A suffocating silence ensued.
Immediately after, the Forty-Six Chambers erupted into chaos.
No one had expected Captain-Commander Yamamoto to burst in at this moment.
Some elders angrily stood up, accusing him one after another:
"Impudent! How dare you, Yamamoto Genryusai, trespass into the Forty-Six Chambers!"
"Guards! Quickly drag this audacious man out!"
However, long after their voices faded, there was still no movement from the open passage, no one walked in.
Only prolonged silence answered them.
The elders trembled with rage, a tremor mixed with fear of Yamamoto Genryusai and confusion about the current situation.
How dare a mere Captain-Commander…!
They knew that the guards outside could not possibly have disappeared, as they were all their trusted subordinates.
Their absence now could only mean one thing: they had all been dealt with by Yamamoto Genryusai.
Either knocked unconscious or killed.
Regardless of which, it was a tremendous challenge to their authority.
The atmosphere remained deadlocked.
At this moment, some elders from the Kuchiki Clan and Shihouin Clan, seated in the Forty-Six Chambers, frowned.
What exactly happened? Why would Yamamoto Genryusai do this?
They were firmly on the side of the Gotei faction...
Now, was it truly as some people said, that Yamamoto Genryusai was rebelling?
Is that why he concealed the existence of the artificial Shinigami, and why he burst into the Forty-Six Chambers at this critical moment, interrupting their meeting?
Next, he wouldn't kill them all, would he...?
All of this was truly incomprehensible, and an ominous premonition spread through everyone's hearts.
"Genryusai-dono."
An elder from the Kuchiki Clan, white-haired and stern-faced, pondered for a long while before slowly asking,
"May I ask, where have all the guards outside gone?"
He paused slightly, his gaze fixed on Yamamoto Genryusai,
"Also, why are you here?"
Yamamoto Genryusai squinted at him, seemingly recognizing the person, and his subsequent tone was uncharacteristically gentle, yet still carried a clear hint of nonchalance:
"Guards? Oh, you mean them."
"Don't worry, although their attitude was a bit rude, I didn't make things difficult for them. I sent them to rest, and they should be sleeping soundly right now."
After speaking, he raised his head, his gaze sweeping over everyone:
"As for why I am here... of course, it's to protect you."
Protect? This statement was somewhat absurd; how could breaking into the Forty-Six Chambers be called protection?
Some elders stiffened their necks, instinctively wanting to retort.
However, as if knowing how the elders would react after he finished that sentence, Yamamoto Genryusai interrupted them beforehand:
"Silence. You were just about to issue an arrest warrant for Nemu Kurotsuchi and other related individuals, weren't you... Humph, how foolish."
"I have no objection to you wanting to relieve Old Man of his Captain-Commander position."
"But there is one thing you absolutely cannot do."
Yamamoto Genryusai narrowed his eyes slightly, a hint of sharpness flashing in his gaze.
He spoke slowly, enunciating each word, his tone resolute:
"That is to destroy Nemu Kurotsuchi."
"Why?" The Kuchiki Clan elder raised an eyebrow slightly, his eyes full of confusion.
At this moment, not only him, but some elders who were indifferent to various incidents in the Seireitei also showed the same expression.
It seemed that the person Nemu Kurotsuchi had become a taboo.
To execute her, even Yamamoto Genryusai would be wary?
"There's no 'why,' it just cannot be done."
Yamamoto Genryusai's expression was normal, his tone as serious as if stating an indisputable fact:
"If you truly do that, not even Old Man Yama can protect you."
However, some elders didn't believe his words at all.
From their perspective, Yamamoto Genryusai was the strongest, so he could say whatever he wanted.
One must know that even the modified souls developed by Hikifune Kirio back then were destroyed by them batch after batch.
Why didn't he stand up to stop it then?
Standing up now...
Hmph.
To say there was no trickery involved, they would eat...
Thump thump.
Before their thoughts could settle, Yamamoto Genryusai once again raised his cane and heavily tapped it on the ground.
The dull sound pulled everyone's wandering thoughts back.
"Until this matter is completely resolved, you will quietly remain here."
"Do not go anywhere; this is also for your own safety."
"That's all. This is a notification, not a discussion."
As soon as these words were uttered, the atmosphere surrounding them grew even more absurd.
These elders were actually being "imprisoned" by a mere Captain-Commander!?
However, no one dared to doubt the veracity of these words.
At this moment, no one cared whether Yamamoto Genryusai's previous statement of "protection" was true.
They only knew that their lives were currently in his hands.
The entire Forty-Six Chambers was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop, as if even the air had solidified.
Those angry old men, seeing that no one dared to lead the resistance, though filled with countless unwilling thoughts, could only dejectedly sit back in their chairs.
They knew in their hearts that they had been utterly defeated in this confrontation—damn Yamamoto Genryusai!
If they could get out of here alive, they would definitely try every means to remove him from his position and make him pay for his actions today!
However, in this silence, some young nobles secretly held completely different thoughts from these elders.
It was the one who had previously held an opposing view.
He vaguely knew some of the truth.
Perhaps...
What Yamamoto Genryusai said about protection might not be unfounded; it could be true...
...
At the same time, near the Senkaimon.
Kyōraku Shunsui hurried towards the Eleventh Division with Kisuke Urahara.
Neither of them showed much anxiety on their faces, only a sense of helplessness about what was about to happen.
Kyōraku Shunsui spoke as he walked, adjusting his straw hat, his tone carrying a hint of complaint:
"Oh dear, Captain Urahara, your Third Seat has really caused us a lot of trouble."
"How do you plan to deal with this matter?"
"The existence of the artificial Shinigami has been revealed. I can already imagine Old Man Yama's furious outburst, cursing fools."
"Without a doubt, the punishment from the Forty-Six Chambers will be issued very soon."
"They might not do anything to Nemu Kurotsuchi, but Mayuri Kurotsuchi..."
"I understand." Kisuke Urahara nodded, "I anticipated something like this happening the moment she was born."
"Given Mayuri's personality... I just didn't expect it to be so soon, so early."
"It's just the creation of a 2.0 version of an artificial Shinigami."
"Don't worry, Captain Kyōraku, I will properly resolve this matter before the punishment is issued."
"Where is Mayuri now?"
Kisuke Urahara's words seemed casual, but Kyōraku Shunsui caught a few key phrases and frowned.
He already knew, given Mayuri's personality...
If this incident occurred because Mayuri Kurotsuchi was affected by the emergence of the 2.0 version of the artificial Shinigami.
Then does that mean all these changes were within Kisuke Urahara's expectations?
Did he even foresee Mayuri Kurotsuchi's challenge?
It was not impossible.
After all, no one understands themselves better than their competitor.
Although Kyōraku Shunsui really wanted to deeply consider Kisuke Urahara's motives for doing this.
But due to the urgency of the situation, he couldn't think too much and could only temporarily put this doubt aside, informing Kisuke Urahara of Mayuri Kurotsuchi's possible location.
—Either in the Eleventh Division or the Tenth Division.
However, when the two arrived at the Eleventh Division, they found it deserted and silent.
Only a few Shinigami were squatting on the ground, counting ants, looking as if they were questioning life itself.
Seeing this, Kyōraku Shunsui and Kisuke Urahara exchanged glances, understanding each other without words.
They knew that Kenpachi Kuruyashiki had probably been defeated.
Because those who were questioning life were precisely the Shinigami of the Eleventh Division.
The two did not inquire about the specific details of the battle; they immediately turned and hurried towards the Tenth Division.
...
On the other side.
Shiba Isshin returned later, so when Nemu Kurotsuchi arrived with Mayuri Kurotsuchi, he was not seen.
Considering that the Ninth Division was Yoriichi Tsugikuni's territory and they couldn't stay long, they proceeded towards the Eighth Division.
However, Kyōraku Shunsui of the Eighth Division was also absent.
After going around in circles, they arrived at the Seventh Division.
Just like decades ago, the Captain of the Seventh Division was still Love Aikawa, whose strength was only average among the Captains.
Because enough commotion had already been created, most Shinigami knew how formidable Nemu Kurotsuchi was.
So Mayuri Kurotsuchi didn't wait for the audience to gather and directly began the challenge. In less than a minute, Love Aikawa was declared defeated.
He didn't hold back; he truly was no match for Nemu Kurotsuchi.
The difference between Captains can sometimes be greater than the difference between a Captain and a Seat Officer.
Mayuri Kurotsuchi was very happy.
Such a swift battle meant that Nemu Kurotsuchi had grown again, and he couldn't wait to take her to the Sixth Division.
However, just then, Kisuke Urahara suddenly appeared at the end of the road, with Kyōraku Shunsui by his side.
When Mayuri Kurotsuchi saw him, his triumphant smile instantly froze, and his face became as ugly as if he had eaten a fly.
"Mayuri, why didn't you invite me to such an exciting Captain challenge? Am I not a Captain?"
Kisuke Urahara walked up to them and said with a smile.
His kind tone and expression seemed harmless, but they reminded Mayuri Kurotsuchi of the past, infuriating him to the extreme.
When he was tricked back then, Kisuke Urahara had the same expression and tone.
He gritted his teeth: "Kisuke Urahara, are you here to stop me?"
"Captain Kyōraku is here too; it seems you two conspired..."
Being interrupted just as a challenge begins would displease anyone.
However, at this moment, Mayuri Kurotsuchi suddenly thought of something, and the expression on his face instantly changed from anger to a cold sneer:
"Hmph hmph, it's too late to stop me now."
"Nemu has already challenged three Captains, and each time, she achieved a complete victory."
"I believe it won't be long before these messages spread throughout the entire Seireitei."
"I am stronger than you, Kisuke Urahara. Those inferior versions of artificial Shinigami you created should all be destroyed."
"Nemu is the unique, most perfect existence."
For something close to perfection, one is enough. Just like antiques, the fewer there are, the more valuable and precious they become.
Once there are too many flawed items, even the genuine articles themselves will be questioned, and their value will be greatly diminished.
Upon hearing this, Kisuke Urahara slightly curled his lips: "So, you wanted to make a big splash because of this?"
"Indeed, I admire your courage."
"But, Mayuri, I must warn you."
"Aren't you afraid of incurring Captain Tsugikuni's displeasure by so recklessly using his influence?"
"You should still remember the matter of scattering the upbringing rights to protect Nemu back then."
While many Captains were still wondering why Mayuri Kurotsuchi was so insane.
Kisuke Urahara saw through the true reason behind his madness at a glance—leveraging power.
He wanted to use Yoriichi Tsugikuni's power to suppress himself and prove himself.
Normally, he would never dare to do this; Yamamoto Genryusai and the Forty-Six Chambers, either one of them could ensure he would never rise again.
However, now, due to some reason, the two were in a temporary stalemate, which allowed Mayuri Kurotsuchi to exploit the loophole.
At the same time, as Nemu Kurotsuchi's "father," even if something truly unexpected happened in the future, facing Nemu Kurotsuchi's plea, Yoriichi Tsugikuni would certainly not stand idly by.
This is what is meant by a mother gaining status through her child… no, a father gaining status through his daughter.
This was undoubtedly a breach of rules.
What Kisuke Urahara needed to do now was to rectify this unhealthy trend, lest Mayuri Kurotsuchi's ambition swell further, eventually implicating the entire Twelfth Division.
"What do you mean by this?!"
Mayuri Kurotsuchi seemed to vaguely grasp the hidden meaning in Kisuke Urahara's words. He gritted his teeth and said, full of displeasure,
"Are you saying Nemu will eventually leave me?"
"I don't believe Captain Tsugikuni would do such a thing."
"What's wrong with using his influence? As his adopted daughter, Nemu has defeated so many Captains; he should be happy."
"In fact, it is precisely for this reason that I allowed Nemu to go to the Human World; she had been stagnant in the Twelfth Division for too long before this."
"Seventeen years of living anonymously, do you know how she feels? Do you know how I feel?"
"Because of some mere prohibitions… how ridiculous! How can science be shackled by these?!"
Mayuri Kurotsuchi spoke passionately, as if taking Nemu around to challenge others was for her own good.
He also elevated science, standing on the side of righteousness, seemingly to effectively avoid being held accountable by certain individuals.
But in Kisuke Urahara's ears, it was full of flaws.
Living anonymously, in reality, only meant not being able to reveal one's true identity.
Nemu was originally free, but Mayuri Kurotsuchi, for various reasons, made her lose her freedom.
Would Captain Tsugikuni be happy? Obviously not.
This was merely Mayuri Kurotsuchi's wishful thinking; because he was happy, he thought others would also be happy.
After all, their identities were almost identical.
But he forgot.
His attitude towards Nemu Kurotsuchi was that of a scientist towards his creation.
He simply wanted to see Nemu Kurotsuchi grow, wanted to see her defeat the vast majority of Shinigami to prove his success, nothing more.
This was completely different from true father-daughter affection.
It was no longer possible to persuade him. Kisuke Urahara understood that Mayuri Kurotsuchi no longer had the right to raise Nemu Kurotsuchi.
The various experiences over these past ten-plus years were not just observations of Nemu Kurotsuchi, but also a test for Mayuri Kurotsuchi.
A test of whether he could change his twisted personality after having a "child."
Now it seems… he completely failed.
"Enough, Nemu, I already understand your attitude. I don't want to hear another word you say from now on."
Kisuke Urahara interrupted Mayuri Kurotsuchi, his gaze noticing Yoriichi Tsugikuni walking from not far away, his voice becoming serious,
"Although I really don't want to admit it, Captain Kyōraku told me everything."
"Your actions have seriously crossed the psychological bottom line of many people."
"Do you know how much effort Captain-Commander Yamamoto expended to conceal this matter back then?"
"Now, you have exposed it all by yourself. Are you prepared to face the punishment from the Forty-Six Chambers?"
"No, before that, you still have to get past Captain-Commander Yamamoto."
Yamamoto Genryusai would certainly not let Mayuri Kurotsuchi off the hook.
If he were a Captain, it would be one thing, but he was merely a Third Seat.
A Third Seat causing such a huge mess, no matter how outstanding his research ability, he would be in deep trouble.
Mayuri Kurotsuchi's plea? Perhaps it could have worked before.
But now, to restrict Mayuri Kurotsuchi's actions, Kisuke Urahara had already made ample preparations.
Regarding this.
Mayuri Kurotsuchi was completely unaware, only thinking Kisuke Urahara was fearmongering. He had always been insensitive to political matters.
He was about to retort a few words when he heard footsteps from behind him.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni, who had left for a moment after receiving a message, slowly approached.
Recalling what Kisuke Urahara had just told him via the Denreishinki…
He looked at Mayuri Kurotsuchi, who had turned to face him, his tone unreservedly cold, as if regretting his previous careful consideration:
"Mayuri, come with me. Your deeds have been exposed."
"Unauthorized human experimentation, unauthorized use of subordinate Shinigami as experimental subjects, and unauthorized capture of Quincy in the Human World for research…"
"I find it hard to imagine that these are things a Shinigami would do."
"What do you consider life to be?"
What Mayuri Kurotsuchi considered life to be, no one present except him knew.
However, it was clear that Mayuri Kurotsuchi's face was becoming increasingly grim.
Mayuri Kurotsuchi could not believe hearing these accusations against him from Yoriichi Tsugikuni's mouth.
How could this be?
When was it exposed?! Unauthorized human experimentation and unauthorized use of Shinigami as experimental subjects were one thing.
If one became a Shinigami and didn't even have a spirit of dedication, what kind of Shinigami were they?
The main thing was the latter.
The Quincy matter.
He had indeed captured some Quincy, but it was done secretly, as an agreement of non-interference had been signed with the Quincy a few years prior.
Although the agreement was only verbal and Shinigami could unilaterally break it, there still had to be some decorum.
Furthermore, those who could break it were Yamamoto Genryusai and others, but definitely not him.
His actions were similar to a subordinate killing a transaction target without the boss's knowledge.
No boss could ignore such behavior, which is why he had always kept it hidden.
He didn't expect…
Mayuri Kurotsuchi subconsciously took half a step back. Due to his crimes being exposed, facing Yoriichi Tsugikuni's arrest, he, who was usually calm and collected, lost his basic judgment.
He knew he was finished, but he still wanted to grasp at the last straw.
His anxious gaze looked towards Nemu Kurotsuchi beside him.
However, at the same time, his peripheral vision suddenly caught Kisuke Urahara's calm expression…
As if he had expected it all along.
Immediately.
He was furious.
"Kisuke Urahara! It was you!"
At this moment, Kisuke Urahara had no intention of denying it. He nodded slightly, his voice calm: "It was me."
Hearing this, Mayuri Kurotsuchi's unwilling voice sounded again:
"Why did you harm me? Kisuke Urahara, are you afraid that I will surpass you?!"
"Harm you? What are you talking about? Do you dare to admit that you haven't done these things? If you don't want others to know, don't do it, Third Seat Mayuri."
Kisuke Urahara's expression was indifferent as he stated the facts, "Actually, I could have exposed these crimes years ago, but I've been waiting."
"Waiting for you to awaken, because Nemu cannot be without a father, even if only a nominal one."
"But unfortunately, you disappointed me, no, you disappointed all of us."
Kisuke Urahara sighed, "The reason science is science is because it can explore truth."
"I know very well that sacrifices are inevitable on the path of exploration, but the existence of sacrifices does not mean one can act recklessly."
"We are Shinigami; we don't have to unearth truth in just a few decades like humans."
"So, there's no need to be so extreme."
"This is also the shared philosophy of me and all members of the Twelfth Division, except for… you."
Kisuke Urahara looked at Mayuri Kurotsuchi, his tone seeming much lighter after having spoken his mind.
He shook his head and continued:
"You can say you did this to surpass me, but I don't seem to have given an order for you to surpass me…"
"Nemu, having fallen to this point, do you feel that all of this is your own doing? For so-called honor, ambition."
Kisuke Urahara's words undoubtedly touched the most sensitive part of Mayuri Kurotsuchi's heart.
He had indeed done all this at any cost to catch up with Kisuke Urahara.
But he did not believe he had done anything wrong, because this was science.
This was also one of his personality traits, but unfortunately, this trait was not suitable for the current Seireitei.
His teeth gritted audibly. Mayuri Kurotsuchi wanted to retort but didn't know where to begin.
At this moment, Nemu Kurotsuchi, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly spoke.
Her voice carried a faint tremor, as if she found Mayuri Kurotsuchi's actions hard to believe:
"Lord Mayuri, why did you do this? Is everything Captain Urahara said true?"
"Why did you harm innocent lives?"
Nemu Kurotsuchi found it difficult to understand, because in her memory, there were some older brothers and sisters who played with her when she was little.
But they all disappeared when she grew up.
She originally thought they had retired or been transferred to other divisions.
She never expected that they might have died, killed by Lord Mayuri?
How could she accept this?
"No! It's…"
Mayuri Kurotsuchi's expression twisted. He took half a step back, desperately wanting to say that this wasn't harming, that making sacrifices for science was their duty.
However, with Yoriichi Tsugikuni right beside him, he didn't dare to say those words aloud.
He felt that once he said it, there would be no room for maneuver.
Damn it, why did things turn out this way?
"Not what? Mayuri, even now, are you still trying to quibble?"
Kisuke Urahara's gaze, tinged with a hint of sorrow, observed Mayuri Kurotsuchi's changing expression.
Seeing that he seemed to have no intention of repenting, Kisuke Urahara sighed deeply and nodded to Yoriichi Tsugikuni:
"I'll trouble you, Captain Tsugikuni. Please take him away now."
"Captain-Commander Yamamoto should be impatient."
As he spoke, he noticed Nemu Kurotsuchi showing signs of wanting to speak and immediately interrupted:
"Nemu, you are not allowed to plead for him."
"The challenges can also stop. Unless, you genuinely enjoy fighting, but honestly, do you really like it?"
"There are so many wonderful things in the world waiting for you to experience. Why not choose to do things that make you happy?"
"You are free, Nemu."