The God of Death Doesn't Care, I Will! (Seeking Follow-ups)

"This is the poorest and most backward part of Inuzuri... Kumu Street..."

Renji Abarai said this, his expression turning heavy, as if some memory had been stirred.

Rukia did not speak either, walking forward in silence.

The gemstone ring she had originally worn on her hand had already been tucked away by Rukia.

Rukia understood the principle of not flaunting wealth all too well.

Gilgamesh's expression was also quite grim.

Although he had anticipated it, the scene before his eyes still dealt Gilgamesh a shock.

The people here were all skin and bones, their faces filled with nothing but blank numbness; there was not a shred of hope or longing for life or the future, as if they were walking corpses.

For them, death perhaps no longer held any terror.

Fighting, brawling, theft, and wailing... these were the norms in this place.

There were even some who would suddenly collapse while walking down the road, and the passersby, already desensitized, would ignore them entirely and continue on their way.

At the same time, Gilgamesh caught a stench mixed with all manner of foul odors.

This foul stench was almost unbearable even for Gilgamesh.

Yet, the people living here had long since grown accustomed to it.

Even Renji Abarai and Rukia had become used to it, showing no signs of discomfort.

Having witnessed the evidence of the Soul Society's crimes—the hellish landscape of the Rukongai—Gilgamesh's expression grew increasingly heavy.

The question flashed through his mind: 'If they had known the Soul Society would be like this, would they still have accepted the Soul Burial from the Shinigami? Would they still have been willing to come here?'

'As for the Shinigami who know all this, yet deceive souls into coming here with "white lies"...'

Before he knew it, led by Renji Abarai and Rukia, Gilgamesh had toured the better part of Inuzuri.

"This could be called the most prosperous place in all of Inuzuri, because this is the only shop in the Inuzuri district that sells water."

Renji Abarai stopped as he spoke, gesturing for Gilgamesh to look at a brick-and-mortar building not far away that stood out like a crane among chickens, appearing remarkably conspicuous amidst the surrounding shacks of thatch and rotting wood.

On the gate of this brick building hung a massive plaque, inscribed with the words 'Omaeda Water Shop'.

At this moment, many people were already queuing up, waiting to buy water.

Gilgamesh knew well the chaos of Inuzuri, and in such a lawless region, it was truly incredible that no one would cause trouble over such a precious resource, with the buyers even spontaneously observing the rules.

Seeming to realize something, Gilgamesh asked, "Does this shop have some sort of backing?"

Renji Abarai and Rukia were taken aback, not expecting Gilgamesh to ask such a question.

Then, Rukia spoke up: "We don't know the specifics, but it is said that behind this shop is a noble family with great influence in the South Rukongai; they even hold a monopoly on the real estate business in our Inuzuri district."

Renji Abarai added, "I've also heard that in the higher-ranked districts, their family runs casinos, pleasure houses, and the like, and there are many Shinigami within their clan."

Hearing this, Gilgamesh paused.

Suddenly, Gilgamesh felt the surname 'Omaeda' was somewhat familiar.

Unconsciously, the image of a fat man with a samurai hairstyle, a broad face, and a gold chain emerged in his mind; his name was Marechiyo Omaeda.

In the timeline of Bleach, at the start of the story, Marechiyo Omaeda was the lieutenant of the Second Division of the Gotei 13.

He did not know if Marechiyo Omaeda had become a lieutenant at this point in time.

But that was not the point; the point was that Gilgamesh remembered Marechiyo Omaeda's family was extremely wealthy and also involved in business—even the barracks of the Second Division had been renovated with his funding.

Could it really be such a coincidence?

However, if it truly was their family, then they certainly had the strength to ensure the safety of this shop.

One must know that Marechiyo Omaeda's father had been the lieutenant of the Second Division during Yoruichi Shihouin's tenure, and his strength was even greater than that of Marechiyo Omaeda himself.

Not lingering there for too long, Gilgamesh continued to wander through Inuzuri under the guidance of Renji Abarai and Rukia.

As night fell, Gilgamesh, Renji Abarai, and Rukia arrived at the edge of a cliff.

From here, one could overlook the entirety of Inuzuri, and at this spot, there was a small mound of earth.

Sleeping within that mound were the companions of Renji Abarai and Rukia.

At this moment, there were two children in front of the mound, looking about the same age as Rukia.

They were kneeling and bowing, recounting the past to their former companions.

Their names were Xingxing and Yegou.

Yegou was stout in build, while Xingxing was thin and frail.

"We have hated this place since we were small, and we hated the people here too..."

"In a place like this, adults are either robbers or murderers, and children are like wild dogs..."

"Such a place is too cruel for children..."

"We were fortunate to have met each other; we were like family, always together, never separated..."

"But..."

Renji Abarai spoke, and as he recalled his fallen comrades, tears slid down his face uncontrollably.

Rukia was the same; though she tried her best to restrain herself, tears still fell against her will.

Gilgamesh remained silent, instead looking up at the sky in silence, watching the sparse stars above and listening to the choked sobs coming from Renji Abarai.

At this moment, a gentle breeze blew by.

It felt as if their departed companions had come to comfort their grieving family.

"The chaos of the Rukon District shall be ended by Me."

Gilgamesh's confident and overbearing voice suddenly rang out, drawing the attention of Renji Abarai, Rukia, Xingxing, and Yegou, all of whom wore expressions of astonishment.

They did not know why Gilgamesh would say such a thing.

Before they could dwell on it, they heard Gilgamesh continue in that same confident and overbearing tone: "I was a King in life, and I shall be a King in death."

"I intend to forge a kingdom here where everyone is well-fed and clothed, living in happiness and laughter every day."

"The Rukon District that the Shinigami ignore—I shall govern it!"

These resonant words made them look toward him involuntarily.

Upon doing so, they could not help but be entranced.

In their eyes, Gilgamesh seemed to radiate light beneath the starlight.

In this moment, Gilgamesh's figure, though not tall, appeared infinitely imposing.

In truth, Gilgamesh's vow seemed utterly absurd to them, perhaps even impossible to achieve.

Yet, for some reason, they found themselves willing to believe in Gilgamesh.

Perhaps this was the charisma of a King.

Gilgamesh then turned his gaze toward Renji Abarai, Rukia, Xingxing, and Yegou, saying, "Are you willing to assist Me and join in creating this kingdom?"

A warrior will die for one who truly understands him.

Renji Abarai, Rukia, Xingxing, and Yegou, who lived like wild dogs day to day, felt valued for the first time; a great sense of honor welled up within them, and their hearts surged with passion and boiling blood.

Without hesitation, they all shouted in unison: "We are willing!"

Soul King Palace.

The Soul King, sealed within the crystal, seemed to reflect the figure of Gilgamesh in those eyes that peered into destiny.

A variable of fate...

A brand new future...