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Soul Society.
Outside District 1 of West Rukongai, the Shiba.
Everyone else had sensibly left the room, leaving only Aozaki Reiji, Matsumoto Rangiku, Ichimaru Gin, Shiba Isshin, Kyōraku Shunsui, and Lisa Yadomaru seated.
Everyone appeared very relaxed.
Aozaki Reiji took a sip of tea, glanced at Lisa Yadomaru who was looking at a strange publication, then turned to Kyōraku Shunsui and smiled:
"I wonder why Senior Brother has come here. Just say whatever you want to say!"
Looking at his Senior Brother, who had a listless expression, Aozaki Reiji felt a little amused.
With so many Captains in the Gotei 13, they had picked him, the laziest one, to handle this matter.
Aside from the Eighth Division's responsibilities being somewhat related to this matter, it was also because he was both a high-ranking noble and exceptionally capable.
That's why those nobles were willing to trust him.
Purely wishful thinking.
Kyōraku Shunsui chuckled:
"You really don't know what happened?"
He picked up his teacup and took a small sip, his deep gaze sweeping across the faces of Reiji and the other two, his expression gradually becoming serious.
Aozaki Reiji shook his head,
"I only know it's related to the Soul Burial Internship and the great nobles. I truly don't know much else."
Kyōraku Shunsui nodded,
"Our purpose in coming here this time is because of this matter."
"Five days ago, during the Soul Burial Internship, an incident occurred that shook the higher echelons of the Seireitei."
"Tsunayashiro Asaho, a Shin'o Academy student participating in the Soul Burial Internship, met with an accident during the internship... and died on the spot."
The moment the words fell, Aozaki Reiji's face changed drastically, and he suddenly stood up.
"What? How is this possible!?"
Ichimaru Gin and Matsumoto Rangiku both showed expressions of shock, as if they had heard something unbelievable.
Shiba Isshin, who was already overwhelmed by this matter, was solely focused on how to solve the problem and completely failed to notice the trio's expressions.
Meanwhile, Lisa Yadomaru was distracted, reading an extracurricular book, her mind already miles away.
Only Kyōraku Shunsui seemed to sense something, and the smile on his lips suddenly became meaningful.
"The attack on a Tsunayashiro Family member is still classified, but Teacher has already received orders from Central 46 to thoroughly investigate this matter."
Kyōraku Shunsui sighed,
"We went to the crime scene, but we haven't found any useful clues yet."
"However, what we can deduce is that the attacker's strength is extremely powerful... Tsunayashiro Asaho's time from the start of combat to her death was no more than five minutes."
"We have come here this time to ask you for any relevant clues."
Saying this, Kyōraku Shunsui stroked his chin, observing Reiji's expression.
Reiji imitated him, stroking his chin and thinking for a moment before murmuring:
"I remember that young lady brought two seated officer-level guards when she participated in the Soul Burial Internship, and she herself had the strength of a high-ranking seated officer."
"To be able to kill her under the protection of guards, and from engagement to death in less than five minutes... Such a feat, even an ordinary Vice-Captain probably couldn't achieve."
"Speaking of which, during the Soul Burial Internship, I did feel two powerful spiritual pressures erupt. It seems that was them fighting!"
"No, those two spiritual pressures were not Tsunayashiro Asaho's!"
At this moment, Matsumoto Rangiku suddenly interrupted:
"Those were the spiritual pressures of the two guards. They were in my group during the graduation test; I felt their spiritual pressures!"
"Is that so? I really wasn't aware of that."
Aozaki Reiji spoke in a deep voice:
"But since something like this happened during this internship, as examinees, we really can't say we're unrelated..."
"We are willing to cooperate with Senior Brother's work, but this is all I can think of. Is there anything else we can help you with?"
Shiba Isshin was very satisfied with Reiji's attitude and nodded:
"Hmm, actually, we've screened suspects with such capabilities, but we haven't found anything yet."
"However, from what we learned from the students and teachers, there was a Hollow of considerable strength in that area at the time."
"This time, our visit to the Shiba is also to conduct further investigation, considering the circumstances, as you had contact with Tsunayashiro Asaho before the Soul Burial Internship."
"...I see."
Aozaki Reiji suddenly understood and nodded in agreement.
"It is said that you gave Miss Asaho a gift during the exam..."
Kyōraku Shunsui gently tapped the table with his finger and asked with interest:
"You two seemed to be chatting happily at the time. I want to know what exactly you gave her?"
As his words fell, Kyōraku Shunsui saw Aozaki Reiji's expression change slightly, looking as if he wanted to speak but hesitated.
"Senior Brother, can this not be said? It concerns Junior Brother's reputation..."
Aozaki Reiji spoke slowly, his expression exceptionally complex.
"I don't know you? What reputation could you possibly have?"
Kyōraku Shunsui found it amusing, chuckled, and said disdainfully:
"Alright, you just need to tell Senior Brother alone, and I will keep it a secret for you."
"Alright then..."
Aozaki Reiji sighed, pulled a card from his In arms, and glanced at Lisa Yadomaru, saying awkwardly:
"This is the gift I gave her."
Feeling Aozaki Reiji's gaze, Lisa Yadomaru looked back.
The moment she saw the card, she seemed to remember something, and her pretty face instantly turned crimson. She quickly covered her face with the publication.
"Oh, a business card?" Kyōraku Shunsui noticed Lisa Yadomaru's unusual reaction and, looking at the content on the card, couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
This kid is truly a genius. How could he come up with such a good idea? He really doesn't let go of either people or money.
It's a shame that this line of work has such high rigid requirements; I'm afraid I can't do it.
Business cards are abundant and not particularly important. Even if one isn't found on the deceased, it can't be used as evidence; who knows if it was thrown into some corner. However, to save the face of the "Genryu" school, Kyōraku Shunsui only glanced at it quickly before putting the card into his pocket.
Then, his expression suddenly became indescribably strange, and he quietly asked: "You do this kind of business, will your old man, the teacher, agree?"
"Am I afraid of him?"
Aozaki Reiji's face was arrogant, and he said haughtily:
"Let alone now, even if I become a seated officer, Vice-Captain, Captain, or even the Captain-Commander in the future, I will still do this job. I want to see who dares to stop me."
"Little Brother, you are truly brave," Kyōraku Shunsui praised.
"Just kidding, why don't you go ask around in Kagarashi District and the Shin'o Academy? I, Aozaki Reiji, am super brave, okay!"
Aozaki Reiji said proudly, puffing out his chest, almost pointing his nostrils at Kyōraku Shunsui.
A deep voice suddenly echoed in the room:
"Aozaki Reiji, come to the Squad One Barracks next month. I want to see how brave you are."
Aozaki Reiji suddenly turned his head, looking at Kyōraku Shunsui with a surprised expression.
He saw Kyōraku Shunsui take out a small, exquisite metal disc inlaid with a jewel from his person, the jewel emitting a strange luster.
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