Chapter 353

2-in-1 chapter:

Hi I have another fanfic on my profile now. it is called "Naruto: The Flame That Reshapes Fate" I hope you will check it out!

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Pink petals surged through the sky like a torrent before converging into a single form, reforming into a Zanpakutō in Byakuya's hand.

Muguruma Kensei, dressed in his white haori and gripping his dual knuckle blades, staggered a few steps.

Then, with a thud, he dropped to his knees, blood spurting from his body, and collapsed onto the ground.

Unohana Retsu flash-stepped to the arena and checked his consciousness.

After confirming, she announced:

"Sixth Division Seventh Seat, Kuchiki Byakuya—victory!"

Byakuya let out a breath and sheathed his Zanpakutō.

Looking at the fallen Kensei, he gave a respectful bow and apologized inwardly.

Sorry, Captain Muguruma… I didn’t mean to embarrass you. It’s all because of Kaelith being inhuman.

If Kaelith had lowered the bar and just told me to beat a lieutenant, I could’ve just gone and fought my own father.

He’s so weak, I could take him out in three moves.

When Unohana announced the result, the 200 spectating squad members all wore expressions of shock.

None of them had imagined such an outcome.

Kensei had been a seasoned captain for over a hundred years—he looked strong just standing there.

Byakuya, on the other hand, was merely a seated officer.

Even though he belonged to one of the Five Noble Houses, he was so young. How could he possibly be a match for Captain Muguruma?

Yet the undeniable reality unfolding before their eyes forced them to believe this absurd result.

Byakuya had defeated Muguruma Kensei, and with the presence of 200 squad witnesses, he had officially completed the captain challenge.

After confirmation by Unohana Retsu and Ukitake Jūshirō, this young noble of the Kuchiki family was acknowledged as the new Captain of the Ninth Division.

Having received their recognition, Byakuya gave a slight nod with an unreadable expression and turned to leave.

Watching his retreating back, emotions were mixed.

Some were stunned—marveling that the Kuchiki family had produced such a talent.

Some were displeased—feeling Byakuya was arrogant.

The nobles were the most delighted.

Though they’d temporarily lost the Sixth Division, the Kuchiki family had now claimed the Ninth Division.

That was a great sign!

And… just look at Byakuya’s presence—it was clearly far more reliable than his father.

Compared to the soft and affable Kuchiki Sōjun, who seemed to get along with everyone, Byakuya’s cool, dominant flair was much more in line with noble sensibilities.

This young heir might just lead the nobles to new heights.

However, this beautiful fantasy shattered that very night.

A shocking piece of news spread rapidly across Seireitei.

The Kuchiki heir and prospective Ninth Division Captain, Kuchiki Byakuya, had submitted a marriage application at the noble council.

His proposed partner: Mikami Yurei, Kaelith’s adopted daughter!

Upon receiving the application, Kaelith consulted Hifune.

After confirming she had no objections, he promptly signed off.

Three days later, the Kuchiki family would present the betrothal gifts.

Then, on an auspicious day, the two would be wed.

Normally, this process would be more complex, more tedious.

But Kaelith insisted: aside from full ceremonial flair, any bureaucratic procedures that could be skipped, would be skipped.

The elders of the Kuchiki family voiced no objections.

Kuchiki Sōjun was quite surprised.

He had expected the elders to raise a fuss, claiming simplifying the ceremony would disgrace the family’s stature and tradition.

When he asked about it, the wheelchair-bound Kuchiki Ginrei chuckled.

“That boy Kaelith, in front of countless witnesses, demonstrated a power rivaling that of Yamamoto Genryūsai. That alone is enough to silence any critics.”

“More importantly, since that battle, Genryūsai hasn’t reappeared.”

“If he’s doing so, there are only two likely reasons.”

“One, he’s severely injured and in recovery.”

“Two, he’s concealing himself for a purpose, choosing not to show his face.”

“If it’s the first, then Kaelith has reached the pinnacle of power and become the new ‘Strongest Shinigami of the Soul Society.’”

“If it’s the second, it means Yamamoto has fully entrusted Kaelith, allowing him to take over First Division affairs early to gain experience.”

“Either way, Kaelith has now entered the center of the stage of history.”

“The elders care only for their interests. Faced with such limitless potential, how could they possibly oppose Byakuya’s marriage?”

Hearing this, Sōjun nodded in understanding.

But a few seconds later, a thought struck him:

“But, Father… maybe the Captain-Commander’s absence just means he gave himself a vacation to relax?”

Ginrei frowned.

“Foolish! You’re too old to have such childish thoughts!”

“Genryūsai would never put personal leisure above the peace of Seireitei.”

“He understands better than anyone the impact his absence has. For him to hide away despite that, he must be undertaking something monumental.”

Sōjun quickly bowed in apology.

Satisfied, Ginrei nodded and rolled away in his wheelchair.

The news of the Mikami Yurei, now named Mikami-Kuchiki, engagement sent shockwaves through the noble circles. Many collapsed on the spot.

That the Kuchiki heir—Kaelith’s quasi-student and friend—was marrying into his family was well-known.

Some had hoped Byakuya would oppose Kaelith’s authoritarian rule. But he surpassed even his father, marrying someone bearing the Yurei name.

Among nobles, marriage is the most binding trust.

In their world, a marriage between houses is a loud public announcement that “from this day forward, we wear the same pants.”

At least publicly.

Wails of despair filled the noble estates.

In fact, even Kaelith’s own faction was stunned.

At a roadside tavern after hours, a few familiar figures gathered.

“Damn it, that little Kuchiki brat… how dare he secretly become Big Bro’s relative!”

Ikkaku slammed his sake cup on the table, brimming with frustration.

Tōsen Kaname took a sip, deep in thought, eyes closed—a perfect portrait of brooding calm.

Kenpachi scratched his ear.

“So what if he’s a relative? I’m not Big Bro’s relative, and I still get to passionately fight him.”

Gin glanced sideways at him.

This stupid brute… of everyone here, he probably understands Big Bro’s brilliance the least.

Having Big Bro waste time on him is like pouring fine cuisine down a hippo’s throat.

Komamura poured sake into his mouth.

With his jaw structure, sipping wasn’t feasible—he had to tilt and gulp it down.

Sure, he could also lick it off the table, but that would just be unsightly.

He looked to the busty woman nearby.

“Matsumoto, you seem quite calm. I thought you’d be the one most upset.”

“Hmph.”

Rangiku took a sip. “I’m not interested in silly titles like ‘son-in-law.’”

“If it’s going to happen, then it should happen all the way. I mean directly…”

She trailed off with a hum, too embarrassed to finish the sentence even with some sake in her.

Yachiru, lying on Kenpachi’s shoulder, tilted her head.

“Becoming Kaelith’s relative? That’s easy! Even I could do it~”

“All I have to do is marry Kaelith, right?”

“?”

“?”

“???”

Everyone turned to her with the expression of having just been blindsided by a surprise Komamura.

Rangiku’s forehead twitched.

She reached out, gently pinching Yachiru’s cheeks.

“Yachiru… You can say whatever you like when eating, but words? Be careful what you say… That’s practically a declaration of war!”

Gin sighed, chin in hand.

He didn’t have what it took to compete down that route.

Kenpachi nodded. “I could too.”

…You could what?

Everyone turned toward him, faces pale with horror.

Yachiru clapped gleefully, apparently delighted. “Yay! Kenny’s joining the race!”

Rangiku pulled her gaze away from Kenpachi and looked at the pink-haired girl.

Now that she thought about it, she’d heard before—Kenpachi and Kusajishi Yachiru were both over a thousand years old.

Kenpachi looked the part—a brutish old man, similar to a human in his forties.

But Yachiru? How was it possible that someone her age looked like a five- or six-year-old child?

Shinigami appearances and age really didn’t line up at all…

…

First Division, Kaelith’s quarters.

This room used to be Yamamoto’s meditative retreat.

But the old man hadn’t returned in a while, so Kaelith claimed it.

He now lay back comfortably on the mat, being pampered by Soi Fon.

Expressionless, she knelt behind him, letting his head rest on her thighs while she massaged his temples.

“Ohhh… yeah, that’s the spot. A little more there.”

Kaelith closed his eyes, purring like a satisfied cat.

Speaking of cats… that reminded him of a certain someone who hadn’t shown up in ages…

Soi Fon clicked her tongue.

This scumbag of a man—his “daughter” was about to get married, and he still hadn’t gone to win over Yoruichi-sama.

How aggravating.

Seeing him this relaxed, she couldn’t help but want to stab him with Suzumebachi a few times.

Just then, she sensed something and turned toward the door.

A voice came from outside:

“Captain, Eleventh Division officer, Rukia Yurei, requests an audience.”

Rukia?

Soi Fon recognized the name.

Kaelith’s adopted daughter—Hifune’s younger sister.

Soon, the door slid open, and a young girl in Shinigami robes stepped inside, a bit nervous.

She knelt and looked up at Kaelith.

“Captain… sorry for disturbing you.”

“I have some questions I just can’t resolve, and I hoped to consult with you.”

Still resting on Soi Fon’s lap, Kaelith turned his head.

“Hoh, you came to the right guy.”

“In all of Soul Society, who doesn’t know that Kaelith’s intellect reigns supreme, surpassing Urahara and Aizen alike?”

“Whatever it is, ask away!”

Rukia nodded.

She took a breath and spoke sincerely:

“Captain, I want to know—what did my sister and I do to deserve your care?”

“My sister was just an ordinary soul from Rukongai, with no particular talents.”

“I may have some aptitude for being a Shinigami, but in the Eleventh Division, I’m nothing special. There are plenty stronger than me.”

“Before coming to Seireitei, I was a nobody… If you simply pitied us and wanted to change our fate, making me a Shinigami already did more than enough.”

“When I first got here, I didn’t understand what it meant to be adopted into the Yurei family.”

“But after learning about your strength and background, I couldn’t help but ask myself again and again—what did I do to deserve this?”

“Please, help me understand.”

Seeing Rukia’s serious, resolute gaze, Soi Fon gave a barely noticeable nod.

Most people, even if confused, wouldn’t dare ask.

What if they said the wrong thing and lost everything?

But this girl still chose to seek the truth—no wonder Kaelith valued her.

Kaelith chuckled.

“Rukia, do you know why I have this kind of power?”

“…?”

She blinked, confused.

What did that have to do with her question?

She shook her head.

“I don’t know.”

“Of course not. It’s a shocking secret—I’ve never told anyone.”

Kaelith’s expression turned solemn, as if his shoulders bore the weight of a prophecy.

“The reason I’m so powerful is partly due to my own efforts—and partly due to the legendary Clairvoyant of Ages!”

Clairvoyant… of Ages?

That odd blend of Eastern and Western terms left Rukia bewildered.

Still resting on Soi Fon’s thighs, Kaelith continued:

“To me, there are no secrets in this world.”

“I can see everything. As long as I follow the right path, I can become the ultimate being!”

“And you, Rukia, are one of the key cornerstones in my journey to the top!”

“As long as you remain by my side, I will reach the heavens!”

Rukia’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Soi Fon furrowed her brows, thinking for a moment, then gave an exasperated look.

If this bastard really had such insight, he wouldn’t have needed to risk his life so many times to fix things himself.

Her cold gaze locked onto Kaelith.

Truly worthy of the title “scumbag”—he could even lie so easily to a sincere girl like Rukia.

Kaelith met her stare… and smiled with smug satisfaction.

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