"Based on what I've found, the high noble Araki family actually fell into decline a hundred years ago. For a clan that big, they couldn't even produce a single person capable of becoming a Shinigami."
Aizen's expression turned serious.
Strictly speaking, it was still a bit early, according to his plans, to be poking at the Five Great Noble Houses. But using Naraku as a springboard to test the true depth of those nobles' foundations…
That would be useful prep for later.
Still, what would this guy do if he realized Aizen was using him?
Most likely he'd look utterly stunned, betrayed to the core.
An image rose unbidden in Aizen's mind—Naraku drawing his sword in fury, eyes filled with pain—and his expression grew a shade complicated.
For all his oddities, Naraku had always been genuine when it came to friendship—open-hearted, holding nothing back.
If the roles were reversed—if Naraku had been acting all this time, only to stab Aizen in the back at a crucial moment—what would he feel?
Probably frozen in place by a chill that went all the way down to his bones.
With that thought, Aizen frowned, vaguely irritated. He took a slow breath.
"About fifty years ago, when the Araki family was about to collapse completely, they somehow recruited a group of Shinigami from somewhere—Shinigami who'd never been registered in Seireitei."
"Things like that are common enough among nobles."
"Using their power, the Araki house rose again. In just a few decades, they regained their former status—and even surpassed it."
Naraku frowned, thinking. "That sounds… weirdly familiar, actually."
Aizen glanced at him in mild surprise. He hadn't expected a fresh recruit like Naraku to know that kind of inside baseball. Looked like his standing in the Central Prison wasn't bad at all.
"Got it!" Naraku smacked his fist into his palm. "Those criminals who get released early from the Central Prison!"
Every so often, the Central 46 issued orders to release certain "well-behaved" prisoners ahead of schedule.
Because of their past records, they'd never be accepted by the Gotei 13 or Kidō Corps. They usually ended up being recruited by nobles.
That was the official, aboveboard process.
There were also those who had no business being released—nobles, or Shinigami who'd cut deals with nobles.
From Shutara Senjumaru's standpoint, if the Central 46 issued the order, there had to be "a reason."
As long as it didn't touch her interests, she couldn't care less.
In her eyes, the Central Prison's biggest value was that it provided research material.
Why bother micromanaging a place full of holes top to bottom like a sieve, when she could spend that energy studying Naraku's body and soul instead?
Just like when Araki Makoto barged into the Intake Room, Shutara hadn't lifted a finger.
If Naraku hadn't literally charged him head-on, Araki Makoto never would've been thrown into the underground prison.
Aizen nodded. "You're close, but not the Central Prison."
"It was the Maggot's Nest."
Naraku's eyes went wide. Shock washed across his face.
"Exactly what you're thinking," Aizen said quietly.
He looked up, gaze fixed on the burning clouds outside the window. The fading orange light was stopped by the light film of his glasses; the red clouds slowly losing their color were like his thoughts unwinding.
"The Maggot's Nest is usually managed by the Second Division's Second Patrol Corps, and the Second Division captain is almost always the head of the Shihōin family."
"I know it's hard to believe, but if nothing else is off, the hand behind the Araki family is most likely one of the Five Great Noble Houses—"
"Shihōin."
Even if it meant using his friend a little, Aizen didn't hide anything he'd learned so far.
The Araki incidents really did have the Shihōin family's shadow behind them.
Just that estate-sized Kidō barrier alone wasn't something normal nobles could arrange.
Naraku left Fifth Division with a heavy heart, ignoring even the gate guard's greeting.
He still had doubts, sure—but Aizen wouldn't lie to him.
If anyone could manipulate a high noble, it would be one of the Five Great Houses. So why couldn't it be the Shihōin?
Just because Shihōin Yoruichi had thrown him an olive branch?
Judging from appearances alone, Yoruichi didn't seem like the type to pull strings and scheming big plays from the shadows.
No—wait.
Just from the way she talked about flipping Yamamoto's "tyranny" and ruling Soul Society, her ambition was already written all over her face.
Naraku's gaze hardened. Time to swap brains and think from a different angle.
...
...
"All of this is what you investigated and pieced together?"
Shutara looked at him with visible surprise, then her face shifted toward doubt.
"Heh. So you're telling me a guy who's either locked in the spirit-body chamber, getting beat up in First Division, or being whacked with a bamboo sword by Retsu still somehow found time to investigate, hm?"
Naraku didn't flinch. He straightened his back and nodded firmly.
Whether he'd led or just tagged along, he and Aizen might as well be father and son by conjugation at this point. No need to split hairs.
So yes—this was absolutely his painstaking investigation.
Shutara thought it over and decided not to dig deeper. Kids growing up and having a few little secrets was normal.
"Well then, since you've asked so sincerely, I suppose I'll be merciful and answer."
"First, you need to understand how the noble clans are built. Especially the so-called Five Great Houses—they're not united monoliths. They're divided into multiple factions inside."
Shutara somehow produced a cup of tea, took a sip, and looked pleasantly relaxed.
"For the sake of their own interests, internal strife is completely normal."
"If the current head is lacking in ability, it's only natural others will start thinking thoughts they shouldn't."
"You don't really think that dark-skinned brat came to 'assassinate' you for fun and then invited you to join her squad on a whim, do you?"
Naraku's eyes lit in realization. "So her position in the Shihōin clan isn't as glamorous as it looks."
"No, it's actually quite bad," Shutara snorted. "Being the first female head of the Shihōin family isn't exactly something everyone is happy to accept."
"She has to show ability and strength superior to every previous head. And judging from her performance so far… she still needs a bit more time."
"So."
Shutara's tone grew meaningful.
"Right now is the perfect time to invest. If you help Yoruichi-chan seize full control of the Shihōin clan, your future path really will be wide open."
"Brat, miss this chance and there won't be one down the road."
~~~
Hello! I've set up a Patreon Page where you can join my membership to read more. Thanks for reading!
Here's the Link:
–>Patreon.com/Weze_