Getting the Sword

Wang Xun stared in the direction where Tokinada Tsunayashiro had disappeared, remaining silent for a few seconds as the ominous premonition in his heart grew stronger.

Although he had been leaving early and returning late at the Spiritual Arts Academy for the past few days, Tokinada Tsunayashiro was not so badly unable to find him.

His presence here today clearly indicates that he's certain something is about to happen.

"Ganju, take these things back first and distribute them to the managers and employees of each branch, as agreed, and teach them the basic usage."

"Tell Uncle Ichiraku to be cautious these next few days and prioritize his own safety."

"Go ahead, be careful on the road, I'll be there shortly."

Ganju was taken aback, but seeing Wang Xun's solemn expression, he nodded seriously.

He watched as Wang Xun turned around and asked a question.

"Brother Wang Xun, what are you going to do?"

"I'm going back to the Spiritual Arts Academy to pick up some things."

Wang Xun's gaze turned towards the direction of the Shin'ō Academy.

"Get something?"

Wang Xun nodded, then stopped explaining, patted Ganju on the shoulder, and gestured for him to go first.

Although Ganju had a rough personality, at this moment, he could guess what Wang Xun was going to get.

Weapon, Asauchi.

But he'd heard his Kaien say that Asauchi was forbidden from being taken out of the Spiritual Arts Academy without permission...

The Ganju opened its mouth, as if to say something.

But seeing the expression on Wang Xun's face, and recalling the strange reminder from Tokinada Tsunayashiro earlier, he ultimately swallowed his words.

"Well, be careful then, I'll take the things back first."

"By the way, Brother Wang Xun, if you stay in the Spiritual Arts Academy, I doubt anyone would dare to cause trouble."

Wang Xun paused for a moment.

"That being said, I'm still worried about the shop. If they can't find an opportunity while I'm around, there's no guarantee they won't target the shop."

Upon hearing this, Ganju realized Wang Xun's concerns and said no more. The two parted ways at the intersection.

The Ganju spurred the wild boar Bonnie, dragging its bundles along, towards the West Rukongai.

Wang Xun took a deep breath, activated his Shunpo, and sped off towards the Spiritual Arts Academy.

He wants to get his Zanpakuto.

Now, his only Zanpakuto is his Zanpakuto.

As night deepened, the Spiritual Arts Academy gradually fell silent.

Most students have returned to their dormitories, but a few are still training hard on the field.

Wang Xun returned to his dormitory and retrieved his Zanpakuto from the sword rack.

The familiar weight in his hand calmed him down a little.

Leaving the dormitory went smoothly as well.

Just as he slipped past the patrolling teachers, climbed over the walls of the Spiritual Arts Academy, and stepped back into the Seireitei night, a lazy voice rang out not far from him.

"Oh? Isn't this Wang Xun? You look so rushed, is something urgent?"

Wang Xun's body tensed abruptly, and he looked in the direction of the sound.

Not far away, under a Reishi lamp, stood a figure wearing a straw hat and a floral kimono, exuding a lazy and easygoing air.

When Wang Xun saw who it was, his expression froze.

Shunsui Kyōraku.

Before he could think it through, Kyōraku slowly approached, a hint of doubt on his face.

His gaze fell on the Zanpakuto at Wang Xun's waist, his tone remaining calm.

"If I'm not mistaken, Wang Xun's belt is Asauchi, isn't it?"

"I remember the Spiritual Arts Academy has a clear rule that Asauchi cannot be taken out of the Spiritual Arts Academy without permission."

"Wang Xun, has something happened?"

Wang Xun's brain was working at lightning speed.

Since the other party has brought it up directly, if I can't give a suitable reason, I'm afraid I won't be able to get through this difficult situation.

And... isn't the appearance of Shunsui Kyōraku a bit too coincidental?

In a flash, Wang Xun made his decision.

The hesitation and struggle on his face finally turned into a heavy and helpless expression, and he lowered his head slightly.

"Captain Kyōraku, to be honest, I have indeed encountered some trouble."

Kyōraku's gaze seemed quite interested.

Wang Xun gave a wry smile, as if he had made up his mind.

"It's... about the Tsunayashiro Clan."

"I had some conflict with Tokinada Tsunayashiro before, and I thought it was just a student squabble, but just now I received some news."

"It seems someone from the other family is planning to attack me. Their name is Tsunayashiro Tokinada, which is why I'm a little worried about my safety."

He glanced at the knife at his waist.

"Especially recently, during my internship at World of the Living Konsō Ceremony, I encountered the defection of the Seated Officer, and I still feel lingering fear."

"I resorted to this desperate measure; I hope the Captain Kyōraku will forgive my foolishness."

Kyōraku listened quietly, his face maintaining that attentive expression.

After Wang Xun finished speaking, he remained silent for a moment, then sighed softly.

"It seems the events that happened in the World of the Living before still have a significant impact on you."

"As for Tsunayashiro Tokinada..."

Kyōraku repeated the name in a low voice, a complex, elusive look flashing across his eyes behind his glasses.

Although Kyōraku had obtained some information, he did not expect that Tsunayashiro would actually make a move against a student from the Spiritual Arts Academy.

"If it is that person, they are indeed different from ordinary nobles, and your concerns are not unfounded."

He nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the Asauchi at Wang Xun's waist.

"Regulations are meant to maintain order, but sometimes the reality is much more complex."

Kyōraku's tone was more like stating a fact than making a judgment.

"Your ability to make decisions driven by a sense of crisis is not a bad thing. After all, survival is the prerequisite for fulfilling all responsibilities."

He changed the subject, his tone now carrying just the right amount of concern.

"I've heard a little about Tsunayashiro Tokinada. He acts eccentrically, often leaving no room for compromise, and is adept at exploiting the shadows outside the rules."

"Wang Xun, I'm afraid a mere Asauchi won't be enough to quell the danger you've encountered?"

"Thank you for the reminder, Captain Kyōraku, but I have no other choice."

"After all, that's the Tsunayashiro Clan, and the incident hasn't even happened yet. The enemy is in the dark while we are in the light; it's impossible to guard against them all."

Wang Xun responded calmly.

Kyōraku Ran looked at him and suddenly smiled.

"Caution is necessary, but I know that what you need right now is more than just verbal reminders."

He tilted his head slightly, looking into the distance, as if weighing something.

Then, Shunsui Kyōraku's gentle voice came through.

"I heard that a new noodle shop in West Rukongai is doing well, and their new dishes have been quite popular. I was recommended by my fellow soldiers, so I'm planning to go and try it out."

"I don't know if we're going the same way. If we are, how about we grab a drink together?"

"If you encounter an unforeseen and difficult situation on your journey, and I happen to be nearby, as the team leader, I will not stand idly by while an excellent student is in danger."

"Wang Xun, what do you think?"