Teachings and Survival

First Division Barracks, Kendo Hall.

The Captain-Commander held a wooden sword, his breathing steady, not a single drop of sweat on his forehead. Meanwhile, Asano Kiyoshi was already covered in injuries, lying on the ground drenched in sweat.

Looking at Asano Kiyoshi gasping heavily on the ground, Head Captain Yamamoto shook his head before speaking to him.

"Your swordsmanship is far too immature. It lacks the necessary killing intent. At the same time, you handled last night's matter rather crudely."

Hearing Head Captain Yamamoto's words, Asano Kiyoshi struggled to rise from the ground, sat properly, and listened to his teacher's instruction.

Seeing Asano Kiyoshi's earnest attitude, the Captain-Commander nodded slightly. Then he sat down cross-legged as well, and the old man and the young man spoke face-to-face.

"I know you did what you did yesterday deliberately. As for why you did it, I can probably guess some of it."

"Why are you in such a hurry to improve your strength? Tsunayashiro Kojiro was originally going to apply for early graduation at the graduation ceremony two months from now. Two months is already a very short time, but by revealing yourself yesterday, you may very well have caused the Tsunayashiro Family to accelerate their plans. It could be shortened to within a month. Do you think that would be enough time?"

Asano Kiyoshi looked at the Captain-Commander's somewhat reproachful gaze. After hesitating for a moment, he still nodded and said to Head Captain Yamamoto, "Teacher, I believe I can do it, and..."

Before Asano Kiyoshi could finish, the Captain-Commander interrupted him.

"Mm. Don't hesitate. If you have chosen the right thing, then make up your mind and do it. Don't do things you hesitate over, and don't hesitate over things you intend to do! A person in power cannot possess such indecisive cowardice!"

Hearing Head Captain Yamamoto's words, Asano Kiyoshi nodded seriously. He understood what it meant for the Captain-Commander to say such things.

Head Captain Yamamoto then continued speaking to Asano Kiyoshi.

"Now, let's discuss the parts of this matter that you handled poorly."

"First: while this matter accelerated your own growth, it also caused the Tsunayashiro Family to shorten the timeline of their plan. At first glance, there may seem to be nothing wrong with that. But you must understand that once the Tsunayashiro Family's plans change, every measure I have arranged accordingly must gather intelligence again and formulate new countermeasures. This time, there is less time and a heavier burden. As far as my arrangements are concerned, the disadvantages outweigh the benefits. Of course, it is normal that you did not consider this, since you are not in my position."

Hearing Head Captain Yamamoto's words, Asano Kiyoshi was stunned. A hint of guilt appeared on his face. After his teacher's analysis, he realized that he truly had not considered the impact this would have on Head Captain Yamamoto's arrangements. Because of his own position, his perspective had not yet reached that level.

Seeing the guilt in Asano Kiyoshi's eyes, a trace of gratification flashed through Head Captain Yamamoto's gaze. But he continued.

"Second: you did not consider the awkward positions of the various captains. Your actions exposed you to the entire upper echelon far too early. As a result, the captains, who are also members of the upper echelon, now have to choose where they stand regarding you. However, in Soul Society, status is inseparable from one's own strength. At most, your current strength makes you a genius, but there is a fundamental difference between a genius and a strong person. Do you understand what I mean?"

Hearing Head Captain Yamamoto's words, a bitter smile appeared on Asano Kiyoshi's lips. But he knew Head Captain Yamamoto was testing his comprehension, so he organized his thoughts and slowly replied.

"My personal strength is still far too weak. Although the captains of Soul Society all belong to the Gotei 13, each of them actually has their own stance. Setting aside those captains born in Rukongai, many captains have their own positions. Whether they wish to or not, they will hold different attitudes toward me because of those differing positions. The most typical example is Kuchiki Captain. While serving as captain of the Sixth Division, he is also the head of the Five Great Noble Clans. His attitude toward me will basically determine the attitudes of most nobles who can be influenced."

"And for the sake of Seireitei's stability, the stance taken toward the nobles cannot possibly be extreme. It must be moderate and impartial. But the problem now is that I am simply too weak. Showing favor to someone like me, who has yet to grow, is equivalent to investing. If that investment fails, they will lose everything, and it may even affect their family's own influence. For nobles who already face internal competition, such a mistake is unforgivable."

"My actions have made it more difficult for the captains to decide whether to 'invest' in me. It has also indirectly weakened my future path of development and added to the burden of the chips you have to place, Teacher."

As Asano Kiyoshi spoke, his tone gradually sank, his words filled with shame. Only after Head Captain Yamamoto's reminder did he realize that what he had considered a clever move was actually an extremely dangerous and immature step amid the treacherous currents of Soul Society's upper echelon.

Seeing Asano Kiyoshi's dejected expression, Head Captain Yamamoto frowned and said to him, "There is no need for this! The decision you made was not particularly bad. Everything has its advantages and disadvantages. Revealing your strength early is also a bargaining chip of sorts. Besides, I am here! Your path of growth may not be smooth, but there is no need to worry—I can protect you until you become a true strong person!"

As Head Captain Yamamoto spoke, even the air around him grew scorching. Layer upon layer of heat waves caused the surrounding grass and trees to wilt slightly. At that moment, Head Captain Yamamoto was like a blazing sun walking upon the earth!

Hearing Head Captain Yamamoto's words, Asano Kiyoshi felt somewhat better. At the same time, he silently made up his mind that he should refrain from such petty cleverness in the future. Before he had accumulated enough experience, all of his actions would be transparent at a glance to those "old men."

Seeing that Asano Kiyoshi's mood had improved somewhat, Head Captain Yamamoto continued.

"The most urgent matter now is for you to improve your strength as much as possible during this period. Life-and-death situations often bring tremendous growth. Therefore, I intend to send you to the final three districts of North Rukongai for some time. The task I give you is simple: survive there, then kill everyone who is your enemy—and the Hollows."

Hearing Head Captain Yamamoto's words, Asano Kiyoshi nodded. Even if Head Captain Yamamoto had not brought it up, he would have made the request himself.

Seeing Asano Kiyoshi nod, Head Captain Yamamoto continued.

"Remember, survive! This is the test I give you! I will not let anyone interfere with you, nor will I let anyone protect you! If you are unfortunate enough to die there, then you will merely be paying the price for what you have done. But if you survive, you will gain more opportunities and a higher status!"