As Long as I Feel Like It

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Go beg your backer Aizen. If he approves of such an absurd assassination attempt and is willing to clean up your mess, you might still have a glimmer of hope.

Chapter 317 As long as it's on my whim.

Shitan was not worried about his personal safety at all. Even if Tousen dared to attack him, a nobleman, in terms of strength alone, he did not think that Tousen, a novice Grim Reaper, could be that powerful.

From a third-party perspective, Tousen has only been in the Soul Reaper Academy for a little over ten years, less than fifteen, and graduated early for various reasons.

Judging from his performance on the battlefield, his achievements were nothing special; he was just an average Shinigami Division member. Neither in the World of the Living nor in Hueco Mundo has he been mentioned as having any particularly outstanding feats.

Otherwise, as a rare blind grim reaper, any astonishing act he might have performed would have already become well-known both inside and outside the Seireitei!

Objectively speaking, if Tousen Kaname hadn't been lucky enough to befriend Iori Aizen, a promising talent, during his time at the academy, how could he have risen to the Seated Officer so quickly?

Even if we take a step back and assume that this guy has already reached the level of Vice-Captain, Shitan still has nothing to be afraid of.

Don't let his corrupt and decadent lifestyle fool you; his talent is undeniable. He was once a match for Shunsui (though he was actually soundly defeated). Even without his Zanpakuto, an ordinary Vice-Captain wouldn't stand a chance against him!

"What, the Unassailable? Although I don't know how you did it, you deliberately lured me to a place like this, wasn't it all for revenge?"

Tsunayashiro Tokinada wore a very annoying smile, but he quickly realized that the other person couldn't see his expression, and his expression changed, losing interest.

He enjoys watching others feel annoyed but helpless, like Shunsui who once wanted to punish him.

However, if you are facing an enemy who hates you to the core, the feeling of satisfaction will be multiplied many times over!

Unfortunately, Tousen Kaname blind and had facial paralysis, and was also taciturn, there wouldn't be much enjoyment to be gained from Shitan.

"You're still the same as ever, without the slightest bit of remorse."

Tousen didn't rush to make a move. In fact, he didn't want the blood to stain his best friend Kyouka's grave. He was originally a kind person who hated violence... But this man was the only one he was willing to abandon all principles to send to Hell!

"Although I've known for a long time that you're a hopeless person."

"Repent?"

Shitan's lips curled into a grin, whether mocking or disgusting, it was hard to tell, "You're still talking about this kind of thing?"

You're really incredibly stupid... Generally speaking, once a person is manipulated two or three times, their self-esteem will start to crumble, and they'll discover a lifestyle that suits them better.

But you... Tousen Kaname, it seems like you haven't learned anything at all!

I've been so 'kind' in teaching you again and again~

Now, I'll tell you again—I understand 'justice' better than you do!

Having said that, Shitan waved his hand, and his attendants immediately drew their Asauchi from their waists, spreading out to the left and right, subtly forming a pincer movement to trap the enemy. Once the fight started, the two of them attacking from both sides could instantly defeat the blind Tousen.

"There really are no ambushes."

Shitan silently sensed the surroundings and, confirming that there were no other spiritual pressure reactions, smiled even more brightly.

"You're not still thinking about a one-on-one fight, are you? That's so stupid it's almost pathetic. Do you really think I'd actually fight you?"

"I never thought of it that way, but if you make a request, I will try my best to fulfill it."

Tousen Kaname's expression was cold and stern, revealing neither joy nor sorrow, but a faint atmosphere of melancholy surrounded him.

Even though your voice is so repulsive, I'm willing to hear your final wails.

Where does this guy's confidence come from? — Tsunayashiro Tokinada frowned.

Clank!

A light gust of wind swept through the air as two attendants rushed toward Tousen in Asauchi crisscrossing pattern.

Tousen simply drew his Zanpakuto but made no move, remaining rooted to the spot as the blade pierced his body... He didn't even have time to dodge, making him even more vulnerable than an ordinary person.

Pfft!

"What?!"

Even the attendant himself was surprised, and Shitan was not far away, widened his eyes.

"Hmm!"

Blood spilled from the corner of his mouth; two Asauchi had pierced his lungs and kidneys respectively—wounds that could be fatal. Yet, Tousen Kaname showed no sign of pain, maintaining his poker face.

Instead of ordering his men to end the battle immediately, he carefully sorted out his thoughts, and his expression brightened, as if he had found the answer.

"I see... Is this how you take revenge? I must say, it's quite tragic."

"Um?"

Tousen tilted his head, somewhat puzzled.

Shitan continued, laughing to himself, "No matter what, you are now the Seated Officer of the Third Division, no longer the insignia you used to be that could be easily manipulated. If you were killed, it would definitely become a major case in Seireitei."

Especially since your backer Iori Aizen, is still in the Teiwa. As a renowned and influential figure, he's incredibly popular right now. If he finds a reason to intervene... then I'll really be in danger!

"... Is that what you think?"

Tousen's face remained expressionless.

"Snort!"

Shitan scoffed. "Using your own life as bait, trying to drag me down to Hell with you, I admit your courage and awareness, Tousen."

But you still underestimated me and overestimated yourself!

Even if you die here today, it won't cause any trouble in Seireitei. I have 100 ways to quell the situation. With my connections and power, I can definitely clean up the scene. Your death will not affect me in any way.

You want to punish me? Ha!

Justice and fairness are things only the weak and the lowly yearn for. The strong, who can use force to protect their own interests, don't need Rules to restrain themselves. When you believe in those illusory things, it proves you'll never obtain them!

At this point, Shitan felt that he had already humiliated Tousen enough. Telling him the truth of this world on his deathbed, leaving him to die with regret and unfulfilled ambitions, was undoubtedly an extreme form of cruelty.

This made Shitan so excited that he almost raised the flag!

Your thoughts are none of my business.

Tousen shook his head and was about to raise his Zanpakuto when he suddenly heard Shitan speak again.

"Speaking of which, that woman is about as stupid as you. No wonder you came from the same garbage dump."

"..."

Tousen Kaname's face the Unassailable, but the atmosphere clearly shifted.

Tsunayashiro, who had noticed this, was even more pleased, and her voice trembled slightly as she said, "What was her name again... Right, Kyouka... She used to be my wife's woman."

Normally, a lowly person from Rukongai would never be able to enter a noble family, but she possessed something that interested me, so I took pity on her and let her in.

But she really didn't know her place.

Perhaps her meteoric rise gave her an overly idealistic illusion, making her think of herself as some kind of great person. She's constantly telling me this won't work, that's wrong, and that I shouldn't hurt others or manipulate ordinary people anymore... How ridiculous!

Who does she think she is? Some kind of Buddha?

"So... so you killed her?"

Tousen's voice was strained and bitter. The Tsunayashiro family had not announced the true cause of Kyouka's death, and the public rumor was that it was an accidental killing. Although he could guess the truth, this was the first time he had heard the person involved say it in person.

At that moment, the pain in his heart surpassed the physical Impalement Execution.

No, it's not because of that.

To everyone's surprise, Shitan shook his head, "After all, she's my wife."

"Varied--"

Tousen was stunned. "Then... what was it all for?"

"Out of curiosity."

Look, that guy keeps talking about 'love' and 'gentleness' and things like that, doesn't he?

But what I hate most are people who only talk the talk but don't walk the walk, or who are hypocritical and dishonest, so I gave it a try.

"...experiment?"

"I really want to see if she can still say those nice words when her body is cut open, when her blood keeps flowing out, when her breathing becomes more and more difficult—when her own life is threatened, will she still be able to kill her husband with hatred!"

... Her reaction back then, even after so long, is still quite amusing to think about now.

Shi Shitan spoke as if he were a passionate fan sharing his collection, recounting as if it were his most treasured possession. "You know what? When people are pushed to their limits, they're no different from animals."

So-called beliefs can crumble in Flash Step. Those who profess to love this world, when on their deathbed, utter curses no different from the most heinous criminals!

"Tsunayashiro Tokinada!!!"

The string of reason snapped instantly. In that moment, the man even forgot about his plans, and only one thought remained in his mind—

I'll kill you!

Buzz!

Tousen's Zanpakuto vibrated rapidly, emitting a buzzing sound similar to the chirping of Insects. The sound waves released instantly caused the two attendants' eyes to go vacant, and they collapsed without realizing what had happened.

"Sing, you Suzumushi!"

The Zanpakuto that uses sound waves to hypnotize the enemy is truly an invisible blade, but Tousen Kaname did not use it to attack Shitan. Instead, he deliberately left it behind, with two Asauchi stuck in his body, and strode directly toward the enemy.

Shitan was surprised that Tousen was still able to move, but he did not panic. He pulled out a pocket knife from his wide sleeve. It was as exquisite as a work of art, with a pink gemstone inlaid on the hilt.

As spiritual pressure was poured into it, a wisp of red light flashed across the surface of the jade, converging into a narrow line, like the eyes of a carnivore opening. At the same time, slender tentacles emerged from the hilt of the sword, piercing into Shitan's wrist, and his spiritual pressure surged accordingly!

"You may think you have a chance to drag me down with you, but you are far too naive to think that someone like me, who is hated by countless people, would be without any means of self-defense."

This is not his Zanpakuto, which has been confiscated and sealed. Instead, it is the Bakyō Blade, which was once used by the Sumori clan. This technique was originally given to the Sumori by the Tsunayashiro clan. Although it was proven to be a failure, the power of this technique is undeniable.

After losing his Zanpakuto, Shitan considered finding a replacement. The Five Noble Clans each possessed some divine weapons, but those were beyond his reach. Besides, there were other things like demonic swords or cursed blades, which were either difficult to control or had special seals... So he had to settle for second best and secretly cultivated a Bakyō Blade.

Actually, he would prefer a special type of treasured sword that is kept under strict guard by the Seireitei... but he simply doesn't have that ability right now.

Of course, the Bakyō Blade is sufficient for dealing with ordinary enemies!

"Seeing you so energetic really makes me happy. It was worth it to use the Kyouka incident to comfort you~"

The blade of the Bakyō Blade reflected Shitan's cold gaze. "Don't worry, after you die, I'll have a servant confess. Iori Aizen might have some trouble, but ultimately he can't do anything to me..."

"Yeah?"

"—!"

The sound suddenly entered his ears, Shitan subconsciously straightened his back, his heart clenching for no reason.

"Who is it?!"

Without any hesitation, and without even checking who the other party was, an inexplicable fear made his body act first, Bakyō Blade shot out a blade-shaped Vacuum Wave that tore through the atmosphere—

Nothing happened.

What Tsunayashiro Tokinada saw was a man dressed in a plain-colored yukata kimono, as if he were out for a night stroll. His handsome appearance and dashing demeanor were none other than the Captain of the Third Division he had just mentioned— Iori Aizen!

"It's you! When... could it be?!"

Shitan immediately became alert, gripping the Bakyō Blade tightly, pouring more spiritual pressure into it, the chaotic aura reflecting his inner unease.

"Is this a trap? But why?!"

He was a little confused. He quickly went through all the conversations he had with Iori in his mind, but he was still very puzzled.

"Captain Aizen... we don't have any grudges against each other, do we?"

I haven't harmed your interests, nor have I acted rudely in any way... It was just a few words, why are you here?!

What you said is really interesting.

Iori smiled slightly, "Does that mean I can only respond after you've done something to offend me?"

"..."

Shitan slowly opened his eyes, and Iori's smile was imprinted in his eyes. Suddenly, he realized something.

"Could it be... just for Tousen? This is too... too, too unbelievable!"

Are you going to kill members of the Five Noble Clans for some nobody? Do you know what will happen if I die?!

Central 46... Central 46 won't stand idly by either!

"It's not because of Tousen."

Iori seemed genuinely taken aback by what she was said, and appeared to be deep in thought.