One year later.
The bright moon hung high in the sky, cold and clear, silently watching over the world.
Like a silver plate, it cast a soft, tranquil glow, shrouding everything in an air of mystery.
The once-mighty Tsunayashiro Clan's territory had undergone an earth-shattering transformation.
Due to their unauthorized Hollowfication experints, although the remaining family mbers were spared harsh punishnt, more than half of their assets were confiscated. A portion of their land was also ceded to the Shiba Clan, which had returned to Seireitei.
Though the Shiba Clan still lagged behind the other great noble clans in power, it remained one of the Five Noble Clans in na.
If they were left without any territory, wouldn't that be a disgrace to their status as nobles?
Of course, the main reason behind this shift was that the Tsunayashiro Clan had no power to resist. They were like fish on a chopping board, completely at the rcy of others.
Few had any intention of helping them maintain their influence.
Only the Kasumiōji Clan openly opposed the Central 46's decision.
Currently, the Kasumiōji Clan was led by a child, with real power resting in the hands of the family elders.
These old n were nothing if not ambitious. With their influence growing, they had long harbored resentnt toward the noble hierarchy.
For years, they had set their sights on breaking into the ranks of the Five Noble Clans, striving to beco the most powerful aristocratic family.
However, when faced with the combined pressure of Shunsui Kyōraku and Masatsuki Aozaki, even the highest-ranking noble house beneath the Five had no choice but to back down.
Yamamoto might still show so courtesy to the great noble families, but the Eleventh Kenpachi? He had never been one to hold back.
During warti, anyone who stood against him—regardless of status—either fell by his hand directly or ended up dead by other ans.
There were even conspiracy theories circulating within Seireitei, claiming that the downfall of the Tsunayashiro Clan was his doing.
What nonsense. Accusations like that should at least co with proof.
...
A lavishly decorated palanquin moved slowly through what was once the Tsunayashiro Clan's domain.
Beneath the freshly washed blue sky, an array of colorful brickwork and lacquered wood stretched out in all directions.
Rurichiyo Kasumiōji, head of the Kasumiōji Clan, sat idly inside, gazing at the dazzling scenery around her.
It was clear just how extravagant the lives of those who had once lived here had been.
As the head of her clan, Rurichiyo had been raised in luxury. Though the Kasumiōji Clan was not as powerful as the Tsunayashiro Clan, it was still among the most prestigious noble families.
She had long grown tired of such opulence. To her, this world, overflowing with ambition and uncertainty, held little appeal.
Yet she was keenly aware that the master of this domain had changed.
Historically, the Shiba Clan had not carried a bad reputation, but among the noble houses, they were the ones who had valued power the least.
And now, there was a certain soone stirring the winds of Seireitei once again.
Day after day of monotony had left her restless. She wanted to et these people.
Today, at last, she had the chance.
For once, she was free from the towering walls that had long confined her—a gilded cage masquerading as a ho.
With the elders' approval, she had finally been granted permission to step outside and see the world beyond the Kasumiōji estate.
"Rurichiyo-sama... we have arrived."
As the palanquin slowly ca to a halt at the entrance, vassal Gyōkaku Kumoi hurried forward, carefully assisting the girl as she stepped inside.
Gyōkaku felt quite pleased with himself—after all, the surrounding onlookers were casting them admiring glances.
"I see."
Rurichiyo Kasumiōji shifted slightly, her gaze sweeping across the scene before her.
"It's quite lively here."
As she took in the obsequious expressions of those around her, she subconsciously furrowed her brows.
She had seen this look far too many tis. From childhood to now, it had never changed, and frankly, she was tired of it.
"It's only natural. The great Five Noble Clans have returned—of course, the other families would co to pay their respects."
Gyōkaku spoke with deference.
Rurichiyo's delicate brows knitted together at his tone.
Gyōkaku had been a loyal vassal left behind to assist her after her parents' passing. He was typically strict, often using his position to impose discipline. Seeing him so submissive today felt... unsettling.
Just earlier, he had been chastising her about maintaining proper decorum as the head of the family. Yet, the mont they stepped outside, he was the one bowing and scraping like a re servant.
She didn't dwell on the thought for long, though—her attention was soon drawn to the woman standing in the hall.
The mont she laid eyes on the poised and elegant Kūkaku Shiba, an overwhelming sense of despair washed over her.
No wonder the rumors said that Kenpachi held her in high regard—he had even personally intimidated several noble families to ensure the Shiba Clan's return to Seireitei.
Just from observing Kūkaku's natural grace, Rurichiyo felt a crushing pressure.
She was too strong. Even the simplest of movents—just a casual shift of her hand—left Rurichiyo with a deep sense of powerlessness.
Would she ever grow to be like that?
...But wait, did the Shiba Clan's eldest daughter not know how to dress herself? Why did she look so... strange!?
In reality, Rurichiyo had completely misunderstood the situation.
Kūkaku Shiba's disheveled kimono wasn't due to carelessness—it was because she had just been roughhousing with Masatsuki Aozaki in her room. She had only managed a hasty attempt at fixing her outfit before stepping out, which left her looking sowhat unkempt.
In truth, Kūkaku wasn't fond of wearing elaborate clothing and wasn't particularly skilled at putting them on properly either.
"Oh? And who's this adorable little girl? Is she from the Kasumiōji Clan?"
A male voice suddenly rang out from behind, causing the crowd to widen their eyes in surprise.
"Ahem... My lord, Rurichiyo-sama is the head of the Kasumiōji Clan. Please show her proper respect."
Gyōkaku turned around, his voice cautious.
However, as the figure at the entrance stepped into view, not only Gyōkaku but even Rurichiyo herself, who had been on the verge of anger, found herself montarily frozen.
"How... how can soone like this exist?"
Masatsuki Aozaki walked in at an unhurried pace, his presence like the only beacon of light in an otherwise dark night.
Rurichiyo stared blankly at the man who had just entered, then glanced at the noble sons and daughters surrounding her.
These young n and won were the product of generations of selective breeding, carefully refining their bloodlines. Each of them, on their own, could be considered attractive.
But standing next to this man...
They looked ugly.
For the first ti in her life, Rurichiyo Kasumiōji had this thought as she observed the finely dressed nobles around her.
"And this person is...?"
"My lady, this is the Captain of the 11th Division, the 11th Kenpachi, Masatsuki Aozaki-sama!"
Gyōkaku patiently explained, his tone carrying a trace of apprehension.
"Not only that, he has recently been elevated to high-ranking nobility."
As the saying goes, a new ruler brings new ministers.
Though the Shiba Clan was not royalty, and Masatsuki Aozaki was no re subject, his efforts in reinstating the Shiba Clan to Seireitei had been a monuntal achievent. A rise in status was only fitting.
Masatsuki Aozaki's noble rank had been officially granted after the Shiba Clan's return.
Among the gathered nobles, expressions varied—many tinged with unease, and so with outright fear.
After all, this was one of the strongest Shinigami of the current era. Not just that—he was a young, unrelenting force, sharp as a blade, completely unlike the aging and tempered presence of Yamamoto.
Several noble families had already experienced his "attention" in recent days. It would be a lie to say they weren't afraid.
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