Bleach [46-49] (Patreon)

Chapter 46: Yoshio Wants to Write a Novel

Didn’t I just show off in front of Ise Nanao?

Ise Nanao’s favorability toward me was only seventeen, but because of what I just said, it’s already risen to forty-eight!

That’s the power of culture.

…

Yoshio arrived at the Squad in high spirits.

“Lieutenant!”

“Did Lieutenant Yoshio run into something good? You look so happy.”

Everyone in the Squad greeted Yoshio. He smiled, said little, and went back to his office.

Yoshio glanced at the documents on the desk and clicked his tongue.

Pushing the files aside, he took a book from the drawer.

“The Pisces Reject”

It’s an action-adventure serial written by 13th Division Captain Jūshirō Ukitake, published in the 9th Division.

The novel tells the story of the protagonist “Pisces” protecting villagers and fighting evil. Each episode is a standalone tale that punishes wrongdoers and encourages good deeds. It’s quite popular in Seireitei.

After all, there isn’t much entertainment in Seireitei. Reading has become the most enjoyable pastime during work.

Plus, the more I read, the more topics I’ll have with Ukitake when I see him later, and that’s great for raising favorability.

After finishing the last paragraph, Yoshio put down the paper and fell into thought.

This novel is that popular?

If I were to write the masterpieces I saw in my previous life, wouldn’t I dominate the scene?

Thinking of this, Yoshio suddenly became excited.

I’m a genius!

I’ll write a novel. Lieutenants often publish short pieces in the Seireitei anyway. That way I can raise my Squad’s profile and make a fair bit of money.

So I can imitate Jūshirō Ukitake and write one too.

What to write?

Since it’s in the Soul Society, it should naturally be a story that fits the Soul Society’s character.

Soul Society’s character...

He immediately took out a sheet of paper and began to write.

…

[“Aizen, enough. Captain-Commander Yamamoto has already agreed to make you Captain-Commander next term.”]

[In Central Great Underground Prison, where several of Seireitei’s strongest captains were confined, 8th Division Captain Kyōraku Shunsui suggested,]

[“I also told you—the next Soul King will be you! Then we’ll see who’s truly strong. Maybe I’ll even] die!” [Aizen kicked the cell in anger: “If you’re all dead by then, who do I talk to? Nonsense!”]

[“If this keeps going, there’ll definitely be a fight. Then there’s nothing we can do! The play will be over.” Ichimaru Gin also tried to dissuade him,]

[“We can’t help you either!” Tōsen couldn’t help shouting,]

[“Don’t help! Whatever you do, don’t help! Don’t trouble yourselves, old-timers! I’ll handle it myself!”]

[“The new Gotei 13!”]

“Hahaha!”

Yoshio laughed when he got to this part.

“What are you laughing at?”

Suddenly, a voice froze the smile on Yoshio’s face. He quickly put the paper away.

He turned around, his smile a bit stiff. “Captain Aizen, when did you get here?”

“Go on, keep talking. Why so quiet?”

“Yes—” At some point, Aizen had appeared behind Yoshio. Pushing up his glasses, he said, “You didn’t hear me speaking just now.”

“Uh...” Yoshio hurriedly stood up. “Please sit, Captain Aizen. I’ll pour you some tea.”

“No need. You seemed to be writing a novel just now, right?”

“Uh...” Yoshio’s smile grew even stiffer. He nodded and said, “Yes, you caught me. But don’t worry! It’s just a novel, not my real thoughts!”

“You know how it is—novels have to be a bit exaggerated.”

“Don’t write things that undermine unity.” Aizen smiled. “We’re Shinigami who guard Seireitei and maintain the balance of the Three Realms. We should spread the radiance of our justice to ordinary Shinigami and souls.”

“I understand.” Yoshio nodded and smiled. “I was just fooling around. How could I write that kind of novel?”

Giving up is impossible. Worst case, I just won’t set it in Seireitei, right? I’ll set it in Hueco Mundo! Even if I paint Seireitei black over there, no one should care, right?

Oh, maybe Aizen would care. Then worst case, I’ll swap Aizen for someone else!

Yoshio glanced around and then said, “To be honest, I’ve actually already decided what kind of story I want to write—of course it’ll promote our 5th Division!”

“What are you thinking?”

“How about ‘In the Name of Shinigami’?” Yoshio said. “The story is about severe corruption within Central 46. To thoroughly investigate it, the Soul King parachutes Captain Aizen in as head of Central 46, kicking off a series of political struggles.”

Aizen gave Yoshio a meaningful look and shook his head. “A novel needs to stay grounded. Your story is too far-fetched for Shinigami.”

“How is it far? It’s clearly ‘In the Name of Shinigami.’ How could it be far from Shinigami?” Yoshio asked, puzzled.

“In any case, try another idea.”

“Alright, alright. If I can’t pitch you on that, I’ll just write an action-fantasy.” Yoshio thought of another theme.

“A thousand years ago, the Quincy lost the war against the Shinigami, and their king was captured by the Shinigami.”

“At his execution, this king shouted: ‘Do you want my power? Do you want my wealth? Do you want my authority? If you want them, take them all!’”

“‘I’ve left everything in the depths of Soul Society. Go and claim it!’”

“And thus, the Great Quincy Age began!”

Well?

Yoshio raised his eyebrows at Aizen. “That theme should be fine, right?”

Aizen asked with interest, “And then?”

“Hmm, let me think,” Yoshio said. “Of course, we Shinigami represent justice, so let’s call us the ‘World Government.’ As for Hollows, although they’re our enemies, they’ll unite with us to take down the Quincy.”

“So the Hollows will be the Warlords, temporarily cooperating with our Gotei 13 to fight the Quincy.”

“The main antagonists will naturally be the Quincy. That fits Seireitei’s main melody. No problem, right?”

Aizen patted Yoshio’s shoulder. “Not bad. You’ve got imagination. You can try writing it.”

“What do you plan to call it?”

“Then... how about ‘Thousand-Year Blood War’?”

Chapter 47: Persuading Rukia

Writing a novel on work time is pretty comfortable.

In a blink, the workday ended.

Yoshio looked at his twenty-thousand-word manuscript and happily tucked it into a file envelope.

He had plans to eat with Shuhei tonight—drink a bit and discuss submitting the work to Seireitei Communication. A great opportunity.

He’s the 9th Division Lieutenant and the executive editor of Seireitei Communication. He’s the most powerful editor aside from Editor-in-Chief Tōsen Kaname. So of course I should talk submissions with the editor-in-chief’s office.

Since last time he hadn’t brought Shuhei to Damo House, they went there again for drinks. The food and drink quality at Damo House is excellent.

This time it was just Yoshio and Shuhei. As soon as they sat down, he put the envelope in front of Shuhei.

Shuhei took it curiously. “What’s this?”

“I wrote a novel. Can it be serialized in Seireitei Communication?”

“Novel? You write novels?!” Shuhei exclaimed.

“What, I can’t?” Yoshio said. “I happen to like reading.”

“Really?” Shuhei took the manuscript from the envelope, glanced at it, and quickly became engrossed.

He didn’t put it down until Yoshio had finished two bottles of wine.

“This is amazing—way more gripping than Captain Ukitake’s ‘Pisces Reject,’” he said, shocked.

“Of course.” Yoshio preened. “Not that Captain Ukitake’s ‘Pisces Reject’ isn’t excellent.”

“It’s just that ‘Pisces Reject’ always tries to teach a lesson. While it’s a fine and educational work, it inevitably falls a bit short in pure reading pleasure.”

“Alright, I’ll get on it. Don’t worry, I’ll give you a prime slot in Seireitei Communication. It’ll be a bestseller!”

If sales are good, he, as editor, could get a cut.

He’s not a noble like Yoshio and only has some savings. Even though he’s a Lieutenant now, expenses are still high.

After discussing the novel, Shuhei hurried off to arrange things, leaving after only a few drinks.

Yoshio smiled as he watched Shuhei go, then shook his head and prepared to head home.

However, just as he was about to leave, he saw Rukia Kuchiki again.

Damo House is very close to the Kuchiki residence, so seeing Rukia wasn’t surprising.

He thought for a moment, then walked straight over.

He’d had few chances to interact with Rukia Kuchiki for a long time; he had to take the initiative.

Right now, Gotei 13’s Squads are almost isolated from one another. Each Squad has only its own captain, and Lieutenants go to the 1st Division for fixed captain meetings.

During meetings, it’s basically captain-to-captain and Lieutenant-to-Lieutenant.

Because of that, many Lieutenants don’t even know other Squads’ captains.

When the plot began, Renji didn’t even know who the 10th Division captain was—ridiculous.

Yoshio didn’t have many opportunities to meet other Squads’ captains, and striking up conversation rashly is rude.

Thus Yoshio remained mostly inactive socially.

He had to run his foundation first, before anything else.

But because Rukia Kuchiki’s abilities were too important, Yoshio decided to approach her.

“You are...”

Yoshio stepped up to Rukia Kuchiki. “Rukia Kuchiki, right?”

Rukia paused, puzzled by Yoshio’s sudden appearance.

She’s a member of the Kuchiki family. Everyone in the Sixth District knows her and treats her with respect, which makes it hard for her to make friends.

And she basically recognizes all the regulars in the Sixth District—but now...

Who is he?

Rukia felt Yoshio looked familiar, like she’d seen him somewhere.

“I’m Abarai Renji’s friend,” Yoshio introduced himself first. “I’m also a graduate of the Class of 2061, so I’m your senior. I’m now the 5th Division Lieutenant, Yoshio Kamado.”

“Renji’s friend...” Rukia was a bit surprised. She bowed slightly. “So it’s Lieutenant Yoshio. What can I do for you?”

“Ah?” Yoshio froze, quickly stepped back two paces, and said, “Please don’t let anyone see you doing that. I may be a Lieutenant, but you’re from the Kuchiki family—our status is equal.”

Legally, a Lieutenant and a member of a great noble family are indeed equals.

Of course, if it were her direct superior, Rukia’s bow would be acceptable.

But he wasn’t the 13th Division Lieutenant, so he couldn’t demand that from Rukia.

“Lieutenant Yoshio, what did you want with me?”

“I wanted to talk about Renji. I happened to be eating here. Would you like to come in and sit for a bit?” Yoshio pointed at Damo House.

Rukia hesitated.

After a moment, she said, “Alright, but I only have ten minutes. If I’m late, my brother will be upset.”

“No problem.”

Ten minutes is fine. Yoshio led Rukia back into Damo House.

Before going in, he casually picked up a bottle of wine.

“Drink?”

“No.” Rukia clasped her hands.

Yoshio poured himself a cup and said, “Renji is also in the 5th Division now. He told me about you. I’m curious what kind of person could be adopted by the Kuchiki family.”

Rukia smiled wryly. “Now that you see me, are you disappointed? If I didn’t look like Lady Hisana, I wouldn’t have been qualified to be adopted.”

“...” Yoshio said, a little puzzled, “How are you not qualified? Miss Kuchiki, you just graduated from the Shin'ō Academy and already possess such strong spiritual power. I don’t think it’ll be long before you become a seated officer.”

“Is that so.”

Rukia lowered her head. Even though he complimented her, she didn’t seem enthusiastic.

At this time, Rukia had a bit of an inferiority complex.

Yoshio shook his head. “Actually, some things can be seen from subtle details. What you think is true may not be.”

“...What do you mean?” Rukia looked up, confused.

“Miss Kuchiki, you like sweets, right?”

“Huh? Did Renji tell you?”

Yoshio didn’t answer, just smiled mysteriously. “The food you eat at the Kuchiki household is all sweet, isn’t it?”

“...Yes...” Though a noble, Rukia’s tone lacked confidence.

“But Captain Byakuya prefers spicy food,” Yoshio added.

“Impossible!” Rukia grew agitated. “At home, meals are clearly all sweet!”

Chapter 48: Three Months Later

Yoshio still didn’t answer, just smiled at Rukia.

Seeing his smile, Rukia’s certainty wavered. She sat back down, falling silent.

She likes sweets, and Byakuya prefers spicy, yet meals at home are always sweet.

This...

What does that mean?

Could her brother...

Has he been caring for her?

But...

Why?

Or is Lieutenant Yoshio lying?

Rukia looked at Yoshio, lost in thought.

“I’m Renji’s good friend,” Yoshio said. “To be honest, I’ve seen you a few times, and each time you looked gloomy.”

You’re Renji’s friend; I’m Renji’s friend. So you’re my friend—Yoshio’s friend. I don’t want my friend to be unhappy every day, so I’m telling you these things.

Yoshio said, “Actually, there’s no need to close yourself off. As long as you accept your identity calmly, you’ll naturally feel the love of those around you.”

As soon as he finished, Yoshio stood up.

He walked over, patted her shoulder.

“Your ten minutes are almost up. Head home so your brother doesn’t worry.”

He left the room as he finished speaking.

After paying, Rukia also came out.

She saw Yoshio standing at the door, walked over, bowed slightly, and whispered, “Thank you.”

This time, Yoshio calmly accepted her bow.

He smiled. “Don’t be so gloomy. Look—if the stars aren’t happy, how boring the night would be.”

He pointed to the sky.

It was already dark, and the weather wasn’t good. The dim sky held almost no twinkling stars.

“...” Rukia said nothing, just watched Yoshio wave and leave.

She turned and walked toward the Kuchiki estate.

Leaving the Sixth District, Yoshio smiled faintly.

This is the benefit of doing extra homework.

Without extra homework, how could he have chosen books so precisely for Nanao?

Without extra homework, how would he know Rukia likes sweets and Byakuya likes spicy food?

Well, credit his previous life’s memories. Who knew he was a hardcore Shinigami fan back then—knowing even the Kuchiki family’s private habits.

Thinking of this brightened Yoshio’s mood.

As for how things would develop between Rukia and the Kuchiki family, he wasn’t sure.

He only knew Rukia’s favorability toward him had reached fifty-five; he’d soon get a one-time [“Stars.”]

Humming a tune, Yoshio headed home and let time pass.

…

Three months later, Yoshio successfully pushed Nanao’s favorability over sixty.

In these three months, Nanao came to the 5th Division library several times to borrow books, all recommended by Yoshio.

Nanao’s impression of Yoshio improved steadily—she believed people who love reading can’t be bad.

“I don’t know what spell you cast on Nanao, but as a captain I got told to ‘learn from Yoshio.’ How embarrassing,” Kyōraku Shunsui complained to Yoshio once while drinking.

Yoshio only chuckled.

Look at Nanao—the one who barely acknowledged me at first is now willingly contributing her Soul Ability.

Soon, I’m confident I can push her favorability to eighty and permanently get [Mirror Reflection]!

And look at you—your favorability is still stuck at fifty!

Fifty three months ago, fifty now!

So heartless!

At the end, Yoshio shot Shunsui a faintly resentful look, making Shunsui a bit uneasy.

But the biggest change in those three months was Hollow White.

Hollow White completed its transformation and gained a very strange ability.

It’s...

As long as Hollow White kills a Shinigami, it evolves.

It not only grows stronger, but also smarter.

Its hollow hole is now full of tumor-like masses, like a heart. Who knows how many Shinigami it’s already killed.

Yoshio had seen Hollow White only twice since then, and only knew Aizen hadn’t left Hollow White in the Human World permanently—it would occasionally go to Rukongai to assassinate patrolling Shinigami.

As for Rukia, Yoshio later visited the 13th Division for work and saw her there.

Rukia thanked Yoshio again, but Yoshio didn’t know what exactly had happened in the Kuchiki family.

He’d thought time would continue flowing quietly step by step, until the plot arrived decades later.

But that day, as Momo was on her routine visit to the 5th Division, he heard people from fifth division discussing something.

“What happened?”

Curious, Yoshio approached Hinamori Momo.

Hinamori Momo was startled at first, but relaxed when she saw it was Yoshio.

She said, “Yesterday, 13th Division Shinigami were attacked by a Hollow. Our people went to help, but they were all killed.”

Yoshio was surprised. “That’s no small matter. Who died?”

“Ninth Seat Sanada was killed, and I heard the 13th Division’s 3rd Seat also died.”

Sanada had been promoted to Ninth Seat after Yoshio, and before Yoshio even had time to obtain a Soul Ability, he had died.

And the 3rd Seat of the 13th Division...

Shiba Miyako?

In the original story, the Shinigami who died to Metastacia—Shiba Kaien’s wife—still died?

Is this the so-called inertia of history?

Metastacia had already been eliminated by him, yet she still had an accident?

Although Yoshio didn’t know exactly what happened, he knew if something bad occurred, he should look for Aizen.

It’s always Aizen’s fault.

Yoshio bade Hinamori farewell and entered Aizen’s office.

Aizen was reading the latest issue of Seireitei Communication.

Yoshio’s novel had been running for three months, with thirteen chapters so far.

The current storyline had the protagonist gathering comrades to help his navigator and take on a Wolfman fallen to the Beast Realm.

“If you write it like this, Captain Komamura won’t be pleased.”

Aizen spoke when he noticed Yoshio enter.

“It’s fine,” Yoshio said. “There are good werewolves too. I even plan to have a Wolfman join the main cast later.”

“Alright, enough about that,” Yoshio sat opposite Aizen and asked, “I heard something happened last night. What exactly?”

Aizen kept reading Seireitei Communication. “I only know the rough outline. It seems the 13th Division’s 3rd Seat, Shiba Miyako, found a strange Hollow.”

“She was overconfident, thought she could handle it, but in the end died by the sword.”

Chapter 49: Heading to the 13th, Host and Captain’s Assist

“I see...”

Yoshio narrowed his eyes. “Can I go take a look?”

Aizen looked up at him. “I was going to send Gutamoto, but if you want to go, that’s fine.”

The 5th Division is a support squad, so backing up other divisions in times like this isn’t an issue.

Yoshio had never met Shiba Miyako before, so he didn’t feel particularly sad about her death.

To this day, he only felt a sense of reality for the people around him.

But if Shiba Miyako is dead, then Shiba Kaien will definitely seek revenge.

In that case, Shiba Kaien might die.

This is a perfect chance to raise Shiba Kaien’s and Rukia Kuchiki’s favorability.

Also, the Hollow causing trouble might be Hollow White. He planned to check. What if Hollow White gets taken out by Shiba Kaien?

He hadn’t yet raised Hollow White’s favorability to eighty. Without that, he couldn’t obtain no-injury Hollowfication.

…

Two hours later, Yoshio arrived at the 13th Division.

He also met Jūshirō Ukitake for the first time.

Jūshirō Ukitake’s Soul Ability is... [“Host.”]

[“Host: Can merge an item into one’s own soul and gain the item’s properties.”]

[“Note: If favorability is below 80, the stored item will be expelled after three days. If favorability reaches 80 or above, it can be stored permanently.”]

This ability...

Fits Jūshirō Ukitake quite well.

He’s the captain of the 13th Division, and his soul also harbors the Soul King’s right arm, Mimihagi.

His ability could let Yoshio merge with external objects. Could he store a Zanpakutō?

If he could store a Zanpakutō, would that directly achieve a human–Zanpakutō fusion state?

He felt that wouldn’t work; it would be a waste.

Yoshio thought it over—he had other ways to achieve Zanpakutō fusion, like obtaining Shiba Isshin’s ultimate Zanpakutō fusion, or breaking Shinigami limits, or using the ancient human–Zanpakutō fusion ritual in Seireitei.

No need to waste a [Host] slot.

The ability says he can merge an item into his soul. Soul should include living and nonliving, meaning he could completely merge another soul into his body.

If he could merge Aizen into his soul, wouldn’t he be invincible?

Yoshio chuckled and said to Ukitake, “Captain Ukitake, Captain Aizen knows this is serious, so he sent me to help. Is there anything I can do?”

A trace of sadness still lingered on Ukitake’s face—after all, the 13th Division’s 3rd Seat had died.

He’d even considered stepping down and letting Kaien be captain, showing how much he valued him.

And when Yoshio arrived, he was surprised—he hadn’t expected Aizen to send his own Lieutenant to assist them.

Ukitake nodded. “The opponent is different from the Hollows we’ve seen before—very cunning. We’re working hard to track it down.”

“I’ve already asked the 8th Division for help. I believe we’ll soon find its whereabouts.”

The 8th Division is the intel squad, so tracking is their specialty.

Yoshio nodded. “I’ll stand by in the 13th Division. Captain Aizen’s orders are to act under your command.”

Before Ukitake could respond, the door burst open. Shiba Kaien, in shinigami uniform, strode in, face taut with suppressed rage and grief.

“Captain!”

“Let me handle this myself!”

“Captain Ukitake, Lieutenant Kaien!” Rukia Kuchiki, who had followed him in, spoke up.

Having rushed over with Shiba Kaien, Rukia was surprised to see Yoshio in the office. She stood behind Kaien, silent.

“...” Looking at his heartbroken subordinate, Ukitake sighed softly. “Kaien, this is no small matter.”

“Thirty-four 13th Division members who came to support us and sixteen 5th Division members all fell. The opponent isn’t a mere Menos Grande. He’s terrifyingly strong and cunning! This isn’t something you can handle alone.”

“So what?!” Shiba Kaien shouted. “They’re dead. If I can’t personally avenge them, what’s the point of being a Shinigami?”

“...” Seeing Kaien’s resolute gaze, Ukitake was moved.

The two locked eyes, and Ukitake finally nodded.

“Once we have intel on the enemy, I’ll notify you immediately.”

“Thank you, Captain...” Kaien said softly.

Then he withdrew.

Rukia glanced at Yoshio, then hurried after Kaien.

“Sorry, Kaien is a bit out of control because of Miyako,” Ukitake said quietly to Yoshio.

“It’s human nature...” Yoshio replied softly. “After all, it was the 13th Division Lieutenant’s wife who died. That grief is something others can’t truly grasp.”

“I’m glad you see it that way,” Ukitake said. “So this time, I’ll accept the 5th Division’s help, but... let our 13th Division handle the matter.”

“I refuse,” Yoshio said. “We lost people from the 5th Division too. I understand Lieutenant Shiba’s grief, but at the very least... I should witness that Hollow’s destruction with my own eyes.”

“Very well.” Ukitake nodded.

“I’ll let you know if there’s any news.”

Yoshio didn’t return to the 5th Division afterward; he waited in the 13th.

That day, he saw many 13th Division third seats.

He also saw Kotsubaki Sentarō and Kotetsu Kiyone’s Soul Abilities.

Though two people, the abilities had the same name.

[“Captain’s Aide I: When used, you’ll perform at your best while assisting the captain with assigned tasks.”]

[“Captain’s Aide II: When used, you can quickly appear at the captain’s side.”]

Well, alright—secondary character abilities.

Though the two are fairly prominent side characters in the original, their presence is low—basically Ukitake’s appendages.

Yoshio wasn’t surprised they had such abilities.

And he felt both abilities were quite nice.

[Captain’s Aide I] can make Yoshio more efficient—so long as the tasks are assigned by Aizen.

[Captain’s Aide II] can even let Yoshio ignore distance and appear at Aizen’s side—essentially teleportation.