Saito Furofushi: I Was Here First!

"Damn it! Am I seeing things? How could Araki, that guy, possibly be fighting Unohana Yachiru, that villain, right here in the Seireitei?!"

"No, absolutely not…"

Saito Furofushi watched Araki intensely battling Unohana Yachiru, utterly incredulous.

First, she gently rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand, then opened them as wide as possible, straining to see the two fighting in the distance.

Indeed, as Saito maximized her perception, the faces of the two engaged in fierce combat nearby remained unchanged!

Yes, in Saito's vision, the individuals wielding their swords in the Seireitei as if no one else existed were still Unohana Yachiru and Araki…

At this moment, Saito finally understood why she felt a sense of familiarity yet strangeness from the Spiritual Pressure of the person fighting Unohana Yachiru!

Because the person fighting Unohana Yachiru was Araki, the very man she had been anxiously waiting for in the Captain's office!!!

"Damn it, what in the world is going on?!"

"How could Araki be fighting Unohana?!"

"Is there some misunderstanding between them?"

"No, I have to go ask Araki what's happening!"

Saito was quite agitated. She firmly rubbed her throbbing temples, then made a decision…

Since she couldn't figure out what had happened between Araki and Unohana Yachiru, she might as well just go ask Araki directly!

With that thought, Saito intended to rush forward and stop Araki and Unohana Yachiru, who were intensely fighting nearby.

"Hey! Where are you going, kid!"

However, just as Saito Furofushi was about to step forward, a rough hand clasped her 'slender,' 'pale' neck from behind, forcibly holding her in place. Immediately after, a low, hoarse male voice, filled with endless vicissitudes, echoed in Saito's ear.

"Damn it! Don't get in my way!"

Saito struggled fiercely but found she couldn't break free from the hand behind her. The immense force emanating from that hand felt like a mountain, pressing down on her, suffocating her! This made Saito's face turn even paler. She swore she would make the person who stopped her pay dearly if she ever found out who it was!

"Ca-Captain-Commander Yamamoto…"

However, when Saito turned to look behind her, she froze instantly.

Then, Saito completely deflated…

Yes, the one who stopped Saito from interfering with Araki and Unohana Yachiru's fight was none other than the current Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13—Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni.

This caused the anger that had been simmering in Saito's chest to gradually subside. Saito Furofushi was all about knowing when to back down, otherwise, she wouldn't have achieved the immortality implied by her name…

"Captain Yamamoto, what is the meaning of this?!"

"Why are you stopping me?"

Saito Furofushi adjusted her agitated emotions slightly and softly asked Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni.

"Kid! Calm down and watch!"

"Don't interfere with the fight between Araki and Unohana…"

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni, still holding Saito Furofushi, simply flicked his hand back. Saito was tossed back like a small chick by Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni…

Thud~

With a crisp thud, Saito Furofushi landed on her backside, returning to her position among the Gotei 13 Captains behind Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni.

"…"

After tossing Saito Furofushi back, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni continued to silently watch Araki and Unohana Yachiru, who were still fiercely fighting in the distance.

Yamamoto had no intention of explaining anything to Saito. As the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, he didn't need to explain the purpose of his actions to anyone within the Gotei 13, even if that person was a Captain from another division…

"What's gotten into that old man Jūjizai today?!"

Saito stood up from the ground, first dusting off her backside, then walked over to Shihoin Sennichi and whispered.

"You really should say that to Captain-Commander Yamamoto's face…"

"Instead of coming over here and whispering to me~"

"I imagine if Captain-Commander Yamamoto heard how much you 'respect' him, he'd surely tell you the reason for all this."

Shihoin Sennichi found it amusing to see Saito, who was usually so careful, acting this way.

With that, Shihoin Sennichi rubbed his chin and teased Saito.

"Cut the crap!"

Saito Furofushi's anger flared up again upon hearing this. It was bad enough that Captain-Commander Yamamoto was messing with her…

How dare Shihoin Sennichi, a mere Gotei 13's biggest gossip, mess with her, Saito Furofushi?! What did he take her for?

However, when she recalled that Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni, the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, was quietly standing in front of everyone, the anger in her heart gradually subsided again.

Yes, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni's deterrent power within the Gotei 13 was truly immense!

Just standing there, he made all these lawless, bloodthirsty individuals, who were among the First Generation Gotei 13 Captains, dare not act out…

"Haha…don't rush, just listen to me slowly!"

"Actually, it's no use asking me about this," Shihoin Sennichi said with a gentle smile, looking at Saito, who he had thoroughly provoked.

"Because I'm not entirely clear on the specifics myself."

"In fact, it's not just you who's curious about the current situation."

"Even I, along with the other Captains, are curious about the true identity of that young man fighting Unohana Yachiru."

It seems that Shihoin Yoruichi's habit of teasing children is a trait passed down through the Shihoin Clan.

However, Shihoin Sennichi was also a person with good judgment. He knew that if he continued to tease Saito, their Second Division would likely never have a moment of peace again.

Therefore, Shihoin Sennichi told Saito the truth.

"Huh? What?! You don't even know? You're useless!"

Saito Furofushi frowned upon hearing this. She had originally thought that Shihoin Sennichi, being the most troublesome among the Captains of the Gotei 13, should have some understanding of the current situation. It turned out she had overestimated him!

As expected, Shihoin Sennichi is just a guy with a sharp tongue and nothing else to him! Saito thus defined Shihoin Sennichi in her mind.

"Although I'm not entirely clear on the current situation, I do know someone who definitely understands what's going on."

Shihoin Sennichi still wore a faint smile. Clearly, he wasn't upset by Saito's words; instead, he intended to help her.

"Who?"

Saito Furofushi looked curious upon hearing this.

"That person is... Chōjirō Sasakibe!"

Shihoin Sennichi softly spoke Chōjirō Sasakibe's name, a faint smile on his face.

"Chōjirō Sasakibe?!"

Saito Furofushi was momentarily stunned. That's right, Chōjirō Sasakibe, having always been by Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni's side, would surely know everything about Yamamoto and, by extension, about Araki.

"Thank you."

Thinking this, Saito, uncharacteristically, thanked Shihoin Sennichi.

"No need to thank me…"

"Rather than you thanking me, I should be thanking you."

Shihoin Sennichi gently shook his head upon hearing this.

Because Shihoin Sennichi was also very curious about the identity of the young man currently locked in battle with Unohana Yachiru, and what his relationship with Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni was.

It would be difficult for him, given his status as a member of the Shihoin Clan, to inquire about this with Chōjirō Sasakibe. Even though he only wanted to satisfy his curiosity, it could easily lead to unnecessary misunderstandings.

Therefore, Shihoin Sennichi deliberately manipulated Saito, letting the most notoriously idiotic, simple-minded, and crazy loli among the Gotei 13 Captains help him gather information.

"Suddenly, I feel a bit guilty."

"Have I really fallen so low that I'm even using idiots?!"

Shihoin Sennichi shook his head self-deprecatingly, watching Saito Furofushi's cheerfully departing back.

Meanwhile…

Saito, whom Shihoin Sennichi regarded as an 'idiot,' had already approached Chōjirō Sasakibe.

"Mr. Sasakibe…"

Since she had a favor to ask of Chōjirō Sasakibe, Saito Furofushi added the honorific "Mr." after Sasakibe's surname.

"Hmm?!" Chōjirō Sasakibe turned his head slightly, scrutinizing Saito Furofushi with a puzzled look before asking, "Excuse me, Captain Saito, do you need something from me?"

"Mr. Sasakibe, do you know what the relationship is between Araki and Captain-Commander Yamamoto?"

"And how did Araki end up fighting that hateful woman, Unohana Yachiru?"

"Also, why would Captain-Commander Yamamoto let Araki and that woman, Unohana, fight in the Seireitei?"

Saito Furofushi blurted out all her questions to Chōjirō Sasakibe.

"Well, you have quite a few questions…"

"Please allow me to answer them slowly!"

Chōjirō Sasakibe's eye twitched slightly after hearing Saito's words. Just hearing Saito's questions made Chōjirō Sasakibe feel like his head was going to explode!

To this, Chōjirō Sasakibe first rubbed his tense temples, then spoke to Saito in a gentle and gentlemanly tone.

"Alright."

Saito Furofushi nodded gently. At this moment, Saito was exceptionally quiet. She was like a curious child, patiently waiting for Chōjirō Sasakibe to explain.

"First, I'll answer your first question…"

"How should I put it? Araki is actually Captain-Commander Yamamoto's disciple! Of course, the relationship between Araki and Captain-Commander Yamamoto is not merely that of apprentice and master! It's a deeper bond!"

"To be honest, Araki is one of the most talented people in swordsmanship I've ever seen in my life! It's a talent that makes it impossible to feel jealousy or a desire to compete! Even Captain Unohana, as she is now, is not much better!"

Chōjirō Sasakibe first briefly explained the relationship between Araki and Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni.

"As for Araki's true identity…"

"Captain Saito, you must have heard about a man who, many years ago, received the Menkyo Kaiden from Captain-Commander Yamamoto's Swordsmanship Dojo, the Genji School, right? That man is Araki!"

Chōjirō Sasakibe then revealed Araki's past 'glorious' achievements.

"Araki actually received the Genryū: Menkyo Kaiden from Captain-Commander Yamamoto?! No wonder he's so strong! He's like a monster! Wait, no, that's not right. If Araki really is Jūjizai's disciple..."

"I mean, since Araki is Captain-Commander Yamamoto's disciple, he should be staying in the Seireitei to help Captain-Commander Yamamoto. Even if Araki isn't interested in being a Captain in the Gotei 13, he should at least be serving in the First Division! Mr. Sasakibe, you're not trying to fool me, are you?"

Saito Furofushi asked Chōjirō Sasakibe, her big eyes wide. Although Saito wasn't the sharpest, it didn't mean she was truly stupid; she still had a basic grasp of logic.

"Well…"

"In any case, this matter involves too much, and even if I tried to explain it to you now, I wouldn't be able to make it clear right away!"

"Captain Saito, all you need to understand right now is one thing! That is, Araki plans to return to the Gotei 13 to help Captain-Commander Yamamoto~"

Chōjirō Sasakibe didn't want to dwell on the matter between Araki and Yamamoto. He didn't explain further and quickly ended the topic.

"Uh…"

Hearing this, Saito Furofushi was momentarily at a loss for words.

"As for why Araki is here fighting Captain Unohana…"

"I think it's because Araki has his sights set on Captain Unohana's 'Kenpachi' title!"

"Araki must want to prove, by defeating Captain Unohana, that Captain-Commander Yamamoto's swordsmanship, Genryu, is the strongest in the Soul Society!"

Chōjirō Sasakibe said, an inexplicable trace of admiration in his eyes as he looked at Araki.

At this moment, Chōjirō Sasakibe's reverence for Araki flowed endlessly like a mighty river!

Chōjirō Sasakibe thought admiringly, Araki truly lives up to being Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryusai's most favored disciple!

No one would have expected that the first thing Araki would do upon entering the Seireitei was to challenge Captain Unohana, who holds the title of 'Kenpachi'! I think Araki must want to use his sword to prove that 'Genryu' is the strongest swordsmanship in the Soul Society, and by doing so, uphold Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryusai's dignity! Indeed, compared to Araki, I am still not mature enough!

Chōjirō Sasakibe shook his head helplessly, thinking this. As expected, comparing oneself to others only leads to frustration. Compared to Araki, Chōjirō Sasakibe's loyalty to Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryusai was still far from enough!

If Araki, who was currently fighting Unohana, heard Chōjirō Sasakibe's words, he would surely burst out laughing and say to Chōjirō Sasakibe, "Sasakibe, you're so clever, you've figured it out! That's right! I, Araki, am fighting Unohana precisely to prove my loyalty to that old geezer Genryusai, and to prove that Genryu swordsmanship is the strongest! It has nothing to do with coveting Unohana's body, nor is it related to my Fullbring~"

"Araki actually has such resolve!"

Saito Furofushi's eyes widened after hearing Chōjirō Sasakibe's explanation. She hadn't expected such profound intentions behind Araki's challenge to Unohana Yachiru.

"Once Araki defeats Captain Unohana, he will be able to claim the title of 'Kenpachi' as the first successor of Genryu! He'll then be appointed Captain of the Gotei 13, 11th Division, and from then on, serve by Captain-Commander Yamamoto's side, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to him~"

Chōjirō Sasakibe's words were filled with endless emotion. He became excited at the thought of continuing to serve Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryusai alongside Araki from now on.

As for whether Araki might accidentally lose to Unohana Yachiru or something…

Chōjirō Sasakibe had never even considered it. Chōjirō Sasakibe had complete confidence in Araki!

Moreover, based on Chōjirō Sasakibe's understanding of Araki…

Since Araki had come and issued a challenge to Unohana, Araki would absolutely not lose!

Araki never fought an unprepared battle! In Chōjirō Sasakibe's memory, every battle Araki participated in, without exception, ended in Araki's victory!

This was Araki—the man who, by his own power, forced Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryusai to unleash his full strength, thereby gaining Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryusai's recognition and passing the final examination of the Genji School to obtain the Genryū: Menkyo Kaiden!

"Hm?!"

"Wait, Mr. Sasakibe, did you just say Araki will stay in the Gotei 13, 11th Division and take over that wicked woman Unohana's position as Captain of the Gotei 13, 11th Division?!"

As Sasakibe's voice faded, Saito Furofushi, like a 'blind student,' suddenly noticed the 'crucial point.'

"Of course~"

"Since Unohana has been defeated, it's in her nature to yield the title of 'Kenpachi' and the position of Captain of the Gotei 13, 11th Division to Araki."

Chōjirō Sasakibe looked at the flustered Saito with a faint smile and spoke calmly.

"What? Why is this happening?"

"I was here first…"

Upon hearing this, Saito Furofushi's eyes, which had been as sparkling as stars, turned into a pool of dark, stagnant water.

She had planned everything out: from now on, Araki would take over their Sixth Division Lieutenant position. But why had things turned out so contrary to her wishes?!

For the first time, Saito Furofushi fell into a prolonged state of contemplation.

Currently, there was one piece of good news and one piece of bad news.

The good news was that Araki seemed about to join the Gotei 13 and become a member of the Thirteenth Division~

The bad news was that Araki couldn't go to the Sixth Division to be with her. Instead, he would be taking over that bad woman Unohana Yachiru's position as Captain of the Gotei 13, 11th Division…

Five thousand word chapter~ Thanks to user 20170910130245769 for the 500 reward~