Who Did You Say Owned This Place?

Time slipped away quietly amidst the experiments and the waiting.

Wang Xun's life remained regular; during the day he served in the Fourth Division, and at night he studied spatial techniques.

Occasionally, he would visit the secret chambers of the Kidō Corps to Tessai Tsukabishi, or exchange ideas with Kisuke Urahara on how to achieve his goals.

The spatial Kidō technique for opening the Garganta became increasingly perfect through his repeated iterations, and each experiment brought him closer to success than the last.

Meanwhile, Kaname Tōsen was also busy in the experimental area.

When Wang Xun testing the technique, Kaname Tōsen stand to the side of the experimental table and try her best to keep up with Wang Xun's pace.

However, the obscurity of spatial techniques, the balance between Hollowfication Reiatsu and space, and the precise control of spatial nodes—each of these was beyond his current capabilities.

Even calibrating a secondary node requires a lot of thought and effort.

Until Kaname Tōsen no longer hold on.

He finally gave up trying to understand those complex surgical procedures and simply did what he could in silence.

Prepare experimental materials, check the Reiatsu anchor points, and record experimental data.

These tasks don't require deep understanding, just enough patience and meticulousness.

But every time he saw Wang Xun at the experimental table, easily sketching those incomprehensible techniques, he couldn't help but admire him.

And the undisguised admiration in Aizen's eyes for Zhu Xun.

A strange, indescribable feeling welled up in Kaname Tōsen's heart.

It's like being slowly overtaken from behind, and all you can do is watch their back get further and further away, unable to do anything about it.

The bitterness and resentment in my heart grew wildly like weeds.

Aizen did not ignore him.

He still led the development of the Hōgyoku, and Aizen's trust in him did not diminish in the slightest.

But Kaname Tōsen know that his importance is gradually diminishing.

Before Wang Xun joined, he was Aizen's only core member.

But now, there's one more person.

Seeing Wang Xun steal all the attention with his overwhelming talent, Kaname Tōsen ultimately couldn't remain calm.

But he couldn't tell anyone about this resentment; he could only suppress it deep in his heart, gritting his teeth and swallowing it down.

All he could do was grit his teeth and keep up, even if he could only be a subordinate, so as not to disrupt Aizen's plans.

For Lord Aizen's ideals, for that new world without injustice, he could endure anything.

But the oppression, strain, and suffocation of the past few days weighed on him like a heavy boulder, making it hard for him to breathe.

After the experiment ended that day, Kaname Tōsen walked out of the secret laboratory, looking dazed.

He didn't return to the Ninth Division barracks, but instead wandered aimlessly through the streets and alleys of the Seireitei.

Unbeknownst to him, he had arrived at the aristocratic street.

Kaname Tōsen rarely comes to places like this.

As the Fifth Seat of the Ninth Division, his life was simple and regular.

He didn't need any entertainment or relaxation; he only needed to complete the tasks assigned by Lord Aizen.

But today, he doesn't want to go back to the team barracks.

The barracks were so quiet that his jumbled thoughts had nowhere to escape.

He wandered aimlessly for some time, until suddenly he smelled a fragrance.

The aroma of roasted meat, mingled with the scent of certain spices, was especially enticing in the twilight.

He stopped and looked up.

This is a street he rarely sets foot on.

Shops lined both sides of the street, brightly lit, with people coming and going.

Noble Street.

This is a property of the nobility, a place for those high-ranking people to consume.

He instinctively wanted to turn and leave, but the fragrance, like an invisible hand, tugged at the hem of his clothes.

He hesitated for a moment, then followed the scent into the shop.

He couldn't see the elegant decor and soft lighting inside the shop, but he could clearly smell the aroma of food filling the air.

He heard many guests talking loudly, and waiters moving briskly among them.

Kaname Tōsen chose a corner seat, took out his Zanpakuto, and leaned it against the table.

A waiter walked over with a big smile.

"Guest, is this your first time here? What would you like to eat?"

Kaname Tōsen was silent for a moment.

"I'll have alcohol, strong liquor, and some random dishes."

"Alright, our signature yakitori is pretty good too, would you like some?"

"Can."

The young man smiled, nodded, and turned to leave.

Soon, a pot of sake and several skewers of grilled chicken were served.

Kaname Tōsen poured himself a glass of wine and drank it all in one gulp.

The liquor was spicy and burned my throat.

He poured himself a second glass and drank it all.

As the alcohol took effect, the emotions he had suppressed began to surface.

He thought of Kakyō.

I remembered that woman with the gentle laughter, and the day I learned that she had died at the hands of the Tsunayashiro Clan.

He remembered the night he vowed to change the world, and he also remembered Lord Aizen's ideals.

Then, he thought of Wang Xun.

Kaname Tōsen drank another cup.

"Tōsen."

After an unknown amount of time, a deep voice came from the other side.

Kaname Tōsen's fingers paused slightly.

He didn't look up; he recognized the voice.

"Komamura?"

A tall figure sat down opposite him, blocking some of the light.

Sajin Komamura, currently Seated Officer in the Seventh Division, is Soul Reaper who joined the Gotei 13 at the same time as him.

Similarly, she was his close friend.

The face hidden beneath the wooden barrel mask was expressionless, but the eyes held undisguised concern.

Why are you so down? What happened?

Kaname Tōsen was silent for a moment.

"No, it's nothing. It's not important."

Komamura laughed, a deep laugh with a buzzing echo.

"My dearest friend, we've known each other for so many years. Anyone can see your sadness at a glance. Are you still trying to hide it from me?"

Kaname Tōsen silent.

He thought he had it under control, that those emotions were hidden only in the deepest part of his heart.

But Komamura saw right through it.

Kaname Tōsen picked up his sake cup and took another sip.

"It's really nothing."

Komamura looked at him but didn't ask any further questions.

He simply picked up another glass from the table, poured himself a drink, and raised it.

"Then let's not ask anymore, let's drink."

Kaname Tōsen paused for a moment, then raised his cup and lightly clinked it against Komamura's.

Komamura slightly lifted the wooden barrel and, using his hand as a cover, handed the wine cup inside.

They each finished their drinks.

Kaname Tōsen picked up a skewer of yakitori and took a bite.

The meat was tender and the sauce was rich; it was truly delicious.

He had lived in the Seireitei for so many years and had never tasted such food.

"This is a rare find."

He said softly.

Komamura also picked up a skewer, took a bite, and nodded.

"It's really good, but the food on this aristocratic street is extremely expensive."

He put down the divination stick and looked at Kaname Tōsen.

"I didn't expect you to have the money to spend in a place like this. If I hadn't sensed your Reiatsu here, I wouldn't have dared to come in."

Kaname Tōsen silent.

He had never been to a place like this before, nor did he know the prices here.

He simply followed the scent in without giving it much thought.

"I'll pay the bill today," he said. "Komamura, you'll have a drink with me."

Komamura waved his hand.

My close friend is in a bad mood, so it's only natural that I'll pay for this meal.

Kaname Tōsen shook his head.

"No need, you can come next time."

Komamura looked at him and then nodded.

"Okay, then I won't refuse."

Kaname Tōsen and poured himself another glass of wine.

The two stopped talking and simply drank in silence.

The liquor tastes spicy and bitter as it goes down the throat.

Kaname Tōsen's heart gradually calmed down.

"To be honest, I'd never seen this restaurant before, but the food is pretty good."

Suddenly, Kaname Tōsen asked.

Komamura thought for a moment.

"I've heard something about it. It's said to be from the Ōmaeda Clan, the vice-captain of the Second Division. The Ōmaeda Clan is noble, so it's not surprising that they own property in this noble district."

Kaname Tōsen remained outwardly calm, but inwardly he sneered.

Nobles, and nobles again.

Every shop and every inch of land on this street belonged to the nobility.

The rules are what they are; he can't change them, and he has nothing to say about it.

Komamura lowered his voice.

"However, I've vaguely heard that there's actually another boss behind this place. I heard his name is... Wang Xun."

Upon Kaname Tōsen suddenly began to cough violently.

The liquor choked him, burning his face bright red.

He put down his wine glass, covered his mouth with his hand, and coughed for a while before recovering with Komamura's comforting words.

"Who... who are you talking about?"

His voice was a little hoarse.

"Wang Xun."

Komamura repeated, looking at him, "Why such a strong reaction? You know him?"

Kaname Tōsen silent.

He picked up his glass and drank it all in one gulp.

He poured himself another cup and drank it all.

The wine went down my throat, but it couldn't suppress the surging emotions in my heart.

Wang Xun, it's Wang Xun again.

He's like a persistent ghost; he even has a presence in the shops on the aristocratic street.

"I'm not familiar with him."

"Kaname Tōsen said finally."

Komamura did not press further.

He simply picked up another skewer of yakitori and ate it slowly.

"Guests, do you know Brother Wang Xun?"

An unfamiliar voice came from the side.

Kaname Tōsen turned his head and sensed someone standing by the table.

"No, I don't know him."

Kaname Tōsen's voice was cold.

The man sighed, a hint of regret in his voice.

"That's a pity, I think I heard you mention other names just now."

"I'm the branch manager here. If you know him, I can give you a 20% discount."

Kaname Tōsen scoffed inwardly.

He doesn't need discounts, much less rely on Wang Xun's connections to get them.

"No need, we're not familiar with each other."

The man scratched his head, then turned and left.

Kaname Tōsen puts down his wine cup.

"Check, please."

The waiter came over with a sweet smile.

"Guest, a total of 123,800 rings."

Kaname Tōsen's fingers paused slightly.

He thought he had misheard.

"How many?"

"Twenty-three thousand eight hundred rings."

The waiter repeated himself, his tone still polite.

"Guest, would you like me to give you a breakdown of the details?"

Kaname Tōsen silent.

He sensed the empty plates and wine jugs on the table and quickly calculated in his mind.

A few skewers of yakitori and a few jugs of sake, how could they be so expensive?

The waiter's smile remained unchanged as he watched Kaname Tōsen fall silent.

"Guest, this is the noble district. Our prices are already very reasonable, and the shops on this street all receive special protection from the Sixth Division's Inner Court Guard."

She paused.

"Lord Soul Reaper, is there a problem?"

Kaname Tōsen pursed his lips.

This is the noble street, where shops are protected by nobles, and where rules are set by nobles.

He said the problem lay in questioning the nobility and the rules.

He didn't dare to walk away without paying the bill.

Kaname Tōsen his pocket, counted out the money, and placed it on the table.

His fingers trembled slightly, not from heartache, but from anger.

The thought that some of this money would eventually end up in Wang Xun's hands made him feel as uncomfortable as if he had swallowed a fly.

The waiter collected the money, smiled, and bowed.

Thank you for your patronage. Please visit us again.

Kaname Tōsen stood up, picked up his Zanpakuto, and walked outside.

Komamura followed behind him.

The two stepped out of the shop, a cool night breeze blowing by.

Kaname Tōsen a deep breath and tried to calm himself down.

Just then, a burst of laughter and chatter came from afar.

Kaname Tōsen looked up in the direction from which the sound came.

Several people were walking along the street, chatting and laughing.

Walking at the very front was someone he knew.

... Wang Xun?

It's true, enemies meet on a narrow road.

At this moment, Wang Xun was dressed in casual clothes, with a faint smile on his face, talking to the person next to him.

They were walking towards the shop.

Kaname Tōsen stood still, turning his head slightly away.

He sensed that the young man who had claimed to be the branch manager had run out of the store and gone to greet him.

"Big brother, second sister, Brother Wang Xun!"

"Yo, Ganju."

Wang Xun stepped forward and patted him warmly on the shoulder.

How's business lately?

"Not bad, our yakitori is selling very well. No wonder this is a luxury street, our profits are..."

After quietly recounting his recent situation, Ganju's tone was filled with undisguised smugness.

Wang Xun nodded, about to say something, when his gaze suddenly swept across one side of the street.

Isn't that Kaname Tōsen? And next to him is... Sajin Komamura?

Wang Xun raised an eyebrow slightly, but quickly regained his composure.

Kaname Tōsen didn't greet him or even stop.

He turned around and strode towards the other end of the street.

Komamura followed behind him, took a few steps, then suddenly turned around and glanced at Wang Xun.

Those eyes were full of curiosity.

Then, he withdrew his gaze and strode after Kaname Tōsen.

Wang Xun stood there, watching the two figures disappear into the night.

"Senior, what's wrong?"

Kaien's voice came from behind.

Wang Xun shook his head.

"It's nothing, let's go in and take a look."

He turned around and followed Ganju into the shop.

Kaien and Kūkaku followed behind, chatting and laughing.

Inside the shop, the lighting was soft, and the air was filled with the aroma of food.

Wang Xun sat down in a corner, and Ganju brought him tea with a fawning smile on his face.

"Brother Wang Xun, business has been booming lately."

"A while ago Lieutenant Ōmaeda approached me and said that we could open another branch soon."

Wang Xun nodded.

"Let him handle it; he knows more about these things than I do."

Ganju chuckled twice and turned to greet the other guests.

Kaien sat opposite Wang Xun, looking around at the shop's decor.

"Senior, this shop really is yours?"

"It's a joint venture with Lieutenant Ōmaeda of the Second Division. I manage the operations, and he provides the capital."

The Kaien smacked its lips.

"That's impressive. Opening a shop on a prestigious street—that's something not just anyone can do."

Wang Xun smiled but didn't reply.

Kūkaku sat next to Kaien and picked up the menu to look through it.

"That Ganju kid has managed the shop quite well."

There was a hint of curiosity in her tone.

"Yes, Ganju is already capable of handling things on his own. Letting him train won't be a problem."

Kūkaku He glanced at Wang Xun, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"You're quite considerate of him."

Wang Xun smiled slightly and said nothing more.

As night deepened, the lights on Noble Street remained bright.

At the far end of the street, Kaname Tōsen walked alone.

His steps were slow, each one like wading through mud.

Komamura has already returned to the Seventh Division; he's alone now.

A night breeze blew by, lifting the hem of his clothes.

He stopped, looked up, and gazed at the night sky.

Wang Xun.

The name echoed repeatedly in his mind.

Kaname Tōsen lowered his head and clenched his fists.

These hands have killed countless enemies and carried out countless missions.

They were Lord Aizen's most trusted tools.

But now, Wang Xun can do anything that these hands can do.

Even better.

His fingers clenched slightly, then relaxed.

He then took a deep breath and continued walking forward.

For Lord Aizen's ideals, for the justice in his heart, he will grit his teeth and persevere.

But his jealousy of Wang Xun was like a poisonous vine, slowly entwining his heart and eroding his reason.

The wind from the Seireitei blows through the extravagance of the noble streets.

This also stirred up the overwhelming hatred in Kaname Tōsen's heart.