The night before the Captain Proficiency Test, only a few candles provided meager light in the Tsunayashiro family's underground chamber.
In the center of the room, Tsunayashiro Jin stood with his back to the entrance, gazing up at an ancient painting. It depicted the One King and the Five Great Noble Houses at the world's dawn. Among the five houses, the Tsunayashiro occupied the most prominent portion of the canvas, as if flaunting their ambition.
Squeak…
The heavy stone door groaned open. The shadowy figure previously dispatched to manipulate Kuchiki Kōga slipped inside and knelt before Tsunayashiro Jin.
Emerging from his dream of a future where the Tsunayashiro alone would rule the Soul Society, Jin slowly turned. He wore a black kimono embroidered with the Tsunayashiro crest, idly twisting a string of purple prayer beads in his hand.
It seemed to be a common trait among villains—plotting in shadowy places while dressed head-to-toe in black.
"Ban'ya, your last mission was executed flawlessly."
Tsunayashiro Jin walked to his high-backed chair and sat, first offering praise to his subordinate, Ban'ya Tenshirō.
Proficient in infiltration and possessing a certain persuasive charm, Ban'ya was the perfect pawn for his schemes.
"Tomorrow is the day of the Captain Proficiency Test," Jin said, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest. "Do you believe the three candidates recommended by Kensei will pass?"
Ban'ya was silent for a moment, searching his memory for information on Kensei, Rose, and Love. "This subordinate dares not make a definitive claim. That sixth seat, Kensei Muguruma, has indeed demonstrated a genuine Bankai. It is possible the other two also…"
"If you suspect all three have mastered Bankai, why hesitate to say they will pass?"
"The identity of the presiding examiner remains unknown."
After hearing Ban'ya's words, Tsunayashiro Jin fell into brief contemplation before speaking. "Tomorrow, you will observe the proceedings. If all three fail, or only one passes, it will prove that Kenzuru's judgment is as poor as that old fool Yamamoto's."
"Then he would pose no threat to my plans."
Ban'ya nodded. "If so, we may continue our infiltration of the Gotei 13."
"Correct." A satisfied smile touched Jin's lips, his eyes glinting with calculation. "However, if all three pass…"
"Then it would mean Kenzuru's discernment is far sharper than that myopic old man Yamamoto's."
Ban'ya cupped his hands. "What is your meaning, my lord?"
"A talent of that caliber cannot be simply dismissed as an enemy." Tsunayashiro Jin turned his head, his fingers never ceasing their motion on the beads. "We must consider bringing him to our side. A young man with both power and the eye to recognize talent is of immeasurable value."
Ban'ya's expression remained neutral. "But as Yamamoto's student, how would you win him over, family head?"
"Ha." A cold smirk flashed across Jin's face. "Every man has desires. Those with desires can be swayed. Have you heard any rumors regarding Kenzuru's interests or hobbies?"
Ban'ya understood this was about tempting Kenzuru with offers. After a moment's thought, he replied, "From what this subordinate has gathered, Kensei Kenzuru is often seen in the company of Shihōin Yoruichi. Their relationship is close, and he frequently visits both the 4th and 12th Divisions."
"Furthermore, he has been seen accompanying Kyōraku Shunsui to izakayas."
Ban'ya paused, carefully choosing his next words:
"From these patterns, this subordinate deduces the man is likely hedonistic and fond of sensual pleasures. If we were to offer him beautiful women and treasure, surely we could—"
Thud!
Tsunayashiro Jin slammed the table, his voice thick with contempt. "Fool!"
Ban'ya flinched. Seeing Jin's face darken like storm clouds, he immediately lowered his head. "This subordinate is dull-witted…"
"You have the brain of a pig!" Jin stood, the prayer beads in his hand nearly cracking under his grip. "To suspect that Kensei Kenzuru—who has risen to prominence in such a short time—is some lust-addled simpleton is as laughable as doubting the success of my own plans!"
Jin's voice was icy, each word an axe-blow falling upon Ban'ya.
"What kind of man do you think Yamamoto is? As the Captain-Commander who has led the Gotei 13 for a millennium, would he choose a man of low character, a worthless hedonist, as his successor? Would he allow such a person to build a faction right under his nose?"
Taking a deep breath, a glint of admiration appeared in Tsunayashiro Jin's eyes, as if marveling at Kenzuru's cunning.
"Kenzuru's frequent contact with Shihōin Yoruichi is to access the covert operations unit under the Shihōin's control! And after the incident with Kuchiki Kōga, he has also forged ties with the Kuchiki clan. Of the Five Great Noble Houses, he is now on good terms with half of them!"
"As for drinking at izakayas, that was with Kyōraku Shunsui! Who is Shunsui? The leading figure among the newer generation of nobles!"
"The depth of this boy's schemes, the meticulousness of his planning—he is no ordinary man. In terms of wit alone, Kensei Kenzuru is not beneath me!"
"And you dare to think such a man is merely chasing pleasure!"
Hearing Jin's analysis, Ban'ya couldn't help but suck in a cold breath. He hadn't realized Kenzuru's usual demeanor was such an effective act, one that had even fooled him.
Thankfully, the family head saw through Kenzuru's deception with clarity, or they all might have been duped by that kid!
"A man like that cannot be swayed by mere beauty or treasure. Such offers would be an insult to him."
Tsunayashiro Jin took a deep breath, as if making a weighty decision.
"If tomorrow you judge Kenzuru to be worth recruiting, then give him a portion of our family's research findings related to Hollows."
Seeming to sense Ban'ya's unspoken protest, Jin let out a cold laugh.
"Do you think, once he possesses experimental data on Hollows, he can remain firmly on Yamamoto's side?"
The realization dawned on Ban'ya. Regardless of whether Kenzuru agreed later, simply handing him the Hollow research would be enough. With a little behind-the-scenes maneuvering, Central 46 would never let it go. Under that pressure, even Yamamoto would be forced to abandon Kenzuru.
And then, the family head would extend his invitation…
The family head's wisdom was profound indeed. Following him was the most correct decision of his life!
Filled with admiration, Ban'ya, now clear on his task, rose and withdrew. His form melted into the darkness like ink, vanishing from the secret chamber.
Silence once again reclaimed the underground room.
Tsunayashiro Jin sat alone in his high-backed chair, turning the now-cracked prayer beads, a malicious grin spreading across his face as he pictured the rift forming between Kenzuru and Yamamoto.
But then, remembering the frightening intelligence and guile he had just ascribed to Kensei Kenzuru, a shadow passed over his expression. His faint whisper echoed in the chamber.
"Kensei Kenzuru… is even Yamamoto just another piece on your board?"
Immediately, Tsunayashiro Jin dismissed his own worry as unnecessary.
Before absolute power, all schemes and plots are futile.
And very soon, he would grasp the absolute power of the Soul Society.
***
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