Chapter 250 – 250 ⥤ The Foolish Shinigami

2nd Division, Behind the Mountain.

Like a victorious general returning from battle, Akira strode into the cave with his head held high, surveying the misty interior with satisfaction.

Being nearly invincible, he rarely visited the hot springs anymore, though Yoruichi seemed to frequent them.

“What made you suddenly decide to come here?” Yoruichi asked curiously from his shoulder, having ceased her struggling.

Akira set down his spoils of war, glanced around, and casually removed his Shihakushō. He pointed to a spot below his left collarbone, explaining:

“Because I got injured, of course. That final lightning attack of yours was quite powerful.”

Yoruichi: “…”

By injury, did he mean that white mark barely a centimeter long? Surely an injury that minor would have healed on its own?

While she was privately grumbling, Akira had already skillfully removed his Shihakushō and leaped into the air, executing a perfect freestyle dive.

Seeing this, Yoruichi’s lips curved into a slight smile, momentarily forgetting her defeat.

There was no way she could defeat this monster in direct combat. Rather than pursuing a futile path, perhaps a different approach would yield better results.

With this thought, she swiftly removed her sleeveless Shihakushō and gracefully slipped into the hot spring.

Feeling the warmth seep from outside to within, she lazily leaned against the rock wall. Soaking in a hot spring after an intense battle was truly one of life’s greatest pleasures.

As her body relaxed, her mind drifted peacefully… How delightful.

While she was enjoying herself, Akira glanced at the unguarded Yoruichi.

It had been some time since he’d truly looked at her — the dark-skinned girl had blossomed into the woman he remembered. Her wet purple hair cascaded over her shoulders, crystalline droplets trailing down her smooth caramel skin, and even her “heart” had reached perfect maturity.

As he observed, Yoruichi vanished. Before Akira could react, she had glided underwater behind him, pressing softly against his back.

Her voice whispered in his ear, “Akira, when are you going to marry into the Shihōin family?”

Hearing this, he was enraged — how dare a defeated general make such bold demands?

He immediately reached back, pulled Yoruichi in front of him, and pressed down:

“Hmph, the defeated have no right to negotiate terms!”

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Leaving the 2nd Division, Akira stretched, his joints making crisp sounds. Gazing at the scenery before him, he felt thoroughly refreshed in both body and mind.

Truth be told, Yoruichi’s aptitude was remarkable. Even among Soul Society’s abundant talents, she ranked near the pinnacle.

Whether from years of hakuda training or her ability to transform into a black cat, her flexibility was extraordinary, allowing for impressive maneuvers.

Combined with her exceptional endurance, it took considerable effort and an intense battle before he finally managed to subdue her, despite his own amazing stamina.

Recalling the recent battle, Akira’s lips curved into a victorious grin.

The good life was just beginning!

{T/N: Should I do a +18 for this? I don’t think that they ever showed this relationship, but its almost confirmed now… right?}

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“Weak, too weak!”

On the fighting grounds, killing intent almost materialized as Zaraki laughed maniacally, his serrated blade falling in a frenzy — forming a light screen nearly imperceptible to the naked eye.

Opposite him stood Shinji Hirako, barely holding on. Now he truly understood the immense pressure Kensei had endured.

This 3rd Seat of the 11th Division was simply inhuman. Though his strikes showed no technique, each slash precisely struck the weak points in one’s defense.

Before this opponent, Shinji felt everything he had learned was worthless.

Most striking was how his Shikai had no effect on this beast — or rather, Sakanade’s Sakasama no Sekai (Upside Down World) had been overcome.

Upon first releasing his Shikai, Zaraki’s sword swings showed slight sluggishness. But as the battle wore on, even as cuts marked that scarred body, the warrior simply ignored Sakanade’s effects.

Clang!!

As their Zanpakutō clashed, through the golden reiatsu, Shinji saw the beast-like grin on that face.

“Not enough!” Zaraki roared, bringing down his serrated blade with tremendous force.

The terrifying blow struck, and Shinji could no longer withstand it. He flew backward, landing outside the fighting grounds.

Zaraki cast a disdainful smile at the weakling trying to play dead, then turned to seek other opponents.

Not everyone could adapt to life in the 11th Division. Those who sought merely to get by with minimal effort would be mercilessly cast aside.

Seeing the monster-like Zaraki leave, Shinji breathed a sigh of relief. If it weren’t for trying to fit in, he would never come to such a hellish place.

The 11th Division was truly formidable! Even with their Lieutenant’s identity unknown, every other member had achieved renown. Their accomplishments spoke volumes — they had quelled the rebels and minimized casualties during the Hollow invasion in Rukongai, a feat unprecedented since the Gotei 13’s founding.

Their latest triumph in suppressing the Reigai uprising only confirmed their might. Such power could reshape Soul Society if they wished.

Yet considering matters carefully, while Akira’s rebellion and power grab were common knowledge, keen observers noted that Genryūsai had been grooming him all along. The 11th Division Captain’s current standing owed much to the Captain-Commander’s guidance.

Following the Tsunayashiro incident, the nobles’ influence had waned significantly — credit going to Akira. Change seemed inevitable in the near future.

Shinji felt a wave of nostalgia. That young warrior who once battled a spider-like Menos had grown into someone who could shape the world — truly remarkable.

How would Soul Society evolve under his influence? Only time would tell.

Hopefully toward something better…

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“We’re almost there, nervous?”

In the dark space, Akira flashed a toothy grin at his companion.

Aizen’s eyes narrowed at the patronizing tone.

“Don’t worry.” Akira tapped his chest confidently, “With me covering for you, this undercover operation will go perfectly.”

“Let’s hope so.”

Emerging from the Shadow Area, they arrived at Silbern (Silver Castle). The majestic structure stood crystallized in ice, its frigid atmosphere blending seamlessly with the surroundings.

Aizen surveyed the Quincy headquarters with measured breaths. Despite the husky’s confident guarantees, caution remained prudent.

Their preparations had been meticulous. Beyond his disguised appearance, his Reiatsu and bloodline signatures had been completely altered. Neither Sōken nor Akira could detect any inconsistencies.

This infiltration would proceed gradually — no immediate bid for the Sternritter. Steady progress suited Aizen’s methodical nature better than rushing for knighthood.

Passing through the Gate of the Sun, Aizen stood transfixed. Before him rose orderly towers, with disciplined soldiers arranged in perfect formation.

The Wandenreich’s military precision far surpassed Soul Society’s relaxed atmosphere.

“It’s Captain Senju!”

“The Captain has returned!”

“Captain Senju brought back someone!”

The commotion at the Gate drew every soldier’s attention. Recognition sparked an eruption of genuine cheers as they rushed forward, greeting them with unfeigned warmth.

Looking at the scene before him, Aizen’s brows furrowed slightly.

Akira’s prestige among these rank-and-file soldiers exceeded his expectations. His popularity even surpassed what he had in the 11th Division — only in Las Noches had similar scenes occurred.

What was so great about this husky?

Seeing himself pushed aside by the crowd, Aizen’s mood became rather peculiar.

After dismissing the crowd, Akira led Aizen around Silbern. While familiarizing himself with the environment, he gained a preliminary understanding of the Wandenreich.

The intelligence previously provided by this guy consisted mostly of oral descriptions. Though detailed, there were still gaps — naturally, it couldn’t compare to seeing things firsthand.

However, the overall impression gave off a strange feeling. Aizen could be certain that he was seeing these Quincy for the first time, yet they all carried an inexplicable sense of familiarity.

Most importantly, from a distance they all seemed quite normal. But once they interacted with Akira, the soldiers’ demeanor would completely change, just like being back in the 11th Division.

After showing Aizen around and confirming everything was in order, Akira arrived at the training grounds of the Seventh Tower.

Seeing their Captain appear, the Quincy burst into cheers.

Amidst thunderous acclaim that could have lifted the roof, Akira raised his hand downward, and the scene immediately quieted. Under countless admiring and passionate gazes, he placed his hand on Aizen’s shoulder.

“This is my close friend, Madara Uchiha. Everyone, please get along well with him from now on!”

As soon as he finished speaking, responses came from below.

“The Captain’s friend is just as imposing and dominating!”

“I want to become Captain’s close friend too!”

“Lord Uchiha looks so strong and powerful!”

Aizen: “…”

What was this — love extends to the whole house? Even though this was his first time meeting these people, wasn’t their attitude a bit too enthusiastic?

As Akira took his seat, the Quincy became even more excited, and their daily training grew more energetic.

However, there was also a discordant voice among them. When daily training ended, a figure radiating intense heat rushed out, his purple mohawk making him stand out in the crowd.

“Hashirama, come fight me! I’ve forged an ultimate physical body!”

Looking at Bazz-B emanating such powerful presence, Akira’s eyes lit up.

As expected of the fierce warrior he had personally trained. In such a short time apart, this guy had actually developed some real skill.

The crowd tactfully cleared away, making room for the two to fight.

Bazz-B grinned and launched the first attack.

He knew very well that even after undergoing grueling special training, he still wouldn’t be a match for his Captain. The gap between them was like that between a firefly and the bright moon — they weren’t even on the same level.

But fighting with Akira allowed him to identify and fix his weaknesses. This was undoubtedly the fastest path to becoming stronger.

So even if he faced brutal beatings, he would rise to the challenge!

Bazz-B’s form flashed, appearing abruptly before him, leading with a punch straight toward his chest. Akira dodged sideways, following through with a knife-hand strike.

Both moved extremely fast, even leaving afterimages, with the surrounding Reishi restlessly stirring.

Aizen observed their battle with great interest. He had seen Akira’s Quincy fighting style more than once, and had even studied it multiple times.

The Quincy in the World of the Living had already been thoroughly researched. Only the Wandenreich Quincy were new to him. Though there were slight differences from the data in his memory, their overall style was similar enough. Judging by combat performance alone, his disguise would hold.

The power of the Hōgyoku was truly perfect indeed.

Aizen felt something stir in his heart as he noticed someone observing him. Following the gaze, he met eyes with a Quincy in the crowd — a Sternritter with a single curled lock of hair hanging over his forehead.

Askin Nakk Le Vaar?

Thanks to his insider intelligence, Aizen knew the Sternritter well. He had a particularly strong impression of this rare intellectual within the Wandenreich.

Seeing that Aizen had noticed his scrutiny, Askin was somewhat surprised. From their first meeting, something hadn’t felt quite right.

Though this Madara Uchiha’s Reiatsu was normal — a standard Quincy signature — there was an undeniable sense of threat about him. As if he could kill you at any moment.

Thinking of this, Askin shook his head with a wry smile.

Though he wasn’t the strongest Sternritter, he still ranked among the most powerful. Besides Yhwach and Hashirama Senju, he feared no one. No matter how strong a Quincy from the World of the Living might be, they couldn’t possibly surpass someone with “The Deathdealing” like himself.

Unless this guy was a Shinigami in disguise…

Thinking of this, Askin shook his head with a wry smile.

How could that be possible? The difference between Shinigami and Quincy Reiatsu was vast — even their external spiritual manifestations were completely different.

And besides — what kind of fool would try infiltrating the Quincy headquarters as a Shinigami spy?

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep