Soul King

Just as everyone in the New World was preparing to welcome the year's end.

The affairs of the Underworld Bureaucracy were also gradually drawing to a close. With Squad Zero joining in, the Underworld Bureaucracy had initially stabilized.

At this moment, within the Soul King Palace, Madara and Hashirama stood before the crystal, looking at the sleeping Soul King. Behind them stood the members of Squad Zero and the captains of Yamamoto Genryusai's Gotei 13.

Madara carefully examined the Soul King, who had been reduced to a limbless stump, and a trace of mockery flashed through his eyes.

"So this is the being you worship? How utterly inhumane! He clearly saved the world, yet he ended up like this!"

The members of Squad Zero wore varying expressions.

"We had no other choice!" Ichibe explained awkwardly.

"As the wedge stabilizing the Three Realms, we had to do this!"

"Heh, perhaps. But the Soul King's fate makes it clear that the so-called stability of the Three Realms was built upon selfishness and sin. A world like this really isn't worth looking at!"

With that, Madara turned to face Squad Zero and the Gotei 13.

"You're fortunate. If the Underworld Bureaucracy weren't short-handed right now, a pack of selfish people like you would never have been granted divine offices.

"So cherish this opportunity. Don't let me see any of you neglect your duties. The Underworld Bureaucracy is not Soul Society. I trust you understand the punishments it has for criminals!"

Hearing Madara's frost-laden words, everyone from the Soul King Palace shuddered.

"Yes, Lord Yama!"

Ichibe hurriedly took the lead in answering respectfully. After receiving a brutal beating from the Underworld Bureaucracy,

they no longer possessed their former pride. Faced with Madara's mockery and humiliation, they could only endure in silence.

"Enough. Take these