Chapter 49: Aspirations High as the Sky, Life Thin as Paper

Seireitei.

“This is the dormitory of the Gotei 13,” Yamabuki Haruto said as he led Shikatōri Bayunsai through the barracks. “If you want to experience life here, you can stay a few days. But… a young lady like you probably won’t need it.”

Bayunsai tilted her head. “Why not? Didn’t Qianwu live here too?”

“She’s just a regular member, so of course she follows the rules,” Yamabuki explained with mock solemnity. “But you are different. You have… privileges.”

“Privileges? Because I’m noble?”

Yamabuki smirked. “No. Because you’re strong enough. In the Gotei 13, what grants privilege isn’t status—it’s absolute power. With your strength, you could probably contest for a captain’s seat.”

Before Bayunsai could protest, an irritatingly smug voice called from the side:

“Well, well, what’s this? The Chief of Staff courting someone? Isn’t this the young lady from the Katori family? My, how she’s grown—beautiful indeed!”

Yamabuki’s mood soured, though he instantly plastered on a fake smile as he turned. “Oh, it’s you. Head of the Tsunayashiro family. Funny—I don’t recall seeing you in training lately. Slacking off?”

Tsunayashiro Fūka laughed grandly, puffing up his chest. “I am the head of one of the Five Great Noble Houses! Why would I demean myself training with ordinary men? Besides, even if I did, my ability would never reach captain-level. Why waste the effort?”

He quickly added, “Not that I’m lazy, of course! Managing a great clan is… exhausting. I simply don’t have the time.”

Yamabuki’s smile tightened. “Careful. If you don’t train, you may lose your position as reserve captain. Many talents have joined lately. Look here—Shikatōri Bayunsai. Surely you’ve heard the name. She’s eyeing the captaincy as well.”

Bayunsai blinked. When did I say that?!

Fūka burst out laughing. “Her? Captain? Don’t joke! What could she possibly do? Feed the babies?”

Bayunsai’s cheeks flushed red with fury. Even as a noble, how could he speak so crudely?

Yamabuki’s lips twitched into a sly grin. “You know the rules. To become captain, only strength matters. Status and appearance mean nothing. So—how about a friendly spar? Think of it as a pre-selection trial.”

Fūka snorted, eager. “I love putting arrogant newbies in their place. Don’t worry, I won’t hurt her. After all, we’re acquaintances.”

Bayunsai nodded and walked toward the training grounds.

The moment she disappeared, Yamabuki sighed, clasping his hands together. “You don’t understand my burden. Ever since the Gotei 13 formed, nobles have begged me for favoritism. But how could a righteous man like me allow back doors? I’m far too kind to refuse directly. So… I’ll have to trouble you to teach her a lesson. Show her how high the sky is, and how thin life can be. But don’t hurt her—I must save face.”

Fūka smirked. “Understood. Leave it to me.”

He strutted into the training hall. Yamabuki silently counted under his breath.

“One… two… three…”

BOOM!

A thunderous crash shook the temple. Fūka was hurled out like a broken sack, foaming at the mouth, his limbs twitching.

Yamabuki rushed in to find him sprawled, eyes rolled back. He sighed deeply. “I warned you about the back door, didn’t I? But you nobles never listen.”

A short while later, Fūka came to, dazed. Who am I? Where am I? Why does my body hurt everywhere…

“I… I was ambushed!” he gasped. “Such dishonor! Chief of Staff, just give me another chance—”

Yamabuki quickly grabbed him. If he went back in, it was questionable whether he’d even come out alive. “Fūka… perhaps the captaincy is not something you should aspire to.”

But Fūka’s pride only flared higher. “I understand! I underestimated her before. This time, I’ll release my Zanpakutō immediately! Our family’s heirloom blade won’t lose. I’ll prove myself!”

Yamabuki’s hand slipped off his shoulder. “Dear lord… don’t make me collect your corpse.”

Before he could drag him back, a sneering voice sounded.

“Good words cannot persuade the damned.”

Yamabuki turned and saw Yan Shunji approaching, hands folded behind his back.

“Uncle! I haven’t seen you around lately.”

“The Captain sent me to Shino Academy,” Yan replied calmly. “To… train students. But perhaps I’m not suited for teaching. They vomit after every class.”

Yamabuki’s eyes narrowed. “…What exactly are you teaching them?”

Yan’s tone was utterly matter-of-fact. “How to use the smallest amount of force to inflict the greatest amount of damage. Isn’t that normal?”

Yamabuki’s lips twitched. “...And?”

“To aid their understanding of the human body, I procured gangsters from Rukongai. I dissect them in class. The students take notes. Isn’t that normal teaching?”

Yamabuki froze, horrified. Even the King of Hell isn’t this cruel!

“Uncle,” he muttered weakly, “why don’t I take over the classes? Clearly you’re not suited for teaching…”

Yan sighed, utterly baffled. “The Captain said the same thing. I don’t understand you people. It’s clearly a good thing.”