ALL NOVEL Chapter 40: 40
TN: Thank you to all of you who have read this far, I just wanted to let you know that in the future there will be no more updates of this novel.
If you are curious about the next chapter, please read it in the raw, I have put the title in the synopsis.
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"Yamamoto?"
Shihōin Shunyan frowned slightly.
This was not a good sign.
Kiganjō Kenpachi had just died, and Yamamoto had come to visit immediately. Anyone could tell this was related to Bai Ye without much thought.
Even as the head of the Shihōin Clan, Shunyan had to tread carefully when it came to the strongest combatant in Soul Society.
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**Reception Hall, Shihōin Estate**
Shihōin Shunyan and his wife, Shihōin Shunhime, were seated in the main seats.
To the side sat Bai Ye, his face flushed with drunkenness, and Yoruichi, while Soi Fon stood behind Yoruichi like a dutiful bodyguard.
Opposite them sat an elderly man, hunched and frail, yet his eyes glimmered with an unfathomable depth that spoke of a lifetime of experience.
Behind him stood two captains—Shiba Isshin and Urahara Kisuke.
Shiba Isshin's gaze lingered on Bai Ye, still unable to believe that someone like this wine-loving drunkard had managed to accomplish so many earth-shattering feats—enough to leave even the Captain-Commander troubled.
Meanwhile, Urahara Kisuke, looking slightly unkempt with stubble on his chin and creased clothing, exuded an air of an overworked scientist.
Reluctantly dragged to the meeting, he would much rather have been holed up in his laboratory.
That said, this time he felt less resistant.
Urahara's gaze studied Bai Ye, his mind flashing through rumors of Bai Ye's ability to tear through space with his Zanpakutō. His eyes glimmered with interest.
According to the rumors, Bai Ye's sword had the ability to rend space itself. If Bai Ye had combined his Zanpakutō with Kidō or another ability, what could be the underlying principle?
If he could uncover it, might it be possible to create a weapon capable of tearing through space?
The power of spatial tearing was leagues beyond that of a thousand blades. Nothing in Soul Society could resist it; anything would be instantly shredded and severed.
Equipping ordinary Shinigami with such a weapon could even threaten captain-class combatants.
Urahara shook his head, pushing aside his experimental musings. Yamamoto's visit wasn't a matter for idle curiosity—it was undoubtedly about serious business.
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On the other side, Bai Ye studied the three individuals before him.
There was no need to elaborate on Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni—the wielder of *Ryūjin Jakka*, the strongest Shinigami, and a force of apocalyptic proportions.
Next was Shiba Isshin, the captain of the 10th Division, who later left the Soul Society to marry Kurosaki Masaki in the Human World, taking the name Kurosaki Isshin. He was also the father of the original protagonist, Kurosaki Ichigo.
His Zanpakutō, *Engetsu*, possessed the ability *Getsuga Tenshō*, which Ichigo inherited. Among captains, Isshin was a standout combatant, holding his own against Aizen after the latter fused with the Hōgyoku during the Karakura Town arc.
Lastly, Urahara Kisuke, the captain of the 12th Division and head of the Research and Development Institute.
Known for his unparalleled intellect, Urahara wielded the Zanpakutō *Benihime*. His Bankai, *Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame*, had the power to restructure and modify anything it touched. This ability proved invaluable during the Thousand-Year Blood War.
Even now, his sharp mind earned him the title of one of the "Five Special War Powers."
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Back in the reception hall, the atmosphere was tense.
Yamamoto's presence exuded an aura of accountability, while Yoruichi and her parents were busy contemplating ways to defend Bai Ye.
They had already accepted that some form of reparations to the Gotei 13 was inevitable.
Although Kiganjō Kenpachi had his faults, Bai Ye killing him outright was bound to stir significant trouble.
Shunyan knew that, whether Yamamoto wanted to or not, he had to act on behalf of the Gotei 13's dignity and resolve the matter involving Bai Ye.
But then—
Yamamoto exhaled lightly and spoke, his voice calm yet weighty.
"Bai Ye."
"Would you be interested in becoming the current Kenpachi?"
As soon as the words left his mouth—
Shock.
Stunned silence.
The entire hall fell quiet, every gaze shifting between Yamamoto and Bai Ye in disbelief.
Wasn't Yamamoto here to hold Bai Ye accountable?
Why was he suddenly offering him the position of Kenpachi?
Everyone was at a loss. Even Shunyan, who had navigated countless political maneuvers, found himself momentarily speechless.
Behind Yamamoto, Urahara Kisuke's eyes glimmered with understanding.
The death of Kiganjō Kenpachi was a heavy blow to the Gotei 13's reputation.
However, by making Bai Ye—the "culprit"—the new Kenpachi, the Gotei 13's reputation wouldn't just be preserved—it would be bolstered.
And the Gotei 13 would gain an even stronger Kenpachi in the process.
If Bai Ye declined…
Yamamoto would likely resort to other means.
Urahara shook his head slightly. It seemed Yamamoto wouldn't need to use his alternative plans after all.
Becoming the Kenpachi would grant Bai Ye command over a division and elevate his status within Seireitei. Even the Kuchiki Clan wouldn't dare move against him.
There was no reason for Bai Ye to refuse.
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At this moment, everyone in the hall shared the same thought.
Shunyan, Shunhime, and Yoruichi all turned their gazes toward Bai Ye, waiting for him to nod.
Even Shunyan couldn't help but admire Yamamoto's brilliance.
What could have escalated into a conflict had been deftly resolved with a few simple words. This was a win-win outcome!
As for Shiba Isshin, his eyes were wide with disbelief. He hadn't expected Bai Ye to earn such high regard from Yamamoto.
This was the title of Kenpachi—an honor countless Shinigami would fight for! And Yamamoto had offered it so casually?
Still, considering Bai Ye's talent and power, the offer was reasonable.
Now, all eyes were on Bai Ye.
But Bai Ye, sipping his wine with a calm demeanor, remained unmoved by Yamamoto's words.
"Apologies," Bai Ye said indifferently, "but I refuse."