Soul Society, Western Rukongai District 1 – Junrinan, Outskirts.
This forested area was once home to one of the Five Great Noble Clans—the Shiba Clan.
The mountains weren't vast, and aside from the Shiba estate, only a few small villages dotted the landscape. But due to their noble status, the Shiba family held an unquestioned position of authority here. The nearby villages and towns all revolved around them, and the locals took great pride in serving under their name.
Masatsuki Aozaki and Gin Ichimaru stood by the window, enjoying the gentle breeze.
In the distance, groups of wild boars dashed through the forest, accompanied by the sounds of shouting, running, and rustling leaves.
The scenery was peaceful—lush trees bore an assortment of fruits, vibrant wildflowers bloomed across the grass, and the fragrant air carried a calming effect.
"Those troublesome people finally left?"
Masatsuki exhaled deeply, watching a young child riding a boar in the distance, then asked with a faint smile.
"Yes, they withdrew this morning. The Gotei 13 has deployed guards for our protection," Gin replied in a low voice. His expression remained neutral, but beneath that calm facade, his heart was pounding.
"The Gotei 13 isn't restricting our movements, so for now, we're safe."
Masatsuki noticed Gin's unease, turned to him with a reassuring smile, and gave his shoulder a light pat.
"I only left after confirming her spiritual body had fully dissipated."
"No matter how thorough their investigation is, they won't find any useful clues."
"People will believe the 'truth' they expect to see."
"The noble lady and young master were devoured by Hollows, and the students killed the Hollows."
Gin took a deep swig of sake and rolled his eyes.
Easy for you to say...
Even now, just thinking about the sheer magnitude of what they had done sent a cold sweat down his back.
They had gone after the Four Great Noble Clans.
The very rulers of Soul Society, those with absolute power and influence.
And yet... the moment he learned that Masatsuki had succeeded, he couldn't deny the exhilarating sense of satisfaction deep within him.
His mind drifted back to the past year—the constant harassment, the isolation, the threats from those nobles.
Perhaps their existence itself was a danger to others.
Perhaps their numbers needed to be culled.
But next time... it would have to be done even more discreetly. Otherwise, the consequences could be fatal.
Hm... why am I even thinking about this?
"So, what's our next move? No one's restricting us anymore—should we report to the Gotei 13?" Gin Ichimaru asked in a low voice.
Masatsuki Aozaki pondered for a moment.
"It won't be long before the Gotei 13 sends people to investigate. You all need to be ready—don't slip up. We have to work with Master to put on a convincing act."
Gin's eyes narrowed slightly, his concern evident.
"An investigation? Didn't you say they wouldn't find anything useful?"
Masatsuki chuckled leisurely.
During the killing of Asaka Tsunayashiro, nothing extra was done—aside from eliminating them and using Kyōka Suigetsu's power to deceive everyone.
Even if the Gotei 13 investigates the site, all they'll find are scattered clothes.
That means their only leads will come from questioning the students and instructors.
That's why using Kyōka Suigetsu to fabricate the illusion of Hollows appearing at the Konsō training site was necessary.
Gin, Rangiku Matsumoto, and I are all academy students. No matter what, we'll be questioned.
One person can lie, two can coordinate a story...
But five, ten, or twenty people—each offering seemingly different but ultimately corroborating accounts—all leading to the same conclusion? How would anyone determine the truth?
"But no matter what, the death of a noble from the Four Great Clans is a serious matter."
"The Gotei 13 has to at least appear to be making every effort. Even if it's all for show, they still need to provide a respectable explanation."
Realization dawned on Gin, though he quickly frowned.
"You think they'll keep digging?"
Masatsuki shook his head.
"No. Master wouldn't waste energy on something , and the Tsunayashiro Clan likely doesn't care much about that woman."
"I already looked into it—she was from a branch family, not even an official heir."
"Besides, Kyōraku mentioned that Central 46 has ordered complete confidentiality regarding this Konsō training incident."
"The deaths of the Four Noble heirs are still classified. Aside from the Wise Men, Judges, investigators, and those directly involved, no one else even knows about it."
"Judging from this, the Tsunayashiro Clan doesn't want the matter becoming public. As long as Master provides a 'reasonable' conclusion, they'll accept it."
It was obvious—the Tsunayashiro Clan was after appearances.
They just needed the other noble families to see their stance, to witness the influence they wielded in Seireitei—
That over the death of a single branch family member, the entire Gotei 13 was mobilized.
As long as people saw that, it was enough.
Compared to that, the truth behind Asaka Tsunayashiro's death was irrelevant.
Listening to Masatsuki's analysis, Gin couldn't help but sigh.
"I have no idea how you figured all this out... You grew up in Rukongai, yet you understand Seireitei's nobles inside and out."
"It's nothing special. In the World of the Living, I was from a minor noble family. The power and influence I had there were nothing compared to Soul Society's great clans, but in some ways, it's all the same."
"To those obsessed with power, a life without value is meaningless. But disgrace? That costs them prestige."
"Prestige has another meaning in the World of the Living. Do you know what it is?"
"The reputation of power." Masatsuki lowered his gaze and said slowly, "It's the one thing they can never afford to lose."
"...You accounted for all of this?" Gin's breath hitched as he exhaled sharply. Then, with a wry smile, he muttered, "So everything was in your hands from the start."
"And yet you keep saying you want to slack off and make me do all the thinking. That's a hell of a lot of pressure."
Masatsuki laughed indifferently.
"Gin, this little trick is nothing."
"If I didn't have my Zanpakutō's ability, if my Reiatsu wasn't above that of the instructors and students..."
"No matter how much I schemed, I wouldn't be able to do anything. Strength is the foundation of everything."
"Cunning and deception are the tools of the weak. What I seek is real power—power that stands at the very peak."
"With power, I can crush those who dare to judge my fate beneath my feet."
He lifted his gaze toward the sun hanging high above, a fierce glint in his eyes.
"No one starts at the top."
"Not you. Not me. Not even the gods."
"One day... I will stand above all—overlooking the world, ruling over all creation!"
p@treon com / PinkSnake