Chapter 152
"Manager Ichihara."
The lover turned to look at Naa Ichihara.
Are you alright?
"... How did you get here?"
Sakai Shukugo's Zanpakuto doesn't lose its poison after its Shikai is released, but since Haruto has sealed his Reiatsu, the poison's power naturally can't last—not everyone's Zanpakuto lasts as long as Ashisogi Jizō's.
I browsed around your store.
Haruto, of course, wouldn't openly admit that he overheard from upstairs: actually, when Haruto came to the store a year ago, Naa Ichihara was already dealing with this matter.
"..."
Naa Ichihara shifted her gaze to Sakai Shukugo, who was sealed by the Tōzanshō.
"That Tsuchigumo just now, was it Third-Class Reii?"
"Barely acceptable."
Haruto replied casually.
Sakai Shukugo's transformation into Tsuchigumo was only somewhat interesting in terms of durability; otherwise, it was negligible. Compared to the Adjuchas that had been defeated earlier, it was far inferior in both speed and strength.
Because you're afraid of pain, you maxed out your defense?
It's a pity.
A defense that can be breached is utterly meaningless.
However, regardless of the circumstances, the Third-Class Reii is the threshold for Captain-level.
Although there were factors of restraint and being outmaneuvered involved, intelligence itself is part of combat power. As the Great Magistrate of Yoshiwara District, Naa Ichihara couldn't possibly be unaware of this, especially since she couldn't even defeat the opponent's Shikai.
They were simply outmatched in skill.
However, as soon as Haruto appeared, he easily shattered the opponent's trump card, and the difference in strength between the two was too obvious.
"The Adjuchas you killed was barely manageable?"
"That's right."
Naa Ichihara's intelligence system is indeed excellent. Although this matter is not top secret, the speed at which it was obtained is truly remarkable.
"..."
"Haruto."
Naa Ichihara stopped using gang-related titles.
Thank you for your help.
"If you hadn't made it today, they would never have been able to go back."
Naa Ichihara turned her gaze to the ground beneath her feet.
It must be said that, compared to the Gotei 13, the local gang members are more concerned about the Rukongai.
"No, no, no, don't mention thanks... isn't this all business?"
Haruto flatly rejected the other party's attempt to appeal to their emotions.
"It's hard to say whether the Bakudō of number eighty is more valuable than that of a vice captain."
When they received the Kyōmon from Naa Ichihara, this level of tacit understanding had already been established, and intelligent people like them didn't need to repeat it again.
If Haruto's fighting strength is still at the Vice-Captain-level, and it would require both of them to work together to deal with Sakai Shukugo, then the agreement made back then would definitely continue to be upheld.
However, Haruto's "value" has now reached the Captain-level, exceeding the limitations of the original contract, so things cannot be generalized.
Saving these two thousand-plus people is far better than killing them all...
Even without considering their future attitude towards the Gotei 13, it is still a massive undertaking.
"What are you going to do with this vice-captain?"
"Take it back and use it as a target for practicing Kidō."
Haruto said it very simply.
Although the Tsuchigumo was destroyed by the Kurohitsugi, Sakai Shukugo, who was hiding inside, was also seriously injured, he can still be used after some treatment.
"... Could we use him as a witness to stop the Twelfth Division from harassing Rukongai?"
Naa Ichihara offered her own idea.
"It's feasible."
The lover nodded in agreement with Naa Ichihara's statement, and then added:
"But these kinds of things... even without the Twelfth Division, there would be nobles or other divisions."
"After all, with such a large operation, while you're accumulating wealth and fame, you'll naturally attract the attention of even stronger targets."
"Manager Ichihara must have already understood this principle."
"..."
The conversation between the two reached a stalemate.
"Could we get the Thirteenth Division involved?"
"Captain Ukitake doesn't have the energy to deal with these troublesome matters."
Haruto shook his head and refused.
You know who I'm talking about.
"... I just joined the Thirteenth Division, I have neither time nor experience."
Haruto refused again, but unexpectedly, Naa Ichihara, as expected of the Great Magistrate, had actually discovered Haruto's past:
"You have experience."
"I'm very busy."
Haruto changed her tune without blushing or getting flustered.
"I'm willing to pay the price."
"For example?"
Haruto suddenly changed the subject, saying, "Talking about benefits hurts feelings, but nobody does things without benefits."
"The entire Yoshiwara District."
"I have a bright future in the Gotei 13; these things mean little to me."
"Women and intelligence—these are extremely useful assets to you."
"I have no interest in women."
"Oh?"
Of course, Naa Ichihara could tell that Haruto was lying through his teeth... as if Haruto wasn't the one who came to her shop a year ago.
However, since the other party's attitude is so firm, it means that these conditions are not swaying him at all.
"And what about me?"
"..."
This condition made Haruto hesitate for a moment. From any perspective, Naa Ichihara was a very attractive lure.
But--
"You need to pay more."
Just like when the two first clashed.
When the other party is willing to back down, it often means there is still greater room for progress.
"I possess even stronger Kidō."
"You've already witnessed the Kurohitsugi and the Senju Kōten Taihō. A level 90+ Hadō isn't much of a threat to me now."
"Then what about Ura Hadō?"
"Oh!?"
Hearing Naa Ichihara's question, Haruto's voice rose several octaves.
The Ura Hadō.
That was Hadō technique used by the Monk Who Calls the Real Name of the Zero Division.
Since no one in the Gotei 13 has ever used it, it can be roughly inferred that Zero Division's or the monk's exclusive ability.
Or, to put it another way, it could be an ability that only those who possess the Ōken can use.
Do you know how to use it?
Haruto decided to test the waters.
"Have you heard of it?"
"..."
Naa Ichihara's counter-question brought the two into a close contest once again.
That's why I don't need your intelligence network.
Haruto continued speaking.
"Including the Ura Hadō I just mentioned, if you yourself are unable to use it... it's best not to bring it to the negotiating table."
Naa Ichihara proves at least one thing:
Her identity...
It's definitely not as simple as just "exiled nobles".
Volume 1: Chapter 93, Parts of the Soul King
Haruto once asked Byakuya to help him find out the noble surname "Ichihara," but Byakuya did not return any useful information.
With the power of the Kuchiki Clan, finding similar information would be a piece of cake; even if the other party changed their surname, it wouldn't be difficult to leave clues.
Kidō Orb is not something that just any family can produce.
So.
Based on Naa Ichihara Naa's almost blunt statement just now, Haruto can easily make the most plausible guess—
Haruto pressed on, asking:
"Where are you from?"
"It's the same place you're thinking of."
"..."
"The Thirteenth Division will handle this."
Haruto, who had just been struggling with the situation, suddenly agreed to Naa Ichihara's request.
"Don't worry, what I bring out will definitely satisfy you."
Naa Ichihara also expressed her expectations for Haruto.
Cheat?
Haruto believed he had a good eye for where the other party's possessions belonged.
Now?
No wonder Haruto was so impatient.
The current situation is like being halfway through a game and suddenly getting a treasure chest that you can only get after defeating the final boss.
Haruto is just so impatient... a practical man.
Do you have enough manpower?