Central 46's Promise

Long ago, before even the Thirteenth Division was established, the Central 46, which evolved from the Soul Society 'Noble Council, had this rule.

Upon entering the Central 46, they will automatically lose their names and forget their former families, becoming the most impartial judges among the nobles.

However, times have changed, and this rule is now as worthless as a fart.

However, in formal occasions or when meeting respected guests, one will also introduce oneself as a sage.

But those worthy of such treatment include, and are limited to, the elders of the Five Great Noble Clans and the important figures of the Zero Division.

Dōsan glanced at the old man before him, sensing his strength.

With Spiritual Pressure barely reaching the Captain-level, more than twenty such beings had died around him a few days ago.

The Central 46 are allowed to carry Zanpakuto, but they were already elders among the nobles when they took office in the Central 46.

Most of them are still like traditional nobles, relying more on Kidō and Hakuda. A few possess Zanpakuto, but none have been known to have the power of Bankai.

The Third Sage's smile was quite amiable, but Dōsan Hanyū, who had no prior contact with the Central 46, had a somewhat cold expression.

Kūkaku Shiba never hid her disgust and disdain for nobles and Grim Soul Reapers, and naturally, Kūkaku wouldn't say anything nice about the Central 46.

After joining the Thirteenth Division, none of the members around him spoke highly of the Central 46.

Sensing Dōsan Hanyū's coldness, the Third Sage showed great tolerance and said without beating around the bush, "Mr. Hanyū, the reason I've come this time is to ask that you succeed the late Captain Ichimonji Tsunayashiro as the captain of the Shin'ō Noble Guard."

At least on the surface, the position of Captain of the Shin'ō Noble Guard is on par with Captain-Commander Yamamoto.

Furthermore, if the Central 46 were to form a queue, Dōsan Hanyū would definitely be ahead of Yamamoto.

In terms of strength, although the elite squad of Shin'ō Noble Guard, which was close to the Captain-level, was completely wiped out, the Artificial Soul Technology was well preserved. As long as the technique is there, a group of Captain-level can launch suicide attacks at any time are enough to guarantee the power of the Central 46.

But they still need a strong leader.

The true strongman is the leader.

Among the nobles, many volunteered, even the Shihoin Clan. Perhaps for self-preservation, an elder of the Shihoin Clan volunteered to become the captain of the Shin'ō Noble Guard.

However, this application was still rejected by half of the members of Central 46.

They lack both strength and prestige within the Thirteenth Division's combat order.

Currently, Dōsan Hanyū is the most suitable candidate.

He was also the third sage's first choice.

A genius with at least three more years of Spiritual Pressure growth ahead, a genius ostracized by the Thirteenth Division.

But...

"I'm sorry," Dōsan Hanyū without much hesitation, "I have no such intention."

Dōsan bowed slightly in acknowledgment and was about to step aside.

It's not that I sensed any undercurrents or political struggles behind this.

The main one is Dōsan; he's doing a great job as a tutor at the academy.

I get paid in full, and I don't have to fight.

And.

Once again, the Law of Causality was unleashed, Dōsan Hanyū should have paid a heavy price. However, that piece of jade bone once again bore the cost for Dōsan.

But Dōsan could sense that his Law of Causality could be applied once more, and the price he would pay next time.

It could be life itself, or something even heavier than life.

Therefore, Dōsan Hanyū did not want to return to the combat post and remained as the captain.

Ignoring the Third Sage, he had decided to sever ties with the Central 46.

"After the establishment of the Central 46, although the Five Great Noble Clans still had a large group of minor noble families who supported them, over time, the power of the five major noble families and the other noble families had become separated."

"Therefore, the Five Great Noble Clans have a representative who holds an extra seat outside the Central 46. Although this representative will not serve in the Central 46 indefinitely, he/she has veto power."

The Third Sage seemed to be talking to himself, but Dōsan Hanyū's pace did indeed slow down.

"The previous holder of this power was Jin'ya Tsunayashiro, but if you agree, I can hand over this position to the Shiba Clan, Kaien Shiba, or even Kūkaku Shiba!"

This is a choice that severely weakens the power of the Central 46, and the Third Sage faced considerable pressure when this decision was first proposed internally.

However, with the destruction of the Tsunayashiro Clan, the best connection between the Central 46 and the Five Greats lies in this identity.

Veto power.

A power that truly transcends the Central 46.

This also made Dōsan Hanyū stop in his tracks.

Kūkaku- nee.

Dōsan Hanyū believed that he understood Kūkaku better than Ganju or Kaien.

Dōsan knew that she had always been troubled by her father's death and the decline of the Shiba Clan.

However, the head of the Shiba Clan, Kaien, is more carefree and values his family above all else.

This brought both comfort and a touch of torment to Kūkaku.

If he obtains this power, the heavy burden in his heart will surely be lifted, and he will also have the opportunity to help Kūkaku Avenge his father's murder.

Although Dōsan doesn't yet know who his enemy is.

My heart is fluttering.

Although he couldn't see the face, the Third Sage could clearly sense that Dōsan, who was facing away from him, was now extremely moved.

"Furthermore, the Central 46 can bestow upon you a noble title."

"The Tsunayashiro Clan is responsible for overseeing the history of Soul Society. The Great Spirit Book Gallery will be under the jurisdiction of your Hanyū Clan!"

What a display of boldness!

Noble titles are not so easily bestowed.

Throughout the history of the Thirteenth Division, none of its captains have received a noble title for their merits.

There's also the Great Spirit Book Gallery, which Yamamoto explicitly proposed to the Central 46 to be brought back under the control of the Thirteenth Division.

The Shihoin Clan and Kuchiki Clan families have also clearly stated their desire to take on this responsibility.

But they were rejected by Central 46.

The actions of the Central 46 not only created a rift between Dōsan Hanyū and the Thirteenth Division, but also between Kuchiki and the Shihoin Clan.

Their main goal was to gradually sow discord between Dōsan Hanyū and the soon-to-be-emerging Shiba Clans.

The plan for the Central 46 is already several hundred years in the future.

Of course, all these schemes are based on the premise that Central 46's bet is...

Within a short period of time, perhaps ten years, or even five years, Dōsan Hanyū will possess combat power comparable to that of Captain-Commander Yamamoto.

There was no other way. These sages had a premonition that if they let Yamamoto continue like this, they, the group of sages, might become another Tsunayashiro Clan in a few years.

He sighed.

It wasn't just for Kūkaku- san, it was also for myself.

For that noble title, for that deeper "cause".

I agree.

Just then, the captains of the Thirteenth Division received a meeting invitation from Captain-Commander Yamamoto of the First Division.

This is the first Captain-level meeting of the Thirteenth Division in several days since the destruction of the Tsunayashiro Clan.