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In the Commander's Office, Yamamoto studied the young man before him, a rare warmth in his gaze as he said, "Ali, you've grown. Taller. Stronger." Chōjirō Sasakibe stood silently to the side, but his thoughts stirred. Over the decades, Yamamoto had always remained rigid, a pillar of discipline and authority; even in private, his expression rarely shifted, and the past forty years had only deepened his austerity. Yet today, the moment Su Li stepped through the gates, the impossible happened—the Commander smiled, something Sasakibe had never seen in all his years. The boy wasn't a boy anymore, and clearly Su Li held a place in Yamamoto's heart that few, if any, could reach, stirring a trace of envy in Sasakibe's chest as he glanced at the young man now standing with casual poise.
Su Li, however, noticed the change in Yamamoto as well. The old man looked older—his posture a little heavier, his eyes slightly clouded—time had not spared him, and it seemed these decades had been filled with burden. Su Li exhaled inwardly, then spoke with quiet reverence, "Teacher, your student has left retreat. I came to report in."
Yamamoto nodded and said, "Good. Let's get started," his voice lowering with an almost mischievous glint as he added, "I imagine your strength has grown considerably?" Su Li smiled modestly. "With you still standing tall ahead, I have a long road left. I wouldn't dare flaunt a little progress."
Yamamoto burst into laughter. "Still the smooth talker. You pretend to be humble, but I know you too well. Always pretending. That's what makes you unique. You carry arrogance like it's elegance, and none of the others can pull it off." "Credit goes to my teacher," Su Li replied with a grin, prompting the old man to laugh again, deep and genuine, while Sasakibe stood quietly, inwardly defeated, knowing only Su Li could get Yamamoto to show emotion like this.
"Enough flattery," Yamamoto said eventually, wiping the smile from his face. "What are your plans now?" Su Li's voice turned calm as he answered, "To behave. To serve faithfully. To contribute." Yamamoto raised an eyebrow. "Now you speak like a bureaucrat."
Of course, Su Li wouldn't reveal his actual intentions—not while they skirted Central 46. Even if Yamamoto trusted him, anything involving the chambers would complicate matters, and the Central 46 that once was might no longer be the same. Yamamoto shook his head. "I won't get anything real out of you, will I? Fine. Then let's talk about my matter."
Su Li's expression sharpened. "Go on." The Commander's face turned serious. "During your retreat, we had several operations. I deployed the Covert Ops more than once. The White Killing technique you created—it's proven extremely effective. So effective, in fact, that Central 46 noticed."
Su Li's brow twitched as Yamamoto continued, "They want it submitted in full. They're pushing to adopt it as a required technique for the Royal Guard." So that was it—these dogs wanted to take his White Killing and use it to raise their lapdogs. Yamamoto raised a hand before Su Li could react. "I didn't agree to anything. I told them I'd consult you first. You created it. It's your right."
Su Li's reply was cold and immediate. "No." "I thought as much," Yamamoto sighed, "but they won't stop. If you continue to refuse, they'll apply pressure—more than even I might be able to deflect." His eyes darkened as his voice lowered. "Which is why I have a request. One that may not please you."
Su Li folded his arms. "Say it." Yamamoto's expression tightened. "I want to register your White Killing as an official textbook at the Spiritual Arts Academy." Su Li's head tilted slightly. "A textbook?" "Yes. Formal curriculum. Everyone entering the academy would study a version of it. This satisfies Central 46, gives you official credit, and places the technique within regulated channels."
Yamamoto met his eyes and added, "It gives your creation the highest form of legitimacy." "I'm not interested in legitimacy," Su Li said flatly. "I know you have grievances," Yamamoto answered gently, "but this isn't about you anymore. The White Killing technique is far beyond what's currently taught, and there are too many watching from the shadows. You've limited it to Covert Ops, but that's a waste. The technique belongs in daylight. If you release it—part of it—you retain control while empowering others. If it becomes foundational, if the entire Soul Society grows through your design, then you become their teacher. Even Central 46 won't dare move against you then."
Su Li stayed silent, prompting Yamamoto to add, "You'd no longer guard it alone. You'd lead through it." Still, Su Li didn't respond, and Yamamoto sighed. "We can release only a portion. Keep the core techniques for yourself."
Su Li's gaze softened ever so slightly. "Only part of it. As a textbook. That's all." Yamamoto blinked. "You'll agree?" "I've known since the beginning they'd come for it. If not through force, then through pressure. Better to give them the shape and keep the soul."
In truth, Su Li had always intended for the technique to spread eventually; he had just wanted his own people to benefit first, and Yamamoto's proposal aligned with his longer game, though he didn't let it show. Instead, he frowned, a quiet storm brewing in his expression, which Yamamoto misunderstood as quiet pain. "Ali, I owe you for this. I wish it hadn't come to this. But I'll repay it."
"There's no debt, Teacher. I'm not resentful," Su Li said softly, his voice low and unreadable, leaving Yamamoto more regretful than before. "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave. I'll send the academy version in a few days." "Very well. I'll walk you ou—" "No need," Su Li interrupted, bowing. "Goodbye, Teacher."
With that, he turned and walked away, Yamamoto watching the retreating figure with a heart heavy with guilt and pride, thinking to himself, What a fine child…
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