Master and Disciples

"Snort!"

A wave of the Heat heat swept across the entire area. Looking at the disobedient captains, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto let out a cold snort, then questioned, "Kyōraku, Ukitake, why are you still standing there!"

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's order was for everyone present to capture Ichigo and Rukia. To his surprise, the one who carried out his order was none other Kenpachi Zaraki, the most disobedient captain of the Squad 11 who only enjoyed fighting.

"Grandpa, of course we have more important things to do and have to stay here." Kyōraku pulled his straw hat to cover Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's vision. He didn't need to look to know how sour Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's face must be right now.

"What important matter is it that you intend to stop me, old man?!" Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto roared.

Ukitake and Kyōraku exchanged a glance, then took a few steps forward together, turning to face Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto. Ukitake said, "I'm sorry, Captain-Commander, Ichigo and Rukia cannot die."

"I knew you were connected with the Ryoka!"

Upon hearing Ukitake mention Ichigo's name, and considering the defection of so many captains, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto realized that if he couldn't guess that Ichigo was connected to these traitors, then he would have wasted all those years Captain-Commander.

"What? You also want to betray Soul Society!"

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto wasn't as easy to talk to as Byakuya Kuchiki. Without saying a word, he labeled Kyōraku and Ukitake as traitors to Soul Society. Even if that ended the matter, the two would still be dealt with by the Central 46 afterward.

Kyōraku, of course, understood this and quickly waved his hand, saying, "Grandpa, don't talk nonsense. How could we possibly betray Soul Society? We just want you to stay put for the time being..."

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto had lost interest in listening to what Kyōraku was saying. Looking at the two disciples in front of him, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's thoughts raced through his mind.

Kyōraku and Ukitake were among the first students to graduate after Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto founded the Shino Academy. Because of their excellence, he took them on as his disciples. Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto taught them everything he knew, tailoring his teaching to their individual talents. These two were the guardians that Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto was training for the future of Soul Society.

The smooth-talking Shunsui Kyōraku and the serious Jūshirō Ukitake complemented each other perfectly. They lived up to Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's expectations, quickly demonstrating their abilities after graduation and soon taking over as squad captains.

A thousand years have passed in the blink of an eye. The sword demon who once possessed the power to burn everything and was known as the Great Fire Sword has gradually softened his heart. He can no longer fight recklessly as he used to.

Soul Society, Shino Academy, the Sasakibe, Kyōraku, and Ukitake —these have all become Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's weaknesses. A thousand years have allowed Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto to refine his power further, but Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto himself knows that he has become weaker. He is no longer the Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto who could burn his teammates and enemies to ashes a thousand years ago.

I don't know when it started, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto gradually began to have the idea of stepping down. Perhaps becoming a teacher at the Shino Academy, nurturing the future of Soul Society, and occasionally studying calligraphy would be a good life.

Looking at the Gotei 13, it's not that no one is capable of succeeding as Captain-Commander. In Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's eyes, Shunsui Kyōraku, one of his two disciples, is a good candidate.

Furthermore, since Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake are fellow disciples, with Kyōraku's meticulous mind controlling the darkness of Soul Society, and with Ukitake, a conscientious figure in Soul Society, assisting him, it is believed that he will be able to smoothly take over the responsibilities of the Gotei 13.

However, whenever Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto saw Shunsui Kyōraku exuding a lazy aura, he had to dispel such thoughts, which often led him to doubt whether Shunsui Kyōraku could now shoulder the heavy responsibility of Soul Society.

There was no other way; Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto could only continue to serve as the Captain-Commander despite his advanced age, hoping that one day this lazy disciple would develop a genuine sense of responsibility.

Actually, when Yamamoto saw Kyōraku and Ukitake blocking his way, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto wasn't as angry as he seemed. Rebellion was good. As long as Kyōraku said he was no longer suitable for the current Soul Society, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto wasn't incapable of giving him the haori of the First Division.

Yes, as long as Kyōraku has the mindset to take on the responsibility of protecting Soul Society, he can leave a secret message in the First Division after returning, so that if something happens to him in the future, Soul Society will not fall into a state of leaderlessness.

Seeing the anger mixed with a hint of joy on Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's face, Kyōraku couldn't help but shudder. He didn't know what Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto was thinking, but his intuition told him that it was definitely not a good thing.

Startled, Kyōraku quickly said, "Grandpa, no matter what, you can't go today."

"Is that so? I didn't expect you to have such awareness. Let this old man measure your magnanimity!"

A powerful spiritual pressure blew through Kyōraku and Ukitake's haoris. Kyōraku had a bad feeling. He had only wanted to stop Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto from going over, how did it suddenly turn into a contest of strength?

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's hand slowly dissipated, revealing the Zanpakuto hidden inside. A wall of fire ignited behind Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, enveloping Kyōraku and Ukitake in a circle. Given Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's mastery of Ryūjin Jakka, he could manipulate the power of flames even without drawing his sword.

Feeling the rising temperature around him, Kyōraku dismissed those pointless thoughts from his mind. He couldn't possibly be a match for Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, so Kyōraku and Ukitake released their Zanpakuto together.

Seeing Katen Kyōkotsu and Sogyo no Kotowari, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto couldn't help but sigh. Dual swords represent talent, and the reason Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto was willing to take in the sickly Ukitake was precisely because of Sogyo no Kotowari's talent.

As for Katen Kyōkotsu, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto certainly knew how Kyōraku's twin swords came to be, but the fact that an extra blade could be created already demonstrated Katen Kyōkotsu's extraordinary nature.

These two are the most outstanding graduates of the Shino Academy, and Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's most prized disciples. Today, let him test their magnanimity, something he hasn't done in a long time.

Compared to the future of Soul Society, those two Ryoka and sinners are not that important.

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto instantly appeared in front of the two, Zanpakuto. He slashed at Shunsui Kyōraku while simultaneously pulling the scabbard towards Ukitake. He knew these two disciples all too well; he absolutely couldn't let them coordinate in a battle.

Just as Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto had planned, he launched a surprise attack, and his two disciples scattered to his left and right sides. This gave Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto some space, and he quickly swung his Zanpakuto left and right, launching attacks on Kyōraku and Ukitake in succession.

Kyōraku and Ukitake were caught off guard by Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's sudden attack. Their original plan was to use Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto to buy time.

Judging from the current situation, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto has already built a cage of flames to lock them inside; the old man has truly resorted to violence.

The good news is that Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto didn't continue using Ryūjin Jakka's abilities, but instead simply engaged them in a contest of Zanjutsu. This feeling reminded Kyōraku and Ukitake of their time studying at the academy.

Kyōraku and Ukitake exchanged a glance. In any case, it was a good thing that Old Man Yamamoto was willing to play with them, and they were happy to have a friendly match with Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto.

Just as Kyōraku and Ukitake were preparing for a friendly sparring match with Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto grew dissatisfied. What was with these two, all defense and no offense? Did they really think he couldn't wield a sword?

With a whoosh, flames roared on the Zanpakuto, making Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's attack even more ferocious. Moreover, influenced by Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's Zanpakuto, the surrounding walls of fire grew even higher, and the environment inside them became even hotter.

Kyōraku couldn't help but give a wry smile. He knew that the old man was venting his emotions, and if he didn't take it seriously, he might really get burned by Ryūjin Jakka.

As Katen Kyōkotsu swayed, two wind blades intertwined and attacked Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, shouting, "Fūryū Kōkotsu!"

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto nodded almost imperceptibly. Kyōraku might be lazy, but when he got serious, he had a certain charm. Charm was what made him worth following. Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto gripped Ryūjin Jakka Fūryū Kōkotsu. This was his expectation for Kyōraku.

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto was terrified by Kyōraku's attack. He didn't know why he had only used an ordinary move, but instead faced an even stronger attack from Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto. Kyōraku was forced to defend against Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's fiery waves, which were as sharp as blades.

Just then, a cold shout rang out from behind Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, "Sōgyo no Kotowari!"

A pale blue vortex swirled around Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's back. Hearing Ukitake's voice, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto wasn't surprised; instead, he felt a surge of joy.

This was just a friendly sparring match. Ukitake called out the name of the move to remind Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto. A wall of fire rose up behind Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, and the Heat flames and vortexes collided, instantly evaporating a large amount of white smoke.

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto released only a slight spiritual pressure, and the smoke was immediately dispersed. He walked over with a smile, Ryūjin Jakka had already been sheathed.

"Ukitake, your body..." Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto didn't ask too many questions; he knew Ukitake understood what he meant.

Back when they were at the Shino Academy, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto had already taught Kyōraku and Ukitake Zanjutsu and guided them to develop their own unique moves based on the characteristics of their Zanpakuto. This is how Kyōraku achieved his Fūryū Kōkotsu Zanpakuto.

However, as Ukitake's spiritual pressure grew stronger, he gradually discovered that releasing his Zanpakuto would put enormous pressure on his body. Although he wouldn't die because of Mimihagi- sama, he was also unable to use his Zanpakuto normally.

For Ukitake, the only function of the Sogyo no Kotowari is to absorb and release enemy attacks. He can't use any of the techniques developed by his Zanpakuto, let alone Bankai. Apart from Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto and Kyōraku, no one else has ever seen Ukitake use Bankai. Most of the time, Ukitake fights using Kido.

Now, Ukitake is using the Sogyo no Kotowari technique in front of Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, which is telling Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto that his physical defect will no longer affect his normal fighting ability.

"Captain-Commander- in-Chief, as you can see, my combat abilities have been fully restored," Ukitake said formally.

"No need to be formal, we're master and disciple, tell me what's going on?"

"Yes, Genryūsai," Ukitake said, clutching his chest. "Thanks to Sawada-sensei's Illusion, a fake lung was created in my chest cavity. This fake lung can replace the function of my original internal organs."

"Sawada ..." Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto knew he hadn't heard of this name before. "Was it the Ryoka who helped?"

"Yes." Ukitake didn't hide anything; Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto wanted to investigate, he could easily find out.

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's face was ashen, Ukitake had no idea what Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto was thinking. The atmosphere gradually became dull, but thankfully someone still dared to jump out and liven things up.

"Grandpa, Ukitake has finally escaped the pain and owes him a favor. As long as Ryoka hasn't committed any serious wrongdoing, please let him off the hook. If he's being unreasonable, Ukitake will definitely use his Bankai to fight you." Kyōraku said with a smile as he walked up to Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto.

"Hmph! It wasn't that Sawada who kidnapped the criminals!" Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto remembered Ichigo Kurosaki's self-introduction, and he also keenly noticed the small pitfall that Kyōraku had brought together the entire Ryoka.

Seeing Kyōraku's smirk and Ukitake's respectful Ukitake, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto said, "Fine, I'll see what tricks you're playing. If you harm Soul Society, I'll show you no mercy!"

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto knew perfectly well that his two disciples didn't truly intend to rebel. This old man was the one who prioritized protecting the Soul Society above all else; if his disciples were to rebel, he would not hesitate to cut them down with a single stroke.

In Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's heart, the punishment of Ryoka and Rukia was not that important. The stability of Soul Society was more important than anything else. Seeing the captains resisting the execution one after another, how could Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto not guess that his two disciples were hiding something more important from him?

"Grandpa, let's not remove the fire yet. It's good for us to warm ourselves by the fire." Kyōraku said with a grin. With the fire wall blocking their way, they didn't need to put on an act like the other captains. They just needed to occasionally unleash some spiritual pressure.

"Hmph!" Kyōraku's behavior did not win Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's favor, but he tacitly accepted Kyōraku's meaning.

Just as Kyōraku and Ukitake were about to breathe a sigh of relief, they suddenly smelled a delicious aroma, like roasted sweet potatoes?