Reincarnated As Shiba Clan’s Heir! (Bleach-Gin)

The ringing of the bell signaled the lunch break, a much-needed respite from the morning's intense training. Yoruichi was quick to seize the opportunity, snagging Kazuki's arm and leading him away from the training yard. Her golden eyes sparkled with mischief as she dragged him towards the back of the academy.

Lisa trailed behind them, her gaze focused on the book she was reading. Despite her apparent distraction, she navigated the paths of the academy with an easy familiarity, an occasional smile lighting up her face as she lost herself in the lines of her book.

Isane walked alongside Lisa, her soft blue eyes filled with curiosity. Unlike Lisa, who was engrossed in her book, Isane was more interested in the conversation she hoped Yoruichi would have with Kazuki. The term "Vasto Lorde" had intrigued her earlier, and she was eager to learn more.

Just as Yoruichi was about to round a corner, she paused, turning to look at Isane. Her brows furrowed slightly as she studied the white-haired girl. A playful smile danced on her lips as she asked, "Who were you again?"

Isane blinked, taken aback by the abrupt question. She cleared her throat, her cheeks warming slightly under Yoruichi's intent gaze. "I'm Isane Kotetsu," she introduced herself, her voice soft but firm.

"Ah, Isane! I remember now," Yoruichi responded, her smile broadening as she placed a hand on her forehead in a mock gesture of realization. "Well, come on then, you might find our chat interesting."

They found a secluded spot behind the academy, shaded by large trees and far from prying eyes. It was a place where they could speak freely without interruptions.

Yoruichi turned to Kazuki, her golden eyes reflecting a serious demeanor quite different from her usual playful self. "You must be wondering about the term 'Vasto Lorde'," she began, her gaze steady on him.

Kazuki nodded, his sky-blue eyes meeting hers in acknowledgment. "Yes, I heard some of the students whispering about it earlier," he admitted, his tone revealing his curiosity.

Yoruichi sighed, her gaze dropping to the ground momentarily before she started her explanation. "Vasto Lorde... they're the highest level of Hollows, a class above the average Hollows or even the Menos Grande," she paused, glancing at Kazuki to ensure he was following.

Kazuki listened attentively, his gaze focused on Yoruichi. Despite his limited knowledge about Hollows, he understood the gravity of her words. He nodded, indicating for her to continue.

Yoruichi drew in a deep breath, her gaze distant as she delved into the complex topic. "Vasto Lorde are few in number but they possess immense power, comparable to a captain-level Shinigami," she explained, her voice carrying a subtle note of caution.

The silence that followed was heavy, the weight of Yoruichi's revelation settling in. Lisa had put away her book and was listening to Yoruichi's explanation, her turquoise eyes wide with interest. Isane, on the other hand, had her gaze fixed on Yoruichi, her mind racing to absorb the information.

"Master Yoshido was said to have fought a Vasto Lorde," Kazuki murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. He recalled the whispers he had heard about Yoshido's broken Bankai, the awe and fear in the voices of his peers.

Yoruichi took a moment to gather her thoughts before starting, her gaze distant as memories of a battle fought long ago resurfaced. "You see, it happened many years ago," she began, her voice a mere whisper lost in the gentle rustle of leaves overhead. "There was a Vasto Lorde, one they called Kurodo."

She looked up, meeting Kazuki's curious gaze. Her golden eyes held a flicker of the past, a story etched deep within them. She sighed, her fingers absentmindedly fiddling with the edge of her shirt as she braced herself for the tale that was to unfold.

"Kurodo was unlike any Hollow Soul Society had faced before. He was colossal, standing taller than the highest buildings in the Seireitei. His body was covered in impenetrable scales that shimmered an ominous black under the moonlight, hence the name Kurodo, meaning 'Black King'."

Kazuki's eyes widened in awe, his mind struggling to comprehend the enormity of the being Yoruichi was describing. He could feel a shiver run down his spine as he imagined the fearsome figure of Kurodo towering over everything. Yet, he remained silent, his sky-blue eyes locked onto Yoruichi's as he urged her to continue with a small nod.

"His presence itself was enough to send shivers down the spines of the bravest warriors," Yoruichi continued, her gaze distant, her words carrying a somber note. "He was pure power, a force of destruction that consumed everything in its path."

She paused, taking a bite of her lunch. The silence was deafening as Kazuki, Lisa, and Isane waited with bated breath, their minds swirling with images of the deadly Vasto Lorde.

"Despite his destructive nature, Kurodo had a certain... intelligence that set him apart," Yoruichi continued, her voice softer now, almost reverent. "He wasn't a mindless beast. He understood Shinigami, anticipated their moves. It was like playing a deadly game of chess with him."

The mention of intelligence startled Kazuki. He had assumed Hollows, even Vasto Lorde, were mindless creatures driven by instinct and the urge to devour souls. The revelation that they could be capable of thought and strategy added a new layer of complexity to the threat they posed.

"And then, there was Master Yoshido," Yoruichi said, her tone shifting from caution to respect. "He was a captain, a leader. He was the only one who dared to face Kurodo head-on."

A sense of admiration washed over Kazuki as he pictured Master Yoshido, sword in hand, confronting the enormous, deadly Hollow. His heart pounded with anticipation as he waited for Yoruichi to continue.