Chapter 28: Undercurrents in Seireitei

"You are the commander of the Onmitsukidō. Shouldn't you know about this?" Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni frowned, pausing briefly before continuing, "This incident took place in the noble district, and the Gotei 13 cannot intervene directly. We must investigate this matter as soon as possible."

Because the Onmitsukidō and the Shihōin family were deeply entangled, Yamamoto preferred to avoid being dragged into noble conflicts. Thus, he only issued orders to comply with the Central 46's directives in a perfunctory manner.

"Understood!" Suì-Fēng responded respectfully, bowing her head.

As someone who strictly adhered to rules and orders, she knew better than to question a direct command.

After a moment of silence, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni added, "Also, you should be aware of the strategic deployment regarding Hueco Mundo. The Onmitsukidō should begin preparations. Your forces will be needed for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering."

"I will not disappoint you, Captain!" A sense of duty surged within Suì-Fēng as she vowed to perform beyond expectations.

A few days later, news of the murder of several Tsunayashiro clan members had spread among the high-ranking Shinigami.

A noble family member being assassinated was an unprecedented event, sending shockwaves through the Soul Society. Even individuals like Aizen, ever-calculating and enigmatic, took notice and shared their thoughts on the situation.

While the Tsunayashiro family had never openly opposed the Shihōin, they had secretly worked to undermine their influence. With their patriarch having defected, the Shihōin family was left vulnerable, unable to do anything but endure the political pressure.

Suì-Fēng personally led an investigative team to the Tsunayashiro estate, but the results were inconclusive. The only clue left at the crime scene was an armband belonging to the Onmitsukidō, seemingly placed there as a deliberate provocation.

Although she had her own suspicions, she knew better than to voice them without solid evidence.

Seizing the opportunity, the Tsunayashiro family used the incident as a pretext to weaken the Onmitsukidō, claiming that their lack of competency had allowed the attack to occur.

In their eyes, the growth of the Onmitsukidō directly benefited the Shihōin family. Even though the Onmitsukidō technically served them, the Tsunayashiro had no hesitation in crippling their strength for political gain.

With tensions escalating behind the scenes, the atmosphere within the Soul Society became increasingly strained.

Meanwhile, at the Eighth Division training grounds, Uehara Shiroha remained unfazed by the brewing storm, continuing his lessons with Ise Nanao as if nothing had happened.

Observing her stance, he smiled casually and said, "Don't hesitate—use your strongest Kido against me. Only then can I pinpoint where you need improvement."

Training an intelligent and diligent disciple was a rewarding experience. Ise Nanao was progressing at an impressive rate, requiring only minimal guidance to make significant leaps in her abilities.

At this pace, the three-month deadline for her mission was more than sufficient—she might even complete her training within a month.

Taking a deep breath, Ise Nanao raised her hand, channeling her spiritual pressure.

"Hadō #58: Tenran!"

A spiraling gust of wind erupted from her palm, surging toward Uehara Shiroha with immense force.

Yet, as the powerful Kido attack hurtled toward him, he remained motionless. With a slight flick of his wrist, his spiritual pressure surged, instantly neutralizing the technique. The raging wind vanished into thin air as if it had never existed.

Ise Nanao staggered slightly, feeling an oppressive weight settle over her, as though the very air had turned to stone, pressing down on her chest. Just as quickly as it came, the sensation disappeared.

Looking up, she saw that her full-powered Kido had been effortlessly negated.

A wave of frustration washed over her.

Despite her rapid improvement, she still felt utterly powerless. How was she still so weak after all this effort?

Noticing her disappointment, Uehara Shiroha offered a reassuring smile.

"Don't be discouraged. Your Kido is already at the peak level for an officer. If you push past this point, you'll reach vice-captain level."

"V-Vice-captain level?" Ise Nanao blinked in disbelief, feeling as if she had misheard him. "Teacher Uehara… is that really possible?"

Just a short while ago, her proficiency in Kido had barely qualified her as an officer.

Yet, in only a few days under Uehara Shiroha's tutelage, she had grown strong enough to rival elite spellcasters in the Gotei 13. And now, he was saying she was on the verge of breaking into vice-captain level?

It was too fast—almost unreal.

Seeing her mixture of shock and excitement, Uehara Shiroha chuckled. "Nothing is impossible. Vice-captain is just the beginning."

"Yes, Mr. Uehara!" Ise Nanao exclaimed, her doubts melting away. Even if she sometimes lacked confidence in herself, she would never doubt Uehara Shiroha.

Her determination reignited, and Uehara Shiroha nodded approvingly before giving further instruction.

"Reaching vice-captain level isn't just about raw power. You need a solid foundation, sufficient spiritual pressure, and—most importantly—a strong will.

Your spiritual pressure must carry weight. If your resolve wavers, your Kido will be powerless. A weak conviction leads to a weak Zanpakutō."

The power system of the Soul Reapers was deeply rooted in willpower and belief.

A Zanpakutō wielded by someone without conviction was nothing more than an empty blade—one that could never cut.

Likewise, spiritual pressure was an extension of one's soul. The difference between an officer and a true combatant was night and day.

For someone like Uehara Shiroha, most officers were as harmless as infants. Their presence was blank, like a sheet of paper—completely devoid of threat.

Vice-captains, however, were a different story. While still no match for him, they at least had the foundation of real combatants—spiritual pressure that carried weight and techniques that were not entirely superficial.

Ise Nanao absorbed his words, deep in thought, as another realization clicked into place.

At that moment, Kyōraku Shunsui—who had been quietly observing from the sidelines—finally stepped forward with his usual relaxed smile.

"Brother Shiroha, got a moment to talk?"

Uehara Shiroha turned to him with an amused expression before nodding and following him.

They strolled across the training grounds, their steps slow and unhurried. The warm breeze rustled the grass as Kyōraku Shunsui spoke.

"I really have to thank you for looking after my precious Nanao-chan," he said with a chuckle. "But honestly, I'm still wrapping my head around how ridiculously talented you are as a teacher."

Shunsui shook his head in amazement.

"To think that in just a few days, her Kido proficiency has surpassed some of the best Kido users in the Gotei 13… that's something else."

Unlike someone as calculating as Aizen, Kyōraku Shunsui had long been aware that Uehara Shiroha was far stronger than he let on.

The old men of the First Division—Yamamoto, Unohana, and Ōetsu—had already acknowledged that Uehara Shiroha's strength far exceeded his current rank.

Even so, Kyōraku had only estimated his power to be around vice-captain level at best.

However, after what he witnessed today, he realized how far off his assumptions had been.

He had completely underestimated Uehara Shiroha.

Vice-captain level?

That wasn't even close.

For someone like Uehara Shiroha… a vice-captain might as well be an ant.

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