Chapter 99: The Rampant Tsunayashiro Tokinada and the Confident Uehara Shiroha

"Is this Uehara Shiroha your father? Are you helping them like this, thinking that I, the head of the family, am dead? There must be something fishy going on in this family. Investigate thoroughly!"

It didn't matter if they investigated. Tsunayashiro Tokinada was surprised to discover that some important resources and funds of their family had already inexplicably fallen into the hands of the Court Army. And all the clues pointed to him.

As a result, Tsunayashiro Tokinada, who had just been released from prison, almost "was sentenced to life imprisonment after serving his sentence." In desperation, he had to maintain his facade and claim that this was his plan all along and everything was under control.

Of course, this couldn't fool the Tsunayashiro family elders. Tokinada merely wanted to buy time. He decided to prepare for a thorough confrontation.

Therefore, as soon as he saw the so-called "Otsutsuki Naruto" approaching, Tsunayashiro Tokinada immediately said: "I have done everything you asked me to do. Isn't it time for you to fulfill your promise?"

This conversation had been repeated countless times before. Each time, the other party had been dismissive. But this time, Tsunayashiro Tokinada was not going to back down. He had much to say. After working like a slave for so many years, he had to strike back, at least to satisfy his desire to speak his mind.

Moreover, he had also guessed the other party's true identity.

While Tsunayashiro Tokinada was organizing his thoughts and preparing for an explosive confrontation, Uehara Shiroha simply nodded and said: "Okay! This is the Enrakyōten you want. Take it!"

After saying that, he removed the Enrakyōten from his dimensional space and tossed it to Tokinada.

Tsunayashiro Tokinada looked dumbfounded. Why didn't this guy follow the expected script again?

"This..." Tsunayashiro Tokinada instinctively caught the weapon. He instantly felt a sense of blood connection. This was indeed the ancient artifact that had been passed down through generations of the Tsunayashiro family! This was truly the Enrakyōten! Not a fake!

Tsunayashiro Tokinada had to suppress all the words in his heart, nearly causing himself internal injury. The artifact he had dreamed about day and night had finally come to him, and he inexplicably felt like crying. He had paid too high a price for this artifact. The journey had been excruciating.

Because the surprise came so suddenly, Tsunayashiro Tokinada felt momentarily moved. But he immediately shook his head and thought indignantly: "Why am I feeling grateful? This guy just returned something that originally belonged to me. This matter is far from over!"

As if he could perceive Tsunayashiro Tokinada's thoughts, Uehara Shiroha said patiently: "I was merely testing you before! Congratulations, you passed! I will remember your contribution and dedication!"

Tsunayashiro Tokinada, tightly grasping the Enrakyōten, smiled and said: "Really? Then I am truly honored!"

In his heart, he was scornful: "Are you trying to fool an idiot? Even fools wouldn't fall for such a transparent ploy. If you've ever spoken one truthful word to me, I'll eat the Enrakyōten. Your biggest mistake was handing the Enrakyōten over to me! You'll regret it soon enough!"

Observing Tsunayashiro Tokinada's increasingly shallow and disrespectful expressions and actions, Uehara Shiroha guessed what he was thinking. He had long recognized that Tsunayashiro Tokinada was an ungrateful person who could never be truly loyal.

Although Tokinada had been working diligently for his reward, he had also gained the opportunity to grow and pursue his ambitions. Others would have begged for such an opportunity! Yet this man couldn't even muster basic gratitude. What an impatient creature!

If Uehara Shiroha had known Tokinada would be so ungrateful, he would have promised him less, which would have been a better deal!

Nevertheless, Uehara Shiroha was a generous master. He magnanimously overlooked the other party's rudeness and simply nodded: "Now that you have obtained the coveted artifact, that matter can be put on the agenda."

He understood Tsunayashiro Tokinada's plan perfectly. It could only be described as crude and reckless. Tsunayashiro Tokinada's intellect was truly subpar, comparable to that of Yamamoto. As a villain BOSS, his IQ fell woefully short of the standard. No wonder Aizen and others looked down on this guy!

"You don't have to tell me, I would do the same," Tsunayashiro Tokinada spoke more confidently with the divine weapon in hand. But internally, he was shocked: "This bastard really knows what I'm planning to do."

Before this meeting, he had not revealed the details of his plan to anyone, merely making some preliminary preparations. How did this Otsutsuki Naruto know his intentions? Why did this guy seem omniscient?

But it didn't matter—his plan was flawless. Once he controlled the Tsunayashiro family and negotiated with other ancient noble houses, he could exert pressure on the Zero Squad. By then, anyone who offended him would die!

Uehara Shiroha nodded and said: "Let's not dwell on the past; suffering can be a blessing in disguise. I look forward when you take control of the Tsunayashiro family, we will have many opportunities for cooperation."

"I look forward to it!" A cold gleam flashed in Tsunayashiro Tokinada's eyes. "But by then, I may require your assistance."

The two agreed on a date for action.

When Uehara Shiroha turned and departed, Tsunayashiro Tokinada remained alone in the room. He gazed at the Enrakyōten in his hand and displayed a smug smile. His smile gradually transformed into something perverse: "Hahaha, I finally have the Enrakyōten!"

Tsunayashiro Tokinada felt that all his previous hardships had been worthwhile. Soon, he would inflict all the pain he had suffered upon that detestable man. His confidence stemmed from the artifact he now possessed.

The moment he held the Enrakyōten, he instinctively mastered all its functions and understood the weapon's power. With such a formidable weapon, all his plans could proceed smoothly. Whether it was the Tsunayashiro family, Kyōraku Shunsui, or Otsutsuki Naruto, he would spare none!

The sinners should be eliminated! This world was guilty! He would destroy all sin!

---

Uehara Shiroha knew all about Tsunayashiro Tokinada's thoughts and plans. This villain grew arrogant with even the smallest advantage, but his plan was destined to fail. Although he had obtained an extremely powerful artifact, he could destroy nothing except the Tsunayashiro family itself.

From beginning to end, Tokinada was merely a joke, a clown performing for others' amusement.

Without saying a word, Uehara Shiroha had already made precise arrangements for Tsunayashiro Tokinada and the Tsunayashiro family.

---

A few days later, the Central 46 issued their verdict on Rukia's crime: "The criminal Rukia Kuchiki is sentenced to death for committing a first-degree felony. She will be executed by Sōkyoku at the Sōkyoku Hill execution ground in 25 days!"

When this pronouncement was released, it caused an uproar throughout Soul Society. Most Shinigami had not expected Rukia's punishment to be so severe.

In their opinion, the Kuchiki family was one of the Four Great Noble Houses, and Rukia's status was comparable to that of a princess. Moreover, she had not committed an unforgivable crime, but merely transferred her Shinigami powers to a human. For ordinary Shinigami, this was not an offense that mandated execution, especially considering the offender's noble lineage.

The captains, Vice-Captains, and senior officers of the Gotei 13 were deeply confused by Rukia's execution order. The Central 46's reputation had been deteriorating recently because their rulings seemed increasingly arbitrary, no longer favoring the nobility as expected.

Yet since neither Captain-Commander Yamamoto nor Byakuya Kuchiki had questioned the decision, others felt they couldn't voice their concerns either.

However, all high-ranking Shinigami knew that the Captain-Commander of the Court Army, Uehara Shiroha, was particularly fond of Rukia. With his lawless and unscrupulous temperament, surely he wouldn't remain silent and inactive, right?

But Uehara Shiroha maintained complete silence. These days, he had been diligently guarding Noble Street, dedicated to his work like a "great loyal minister." Several captains even speculated that perhaps the strongest genius had been tamed by the nobility. They felt profound disappointment at this thought.

---

However, Kyōraku Shunsui didn't believe that Uehara Shiroha would fear those nobles or be corrupted by such despicable individuals. He approached Uehara Shiroha directly and asked bluntly: "What do you think of this verdict? You don't really agree with this absurd order, do you? This must be Tsunayashiro Tokinada's conspiracy."

He keenly sensed that something was amiss. The seemingly peaceful Soul Society was actually churning with undercurrents, filled with the atmosphere of an approaching storm. The Central 46's determination to execute Rukia seemed oddly excessive.

Therefore, they must have ulterior motives.

Kyōraku Shunsui knew that Tsunayashiro Tokinada had been freed, and the Tsunayashiro family held influence over the Central 46. It seemed highly probable that Tsunayashiro Tokinada was the architect behind these events, driven by some hidden agenda.

"I want to help, but I can't leave now," Uehara Shiroha said in the luxurious Noble Street mansion, spreading his hands in feigned helplessness. "The Central 46 has explicitly ordered that I not leave Noble Street. I can't simply defy them, can I?"

It wasn't impossible, but it would be troublesome and wouldn't maximize his benefits.

"Could it be that the previous series of orders were designed specifically to confine Brother Shiroha to Noble Street? That seems excessive, doesn't it? Has the Central 46 lost their minds?"

At this moment, Kyōraku Shunsui belatedly realized the gravity of the situation. Tsunayashiro Tokinada's scheme was more terrifying and unhinged than he had imagined. This man was far more dangerous than before.

It seemed that Tokinada's imprisonment had not been fruitless. During the past hundred years, he had likely spent every waking moment devising these malevolent plans.

This was bad! Both Brother Shiroha and Rukia were in peril!

With these thoughts racing through his mind, Kyōraku Shunsui looked at Uehara Shiroha with a serious expression, intending to continue persuading him.

However, at that moment, Uehara Shiroha was leisurely enjoying fine food and wine while being attended to by beautiful servants. Judging by his demeanor, he clearly didn't take the Central 46's decree seriously at all.

Kyōraku Shunsui suddenly smiled and said: "I was overthinking it. It seems that Brother Shiroha has already made up his mind. The reason you haven't taken action is because there's no need to."

"No one can execute my disciple," Uehara Shiroha replied lazily. "But there's no need to rush. Rukia is still too naive. This is an excellent opportunity for her to grow and gain experience. Perhaps she will achieve enlightenment in prison."

In his estimation, among his three young protégés, Nanao Ise was the most capable and obedient. Momo Hinamori and Rukia possessed energy and youthful vigor, but because of this, they often followed their own inclinations. This was a perfect opportunity to teach them about society's dangers.

For his students' growth, he, as their teacher, had only their best interests at heart.

Kyōraku Shunsui relaxed his expression, picked up his wine glass, and took a drink. His tone reverted to its typically casual and unfocused quality: "It's good that you have a plan. Don't worry, you won't stand alone. My old friend will certainly help, since Rukia is also his subordinate. And of course, I'll assist as well!"

Regardless of the circumstances, he would do everything in his power. This would also reduce the burden on Uehara Shiroha and Captain Ukitake.

---

"Lord Aizen, everything is proceeding exactly as you predicted. Uehara Shiroha has indeed remained within Noble Street."

At that moment, Tōsen left the underground council hall and arrived at the 5th Division barracks. Ichimaru Gin had taken over the work of maintaining their facade there.

Tōsen had always been extremely wary of Uehara Shiroha. In his assessment, this man was even more terrifying than the most powerful Shinigami, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni. After all, the Captain-Commander was elderly and no longer possessed the ambition of his youth.

Uehara Shiroha, conversely, brimmed with vigor and mystery. He seemed to know almost everything and wielded tremendous power. Such a monster posed a severe threat to their plans.

Therefore, Tōsen had been gathering intelligence about him through secret operatives. According to reports, Uehara Shiroha had spent recent days eating, drinking, and enjoying himself in his Noble Street mansion. Even when the Central 46 issued the order to execute Rukia, he showed no reaction whatsoever.

Tōsen attributed this outcome to Aizen's strategic planning.

"Interesting!" Aizen's lips curved into a slight smile. "Yes, but don't you think this is progressing too easily?"

It appeared that everything was proceeding according to plan. But in truth, this development contradicted his expectations.

In Aizen's prediction, Uehara Shiroha would never comply with orders so obediently. He had anticipated that once Rukia brought the Hōgyoku back to Soul Society, Shiroha would definitely take action.

Surely the man couldn't be truly indifferent to the Hōgyoku?

Aizen had meticulously crafted a series of plans to counter Uehara Shiroha. Instead, he found himself strategizing against a phantom while his opponent simply remained indoors.

Strangely, this unexpected development pleased Aizen even more.

Tōsen was momentarily stunned before regaining his composure and lowering his head. "Yes, Captain Aizen, I was careless! Could it be that Uehara Shiroha is planning something and has chosen to lie low?"

He acknowledged his shortsightedness. How could someone like Uehara Shiroha be so easily managed? The man's compliant behavior must be a facade, concealing some sinister scheme.

"Rather than saying he's keeping his plans hidden, it's more accurate to say he's so confident of victory that he sees no need to act," Aizen replied.

Aizen was intensely curious about the source of Uehara Shiroha's confidence. Fortunately, he had prepared several contingency plans and maintained absolute faith in the Hōgyoku. As long as he secured the intact Hōgyoku, it mattered little where the other party's confidence originated.

"What exactly is Tsunayashiro Tokinada planning?" After hesitating for some time, Tōsen finally uttered the name.

Hearing this, Aizen's eyes remained calm as he responded firmly: "Yes, I understand you don't want vengeance to blind your sense of justice, so you've forgone revenge. But you needn't exercise such restraint. Since Uehara Shiroha has established himself in Noble Street, Tsunayashiro Tokinada will only bring about his own destruction."

As the saying goes, "A dragon does not cohabitate with a snake." With his status as one of the Four Great Noble Houses and that meager intelligence, Tsunayashiro Tokinada might outmaneuver ordinary individuals, but confronting Uehara Shiroha would guarantee his demise, even with the Tsunayashiro family's backing.

Aizen had arranged for Uehara Shiroha's placement on Noble Street with the intention of using one adversary to eliminate another. In his assessment, Tsunayashiro Tokinada and the Tsunayashiro family were finished!

Now, he awaited the surprises that Kisuke Urahara, Ichigo Kurosaki, and Uehara Shiroha would bring him. This world had been too boring for far too long!

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