Now, Yamabuki and Yamamoto sat roasting sweet potatoes.
"All things in the universe turn to ashes, Ryujin Jakka!"
"Whoosh!"
Yamamoto deftly skewered two sweet potatoes onto Ryujin Jakka. Upon release, faint, flickering flames danced along the Zanpakuto, filling the cave with the aroma of roasting sweet potatoes.
This ability is so convenient! A must-have for home and travel!
"Since I've joined the organization, can I retire now? This matter is very important to me," Yamabuki said, getting straight to the point.
However, a thousand years ago, the word 'retirement' didn't exist. Yamamoto looked curious. "What does 'retire' mean?"
"It means getting paid without working…"
"That is not possible," Yamamoto flatly rejected him. He had finally managed to recruit someone, and they already wanted a paycheck for no work? Do I look like I have money? If I had money, would I be here roasting sweet potatoes with you?
"I know, retiring right after joining is a bit unreasonable. So, tell me, who is currently in the Gotei 13?" Yamabuki asked.
The first anime he encountered was Bleach, so he was very familiar with the Shinigami plot. But the timeline suddenly shifting back a thousand years was hard to adapt to.
What major events happened a thousand years ago?
The founding of the Gotei 13, the most brutal generation of the original Captains, followed by the great war between the Quincy and the Shinigami.
The Omniscient Yhwach vs the Sword Demon, Yamamoto Genryusai. The result was Yhwach being severely wounded by Yamamoto at his peak and falling into a coma for a thousand years.
In other words, by joining the Gotei 13 now, he was guaranteed a victory just by lying low?
Sure, lying low doesn't bring a sense of accomplishment, but I like it!
Hearing Yamabuki's question, Yamamoto seriously extended a finger, pointing first to himself, then to Yamabuki. "Currently, our manpower has doubled, increasing from one to two. I believe more will join the Gotei 13 in the future."
So, you've been running a one-man show until now?
Yamamoto continued, "In my vision, the Gotei 13 will have thirteen Captains. You may choose any division!"
Yamabuki's mouth twitched. Offering a Captain position right away? Old Man, you're truly generous!
But don't forget my ultimate goal!
I'm here for a comfortable retirement. It won't be long before Yhwach leads the Quincy to attack. As a Captain, I'd be on the front lines against a bunch of absolute maniacs! I need to stay alive to collect my pension; I don't want to go crazy with you all!
"I'll pass on the Captain position. I'll be your Vice-Captain instead," Yamabuki said.
"Vice-Captain?" Yamamoto was stunned. This concept hadn't been part of his vision yet.
"It means each Captain has a direct subordinate who can act on their behalf in their absence."
"Hmm! Very well. Since you've suggested it, you shall be this Old Man's Vice-Captain for now! The sweet potatoes are done, let's eat. We have important matters afterward," Yamamoto said, tossing a roasted sweet potato to Yamabuki.
For days, Yamabuki had been sustaining himself by absorbing ambient reishi. Today, he finally had real food. Life with an organization is truly great!
"Where are we going after this?" Yamabuki asked.
"To continue recruiting. I already have my next target. We are going to the Seireitei," Yamamoto declared.
Hearing they were going to the Seireitei, Yamabuki perked up, quickly devouring the sweet potato.
Seeing him eat so eagerly, Yamamoto gave him his own sweet potato as well.
"You haven't eaten properly in a long time, have you? Eat more, fill your stomach," Yamamoto said.
Yamabuki felt a slight touch of emotion. This Old Man is quite good to his subordinates. For a growing young man, one sweet potato indeed wasn't enough.
"Then I won't stand on ceremony!"
After eating their fill, the two set off for the Seireitei.
Thirty minutes later, they arrived.
Yamabuki was incredulous. The Seireitei was so close, yet he hadn't been able to find it!
The Seireitei of this era was vastly different from a thousand years later. In the future, it would be enclosed by a high wall with a powerful barrier overhead to prevent intrusion.
But now, where were those walls? One could see inside at a glance, occasionally spotting patrols of armed guards. According to Yamamoto, these were the guard squads of the noble families, tasked with protecting their safety.
Of course, even among nobles, status varied. The Five Great Noble Clans resided in the very center of the Seireitei; the lower one's status, the further out they lived. If a riot occurred, the lower nobles were expected to protect the higher ones with their lives, lest their noble status be revoked.
Looking at the prosperous Seireitei, then back towards the refugee-camp-like Rukongai, Yamabuki sneered.
Familiar with the plot, he knew exactly what kind of people these nobles were—trash, for the most part.
Of course, one couldn't tar them all with the same brush; the "trash" here mainly referred to the Tsunayashiro Family.
The other noble families had, more or less, produced a few exceptional individuals.
Like Byakuya of the Kuchiki Family.
Yoruichi of the Shihōin Family.
Ichigo of the Shiba Family.
But the Tsunayashiro Family was utterly, completely trash. Not necessarily terrifying, but utterly disgusting!
"Is it alright for us to just walk in like this? Won't they draw their swords?" Yamabuki asked.
"What is there to fear with me here? Let's go!" Yamamoto swaggered in with Yamabuki in tow.
They were stopped less than ten steps in.
"Halt! What are you doing? You lowly commoners from Rukongai dare to enter the Seireitei? Get out immediately, or we'll cut you down!" a noble guard shouted, drawing his sword.
Yamamoto said indifferently, "Yamabuki, as the leader, I cannot handle every minor affair. I'll leave this to you! Go!"
Hmm???
Yamabuki was utterly bewildered. So your 'method' is to fight our way in? And you want me to do the fighting? Is it really okay to follow a leader like this? If it weren't for the grand retirement plan, I'd run away right now!
Still, with his current strength, dealing with these small fries shouldn't be a problem.
Yamabuki stepped forward, and his reiryoku erupted instantly!
Reiryoku! Spiritual Pressure!
A Shinigami with low spiritual pressure facing one with high pressure would feel immense strain, much like ordinary pirates facing Conqueror's Haki!
Even if Captain-Commander Yamamoto didn't lift a finger, his mere presence could make Vice-Captains lose their will to fight. For ordinary squad members, a Vice-Captain was an insurmountable peak!
Thus, facing the Vice-Captain level reiryoku unleashed by Yamabuki, these ordinary thugs collapsed in a heap!
....
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