By the time Kuchiki Ginrei had comforted Kyoraku Shunsui and followed Mikizuki Teru's guidance into the underground meeting room, the place was already in an uproar.
As mentioned before, the more people, the more mouths, and the more trouble.
A group of idle nobles who had never lifted a finger in their lives would inevitably turn any gathering into chaos—both to pursue their own interests and to assert their presence, lest they be forgotten entirely.
However, not all great nobles are as easily swayed as Kuchiki Ginrei.
"Out."
Shiba Kaien leaned casually in the main seat, his legs crossed high, his straw sandals resting on the edge of the table. He held a sword in his arms, his usual good-natured demeanor replaced by cold indifference. His vertical-slit pupils, like a feline's, swept sharply over everyone present.
"Who allowed you in here?"
At Shiba Kaien's stern voice, many nobles faltered, their voices instantly dropping.
This was partly because Shiba Kaien was one of the few among 'them' who had entered Seireitei as a 'victor,' and partly because many of these nobles had taken advantage of the Shiba clan's absence when their head was 'abducted,' reaping benefits alongside the Kanamito clan.
Though those so-called 'benefits' were later reclaimed when Shiba Kaien entered Seireitei with Genryusai's forces, it didn't erase what had happened.
Shiba Kaien, having fought alongside Genryusai's army, was no pushover.
Under his gaze, many quickly lost their nerve, slinking out of the room in embarrassment.
In the end, only the heads of the four great noble families and a few former senior nobles remained.
Once the others were gone, Shiba Kaien finally stuck his little finger in his ear, grumbling at Kuchiki Ginrei:
"Ginrei!"
"I told you not to coddle these bastards so much, didn't I?"
"Every day it's either 'restore our noble status' or 'gather forces to rebel'... Do they really think they can succeed?"
Though Kuchiki Ginrei felt regret, as a 'pillar' who had rallied nobles to fight until the end in the Seireitei battle, he couldn't sever ties like the Shiba clan.
Even in the face of Shiba Kaien's complaints, he had to maintain a stern expression.
"Lord Shiba, please choose your words carefully."
Kuchiki Ginrei sat upright, his posture impeccable: "Their bloodline is still noble, after all."
"Tch."
Shiba Kaien snorted, unmoved.
Instead, Shihouin Yoruichi turned to Kuchiki Ginrei, her brow furrowed in apparent displeasure.
Since joining Genryusai's cause, she had seen far too many atrocities committed by these 'nobles.'
If possible, she'd even abolish the title of the Five Great Noble Clans.
Unfortunately, a clan representative couldn't act solely on personal preferences.
Among those present, Kanamito Mitsunobu was the most reserved, sitting quietly like a quail, merely listening—his clan had suffered the most in the previous Seireitei battle.
Over thirty family members, including his grandfather, father, and elders, had perished, with countless more from branch families.
Even their clan's trump card had vanished without a trace.
In terms of power, the Kanamito clan was now the weakest of the Five Great Noble Clans.
"Let's get to the point, Ginrei."
Shihouin Yoruichi impatiently tapped the table, growing more irritated by the room's atmosphere: "I have squad duties to handle."
Neither Shiba Kaien nor Shihouin Yoruichi seemed to take Kuchiki Ginrei seriously.
He could feel it too.
But for the sake of his clan's future, he suppressed his youthful impatience and calmly said:
"I've gathered you all to discuss the newly established 'Chuo Spirit Arts Academy'—its curriculum, faculty appointments, and related matters."
The topic finally got their attention, and the room fell silent as they listened.
Kuchiki Ginrei's goal was clear: "To address the Gotei 13's manpower shortage, I've secured the right to assign some teaching staff from Captain Commander Yamamoto."
"With so many nobles residing here, conflicts are inevitable. I want to assign them suitable tasks as soon as possible."
"However, slots are limited. To ensure fairness, I hope for your support in this matter."
His voice paused briefly before adding: "After all, we are still nobles."
"Former nobles!"
Shihouin Yoruichi corrected, tapping the table, her brow still furrowed.
No one present was a fool.
Or rather, even a fool, after living a century, could read between the lines.
What did 'securing teaching staff assignments' mean?
It was clearly exploiting the academy's staffing shortage to insert their people!
As for 'seeking their support'—it was an invitation to join the scheme.
If they were commoners, they might not grasp the power of an 'academy.'
But these were the greatest of the great nobles, keenly aware of an educational institution's influence.
With enough personnel, generations of young Shinigami cultivated through teacher-student bonds would form vast networks over time.
Clearly, unable to confront directly, the Kuchiki clan was playing the long game.
"Ginrei."
Shiba Kaien suddenly smirked, leaning back in his chair, arms crossed:
"You don't really think this will work, do you?"
Kuchiki Ginrei remained composed: "Whether our noble status is restored or not, we'll still need capable hands in the Gotei 13, won't we?"
"But..." Kanamito Mitsunobu hesitantly raised his hand, "I've heard Captain Commander Yamamoto plans to hand the entire academy to Vice-Captain Fujimiya?"
"Indeed."
Kuchiki Ginrei nodded slightly: "Today, Shunsui completed his first day of classes, taught by Fujimiya-dono."
"..."