; I think that kid actually has talent!"

After hearing Yuanliuzhai's words, Araki said cheerfully.

Araki hadn't expected to meet Aizen still in school, so he lightly used Aizen's own charm tactics to tease him a bit…

"…"

As a result, Aizen, whose eyebrows tightened from Araki's teasing, stared at Araki's back pensively.

"How strange…" Aizen muttered to himself, "Just now, deep inside me, why did I get the illusion that everything I am lives in his shadow?!"

If Araki heard Aizen's words now, he would surely smile and say, "Little Aizen, since when did you develop the illusion that you don't live in my shadow? This is only the beginning of your life shrouded in my shadow!"

"Talented, huh? I remember him…"

As for Yuanliuzhai, who kept moving forward steadily, after hearing Araki's words his mood was fairly good. Having just officially taken over the Shin'ō Spiritual Arts Institute, he met a promising seed valued by Araki; all this seemed to tell him his decisions were correct, and the future of the Pure Spirit Court would surely blossom with countless flowers!

"Hehe…"

Araki only chuckled twice.

In fact there was half a sentence Araki didn't utter, that Aizen, though exceptionally talented, is rebellious~

Determined to kick the Spirit King out of the Spirit King's Palace…

Then stand in the heavens, becoming a true God!

Afterwards, Araki and Yuanliuzhai, led by the Sparrow Division, toured the Shin'ō Spiritual Arts Institute's teaching building, cafeteria, demon‑path training ground, swordsmanship dojo, and martial‑arts dojo! As time passed, the two arrived at the institute's hall to begin today's address.

"Please welcome the 'Founder of the Gotei', former Gotei 13 Captain, founder of the Shin'ō Spiritual Arts Institute! The current director of the Shin'ō Spiritual Arts Institute—Yamamoto Yuanliuzhai Chongguo! Deliver a speech to the students!"

First, Chief Jiro recited a long string of Yuanliuzhai's titles to open the ceremony.

"Then I'll just say a few simple words here!"

Then Yuanliuzhai took Jiro's place, standing before the students, speaking very formally.

"Dear students of the Shin'ō Spiritual Arts Institute, I am Yamamoto Yuanliuzhai Chongguo, the founder of the institute, also your future swordsmanship chief instructor and director!"

"From now on, I will devote all I have learned, all my techniques, through my own hands, to teach you, and I hope you work hard to soon catch up with the outstanding graduates of the institute, serve in the Gotei 13, and even become a captain of the 13…"

After Yuanliuzhai stood on the podium, he spoke endlessly as if he were a lone person.

It seems that Yuan Liuzhai's speaking technique is truly excellent, and the students below occasionally echo him with supportive voices.

Only Araki, listening to Yuan Liuzhai, immediately began to nod off.

In Araki's ears, everything Yuan Liuzhai said was: "Aba aba aba…"

"Now, please welcome Master Yuan Liuzhai's senior disciple, the first man granted unrestricted transmission of 'Yuanliu' and also the current captain of the Gotei 13, Araki, to deliver a splendid speech…"

Just as Araki was about to fall asleep, a voice from the podium suddenly came from Quebu.

"Do I still have to speak?!"

Araki was instantly startled—this part wasn't in the script!

"Hehe…"

At that moment of Araki's confusion, he saw Yuan Liuzhai smiling without saying a word.

"This old fool is really wicked!"

Araki instantly understood the situation; with a slight upward curl of his mouth, he walked up to the podium.

"Everyone, I am Araki, the current captain of the Gotei 13! I can also be considered your senior brother…"

Araki smiled at the students below, softly introducing himself, but when he mentioned being everyone's senior brother, his voice suddenly fell…

"Huh?!"

This left all the students present stunned.

"Is that it?!"

The students looked at each other, not knowing what to do next.

Araki's and Yuan Liuzhai's speeches were like two extremes: one absurdly long, trying to start from the founding of the Gotei 13 and delivering a lengthy history, the other absurdly brief, finishing the speech in just two short sentences.

"…and also hope you remember your moment of helplessness today!"

As the students were puzzled, Quebu helplessly placed a hand on his forehead; when Yuan Liuzhai gave Araki a thumbs‑up, the gentle Araki on the stage suddenly changed tone, his voice instantly sharpening.

"Boom!"

The next second, a massive spiritual pressure descended from the sky, landing on the spines of everyone present.

"This is…"

In an instant, all the students' faces changed dramatically, each turning from smiling to sheer terror, as Araki's released spiritual pressure felt chillingly as if it would freeze everyone's marrow.

Everyone forgot where they were, their minds filled only with endless fear.

Only after everyone was drenched in sweat did the massive pressure finally lift from their shoulders.

"Ugh…"

With the suddenly dissipating pressure, the students of the Mao Spiritual Arts Institute collapsed to the ground, then gasped for breath.

"I… I'm going to die! Too terrifying!"

"Is this the power of the Gotei captain, the strongest Shinigami of the Soul Society?"

"We students of the Spiritual Arts Institute are on a completely different plane!"

"Just a single glance makes us feel as if we're about to die…"

The students lay on the floor, panting while murmuring to themselves.

"I wish each of you success in your studies!"

Just as the students one by one collapsed, unable to rise…

Araki finished his speech to the gathered Spiritual Arts Institute students.

"Clap clap clap…"

The next second, applause like waves of the sea rang throughout the venue.

Araki's overwhelming strength did not frighten the students; instead it gave everyone confidence to keep striving. A powerful captain is the foundation of a strong Gotei 13!

"Haha…"

"Araki, this kid isn't bad~"

Yuan Liuzhai observed all of Araki's actions and gave his speech the highest praise.

"Then finally, let me offer congratulations to all the students! Imagining a thousand years ago…"

At this moment, after Araki's speech ended, Quebu stepped to the front, intending to conclude Yuan Liuzhai's inauguration ceremony.

As Quebu began speaking, a strong aura of Yuan Liuzhai filled the hall; evidently his talk would last another hour or so.

"Boom!!"

Just as Quebu opened his mouth, a roar rang out and the venue's main gate was sliced open; simultaneously, a young man with spiky hair, bearing a Zanpakuto, swaggered through the split gate.

"What is happening?!"

"An enemy attack? Someone daring to assault the Spiritual Arts Institute? Crazy!"

The students, meanwhile, were panicked; they never expected anyone bold enough to storm the Spiritual Arts Institute.

"This must be the Mao Spiritual Arts Institute, right?"

Without waiting for anyone to think further, the youth in black death‑uniform, draped in a white feathered coat, with spiky hair, spoke to those present.

"It is indeed…"

Someone, upon seeing the newcomer's attire, was first stunned, then, gathering courage, gave a slight nod.

"Then that's correct…"

"I heard any division lacking soldiers can come here to find replacements, right?!"

"Then, anyone who can block my sword, report to Division Eleven for me!"

The spiky‑haired youth laughed wildly at everyone present.

"Huh? But we haven't finished our studies, what should we do?"

At this moment, a student looked at the youth and asked in confusion.

Anyone who can block my sword strike doesn't need to keep studying here!

Give it your all and try to block! The first person who can block two of my sword strikes, I'll directly make him vice-captain!

As the youth's words fell, he brandished the knife in his hand.

What? Vice-captain!

As the youth's words fell, everyone present was fired up; if they could become vice-captain right after graduation, that would be a direct leap to the heavens.

Boom!!

Unfortunately, there's no free lunch falling from the sky; as the youth forcefully swung down the knife held high above his head, the hundreds of students near him were directly struck by his slash and flung into the sky.

Eh?!

Only when the students were flying in the air did they realize that trying to block the man's casual sword strike was far harder than joining other squadrons and becoming a vice-captain.

Ten thousand characters!