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"Reporting to the Elder, our mission has failed?!"
In a secluded basement, a man dressed in black with silver hair knelt on one knee, reporting in a deep voice to the elder of the Kasumioji Clan.
"The five men I sent out all went missing in the early hours of this morning. My guess is that the operation likely went wrong, and they have all been wiped out."
The man shared his deductions with the aged elder of the Kasumioji Clan.
"Useless piece of trash!"
You're all a bunch of useless good-for-nothings!
"Five people... five powerful warriors, and one of them even wields a powerful Bakkōtō!"
"However, such a formidable warrior was actually defeated by two useless individuals guarding that little girl Rurichiyo Kasumioji!?"
What kind of joke are you guys playing on me?
"Ah?!"
The eldest elder of the Kasumioji Clan glared angrily at the man in black kneeling before him. Even though this man was the strongest fighter he had secretly cultivated within the Kasumioji Clan, there was not a trace of respect in his eyes. This was because the man in black was a dog who could never see the light of day and could only eke out a living under his command. He had no reason to give these dogs any respect.
"..."
"Please rest assured, Elder! Next time... next time we will definitely not fail again."
"Next time, I will personally take action. I will personally twist off Rurichiyo Kasumioji's head, completely eliminating any future trouble for you and helping you to fully and carefree control of the Kasumioji Clan."
In the dimly lit basement, the leader of the men in black, who had been kneeling before the Grand Elder of the Kasumioji Clan Kasumioji Clan, clenched his fists after enduring a barrage of humiliation. He knew he had to act, or they would face ruthless abandonment. The man understood that once the Grand Kasumioji Clan deemed them, these assassins lurking in the shadows, to be of no use, the Grand Elder could still rise to power even without them...
Then, that will be the moment when those people who wear shameful Visored, who can't bear the light their whole lives and can only identify as vicious dogs, living in the cracks between light and darkness, completely disappear from this world.
This was something he absolutely could not allow to happen. Being captured and subjected to relentless torture was a living hell; even dying was a luxury. It was a feeling that brought despair to both the mind and body...
Rather than be treated that way, he would rather die on the battlefield... As a soldier, even one who cannot see the light of day, he wanted to die gloriously in battle; this was his final pursuit in life!
Find an evenly matched opponent, and then die in a glorious battle!
"I hope what you do next will be exactly the same as what you're saying now."
"Don't let me down. You should know I have a bottom line. Where exactly is my bottom line?"
"You, who have been by my side the longest, should know better than anyone else..."
"This is your last chance. If you fail... hahaha... I don't think I need to explain the consequences of failure; you know them yourself."
The eldest elder of the Kasumioji Clan chuckled as he spoke. He believed he had said enough; if anyone still didn't understand, then they shouldn't blame him for being ruthless...
Meanwhile, in the Seireitei, the Third Division of the Gotei 13, led by the newly appointed captain Shūsuke Amagai, has made numerous contributions. In just one day, Shūsuke Amagai not only saved the division members from Kōtotsu, but also easily eliminated the Menos Grande who were causing Kōtotsu to go berserk and constantly wandering in the Dangai. His strength is extremely formidable!
In a very short time, he won the hearts of the Third Division and all the members of the division. Even the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai, gave Shūsuke Amagai a very high evaluation, praising his formidable strength.
Inside the Third Division barracks, it was as if a commotion had broken out. Countless members sang and danced, celebrating their survival and praising Shūsuke Amagai's great strength.
"Captain Amagai, with your skills, I doubt I could find anyone as powerful as you in the entire Soul Society. Even the legendary Captain-Commander wouldn't be much better... You truly deserve to be called a man who has fought in Hueco Mundo for so many years!"
The members of the Gotei Third Division sang loudly in praise of Shūsuke Amagai's formidable strength. From the bottom of their hearts, they expressed their excitement at being saved by Shūsuke Amagai Shūsuke Amagai Shūsuke Amagai respect for him personally.
"Hahaha..."
"My skills are just so-so, nothing special at all."
"In the Soul Society, there are countless people stronger than me..."
"Leaving aside Captain-Commander Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai, the strongest Soul Reaper in a thousand years standing above us all, even the youngest prodigy of the Shihoin Family, Sōgo Shihoin, is far beyond my current abilities..."
" The Soul Society is vast, but the Three Realms are even larger..."
"In this vast world, there are countless beings far more powerful than we are now. We must view the world from the perspective of an apprentice, always learning from the stronger, and striving towards each towering peak."
Shūsuke Amagai Shūsuke Amagai chuckled softly and began offering words of encouragement to the crowd. At the same time, based on their praise, he gained a clear understanding of his own strength. Although he knew these people were exaggerating, they wouldn't compare him to Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai if he didn't possess the level of a top-tier Soul Society fighter. In other words, wielding the Bakkōtō, he already possessed the strength to contend with Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai.
"I can do it! I can do it! I have absolutely no problem!"
Shūsuke Amagai smiled slightly, brimming with confidence. He was certain he could accomplish his revenge!
"Captain Amagai is right."
Countless team members nodded slightly, agreeing with what Shūsuke Amagai said. The captain was indeed the captain; his words were always profound and unfathomable.
"Clap clap clap..."
The members of the squad clapped their hands, and for a moment, enthusiastic applause resounded throughout the Third Division barracks.
Although the members of the Third Division were somewhat confused, they did understand a little bit overall. Captain Shūsuke Amagai Amagai right," and that was all that mattered.
"Ha ha ha ha..."
Surrounded by the members of the Shūsuke Amagai treated like an idol or a hero. This caused Shūsuke Amagai Shūsuke Amagai blush slightly, but also feel a secret thrill, his lips constantly curving upwards in a smile, his laughter never ceasing. This feeling of being worshipped was irresistible to him. If it weren't for the deep-seated hatred he Shūsuke Amagai —the unfulfilled revenge against Captain-Commander Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai —he truly wanted to stay with these members forever, to remain the hero in everyone's eyes, the captain of the Shūsuke Amagai Gotei Third Division, a paragon of virtue in Soul Society.
"What a pity."
Shūsuke Amagai feigned intoxication, collapsing drunkenly on the wooden floor of the team's banquet hall. Inwardly, he sighed helplessly. He knew that everything before him was an illusion, and he couldn't be blinded by this false happiness. From the very beginning, when Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai killed his father, everything in his life was already destined to be tragic...
" Sōgo, a new captain has arrived in the Third Division named Shūsuke Amagai. It's said he's been secretly inquiring about you, and I've heard he used to be active in Hueco Mundo for a long time. I suspect he was sent by Sōsuke Aizen."
In the Second Division's captain's room, Hōshō Ryo, dressed in plain clothes, leaned against the corner of the wall, watching as Sōgo Shihoin, sitting on the sofa, gripped a controller and stared at the huge curved screen, rapidly manipulating it, spoke.
"Hmm, to be able to operate in Soul Society for so long and still escape unscathed?! Thinking about it that way, it is indeed suspicious. There is a very high possibility that he was indeed a pawn sent Sōsuke that little bastard Sousuke. However, it is more likely that the guy named Shūsuke Amagai himself does not know that he was a pawn deliberately sent back to Soul Society."
"That little Sōsuke... he always looks so calculating, scheming against everyone, even himself. Wouldn't it be better for him to play games and give his brain a rest instead of wasting his time?!"
"As for who should stand in the heavens of Soul Society? That place is all alone, there's nothing there, what's the point of standing there? Are they all crazy?"
Born invincible, Sōgo Shihoin, who simply took one step forward and inadvertently found himself standing atop the clouds, was utterly bewildered. He often went there himself; it was just a large crystal and a human stick sealed inside it, nothing special... What was so special about that place... He wouldn't even take it if it were given to him for free.
" Sōgo, are you saying that this newly appointed Third Division Captain is really Sōsuke Aizen's man?"
Hōshō Ryo furrowed her brows slightly. She had initially been skeptical, but after hearing what Sōgo Shihoin, she was now basically certain that Shūsuke Amagai an undercover agent.
"No, I have to have someone monitor him."
Hōshō Ryo muttered to herself, deciding to send someone to keep a close watch on the new Third Division Captain in case anything went wrong.
"Who cares..."
"He's just a small fry."
"Fine, if you're going to take this seriously, then send someone to monitor us!"
Sōgo Shihoin didn't think this new Third Division Captain's underling would have any impact on his daily life, but since Hōshō Ryo was going to take it seriously, he didn't care. It didn't really matter anyway.
Because... he, Sōgo Shihoin, is invincible!
Time passed little by little, and a week went by in the blink of an eye.
The Visored's secret base in Karakura Town in the World of the Living looks like an abandoned factory on the outside, but inside it is actually a huge and empty training ground.
"Ha!!"
Ichigo Kurosaki, whose face was covered by a white bone mask with bright red patterns, was engaged in fierce combat with a man standing opposite him who also wore a bone mask.
In a world filled with golden desert, two men wearing bone masks on their cheeks and wielding sharp samurai swords are passionately slashing each other in a wild battle!
This is a clash of passions, a clash of muscles, a clash of sweat!
"Ah!"
"Hateful!"
"Ah!"
Every now and then, stirring growls would escape from their mouths. Undoubtedly, both of them were giving it their all. They were using their passion and enthusiasm to fight each other, exchanging blows and sweating with youthful vigor. As they exchanged blows, their feelings about philosophy and friendship were being elevated, and Ichigo Kurosaki became even stronger.
The Hollowfication started at three seconds, then increased to three minutes, five minutes, ten minutes...
Ichigo Kurosaki kept getting stronger and stronger, and his Ichigo Kurosaki Hollowfication became longer and longer.
" Ichigo Kurosaki, you've become more durable than before!"
"Under my pressure, you've been holding out for longer and longer."
"If this continues, I have nothing more to teach you."
Kensei Muguruma removed his mask, panting heavily. He admitted that, in terms of stamina, he, Kensei Muguruma, would call Ichigo Kurosaki the strongest!
"Where... where..."
"It's all thanks to your excellent teaching and guidance!"
Ichigo Kurosaki smiled modestly, admitting that he was indeed a genius, but behind every genius lies endless sweat and the guidance of his predecessors.
The teachings of our ancestors make us more enduring.
True strength lies in becoming more enduring!
To become powerful, one must first endure!
Durability is often more important than size. Strength that is not lasting is like Kyōka Suigetsu, all just an illusion. It may seem big, but it is actually a paper tiger. It may look impressive, but it is not durable!
For example, if you encounter a Hollow of Nel's size, Menos Grande Vasto Lorde- level Menos Grande Nel has also fought Arrancar, no matter how strong you are, you absolutely cannot determine a winner in a short time. At that point, it's a battle of endurance. After a long fight, whoever is the first to feel sore back and unable to stand, forced to kneel and beg for mercy, loses...
"Hmph~"
Congratulations on your graduation!
After hearing Ichigo Kurosaki's words, Kensei Muguruma revealed his gleaming white teeth—a kingly smile—and sincerely congratulated Ichigo Kurosaki on successfully graduating from his palm.
At the same time, Kensei Muguruma remarked that from then on, he had gained another comrade—well... he meant that he had gained another comrade in the Visored, without any other implication.
It simply means, literally, that their Visored has gained another comrade.
" Ichigo Kurosaki, it's time for you to go back."
Shinji Hirako twirled a British-style hat in his hand, a slight smile playing on his lips as he addressed Ichigo Kurosaki.
"Really? Is it time to go back?"
Ichigo Kurosaki stretched and loosened his body. In the blink of an eye, it was time to say goodbye to his temporary companions. He would return to school once again, studying and striving to become stronger, strong enough to protect everything he had and ensure that nothing he truly cherished would be taken away.
"Don't miss us, Ichigo."
Shinji Hirako pretended to wipe away the tears from the corner of his eyes and waved goodbye to Ichigo Kurosaki.
Missing you all?
"You're really overthinking it."
Ichigo Kurosaki thought to himself, but his face showed such reluctance.
Reluctant to let him go, he jogged happily out of the abandoned factory.
"Go home! Eat!"
Ichigo Kurosaki, beaming with joy, crossed the river, stepped over the stream, walked past the traffic lights, and jaywalked across the road...
He ran straight home, missing his mother's cooking, the smiles of his adorable sisters, and his father's lewdness... Well, the last one was unnecessary.
In the evening, Ichigo Kurosaki arrived at his house, tidied his appearance, and gently knocked on the door.
"Knock knock knock..."
A rhythmic knocking sounded, and a blonde little girl opened the door for him.
Welcome back, dear.
The blonde little girl had a gentle smile on her face, blinking her big, bright eyes and looking at Ichigo Kurosaki with a hint of curiosity.
"Smack~"
"I must have gone to the wrong house! This isn't my home at all."
"My home... oh, right, my home is on the next street. You see, I've been away for so long that I've even forgotten where my own home is."
Ichigo Kurosaki muttered to himself, trying to hypnotize himself, as he slammed the front door shut. His body stiffened as he walked out of the yard. He had indeed tidied his appearance, but... he didn't want his appearance to become a funeral portrait... That foreign child, who looked to be less than ten years old, was calling him "darling"? That was a bit too much!? What on earth had happened at his home while he was away?
No! Strictly speaking, can his current home still really be considered his home?
On the other hand, how could a cute little blonde girl live in a respectable person's home?
Could someone living in a house with such an adorable, yet sinister, blonde little girl be a decent person?
Ichigo Kurosaki is a respectable person; there's no way a blonde little girl could live in his house. Therefore, Ichigo Kurosaki concluded that this wasn't his house at all.
Ichigo Kurosaki's analysis was very reasonable and well-founded, fully proving that the house he had just opened, which contained a blonde little girl, was not his house at all.
"..."
Just as Ichigo Kurosaki's soul was leaving his body and he was walking forward on his own, driven by his fear of torture, two burly men dressed in black blocked his way.
For a moment, Ichigo Kurosaki.
"What are you trying to do? Don't come any closer!"
Ichigo Kurosaki shouted as two burly men in black lifted him up and carried him back to the Kurosaki Family.
Five thousand~
(End of this chapter)