Chapter 195: and then the title translation, then ===GLOSSARY=== with list of named entities

Corpse Soul World - Soul Society

Pure Spirit Court - Pure Spirit Court

Three hours after Lan Ran, Dong Xian, and Shi Maru Yin jointly launched a rebellion with the Hollows.

The entire Pure Spirit Court sprang into action, with all members of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, from top to bottom, entering a state of first-level alert……

You should know, even when the Visored Forces joined Hei Qi Yi Hu in invading Soul Society, the Thirteen Court Guard Squads had never been this solemn; they only dispatched one-third of their members to strengthen patrols within the Pure Spirit Court——that's all……

According to records, the Thirteen Court Guard Squads' last full-scale first-level alert occurred a thousand years ago, during the reign of Shan Ben Yuan Liu Zhai Chong Guo, when the Quincy Wang You Ba Ba He led the entire Light Empire in an invasion of Soul Society~

This shows how seriously Huang Mu took Aizen's rebellion. At the very least, Huang Mu gave the members of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads an impression that he regarded it as very important……

Spiritual Arts Institute - Spiritual Arts Institute

"Captains and vice-captains, how come they were all called to a meeting?"

"Not to mention the active captains and vice-captains, I just saw that member of the Xiu Mu family who had already retired from our Thirteen Court Guard Squads, the former head, running off toward the First Division to attend a meeting~"

"Speaking of which, what on earth were those few golden lights in the sky just now?"

"I don't know! But that slash that seemed to tear the heavens apart was indeed delivered by Captain-Commander Huang Mu, right?! That terrifying spiritual pressure radiating outward—I feel that if the Captain-Commander just stood there, his spiritual pressure alone could crush me……"

"So who exactly is our enemy? Besides those invaders who attacked Soul Society this morning, could there be others taking advantage of the chaos to invade Soul Society?"

"You haven't heard of it? But obviously, relying solely on those few humans from the World of the Living would never put the Thirteen Court Guard Squads on first-level alert! The current Pure Spirit Court must be facing some huge crisis unknown to us! However, the specifics—it seems we'll have to wait until the captains finish their meeting before we can ask……"

After Huang Mu summoned all the captains and vice-captains of each division, along with the retired vice-captain-level Shinigami, to the First Division's captain's quarters for a meeting, even the most ordinary soldiers of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads sensed something unusual~

These soldiers gathered in small groups, constantly speculating about the crisis currently facing the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. Some of the clearer-headed soldiers actually inferred, based on the clues they had observed, some guesses that were relatively close to the truth of this crisis.

"Don't stand there chatting! Step up the patrols……"

After the captains and vice-captains were all summoned away by Huang Mu, those high-ranking officers holding third, fourth, and even fifth seats took over as commanders of each division, issuing orders to these ordinary soldiers.

Of course, this does not include the Eleventh Division. Because when Huang Mu mentioned the Eleventh Division, he explicitly demanded that the Eleventh Division's captain, Geng Mu Ba, not only summon his vice-captain, Huang Mu Ba Qian Liu, but also bring along the third seat, Ban Mu Yi Jiao, and the fifth seat, Ling Chuan Chuan Gong Qin, to the meeting……

After all, although these two are merely the third and fifth seats of the Eleventh Division, their strength surpasses that of some Visored Forces members, barely qualifying them as ordinary captain-level Shinigami. Even after Huang Mu's reforms to the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, their abilities still fall short of a captain's rank~

Lanran - Aizen

Outside the First Division's barracks, all the captain-level Shinigami summoned by Huang Mu, dressed in white haori, gathered here; amidst the vast sea of white haori, those who had never been captains instead became the outliers.

At the same time, only after these captains had gathered en masse did the people present realize with a start that, unbeknownst to them, the Thirteen Court Guard Squads had actually accumulated so many captain-level Shinigami~

"Captain, captain! What's going on?"

Heiqi Yigu - Ichigo Kurosaki

Shanben Yuanliuzhai Chongguo - Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto

Wang You Habahè - Wang You Habahè

The Second Division's vice-captain, known as the former god, Da Qian Tian Xi Qian Dai, stood timidly behind Sui Feng, constantly biting his nails, asking anxiously. From his timid expression, the cold sweat on his forehead, and his trembling body, one could see his inner tension and fear.

"Ah, hasn't Shao Ling explained to you why we're here?"

"This isn't an ordinary captains' meeting; it's a gathering of all captain and vice-captain level Shinigami of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads! In other words, those legends you usually only see in the Spiritual Arts Academy textbooks will also be present……"

Sui Feng (Feng Xi Qian) turned her head upon hearing this and glanced at Feng Shao Ling, the other vice-captain of the Second Division. Yes, the Second Division has two vice-captains: one is Feng Shao Ling, whom Sui Feng is grooming as her successor; the other is the current head of the Bei Pure Spirit Court's wealthiest family, the Qian Tian family, who provides substantial funds to the Second Division and the Covert Ops—our former god, Da Qian Tian Xi Qian Dai~

By the way, after Si Fengting Yiyi defected from Soul Society a hundred years ago, the Second Division broke free from the Si Fengting family's control; thereafter, all funds for the Second Division and the Covert Ops have been supplied by the Qian Tian family—put another way, the Qian Tian family are the so-called sugar daddy~

Gengmu Jianba - Kenpachi Zaraki

Upon hearing this, Qian Dai scratched his own radish head, his expression showing a hint of hesitation; he wasn't sure whether Shao Ling had actually told him.

"I certainly did tell him, but this guy Qian Dai had his mind stuffed with fried pancakes back then and simply wasn't listening to me~"

Lingchuan Gongqin - Lingchuan Gongqin

Sifeng Yuan Ye Yi - Yoruichi Shihoin

Qian Dai immediately hesitated, trying to recall, and it seemed that this was indeed the case~

After all, he's basically inseparable from snacks like pancakes, senbei, and cookies; unless he's today running to the First Division to attend a captains' meeting, these tasty treats never leave his hands~

Ye Yi - Yoruichi

Daqian Tian - Ōmaeda

At the same time, Feng Shao Ling gave Qian Dai a harsh look.

Xizhi Jin - Marechiyo

Under Feng Shao Ling's glare, Qian Dai immediately began to tremble; knowing her temper, if he dared to utter a single word today, he would hardly see tomorrow's sun~

Daqian Tian Family - Ōmaeda Family

After seeing Qian Dai shrink back, Feng Shao Ling finally let out a sigh of relief, then extended a slender finger to press against her fair chin, murmuring to herself: "Come to think of it, did I really tell Qian Dai about this? This afternoon, while I was on my way to inform him, I happened to overhear a passerby say that Si Fengting Yiyi's supposed crime of betraying Soul Society a hundred years ago was entirely a false accusation, so I got overly emotional and might have forgotten to mention it——oh well, it doesn't matter anyway~"

Xiumu Family - Kuchiki Family

"Feng Shao Ling and Xi Qian Dai, you two are really useless!"

Just as the matter between Shao Ling and Qian Dai seemed to be wrapping up, a discordant voice suddenly sounded behind them.

"Huh?! Who did you say is useless? If you've got the guts, say it again..."

Feng Shao Ling and Xi Qian Dai heard this, their faces displeased as they turned to look. Xi Qian Dai started cursing even more—though he wasn't strong in fights, his scolding was unmatched under heaven! But when the two clearly saw the person behind them, their expressions instantly froze.

There stood a man as stout as Qian Dai, from head to toe covered in various glittering gold ornaments, his every gesture exuding the aura of a nouveau riche, and he walked straight up to Shao Ling and Qian Dai.

"Father, Father! Why have you also come?"

Xi Qian Dai, who had been speaking mid-sentence, saw his face shift from angry flush to a grim bluish-black, and he instinctively bowed his waist, respectfully bowing and greeting the person behind him.

"Senior Xi Zhi Jin!"

Shao Ling also greeted him respectfully.

"Shao Ling, as vice-captain, you must ensure that every order from your captain is accurately conveyed to all who need to receive it! No matter the reason, if your subordinates fail to remember the message you passed on, it is your failure! Because you did not complete the task your captain assigned you..."

The person was none other than Da Qian Tian Xi Zhi Jin, who, during Si Feng Ying Ye Yi's time, served as vice-captain of the Second Division alongside Crushing Bee (Radiant Bee), and although he resembled the former captain closely, his talent and ability far surpassed his.

"Yes, sorry!"

Upon hearing this, Feng Shao Ling immediately looked at Da Qian Tian Xi Zhi Jin and apologized.

"You don't need to apologize to me; you should apologize to your team members! It was your irresponsibility that prevented your team from learning the meeting's information at once!"

Xi Zhi Jin continued his criticism, addressing Feng Shaoyan.

"Da Qian Tian Xi Qian Dai, regarding my failure to let you learn the meeting's information at once, I am sorry! I now sincerely apologize to you!"

After Xi Zhi Jin gave Feng Shaoyan a lecture, she took a sudden deep breath, then turned around and bowed to Da Qian Tian, apologizing.

"Eh? You apologizing to me? Am I worthy? I…"

Xi Qian Dai still had some self‑awareness; he wouldn't dare let Feng Shaoyan bow to him, so he immediately bent over and bowed to her as well.

"Next is you, Xi Qian Dai…"

Immediately after, Xi Zhi Jin turned his head toward Xi Qian Dai.

"Father, you said…"

Hearing that, Xi Qian Dai looked at Xi Zhi Jin with puzzlement.

"Pa~pa~pa~pa…"

Xi Zhi Jin, for his son, gave no idle words; he leapt forward and delivered several heavy blows, and while striking, muttered: "You worthless brat, how could I have given birth to such a good‑for‑nothing thing! All you do all day is eat! Eat, eat, eat! Why don't you eat yourself to death?! Useless thing…"

"Wu~wu~wu…"

"I want to go home and tell my mother, you hit me!"

Xi Qian Dai covered his face, wailing in pain.

"Useless!"

Xi Zhi Jin looked at his incompetent son and sighed helplessly.

"Xi Qian, you've toiled these years; I really shouldn't have stepped down from the deputy‑captain post so early—had I known, I would have helped you for a hundred years…"

After finishing all this, Xi Zhi Jin bowed slightly toward Sui Feng, speaking with a hint of respect. He put himself in their shoes; if he were leading so many incompetent brats, he would have been driven to death in the team‑leader's room long ago.

"It's fine, I'm used to it."

Sui Feng heard that and replied calmly.

"Speaking of it, Captain Ye Yi and Pu Yuan San Xi, the case of the rebellion from the Soul Society a hundred years ago seems to have been overturned, right? The mastermind behind it was Captain Lan Ran—unbelievable…"

Xi Zhi Jin thought of something and continued, addressing Sui Feng.

Indeed, Pu Yuan, over a hundred years ago, before moving from the Second Squad to become captain of the Twelfth Squad, had always been a Third Seat and had never served as deputy captain.

Of course it's not that Pu Yuan's ability was insufficient, but rather that Pu Yuan Xizhu's background and credentials were lacking; the Second Squad, being integrated with covert operations, is rather special, and with Pu Yuan Xizhu's qualifications he could not command the squad as deputy captain.

"Indeed, it's unexpected."

Sui Feng lightly nodded.

No one could have imagined that Lan Ran Zong Yusuke, who always wore a spring‑like smile, warm as the sun, gentle to everyone, was actually hiding so many secrets and had been orchestrating a centuries‑long drama behind the scenes!

"Ka~"

Just as Sui Feng and Xi Zhi Jin were chatting, the gate of the First Squad's barracks suddenly opened, and several First Squad members stepped out, addressing the assembled Captains of the Gotei 13: "Everyone! The Captain‑General has ordered you to go in…"

"Let's go! The meeting's starting~"

Sui Feng heard that and gave a slight nod to Xi Zhi Jin behind him.

He then stepped forward and entered the First Squad's barracks.

"Alas, a leaky roof in the middle of a night rain~"

Xi Zhi Jin sighed and followed closely behind Sui Feng.

After that, only Feng Shaoyan and Xi Qian Dai remained.

The group kept their heads down, silent all the way, and arrived at the door of the First Squad's leader's room. After several hours of emergency repairs, the roof of the leader's room, which Araki had sliced open with a single slash, had been fully repaired, leaving no trace.

"Current Gotei 13 captains and vice‑captains, as well as all senior staff of the training halls, please enter."

When the captains arrived at the First Squad leader's room door, they did not rush in but waited for something…

Sure enough, about half a minute later, a voice sounded slowly, prompting the current Gotei 13 leaders to enter first.

When the active Gotei 13 captains entered the First Squad leader's room, they were immediately startled by the solemn atmosphere inside…

Araki and Yuan Liu Zai, the two former captains, stood quietly before the assembled leaders, their eyes sharp as they stared at the captains entering one by one.

Because Yuan Liu Zai was quite old, Araki thoughtfully placed a chair for him, but Yuan Liu Zai did not use it; he stubbornly remained standing beside Araki, quietly watching the newcomers.

"Captains and vice‑captains, after entering the leader's room, please position yourselves on my left and right according to your squad's odd or even number! Staff officers stand behind your respective leaders…"

After all the leaders had entered the First Squad leader's room, Araki calmly ordered the assembled crowd.

"Hey hey hey! Master Yuan Liu Zai…"

"Looks like today's meeting will be very serious."

Seeing this, even with his experience, Kyo Gaku broke out in a cold sweat.

"Say fewer sarcastic remarks~"

Mao Zhihua glanced at Kyo Gaku and said coldly.

Although Kyo Gaku, because of his personality, had always been favored by Mao Zhihua and Araki, he was still reprimanded in this setting.

"Got it, understood~"

Kyo Gaku's forehead sweated, and he gave Mao Zhihua a slight nod.

After speaking, Kyo Gaku immediately stood to Araki's right, that is, in the line of the even‑numbered squad captains. Behind Kyo Gaku stood Ise Nanao, the current vice‑captain of the Eighth Squad. At this moment, Nanao seemed to sense Kyo Gaku's tension; she was infected by his emotion and began to feel nervous herself.

But after a few minutes, the active Gotei 13 captains and vice‑captains, as well as senior staff whose power matches that of captain‑rank Shinigami, were already positioned inside the First Squad leader's room.

The current Gotei 13 members attending the meeting were, respectively…

Araki, captain of the First Squad and Captain‑General of the Gotei 13, one person.

Sui Feng, captain of the Second Squad; deputy captain Feng Shaoyan; and the legendary Former God Da Qian Tian Xi Qian Dai, three in total.

The Third Squad, after its leader Ichimaru Gin defected, now has only deputy captain Kira Izu alone.

The Fourth Squad's leader Mao Zhihua Lie, and vice‑captain Hu Che Yongyin, two people.

"Fifth Division", because its captain Aizen betrayed, only the vice‑captain 'Peach God' Hinamori Momo remains; at this moment Hinamori Momo seems to be thinking about something, and ever since she entered the captain's office of the "First Division" she has kept her head down, silent.

Sixth Division, captain Byakuya Kuchiki, vice‑captain Renji Abarai — two total.

Seventh Division, captain Sajin Komamura, vice‑captain Tetsuzaemon Iba — two total.

Eighth Division, captain Shunsui Kyōraku, vice‑captain Nanao Ise — two total.

Ninth Division, captain Tōsen has defected, leaving only vice‑captain Shuhei Hisagi — one person.

Tenth Division, captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya, vice‑captain Rangiku Matsumoto — two total.

Eleventh Division, captain Kenpachi Zaraki, vice‑captain Yachiru Kusajishi, third seat Ikkaku Madarame, fifth seat Yumichika Ayasegawa — four total.

Twelfth Division, captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi, vice‑captain Nemu Kurotsuchi, third seat Kon, fourth seat a human weapon transformed by Mayuri possessing all Bount abilities, a super‑artificial Bount‑hunting god — four total.

Thirteenth Division, captain Jūshirō Ukitake, vice‑captain Kaien Shiba, third seat Miyako Shiba — three total.

After Aizen, Tōsen, and Gin Ichimaru betrayed the Soul Society, among the active Guardian Thirteen Squads, the remaining captain‑ and vice‑captain‑level Shinigami total twenty‑eight.

Except for the two gods "Pre-God" and "Peach God", and aside from the severely lopsided, weak‑in‑combat but undoubtedly captain‑level Kotetsu Isane, all current captains and vice‑captains of the Guardian Thirteen Squads have spiritual pressure of at least the third level and have mastered Bankai.

According to the captain‑examination rules of the era of Genryūsai, every vice‑captain can now directly take over the captain's duties if the captain goes missing.

Because the potential—or rather the unknown combat strength—of the two gods "Pre-God" and "Peach God" cannot be measured even by Aramaki, in some situations Aramaki considers them more useful than a certain captain‑level gatekeeper, Liuju Quanxi.

After all, in his previous life the famous TikTok commentator McArthur said: "The ingenuity of "Pre-God" and the stamina of "Peach God" — that is something even the omniscient, omnipotent Soul King cannot predict!"

Furthermore, standing beside Aramaki and in the corner of the captain's office are the former Captain‑General Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, the former vice‑captain of the First Division Quebu Zhang Erlang, the former third seat Chongya Yuan Zhilang, making a total of thirty‑one captain‑level fighters inside the First Division's captain's office.

"Former captains and vice‑captains of the Guardian Thirteen Squads, fall in! Stand beside the current captains…"

After the current captains had taken their places in the captain's office, Aramaki continued.

"It's time for us to go in."

As soon as Aramaki's words fell, Yoruichi Shihoin, Daqian Tian Xiqian Dai, Xiumu Yinling, Xiumu Changchun, Shiba Zehong, and others immediately entered.

Because most former captains of the other divisions died in battle, most of those still present in the Guardian Thirteen Squads are members of the Five Great Noble Houses.

All members of the Five Great Noble Houses have been conscripted by Aramaki as laborers, including the former head of the Shiwa family, Shiba Tianjun, who is traveling in the World of the Living.

Under Aramaki's gaze, Shiba Tianjun took the place of Shiba Yixin, who had gone to the World of the Living, and stood in the ranks of the Tenth Division, beside Tōshirō Hitsugaya.

"Lady Yoruichi!"

"Captain Yoruichi, long time no see!"

When Yoruichi Shihoin arrived at the Second Division's formation, the big and small bees became excited, Marechiyo likewise kept bowing, greeting Yoruichi, while only Xiqian Dai stood there looking clueless.

"Thank you for your hard work…"

Yoruichi looked at the big and small bees, and also at the Daizen father‑son pair, her eyes involuntarily reddening.

"Big sister, you're back — why didn't you tell me!?"

Before Yoruichi could think further, her younger brother, who looks almost identical to her and like a cute little girl, Sifengyuan Xisi Lang, also entered the First Division's captain's office, came to her side, gazed at her affectionately, and cooed.

"Huh? Evening Four Lang, why are you here too?"

Yoruichi looked at Xisi Lang, puzzled, and asked.

"It's the Captain‑General who sent me~ I'm now the head of the Shihoin family, naturally representing the Shihoin clan—big sister, I'm strong now, no longer a child…"

Xisi Lang laughed and said.

"Isn't this just adding chaos?"

Yoruichi, hearing that, said helplessly.

On another note, in the Third Division's formation, an elderly woman with white hair, already past sixty, whose gaze remained sharp, walked up to Kira Izuru's side, patted his shoulder, and laughed: "You've worked hard! Don't lose heart~"

"Who… are you?"

Kira, hearing that, looked at the kind old woman before him and asked weakly.

"Eh? Mother? How did you come here?"

Before the old woman could speak, Tetsuzaemon Iba, who kept crossing his arms in front of him and constantly striking poses, saw the old woman before him, widened his eyes, took off his sunglasses, and shouted in shock.

"It's not because you lot, the new‑generation Shinigami, are useless? If you'd just try a little harder, I wouldn't have to return to the Guardian Thirteen Squads…"

That old woman is none other than Tetsuzaemon Iba's mother, Iba Senketzu.

"What do you mean?"

Tetsuzaemon Iba stared for a moment, then sweat broke out on his forehead.

"From now on I will return to the Third Division as its captain‑in‑guidance! You little brat, do you have any objections?"

Iba Senketzu glared at Tetsuzaemon and said coldly.

"No, nothing…"

Tetsuzaemon Iba immediately shook his head—how could he dare to object to his mother? After all, his reason for joining the Guardian Thirteen Squads as vice‑captain was to fulfill his mother's wish, since his mother had once been a vice‑captain herself.

The Fourth and Fifth Divisions have no one returning.

In the Sixth Division, Xiumu Yinling and Xiumu Changchun have already arrived beside Byakuya Kuchiki.

"Grandfather, and Father too~"

Byakuya Kuchiki respectfully greeted the two people before him.

"Hmm~"

Yinling and Changchun, like Byakuya Kuchiki, lightly nodded.

"Please spare me!"

"One iceberg is enough—do three even let a person live?"

Only Kongci bears a tremendous pressure.

The Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Divisions have no one returning.

Tenth Division.

"Thanks, little white—I heard Yixin mention you before; you're a good kid. By the way, I am the previous generation's Tenth Division captain Shiba Zehong, and also the clueless Shiba Yixin's cousin…"

Zhibo Zehong, as if they'd known each other forever, slung his arm over Rifang Dongshilang's shoulder and laughed.

"I am Zhibo Yixin's cousin, and also Zehong's older brother. By the way, that goofy-looking guy over there is my son…"

On the other side of Rifang stood Zhibo Tiansun, who introduced himself while pointing at Zhibo Haiyan not far away, and laughed.

"You bastard father who abandoned the Zhibo family! You still have the nerve to appear before me! If it weren't meeting time, I'd definitely let you feel the power of my Bankai: Thousand Tides Hundred Waves Twisting Flower!"

Haiyan, after hearing Tiansun, let out a near‑roar.

"Hahaha, you think my son is stupid, right?"

Tiansun, looking at the raging Haiyan, smiled at Rifang and asked cheerfully.

"Can't evaluate…"

Rifang heard that, a few cold beads of sweat forming on his forehead. Was this guy the cousin of Captain Yixin? His personality left Rifang at a loss for words.

Division Eleven.

The swordsmen from before either transferred to other divisions or were all killed by Kengmu, so no former squad members showed up…

Division Twelve.

The situation here mirrors Division Eleven; among the former captains of Division Twelve, two have been promoted to Division Zero, and another has slipped into the Human World.

Division Thirteen.

To bolster Division Thirteen's strength, Haiyan recommended his sister, Zhibo Konghe, into his own division, placing her alongside the Zhibos in the three seats.

It can be said that the entire Zhibo family has devoted themselves to Gotei 13.

With the return of the previous generations' senior and vice captains, the captain‑level combat power in Division One's captain's quarters increased by nine, bringing the total of captain‑level Shinigami from the original thirty‑one up to forty.

Precisely when those senior and vice captains had taken their places, the squad leaders of Division One also gathered behind Araki and Yuanliuzhai…

When those squad leaders assembled, even the captains of Gotei 13 paled slightly; they could sense that each of these squad leaders was strong, none weaker than themselves, and some even surpassed them…

They were, respectively: the captain of the First Squad's Patrol Unit and Vice‑Captain of Division One, Saito Bulaobusi, and the Vice‑Captain of Division One's First Squad, Araki Budiaohua, who is currently training in the Soul King Palace and has not descended.

The Second Squad's Reporting Unit was led by former Division Seven captain Shanmu Zongyi, with Vice‑Captain Yuedao Xiujiu. Indeed, after Shitan found Yuedao Xiujiu in the Human World, he sensed the terrifying ability Yuedao possessed, so Shitan placed Yuedao in the squad closest to Araki to keep him under control.

There was nothing Shitan could do; he wasn't even sure whether Yuedao's power would affect him, but he knew Araki wouldn't be swayed, so he had to pull that formidable force away from his side. He's just a bit cowardly, after all!

The Third Squad, the Demon‑Way Corps, was headed by the current Grand Demon‑Way Master Ge Kuang, with Vice‑Master Dao Yugen Auwela as his deputy. Yes, Auwela was transferred by Araki to the Demon‑Way Corps because Araki felt she fit better there; between Ge Kuang and Auwela, Auwela is naturally stronger, though she cares little for the Grand Master title.

The Fourth Squad, the Void Circle Expedition Team, was led by Kuwashiki, with Vice‑Captain Gosuke, known in the original work as the weakest of the swordsmen opposite the legendary Kengmu.

Although Gosuke is indeed weak, Kuwashiki claimed he could easily carry him aloft—"Don't worry, Gosuke! Your father Kuwashiki is always here!"

The Fifth Squad, the Annihilator Special Ops, was commanded by Zicheng Shuangye, with Vice‑Captain Yincheng Kongwu, who joined the squad on Shitan's recommendation.

Shitan apparently intended to have Yincheng approach the Annihilators and let Kongwu use his ability to seize their powers; Shitan hasn't abandoned the artificial Soul King project—just changed his method.

If the Soul King ever encounters a problem, Shitan will send Yincheng to act as a lightning rod, thereby ensuring the long‑term stability of the Three Realms. This, however, runs counter to Araki's plans.

The Sixth Squad, the Human World Ability‑Holder Containment Unit, was led by Shitan (as chief) and Vice‑Captain Zhibo Zehong. However, Zehong had just run off to Division Ten to tease Rifang Dongshilang, which greatly irritated Shitan.

Aside from Yincheng, Yuedao, and Auwela, the remaining perfected‑tech ability users Shitan located in the Human World are also under his control.

The Seventh Squad, the Internal Inspection Unit, was headed by Xiumu Xianghe, with no Vice‑Captain.

Xianghe said possessing Muramasa was enough; he needed no assistants…

All helpers, in his eyes, were merely burdens to the mission.

The Eighth Squad, the Special Equipment Management Unit, was led by Tianbei Xiuzhu, with Vice‑Captain Guichuan Li. Tianbei has now taken over production, usage, and distribution of the Moyao Blade from Xiala Road. A Moyao Blade controlled by others is dangerous; one under Araki's control is safe.

The Ninth Squad, the Emergency Rescue Unit, was commanded by former Division Four Vice‑Captain Yamada Kiyonosuke, with his younger brother Yamada Koutarou as Vice‑Captain.

Besides that, there is a Tenth Squad "Research Team" that even Urahara Kitosuke and others are unaware of, recently formed by Araki. Its squad leader is former Division Twelve staff member Youda Oxu, and the vice‑leader is Oxu's own clone, Kuujou Nozomi. Even Oxu cannot comprehend why, despite flawless cloning steps, the final result is a girl. He wonders what to do when the bird he used to clone himself disappears.

Aside from the runaway Zhibo Zehong, the Vice‑Captain Xiumu Xianghe, and Yamada Koutarou, whose spiritual power is only sixth‑rank, all other senior and vice squad leaders of Division One possess captain‑level combat power. Even the historically weakest swordsman, Gosuke—dubbed the Shame of the Swordsmen—can reach the edge of third‑rank spiritual power! After all, even the weakest is valued by Kuwashiki and has served as a swordsman for several years in the original work.

In an instant, the number of captain‑level Shinigami in the captain's quarters rose from forty to fifty‑seven…

"Heh, Teacher Araki really accumulated so much combat power without even realizing it?!"

Jingle, looking at the room full of captain‑level Shinigami, couldn't help but give a wry smile.

For a moment, the defections of Aizen, Dongxian, and Shichimaru Yin—three rogue captains—seemed a trivial matter to the Soul Society and Gotei 13, and for some it was even a good thing, since their departure freed up positions for others.

It should be noted that Jingle differs from others; he knows that the original members of the first Gotei 13 are still alive.

Everyone is thriving in the Soul King Palace! Including those monsters, the captain‑level combat power of the Soul Society now approaches seventy.

Unfortunately, Jingle doesn't know that Araki has also been raising ten Waku outside, and has had Nie Jianli develop a secret weapon for him; even the ones who fled with Aizen—Yin and Yao—are Araki's junior brothers, and Aizen himself is Araki's chosen successor.

As for whether Yin and Yao will betray Araki, he never considered it; after all, the wives of those two pure‑love war gods are still within Araki's domain… ahem…

"Let the travelers in!"

While the captains stood in the captain's quarters, Araki finally let the waiting Heizaki Yigu, Pingzi Zhenzi, and others into the room.

"It's finally our turn; I can hardly wait any longer~"

Outside the captain's quarters, Heizaki Yigu stretched his neck and muttered impatiently, "I just want to ask Araki whether his Zanpakuto is covered by insurance?!"

"Don't be impatient, Yigu; we can't afford to provoke those inside~"

Pingzi Zhenzi advised Yigu.

"Yes, the broken one isn't your sword."

Yigu, hearing that, snapped at Pingzi.

Sure enough, it's easy to speak while standing.

While Pingzi and Yigu were chatting, the captain's quarters door finally opened. In an instant, countless captain‑level Shinigami turned their gazes toward Yigu, Pingzi, and the others. Though the Shinigami inside hadn't released spiritual pressure, the mere presence of dozens of third‑rank‑or‑higher spiritual power Shinigami together warped space and time, causing Yigu and his companions' hearts to race.

"Pingzi, didn't you tell me Gotei 13 only has a little over twenty captain‑level Shinigami? How come I see more than my entire class inside this meeting room, all at captain‑level spiritual power?! You call that twenty‑something?"

From Yigu's viewpoint, each Shinigami unintentionally releasing spiritual power and linking it together appeared gigantic—hundreds of meters tall—looming over those of them who hadn't yet entered the meeting room.

"I haven't been back in over a hundred years..."

"Who knows where all these came from?!"

Pingzi's complexion turned embarrassed, cold sweat beading on his forehead.

At this moment, Píngzi Zhēnzǐ suddenly recalled what Shìwán Yín had once said to him…

Shìwán Yín said: "Times have changed, adults! According to today's standards, your strength doesn't qualify you to be captains of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads~"

Píngzi Zhēnzǐ originally thought that was Shìwán Yín just trying to anger them, but now it seems indeed correct! Reaching the third level of spiritual pressure and mastering Bankai is no longer the standard for captains of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads; it's the damn vice-captain standard…

"It's only been a hundred years; has the era changed too fast?"

"For the past nine hundred years nothing moved, and then in the last hundred years it developed at breakneck speed?"

Píngzi Zhēnzǐ muttered to himself, his expression showing a hint of confusion.

Likewise confused were Fèngqiáo Lóushíláng, Liùjū Quánxī, Àichuān Luówǔ, Shǐzhē Wàn Lìshā, Yuánshì Rìshìlǐ, and Yǒuzhāotián Bóxuán; the entire Visored forces only Jiǔnán Bái remained calm and completely unfazed~ one could only say that being thick‑skinned has its advantages~

As for Hēiqí Yīhù, Shítián Yǔlóng, Jǐngshàng Zhījī, and Chá dù Tàihǔ, facing the spiritual pressure of the numerous captain‑level individuals, aside from Yīhù, the other three could barely stay on their feet, and even Zhījī and Tàihǔ were already showing symptoms of suffocation.

"Restrain the spiritual pressure~"

In response, Āmù said calmly.

"Boom!"

The spiritual pressure that had still been permeating the air vanished in an instant…

"Hah…"

After the spiritual pressure dissipated, everyone present finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Um…"

Hēiqí Yīhù picked up his broken sword, intending to say something.

"First of all, I came to see you this time for only three matters……"

"The first matter is to pardon the punishments handed down one hundred ten years ago to Sìfēngyuàn Yèyī, Pǔyuán Xǐzhù, Píngzi Zhēnzǐ, Wòlíng Tiězhāi, Fèngqiáo Lóushíláng, Liùjū Quánxī, Àichuān Luówǔ, Yuánshì Rìshìlǐ, Jiǔnán Bái, Shǐzhē Wàn Lìshā, and Yǒuzhāotián Bóxuán; these eleven individuals. I, standing in for the Central 46, declare them all innocent!"

Regarding the grievances you have suffered in the World of the Living over the past century, I, on behalf of the Central 46, apologize, hoping that you will continue to serve as Soul Reapers for the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, for Soul Society, for Seireitei, and for the safety of the Three Worlds, making some contribution…

Aramaki first, in front of all the captain‑level Soul Reapers present, revoked the Central 46's punishment of Píngzi Zhēnzǐ et al., declared everyone innocent, and simultaneously re‑extended the invitation to Píngzi Zhēnzǐ et al.

"What a joke! Can a single apology erase the grievances we've suffered in Soul Society for over a hundred years? They've always thought we were traitors…"

Rìshìlǐ stared at Āmù, roaring angrily.

"Don't spout nonsense!"

Before Rìshìlǐ could finish, Píngzi Zhēnzǐ cut him off.

"Did you hear that? Don't spout nonsense!"

After hearing Píngzi Zhēnzǐ's words, Rìshìlǐ spoke smugly.

"I'm telling you, Rìshìlǐ, don't spout nonsense!"

Píngzi Zhēnzǐ clapped a hand over Rìshìlǐ's mouth and snapped.

"Huh?! Me? Mmm…"

Rìshìlǐ obviously still wanted to say something, but with Píngzi Zhēnzǐ's hand over his mouth he couldn't utter a word.

Yet faintly everyone could still hear what Rìshìlǐ was saying: "Even if you keep slapping the rebel label on me and kill me here, hacking me to pieces, I will absolutely never stay in Soul Society; I'm going back to the World of the Living."

"Do you accept this?"

After Rìshìlǐ could not speak, Āmù continued to ask Píngzi Zhēnzǐ et al.

"Of course we accept!"

Upon hearing that, Píngzi Zhēnzǐ et al. immediately nodded.

"Hahaha, since you, the Commander‑General, say that, if we still clung to our grudges, wouldn't that make us look petty?!"

Àichuān Luówǔ laughed loudly, clearly agreeing.

"This has nothing to do with you! It's all Aizen's fault!"

Quánxī crossed his arms before his chest and shouted angrily.

"Exactly! It's all Aizen's fault…"

The other Visoreds naturally echoed that sentiment.

Thanks for your understanding. Although I'd also like the Central 46 to apologize to you in person, it's a shame! The Central 46 that originally handed down the judgment have all been slain by Aizen, so in a way Aizen actually did something good…

Āmù continued.

"Eh?!"

As Āmù's words fell, everyone's faces changed.

Although everyone despised the Central 46 and secretly felt pleased that Aizen had slain them, that satisfaction could only be kept inside—could it really be spoken aloud?!

Speaking of which, the Central 46 could also be considered Soul Society's political correctness! When exactly the Central 46 first appeared, the specific time can no longer be ascertained…

Some say it was a system left behind by the Soul King and the Five Great Nobles together; others claim it was a constitution preserved since before the Three Worlds were created.

In short, everyone in Soul Society clearly knows one thing: the Central 46 system cannot be easily overturned.

Therefore, Āmù's act of declaring before everyone that Aizen had slain the Central 46 counts as a great deed—and that is already tantamount to high treason~

Even Yuánliǔ Zhāi, who had remained silent, widened his eyes slightly upon hearing Āmù's words, his originally narrowed eyes now opening a bit.

"This time the Central 46 were first used by others, then utterly destroyed—this also serves as a warning: if the Central 46 are too weak, enemies could exploit them and attack Seireitei from within…"

"Therefore, to ensure that from now on the Central 46 will no longer be led by others, nor easily swayed by enemy abilities to act against Soul Society, I hereby decide, starting today, to reform the Central 46 selection system!"

"Instead of selecting wise individuals from among the noble families within Seireitei, we will change it to choosing from the Thirteen Court Guard Squads those who have actively achieved merit, or retired captains and vice‑captains, and promote them to the Central 46 by vote~"

"This is the second matter I called you all together to discuss today—do you find what I've said reasonable?!"

Āmù then softly presented his second matter before everyone.

Since we cannot easily abolish the Central 46 system outright, we'll simply turn all the sages and judges within the Central 46 into his own people~

Previously the Thirteen Court Guard Squads were so weak that finding thirteen captain‑level Soul Reapers was a chore, so Āmù didn't bother with the Central 46 issue; fortunately, the Squads' combat strength has now been resolved, and under Āmù's training the captain‑level Soul Reapers are even produced in surplus~

If we also add all the Visoreds present here, his currently available captain‑level combat strength inside this room alone totals sixty‑five! If we count the original Thirteen Court Guard Squads—Urahara, Tessai, Kurosaki Isshin, and the traitorous trio of Aizen et al. —that would directly bring the number to over eighty…

Not to mention Jiǔmù Lùqīyà, Hǔchè Qīngyīn, Xiǎochūn Xiāntáiláng, Bābāyuán Xióngrú, Lúntáng Yǔ, and others—these promising but not yet fully developed Soul Reaper Academy students or Thirteen Court Guard Squad soldiers! As time passes, Āmù believes the captain‑level Soul Reapers of Soul Society will eventually break the hundred‑mark and reach three digits~

Yes, from beginning to end, Huangmu's target was never Lanran; he also deliberately let Lanran go to the Hollow Realm to develop, and when Lanran's development was about done, he directly took over Lanran's assets, all those Arrancars~

So, the lineup of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads that Yuhabach will face is Huangmu, Lanran, Yihu, and several transcendents of the Zero Division~

The first-generation Guard Division has over a dozen first-class spiritual pressure death gods rich in battle experience, and dozens of second- and third-class spiritual pressure death gods, i. e., captain-level death gods~

Over a dozen Vasto Lorde Arrancars, dozens of Adjuchas-level Arrancars, and countless Gillian-level Hollows so numerous that even Lanran is too lazy to count them and cannot possibly count them~

Besides that, there are pure-blood Quincys who have rested in the Human World for a thousand years and have prepared sufficient Silver Blood Clots, forming a super-enhanced version of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads alliance.

Now Huangmu only wants to ask Yuhabach one sentence: "Are you sweating profusely, little brother!"

Yuhabach: "Damn, this hell mode, a sky‑collapsing opening!!"

"If that's the case, can I also become a member of the Central 46?"

The constantly noisy Rishili seemed to think of something, first biting down on Pingzi's hand that was covering her mouth, leaving a big tooth mark on Pingzi, then looking at Huangmu and loudly asking.

"Of course~ but I think you're lucky, not wanting to stay in Soul Society; since you don't like it, just go back to the Human World……"

Huangmu, upon hearing that, deliberately said to Rishili.

"Who said I don't want to stay in Soul Society? I've long wanted to come back!"

Rishili shamelessly said. It seemed as if just now she said even if she were killed, she would return to the Human World to seek freedom, that person was not her at all……

Mmm, truly fragrant! No one in this world can escape the law of true fragrance! Absolutely no one!

"Regarding the list of the new Central 46, we will announce it later……"

"Then let me speak about the final matter……"

Huangmu finally began to speak of his third matter.

"Is it finally time for the matter of my sword?"

Heiqi Yihu's expression showed a bit of excitement.

"Regarding the matter of Xiǔmù Rukia……"

"Considering she was schemed against by Lanran, after repeated consideration I decided to revoke the Central 46's punishment on her; well, today's meeting ends here……"

"Everyone, don't leave yet; let's discuss the personnel list of this new Central 46, especially the names of the six judges, which must be confirmed."

Huangmu finished speaking of his third matter in an extremely swift and concise manner.

"No, where is my sword? Did anyone notice me?"

Heiqi Yihu frowned tightly; aside from the matter of Rukia, the three matters had nothing to do with him, and he wondered why Huangmu had summoned him here, what for exactly?!

In the discussion, the names of the six judges of the new Central 46 were quickly confirmed: chief judge Yamamoto Motoyuki Shigekuni, and five deputy judges Xiǔmù Yínlíng, Sìfēngyuàn Yīyī, Zhībō Tiānshǔn, Québù Zhǎng Cìláng, and Pǔyuán Xǐzhù.

Yínlíng, Yīyī, and Tiānshǔn three represent the Five Great Noble Houses and the entire noble forces!

The former strongest death god Motoyuki, the most loyal death god Cìláng, and the smartest man in Soul Society, Pǔyuán Xǐzhù, guaranteed the absolute fairness of the new Central 46~

In a moment, the nobles were satisfied, the commoners were happy! A perfect outcome~

Pǔyuán Xǐzhù responded: "No way? I'm not even here, yet things are being decided for me?"

As for the list of forty sages, they are Shèchǎng Qiān Tiě, Dà Qiántián Xīzhījìn……

In a moment, everyone present showed happy smiles; the black‑pot Lanran Sōsuke took the blame, and the benefits were divided among those present~

If the people present were to see, with the help of the Gillian's anti‑film, Lanran gradually ascending, they would surely give Lanran a thumbs‑up and say: "And my friend Lanran, you are the true hero!"

Huangmu stood beside Motoyuki, looking at the captain‑level death gods of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads before him who were smiling, his eyes flashing with sharp light; next he would act against the weak noble forces inside Seireitei~

Now the Central 46 are all dead, their families no longer need to exist; asking who would strike these people, it is naturally my good disciple, Lanran Sōsuke~

Lanran: "You old bastard, just spouting nonsense!"

When all the squad leaders left the First Division's squad leader room……

Huangmu looked toward the Heiqi Yihu and others he had left behind.

"That Commander‑General Huangmu, regarding my sword……"

Yihu now also became obedient, learned to use honorifics, because he found that if he didn't use honorifics, Huangmu would ignore him.

"Rest assured, everything is under my control."

"Your sword can be repaired, I guarantee this……"

Huangmu looked at Yihu and spoke softly.

"Is that so? Then that's really the best possible……"

Yihu, hearing that, gave an embarrassed laugh; this time he actually heard clearly.

Only Yihu, for some reason, always felt Huangmu's gaze at him was strange, like looking at a lamb awaiting slaughter~

"By the way, Ishida Yūryū, I can also help you restore your Quincy power."

Huangmu said, and then looked toward Ishida Yūryū beside Yihu.

"Huh?"

Yūryū froze for a moment, not knowing what the meaning of this death god commander before him was.

The other party said they could help Yihu restore his Zanpakutō, which he wasn't surprised about, since the other party is the strongest death god, but saying they could help him restore his Quincy power seemed like bragging! Death god power and Quincy power are two different things!

"Also, Inoue Orihime and Chadō Taihu, your Fullbring power inside your bodies, I can likewise help you further strengthen."

Without letting Yūryū think further, Huangmu continued.

"Ha?!"

This time it was Orihime and Taihu who were stunned.

"Death god! Quincy! Fullbring……"

"These three powers are merely different paths to the same end!"

"As long as you want to learn! There's nothing I can't do……"

At that moment, while the few were slightly stunned, Huangmu first drew his Zanpakutō, demonstrating its release to those present; then he lightly gripped with his left hand, instantly condensing a powerful divine annihilation arrow; immediately afterward, Huangmu activated his own body, vaporizing before the crowd, displaying the highest realm of the basic Fullbring ability to control souls and spirit particles~

"What……"

In a moment, whether it was Yīhù, or Yǔlóng, or even Tàihǔ and Zhījī, all stood stunned in place; they never imagined that the legendary Death God Chief Commander, unexpectedly, even the power of the Complete Manifestation Technique and the Destroyer Practitioner had reached such a profound level.

"Now answer me, what exactly do you want to learn?"

Huāngmù took in the surprised expressions of Hēiqí Yīhù and the others before him; all he saw was that he wore a faint smile and spoke in a calm tone.

It was as if the ability Huāngmù had just demonstrated was completely not worth mentioning...

14000, big chapter! new 406 room has too many people; I won't write it in the book; after I sort it out, I'll find time to post it in the book review area~