Chapter 247 – 247 ⥤ The Power to Control Time

Hearing Aizen’s words, Akira’s eyes lit up.

He had been bored with the lack of entertainment in the Wandenreich, and now this opportunity had landed right at his doorstep.

The one who truly understands me is Sōsuke — as expected of my adopted son!

He laughed cheerfully, “Of course, of course. I accidentally killed four Knights earlier, and Jugo told me to fill the vacancies. Right now we just have Catty and little Bambi, and we can arrange for that flamboyant pink pineapple later. There’s still one position left.”

Aizen nodded, about to speak when he was suddenly interrupted.

“It doesn’t matter if there’s no position. We can just grab some troublemakers and cut them down.” Akira feigned ferocity, “Keeping disobedient ones around just wastes the Empire’s Reishi — might as well finish them off in one strike!”

Hearing this, Aizen sighed helplessly, “You’re being too extreme.”

It had only been a few days since joining, yet someone was already treating the Wandenreich like their private property.

Yhwach isn’t even dead yet! This is someone who could rival the Captain-Commander in power — is it really okay to covet his legacy like this?

“By the way.” Akira suddenly said, “Recently I’ve been feeling weak and tired, with low spirits, and even my appetite has decreased. Sister Retsu diagnosed me with an incurable illness beyond her ability to treat. Sōsuke, do you have any solutions?”

Aizen frowned, “Speak plainly.”

“I’m too weak. Is there any way to make me stronger?”

“?”

Aizen suspected his wayward son had lost his mind, and he had concrete evidence. How could anyone say such things?

‘Too weak’, ‘Become stronger’ — you can already withstand Ryūjin Jakka head-on. How much stronger do you want to be?

Do you need to be able to kill Shigekuni Yamamoto with one punch to be considered strong?

Countless retorts came to Aizen’s lips, but he held them back. Saying such pointless things didn’t fit his character. For someone being unreasonable, the best solution was…

⤫ Hadō #90: Kurohitsugi ⥤ Black Coffin! ⤬

Having ended someone’s nonsense, he used binding chains to restrain and throw them out of the laboratory, and the world finally fell quiet.

Looking at the phosphorus gas moving chaotically in the container, Aizen’s gaze became distant.

There were indeed ways to become stronger, but they weren’t suitable for Akira. If this monster-level combat power were to lose control, it would be an unimaginable disaster. Perfect preparation would be required before proceeding.

However, more pressing matters were at hand now, regarding the research project on Hell’s phosphorus gas and the Soul King’s Hakusui within Kagerōza’s soul.

After Akira’s reminder, Aizen suddenly realized a serious problem.

When they first met, this guy had been far inferior to himself, existing in completely different dimensions. Even releasing Reiatsu a bit too strongly could have crushed him into meat paste.

But how many years had it been?

Akira had not only become Captain of the 11th Division but had also risen to become one of the strongest among the Shinigami. His individual strength had surpassed most beings in the Sangai.

Even for himself, when facing this person, only the advantage in Reiatsu remained.

If this guy continues to grow stronger… Aizen’s gaze became profound as he fell into deep thought.

Perhaps… the research project on the Hōgyoku could be advanced further.

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1st Division, Meeting Room.

At the Captains’ Council, Genryūsai surveyed the assembled Captains with displeasure. These very people had nearly allowed Soul Society’s destruction.

Following their investigation and interrogation, all intelligence regarding Kagerōza Inaba had been delivered to the 1st Division.

The Captains’ failure during this incident stemmed from one critical flaw: their excessive trust in those around them.

Kagerōza had systematically defeated the Lieutenants using copied Reigai, then exploited their trust to lure them into forbidden barriers.

Though the sealing hadn’t lasted long, it had served his purpose. If Akira hadn’t made his early discovery, Kagerōza might have succeeded.

Years of peace had dulled the Captains’ vigilance. At least this incident had forced them to acknowledge their complacency — their future conduct would surely improve.

“This Captains’ Council addresses two matters. First, I’ve received resignations from Captain Kotsubaki of the 7th Division and Captain Shiba of the 10th Division. Both cite advanced age and request reassignment to secondary positions. Do any of you have candidates to recommend?”

The moment these words left his lips, Akira’s hand shot up, his eyes signaling frantically.

Genryūsai, wanting to avoid this troublesome fellow, turned his gaze elsewhere.

Yet whenever he tried to make eye contact with anyone else, they immediately lowered their heads, avoiding his gaze.

The situation was clear — all promising Shinigami had already been recruited by the 11th Division. Where else could they find suitable candidates?

With resignation, he addressed the irritating youngster, “Captain Kisaragi, whom do you wish to recommend?”

Akira grinned and said, “The 5th Seat of the 11th Division, Sajin Komamura. Teacher, you know him — the one from the Wolfman clan. Under my training, Sajin has mastered Bankai. His raw strength exceeds the captain standard, making him more than qualified to lead the 7th Division.”

Genryūsai glared at him in exasperation.

He remembered Sajin well enough. But for this upstart to keep a Bankai-wielding Shinigami as merely a 5th Seat — it spoke volumes about the 11th Division’s current might.

Combined with those monsters who could match Captains using only Shikai, the 11th Division’s power had become truly formidable.

They’d always boasted about overthrowing authority from below, yet now that they’d amassed such strength, why hadn’t they acted on their declarations?

I’m still here waiting to retire!

After a moment’s thought, Genryūsai coughed, “Since Sajin Komamura has mastered Bankai, that proves his strength meets the standard. The captain qualification exam will be held in three days. The examiner…”

Seeing his unruly disciple excitedly raising his hand again, the old man glared at him in annoyance. The last time he let this kid be the examiner, he gave Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi psychological trauma.

If it happens again, how will anyone become Captain?

“Captain Muguruma will be in charge.”

“Me?” In the crowd, Kensei Muguruma looked up in confusion.

Yamamoto glared, “Is there a problem?”

“No, no.” Kensei showed an embarrassed smile, waving his hands repeatedly.

To be honest, after being instantly defeated by a Seated Officer named Gin Ichimaru last time, he had started to develop self-doubt.

Although the opponent had the advantage of a sneak attack, a loss was still a loss. In the face of such stark results, any excuses would be meaningless.

Hopefully this time he could regain some confidence from this 5th Seat Sajin Komamura.

There were rumors that every Seated Officer in the 11th Division had the courage of a Captain. But even Captains varied in strength, and since Sajin hadn’t made any notable achievements, he probably wouldn’t be too strong.

It was time to restore his reputation. Believe in yourself!

After some self-encouragement, the light of passion reignited in Kensei’s eyes.

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When news spread that Sajin was about to become Captain of the 7th Division, the 11th Division erupted in excitement.

Everyone had thought their Captain had no interest in seizing power and had given up on pursuing the position of Captain-Commander. But they hadn’t expected Akira to make such a bold move.

“This is exactly how it should be!”

“Having Lord Komamura and the others become Captains of other divisions will let us divide and conquer the Gotei 13, until all the divisions are our people!”

“When that happens, even if Captain-Commander Yamamoto wants to keep his position, he won’t be able to!”

“As expected of our Lord Magistrate, truly a person of astonishing wisdom!”

“Sajin, do your best, and don’t disappoint the Captain’s expectations!”

Sajin, who had been feeling down earlier, immediately perked up after hearing everyone’s analysis.

His eyes brightened, and his fur seemed to gleam. His Captain wasn’t abandoning him — he was entrusting him with an important mission!

In that case, he would give 120% effort to secure the position of 7th Division Captain in one go! And when the opportunity arose, he would help his Lord Magistrate ascend to the position of Captain-Commander!

Watching the chaotic scene in the Loyalty Hall, Kisuke turned pale as a ghost, as if his soul had been burned away.

It was completely unstoppable now. Who would have thought that paramecium would possess such cunning!

By training and cultivating his subordinates to become stronger while seeking opportunities to replace the Gotei 13’s high-ranking officials with his own people.

The Soul Society’s future was about to change dramatically!

Just thinking about how he would lose his chances to slack off, Kisuke became overwhelmed with grief, his expression as mournful as if Akira had died.

My life is truly bitter…

⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬

Three days passed quickly.

The Captain examination was held at the 7th Division barracks.

Jin’nemon Kotsubaki sat wrapped in thick bandages like a mummy on the high platform, watching the plaza with mixed emotions.

As someone deeply loyal to Soul Society, he hadn’t wanted to retire at such a crucial time. However, after using his Bankai and being brutally beaten by Zaraki, he had suffered serious injuries that damaged his foundation, leaving him unable to continue his duties with the 7th Division.

With no alternative, he had to step back to a secondary position. Now, he could only hope his successor would be capable of handling the 7th Division’s responsibilities.

“Though I’ve heard about it many times, seeing it in person is still surprising.”

Kensei observed the tall, imposing figure before him, attempting to unsettle his opponent with pre-battle taunts.

“Has the 11th Division run out of people? They’re actually sending a big dog to compete for Captain.”

Victory isn’t determined by strength alone. Sometimes, mindset is crucial. If one’s resolve wavers, they might not even display half their true power.

Sajin lowered his head and replied calmly, “Gin said your strength is average, ranking in the lower middle among the Captains. I just need to perform normally to pass this examination.”

Kensei: “?”

Hitting where it hurts, huh?!

Not giving him a chance to retort, Sajin continued, “Lord Magistrate also said my current strength equals at least ten Kensei. You are no match for me.”

As he spoke, he raised his head proudly. To him, Akira’s acknowledgment meant more than becoming a Captain.

Hearing the term “ten Kensei”, the ambulant Dynamometer nearly lost his composure.

Even now, he remembered that article about power level units published in the Seireitei Communication. For him, it remained an enormous humiliation.

Akira Kisaragi, you’ve gone too far! Today I’ll definitely get my revenge through Sajin Komamura!

If I can’t beat you, surely I can at least beat your dog?!

Seeing Kensei about to lose control, Chōjirō cleared his throat and announced:

“Both sides prepare… Begin the examination!”

The moment those words fell, powerful Reiatsu erupted in the arena, forming tangible waves of force that surged wildly.

The other Captains watching this scene wore complicated expressions. This was genuine Captain-level Reiatsu.

The Captain-Commander had truly struck gold when he took Captain Kisaragi as his disciple. Even ordinary Shinigami from the 11th Division were now formidable warriors who could hold their own.

“Blow it Away…”

⤫ Shikai: Tachikaze ⥤ Initial Release: Earth-Severing Wind! ⤬

“Roar…”

⤫ Shikai: Tenken ⥤ Initial Release: Heavenly Punishment! ⤬

Both sides released their Shikai immediately upon focusing their Reiatsu.

A giant black-armored warrior’s arm materialized, swinging down like a falling meteor toward Kensei. The air erupted with explosive sounds as fierce winds split around the giant blade.

Kensei’s gaze sharpened as he countered with Tachikaze, now transformed into a dagger. Green wind blades filled the battlefield, carving ghastly furrows in the solid ground.

Though others had belittled him, his strength was truly noteworthy. Those weaker than him wouldn’t qualify for the Captain position.

The collision of wind blades and giant blade produced thunderous explosions. The shockwave spread outward as both men stepped back simultaneously, their first direct clash ending in a stalemate.

Kensei’s eyes flickered as he assessed his opponent.

Tall and imposing build, powerful strength, incredible defense — but somewhat slower reactions and speed due to large movement ranges. Close combat would undoubtedly be the best choice.

⤫ Bankai: Tekken Tachikaze ⥤ Final Release: Iron Fist Severing Wind! ⤬

Visible windstorms erupted as he transformed within a pillar of Reiatsu, wielding double-toothed knuckle blades with iron-colored tracks wrapped around his body.

It gave an impression of great strength, though its true power remained unclear.

“Be careful, Komamura.” The kind-hearted Kensei warned before attacking — after all, this was a Captain examination, not a fight to the death, “My Bankai is very powerful!”

The moment those words fell, he vanished from his spot. Wind swept across the battlefield like a cracking whip, leaving a deep fissure in the solid ground.

The knuckle blade drove straight down.

To the audience’s surprise, Sajin didn’t release his own Bankai, instead swinging his blade to meet Kensei’s knuckle blade head-on.

When the weapons collided, a powerful impact erupted, sending brilliant Reiatsu cascading outward and shattering the ground.

The explosive force contained within the knuckle blade surged through Sajin’s body. Its terrible destructive power ravaged his internal organs, making him cough blood as his expression twisted in agony.

Seeing this, Kensei breathed a sigh of relief.

He had assumed his Bankai would be ineffective since it was well-known, but unexpectedly his opponent had chosen to take the hit directly. This examination would surely end here.

Though Sajin was strong, the battle had been surprisingly brief.

“It’s over, Captain Muguruma.”

But at that moment, a chilling voice rang out. Looking up, Kensei saw Sajin bearing a fierce smile.

“Now you won’t be able to escape, right?”

⤫ Bankai: Kokujō Tengen Myō’ō ⥤ Final Release: Vidyaraja of Kalasutra’s Heavenly Punishment! ⤬

Massive Reiatsu rose up as a giant shadow loomed over them both, and despair welled up in their hearts…

⤫⤬⤫

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