"Whose subordinate is this guy?"
"Can't he tell that even the Captain-Commander himself allowed the title 'Head Master'?"
When Muguruma Kensei, Ōtoribashi Rōjūrō, and Love Aikawa realized the speaker was none other than Kuchiki Kōga, the three exchanged glances. A mix of disbelief and pity flashed in their eyes.
At first, they were delighted. As the son-in-law of the noble Kuchiki family, Kōga opposing Aiyan was perfect—someone else to challenge Aiyan while they watched from the sidelines. It meant they wouldn't have to go up against him directly.
But then, the words that came out of Kōga's mouth stunned them.
Not in a million years did they expect the Kuchiki family's son-in-law to be so... brainless.
They had hoped he might confront Aiyan in the future. But now? They weren't even sure he'd survive a single clash.
At the head of the room, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni cast a brief glance at Kuchiki Kōga… then at Kuchiki Ginrei.
His old but piercing eyes might as well have spelled it out:
"Ginrei, is this the fool you recommended? Take him away before he embarrasses himself further."
"Kuchiki Kōga," the old man finally spoke, voice firm and calm.
"The First Division's assembly hall is not a place for idle talk."
Kuchiki Ginrei's expression twitched slightly. What a disgrace, he thought. But even so, with a heavy heart, he had to step forward to clean up the mess—his own family's mess.
"Master Ginrei," Kōga turned toward him with disbelief. "Did I say something wrong?"
"As a captain, you should be an example for the Gotei."
"Aiyan's words and behavior just now were out of line. He disrespected the Captain-Commander. As the newly appointed captain of the Special Forces, shouldn't I remind him of what respect, rules, and authority mean?"
Kōga spoke each word with confidence, thinking he was upholding justice. What he didn't realize was that nearly everyone—captains, Lieutenants, even seated officers—were silently looking at him like a complete fool.
"You've said enough!"
"You think it's your place to speak now?"
"Apologize to Captain Aiyan. Immediately!"
Kuchiki Ginrei's patience snapped.
Just a moment ago, he could've covered this up with his status as clan head. If Kōga had simply backed down, it would've ended there. But instead, Kōga tried to look righteous—standing on a moral pedestal while openly challenging the most popular new captain in Seireitei.
Does he even understand who he's picking a fight with?
"Master Ginrei?" Kōga looked at him, stunned.
He, a Kuchiki, apologized?
In his mind, people bowed to the Kuchiki—not the other way around.
And now his own father-in-law was siding with Aiyan?
"I told you to apologize to Captain Aiyan. Do it. Now."
Ginrei's tone turned frigid.
He didn't want to do this. Even though Kōga had married into the Kuchiki family and carried the surname, he was still someone Ginrei had protected.
But right now? His concern was no longer Kōga's pride.
What if Aiyan started looking deeper into the Kuchiki clan? What if he began asking about past events—like the attempted assassination at the Spiritual Arts Academy dorm?
The stakes had changed.
Aiyan was no longer a student. He was the captain of the Fifth Division—a position of real power. A Shinigami so talented that many believed he could become the strongest in a thousand years.
And Kōga still dared to provoke him.
Kōga looked like he wanted to argue again, but the chill in Ginrei's eyes made him hesitate. Even so, he stubbornly refused to apologize. Deep down, he still believed he was right.
"What are you waiting for?"
"Need me to speak for you?" Ginrei's voice was cold enough to freeze the air.
Just days ago, he had spoken with Kōga, trying to explain how dangerous it was to cross Aiyan. All those words—completely wasted.
Then, as if things couldn't get worse—
"Kōga, don't apologize."
A new voice cut through the tension like a blade.
"As long as I'm here, no one in this world can humiliate you."
From the shadows, a figure appeared next to Kōga. In his hand, he held a Zanpakutō, ready to draw.
"As long as he's a Shinigami, no matter how powerful, he can never stand above us nobles."
Kuchiki Kōga's eyes flickered with emotion when he saw Muramasa, but reason—or perhaps fear—held him back from ordering an attack.
Ginrei stared at him now not with anger—but with disappointment. No longer seeing a family member, but an enemy.
"It's alright, Captain Ginrei," Aiyan spoke for the first time since the commotion started, his voice calm.
"I'm always happy to hear what Shinigami from the grassroots level think."
"I graduated just last month, after all. I became a Gotei captain so quickly, it's true I might not know Soul Society's rules and customs as well as someone like Kōga, who's been a third seat for decades."
The sarcasm exploded in the air.
"He's over a hundred years older than Aiyan!"
"No wonder Hirako Shinji reportedly coughed blood from Aiyan's words—he's lethal even in conversation."
"It's like his tongue is as sharp as his Zanpakutō."
Despite how humble Aiyan's words sounded, there was a sharp, mocking tone beneath it. The captains around him—especially Shiba Isshin and Unohana—couldn't help but chuckle quietly.
Kuchiki Kōga's face twisted in fury. His chest heaved, breath quickening.
He had managed to suppress his rage before, even ignoring Muramasa's urging.
But now—Aiyan's taunts pushed him too far.
His hand dropped toward the hilt of his Zanpakutō.
Kuchiki Ginrei's pupils shrink in alarm.
He had never imagined Kōga was this impulsive.
Just a few words, and he's already drawing his sword
The atmosphere inside the meeting hall tensed instantly. Without a second thought, Ginrei disappeared in a flash of Shunpo, racing to stop the disaster about to unfold.
He had to stop Kōga—no matter the cost.
Because if that blade was drawn... it wouldn't just be Kōga's downfall.
It could drag the entire Kuchiki clan down with him.
[Big thanks to Itz_me0, DaoistOwhPpz, and Itisme228 for taking the time to leave a review]