Chapter 73 - CHAPTER 73

Your support on Patreon keeps me inspired and driven to keep writing! 🥰

By joining, you'll unlock access to 50+ advanced chapters and help fuel the journey.

Join here ➤ https://patreon.com/HACKDWORLD

Although I can understand how you want to see your father, that person should not be your father.

"As far as I know, that guy is a lifelong bachelor—he's never married or had children," Gosuke Shigure said, explaining the truth to Nanao Ise.

"Is that so…?"

Ise Nanao's eyes dimmed, disappointment clearly written on her small face. She had always assumed the man meeting with her mother was her father. But now, that idea had shattered.

Gosuke Shigure knelt slightly to meet her gaze.

"You should focus on becoming stronger."

Nanao looked up at him in surprise, confused why he suddenly said something like that.

"Your mother hasn't told you about your father. That means there's something she can't say, or doesn't want to. When people hide things like that, it's usually because they're afraid—afraid of the consequences, or of others finding out something painful."

He continued:

"In this world, only those who are strong can seek the truth and ignore the rules that others live by. The strong shape the rules."

Nanao's eyes widened. She hadn't thought about strength that way.

"To be strong…" she whispered. "Do you mean… become a Shinigami?"

Gosuke Shigure just smiled. He didn't answer directly but turned to leave.

Nanao stood still, watching his back fade into the distance. She didn't follow.

Even though their conversation was brief, and they exchanged only a few words, Gosuke Shigure left a deep impression on young Nanao.

For the rest of the day, Gosuke Shigure made sure to stay away from crowded areas. He took a roundabout path, walking along quieter roads.

Eventually, he returned to the original meeting point, where he waited for Kyoraku Shunsui.

The meeting between Kyoraku and his sister-in-law hadn't lasted long.

After a short while, Kyoraku emerged from the compound. His expression was a mixture of calm and complicated emotions.

"It's over?" Gosuke Shigure asked casually as he glanced at the man.

Kyoraku gave a short nod and muttered, "Let's go."

He didn't elaborate further, and Gosuke didn't ask.

In truth, his presence on this trip was entirely unnecessary—a mere bystander.

Kyoraku Shunsui had only brought him along on a sudden impulse, and now that impulse had passed.

When they returned to the bustling main street of Seireitei, Gosuke casually suggested,

"You don't look like you're in the best mood. Want to grab a few drinks?"

Hearing the word "drinks," Kyoraku's eyes lit up slightly for the first time that day.

"You know me too well."

Gosuke grinned. "Just trying to be polite."

He wasn't the kind to refuse a drink, especially since his captain's salary was quite generous. He may not have been born into nobility in this life, but he could still afford to treat others from time to time.

And perhaps, given the weight on Kyoraku's heart after meeting with his sister-in-law, he could use a drink more than anyone.

One drink turned into several.

By the end of the evening, Kyoraku had drunk himself under the table.

Gosuke Shigure sighed helplessly as he hoisted the intoxicated captain over his shoulder.

"You really don't hold back."

Still, since he was the one who invited him out, Gosuke took responsibility.

He carried the passed-out Kyoraku back to the Eighth Division barracks and dropped him off safely.

Only then did Gosuke return to the Eleventh Division barracks.

After a hot bath and a change of clothes, he resumed his usual leisurely routine.

As for sleep? No need.

It was still broad daylight. Who naps in the middle of the afternoon?

From early morning until now, his day had already been quite eventful: meeting Kyoraku, visiting the Ise residence, drinking together.

And yet, only half the day had passed.

"Come to think of it, I haven't seen Yoruichi in a few days," he muttered.

"Since I'm her teacher, I suppose I should check in and give her some guidance."

He didn't feel any guilt about taking it easy like this.

Most of the Eleventh Division used their free time to either spar or drink. But Gosuke didn't enjoy meaningless brawls. And as for drinking—he'd just finished a drinking session.

So instead of wasting time, why not go see how his student was doing?

He headed straight for the Shihouin estate.

Despite being one of the four Great Noble Houses, the Shihouin family treated Gosuke Shigure with the utmost respect.

After all, their young heir, Yoruichi, was now apprenticed under him.

When Gosuke announced that he'd come to check on Yoruichi's training, the butler looked panicked.

"Captain Gosuke, we'll call for Lady Yoruichi immediately!"

"No need," Gosuke said, waving a hand. "I can find her myself."

It wasn't bravado—he meant it.

Shinigami had numerous ways to track spiritual signatures. A well-known spell like Bakudō #58: Kakushitsuijaku allowed users to lock onto someone's reiatsu and locate them.

But for those with advanced perception, like Gosuke, such spells were unnecessary.

He had finely tuned spiritual senses and full control over his reiatsu—unlike Zaraki Kenpachi, whose energy poured out wildly.

Although Yoruichi had yet to enter the Shin'ō Academy, her reiatsu was already impressive.

If it weren't, the Shihouin clan wouldn't place so much hope on her shoulders.

Gosuke closed his eyes and focused.

Soon, he locked onto Yoruichi's reiatsu trail.

And it surprised him.

Her reiatsu signature wasn't moving aimlessly—it was located beneath the towering heights of Sōkyoku Hill.

His eyes narrowed.

Sōkyoku Hill.

A grim place, known across Soul Society.

It housed the Sōkyoku, an execution tool with the destructive power of a million Zanpakutō. Once activated, it could pierce a condemned soul in an instant—inflicting unbearable agony.

In the original timeline, Rukia Kuchiki had been sentenced to execution by Sōkyoku. If not for Ichigo and others, she would have perished beneath its power.

And now, Gosuke sensed that Yoruichi was somewhere beneath that very mountain.

His expression grew solemn.

What are you doing down there, Yoruichi…?

Without wasting another second, he vanished from the spot in a blur of Shunpo, rushing to find his student.

___________

Loving the story? Support me on Patreon to unlock early access to advanced chapters! We're already at Chapter 126, with 3 new chapters dropping every two days

Prefer a one-time purchase? You can also grab the entire fanfic collection on Patreon with lifetime access—no subscription required.

Don't miss out—own the full journey forever and help keep the story alive!

🔗 patreon.com/HACKDWORLD