Musashi Returns

Faced with this unexpected and generous gift, a hint of wariness flashed in Gin Ichimaru's narrowed eyes, but he quickly concealed it.

Yoruichi's actions were naturally guided by her own set of unshakeable "logic".

In Yoruichi's view, the female demon of the Fourth Division was unfathomably powerful and cunning. Since she had already set her sights on Xuanxin, it would be extremely difficult for her to completely stop her.

But apart from that female demon, she absolutely could not tolerate any new "accidents" happening!

Xuanxin, that blockhead, always unconsciously exudes his charm when he's out in public. Since that's the case, Yoruichi simply spent a little money to settle the two little ones into a home in Seireitei.

This is equivalent to paying money to buy peace and quiet, physically isolating this potentially threatening "wild boar" from the very beginning at a safe distance from your own "cabbage"!

[A problem that can be solved with money isn't a real problem. I'll nip any potential trouble in the bud. As long as I'm firmly in my position, let's see who can escape my grasp!] Yoruichi smugly calculated in her heart.

In fact, Sister Hana saw right through Yoruichi's possessive behavior, but she didn't say anything or even show her face.

For Retsu Unohana, all she cared about now was whether she could enjoy the thrill of the hunt, so she continued to secretly and unhurriedly weave her own hunting net, exclusively for Xuanxin.

A few days later, Kisuke Urahara secretly invited Xuanxin and Yoruichi to his private laboratory through the Hell Butterfly.

"Gentlemen, please take a look at this."

Kisuke Urahara lowered the brim of his hat and led them to a metal laboratory table.

On the experimental table, a uniquely shaped instrument was quietly displayed. It was the device bearing the Tsunayashiro Clan crest that Xuanxin had seized from Rukongai that day.

However, by this time, the instrument had been disassembled and reassembled by Kisuke Urahara, so there were some newly appeared Reishi conduction lines on it.

"After these few days of reverse engineering, I have to admit that the person who designed this instrument is a complete genius."

Kisuke Urahara abandoned his usual languid demeanor, his tone becoming unusually serious:

"The original document that Xuanxin brought back had a very advanced core concept. I followed its line of thought and made some improvements to it."

"Therefore, this improved 'Reishi Extractor' has a more stable Reiatsu output during operation, and the success rate has also been greatly improved."

Hearing Yoruichi frowned, looking at the probe that emitted a cold metallic luster and asking in confusion, "An extractor? What exactly is this thing used for?"

Xuanxin also turned his gaze to Kisuke Urahara, awaiting his answer.

Kisuke Urahara picked up the lab report beside him and speculated:

"Judging from its Reishi circuits and reverse stripping technique, its only purpose should be to forcibly cut open the target's soul core like a scalpel, and peel out something hidden deep within the soul intact."

Kisuke Urahara paused, then looked intently at Xuanxin: "Xuanxin, if I'm not mistaken, the true target of the person who designed this device is some unknown, higher-dimensional fragment contained within the body of the blonde girl you rescued."

Upon hearing this conclusion, Xuanxin's eyes instantly turned cold.

"Forcibly sever the soul core? What would happen if that girl's soul core were actually extracted?" Xuanxin asked.

"Eighty percent of them will dissipate on the spot due to the collapse of their souls, with absolutely no chance of survival." Kisuke Urahara's answer was cold and direct.

Upon hearing this, Xuanxin snorted coldly, thinking to himself, "Soul experiments, disregarding the lives of ordinary people, truly befit the Tsunayashiro Clan's style. It seems I'll have to give them another warning soon."

Upon hearing Yoruichi turned to Kisuke Urahara and asked:

"You didn't call us here today just to show off your reverse engineering results, did you? Do you know how 'busy' I've been lately?"

"Oh dear, nothing escapes Miss Yoruichi's eyes. I won't interfere with your important business."

After saying that, Kisuke Urahara suddenly reverted to his usual carefree and playful demeanor, tapping his palm with his folding fan as he spoke.

"To be honest, I'm currently conducting a top-secret experiment. And this experiment requires some live experimental materials. In other words, I need Hollows! Ideally, I'd like to capture Hollows alive! Of course, if I had samples of Gillian or even Gillian, that would be perfect!"

Upon hearing Kisuke Urahara's request, Yoruichi frowned, preparing to press for further questions.

Okay, no problem.

A crisp, decisive voice, without the slightest hesitation, suddenly rang out in the laboratory. Kisuke Urahara and Yoruichi were both stunned, turning their heads to look at Shihoin Genshin standing to the side.

Xuanxin had his hands tucked into the wide sleeves of his haori, his expression as calm as if he had simply agreed to do a small favor: buy two skewers of dumplings in Rukongai.

Xuanxin looked at Kisuke Urahara, his tone calm yet revealing absolute trust. "I will do my best to capture those Hollows for you alive during regular battles and secretly send them here."

Hearing Xuanxin agree to this outrageous request so readily, without even asking a single question, was quite astonishing.

Kisuke Urahara. He then smiled at Yoruichi and Xuanxin without saying anything more, though he silently kept their trust in his heart.

Seeing this, Xuanxin didn't say anything more, and turned around and left the Twelfth Division's underground laboratory with Yoruichi.

After leaving the laboratory, Yoruichi headed towards the Fourth Division to continue her deal with Sister Hana.

Meanwhile, Xuanxin, who knew nothing about anything, strolled back to the 11th Division's base.

Just as he reached the gate of the 11th Division, a series of deafening shouts and the clanging of wooden swords clashing pierced through the gate and rushed towards Xuanxin.

At the edge of the training field, under a shady eave.

Gin Ichimaru and Rangiku Matsumoto sat side by side, quietly watching the bloodthirsty Shinigami.

Rangiku was dressed in clean and tidy civilian clothes. Although her face was still a little pale, she was a far cry from the emaciated woman she had been in the slums.

Hearing the door open, the two turned around at the same time.

When Rangiku Matsumoto saw the man with long, silver-white hair, wearing a white Captain's Haori, approaching...

The girl's eyes widened instantly. In the muddy rainy night, that tall, godlike figure finally merged perfectly with the gentle-smiling man before her!

Rangiku suddenly stood up. She didn't know how to express her gratitude, so she could only bow deeply to Xuanxin at a ninety-degree angle and linger there for a long time.

Standing to the side, Gin Ichimaru's eyes, which were always narrowed into crescent moons, opened slightly, and he bowed down along with Rangiku, genuinely bowing his head.

"Alright, don't be so polite. You've just recovered, so sit down and rest more."

Xuanxin stepped forward, gently patted Rangiku's shoulder, and gestured for her to sit down.

He then briefly greeted the two men, inquired about their living conditions, and then turned and went into his captain's office to deal with the pile of official documents from the past few days.

Xuanxin had just sat down at his desk and had only reviewed a few documents when...

Knock, knock, knock.

There was a gentle knock on the office door.

"Enter."

The door was pushed open, Gin Ichimaru entered silently, all by himself.

He closed the door behind him, stood in front of the desk, his face filled with a solemnity and determination beyond his years.

Xuanxin put down his brush, raised his head, and quietly looked at the young man before him.

Before Gin Ichimaru could speak, Xuanxin broke the silence first, his voice steady and deep:

"I know you followed me in; you want to ask me something."

Xuanxin in his chair, interlacing his fingers, and said:

"Just now, Captain Kisuke Urahara of the Twelfth Division gave a definitive analysis report. The group that attacked Rangiku in Rukongai that day must have been after something deep within her soul."

"Furthermore, the evidence left at the scene strongly suggests that the suspects are from the Tsunayashiro Clan."

Upon hearing the words "Tsunayashiro Clan," Gin Ichimaru's body trembled slightly.

As an orphan who grew up struggling in the lower rungs of Rukongai, he knew all too well what the name "Tsunayashiro" represented—a mountain that an ordinary person could never cross in their entire life.

Those people want to take away Rangiku's things, and are even willing to kill her. If no action is taken now, Rangiku will be in danger again sooner or later.

Thinking about this, suddenly...

With a loud "thump!", Gin Ichimaru knelt heavily before Xuanxin's desk!

His forehead pressed firmly against the cold floor, then he pleaded with Xuanxin, "Captain Shihoin! Please help me! I want to go to the Shin'ō Academy! I want to become a Grim Reaper!"

Xuanxin did not reply immediately when he saw Gin Ichimaru kneeling on the ground.

A long, oppressive silence fell over the office.

Xuanxin picked up the teacup on the table and took a small sip. He was scrutinizing the young man, trying to determine if he was truly prepared to bear such a heavy destiny.

A moment later.

"Good."

A simple yet powerful word came from Xuanxin's mouth.

Upon hearing this promise, Gin Ichimaru's nerves, which had been taut to the point of breaking, finally relaxed. He prostrated himself on the ground, once again performing a full, respectful bow, and quickly expressed his gratitude:

"Thank you so much Captain Shihoin Shifu! Gin Ichimaru, I would gladly sacrifice myself for you!"

With that, Gin Ichimaru stood up and turned to leave the office. He couldn't wait to embark on the training that would change his destiny.

Just as Gin Ichimaru's hand was on the doorknob, Xuanxin's voice came from behind him again.

"Wanting to protect those you cherish and pursuing power isn't wrong. Hatred can indeed be an excellent source of motivation sometimes."

Xuanxin turned around, his deep eyes staring directly into Gin Ichimaru's icy blue pupils, and warned him, word by word:

"But remember this: the more hatred you harbor, the more you must remain absolutely rational. Don't let the flames of revenge consume you. Never forget the reason you initially took up the knife."

Upon hearing these words, a complex light flashed in Gin Ichimaru's icy blue eyes. He remained silent for a few seconds, then nodded earnestly.

"Yes. I have remembered your teachings, Captain Xuanxin."

Then the boy pushed open the door and strode into the sunlight.

Chapter 64 Musashi is back

Inside the main hall of the First Division, the monthly captains' meeting was as solemn and dignified as ever.

The captains of each squad lined up on both sides, reporting on the recent defenses of the Seireitei and the security situation in Rukongai.

However, today's meeting was temporarily suspended because one person stepped forward.

"Captain-Commander- in-Chief, I have a specific proposal to submit regarding the recent research projects of the Twelfth Division's Shinigami Research and Development Institute."

Kisuke Urahara, the captain of the Twelfth Division, who usually remained silent in meetings and tried to minimize his presence, surprisingly stepped forward.

Looking at the captain who rarely spoke, Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai, sitting in the main seat, slightly opened his eyes, and his authoritative voice echoed in the assembly hall.

"Explain."

After receiving the Captain-Commander's permission, Kisuke Urahara cleared his throat and said loudly:

"The Shinigami Research and Development Institute is currently advancing an experiment, but in the process, we need a large amount of experimental materials. Therefore, I propose that during the upcoming security patrols, we capture as many Hollows alive as possible and hand them over to the Twelfth Division."

These words caused a brief commotion in the assembly hall.

The Shinigami's duty is to slay and purify Hollows. Capturing a Hollow alive is not only dangerous, but also extremely rare in the history of the Gotei 13.

Several veteran captains frowned slightly, seemingly preparing to object to this somewhat unconventional approach.

Captain-Commander Yamamoto frowned upon hearing this, then turned to Kisuke Urahara standing below and said, "Kisuke Urahara, you know that capturing a Hollow alive can easily lead to unforeseen circumstances, so you..."

Just as Captain-Commander Yamamoto was about to reject Kisuke Urahara's proposal, Yoruichi and Xuanxin suddenly stepped forward and expressed their willingness to support Kisuke Urahara's experiment.

Upon seeing the Commander-in-Chief of the Stealth Force and the captains of the combat squads simultaneously voice their support, the captains, who had initially hesitated, exchanged glances and ultimately swallowed their words.

After all, the material used in the experiment was a phantom, a mortal enemy that Death itself wanted to eliminate. Since someone was willing to put in the effort to capture it alive, they naturally didn't need to waste any more words on this issue.

Captain-Commander Yamamoto's sharp gaze swept over the three of them, and he slammed his cane down heavily.