Chapter 160: Blue Dye: The Actors Are in Position, for Teacher Araki

The Second Squad's quarters.

Ah, so tired, so tired~

Finally back at the Second Squad's quarters; I can finally rest a bit. Come to think of it, why didn't I notice before that the First Squad where Araki is is actually this far from our Second Squad?!

But luckily, I've taken care of Urahara Kiyosuke's promotion! Araki is still as easygoing as before, not giving me any trouble. He even handed me the task of evaluating Urahara himself, proving that our own teacher really cares. Speaking of helping our squad members solve the squad leader assessment, that must count as a great achievement, right?!

When Yei returned to her own Second Squad, she instantly slumped into laziness. She tossed off her cloth shoes, revealing her petite feet, then stripped off the squad leader's feathered robe draped over her and tossed it to the waiting Sui Feng. She sauntered into the squad leader's chamber, whose opulence rivaled a palace, took the throne prepared for her by the squad members, and, like a noble empress, happily ate the limited‑edition pastries that the Secret Mobile Unit had ordered overnight from a snack shop for her.

Lady Yei, you've worked so hard~

Sui Feng gave a light smile after hearing Yei's rambling, then looked at her with indulgent affection. In Sui Feng's eyes, whatever Yei said or did was always right.

But a girl standing right behind Sui Feng, who resembled a younger Sui Feng in appearance and wore a cute doll‑style haircut, seemed unable to grasp Yei of the Four Maple Court's intention; she furrowed her brows and walked up to Yei on her own.

Urahara? Lady Yei, are you talking about that Urahara Kiyosuke fellow?!

Lady Yei, forgive my bluntness! I think you're overestimating that ever‑mumbling Urahara Kiyosuke. Giving him charge of one of the Secret Mobile Unit's five divisions, with such great authority, already seems problematic to me…

You should know that managing the team means dealing with the heinous criminals locked in the Maggot Nest; with Urahara Kiyosuke's frail body, I don't think he can handle the villains of the Maggot Nest.

Now you're promoting that constantly joking, unsteady Urahara Kiyosuke to be the Guardian Court Thirteen Squad's captain, which I consider wildly irresponsible! From what I know, even if he passed the squad leader assessment, he'll probably be late and leave early on his first day, then spend all day in his lab, ignoring everyone else. In short, he has no sense of discipline at all and will surely fail as a squad captain…

While Yei sat on the throne, quietly savoring her delicious pastries and fragrant tea, the girl who had been clinging to Sui Feng's heels finally stepped before Yei of the Four Maple Court, repeatedly protesting to her.

Although the girl's words were full of bias against Urahara, they weren't entirely unreasonable; after all, when Urahara was in the Second Squad, he often arrived late or left early, seemingly disregarding the rules.

Um…

Yei's face clouded with a few frowns after hearing the girl's words; in truth, as a squad captain, she couldn't really explain certain matters to the girl, some things the girl would have to discover on her own…

But Yei knew the girl meant no ill; she was only concerned about the Secret Mobile Unit and the Guardian Court Thirteen Squad. With that in mind, Yei of the Four Maple Court cast a pleading glance toward Sui Feng behind the girl…

Although some remarks were awkward for her as captain to make, it was perfectly fine for the deputy captain, Sui Feng, to handle. Moreover, Sui Feng outranks the girl both in position and seniority, being a direct elder, so her words carry even more weight.

Shao Lan, why are you speaking to Lady Yei?!

Lady Yei's decision is not something you can casually question!

Don't forget what I once told you: Lady Yei's decision is absolutely correct; we only need to obey it…

Receiving the signal from Yei's gaze, Sui Feng immediately moved to the side of the doll‑haired girl and, with a slight furrow of her elegant brows, instructed her.

Grandmother, Grandmother.

The girl named Shao Lan wilted upon hearing Sui Feng's words, lowering her head and daring not to retort; it was clear she was genuinely afraid of Sui Feng.

You child…

Sui Feng looked at the bowed‑head girl before her and sighed helplessly.

The girl standing before Sui Feng is named Bee Shao Lan, the ninth‑generation heir of the Bee Family and also the granddaughter of Sui Feng (Bee Xi Qian), who is the seventh‑generation heir and Sui Feng's sister.

Indeed, after Sui Feng was chosen by Araki and taken away by the Secret Mobile Unit, the Bee Family installed Sui Feng's biological sister in her place, making her the head of the Bee Family…

In other words, Sui Feng's sister assumed Sui Feng's identity and fate, becoming the head of the Bee Family, overseeing its affairs and striving to expand its future.

At the same time, because Sui Feng enjoys the trust of the Four Maple Court family and of Yei, and has deep seniority in the Guardian Court Thirteen Squad, earning Araki's confidence…

Thus, on top of Sui Feng's formidable personal martial power, combined with her sister's flourishing Bee Family, the Bee Family successfully rose from lower nobility to newly‑minted upper nobility.

However, although the Bee Family's privileges and resources have risen far beyond those of the lower nobles of yesteryear, talent like a genius does not emerge that readily!

When the eighth generation of the Bee Family was completely wiped out, leaving no one with the potential to succeed Sui Feng as a Guardian Court Thirteen Squad captain‑level Death God…

Among the ninth generation of the Bee Family, Bee Shao Lan finally emerged as a fairly outstanding seedling. Sui Feng was naturally delighted and took Bee Shao Lan directly under her wing, since she couldn't entrust Shao Lan to anyone else in the Bee Family…

It seems Shao Lan really has a deep misunderstanding of Urahara~

Alright then, since Shao Lan worries so much about Urahara, let them act together from today onward~

Speaking of it, Urahara Kiyosuke's squad leader assessment is scheduled for a week from now, and during that week Urahara remains a member of our Second Squad!

Let Urahara spend a week properly guiding Shao Lan; then, after his promotion, I'll assign the Third Detachment's sub‑captain position to Shao Lan…

Also, I think once their joint mission ends, Sui Feng will surely improve her view of Urahara Kiyosuke~ a win‑win situation!

Yei watched the interaction between Sui Feng and Shao Lan—the grandmother and granddaughter—and after a brief contemplation, a perfect solution suddenly occurred to her.

Huh? No way?

Shao Lan's eyes widened after hearing Yei's words; honestly, she began doubting her own ears, wondering if she'd misheard.

Lady Yei actually made her team up with that annoying Urahara for several days? What a joke! She refuses to act with the scoundrel Urahara, Shao Lan thought, casting an almost pleading glance at her grandmother. The only one who could save her from Urahara's torment now is her beloved grandmother…

Having Shao Lan and Urahara act together is indeed a good idea!

Shao Lan is still too immature; being with Urahara will let him help her mature faster…

Sui Feng smiled and agreed with Yei's idea.

How can Grandmother be like this…

Shao Lan felt despair after hearing Sui Feng's words.

In a squad, you must address by rank!

Sui Feng's complexion shifted slightly as she scolded Shao Lan.

Understood, Deputy Captain Sui Feng.

Shao Lan's face turned ashen as she consented to her grandmother's and the captain's decision.

Hmph!

Shao Lan could not defy her grandmother or Captain Yei, so she poured all her grievance and anger onto Urahara Kiyosuke, thinking bitterly, "Damn! Even my beloved Grandmother has been swayed by that damned yellow‑haired Urahara…"

Shao Lan, Shao Lan! Right now you're the only clear‑headed person in the entire Second Squad; you must stay true to yourself and never submit to the tyrannical authority of that damned yellow‑haired Urahara, just as Captain Yei and Grandmother have!

Bee Shao Lan had now made her decision: she would become someone who dares to stay true to herself.

Hehe, Shao Lan will surely understand our good intentions~

After Bee Shao Lan left the squad leader's chamber for Urahara Kiyosuke's private office, Sui Feng and Yei exchanged glances and said cheerfully.

However, only Bee Shao Lan knew in her heart that she not only gained no improvement in her view of Urahara, but actually despised that damned yellow‑haired Urahara even more…

Meanwhile…

The barracks of the Eleventh Division of the Court Guard.

Gengmu stood in the swordsmanship dojo, looking at the ordinary soldiers of the Eleventh Division lying all around him, and suddenly felt a bit lost...

Too weak, really too weak...

Why! Why are you all, and even I, so weak!!

Gengmu muttered to himself, he was both talking about those soldiers he had defeated, and also talking about himself, whose strength was far inferior to Huangmu's.

Right now, Gengmu feels stuck in an awkward middle ground—those stronger than him can basically kill him in an instant, while those weaker than him will basically be killed by him in an instant...

Gengmu now really wants to find someone whose strength is comparable to his, so he can continually experience the thrill of battle.

Ah la la~

Is this the Eleventh Division?!!

Looks like I didn't come here for nothing this time...

Just as Gengmu gripped his wooden sword, his expression grim, a man with dark skin, extremely bulky and tall, his face full of black beard, walked up outside the Eleventh Division's barracks...

If Ku Wushi and Gengmu are like a polar bear and a brown bear, then this dark-skinned brawny man before us is like a wild boar; although he isn't tall compared to Ku Wushi and Gengmu, to the ordinary soldiers of the Eleventh Division and the residents of Wandering Souls Street, he is absolutely a giant-like hulk.

Hey! Who are you?

At that moment, outside the Eleventh Division's barracks, the duty soldier, upon seeing this suddenly appearing brawny man, was first startled, then they all questioned him.

You're asking who I am?!!

Hahaha, I'm Guiyancheng, the unbeatable boss who's swept through Wandering Souls Street!!

Hurry up and call your Eleventh Division's current captain out! Tell him the new Sword Eight has come, and quickly let him come out to die!!

The man, strong like a wild boar, coldly spoke to the short soldiers at the gate. It seemed he didn't even regard these ordinary soldiers.

This bastard...

When the Eleventh Division's gatekeepers heard Guiyancheng's words, they immediately placed their hands on the hilts of their Soul-Cutting Swords; frankly, they felt an urge to draw their blades and cut down this disgusting guy right then.

Calm down, everyone, calm down a bit...

Let the captain handle this matter~

A veteran soldier, seeing what was happening, immediately stepped forward to stop them.

Huh? Does this lowly scum really need our captain to personally handle it?

The young soldiers, hearing the veteran's words, asked in confusion.

In their view, although Guiyancheng's strength is indeed formidable, it is still far from reaching the level where their idol, Captain Gengmu of the Eleventh Division, would need to personally intervene; if just a few of their senior officers acted together, they could certainly take him down on the spot.

Stupid! Don't you newcomers want to see Captain Gengmu personally take on an opponent?!

You should know that in this incredibly peaceful Tranquil Spirit Court, it's rare to encounter a situation that requires the current Sword Eight to personally act...

The veteran soldier of the Eleventh Division, hearing the young soldiers' words, spoke in frustration.

This...

As the veteran soldier's words fell, the young soldiers finally understood his intention, they all widened their eyes and began to anticipate.

Yeah! This way we'll get to see Captain Gengmu personally in action...

I'll go notify Captain Gengmu right now—someone's come looking to die...

No, it's someone who came over and challenged him!

It must be said, the old-timers are still sharp; after hearing the veterans' words, the new members all became excited, and immediately a new soldier rushed impatiently into the barracks behind them to find their Captain Gengmu.

Hehe...

As for Guiyancheng, who came to challenge Gengmu, he simply watched everything unfolding before him in silence.

Guiyancheng shouldered his Soul-Cutting Sword, looking down on the soldiers before the gate; he had originally intended to charge straight in, but the thought that entering the Eleventh Division's barracks might leave him surrounded by enemies made him abandon that idea...

Indeed, standing on a crowded street is still the safest! Of course, it's not that Guiyancheng fears Gengmu; rather, in his view, only here can he have a fair fight with Gengmu, and only here can he defeat Gengmu without anyone playing dirty~

Come on! Captain of the Eleventh Division, aside from the Head Captain, I'll take from you the title of the strongest Shinigami in the Tranquil Spirit Court...

Guiyancheng sneered, already beginning to fantasize about defeating Gengmu, becoming captain of the Eleventh Division, and living a life of debauchery and wealth.

Although Guiyancheng doesn't know exactly what the captain's salary is, looking at the Eleventh Division's luxurious barracks, he supposes it must be quite substantial~

Meanwhile, when the soldier who went to find Gengmu reached the Eleventh Division's swordsmanship dojo, he didn't even catch his breath before immediately telling Gengmu: 'Captain Gengmu, there's a guy outside named Guiyancheng who says he wants to challenge your Sword Eight position!'

Huh?!

Gengmu, who had been spacing out, immediately became a bit interested upon hearing the soldier's words, his originally lifeless eyes gaining a bit of color.

Finally someone's come to challenge me?!!

I've been waiting for this day for a long time...

Gengmu said, shouldering his Soul-Cutting Sword without a scabbard, he headed straight for the barracks exit. His steps were hurried, as if he couldn't wait...

Indeed, Gengmu harbored no worry whatsoever about the challenger's strength; he only hoped the opponent wouldn't be too weak—ideally, they'd have strength comparable to Ku Wushi's, so he could fully enjoy himself.

Don't play dead! Come on, let's go watch the show together!!

After Gengmu walked out of the swordsmanship dojo, the newly recruited soldiers of the Eleventh Division immediately shouted at the soldiers scattered all over the dojo, whom Gengmu had knocked down.

Let's go, let's go, let's go...

Upon hearing there was something to watch, the Eleventh Division soldiers scrambled to their feet from the ground; thinking they'd soon see Gengmu fight the enemy, even the wounds Gengmu had inflicted on them didn't hurt as much~

Hahaha, it's really lively that someone dares to challenge Captain Gengmu!!

I bet the opponent won't last three rounds in Captain Gengmu's hands!!

Haha, don't joke! As long as the opponent can last one round in Captain Gengmu's hands, I'll count it as a win for them!!

Two rounds, just two rounds, can't be more! Really can't be more...

The Eleventh Division soldiers had not the slightest worry about their captain being challenged and possibly losing; in their eyes, their Captain Gengmu was the strongest Shinigami.

At the very moment the Eleventh Division soldiers were using their captain as a boredom pastime, making small bets, Gengmu had already shouldered his Soul-Cutting Sword and arrived outside the Eleventh Division's barracks...

Are you the one who claims they want to challenge me?

After sizing up Gui Yan Cheng from head to toe, Gengmu asked coldly.

"That's right! I, Gui Yan Cheng, am the undefeated of Wandering Soul Street, and I'm going to replace you and become the new generation's Sword Eight!"

After hearing Gengmu's words, Gui Yan Cheng pointed at his own chin with his right thumb and introduced himself to Gengmu.

"All right! No more nonsense..."

"Let's go all out in battle!"

Upon hearing Gui Yan Cheng's words, Gengmu suddenly burst into loud laughter; the moment his voice fell, he immediately swung his Soul-Cutting Sword and lunged at Gui Yan Cheng to slash.

"Swish!"

Accompanied by a flash of bright silver blade light, Gui Yan Cheng felt his forehead heat up.

"How is that possible?!"

At the instant Gengmu drew his sword, Gui Yan Cheng had not failed to consider blocking with his own blade, but Gengmu's sword was simply too fast—so fast he couldn't see it clearly, only catching a glimpse of a bright silver flash before the battle was already over.

"Swish!"

Before Gui Yan Cheng could think further, endless crimson burst from his body, then he completely lost consciousness and split in half before everyone's eyes.

"..."

Gengmu fell silent as he looked at Gui Yan Cheng, whom he had just instantaneously killed.

"Don't call yourself Gui Yan Cheng anymore; from now on just call you a fodder."

After a long while, Gengmu looked down at the corpse and spoke lightly.

"Ah, this is utterly boring."

Gengmu said, shaking off the blood from his Soul-Cutting Sword, then strode toward the division behind him.

"Instant kill! Truly worthy of Captain Gengmu..."

After Gengmu left, the members of the Eleventh Division, still somewhat unsatisfied, said that Gengmu's battle was too fast and they hadn't gotten enough of a look.

"Stop looking, newcomers!"

"Hurry up and dispose of the corpse, then come out and mop the floor~"

The veteran members of the Eleventh Division, seeing the newcomers still standing motionless on the spot with no awareness, immediately shouted in anger.

"Yes, sir!"

These new squad members, after hearing the veterans' reprimand, dared not delay any further and immediately began cleaning up the corpse that had been cut in half by a single blow, as well as the blood spilled all over the ground.

As the members of the Eleventh Division were busy with their work, everything that happened here also spread to the various divisions of the Guardian Thirteen Divisions...

For a time, the incident of a Wandering Soul Street warrior challenging Gengmu the Sword Eight and then being counter-killed with a single blow became a lunchtime joke among all members of the Guardian Thirteen Divisions.

From then on, Gui Yan Cheng utterly became a clown; not only did he sacrifice his life in challenging Gengmu, but after death he also became a laughingstock, used by the Guardian Thirteen Divisions as a negative example, and they continued to mock him.

Meanwhile, Feng Shaoling also sought out Pu Yuan Xizhu.

"Thump thump thump..."

Shaoling stood outside Pu Yuan's office, lightly knocking on the door, praying in her heart that Pu Yuan wouldn't be home, so she could explain to Ye Yi that she hadn't managed to find Pu Yuan Xizhu.

"Who is it?!"

Unfortunately, things went against her wishes; not long after Shaoling knocked on Pu Yuan's gate, a weak voice sounded and the gate was gently pushed open.

Instantly, a man with dark circles under his eyes and messy yellow hair like a bird's nest poked his head out from the gap in the gate, looking around and asking. That yellow-haired man was Pu Yuan Xizhu.

When Pu Yuan's gaze landed on Shaoling's handsome face, he immediately exclaimed in surprise: "Eh? Feng Shaoling, what brings you here?"

"Cough cough cough, what smell is this in your place?"

"It's pungent, it reeks! There's a weird smell in your room!"

Shaoling didn't respond to Pu Yuan's meaning; she first took out a small fan and waved away the strange odor emanating from Pu Yuan's room.

"Ahahaha..."

"The experiment I did yesterday had a minor issue in the final step, producing some strange gases, sorry~"

Upon hearing that, Pu Yuan apologized to Shaoling.

"Never mind, it doesn't matter..."

Shaoling couldn't be bothered to waste words with Pu Yuan; she first waved her hand at him to indicate she didn't care about his experiment, then conveyed the order that Ye Yi had given her to Pu Yuan.

"Is that so? Then please look after me from now on~"

Upon hearing that, Pu Yuan gladly accepted.

As sharp as Pu Yuan, he instantly realized why Ye Yi had sent Shaoling to find him.

"Hehe, please look after me~"

As for Feng Shaoling, at this moment she also gave a hollow smile and lightly nodded her head at Pu Yuan.

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye a week had passed.

In Pu Yuan's office, Feng Shaoling, listlessly watching, was unable to act as Pu Yuan's substitute as she was constantly busy operating machinery she couldn't understand.

Faced with Pu Yuan's near-total absorption in his work, Feng Shaoling felt inadequate, yet she gradually grew accustomed to it, since over ninety percent of that week Pu Yuan was busy with his own affairs.

Indeed, during that week Feng Shaoling carried out the so-called tasks together with Pu Yuan Xizhu; frankly, even she herself didn't know how she managed to get through the week, although Pu Yuan had indeed brought her along to familiarize her with much of the Management Squad's work, but he was just too lax, far too lax...

Indeed, it wasn't that Pu Yuan had overburdened Feng Shaoling with work during that week that made her feel unable to cope; rather, Pu Yuan hardly did any work that week, constantly focusing on his own experiments, which made Feng Shaoling, who could never sit still, feel as if she were about to be driven mad by Pu Yuan.

Yes, it wasn't that Pu Yuan, during this week, had too much work bringing Shao Ling, which made Shao Ling feel overwhelmed; rather, Pu Yuan, during this week, hardly did any work, constantly focusing on his own experiments, which made Shao Ling, who could never stay idle all day, feel like she was about to be driven crazy by Pu Yuan!

"Shaoling, how do you feel about working with Pu Yuan? Have you gained a lot this week?!"

Just as Feng Shaoling was secretly pleased, the door to Pu Yuan Xizhu's office was suddenly flung open, and Sui Feng and Ye Yi appeared outside, first glancing at the busy Pu Yuan, then turning to Shaoling with a smiling question.

Just as Feng Shao Ling was secretly delighted, the door of Pu Yuan Xizhu's office was suddenly pushed open, and Sui Feng and Ye Yi appeared outside the door just like that. The two first glanced at the busy Pu Yuan, then turned to Feng Shao Ling and asked with a smile.

"Hehe, the gains this week have been truly enormous!"

After hearing Ye Yi and her grandmother's words, Feng Shaoling casually pursed her lips, looking unwilling, and said.

After listening to Ye Yi and her own grandmother's words, Feng Shaoling casually pursed her lips, showing an unwilling expression, and said.

Looks like you still haven't realized your own problem, huh~

Suifeng looked at Fengshaoling's appearance and sighed helplessly—how could this girl lack any ambition?! Sigh… Truly impossible to teach…

Puyuan, stop fussing with your stuff—your unit leader examination is about to be late! If you keep Huangmu Teacher waiting anxiously, you'd better watch out, or the Captain-Commander will make you regret it~

Yeyi looked at the still-busy Puyuan and laughed.

Huh? Unit leader examination?

Oh no! I forgot the time of the unit leader examination...

Puyuan, upon hearing Yeyi's words, first froze slightly, then his expression changed drastically; he muttered, neglecting his experiment, and immediately used Flash Step, rushing to the unit leader examination hall.

So fast!

As the saying goes, outsiders watch the excitement, insiders watch the details—when Puyuan used Flash Step to rush out of his own office, the incredible speed made Fengshaoling's pupils contract.

Puyuan kid's Flash Step is actually above mine?!

In an instant, Shaoling made a judgment—she was far inferior to Puyuan Xizhu in Flash Step. For Covert Maneuver, Flash Step is the foremost skill to master; generally, if one's Flash Step is inferior to the opponent's, then not only slashing, punching, and ghostly techniques, but also others are inferior……

So he's really that strong?

Shaoling felt a bit lost for a moment; she couldn't understand how Puyuan Xizhu, who spends all day busy with his experiments, could be so strong.

Shaoling, you still have many areas where you need to work hard~

Suifeng looked at Shaoling, lost in thought, and let out a faint sigh, speaking lightly.

In Suifeng's view, letting Shaoling see the gap between people from a young age is extremely important, because people in this world are like that—seemingly fair, everyone looks the same, yet their talents vary greatly……

This world truly has those who, without much effort, can reach heights ordinary people cannot attain—geniuses. Suifeng doesn't expect Shaoling to catch up to those geniuses' footsteps; she only hopes Shaoling won't fall too far behind……

I understand.

This time, Shaoling's response to Suifeng was utterly serious.

On the other hand……

Puyuan Xizhu participated in the unit leader examination hall.

Huangmu, Maozhihua Lie, and Xiumu Yinling—three examiners responsible for Puyuan Xizhu's unit leader examination—had already taken their seats and been waiting for a while.

Huff, huff, huff…… Until Huangmu's brows furrowed slightly, Puyuan then pushed open the door, panting as he entered the examination hall, and apologized to Huangmu and the others: 'Sorry, really sorry! I had something come up and misremembered the examination time, so I accidentally arrived late!'

Hehe, since I became Captain-Commander of the Guardian Thirteen Divisions hundreds of years ago, you kid are the first to make me wait for an examinee—you're really great!

Huangmu spoke to the late-arriving Puyuan Xizhu with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

Er……

Puyuan's expression changed slightly upon hearing Huangmu's words; he knew things were bad.

Alright, hurry up and show your Complete Release!

Even if it's for Yeyi's sake, I'll let you off this time.

Just as Puyuan racked his brains, thinking about how to salvage the situation, Huangmu's voice once again softly echoed in his ears.

Thank you, Captain-Commander Huangmu……

Puyuan only relaxed after hearing Huangmu's words.

Then I'll demonstrate my Complete Release.

Puyuan Xizhu said, drawing his Soul-Cutting Sword from his waist.

Complete Release! Guanyin Open Red Princess Modified!

As Puyuan Xizhu's words fell, a figure like a puppet, with joints assembled like building blocks, appeared behind him—a classical beauty radiating unusual pressure from head to toe, truly living up to the name Guanyin.

Red Princess Modified?!

However, Huang Mu didn't care much about the power of Pu Yuan's complete release; he was merely a little curious about the name of Pu Yuan's complete release.

"Pu Yuan, have you ever modified your own complete release?"

Huang Mu looked at Pu Yuan and asked.

"Truly worthy of the captain-commander, you instantly spotted the key to my complete release! I indeed made a slight tweak to my complete release~"

Upon hearing Huang Mu's words, Pu Yuan first froze, then immediately replied with a cheerful laugh.

"Really?!"

"Alright, you can put away your complete release now……"

After obtaining what he wanted to know, Huang Mu casually waved his hand at Pu Yuan, indicating that Pu Yuan could dispel his complete release.

"Er, what do you mean?"

Hearing that, Pu Yuan showed a hint of anticipation toward Huang Mu.

"You've passed! From today onward, you are the captain of the 12th Division and also the new director of the Technical Development Bureau—congratulations."

Huang Mu looked at Pu Yuan Xizhu before him and spoke lightly.

"Thank you for your recognition~"

Upon hearing Huang Mu's words, Pu Yuan Xizhu immediately smiled and lightly nodded at Huang Mu.

"Tomorrow there will be a captains' meeting; remember to attend on time."

Huang Mu gave Pu Yuan a deep look, and after finishing his words, he instantly left Pu Yuan Xizhu's captain's examination room.

"Congratulations!"

"Congratulations, young man!"

Immediately afterward, after Huang Mu left, Mao Zhi Hua Lie and Mu Mu Yin Ling both rose, imitating Huang Mu's example; they first offered congratulations to Pu Yuan, then instantly departed.

"So then……"

"It's time to think about moving house~"

"But that's something I'll do later; for now I just want to finish the experiment I haven't completed……"

After Huang Mu, Mao Zhi Hua Lie, and Mu Mu Yin Ling had all left, Pu Yuan Xizhu scratched his rough hair, and after thinking for a while, decided to return to the lab first to finish the experiment he hadn't completed; everything else was unimportant to him.

At the same time, the Fifth Division barracks.

"Is that the Second Division's Kisuke Urahara?!"

"It's truly hard to believe that besides me, someone else in this world can actually create a Collapsed Jade! This is truly amazing……"

"If we combine your unfinished Collapsed Jade with my unfinished Collapsed Jade, perhaps I could obtain a complete Collapsed Jade."

"By then, even defeating Instructor Araki might not be a mere fantasy like a flower in the mirror or the moon in the water! That would be the key to my ascent to heaven……"

Aizen Sosuke had already discovered Urahara Kisuke's secret and was secretly contemplating the plan and possibility of stealing Urahara Kisuke's Collapsed Jade~

The Shinigami's Hollowfication experiment, the plan to seize the Collapsed Jade, and the task of clearing out the fodder of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads—these three tasks, Aizen decided to resolve all at once~

Yes, Aizen is indeed so focused on efficiency……

"All the actors are already in place, so the good show is about to begin~"

"The only variable at present is Instructor Araki's attitude toward the Shinigami after Hollowfication; given that, I would not find it convenient to reveal my true identity before these captain‑level test subjects, so I must remain behind the scenes……"

"Heh, but looking at it this way, dear Captain Hirako, from his esteemed position as captain of the Fifth Division, to becoming my experimental subject, and then, as per my plan, being sent by me to the Living World to facilitate my observation, throughout this period he could never know who was behind the scenes pulling all this; thinking about it, Captain Hirako is really rather pitiful~"

After a brief contemplation, Aizen had already factored in every element of the Soul Society and prepared a splendid Hollowfication banquet~

First Division barracks.

After Araki returned to the First Division, he closed his eyes, nurtured his spirit, and prepared for the impending Hollowfication banquet……

Frankly, this still requires a bit of acting; even though Araki is a veteran actor, he fears that at the crucial moment he might slip up in front of Aizen.

If Araki accidentally slips up, he would then have to confront Aizen early, pointing his Soul‑Cutter Sword at Aizen to force him to continue following Aizen's plan……

In that case, to Araki it would be too dull—life is short, so of course one should seek enjoyment to the fullest~

"Sosuke! It's up to you now~"

Araki muttered to himself, placing high hopes on Aizen.

The next morning at eight o'clock……

All the captains and vice‑captains of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads hurried toward the First Division's captain's quarters; although many were still yawning, nobody dared to be absent……

Because, aside from the Twelfth Division's captain, Kirio Hikifune, who had been promoted to the Zero Division, the Thirteen Court Guard Squads are now at full strength!

Therefore, after Araki issued the order, virtually all the captains and vice‑captains of the Thirteen Squads responded to his call almost immediately.

Fifth Division captain's quarters.

"Captain Hirako, you're going to be late~"

Aizen pushed open the door to Captain Hirako Mako's quarters without permission; facing the music playing from the phonograph inside, he hummed a little tune while combing his long hair at the vanity, and spoke cheerfully to Fifth Division Captain Hirako Mako.

"All right, I got it~"

"Honestly, we still have plenty of time, why the rush?"

"After all, this isn't a competition, and we're not vying for first place!"

"Even if we really did get first place, there are no medals or prize money, right?!"

Hirako, upon hearing Aizen's words, put down his comb and strode out of the captain's quarters; as he passed by Aizen, he didn't even glance at him, his whole aura exuding nonchalant dominance.

"Heh……"

"Captain Hirako, what you say naturally makes sense."

In response, Aizen showed no irritation whatsoever; he merely glanced at Hirako's back, gave a faint smile, then followed closely behind him toward the First Division barracks.

Ten‑thousand‑word chapter!