A Disappointing Result

Amid the shocked gazes of the Lost Souls, Kenma swung his blade, sending out a white streak that tore through space and revealed a pitch-black gaping hole.

Deep within that spatial rift stood an ancient Wooden Door, emanating a faint, gentle white glow.

Every Lost Soul stood on tiptoe and craned their necks to look.

Faced with such a bizarre sight unlike anything they had ever seen, cries of astonishment rang out across the area. Discussions broke out everywhere, filling the place with noise.

At Kenma's instruction, two Uchiha stood at the opening of the rift and used Spiritual Pressure to create a path leading to the Senkaimon.

Another member of the Uchiha Clan was the first to enter the spatial rift, pass through the Senkaimon, and head to the Soul Society to notify the Uchiha there to prepare in advance for the settlement of the Lost Souls.

Kenma said to Whitebeard and the others, "Pass through this door, and you'll reach the Soul Society—the Afterlife where I reside."

Whitebeard and the others had long since made their decision, so they naturally had no objections. Led by an Uchiha clansman, they were the first to step into the spatial rift.

"Brats, follow me!"

After calling out to the Pirates around him, Whitebeard bent his body and passed through the somewhat low Wooden Door, entering the soft white light.

Behind Whitebeard came Ace. In his hands, Ace held a Glazed Orb, within which was a tiny figure with distinguishable features—Little Oars, sealed inside.

Seeing this, the Pirates under Whitebeard hurriedly followed close behind Old Man and Ace.

"Everyone, move out too. Follow behind Old Man."

"Keep in order. Don't break formation."

Following the Pirates were the uniformed Marines.

Compared to the undisciplined Pirates, the Marines were undoubtedly far more orderly. Under the command of their officers, they formed ranks and entered the Senkaimon in a neat, regulated manner.

As the Lost Souls entered one after another, Kenma had Fugaku choose a trustworthy and reliable person from the accompanying Uchiha.

"My Lord, this is Yakumi. Back in the Ninja World, he was my direct subordinate. He is steady and conscientious, and can be entrusted with important duties."

An Uchiha with somewhat dark circles under his eyes knelt before Kenma as Fugaku introduced him.

"Greetings, my Lord."

Facing Kenma, Uchiha Yakumi lowered his head deeply, appearing somewhat restrained.

"There's no need to be nervous. Rise."

Kenma took a scroll from his robes and handed it to Yakumi.

"I have a task for you. Remain in this world for a while and keep watch for me, especially for famous powerhouses—the Four Emperors, the Shichibukai, the Supernovas, even Pirates with bounties exceeding a hundred million."

"Also the Marine officers and the Revolutionary Army's powerhouses. So long as they possess sufficient strength, if you encounter their deaths, retain their Lost Souls. Do not let any of them slip away."

"This scroll contains several special Kido I copied down. The Soul-Calming Barrier you saw just now, as well as the Kido used to seal Little Oars, are both recorded in it. You should find them useful."

"I'll grant you a portion of the Senkaimon's authority. The spatial passage where the Senkaimon is located connects to the Soul Society, and Reishi will seep in as well. When you have nothing to do, you may cultivate at the Entrance Hall. If you come across suitable Lost Souls, send them into the Soul Society."

Uchiha Yakumi accepted the scroll with both hands and nodded solemnly.

"By your command, my Lord. This subordinate will never disappoint you."

Yakumi withdrew respectfully. Seeing this, Shisui's expression softened.

Back then, he had been the same. Wanting to see the future of the Uchiha and Konoha after his death, he had gone to plead with Kenma.

Kenma had fulfilled his wish, and unwilling to waste his talents, had given him the same convenience, allowing him to cultivate while also watching everything that happened in the village.

Shisui's gaze fell upon Kenma before him, filled with sincere emotion.

Though his Master appeared rigid and unsympathetic on the surface, one would discover after truly spending time with him that his stern expression was merely a facade. Beneath it lay a gentle and kind nature, someone worthy of trust and reliance.

He was more than ten times—perhaps even a hundred times—better than those few high-ranking officials of Konoha!

At least, that was what Shisui believed.

Being able to meet Lord Kenma after death was absolutely a blessing from the god of fortune.

And having such a person as their Lord was an unprecedented blessing not just for him, but for the entire Uchiha Clan!

After explaining everything, Kenma saw that all the Lost Souls present had passed into the Soul Society. He no longer lingered, leading the Uchiha, who had finished packing up, back to the Soul Society together.

The instant he stepped into the Soul Society, Kenma felt refreshed, as though he had smelled the earthy fragrance after rain. It was utterly invigorating.

Places without Reishi, or where the concentration of Reishi was low, did not truly affect a Shinigami like Kenma, but they still left him feeling somewhat dissatisfied.

The Soul Society's environment was far more comfortable. It truly nourished one's body.

The moment they landed, Kenma and the others heard waves of noisy chatter.

The Lost Souls who had arrived earlier had already packed this courtyard full. As far as the eye could see, they formed a dense mass, numbering no fewer than four or five thousand.

This courtyard alone could not accommodate them all, so many Lost Souls had been placed in several nearby courtyards.

As for the enormous Little Oars, he was in one of them. Even sitting on the ground, he was impossible to miss.

When Little Oars had been released from his seal, he had also caused the Uchiha to cry out in shock, unable to believe such a gigantic creature existed.

If Kenma had not set up a layer of Kido Barrier over this area beforehand to conceal it, they would likely have been exposed to public view long ago.

Fortunately, with the Uchiha Clan keeping watch and Whitebeard assisting, the order among the Lost Souls was maintained.

Though the scene was inevitably somewhat chaotic, everything remained normal, and no unexpected incidents occurred.

Upon seeing Kenma and the others appear, Uchiha Setsuna and the others stationed here hurriedly came forward to greet them.

"My Lord has returned safely from this journey. This subordinate can finally rest easy."

"There was no need to worry. With Shisui, Fugaku, and the others guarding me, my safety was naturally assured," Kenma said.

Fugaku, Shisui, and the others immediately showed humble expressions and repeatedly said they did not deserve such praise.

They understood their own strength clearly. How could they possibly be worthy of Kenma's commendation?

Uchiha Setsuna clearly understood this as well, but since Kenma had put it that way, he could not very well undermine Fugaku.

Kenma asked, "Now that all these Lost Souls have arrived, make preparations. It is about time to begin the testing."

"Yes."

Setsuna accepted the order and departed, dragging his aged body along.

"Since we have returned to the Soul Society, there is no need for so many of you to remain at my side. Fugaku, you should go as well."

"By your command."

Fugaku and the others accepted the order and withdrew, leaving only Shisui, Yashiro, and the others beside Kenma.

The test he spoke of was naturally a test of whether they possessed the aptitude to become Shinigami.

The method of testing was also simple: have these Lost Souls remain where they were and do nothing.

Then see whether they could feel Hunger.

If any of these Lost Souls could feel Hunger, it meant the Reishi gained through breathing and drinking water could not meet their body's needs, and they still needed to eat.

That was the qualification to become a Shinigami.

As Kenma waited patiently, time slowly passed.

After letting the Lost Souls remain where they were for an entire day and night, the results came out.

Yet the results left everyone present deeply disappointed.

Among at least four or five thousand Lost Souls, only a single person could feel Hunger.

It was not Whitebeard, nor Ace, nor any of the people in whom Kenma had placed such high hopes.

It was the mountain-like Giant, Little Oars.