Chapter 167

Just as Urahara Kisuke, Hirako Shinji, and Wo Ling Tie Zhai were carrying the unconscious crowd, who showed no sign of waking, and as Urahara used his Breakdown Jade to temporarily treat the captains' hollowfication, shortly after they used the Shihoin Family's World-Piercing Gate to leave the Soul Society for the Human World……

Not having retreated with the main force, Shihoin Yoruichi sought out Aramaki, who was resting inside the First Division's captain's quarters.

Pa——

Seeing Aramaki seemingly sensing something, he gently closed his notebook, then, facing the direction of the captain's quarters door, he said lightly: 'Since everyone's here, come in and sit down!'

Hehe, long time no see, Teacher Aramaki~

I haven't disturbed your and Madam Unohana's rest, have I?

As Aramaki's words fell, Shihoin Yoruichi, dressed in night attire, walked in with a smile, greeting Aramaki cheerfully.

Heh! So you still have this teacher and his madam in your eyes?

What you did last night was so huge that the whole Pure Spirit Court knows about it, and it even got the Central 46 directly involved in this matter……

Still complaining that I didn't disturb your and your madam's rest!?

Aramaki looked at Shihoin Yoruichi and spoke coldly.

Hahaha, that was just an accident~

Anyway, don't be angry, Teacher Aramaki~

Upon hearing Aramaki's words, Shihoin Yoruichi immediately gave a light smile, her eyes showing a hint of apology; in fact, Yoruichi felt deep down some guilt about last night's events, and she also knew that Urahara and the others' behavior was really immature~

Teacher Aramaki, please have some tea~

After drinking the tea, you're not allowed to be angry with me anymore~

Shihoin Yoruichi, feeling ashamed, glanced at Aramaki, then in an instant stepped before him, offered him a cup of tea, and continually cooed at him like a demon cat.

Sigh…… Aramaki looked at the cooing Shihoin Yoruichi, sighed helplessly, then asked: 'No need for the tea! Tell me, now that you've come to find your teacher, what exactly do you want me to help you with?'

Teacher Aramaki, Urahara Kisuke and Hirako Shinji have both been framed; someone deliberately set a trap targeting the two of them……

Upon hearing this, Yoruichi's expression turned serious; she first told Aramaki the truth she knew.

Who is the one who framed them?

Upon hearing this, Aramaki's face showed no expression; he looked at Yoruichi without a change in tone and asked. At this moment, Aramaki seemed truly unaware of everything that happened last night—indeed, his acting is truly superb~

Um, this… we're still looking for it……

Yoruichi, upon hearing Aramaki's question, froze on the spot.

Although Yoruichi really wanted to tell Aramaki who the person behind the scenes, who staged this whole show and pinned the blame on Hirako and Urahara, was, unfortunately, not only does she have no clue, but even Hirako and Urahara themselves have none.

Urahara Kisuke and Hirako Shinji, along with the captains who have undergone hollowfication—where are they now?! Let them come and tell me clearly what happened last night……

Upon hearing this, Aramaki showed no sign of surprise; with Aizen Sosuke's near-divine wisdom and his flawless manner of doing things, unless Aizen wanted others to know, those he schemed against would not only not realize they were being schemed against, but even when the truth finally came out, they would still be whitewashing for Aizen……

That's you, unwilling to reveal your name—the Three Worlds' number one meat shield, Hinamori Momo! A certain sound's famous commentator, five-star general MacArthur once said: 'If back then Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni had let Inoue Orihime restore his right hand, he would only need to hold in one hand the Soul Society's highest‑attack zanpakuto, Flowing Blade Like Fire, and in the other hand the Three Worlds' number one meat shield, Hinamori Momo, and a single person could have struck down Yhwach from his horse.'

That Teacher Aramaki, Urahara and Hirako probably won't be able to come~

Upon hearing Aramaki's words, Yoruichi immediately furrowed her brows, first lightly scratching the tips of her hair, then helplessly looked at Aramaki and spoke.

Let them not have to worry about the Central 46's warrant!

The Central 46 still dare not enter my First Division; they pursue the criminals they've warranted, but I merely want to ask them what exactly happened last night, and why it turned from an ordinary soul disappearance incident into such a terrible hollowfication incident……

Aramaki looked at Yoruichi and spoke lightly, dispelling her worries.

I certainly know that……

But Urahara and them are no longer in the Soul Society now; they probably already went through our Shihoin Family's World-Piercing Gate and fled to the Human World……

Yoruichi, upon hearing Aramaki's words, answered truthfully.

……

Upon hearing this, Aramaki's eyebrows twitched slightly, and his eyes became extremely sharp.

If they haven't done anything wrong, why would they flee?

Aramaki questioned Yoruichi.

In fact, Urahara suspects that the enemy is inside the Pure Spirit Court……

He suspects there is a traitor among our Guardian Thirteen Squads.

Yoruichi answered.

If there's a traitor, get rid of the traitor!

Let Urahara come back and tell us everything that happened last night……

I will summon all members of the Guardian Thirteen Squads, compare them according to the time Urahara Kisuke specified, arrest anyone who has no alibi for that time, interrogate them thoroughly, and confront Urahara Kisuke face to face……

Huang Mu spoke in a deep voice, his words vigorous and powerful, full of an attitude that could not be defied.

"This..."

After hearing Huang Mu's words, Ye Yi's expression seemed to carry a hint of hesitation.

"In fact, Pu Yuan suspects that the enemy has considerable power hidden deep within our Thirteen Court Guard Squads! Moreover, the enemy should have already prepared countermeasures against our investigation; he will not easily expose himself..."

After thinking for a moment, Ye Yi conveyed Pu Yuan's speculation to Huang Mu.

"They want him to come but dare not let him come; they want to clear his name but do not want to clear it."

"Even if Ye Yi is the teacher, without any reason, unilaterally pardoning Pu Yuan and the others' charges would also be difficult..."

Huang Mu looked at Ye Yi and spoke helplessly.

"Don't worry, Teacher Huang Mu~"

"Pu Yuan and the others say they don't need you to clear their names; on the contrary, they want you to follow the enemy's plan, for only then will we not startle the snake."

"At the same time, Pu Yuan hopes you will strictly control the Soul Society's World-Penetrating Gate, for according to his speculation, the enemy may have taken a liking to something on Pu Yuan Xizhu's person; that item has now been taken by Pu Yuan Xizhu from the Soul Society to the World of the Living, and the enemy will surely try to pursue it to the World of the Living to seize it..."

"Pu Yuan Xizhu and Pingzi Zhenzi have me tell you: regarding last night's incident, they want to say sorry to you; they will personally catch the guy who toyed with them, and themselves clear their names..."

Ye Yi looked at Huang Mu and then revealed Pu Yuan Xizhu and the others' plan.

"..."

Araki heard the words, his expression froze for a moment.

"Alright, I understand......"

After a moment, Araki still gave a slight nod, agreeing to Yoruichi and Urahara Kisuke's request.

"Teacher Araki, you're the best~"

Yoruichi also breathed a sigh of relief after hearing Araki's words. If Araki didn't intend to cooperate with Urahara Kisuke's plan and decided to have Urahara arrested and brought to justice, then no matter where Urahara Kisuke fled, it would be meaningless, even to the ends of the earth or the edge of the world, even if he fled to hell, Araki would have a way to drag Urahara Kisuke back……

"So Yoruichi, where are you headed next?"

"The Central 46 shouldn't have issued a warrant for you, right……"

Araki looked at Shihoin Yoruichi and continued to ask.

"Me? Of course I'm going to cause a big ruckus in the Central 46!"

"I can't handle those petty villains who shoot cold arrows from the shadows and dare not show their faces! And I can't deal with this bunch of drunkards and gluttons in the Central 46?!"

Shihoin Yoruichi spoke angrily.

"Anyway, let's first collect some interest from these people."

At this moment Yoruichi made a decision.

"I must remind you again: please take it easy, don't let things blow up."

Araki, after hearing Shihoin Yoruichi's words, spoke up to remind her.

"Okay, Teacher, I got it, Teacher~"

"Then goodbye, Teacher Araki; if I get the chance, I'll come back to see you……"

After saying that, Yoruichi, like a child who never grows up, turned into a black shadow, rushed out of the First Division's captain's quarters, and headed toward the Central 46.

"Honestly……"

Araki watched the departing Shihoin Yoruichi and sighed helplessly.

"So then……"

After Yoruichi left, Araki once again opened the notebook before him, began to write furiously, continuously recording the story of his fine disciple Aizen Sosuke~

As for the expression Araki showed while talking with Yoruichi just now, appearing clueless about everything, it was merely Araki employing his superb acting skills~

These meticulously written books by Araki could be called Aizen Sosuke's defensive blue book~

On the other side, after Yoruichi reported the specific situation to Araki, she immediately headed toward the Central 46.

"Who goes there?"

When the guards at the Central 46's entrance saw the masked Yoruichi, their faces changed instantly; they gripped their weapons, blocked their front, and loudly shouted at Yoruichi.

"I'm here to beat you up!"

Yoruichi said, using only three punches and two kicks, she knocked down all the guards before her, then proceeded deeper into the Central 46.

"Enemy attack! Enemy attack! Quickly inform the Thirteen Court Guard Squads to protect the palace……"

"Not good! The squad leader responsible for guarding the Central 46 today is still wanted by the Central 46; there's simply no one to lead the team……"

Under Yoruichi's surprise attack, the entire Central 46 had turned into a chaotic mess; everyone was shouting, panicking, trying to find a safe place to take shelter.

After the Central 46's guards were frightened into timidity by Yoruichi, she calmly walked into the Central 46's conference chamber and gazed upon the assembly of sages and judges who were in session.

"How dare you! The Central 46 is in session—how could you disturb it?!"

"Get out at once! You cowardly rats who dare not show your faces……"

At this moment the Central 46 was in utter chaos; whether sages or judges, they all looked on anxiously at the Yoruichi clad in night attire……

After all, the Central 46 being ambushed and then, before the Thirteen Court Guard Squads could arrive, having everyone on the premises slaughtered—this has happened before, hasn't it?!

The sages and judges present, each being a life‑loving sort, were naturally frightened into timidity by Yoruichi and could only try to intimidate her with threats.

"I'm not some cowardly rat who hides; I am Shihoin Yoruichi! I am the captain of the Second Division, Shihoin Yoruichi. I heard that because I was absent from my post yesterday, you all passed a sentence on me? I don't know if that's really the case."

Yoruichi said, pulling off her head covering to reveal her breathtaking face and purple long hair, then questioned the judges and sages present.

"You're actually Shihoin Yoruichi?!"

"What business do you have with the Central 46?"

Seeing that the visitor was actually Shihoin Yoruichi, the sages and judges present were no longer so panicked; they looked at Yoruichi and inquired.

"I've come here this time intending to tell you……"

"Your judgment of me is completely wrong~"

"I didn't just abandon the Second Division for no reason yesterday; I went to handle an extremely important matter, so I object to your verdict!"

Yoruichi placed her hands on her hips, struck a queenly pose, and protested to the assembled sages.

"Oh! So Lady Yoruichi had urgent business last night~"

"Then I think we should do it this way, Central 4—what do you think?"

After hearing Yoruichi's words, a judge pondered briefly, then looked at the Yoruichi before him and asked aloud.

"That's about right~"

Yoruichi gave a light smile upon hearing the judge's words.

"Then, Miss Yoruichi, you have nothing else to attend to, right?"

The judge, after hearing Yoruichi's words, slowly exhaled in relief, then continued to question Yoruichi.

"For now, nothing's wrong……"

Yoruichi lightly nodded, appearing as if she had nothing else to do.

"Speaking of Lady Yoruichi, could you please tell us where you went last night? Were you perhaps carrying out a covert mission assigned by Commander‑General Araki? Of course, if the mission is too secret, you needn't say more—we understand."

At that moment, a judge instinctively asked the Yoruichi before him.

"Haha, it's not really a secret mission~"

"I merely rescued Urahara Kisuke and company from the clutches of Junior Brother Yue Mu yesterday; there's no need to mention such a thing to you—it's utterly insignificant, completely insignificant……"

After hearing the judge's words, Yoruichi gave a light smile.

Haha, so you left the 2nd Division yesterday in order to rescue Captain Urahara Kisuke and the others from Zaraki Kenpachi's hands! That really isn't some important secret mission...

The judge immediately echoed Yoruichi's words, after all Yoruichi is the head of the Shihoin family, her status is here, so agreeing with her is nothing at all.

But the judge had only agreed halfway when he suddenly felt something was off, and he promptly shut his mouth~

You say, what did you do yesterday?

The judge, unwilling to give up, stared at Yoruichi and asked.

Of course I went to rescue Urahara and the others~

Yoruichi answered sincerely.

Were you threatened by the villain Urahara Kisuke?

One of the sages seemed to have guessed something and asked Yoruichi.

Of course not, Urahara is my little brother; what could a mere underling possibly use to threaten me, the big sis?!

Yoruichi replied full of confidence.

Head Yoruichi, do you even know what you're saying?

At this moment, the sages and judges of the Central 46 Chambers were all stunned; they never imagined Yoruichi would have participated in last night's Hollowfication incident involving Urahara Kisuke and the others, and then openly admitted it.

I certainly know...

I came to you this time to tell you that the punishment you've given me is completely wrong; just a mere Urahara gets exile from you, yet here I should be publicly executed? How can you brush it off with a mere apology? I won't accept it, I absolutely won't!

Yoruichi looked at the sages and judges before her with a teasing gaze and chuckled softly.

Shihoin Yoruichi publicly mocked the entire body of sages and judges of the Central 46 Chambers; she is sentenced to thirty years of confinement. May Head Yoruichi, during this confinement, reflect well on what she should and shouldn't say...

Right after Yoruichi finished speaking, a judge, angered by her arrogant attitude, flared up in extreme rage, pronounced the sentence of thirty years' confinement for Yoruichi; frankly, this is the harshest penalty ever given to a head of the Five Great Noble Families since the establishment of the Central 46 Chambers.

No need~

After hearing those judges' words, Yoruichi merely gave a light smile.

Shihoin Yoruichi, don't think that because you're the head of the Shihoin family we of the Central 46 Chambers really dare not do anything to you...

At this moment, those sages and judges truly could not tolerate Yoruichi's actions; they glared at her and kept shouting.

Really? Looks like you're angry~

Then I must apologize to you, but I really don't know what you can do to me; why not show me?

Upon hearing the sages' and judges' words, Yoruichi almost burst out laughing; with these idiots daring to say they'll do something to her, it's nothing short of an insult to her strength...

You, you, you...

The judge who had spoken earlier, upon discovering that Shihoin Yoruichi was immovable, became so angry he kept shouting 'you' at her, then kept backing away and plopped down onto the chair behind him.

I not only want to see what you can do to me, the one who rescued Urahara and the others, but I also want to see what punishment I'd receive for beating the sages and judges of the Central 46 Chambers; this is truly intriguing~

While saying that, Yoruichi began to move her ankles and wrists.

You! What are you going to do?

At that moment, everyone in the Central 46 Chambers panicked.

I'm going to beat you all~

Yoruichi said, swinging her palm, and swooped toward the faces of those Central 46 Chambers folks.

Slap~

With Yoruichi's exertion, the sages and judges of the Central 46 Chambers were instantly, one after another, slapped skyward by her big palm.

Damn...

Those sages and judges watched the thunderous Yoruichi, tears continually slipping from their eyes; no one knew just how much damage a 'big ass beating' would inflict on this group of sages, who could imagine that these individuals, who normally stand at the pinnacle of power in Soul Society, the sages and judges of the Central 46 Chambers, would be beaten like this!

Ten minutes later...

Hah~

Feeling good~

Yoruichi took out a handkerchief, lightly wiped her slender palm, then slowly exhaled; after violently beating those fools used by the enemy, she suddenly felt much better inside.

So now I can openly judge Soul Society.

Yoruichi said, striding out of the Central 46 Chambers' main gate, heading toward her Shihoin family's estate; she will use the Shihoin family's world‑passing gate to leave Soul Society for the World of the Living and meet up with Urahara Kisuke and the others.

Indeed, the very next day after Shihoin Yoruichi escaped from Soul Society, the Central 46 Chambers issued a bulletin, elevating her from a peripheral figure in the Hollowfication case to the mastermind; moreover, to retaliate against Yoruichi, the sages of the Central 46 Chambers even reduced the charges against Urahara and Platt, classifying them as accomplices.

Damn Shihoin Yoruichi!

We'll remember today's events, but you must never let us of the Central 46 Chambers see you again in Soul Society, you bastard!

All members of the Central 46 Chambers flocked to the Central Treatment Institute, lying in the spacious luxury beds reserved for nobles, their cheeks wrapped in white bandages, and they roared at the institute's ceiling.

Inside the barracks of the 5th Division.

Ah~

My senior sister really makes people anxious~

When she does things, she really doesn't consider anything at all~

But this does let me verify something; it seems Urahara Kisuke and the others have already gone to the World of the Living just as I planned~

So dear Captain Urahara Kisuke and Captain Platt, take those shrimp soldiers and crab generals I used as experimental subjects and bear witness to my path to godhood~

Although Aizen Sosuke at this moment is confined in the 5th Division's detention cell, he remains well informed about outside affairs...

Never mind the person who daily brings him timely intel; they say that in the whole 5th Division, no one can keep an eye on him—although nominally he's in detention, in reality he can go wherever he wants...

Time flies...

In the blink of an eye, five years passed just like that.

Today is the day Aizen Sosuke's confinement is lifted.

However, when the Central 46 Chambers sent someone to the 5th Division to announce that Aizen's confinement could now end, Aizen Sosuke had already left the division's barracks.

Where is Vice Captain Lanran?

The guards of the Forty-Six Rooms asked the members of the Fifth Division.

Vice Captain Lanran? He left early this morning, but we're not exactly sure what he went to do...

Upon hearing this, the Fifth Division members who had been questioned by the Forty-Six Rooms' envoys all shook their heads—how could they dare ask about Lanran's whereabouts?!

You see, the Fifth Division has been without a captain ever since Pingzi Zhenzi defected from the Thirteen Court Guard Squads...

Currently, Lanran is the highest commander of the Fifth Division, and besides, he's very popular there, so everyone regards him as the actual captain~

Naturally, no one dares to ask about Lanran's whereabouts; upon seeing him, everyone's attitude is respectful and courteous~

That's strange...

In any case, Vice Captain Lanran's confinement can be lifted.

As for his going out a day early, we'll just pretend it didn't happen; when Vice Captain Lanran returns, just let him know.

Those envoys from the Forty-Six Rooms didn't make things difficult for Lanran, after all he's known for being obedient, he left a very good impression there, and indeed the Forty-Six Rooms even proposed to Huangmu that Lanran should directly serve as Division Head of the Fifth Division. But Huangmu refused, saying the rules of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads cannot be changed.

As for Lanran's current whereabouts...

"Shimu Maozhu, Shixiong Jingle, Shixiong Fuzhu, Shixiong Gengmu, plus Captain Shibo and Captain Suifeng, please handle my application for Division Head for me..."

In the tavern, Lanran smiled at the captains he had invited and said,

No problem~

Maozhu heard Lanran's words and smiled kindly.

In Maozhu Lie's eyes, Huangmu's disciples are like her children; she naturally agrees to their requests~

Just a small matter~

Fuzhu also smiled and nodded.

"Do I really need to be invited for something like this?"

"Couldn't you just tell me directly?"

Jianba stuffed a big mouthful of grilled meat into his own mouth, speaking carelessly.

Just a trifle~

As for Shibo Yixin, he has already started drinking on his own, a faint blush appearing on his cheeks—clearly he's not good with alcohol, just a lightweight with a big craving~

"Junior Lanran, with your strength, you don't need to go through our recommendation to become captain of the Fifth Division; why not just take the assessment directly?"

Only Jingle, after hearing Lanran's request, gently swirled the little wine in his cup and probed Lanran with a question.

"You know this too, Senior Brother Jingle..."

"Over these years, Teacher Huangmu has been troubled because Senior Sister Ye yi attacked the Central Forty-Six Rooms and defected from Soul Society; I don't want to bother Teacher Huangmu to make a trip from the First Division just for me—he's already working too hard."

Lanran furrowed his brows, his eyes showing some concern for Huangmu's health, and he spoke softly to the captains present.

"Sigh..."

Lanran's words instantly resonated with everyone present.

After all, all the captains present have a deep relationship with Huangmu...

"Of course, Shimu Maozhu is also working just as hard."

Shortly after, Lanran seemed to think of something else and added a sentence.

"Nothing compared to Teacher Huangmu's hard work."

Maozhu heard Lanran's words and gently shook her head.

Lately, Maozhu keeps seeing Huangmu furiously writing, and she feels heartbroken~

"So please help me out..."

"At the same time, I feel it's time for me to step up and do what I can to ease Teacher Huangmu's burden! At least the vacant Division Head position of the Fifth Division should be filled by me, so that outsiders won't keep saying that among Huangmu's disciples, only I, Lanran Zongyoujie, am the most idle."

Lanran gave a bitter laugh again as he said that.

"I understand~"

Jingle gave Lanran a deep look, then lightly nodded.

"Zongyoujie, just having the numbers isn't enough? Besides, you also need approval from three more captains—do you have that in mind?"

At that moment, Suifeng, who had taken over Ye yi's position after her defection from Soul Society and become captain of the Second Division, seemed to think of something and asked Lanran.

"Yeah! I've already secured the approval of Acting Captain Shanmu Zongyilang of the Seventh Division, newly appointed Captain Dongxian Yao of the Ninth Division, and Captain Kuchiki Yinling of the Sixth Division~"

Upon hearing Suifeng's words, Lanran replied calmly.

Yes, after the Seventh Division's captain Aichuan Luowu and the Ninth Division's captain Liuju Quanxi both left, the Seventh Division once again fell into Shanmu's hands; this left Shanmu, who had just returned to the First Division not long ago, feeling like crying but unable to shed tears. As for the Ninth Division, last month, after Dongxian Yao successfully passed the Division Head assessment, he became captain.

"Is that so? Then that's good..."

Suifeng heard that and slightly relaxed, she truly worried that Ye yi's junior disciple would not be able to become captain of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads as desired.

"Oh~ Junior Lanran really has good rapport~"

"By the way, Junior Lanran, how did you become friends with Captain Dongxian?"

Jingle looked at Lanran with great curiosity and asked.

"Dongxian and I are both trying to clear our captains' names of injustice!"

Upon hearing that, Lanran's expression suddenly grew heavy.

"Speaking of which, Junior Lanran, you've been imprisoned for so many years—have you not given up on clearing Captain Pingzi's name?"

Jingle looked at Lanran curiously and asked.

"I may not know Captain Urahara well, but I know Captain Pingzi very well—he's not that kind of person, and he's always been with me; how could he have had the time to..."

Lanran said this, and his emotions seemed to become somewhat agitated.

"Jingle!"

This made Maozhu Lie, the elder of everyone, look somewhat displeased.

Haha, my mistake! I shouldn't have brought this up on such a joyous day; I won't say more—I'll first punish myself with a cup……

Jing Le said, picking up the cup on the table, and poured three full cups continuously into his mouth. As Jing Le moved, everyone present laughed again.

Let's raise a cup here! And congratulate in advance Lanran junior on becoming captain of the Fifth Squad! Haha, you see I still haven't changed my habit; now I should call Lanran junior Lanran captain, right~

Immediately after, Jing Le Chunshui raised his cup again and laughed, saying.

"You're too polite! No matter how Aizen changes, in my heart you will always be my dear senior! So there's no need to be so polite with me, am I right? Chunshui~"

After hearing Jing Le's words, Lanran's mouth corner slightly rose; he no longer called Jing Le senior brother or captain, but directly addressed him by name as an equal.

Hahaha……

With Lanran's teasing, the whole tavern filled with a cheerful atmosphere.

However, while Lanran and company were merry in the tavern, the other people there dared not even breathe, for who could imagine that merely coming out for a drink and a meal would let them encounter the captains of the Thirteen Squads, and six of them at that!

"Why are the captains of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads coming to our little place to drink? Now leaving isn't an option, staying isn't either—truly extremely embarrassing……"

Many of the squad members sat properly on the tatami, heads lowered, not daring to glance at Jing Le and the others even a little, and silently thought in their hearts.

At the same time, inside the First Squad's headquarters, Aramaki wrote in his notebook: "Lanran Zongyoujie entertains friends, gathering together in the tavern! Not inviting his teacher—simply outright rebellion!"

And today Aramaki's note counts as the heaviest charge when he later judges Lanran's guilt, forcing Lanran to cover all of Aramaki's future food and drink expenses.

Another three months passed……

After Lanran Zongyoujie obtained the recommendations of his teacher-mother Maozhihua Lie, senior brother Jing Le, Fuzhu and six other captains, as well as the approval of Xiumu, Dongxian and Shanmu, three captains……

Lanran Zongyoujie finally got his wish, becoming captain of the Fifth Squad through one of the three ways to become a captain in the Thirteen Court Guard Squads.

Upon becoming captain of the Fifth Squad, Lanran Zongyoujie immediately promoted Shiwan Yin, who could already perform shikai proficiently and had spiritual pressure around level five, to vice-captain……

Thus, in the grand Fifth Squad, not a single squad member dared to question Lanran Zongyoujie's proposals; this is Lanran Zongyoujie's great deterrent power within the Fifth Squad.

In the Fifth Squad's headquarters.

Lanran Zongyoujie and Shiwan Yin were reviewing documents, working nonstop.

"Captain Lanran Zongyoujie, may I ask why you chose this way to become captain of the Fifth Squad? With your strength, wouldn't it be better to just take the headquarters examination?"

Suddenly, Shiwan Yin glanced at Lanran Zongyoujie, smiling narrowly, and asked.

"Yeah? Why is that?"

"Probably because I'm afraid and feeling guilty~"

Lanran Zongyoujie gave a faint smile.

"Do you also have someone you fear?"

Shiwan Yin slightly opened his eyes, his gaze sharp like a dagger.

"Of course, Shiwan Yin! Everyone has something they fear; even I am no exception, and what I fear is General Commander Aramaki……"

"If I had to point out a weakness, it would probably be General Commander Aramaki; he's a man I can't see through, everything about him is unfathomable~"

Lanran Zongyoujie said, showing a hint of fear.

"Do you know? Shiwan Yin!"

"My mirror-flower water moon has never been used before General Commander Aramaki, neither in shikai nor bankai, never revealed……"

"Because I clearly know that once I use this mirror-flower water moon before General Commander Aramaki, from now on my blade will have no effect on him whatsoever."

"General Commander Aramaki, no! More accurately, he should be my teacher Gangmu Jianba, the strongest being I have ever seen in history, without equal……"

Everything Lanran Zongyoujie said at this moment came from his heart; even Shiwan Yin didn't notice anything off.

"General Commander Aramaki?!"

Shiwan Yin lightly licked his lips.

At this moment, Shiwan Yin seemed to have thought of an excellent revenge plan~

Perhaps Shiwan Yin doesn't need to directly confront Lanran Zongyoujie; perhaps he can also learn Lanran Zongyoujie's methods and kill with a borrowed knife~

"Shiwan Yin, you suddenly asked me this—what are you planning to do?"

Just as Shiwan Yin was thinking, Lanran Zongyoujie suddenly thought of something interesting, and looked at the young Shiwan Yin with a smile.

"Um……"

In an instant, Shiwan Yin was frightened and stepped back several steps, instinctively drawing his zanpakuto from his waist; his sharp gaze locked onto Lanran Zongyoujie, as if ready to fight to the death at any moment.

"Shiwan Yin, don't be so on guard~"

"You know, in this world only I won't harm you……"

"As for Teacher Gangmu Jianba's strength, go see it for yourself~"

Lanran Zongyoujie looked at the nervous Shiwan Yin, wearing a faint smile, and spoke.

"What do you mean?"

Shiwan Yin still didn't understand Lanran Zongyoujie's meaning.

"What I mean is, let you go to the First Squad, become a disciple of General Commander Aramaki, and truly experience his strength……"

Lanran Zongyoujie stepped up to Shiwan Yin, gently patted his head, and smiled.

"This……"

Shiwan Yin was already dumbfounded; if it were him, he would surely hide his weakness carefully and then forbid anyone from touching it……

But Lanran Zongyoujie did the opposite, making Shiwan Yin doubt whether Lanran Zongyoujie truly feared General Commander Aramaki, whether General Commander Aramaki really was his weakness as he said.

"Captain Lanran Zongyoujie, you really are unfathomable~"

Shiwan Yin finally let out a faint sigh, admitting he simply couldn't understand Lanran Zongyoujie's thoughts.

However, Shiwan Yin didn't give up; he always knew the gap between himself and Lanran Zongyoujie, and from the first day he saw Lanran Zongyoujie, he never thought he could defeat Lanran Zongyoujie using anything other than his zanpakuto.

"Then let me check for myself~ Captain Lanran Zongyoujie's true weakness……"

Shiwan Yin smiled again, deciding to seek the answers he wanted himself.

Ten-thousand-word grand chapter~