However, to Tokinada's surprise, his expectations were dashed.
Tsunayashiro Kakyo simply accepted the truth calmly after grieving for some time-and even tried to persuade Tokinada to open his heart to her.
At the same time, because of Kakyo's great potential, she successfully became a Shinigami. Even Kyōraku Shunsui and Ukitake Jūshirō expressed admiration for her abilities.
Tsunayashiro Tokinada felt as though he was being overtaken by some invisible erosion.
In the eyes of the Tsunayashiro family, Tokinada-as the last member-was insignificant, nothing but a pawn that could be discarded at any moment.
To them, he was merely a vessel, a tool created to carry on the bloodline and raise children on behalf of the corrupt Tsunayashiro house.
Each time he reflected on his position and the darkness revealed to him in the Great Soul Book's corridor, Tokinada's resentment deepened.
He had long known that the world was deeply corrupt-but Kakyo's ever-gentle smile and the naive idea that justice could be upheld and evil defeated alone only amplified his disgust.
Whether it was fortune or misfortune, the family elders had forbidden Tokinada from killing Kakyo-but then, an opportunity emerged.
For reasons unknown, the Tsunayashiro family's plans were discovered by another male Shinigami-one who held great affection for Kakyo. That night, in secret, the man summoned Tokinada to confirm what he had learned.
Tsunayashiro Tokinada made no effort to deny anything-instead, he explained it personally to the other man.
Once the man realized the truth, he fell into despair. Whether it was despair for Kakyo's fate, for Tokinada himself, or for the world's decay, Tokinada didn't know-but he enjoyed watching the man's expression twist beneath the weight of it.
However, perhaps overcome by guilt or desperation to protect Kakyo, the man eventually drew his Zanpakutō and challenged Tokinada to battle.
They were evenly matched, and their fight dragged on without resolution.
Eventually, the unexpected occurred.
Kakyo, searching for her missing husband, arrived without warning. The moment she appeared, both combatants lowered their weapons.
In that instant of lowered guard, Tokinada struck-his blade piercing Kakyo's body and continuing into the man's chest behind her.
Both dropped into the spreading pool of blood beneath them.
Tsunayashiro Tokinada's body trembled in unrestrained joy.
Kakyo... was dying at last.
He leaned in close and spoke to her with trembling delight.
"That's it... cry, curse me, despair... Before your life ends, point your Zanpakutō at me."
Despite her failing strength, Kakyo smiled lightly.
"Yes... I'm sorry... I couldn't clear away the dark clouds covering you."
With those final words, Kakyo closed her eyes.
Tokinada stood there frozen, staring at the bodies before him. The moment passed-and fury erupted from within him. He had not expected that ending. Rage overtook him, his body shaking uncontrollably.
"Even to the very end... you looked down on me?"
"You said it's because I couldn't see the stars... because I couldn't brush away the dark clouds... What nonsense, Kakyo."
"I've been the cloud from the beginning."
"No... I am the dark cloud!"
He snarled as his fury spilled out, his words choking from his throat.
"You called the stars beautiful-but what about the ugliness in the stardust as they burn to shine for each other?"
He kicked the male Shinigami's body with full force as if trying to extinguish everything he felt in the moment.
Eventually, his breathing stabilized and the surge of emotion settled.
"Such a shame, Kakyo... I wanted you to see the rot in this world."
"Your gentle nature was admirable-but believing in peace across this world... If you'd succeeded, I might've actually opened up to you. If so... then perhaps... I really did love you, didn't I?"
It was too late. The words would reach no one.
Afterward, for failing to protect the experimental subject Kakyo and for killing another Shinigami, Tokinada was declared "incompetent" by the Tsunayashiro elders. They moved to imprison him indefinitely.
In response, Tokinada offered one enormous lie: He claimed he had caught his wife in betrayal-witnessing her with another man-and killed her in rage.
Central 46 accepted the excuse and released him from punishment. He later severely wounded Kaname Tōsen, who had come to protest the injustice.
Soon after, someone appeared before Tsunayashiro Tokinada.
Through carefully arranged methods, he forced the truth into the open and had Tokinada imprisoned again.
It was Kyōraku Shunsui.
From that moment, Tokinada's life changed entirely.
In prison, he would later meet Dōgyūgen Aura-a woman who would become central to his ambitions.
…
Tsunayashiro Tokinada picked out parts of the story and explained them to Yuta.
After hearing it, Hideki Yuta replied calmly.
"In truth, the reason Kakyo was considered a genius and became the Tsunayashiro family's experimental subject was likely because of the presence of... Soul King fragments within her body, right?"
"The whole idea that the Perfection Technique is caused by some Hollow attacking the mother-leaving behind residual power passed on to the child-is false."
"It's because the child already carries the Soul King's fragments that she awakened the technique... and that power attracted Hollow attacks."
"The Tsunayashiro family wanted to produce gifted descendants-so they made you marry Kakyo to give birth to heirs."
Tokinada was visibly disturbed. He hadn't expected Yuta to know that much.
"So... you're quite well informed," he said slowly. "What do you think? The Tsunayashiro family imprisoned you simply because they feared your potential."
"Now we share the same goal. Join me... Let's eliminate every one of those old immortals in the Tsunayashiro family."
Tokinada's face twisted into a crazed grin as he made the offer.
…
Fifth Division Barracks
Even at this late hour, Aizen Sousuke's office remained brightly lit.
Perhaps because of the chill in the air, Sousuke wore a thin plaid shirt over his uniform as he worked at his desk.
With brush in hand, he continued writing under the light.
At that moment, he glanced toward the doorway.
It was beginning to open slowly-and standing just beyond it was a petite girl.
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