Yoriichi Tsugikuni reborn in the soul society

Incredible.

Words such as violent storm and earth-shattering were inadequate to convey the sheer intensity of the Reiryoku.

He had served in the Tenth Division for over fifty years.

Even a talent such as himself had endured arduous training to bridge the gap from Fourth to Second Seat.

Yet, this newcomer…

While his Reiryoku was slightly below his own, he was undeniably a powerful individual.

Furthermore, he was so young, barely a fraction of his age.

Third Seat?

The position of lieutenant was far too low for him!

Where had Captain-Commander Yamamoto discovered this extraordinary Shinigami?

Isshin was perplexed.

At that moment, Yoriichi withdrew his Reiryoku, and the oppressive weight that had settled upon everyone's hearts finally dissipated.

Many gasped for breath, as though they had just escaped a deep ocean. Some even claimed to have nearly fainted.

When gods clashed, mortals suffered.

It was fortunate that the confrontation had not lasted longer.

Otherwise, the structures surrounding the Tenth Division barracks would have been in danger of collapse.

Inuno Sanshi had vastly overestimated his capabilities. To challenge one with Third Grade Reiryoku with his own Sixth Grade... It was akin to an insect attempting to topple a mighty tree.

"Damn it!"

The pitying and sympathetic glances from the onlookers were like needles piercing Inuno's heart.

He clenched his jaw tightly, his teeth grinding audibly, consumed by resentment at the outcome of the brief clash.

What sort of triumph was it to merely overwhelm others with Reiryoku?

Did he dare to face him in Hakuda or Zanjutsu?

He completely disregarded the fundamental principle that, in battles between Shinigami, Reiryoku was the foundation of everything.

If one's Reiryoku was inferior to their opponent's, even a desperate, life-risking attack might fail to breach their defenses.

"Ahem!"

The oppressive atmosphere lingered, and just as Inuno Sanshi seemed poised to draw his Zanpakuto and initiate Shikai, Isshin cleared his throat lightly, interrupting the brewing conflict.

He emerged from the crowd, positioned himself between the two, and attempted to mediate.

"Ahem… I say, You two ought to calm yourselves."

"I have a general understanding of the situation."

"There is no need for further conflict. Changes in seating are commonplace."

He gestured towards the neighboring Eleventh Division as an example.

"Consider this: not long ago, a certain Gosuke Kenpachi emerged within their ranks."

"This Kenpachi had previously been a mere lieutenant, yet, unexpectedly, the previous Kenpachi, Zaraki, was suddenly imprisoned."

"Without even a formal duel, he was inexplicably elevated to the position of Captain, a direct violation of the Eleventh Division's thousand-year-old tradition."

"If we are speaking of sudden changes, nothing could be more abrupt than that."

"This is simply a change in the Third Seat; there is no need for such animosity."

Shiba Isshin placed a hand on Inuno Sanshi's shoulder, as if urging him to cease his disruptive behavior.

If the situation escalated further, it would reflect poorly on everyone involved.

Those familiar with Inuno would perceive him as narrow-minded and prejudiced against newcomers, while those less acquainted with him would form a negative impression of the entire Tenth Division.

He did not wish for one individual's actions to tarnish the reputation of the entire division.

Inuno's expression was dark. He clearly understood the implied warning in his captain's words. But why? Why should he relinquish the Third Seat?

He had earned this position through his own efforts.

A newcomer who had seemingly appeared out of thin air, without any prior interaction... was he to be dismissed as simply a "genius"?

"Very well."

Observing the lingering resentment in Inuno's eyes, Shiba Isshin nodded slightly, a hint of melancholy in his expression.

Genius was often an unfair advantage.

Otherwise, why would the system of Reiryoku Grades exist?

Hierarchical structures had existed throughout history.

But for Shinigami, who lived constantly on the edge of death, greater Reiryoku equated to greater status.

His personal displeasure would change nothing.

He patted Inuno's shoulder again, the atmosphere growing even more somber. Then…

Shiba Isshin raised his gaze, turned to address the assembled Shinigami, and announced, "Everyone, please disperse if you have no further business here, including the members of the Onmitsukidō."

Upon hearing this, several Shinigami clad in black, with masked faces, instantly materialized on nearby rooftops.

Shiba Isshin looked towards them with a smile:

"The child was simply unaware of the proper decorum; please forgive him. I will submit a detailed report to the captain-commander later."

"It was merely a friendly exchange between comrades."

"I trust you will not take it to heart."

Upon hearing this, the Onmitsukidō operatives exchanged glances.

While they did not fully comprehend the meaning of "exchange" in this context, they had no choice but to accept the explanation.

Third Grade Reiryoku, the release of which had reverberated across half of the Seireitei, was now being dismissed as a friendly spar...

Were they delusional, or had the world gone mad?

It was unheard of.

___________

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Amidst the sound of rushing wind, Shiba Isshin's smile gradually faded as he watched the crowd disperse.

Turning to face the two Shinigami, he addressed Inuno directly: "Inuno, accompany me for a moment."

His voice was clear, cold, and stern, causing Inuno to involuntarily shudder.

Trailing behind Shiba Isshin towards the barracks, Inuno's demeanor was dejected, his eyes devoid of light.

He knew precisely what his captain intended to discuss with him.

However.

Midway through their walk, Isshin abruptly turned around.

"I almost forgot. The new Third Seat should join us as well. I will provide you with a brief overview of the Tenth Division's structure and operations."

"We are colleagues from this point forward. There is no need for lingering animosity over such a trivial matter. I am not referring to you specifically, of course."

______________

The Tenth Division compound resembled a large central building surrounded by numerous traditional courtyards, spanning an area of approximately thirty acres.

Before even entering, Yoriichi could hear the gentle sound of bamboo water features striking stone basins, accompanied by the soothing murmur of flowing water, like a tranquil melody played by unseen spirits.

Upon entering the inner courtyard.

The Reishi in the air became noticeably denser, with shallow pools and deeper ponds interspersed throughout, as if countless gentle hands were caressing the surroundings.

Simply remaining there for a short time was enough to soothe physical and even spiritual fatigue.

'A pleasant place.'

Yoriichi observed his surroundings, offering a genuine sigh of appreciation.

They arrived at a room that blended modern and traditional Japanese architectural styles.

Isshin halted and introduced Yoriichi:

"This will be your workspace from now on."

"Though you might not spend much time here."

"The Tenth Division's duties are relatively straightforward. Generally, aside from resting in the barracks at night, we spend the majority of our time patrolling various areas of the Seireitei and the Rukongai."

Entering the room, he clapped his hands, turned, and announced:

"Ah, yes."

"We will hold a welcome party for you later, so prepare yourselves."

"After all, you have a promising future and might even surpass me one day."

"If I do not seize this opportunity to establish a good rapport with you, I might not have another chance."

He offered a smile, his light tone making it sound like a jest.

As a member of a prominent noble family, the Shiba clan had no need to curry favor with others. 

Their accommodating attitude toward Tsugikuni Yoriichi stemmed primarily from his being highly regarded by Captain-Commander Yamamoto.

Who knew? He might even be elevated to nobility in the future.

Forming connections in advance was always prudent.

As for Inuno...

Taking a deep breath, Shiba Isshin resumed his introduction to Tsugikuni Yoriichi before departing with Inuno.

As they left, Yoriichi noticed that Inuno Sanshi's gaze was subdued, lacking the arrogance it had previously held...

It appeared he had learned a valuable lesson.

To subdue one's opponent without engaging in direct combat was indeed a worthwhile outcome.

==============

Check out my other fanfic translation: A spy in Konoha, part-time Hokage

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