Chapter 75

Isane's artwork encompassed everyone present: from the delicate white flowers just beginning to bloom, to the sunflowers symbolizing the sun and the center, to the inconspicuous Tsubakibana dotting the corners—

The imagery of this artwork is to use flowers to symbolize people.

"What's wrong?"

Haruto nudged Byakuya's arm.

"... Quite pretty."

Even Byakuya, who had previously shown no interest in such things, offered his sincere praise.

The happiest person among them was Nanao, who received a balsam bookmark. Born in July, Nanao received balsam flowers, which also begin to bloom in July, and it was given as a gift in her favorite bookmark.

Nanao couldn't contain her joy.

Even Sentarō Kotsubaki, who almost fell asleep halfway through the movie— Kiyone was worried that his reaction would spoil her sister's fun—quietly fell into thought after hearing Hanatarō's explanation of Tsubakibana.

Hanatarō lives up to his name; he's quite knowledgeable in this area.

First roll: 048, "Tape"

There was no moment of mourning for the nearly two-hour flower arranging session; immediately following was a tea party for the girls.

Although Haruto was invited to stay, he declined very decisively: Haruto has always maintained a very good sense of distance.

Sentarō Kotsubaki left halfway through the flower arranging session—he might have been able to endure it for an hour or two, but after that time limit, the flower arranging session, with its topics and style completely incompatible with his own, became somewhat agonizing for him.

Hanatarō stayed until the flower arranging party ended.

After all, his house is right next door, so even if he's timid, he doesn't need to worry about walking that short distance at night.

At around 8 p. m., Seireitei, which should have been filled with a cheerful atmosphere, was unusually quiet; the few pedestrians on the streets were not only in a hurry, but also kept their voices down when they did talk.

Haruto and Byakuya walked side by side on the road.

"Shall we talk about serious matters here?"

The two were talking quite loudly, but their surroundings seemed completely oblivious, as if they couldn't hear them at all, and even their figures were invisible to others.

"Don't worry, they can't hear you."

Byakuya waved his arm, and a bubble-like membrane of light enveloped the two of them, even moving with their every step.

"What kind of Kidō is this?"

Since Byakuya didn't chant anything, Haruto couldn't tell for the time being.

He curiously poked the bubble on his head; it was soft and fluffy and didn't seem to offer any protection.

"Modified Kyokkō, enhanced anti-eavesdropping version."

The basic principle is that air bubbles are used to isolate air vibrations; they will burst if there is an impact or if the decibel level is too high.

A very useful technique, but unfortunately Haruto can't use it.

"... As expected of a high-ranking noble family, they are truly meticulous in their work."

After all, he doesn't usually have anything to plot with anyone.

"Be careful."

"You've probably noticed it too, the area around Seireitei hasn't been very quiet lately."

Having recuperated at home for some time, Byakuya is indeed much more composed than before—if it were him six months ago, his identity would definitely be the opposite of Haruto's when he said these words.

"Really."

Haruto, who became rich overnight, has been visiting Ōmaeda Ichiraku Ramen more often in the past six months, and has naturally gained a lot of information.

Leaving aside other matters...

Last month alone, as many as five noble families were wiped out by the "Void," including some middle-ranking nobles.

Do you have any exclusive news?

"No..."

Byakuya frowned.

There is more than one force operating in the shadows.

Even with the Kuchiki Clan's intelligence network, they couldn't glimpse even a corner of the truth.

Certainly.

The most important reason is that Kōga Kuchiki was transferred to the Hueco Mundo Expeditionary Force, and there are simply too many eyes watching Kuchiki Sōjun.

It's difficult for them to accomplish anything significant.

"But your ability to come out for some fresh air tonight is undoubtedly related to your performance during the day."

The Shin'ō Academy isn't some secret institution; what happens here will reach the ears of the great nobles within half an hour.

You mean the competition at the Shin'ō Academy?

Haruto didn't seem to notice anything amiss, but the only significant event was his match with Munechika.

"Right."

Byakuya nodded.

"That little bit of trouble... the medicine Munechika used?"

"Right!"

Before the match even started, Haruto suspected that Munechika, but at the time he thought it was a performance-enhancing drug with significant side effects; who would have thought that this stuff would actually be related to the recent atmosphere in Seireitei?

"..."

After waiting for a while without Haruto asking any further questions, Byakuya, feeling a bit frustrated, had no choice but to speak up himself:

"According to information from the auction..."

"Don't look at me like that. The information came from my father. Do you think I still have a chance to go to the auction?!"

"It seems you want to go."

Haruto replied quietly.

"Ahem!... Let's discuss this further."

Byakuya cleared his throat forcefully.

Although Byakuya said it was boring that night, after enduring such a long period of boredom, it seems his mind is starting to stir again and he wants to do something exciting.

"Based on information we've gathered from several auction houses..."

"In several Rukongai near Seireitei, two drugs are being secretly and frantically pursued: one is the 'Heavenly Wisdom Pill,' which allows users to quickly master Kidō, and the other is the 'Formation-Breaking Pill,' which can greatly enhance physical attributes in a short period of time."

"... It sounds like Munechika took both?"

Upon hearing about the effects of these two medications, even Haruto's brows furrowed slightly.

"He's quite lucky."

How so?

"These two drugs shouldn't be taken together; none of the guys who did survived more than eight hours."

"... Munechika?"

Haruto wasn't worried about Munechika's safety, but rather that Principal Mitarai had gotten involved in the matter, and Haruto didn't want to drag him into it—the danger of being able to save the man was completely different from the danger of a nobleman plotting something behind the scenes.

After all...

Principal Mitarai treated him quite well, even though he wasn't very strong.

"I arrived at the Kotetsu Clan exactly eight hours ago. He should be safe and sound, otherwise the spies in the house would have sent word."

Byakuya replied.

"Explain in detail. With such a strong effect, the side effects can't be weak."

If Byakuya hadn't mentioned it, Haruto wouldn't have actually planned to learn about this "knowledge," since curiosity can kill more than just cats.

Haruto only needs to train step by step, and that will be enough for him to continuously become stronger... At least for a long time, he won't go crazy because he can't see the way forward.

But since Byakuya said--

"'Heavenly Wisdom Pill' will permanently deplete the user's spirit. For those with weak willpower, one pill is enough to drive them mad; even for those with extraordinary talent, two or three pills are enough to turn them into idiots."

"The 'Formation-Breaking Pill' will severely damage bodily functions after its effects end. Although long-term effects are not currently visible, it is certain to shorten lifespan."

Byakuya told Haruto everything he knew.

"..."

"These drugs are not for cultivating loyal followers."

Haruto immediately grasped the key point.

"That's what my father said too."

Byakuya wasn't surprised by his friend's keen observation in this regard.

"... Perfect for training assassins."

Haruto quickly added, then turned to Byakuya and asked:

"Do great noble families need this kind of 'foundation'?"

"Are you underestimating the Kuchiki Clan?"

Byakuya glanced at Haruto with disdain.

"No, just to confirm... In other words, it's highly likely a tactic employed by a higher-ranking noble."

I think so too.

Byakuya nodded in approval.

But learning something doesn't mean you can use it.

Haruto rubbed his temples and began to explain his speculations, bit by bit.

"Before taking the Heavenly Bedding Pill, I was already thoroughly familiar with the advanced demonic Hadō up to number seventy-five; however, limited by my physical condition, unless I wanted to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I couldn't possibly ruin my future just to unleash an advanced Kidō."

"These two kinds of pills..."

"They were originally supposed to be one drug, but because their effects were too potent, they were split into two for small-scale drug release experiments."

"Now, with Munechika a successful test subject, the nobles behind the scenes should soon be able to achieve a technological breakthrough."

"If nothing unexpected happens..."

"In the future Soul Society will likely see many 'one-time use high-level Hadō Fruits'."

Haruto made the final decision.

Based on current intelligence, even if there are some discrepancies, it should be close to the truth.

"You don't seem to be in a hurry at all?"

Listening to Haruto's analysis, Byakuya calmly asked a question in return.

"What's the rush for me?"

"How many talents like Munechika can appear in Soul Society every year? He went to so much trouble to fire Raikōhō at me that he could have easily wiped out... Which high-ranking noble family can recruit so many cannon fodder to fire a one-time Raikōhō?"

"Even if he could, he would probably have been discovered by you nobles before he could mobilize resources on such a large scale."

Haruto had personally experienced the intelligence-gathering capabilities of the great nobles.

"Munechika was able to become so much stronger because he had already devoted a lot of effort to Shikai and Shunpo."

"If it were someone else..."

Haruto's brows had already relaxed, and he was now shaking his head with a light laugh.

"Hadō below number 70 pose no threat to me anymore. Zanka no Tachi for example. If someone could learn Zanka no Tachi with the help of drugs, their future achievements would at least be a Seated Officer in the Gotei 13. If I were the head of the family, I wouldn't be willing to waste them like that."

In other words...

"Even if the drug is successfully developed, it will only mean having more cannonballs for the Raikōhō."