Chapter 229 – 229 ⥤ Where Hearts Lead

Jugram and other members of the Sternritter arrived late.

One proved too strong, the opponents too weak. When they arrived, they found Akira standing over Driscoll’s head.

The “Lucky Boy” — the last survivor — was drawing his final breaths.

Before Jugram could utter the customary plea for mercy, Akira flashed him a grin and mercilessly crushed Driscoll’s head. Red, black, and white splattered across the ground like silk fabrics in a merchant’s display.

When someone dares to kill his people, they must be prepared to pay the price. For problem children like these, he has no patience for gradual guidance or careful teaching.

Everyone stared in shock at the demon-like figure standing in the viscous blood, their hearts gripped by undisguisable fear. His mere stance revealed terrifying strength, and his overwhelming, ruthless aura made breathing difficult.

The scene reminded them of when Yhwach first appeared — equally invincible, equally uncompromising.

An unprecedented feat!

The Sternritter never fought among themselves. Their occasional conflicts were mere squabbles, brief interludes that ultimately promoted harmony.

But Akira’s violent execution of four Knights was unprecedented. In the centuries since the Wandenreich’s founding, such a heinous incident had never occurred.

Jugram’s expression darkened. He felt no pity for these worthless dead men but couldn’t comprehend Akira’s actions.

Was he planning to desert the Empire’s laws, just as Sōken Ichida had done?

“Hashirama Senju, do you realize what you’ve done?” Askin seized the moment while Jugram pondered, taking the lead in questioning.

Yet even as he spoke, he gave Akira a subtle wink.

As one of the shrewder Sternritter, Askin didn’t dedicate himself to Yhwach’s cause. Instead, he merely found interest in Yhwach’s vision of a new world.

But since Hashirama Senju had joined the Wandenreich, Askin had discovered something far more intriguing than any promised new world.

Hashirama’s treatment of the common Quincy soldiers made him impossible to dislike. His kindness and sincerity set him apart from the troublemakers among the Sternritter — he was pure as a white lotus.

Such purity was more precious than any new world.

Hearing the question, Akira paused, then asked with puzzlement, “Punishing evil and promoting good?”

Askin: “?”

Under everyone’s watchful gaze, Akira grinned fiercely and spoke plainly, “These four attacked my subordinates over a minor verbal dispute, even using their Schrifts to kill innocent soldiers. If I were to tolerate such actions, what right would I have to be their Captain, to be the Chief Instructor?”

Askin sighed. He knew things had become troublesome.

If Akira had yielded earlier, there might have been a turning point. But he missed Askin’s hint and instead straightforwardly explained the whole incident.

A hundred low-ranking soldiers weren’t worth one Knight. Knights had the authority to kill ordinary soldiers at will — neither Driscoll nor the others had done anything wrong.

On the contrary, Akira had undoubtedly violated the Empire’s laws by attacking his colleagues over soldier casualties.

However, what Askin hadn’t expected was that when they heard his words, the Quincy soldiers in the ruins first froze, then showed expressions of gratitude.

“Always true to his words, that’s our Captain!”

“For our sake, he’s willing to stand against the Empire’s laws…”

“This is someone worth following for life!”

“Waaah, it’s so damn touching!”

At this moment, Yhwach’s image faded from their hearts, replaced by the invincible figure standing there.

Jugram looked at everything before him, sensing something wasn’t quite right, though he couldn’t identify what.

After a moment’s thought, his voice carried throughout the ruins:

“Convene a Sternritter meeting to discuss Hashirama Senju’s punishment.” He looked at Akira and nodded slightly, “Come with me.”

Akira showed no resistance, putting his hands behind his head and walking over with a devil-may-care stride.

Watching the two figures leave, the soldiers gritted their teeth in silence. They hated their weakness more than ever — if they were stronger, they wouldn’t let their Captain take punishment for their sake.

Looking at everyone’s expressions, Askin stroked his chin, “Seems like this isn’t so bad?”

He smiled and followed the two departing figures.

The remaining Knights looked at each other, their small eyes filled with big confusion.

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First Spire, Sternritter Meeting Hall.

When Akira entered the palace, he felt a strange sense of familiarity.

After careful observation, he suddenly realized — wasn’t this just like the framework of 1st Division’s meeting room?

The only difference was at the head position, where a cold throne replaced the wooden chair. Yama-jii was getting on in years, unlike the young and vigorous Yhwach, so it was understandable to want a more comfortable chair.

Akira could understand this.

The Knights took their seats.

Unlike the Captain’s Council, the Knights had fixed positions, arranged in alphabetical order — not like the Shinigami Captains who could stand wherever they wanted.

Someone even more outrageous had hidden a chair in the meeting room. Every time Genryūsai gave his endless lectures (which could put even the most caffeinated Shinigami to sleep), he would sneakily pull out a chair like a student hiding snacks in class. Then close his eyes and enjoy life.

Akira observed the attending Knights, quite different from what he had imagined. Besides the deceased Driscoll and others, there were multiple vacancies.

Like Äs Nödt with the Schrift { F }, and Nianzol Weizol with { W }. Even among the female members, only Liltotto Lamperd, Schrift { G }, and Giselle Gewelle, Schrift { Z }, remained. In numbers, they barely matched the Gotei 13 Captains.

The already small Sternritter, due to a certain traitor’s vile actions, was in even worse shape.

Looking at Akira standing in the palace center with an indifferent expression, Jugram suddenly felt a headache.

To be honest, he didn’t know how to handle this Vice-Captain of his. Regarding Driscoll and the others’ tragic deaths, he expressed his condolences. But this emotion was quickly cast aside — in terms of value, these four weren’t worth a single hair on Akira’s head.

In terms of loyalty, this guy showed no respect for His Majesty whatsoever. This was evident from his words and actions when he first joined the Wandenreich.

However, many Knights in the Sternritter were not loyal to Yhwach either. Jugram was well aware of this and didn’t particularly mind. Their power was bestowed by Yhwach — loyalty was irrelevant.

From an ability standpoint, looking across the entire Sternritter, no one was more useful than Akira. In terms of boosting morale alone, no one could compare — not even if Jugram personally stepped in.

This was clear from the fervent looks in the Quincy soldiers’ eyes whenever they gazed at him.

Moreover, Akira had proven his worth in enhancing the Wandenreich’s overall strength. Jugram had witnessed the Quincy soldiers’ progress firsthand.

It would be wasteful to punish someone so valuable because of four worthless individuals. However, with the Empire’s regulations in place, he couldn’t openly show favoritism — truly a headache.

Seeing everyone had assembled, he announced the start of the meeting, surveying the varying postures of those present with an inquiring gaze.

“Due to gaps in our regulations, we need to discuss and reach a reasonable solution. Who would like to begin?”

The mohawk-headed Bazz-B immediately stepped forward, his eyes fixed intently on Jugram’s throne.

“I propose acquittal. Driscoll and the others first insulted Hashirama and killed people without authorization. Those who know Hashirama’s personality understand such actions were clear provocation. Their deaths were deserved…”

Before he could finish, Gerard let out a contemptuous sneer, “Useless people deserve death indeed. But randomly slaughtering the Sternritter’s fighting force — isn’t that weakening the Empire? I strongly suspect this guy is a Shinigami spy. He should be beheaded.”

Since being defeated by Akira before, this big-but-weak guy’s resentment was understandable.

“Only His Majesty has the right to execute Knights.” the elderly-faced Robert Accutrone added in a deep voice, “Hashirama’s actions were tantamount to challenging His Majesty’s authority. I suggest stripping him of his Vice-Captain and Knight status, and imprisoning him.”

“Seconded.” the robot-formed BG9 raised its steel right hand.

At this moment, Askin, hands tucked in his sleeves, spoke up, “Actually, Hashirama was merely trying to stop Driscoll and the others’ killing spree. Those four were simply too weak, which led to the tragedy—just as Driscoll’s weakness led to those soldiers’ deaths.”

This statement drew everyone’s attention.

Though it seemed like blatant lying, it somehow made sense. Perhaps before striking, Akira hadn’t realized how weak Driscoll and the others were.

Jugram nodded slightly, accepting this explanation.

The remaining Knights expressed their opinions: a third supported acquittal, a third favored punishment, and the final third merely claimed ignorance, content to watch the proceedings unfold.

Akira listened with interest as they judged him, curious about the final verdict. He hadn’t expected to find such support within the Sternritter, given his role as a double agent.

The possibility of overturning the heavenly law — of subordinates surpassing their superiors — seemed within reach!

After everyone had spoken, the situation remained deadlocked.

Jugram’s headache worsened. He hadn’t expected the others would still defer the final decision to him.

After careful consideration, he made his choice. Since no one could offer concrete suggestions, he would follow his own judgment. While punishment was necessary, it needn’t be harsh.

He cleared his throat, “Driscoll and the others were the initial aggressors, though Hashirama’s response was excessive. Since both parties were at fault, I propose a compromise: Hashirama must compensate for our lost strength by recruiting four suitable Quincy as new Sternritter members. Additionally, he shall work to expand the Empire’s influence.”

The assembled Knights had mixed reactions, but out of respect for the heir apparent, they raised no objections and accepted the ruling.

“If there are no objections, this meeting is adjourned.”

At his words, everyone rose and vanished from the palace.

“Jugo!”

Bazz-B, nearly at the doorway, instinctively turned at the familiar address, eyeing the pair inside with a peculiar expression.

Had they grown so close? Something about it made him uneasy…

“Yes?” Jugram responded calmly, having grown accustomed to Akira’s casual way of addressing him.

It was merely a form of address — nothing worth dwelling on.

“Finding replacements won’t be difficult.” Akira frowned, “But this expansion — what exactly does it mean? Are we preparing to strike Soul Society?”

Jugram shook his head, “Until His Majesty gives the order, no one is to attack Soul Society. You may expand through other means, such as building up our fighting forces.”

Akira appeared lost in thought.

⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬

“Taste my Heilig Pfeil!”

“Weak, too weak, it doesn’t even break through!”

“With that level of power, you dare aspire to be a Knight?!”

Candice’s precious green hair clung to her forehead, but she had no time to worry about appearances.

Though typically gentle, that certain someone could be incredibly irritating at times.

When Candice learned that Akira needed to select four Knights to fill the vacancies left by Driscoll and the others, she was the first to volunteer to ease his burden.

But this guy showed no appreciation. Instead, he devised brutally difficult trials and appointed himself examiner, subjecting the applicants to merciless torment.

⤫ Heiliges Lob, Urteil ⥤ Sacred Praise, Judge! ⤬

Candice channeled her final Reiatsu, forming three powerful Heilig Pfeil and launching them at Akira from different angles.

With a series of explosions, the trial came to an end.

“Very good, excellent spirit.” Akira smiled in praise, “Congratulations, Candice, you’ve passed.”

Hearing this, Candice let out a relieved sigh.

Despite the grueling process, the outcome was worth it. Being able to help the Captain was all that mattered.

Just as she began to relax, Akira clapped his hands to gather everyone’s attention and announced:

“For certain reasons, I’ve decided to establish a new unit, to be called — The Hueco Mundo Conquest Unit!”

⤫⤬⤫

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