Chapter 29: Special Care from Old Man Yamamoto

"No, it was just a piece of cake," Uehara Shiroha replied casually, acknowledging Kyōraku Shunsui's gratitude with a polite smile.

He didn't mind displaying his overwhelming spiritual pressure and mastery of Zankenkisō in front of Kyōraku and the others. After all, his true trump cards were the mission system and Shunkyō.

Teaching Ise Nanao Kidō? That was nothing. The real priority was completing the special mission.

Kyōraku Shunsui adjusted his bamboo hat, his expression unusually serious under its shadow.

"For you, it might be nothing," he said slowly. "But for me, and especially for that child, it means everything."

His tone carried a rare hint of regret as he continued, "Ever since Lisa's disappearance, I've blamed myself. I was careless… I shouldn't have let her take that mission. Now, I'm afraid Nanao will one day find herself in a similar situation."

Shunsui sighed, rubbing the back of his neck before adding, "And unlike Lisa, Nanao can't even wield a Zanpakutō. But now that you're guiding her, I feel much more at ease."

Uehara Shiroha smiled at the concern in his voice. "Brother Kyōraku, you're being too hard on yourself! What happened to Lisa wasn't your fault."

Then, flashing a confident grin, he added, "You don't have to worry anymore. As her teacher, I'll make sure Nanao is protected. Just leave her to me."

"…Hmm?"

Kyōraku Shunsui's smile froze momentarily. His grip on Katen Kyōkotsu tightened ever so slightly.

After their brief exchange, Kyōraku got back to business.

"You've heard about what happened at the Tsunayashiro estate, right?"

If the victims had been ordinary citizens, Kyōraku Shunsui would have been furious and demanded an investigation.

But since it was the Tsunayashiro family, one of the most corrupt noble clans in Soul Society, his only reaction was to pour himself another drink.

"Of course I know," Uehara Shiroha replied nonchalantly. After all, I was the one who did it.

Kyōraku smirked. "Well, the Central 46 isn't satisfied with the Onmitsukidō's handling of the case. They've decided to assign First Division to oversee their operations."

Then, with a teasing grin, he added, "Old Man Yamamoto wants you to take the job. You'll even get to reunite with your 'girlfriend'—aren't you touched?"

"Not really."

Seeing Kyōraku's gloating expression, Uehara sighed.

"Everyone knows there's a small misunderstanding between me and Captain Suì-Fēng, yet he still assigned me to this? The old man definitely did this on purpose.

All because I slacked off for a few days and took a couple of bottles of his precious sake. Seriously, how stingy can he be?"

"That was from his personal collection!" Kyōraku corrected with a grin. "Even I haven't gotten to drink much of it. You're lucky he only gave you this mission as payback."

Then, his expression grew more serious.

"That aside, be careful when dealing with the Second Division. We've got a major operation coming up, and we'll need the Onmitsukidō's full cooperation."

Kyōraku Shunsui didn't doubt Uehara Shiroha's abilities.

Previously, he had worried that the stealth force might make things difficult for his younger comrade.

But now?

With Uehara's strength, it wasn't clear who would be the one feeling embarrassed.

"The plan to invade Hueco Mundo, right?" Uehara Shiroha mused, crossing his arms. "It's about time. If we keep stalling, those Hollows will end up partying in Soul Society instead."

Lately, Hollow activity had surged—not just in the World of the Living, but even within Rukongai. If the Gotei 13 didn't take decisive action soon, things would spiral out of control.

But Uehara Shiroha wasn't worried.

He had already made the necessary preparations.

Besides, his special mission was about to reward him soon.

And as for the Second Division?

A mere Suì-Fēng wasn't enough to concern him.

If worst came to worst, he could just let Old Man Yama and Kyōraku handle the political mess. He had zero fear of offending nobles.

And if the aristocrats really tried to make trouble for him?

He'd just go hang out in the Human World and live a carefree life. Not a big deal.

The two discussed strategic plans for Hueco Mundo in detail.

An operation of this scale required full cooperation from all divisions—and absolute support from the Kidō Corps.

Speaking of which, Mayuri Kurotsuchi had been busy during the Chief and Deputy Chief's absence. The mad scientist had taken advantage of the situation to poach some of the best Kidō users, effectively stealing talent from the noble families.

As expected of someone who had once studied at Maggot's Nest, Mayuri's cunning knew no bounds.

Uehara Shiroha offered his own insights on the upcoming war.

Since he had already read the script, his knowledge was akin to having perfect foresight.

Every time he spoke, he cut straight to the heart of the matter, impressing Kyōraku Shunsui with his precise and insightful analysis.

By nightfall, the two had made their way to the Flower District, where another long night of indulgence awaited them.

Later That Night – Hanamachi Tavern

As the lively atmosphere buzzed around them, Uehara Shiroha subtly channeled his spiritual pressure, clearing his mind instantly.

One of the perks of having a strong reiatsu—a slight adjustment was all it took to sober up.

And if that didn't work?

He always had the Horse Talisman.

Meanwhile, Kyōraku Shunsui remained in his drunken stupor, muttering about how "wine doesn't make a man drunk, only a man makes himself drunk."

Uehara enjoyed the atmosphere but had no intention of staying inebriated all night.

Activating Shunpo, he left the tavern and returned to his squad barracks.

After conducting a final Horse Talisman scan, Uehara dismissed his shadow clones, absorbing the accumulated experience and further solidifying his strength.

Then, leaving behind another shadow clone, he quietly slipped into the night.

His destination?

The underground base beneath Sōkyoku Hill.

Upon arrival, Yoruichi Shihōin was already waiting for him, her arms crossed, her golden eyes sharp with suspicion.

"Otsutsuki Naruto," she called out. "You're the one who killed Tsunayashiro Kumagawa, aren't you?"

As the head of the Onmitsukidō, she had access to every intelligence network in Soul Society.

This assassination was beyond the capabilities of ordinary assassins.

Even her own forces wouldn't have been able to bypass the layers of barriers and defensive measures surrounding noble estates.

The only ones capable of such an act were Aizen… and this mysterious 'Otsutsuki Naruto'.

Uehara Shiroha casually pulled out a chair from his spatial storage, reclining lazily as he replied,

"As far as I know, your family and the Tsunayashiro family don't get along. Shouldn't you be celebrating Kumagawa's death instead of interrogating me?"

Yoruichi's eyes narrowed. "Why did you target the nobles?"

Most Soul Reapers wouldn't dare touch the aristocrats.

There was no benefit in it—only trouble.

Uehara Shiroha smirked.

"Didn't you ask me to protect Yūshirō? And you even gave me a divine weapon to assist me."

Feigning sincerity, he added, "I simply thought the best defense was a good offense. Kill the monkey, scare the chickens.

Now that the Tsunayashiro family has lost one of their own, don't you think they'll hesitate before messing with the Shihōin clan again?"

Yoruichi's expression darkened. "That breaks the rules."

Uehara Shiroha scoffed.

"Who made those rules? Did they ask me first?"

He leaned back with a smirk.

"The nobles cling to rules because rules are the only thing protecting them.

But those rules?

They don't apply to me."

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