"Lady Ginrei Kuchiki, I have an objection."
Kōga Kuchiki knelt on one knee before Kuchiki Ginrei, speaking with a fearful expression.
"Um?!"
However, Kōga Kuchiki's way of addressing Kuchiki Ginrei displeased Kuchiki Ginrei, causing her to frown.
"Um... Gin, Father, I have a objection. I believe that the person most suitable to succeed you as captain of the Sixth Division Sixth Division should be Sōjun."
Kōga Kuchiki knelt on one knee and addressed his adoptive father Kuchiki Ginrei. Although Kuchiki Ginrei was preparing to let him take over Kōga Kuchiki the captain of the Sixth Division, which made him very happy, he knew better than anyone else who should sit in that position.
" Sōjun completed his Bankai training before me, so the position of captain of the Sixth Division should rightfully belong to him."
Kōga Kuchiki knelt on one knee in front of Kuchiki Ginrei. Fearing that others would say Sōjun Kuchiki was bullying him, a son-in-law, by relying on his status as a direct descendant of the Kuchiki Clan, he deliberately explained why Sōjun Kuchiki was more suitable for the position of captain of the Sixth Division than him, Kōga Kuchiki.
He believed that once everyone heard his explanation and understood the reasons, no one would gossip about Sōjun Kuchiki's appointment behind his back.
" Kōga, are you questioning my decision? Or do you think I lack judgment in judging people?"
Looking at the terrified, kneeling Kōga Kuchiki Ginrei, she asked in a deep voice.
"No, Kōga wouldn't dare."
Seeing Kuchiki Ginrei's Kōga Kuchiki expression, Kuchiki Hibiki felt incredibly nervous and shook his head repeatedly.
" Kōga, even now, do you still not consider yourself a member of the Kuchiki Clan, or treat me as your father?"
Looking at the tense Kōga Kuchiki, Kuchiki Ginrei asked helplessly.
"No, of course not. You are naturally Kōga's father, and Kōga respects you from the bottom of his heart. At the same time, Kōga is also deeply proud of his identity as a member of the Kuchiki Clan."
After hearing Ginrin's words, Kōga Kuchiki shook his head repeatedly. His gaze was fixed on Kuchiki Ginrei, his expression solemn. He genuinely respected Kuchiki Ginrei, who taught him like a son, and felt deeply fortunate to be a member of the Kuchiki Clan. However...
"In that case, you should take over as the captain of the Sixth Division from me."
Kuchiki Ginrei's aged eyes gleamed with a mixture of kindness and wisdom, giving her a shrewd and calculating appearance.
"But Sōjun..."
Kōga Kuchiki hesitated, feeling somewhat guilty that taking over as captain of the Sixth Division would be letting Sōjun Kuchiki.
"You always look so worried about Sōjun, but that's just your own opinion. Why don't you ask Sōjun for his own opinion?"
Knowing why Kōga Kuchiki Ginrei was so hesitant, Kuchiki Kōga Kuchiki smiled slightly and whispered to him.
" Sōjun?!"
After hearing what Kuchiki Ginrei said, Kōga Kuchiki realized what was happening and quickly turned to look at Sōjun Kuchiki.
" Kōga, you don't need to feel so guilty. I gave up the position of captain of the Sixth Division voluntarily. My body is not suitable for the position. The work every day is a burden for me. Besides... although we are not blood brothers, we are closer than blood brothers. We are both Isshin to the Kuchiki Clan. I think that no matter who of us takes the position of captain of the Sixth Division, it will be for the Kuchiki Clan, for Soul Society, and for Seireitei! So please, you must take the position of captain of the Sixth Division."
Sōjun Kuchiki smiled slightly at Kōga Kuchiki. If it weren't for his naturally weak spiritual body, which prevented him from maintaining Bankai for a long time, he wouldn't have so easily handed over the position of the Sixth Division Captain to someone else. But there are no "ifs" in this world. Since fate has limited his development in this area, he can simply take a different path. As a member of the Kuchiki Clan, he can always find his own way. As for the position of the Sixth Division Captain, it's just right to give it to Kōga Kuchiki.
"I will certainly live up to my father and brother's high expectations, and I will certainly continue to let the Kuchiki Clan's glory shine in the Thirteenth Division! I will certainly continue to be a role model for all the nobles of Soul Society, demanding the highest standards of myself."
After hearing Sōjun Kuchiki's words, tears welled up in Kōga Kuchiki's eyes. From this day forward, he would dedicate himself to the cause of the Kuchiki Clan, even if it meant shedding his last drop of blood.
"Very good, Kōga Kuchiki, I knew I hadn't misjudged you."
Seeing that Kuchiki Ginrei had completely submitted to the Kuchiki Clan, Kuchiki Kōga Kuchiki nodded slightly in satisfaction. From today onwards, Sōjun Kuchiki would handle internal affairs, and Kōga Kuchiki would handle external affairs. With the two of them working together, they would surely keep out all those who dared to covet the Kuchiki Clan.
"Old ginger is spicier."
Sōgo smiled slightly as he watched Kuchiki Ginrei and Sōjun Kuchiki completely win over Kōga Kuchiki with just a few words. Kuchiki Ginrei was using this occasion to promote her son-in-law in order to create momentum.
First, he told others that he, Kuchiki Ginrei, treated his son-in-law and adopted son the same way he treated his own son, treating them equally. This would greatly benefit the Kuchiki Clan in attracting outstanding talents in the future.
Secondly, this behavior of being completely unconcerned about others and putting everything out in the open is worthy of the noble reputation of the Kuchiki Clan. In the future, when members of the Kuchiki Clan reprimand others in front of other families, the other party will not feel disgusted. On the contrary, they will say that as expected of the Kuchiki Clan, they are fair in rewarding and punishing, and they know that wrong is wrong and right is right. They will not disregard the rules because of a person's status.
Thirdly, it's about showcasing the power of the Kuchiki Clan to other noble families! It's like telling the other families, "See? In our Kuchiki Clan, everyone defers to each other for the position of the Sixth Division Captain. We have plenty of people in our family who are capable of holding the position, unlike your small families who don't even have a single person capable of serving as the Captain of the Gotei 13."
" Master Ginrei is still tall~"
Kaien Shiba, who had also seen through Kuchiki Ginrei's methods, sighed softly.
"Wasn't it all because of the provocation from your Shiba Clan?"
Sōgo sharp, listened to Kaien Shiba's quiet mutterings and chuckled.
"Provoked by our Shiba Clan?"
Upon hearing Sōgo's words, Kaien Shiba frowned, not understanding what Sōgo meant.
"Your Shiba Clan doesn't know this because you live in Rukongai... Actually, there's a rumor circulating in the noble district lately that the position of the head of the Five Great Noble Clans shouldn't belong to the Tsunayashiro Clan or the Kuchiki Clan, but should belong to the Shiba Clan, who control the Tenth Division and Thirteenth Division of the Gotei 13."
Sōgo enthusiastically shared the rumors he had heard.
What the hell?
"What idiot came up with this?"
"What nonsense about controlling two divisions? I was tricked into coming here by that sickly captain, Jūshirō Ukitake. Did you really think I wanted to be the captain of the Thirteenth Division?"
After hearing Sōgo's words, Kaien Shiba frowned and said angrily.
He despises those who like to distort the situation in Soul Society, speculate wildly, and then deliberately spread rumors.
"Brother Kaien, what are you saying? This isn't something fools could come up with. It's clearly the work of a group of people with ulterior motives. Perhaps it's a group of self-proclaimed clever people, a group of clever people who are afraid of the unity of the Five Great Noble Clans. In order to prevent us from uniting, they hope to use this despicable method to make us distrust each other and fight among ourselves."
Sōgo waved to Kaien, making no attempt to lower his voice, ensuring that everyone around him could hear him clearly.
"Oh?"
Sōgo's words immediately attracted the attention of Ginrei Kuchiki and the others, and even the attention of the intelligent people standing not far behind them was drawn to Sōgo's words.
"Speaking of which, how long has it been since the heads of our Five Great Noble Clans have gathered together?"
Sōgo made no attempt to hide his voice and asked loudly.
"It's been about nine hundred years, hasn't it?"
"Since that incident, the heads of our Five Great Noble Clans have not been allowed to gather together."
Kaien Shiba rubbed his chin, recalling the secret history left by his family, and began to preach.
Let's get together sometime?
"You all have no objections, right?"
Sōgo, of course, knew the exact time; he was just asking on purpose. His real aim was to bring the heads of the Five Great Noble Clans together again.
Absolutely not!
Before the people around Sōgo could speak, those standing behind the Five Great Noble Clans were the first to lose their footing...
Why not?
Sōgo turned to the anxious people who were jumping up and down and asked.
"It's just that... you know, the heads of the Five Great Noble Clans are people of supreme and noble status. If something were to happen to us when we were all gathered together, like what happened nine hundred years ago, we would not be able to explain ourselves to the great King and his five sons! Moreover, if we were to leave no contingency plans as we did back then, who would take charge of the Soul Society?"
The Central 46 Chambers, one of the six Inquisitors, a highly successful Inquisitor in Soul Society, was now as flustered as a Seireitei and was meeting his squad Soul Reaper after graduating from the Shin'ō Academy. He even stammered a little.
"Alas... that is not true. The heads of our Five Great Noble Clans have long since ceased to manage the affairs of Soul Society... Besides, even if something were to happen to us, wouldn't we still have the Central 46 Chambers? As long as the Central 46 is here, we can naturally gather in peace."
Sōgo smiled, his words laced with mockery. Some people are like that; they hate you but never say a word, instead expressing their hatred in seemingly benevolent ways. The Central 46 Chambers is one such person, so he wanted to see how these forty-six toys would handle him!
"This..."
Sōgo's words left the judge speechless. He couldn't find a single point to refute Sōgo. Sōgo had praised their Central 46 Chambers so highly that the judge was momentarily speechless. He cursed Sōgo's cunning in his heart, but he still had to put on a smile, feeling extremely annoyed.
" Lord Sōgo, you can't say that. You must understand that as descendants of a king and Five Great Noble Clans, the Central 46 Chambers are responsible for your safety. We cannot stand by and watch you face potential danger."
Just as the judge who had spoken at the beginning was rendered speechless by Sōgo's words, another judge stepped forward. With a friendly smile and an impeccable poker face, he addressed Sōgo and the other representatives of the Five Great Noble Clans.
"That's right! That's right!"
"We're doing this for your benefit."
"After all, the Five Great Noble Clans hold prestigious positions."
"It's not that we want to stop you from gathering together, but we need to ensure some safety. The safety of the Five Great Noble Clans families is closely related to the safety of the entire Soul Society. We cannot accept any event that could shake the Soul Society. Therefore, we ask that you, the heads of the Five Great Noble Clans, remember not to gather together."
"That's right! That's right!"
"This is all for the Soul Society!"
All members of the Central 46th Chamber stood up and spoke one after another, their main point being that it was for the good of the Five Great Noble Clans, so the heads of the Five Great Noble Clans absolutely could not gather together.
"Really? So you're all so kind to me. I'm truly touched... I thought you were afraid that the heads of the Five Great Noble Clans would gather together to follow that ancient covenant... to ask the supreme Lord Soul King to grant us power above all things in the Soul Society, thus rendering your Central 46 Chambers utterly meaningless... It's precisely because of this ancient covenant that you Central 46 Chambers fear us, that you dread us, and it's precisely because you fear us that you refuse to let the heads of the Five Great Noble Clans gather together... Tell me, am I right?"
Sōgo looked deeply moved. He gently wiped away non-existent tears and uttered words that sent chills down the Central 46 Chambers.
"I... I said it."
"He actually said that!"
"Heretical and wicked! Utterly heretical and wicked!"
"Are they planning to completely break off relations?!"
"Are they forcing us?!"
The members of the Central 46 Chambers looked at Sōgo in horror. They never expected that this man would dare to so openly reveal their unspoken secret in the Kuchiki Clan's banquet hall, in front of everyone.
" Sōgo, what are you trying to do...?"
Kuchiki Ginrei stared wide-eyed at Sōgo beside him. He hadn't expected Sōgo to reveal that ancient decision so readily. Although the members of the Five Great Noble Clans knew that the Soul King couldn't issue orders, and therefore couldn't possess power over everything in Soul Society, the Central 46 Chambers didn't understand the truth. They didn't know the Soul King's true meaning. Sōgo's public declaration of this agreement was tantamount to openly breaking ties with the Central 46 Chambers. Perhaps... the greatest power struggle in Soul Society's history was about to begin...
"Hahaha, just kidding. Without a suitable reason, we have no right to ask the Lord Soul King to grant us that power that transcends everything in the Soul Society, right? Hahahaha..."
Just as the atmosphere in the banquet hall was so heavy that it was hard to breathe and extremely oppressive, Sōgo suddenly burst into laughter.
"That damn brat!"
The judges and sages of the Central 46 Chambers were all inwardly cursing Sōgo.
"Haha, Lord Sōgo is so humorous."
The judges were seething with rage, wishing they could chop Sōgo, but in reality, they were powerless. They knew they needed to stay calm because they couldn't defeat this arrogant brat from the Shihoin Family.
"Ha ha ha ha..."
After hearing the insincere words of the Central 46, Sōgo chuckled softly, then immediately stopped laughing.
"How boring~ I thought you guys would lose your minds due to your anger~"
Sōgo pursed his lips, feeling a bit bored.
Hehehe...
"You're joking. We're all prominent figures in Soul Society; we're not angry at all."
The Central 46 Chambers members glared at Sōgo, baring their teeth. They were all professionals and generally didn't get angry unless they couldn't help it, like now... They felt like their lungs were about to explode with anger at this brat Sōgo.
"Is that so?" Sōgo looked at the group of professionals in front of him, a slight smile playing on his lips, and continued, "By the way, what I said earlier about gathering the heads of the Five Great Noble Clans for a meeting is true."
" Sōgo Shihoin, what exactly do you want?"
Finally, one of the sages from the Central 46 Chambers couldn't hold back any longer and addressed Sōgo Shihoin, asking him a question.
"Don't be nervous. The matters I've convened with the heads of the Five Great Noble Clans to discuss have nothing to do with you lowly underlings. You can rest assured about that..."
Sōgo made no attempt to hide his identity, directly referring to the Central 46 Chambers as "minions."
"You... you... you... I'm so relieved!"
After hearing Sōgo's words, the wise man pointed at Sōgo's cheek and said "you" three times in a row. His face turned red, then green, then white, just like a chameleon. Finally, he did a complete 180-degree turn, sighed, and said that he felt extremely relieved after hearing that Sōgo was not targeting the Central 46 Chambers.
"So, gentlemen, do you have any objections to my proposal?"
Sōgo saw the sage give in, smiled contemptuously, turned around, and asked Kuchiki Ginrei and the others.
"On behalf of Keiichi Tsunayashiro, the head of the Tsunayashiro Clan, I extend my greetings and agree to your wish to convene a conference of the heads of the Five Great Noble Clans families."
The first to respond to Sōgo was not the Kuchiki Clan or the Shiba Clan, but the representative of the Tsunayashiro Clan, who had remained silent and served as a background figure.
Me too...
The second person to respond to Sōgo was a representative from that family whose presence was almost nonexistent. Like the family itself, the representative sent by that family possessed a kind of magic that made people selectively ignore them.
"Although it feels like a lot of trouble~"
"But since it was you, Sōgo, who chose to convene this meeting, then please include me in the proceedings."
As the current head of the Shiba Clan, Shiba Kaien Shiba's words carry far more weight than those of the representatives sent by the Tsunayashiro Clan and the other family.
"Thank you." Sōgo nodded slightly to the three who had agreed to his convening of the meeting of the heads of the Five Great Noble Clans, then turned to Kuchiki Ginrei, who had remained silent, " Old Man Rei, you're the only one left..."
"Well..."
"Seriously, you brat, you actually pulled this stunt at our Kuchiki Clan's banquet?!"
Kuchiki Ginrei looked at Sōgo with a somewhat resentful gaze, secretly Sōgo for his lack of martial ethics, for trying to deceive and ambush him, this old man who was about to die.
"Haha... The main problem is that we just can't find an occasion where we can all get together?"
"Besides, I always felt that even if I messed up Byakuya's coming-of-age ceremony, he would understand."
Sōgo smiled gently, indicating that the kind-hearted Byakuya would surely forgive his rudeness.
Who said I would understand you?
Byakuya looked unhappy after hearing Sōgo's words.
"After all, Byakuya has grown up. He's an adult now. As an adult, Byakuya should act like one and understand me like an adult."
Sōgo kept emphasizing the word "adult," his words conveying only one meaning: if you are an adult, then you will understand what I have done.
"Huh..."
Okay! I understand.
After hearing Sōgo's words, Byakuya frowned deeply. He was undoubtedly very angry, but... but... but... he had grown up and had to act like an adult and learn to understand other people's difficulties.
"You're such a good girl, Cabbage. I'll definitely find you a good woman to be your wife someday!"
Sōgo looked at the Cabbage in front of him, who was like a little adult, and gave him a thumbs up.
"Hmph~"
"Who needs your introduction?!"
"I will definitely find the most beautiful woman in the world to be my wife."
Byakuya snorted coldly and turned his head away arrogantly.
"That brat is still so annoying."
Kaien Shiba glanced at Byakuya's genuine arrogance, which wasn't just an act, and curled his lip. He still couldn't bring himself to like this cocky brat.
"Then you'd better keep it up!"
"However, Little Cabbage, I still need to correct you on one point. Although saying this might disappoint you, I still have to tell you—the most beautiful woman in the world already belongs to me."
Sōgo gently ruffled Byakuya's hair and smiled.
"No... that's indecent."
Upon hearing Sōgo's words, Shaoling Fon's face flushed red, and she was secretly delighted. Anyone would be happy to be praised like that.
"Then I'll find a woman more beautiful than the most beautiful woman in the world."
Byakuya slapped Sōgo's hand away. He was an adult now and would never allow anyone to touch his head again. At the same time, he loudly declared to Sōgo that he would grow up to be a woman more beautiful than the most beautiful woman in the world.
"Haha, youth is truly wonderful~" Sōgo, looking at Byakuya's energetic appearance, suddenly felt as if he himself had aged, and sighed softly. He then turned to Kuchiki Ginrei and the others, "So, let's strive together so that the Five Great Noble Clans can continue into the future~"
The 'wave' in Shiba represents the water that irrigates plants, essential for their growth. Tsunayashiro represents the veins that absorb water and nutrients for plant growth. Kuchiki represents the trunk that governs everything. The leaves on the Shihoin... and the Fifth Family, together, form the complete form of these Five Great Noble Clans! Each of them is indispensable; together they live, apart they die.
Thank you so much to reader "The one who loves bean curd skin" for the generous donation! I'll set up the reader group as soon as possible in the next few days.
(End of this chapter)