CHAPTER 449: CHAPTER 449: SHINENJU

After a brief silence, realizing he could only rely on himself, Kagerōza Inaba had no choice but to knock on the table again.

When no one responded, he couldn’t help but call out,

"Head of the Ryōdoji Family, Aizen-sama has refused."

Ganryū Ryōdoji looked up. Outwardly, he kept a composed expression, maintaining the dignity of a family head, but inside, he couldn’t help feeling disappointed.

If possible, of course he wanted to restore the former glory of the Ryōdoji clan.

Still, he had been mentally prepared for the outcome brought by Kagerōza Inaba.

After all, it had always been a risky gamble.

Aizen already held a high position, deeply trusted by the Captain-Commander, and oversaw nearly all matters within the Gotei 13. Why would someone like him take the risk of partnering with a group of outcasts?

With that unrealistic hope now gone, they had no choice but to stick to their original plan.

Destroying both realms and pursuing vengeance would be a long and arduous road.

"Ahem, since the Lieutenant isn’t interested in our proposal, let’s return to the previous topic,"

Ganryū Ryōdoji cleared his throat as he spoke.

"Using the Shinenju to attract Blanks, absorb the Valley of Screams generated by their congregation, and then cause the two connected realms to collapse and collide through that same Valley—is that correct?"

Kagerōza Inaba repeated the earlier plan.

His voice was hoarse, like two rough stones grinding against each other, each word jarring to the ear.

"That’s right. The connection between the spatial bubble and the two realms is nearly complete. All we’re missing now is the Shinenju," said the vassal seated to Ganryū’s right, her voice slightly sharp and feminine.

"Shinenju? After all this time, you still haven’t found it? What’s the point of keeping any of you around?!"

Inaba, who had been polite at first, grew more agitated as the topic continued, finally losing his temper entirely.

Ever since the revenge plan had begun—From probing the new Captain-Commander to reaching out to Aizen for cooperation—he had handled everything on his own.

To make all that happen, he had even sacrificed four precious Reigai—Four captain-class Shinigami-level forces!

Just thinking about it made his heart bleed!

And the arrogant fools before him not only failed to offer meaningful help, they couldn’t even do the one thing they were responsible for.

What a bunch of useless trash!

If they didn’t have the materials needed for his experiments, he wouldn’t bother working with them at all.

Working with someone like Aizen, someone truly intelligent, was far more satisfying.

But why had Aizen turned him down this time, when they’d worked so well together before?

If Aizen were on his side, there’d be no need to deal with these worthless people at all.

"The formation of the Shinenju isn’t something that can be rushed. It’s only just appeared—less than a day ago,"the female vassal said calmly, staring straight at Kagerōza Inaba.

"That means it’s already been born, hasn’t it!?"

Kagerōza Inaba suddenly raised his voice, spreading his large palm.

"You don’t want to provide the technology to control the Blanks, so I can’t do anything about it. You’ll just have to find it yourselves."

After saying this, Kagerōza Inaba gave a cold smile.

"And the materials for this month also need to be delivered to me as soon as possible. My losses from these two operations have been very great."

"If a lack of materials results in insufficient combat power and the plan ends in failure, don’t blame me!"

His tone turned dangerous.

Upon hearing this, the female vassal’s presence immediately diminished.

She stayed silent for a long time, unable to utter a single word.

After all, it was true that asking Kagerōza Inaba to search for the Shinenju would be pointless.

And compared to the Gotei 13, the Ryōdoji Family was indeed sorely lacking in combat strength.

The Reigai Army under Kagerōza Inaba’s command was crucial to them.

With logic and reality bearing down on them, the group of retainers gradually fell quiet.

...

After a long silence, a cold voice came from the seat to Ganryū Ryōdoji’s left.

"My Kagerōza-sama, I heard the new Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13 has long been dissatisfied with the nobility. Is there a way we could win him over?"

Everyone turned to look.

The retainers, who usually only followed orders with heads bowed, were now glancing at each other, seemingly giving serious thought to the idea.

But the silence was soon broken by crisp applause.

"This vassal of the Ryōdoji is truly imaginative!"

Kagerōza Inaba let out a mocking laugh as he clapped, his tone thick with sarcasm.

"Let me think... how many years ago was that now..."

"That person is currently both a high-ranking noble of Seireitei and the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13—standing at the pinnacle of power in Seireitei."

"If his brain were broken, maybe he would help us start a rebellion!"

Everyone present could clearly hear the ridicule in his voice.

But frustratingly, no one could offer a rebuttal.

After all, they were once nobility themselves and understood just how much influence the upper nobles held—second only to the Five Great Noble Houses.

And the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13?

He was the head of Seireitei’s strongest military force, commanding the mightiest power in the Soul Society.

Under such circumstances, how could they have any grounds to speak against it?

"Right now, with great events looming, this is no time for pointless bickering or attacks."

Ganryū Ryōdoji decisively interrupted the rising tension.

He knew that if things escalated, some of his retainers might actually attack Kagerōza Inaba.

"The matter of the Shinenju will be handled by our Ryōdoji Family. However, we will need your Reigai for support to prevent any accidents."

"As you wish, Ganryū-sama. I will provide the Reigai."

Kagerōza Inaba gave a slight nod of agreement.

There really wasn’t a better strategy for the time being.

As always, those attempting such a grand scheme were no match for the power of the Soul Society.

In such a situation, internal conflicts had to be shelved. Only by working together could they stand a chance.

"However, we cannot place all our hopes on the Shinenju. We must find a way to weaken Seireitei."

Ganryū Ryōdoji’s gaze turned cold as he stared ahead, his tone serious.

Then he turned to Kagerōza Inaba and asked,

"Kagerōza Inaba, how is the infiltration of Seireitei progressing?"

"All is going well. I’ve already replaced one-fifth of the fools in the Central 46 Compound, and that number continues to grow."

Kagerōza Inaba replied confidently.

However, he quickly added,

"Unfortunately, most of them hold lower positions."

"The higher their status, the harder it is to replace them."

"Silently taking their place without drawing suspicion is a real pain."

"That’s expected. The higher their rank, the more they fear death. It’s natural there would be difficulties."

Ganryū Ryōdoji nodded and continued,

"But the operation must go on."

"Only when we control one-third of the seats will we have a voice in the Central 46 Compound’s decisions."

At that, Kagerōza Inaba fell silent for a moment before finally speaking.

"Regarding that... I’ll need more time."