Chapter 67 - CHAPTER 67

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It could only be said that every family has its burdens, even among the Four Great Noble Houses. Even the mighty and influential are not exempt from internal struggles and personal flaws.

Though the great noble clans like the Shihouin boast abundant resources, elite training, and centuries of history, not all their members are born prodigious. Their legacy produces exceptional talents with far greater frequency than ordinary souls, but mishaps are never entirely avoidable.

Some heirs are born with only average spiritual power and can never truly shoulder the family's burdens. And sometimes, a clan head's missteps—be they political or military—can spell decline, allowing other noble families to quietly devour their influence piece by piece.

In the current era, the establishment of Central 46 brought a semblance of political balance among noble houses, limiting overt power plays. But in the distant past, when Central 46 had yet to rise, the noble houses existed in a far more brutal, chaotic state of affairs.

Back then, nobles were akin to wolves.

If one house exposed a moment of weakness, the rest would descend like predators.

In that age, power—not heritage alone—was the only shield.

The Shihouin clan, one of the Four Great Noble Houses to have survived since that turbulent era, understands this reality better than most.

Even in times of peace, such as now, they know complacency is deadly. Nobility is not an armor but a target, unless backed by unshakable strength. Thus, a successor must be truly capable—both spiritually and politically.

As Kyoraku Shunsui had hinted that day, the Shihouin clan's current dilemma lay in succession.

Shihouin Kongchan, the current clan head, was undeniably formidable—his strength just shy of the strongest captains in the Gotei 13. But even legends must eventually yield to age.

And his son—Yoruichi's father—possessed only middling talent. Not enough to carry the clan's weight.

Which left Yoruichi.

Young, yes, but prodigiously gifted. Already trained in Hakuda, Hoho, and basic Kido far beyond her age group, and bearing a natural flair for leadership. It was increasingly clear Shihouin Kongchan intended to pass the reins to her.

But she was not ready yet.

And should something befall Kongchan before she came of age, the clan could be left vulnerable.

Recent years had shown that even captains were not invincible—several had died in battle. It was in that light that Shihouin Kongchan's invitation to Captain Gosuke Shigure had layered intent.

To form a karmic bond.

One of obligation and shared interest.

Captain Jūshirō Ukitake and Captain Kyoraku Shunsui were already long-standing allies of the Shihouin clan. Having trained under Yamamoto-Genryūsai and grown up among the elite, they had spent years as part of the same inner circle.

Shihouin Kongchan had always trusted that, should crisis strike, they would not stand idle.

But Gosuke Shigure was different.

A new generation's Kenpachi, powerful and unpredictable.

Originally, Kongchan hadn't considered him worth engaging—too wild, too aloof.

But seeing how close Kyoraku had grown to Gosuke changed things.

If he could tie Shigure to the clan—even symbolically—it would add another pillar of support for the future.

Hence the offer: for Shigure to instruct Yoruichi.

Even if only briefly, it would create a mentor-disciple relationship.

A formal tie.

So, the question remained—would Captain Gosuke Shigure agree?

Kongchan watched the young Kenpachi closely after making the proposal. He would not blame him for refusing. After all, aligning with a noble house—even one as influential as the Shihouin—came with risks. Especially if the family faltered.

To Kongchan's surprise, however, Gosuke Shigure nodded.

"Since Captain Shihouin holds me in such esteem, I'd be honored to instruct Miss Yoruichi for a time.

Though I cannot guarantee my teaching will yield great results…"

Ukitake, seated to the side, subtly frowned.

His fingers curled around his sake cup, but he said nothing.

Kongchan, on the other hand, was visibly elated.

"Splendid! That you're willing is more than enough."

He turned toward Yoruichi, who had been quietly observing the conversation.

"Yoruichi. Pay your respects."

Though young, Yoruichi had been groomed under noble discipline since early childhood.

She knew exactly what this moment meant—for both her future and her family's standing.

She did not hesitate.

"Teacher," she said solemnly, bowing toward Gosuke.

The entire atmosphere shifted.

What had started as a casual gathering was now cemented as a formal arrangement.

No lavish ceremony was needed.

The moment she addressed Gosuke as her instructor, the relationship was sealed.

For the rest of the evening, the tone lightened again.

Kongchan, now in excellent spirits, urged Gosuke to drink more. The sake flowed freely.

Kyoraku laughed loudly and toasted often, while Ukitake sipped more conservatively due to his condition. Kyoraku did, indeed, end up consuming most of the good sake—as Yoruichi had complained.

When the moon hung high, and the cups were empty, the three captains took their leave.

Once they were outside the Shihouin estate and strolling down the lantern-lit paths of the noble district, Ukitake finally glanced toward Gosuke, hesitating.

Kyoraku noticed.

He exhaled slowly and looked over at his junior.

"Gosuke… that was reckless."

The Kenpachi smiled faintly. The flush on his cheeks betrayed his drink.

"You're talking about agreeing to take on Miss Yoruichi as a student?"

Kyoraku nodded.

Gosuke paused.

"I already knew what Captain Ukitake wanted to say. By agreeing, I've branded myself with the Shihouin crest, so to speak."

"A label," Ukitake said quietly. "One that could follow you into any future conflict."

"Exactly. If the Shihouin clan rises, I rise with them.

But if they fall, I might be dragged down too."

"Then why agree?" Ukitake asked.

"Because they're the Shihouin," Gosuke said simply.

He saw their confusion and clarified:

"Not because they're nobles. If it were the Tsunayashiro or even the Kuchiki, I wouldn't have accepted so easily."

"And the Shiba?" Kyoraku asked, curious.

Gosuke's face darkened a fraction.

"The Shiba are good people. But their influence is nearly gone.

I'd rather not tie my fate to a sinking ship."

"But the Shihouin… they're different."

He didn't say it aloud, but in truth, it wasn't just about the clan.

It was about Yoruichi.

Something about her spirit, her raw talent, and the fire in her eyes reminded him of a younger self—untamed, unyielding, curious.

In her, Gosuke Shigure didn't see just a student.

He saw a spark worth protecting.

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