After reading everything, Tenbai Shūsuke's eyes trembled with shock.
He finally understood—his father's last words had never been expressions of hatred toward Yamamoto Genryūsai, but words of gratitude… for setting him free.
The incident with the Bakkōtō? It had nothing to do with Yamamoto at all.
Realizing this, Tenbai completely broke down and closed his eyes.
"…So you're Taigo's son," Yamamoto said softly.
Tenbai dropped to his knees. "Head-Captain, I—"
Yamamoto interrupted him. "No. This was my failure. I was too powerless to save you and your father. Please, forgive me."
Tenbai shook his head, eyes filled with regret. "No, it's my fault. I was arrogant and foolish."
He stood up and plunged his Zanpakutō into the ground, intending to die to atone for his sins.
Ichigo quickly stepped forward and kicked the blade away, glaring at Tenbai.
"Idiot! You think you can just die and make it all okay!?"
Tenbai lowered his head. "Because of my obsession with revenge, I allowed the Kasumioji Clan to continue harming others for years. I must take responsibility."
Ichigo punched him. "Then live! If you really want to atone, you have to do more than die! You have to live with your mistakes and fix them!"
"But… I attacked the Head-Captain…" Tenbai hesitated.
Yamamoto, already fully healed by Unohana, put on his clothes and declared:
"Enough. This training exercise led by Squad 3 Captain Tenbai Shūsuke was a great success. Not only did it demonstrate the Gotei 13's combat coordination and response time, it also gave us insight into Captain Tenbai's impressive capabilities."
"This concludes the exercise. All Captains are to return to their Divisions and reflect on today's lessons."
Every Captain's face twitched.
Truly... a veteran actor's performance.
"Wow, Captain Tenbai, you really had me fooled," Kyōraku Shunsui said dramatically.
"Turns out you're our junior. Be sure to visit Squad 13 sometime for a drink," Ukitake added with a smile.
Even Byakuya, the most dignified of nobles, declared the matter resolved:
Kumoi's betrayal was unforgivable and had already been dealt with by Captain Tenbai. The Kuchiki Clan would no longer intervene in Kasumioji affairs.
Everyone was an expert at damage control.
Tenbai looked at the other Captains and lowered his head.
Just then, Kira Izuru arrived with the Squad 3 members.
"Captain! Captain Tenbai!"
Seeing them, Tenbai smiled sincerely.
"The exercise is over. Time to get back to work," Kira said, even managing a rare, if stiff, smile.
A true miracle, considering Kira had practically never smiled in the entire series.
"Alright, everyone! Let's go train and improve Squad 3's reputation!"
Tenbai stood tall, his Bakkōtō reverting to its sealed state and returning to his waist. He picked up his Zanpakutō and led his squad away.
Before leaving, he looked back at Ichigo.
"Kurosaki Ichigo, thank you. But this isn't over. I'll train hard and defeat you next time!"
Ichigo's face twitched.
Seriously? That's how you repay me for saving your life?
Even Kenpachi growled, "You wanna beat Ichigo? You'll have to go through me first."
Ichigo sighed. I don't want to fight either of you...
As for the Kasumioji Clan—
Rurichiyo now had no more obstacles. With Kumoi's faction destroyed, she had fully reclaimed her position.
Although Yuinokisō had feelings for Rurichiyo, she clearly liked… someone else.
"Ichigo, remember—don't let them marry me off to someone I don't love!"
In front of both Rukia and Senna, Rurichiyo threw herself into Ichigo's arms.
Rukia and Senna's fists clenched.
This little brat...
If not for Saruryū and Kenryū frantically apologizing to them, Rurichiyo might've been "taught a lesson" right there and then.
Ichigo awkwardly wiped imaginary sweat from his forehead.
Yeah… didn't see that coming...
But Rurichiyo wasn't the only one to be "disciplined."
Elsewhere, Soifon was "disciplined" by Yoruichi…
Well, it was more flirting than discipline.
"Soifon, when I came to the Seireitei to find you, you weren't around. Where were you?" Yoruichi teased.
Soifon panicked. "Forgive me, Yoruichi-sama! I was helping Ichigo track Tenbai. I didn't sense your spiritual pressure!"
"Oh, no need to panic," Yoruichi chuckled. "I'm not mad. But... since when did you and Ichigo get so close?"
Dangerous glint in her eyes.
Soifon fired back. "Didn't you say you'd marry Ichigo one day? As your personal guard, of course I'd marry him with you!"
Yoruichi: 😶
"Wait—when did I say I'd marry him!?"
"You said you were raising him as your child groom, didn't you?" Soifon asked with innocent curiosity.
Yoruichi smacked her forehead.
I really stepped in it this time…
"Uh, yeah, sure… I did say that…" Yoruichi muttered, totally cornered.
"So I did nothing wrong! Ichigo has too many girls around him. I just wanted to help protect your future!"
Yoruichi's heart ached.
How did this backfire on me!?
"…Fine. You did good. In fact, go even harder next time."
That's just who Yoruichi was—once she made a choice, she stuck with it.
And with Yoruichi's encouragement, Soifon's conviction doubled.
...
Squad 4 – Unohana's Residence
Every time Ichigo came to the Seireitei, he seemed to suffer.
Unohana stared at him.
"So? You done handling your little wives?"
"C'mon, Retsu… don't tease me."
Ichigo looked like he'd barely escaped with his life.
"Enough talk. You know why you're here. Draw your sword."
"Yes ma'am!" Ichigo braced himself.
A battle between two monsters began—and even the roads trembled.
The next day, a bruised Ichigo dragged himself to thank Soifon properly.
After all, she'd helped him a lot this time.
As for Unohana—well, she was finally resting after a whole night of "training."
"Soifon, I'm here!"
Ichigo shouted outside the 2nd Division office.
There stood Ōmaeda, grinning creepily.
He remembered his father's words:
"Son, never forget—the Ōmaeda Clan owes everything to the Shihōin family. I heard Yoruichi-sama's gotten close to someone from the living world. You better cling to that connection!"
Ōmaeda took that advice literally and tried to suck up to Ichigo.
"…Ōmaeda, why are you acting weird?" Ichigo asked.
"Oh, nothing! I just heard you're close with Yoruichi-sama and Captain Soifon! The Ōmaeda Clan is loyal to the Shihōin—of course I'd want to strengthen our ties!"
Ichigo: 😐
Soifon? Maybe. Yoruichi? NO. Absolutely not. I'm totally innocent—at least right now!
But before he could say more, the office door opened.
Soifon appeared with a stern expression.
"Ōmaeda, what are you doing here?"
"I brought Kurosaki-san here!" Ōmaeda said cheerfully.
"…Good. Now get lost."
"Yes, Captain!"
Ōmaeda ran off, flashing one last flattering grin at Ichigo.
The moment he left, Soifon's demeanor softened.
"Welcome, Ichigo. What brings you to the 2nd Division?"
Her voice was so gentle Ichigo wondered if he was hallucinating.
Was this really the cold, ruthless Soifon from before?
"I, uh… just wanted to thank you before heading back to the living world," he said.
"No need to be so formal," Soifon smiled, grabbing his hand and leading him inside, even closing the door herself.
Unlike the vast Squad 1 office, Soifon's captain's quarters were cozy and well-decorated.
"All of this was set up by Yoruichi-sama," she explained. "Even though she's no longer Captain of the 2nd, I've kept it exactly the same. Being here makes it feel like she's still around."
Ichigo nodded thoughtfully.
"You really like Yoruichi, huh?"
"Like?" Soifon tilted her head. "No… I'm her personal guard. I don't have the right to like her."
Ichigo's mouth twitched.
You're the 2nd Division Captain! And from a noble family! You still talk like a servant?
But Ichigo changed the subject smoothly.
"Oh, right. I brought you a gift."
Soifon lit up. "You didn't have to… but—what is it?"
Her eyes sparkled with anticipation.
Ichigo pulled a necklace from his sleeve—a silver chain enhanced with his spiritual pressure, with a yellow bee-shaped pendant.
"For me?" she asked, awestruck.
Ichigo nodded. "Mhm."
"Can you… put it on me?"
Soifon looked at him with pleading eyes.
Ichigo couldn't resist.
He walked behind her and gently placed the necklace around her neck.
Soifon touched it with joy.
"I love it, Ichigo. Thank you!"
Then she turned around, wrapped her arms around his neck, and jumped into his arms.
And then...
(End of Chapter)
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