ALL NOVEL Chapter 37: 37
"Investigate! Find out everything about Bai Ye's abilities!"
The presiding judge waved his hand decisively.
Members of the Central 46's intelligence unit and Kido Corps were immediately dispatched.
At this point, Bai Ye's power had far exceeded their expectations. They needed to make a swift decision: either have Bai Ye join the ranks of the nobility or use other means to bring him under their control.
Bai Ye, as a potential future pillar of Soul Society's strength, must be firmly within their grasp.
---
**Meanwhile, at the Gotei 13 Headquarters**
Surrounded by rows of ancient buildings, this was the heart of Soul Society's most powerful military organization and the residence of Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, the strongest Shinigami in a thousand years.
However, a tense and foreboding atmosphere loomed over the entire Gotei 13.
Shinigami moved with somber expressions, speaking in hushed tones. Their eyes repeatedly shifted to the gruesome, headless corpse on the plaza and the grim-faced Captain-Commander Yamamoto.
It was as if a massive weight pressed down on everyone's chest, making it hard to breathe.
Kenpachi Kiganjō had died horribly—far too horribly.
Decapitated in public, his head severed cleanly. And what's more, his killer was just a teenager!
Even though Bai Ye was hailed as the most talented prodigy in Soul Society, Kiganjō Kenpachi was a renowned powerhouse with an illustrious reputation.
Yet, he had been slain with a single strike by Bai Ye.
Everyone present was left in stunned silence, cold sweat dripping down their backs.
An elderly man with a bald head and a prominent scar, appearing frail but exuding an air of authority, tapped his cane against the ground. His sharp, hawk-like gaze swept over the demoralized members of the 11th Division.
"Speak!"
"What happened? Tell me everything!"
Captain-Commander Yamamoto's expression was as dark as storm clouds.
The death of this generation's Kenpachi was not just the loss of a significant talent, leaving the 11th Division leaderless—it also posed a grave threat to the reputation of the entire Gotei 13.
If this incident wasn't handled properly, it would severely impact the prestige of their organization.
"C-Captain-Commander, Captain Kiganjō tried to arrest Bai Ye..." stammered the Vice-Captain, nervously recounting the events in detail.
Yamamoto's white beard bristled with barely suppressed anger. He glanced at Kiganjō Kenpachi's corpse on the ground and resisted the urge to kick it.
---
The matter involving Bai Ye had initially been unrelated to the Gotei 13. However, Kiganjō Kenpachi's rash actions had dragged them into the vortex of animosity between Bai Ye and the Kuchiki family.
The Captain-Commander had heard about the situation with Ichinose Maki but hadn't paid it much attention since it concerned a minor officer.
But he had never expected Kiganjō Kenpachi to act so impulsively, not even informing him beforehand, and directly confront Bai Ye.
Even if Kiganjō were still alive, he would no longer be worthy of the title "Kenpachi."
"Captain-Commander, about this matter…"
From the back, Shiba Isshin, the head of the Shiba family branch and the current Captain of the 10th Division, hesitated as he addressed Yamamoto.
"Locate Bai Ye's current whereabouts. I will personally go and meet him," Yamamoto said with a sigh.
The situation had already spiraled out of control.
As Captain-Commander, he had to contain the fallout and minimize the damage caused by this incident.
Still, Bai Ye's actions—mercilessly executing Kiganjō Kenpachi in public, just as he had killed Kuchiki Byakuya—posed a severe challenge to his authority.
Even someone as formidable as Yamamoto couldn't help but feel a headache coming on. Bai Ye was unyielding, rebellious, and frighteningly talented.
In him, Yamamoto saw shades of his own younger self.
That was what made the situation so troublesome.
---
Not long after, an intelligence officer hurried over and respectfully reported to Yamamoto, "Bai Ye was seen drinking with his classmates at a tavern earlier, but he has since gone to the Shihōin family estate, where Shihōin Yoruichi is hosting him."
"The Shihōin family…"
Yamamoto nodded slightly.
As one of the Four Great Noble Clans and true power holders in Soul Society, even he, as Captain-Commander, had to consider the Shihōin family's influence.
However, there had to be an explanation for Kiganjō Kenpachi's death.
"Shiba Isshin, Urahara Kisuke, you will accompany me to the Shihōin estate."
With that, Yamamoto stepped out of the Gotei 13 Headquarters. Three individuals followed closely behind him, including Urahara Kisuke, who had set aside his usual carefree demeanor for a more serious expression.
The gravity of the situation left little room for levity.
It was clear to all present that the Captain-Commander likely had only two options left.
---
Meanwhile
In the Kuchiki family estate, a series of ancient and luxurious buildings stretched endlessly, exuding an aura of timeless majesty. Passersby couldn't help but wear expressions of awe and reverence.
This was one of the Four Great Noble Clans—
The Kuchiki family.
As one of the most powerful aristocratic families at the pinnacle of Soul Society, their authority and influence were unimaginable to the average person.
However, within the Kuchiki estate, an intense argument was erupting. The sound of shattered teacups punctuated the heated exchange.
"Master, our position is clear!"
A group of elders, facing the grim-faced Kuchiki Ginrei, whose eyes burned red with fury, showed no fear. After clearly stating their stance, they turned and left the hall without hesitation.
Kuchiki Ginrei's plan to use the full strength of the Kuchiki family to orchestrate an ambush against Bai Ye was fundamentally against the interests of the family.
As the clan's senior members, they would not stand idly by and allow Ginrei to act recklessly.
Especially now, having learned that Bai Ye had slain the current Kenpachi. This only solidified their opposition to Ginrei's plan.
He killed Kenpachi!
To take down someone like Bai Ye would likely require a significant portion of the Gotei 13's forces or even direct intervention by Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni himself.
If the ambush failed, the Kuchiki family would face the wrath of not just Bai Ye but also Unohana Retsu and the Shihōin family—three formidable enemies.
Even if the ambush succeeded, the family would gain nothing. It would lose manpower and simultaneously offend Unohana and the Shihōin family.
No matter how they calculated it, none of these outcomes aligned with the Kuchiki family's interests.
And as for concerns about the family having no successors after Kuchiki Byakuya's death?
The Kuchiki branch families had several promising young candidates. With decent talent, they could be adopted into the main family and resolve this issue.
"Useless! A bunch of incompetent fools!"
Kuchiki Ginrei's face darkened as he watched the elders leave.
Even if he acted on his own, mobilizing his personal forces, the Kuchiki family's strength was a combination of the main house, branch families, and numerous vassal noble families. United, they could form an entire army.
But without the support of the elders, Ginrei could only rely on the resources directly under his control, which were insufficient to launch a successful ambush against Bai Ye.
Clenching his fists, he stormed into a private room. Opening an ancient box, he revealed a zanpakutō emanating a chilling, deadly aura. Even though it had been sealed for many years, its sharp, soul-piercing energy remained undiminished.
"Muramasa, the cursed blade, I know you've already awakened."
"Now, I will take you to find your master—Kuchiki Kōga!"
Ginrei whispered softly, a determined glint flashing in his eyes.