Chapter 156 – 156 ⥤ The Balance of Sangai

Do you hear what people are saying?

The 12th Division’s current scale took hundreds of years to achieve, with its high-tech equipment alone representing an enormous expense.

Even the wealthy 6th Division — let alone the historically impoverished 11th Division — couldn’t produce such funds quickly.

But these financial concerns are secondary. What’s truly significant is the technological sophistication within the 12th Division’s barracks.

When the Gotei 13 was first established, divisions had no specific duties. Only after the Blood War with the Quincy, hundreds of years ago, were their roles gradually defined.

During this initial distribution of duties, the 12th Division was assigned to technological development and innovation. Had circumstances been different, Kisuke might have joined the 12th Division as one of its brilliant slackers.

Through centuries of development, the 12th Division produced numerous research talents like Senjumaru Shutara and Kirio Hikifune. Their brilliance advanced the division’s technological capabilities by centuries, perhaps even millennia.

Today, the 12th Division’s technology surpasses not only the Soul Society’s average level but even that of the World of the Living.

However, with limited researchers, development has been uneven — some fields racing ahead while others languished.

Unlike the World of the Living’s balanced progress, the Soul Society’s unique environment has led to this specialized development.

Still, expecting one person to replicate the entire 12th Division barracks seems absurd.

Kisuke’s brows furrowed deeply as he pondered this, his worried face showing no sign of inspiration.

The 11th Division excels at combat — they’re reliable for cutting down enemies. But asking these warriors to construct high-tech facilities is pushing it.

After careful thought, it’s clear — this request is simply inhuman.

“Oh right.” Akira suddenly chimed in, “I have another request. Waterfall training doesn’t cut it anymore — the impact’s too weak. Kisuke, could you simulate something similar? A gravity chamber would be great too. I’m not picky.”

Since gaining the exclusive Trait Indestructible, traditional training methods had lost their effectiveness. To avoid stagnation, enhanced training facilities were essential.

Kisuke’s eye twitched violently at this, barely maintaining composure. Clearly, this guy didn’t view him as human at all.

“Also, money isn’t an issue.” Akira grinned, “We’re not short on funds — plenty of nobles are eager to pay tribute to us. Whatever you need, just ask them directly. Remember: the Soul Society has no shortage of nobles. If one won’t pay, another will. They’re all competing for the chance.”

Kisuke looked confused, “Captain, I don’t quite understand. Even though you achieved great merit in suppressing the recent rebellions, surely the nobles wouldn’t go this far to curry favor with you?”

At these words, Akira gave him a disappointed look until Kisuke grew uneasy, smiling awkwardly.

“Kisuke, what has more power than the 13 Divisions?”

“The nobles.” Kisuke answered without hesitation.

Although through various maneuvers the nobles’ power in Soul Society had been greatly weakened, they still controlled most people’s lives and deaths — not just through authority, but in countless other ways.

“And above the nobles?”

“The royal family?” Kisuke said hesitantly.

“And higher still?”

“The Soul King…” By this point, he understood.

But Akira couldn’t resist finishing his performance, “The Soul King is a deity, and I am the deity’s spokesperson. Those nobles who obsess over ceremony and protocol would never pass up a chance to please a deity. So proceed boldly — you have not just the Eleventh Division behind you, but also the deity standing in the shrine.”

Kisuke heaved a deep sigh.

Once aboard this pirate ship, escape seemed practically impossible.

Fortunately, Akira hadn’t given him a deadline this time. Starting with the gravity chamber might buy him a few days to slack off.

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For some time after, the Soul Society returned to peace.

Though Genryūsai met with Akira several times to inquire about Mimihagi, these discussions yielded no useful conclusions.

The only good news was that, unlike Hell’s ambiguous stance toward Soul Society, Mimihagi was firmly on their side. The powerful priest assured them, patting his chest, that his Boss shared his allegiance completely.

Seeing this, the old man could only place his trust in his foolish disciple.

To keep his idle student out of trouble, Genryūsai assigned all of Ginrei’s former duties to Akira.

Annihilating the rebel army.

The rebels were struggling since their supporters — the Tsunayashiro clan and their allies — had fallen in recent rebellions. Their situation had become desperate.

Yet even in their decline, they served one final purpose for Soul Society.

With these new responsibilities, Akira settled into a routine: daily training followed by bandit suppression missions in the Rukongai.

Life was quite comfortable.

⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬

Aizen hasn’t been happy lately.

Having witnessed the entire Konsō Reisai, countless questions filled his mind, his thirst for knowledge reaching its peak.

While Yamamoto could trust Mimihagi based on his faith in Akira, Aizen couldn’t do the same. He knew his close friend’s mind — or rather, lack thereof — made him easily deceived.

Perhaps because Aizen himself was that kind of person, he preferred to analyze matters from multiple angles.

What if Mimihagi had been deceiving Akira from the start? What were His true motives?

Was the title “Right Arm of the Soul King” literal? If so, what did that mean for its existence?

These questions consumed his thoughts, driving him to seek answers — both for his own curiosity and for his foolish friend’s sake.

The 12th Division’s database could no longer satisfy his inquiries.

In pursuit of truth, he decided to risk everything and venture to the Daireishokairō (Great Spirit Book Gallery) in the Central Underground Assembly Hall.

This was Soul Society’s largest database, controlled by the Tsunayashiro family, recording all major events and secrets from ancient times to present.

With Tokinada Tsunayashiro fallen and the Central 46 selection process still under debate, the timing couldn’t be better.

With the power of Kyōka Suigetsu, infiltration would be simple.

However, before proceeding, he decided to notify someone to prevent any unexpected complications.

“Can I come too?”

In the laboratory, Akira’s eyes lit up at Aizen’s words.

Though he had no real impression of it, just hearing “Spirit Library” sparked his excitement. Missing this chance would be a lifelong regret.

Looking at the expectant husky-like gaze before him, Aizen’s mouth twitched.

He regretted it immediately — he shouldn’t have told this guy.

Going alone was already risky enough; if discovered, they’d face having their Reiryoku sealed and exile to the Human World at minimum.

Now with Akira involved, the chances of being caught would surely skyrocket to 100%.

“Don’t worry, I promise I won’t cause any trouble this time!” Seeing his hesitation, Akira thumped his chest in earnest guarantee.

After a long moment of hesitation, seeing that sincere expression, Aizen could only sigh helplessly and agree.

With Kyōka Suigetsu’s ability and his current Reiatsu level, they should be able to slip through undetected.

⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬

The continuous rain connected heaven and earth, making the dark night so thick one could barely see their own hand.

Inner Court of Seireitei.

Having witnessed the massacre of the Central 46, Jin’emon Kotsubaki now patrolled with heightened vigilance, investigating even the slightest disturbance.

His dedication stemmed not from guilt over the Central 46’s deaths, but from feeling he had betrayed the Captain-Commander’s trust.

As Captain guarding the Inner Court, he had allowed intruders to infiltrate and commit heinous crimes with ease.

Despite this grave failure, Captain-Commander Yamamoto hadn’t punished him—instead letting him continue guarding the Government District. To betray this trust again would be unforgivable, even in death.

Two figures shrouded in black robes crept along the dark corridor.

“Captain Kotsubaki’s patrol route is up ahead.” Akira, having scouted the routes beforehand, asked, “Do you need me to handle this?”

He rolled up his sleeves, ready to knock out Jin’emon and force their way into the Central Underground Assembly Hall.

Aizen: “…No need, leave it to me.”

He shook his head and stepped forward alone, watching the lightning and thunder in the sky, counting silently.

When a thick bolt of lightning split the dark sky, blade light flickered in the corner of Jin’emon’s vision.

“Shatter…”

⤫ Shikai: Kyōka Suigetsu ⥤ Initial Release: Mirror Flower, Water Moon! ⤬

A faint sound of breaking glass was perfectly masked by the thunder’s roar.

From beginning to end, Jin’emon noticed nothing unusual. He continued his diligent patrol, guarding against intruders who might breach the Underground Assembly Hall.

The Underground Assembly Hall stood empty.

“Let’s go.” Aizen said softly.

Under Kyōka Suigetsu’s effect, they slipped through the patrol area undetected. After Aizen broke through the Bakudō barriers, they entered the Underground Assembly Hall.

The vast, empty chamber radiated an eerie atmosphere.

Descending through more Bakudō barriers, they finally reached their destination:

The Daireishokairō.

Before them towered massive database stacks stretching from floor to ceiling. Countless books and electronic devices formed an intricate spiral pattern, with contents meticulously organized by year and category.

A central control panel provided access to any desired information, showcasing technology that rivaled the 12th Division’s capabilities.

Aizen’s eyes gleamed with anticipation as he prepared to begin his search for answers.

Beside him, Akira wore a dazed expression.

If not for the notification sound that only he could hear in his ear, he likely would have drifted into meditation right there.

〈 Location Check-in: Great Spirit Book Gallery! 〉

〈 Obtained Reiatsu Level +1! 〉

〈 Reiatsu Level increased! Currently at Level 90! 〉

〈 Obtained Hakuda Level +2! 〉

〈 Hakuda

 Level increased! Currently at Level 72! 〉

〈 Obtained Hohō Level +3! 〉

〈 Hohō Level increased! Currently at Level 63! 〉

〈 Obtained Kidō Level +4! 〉

〈 Kidō Level increased! Currently at Level 64! 〉

〈 Obtained Exclusive Trait: Soul Resonance! 〉

〈 Soul Resonance: To know others, one must know oneself. The Zanpakutō is also part of the soul. Achieving resonance with oneself reveals true power. Zanpakutō compatibility increased by 50%! 〉

Akira: “?”

His good mood vanished instantly upon hearing this Exclusive Trait reward.

After the battle with Tokinada, he had realized something crucial: Shinigami could use Zanpakutō, but should never rely on them.

Take Aizen, who appeared invincible. Yet once Kyōka Suigetsu was neutralized, he could only turn to his adoptive father, Akira, for help.

Without his intervention, that foolish son would have lost half his abilities.

How could a Zanpakutō be such a liability?

Useless to keep, wasteful to discard — nothing but a chicken rib.

Akira shook his head and sighed, setting aside this troubling matter.

As Aizen prepared to search for answers, he noticed something odd and frowned at his friend, about to speak.

But Akira spoke first, “How did you know my Reiatsu level increased to Rank 3?”

Aizen: “?”

Wait, who asked you?

Looking at that smug expression, Aizen forced down his rising blood pressure. Better not to argue — knowing Akira, he’d probably boast about it for an entire day.

Or longer.

Leaving the self-satisfied individual behind, Aizen began searching through the Daireishokairō’s historical records, seeking answers to his questions.

Time flowed quietly.

Among the mountain of archives, Aizen discovered information about the Konsō Reisai and long-buried truths.

The purpose of the Konsō Reisai was straightforward: Rank 3 Reishi bodies couldn’t be decomposed, and if they remained too long in Soul Society, they would disrupt the balance between the Sangai (Three Worlds).

To prevent disaster, the Shinigami, as guardians of balance, devised a plan to send powerful deceased souls’ Reishi to Hell — thus establishing the Konsō Reisai.

Information about the Soul King proved scarce, with records too ancient to provide specific details.

After extensive searching, Aizen gradually assembled fragments of information into a coherent picture.

What he discovered shattered his usual composure, filling him with horror.

⤫⤬⤫

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