Chapter 163: Chapter 163 ⥤ Aesthetics, We're Serious About This!
At Kaname's sincere request, Akira reluctantly agreed to let him stay in the 11th Division.
The main reason was that Aizen, after emerging from the training hall, had discovered the potential in Kaname's soul and persuaded Akira to keep him.
As the future captain of the 9th Division, Kaname's talent was undeniable. Even as a mere Seated Officer, he had managed to defeat his own Captain, Lieutenant, and numerous other Seated Officers.
Though the Captain was Kensei, who wasn't one to waste time with weaklings, this feat still demonstrated Kaname's exceptional talent and strength.
Since Kaname had inherited Suzumushi after his friend's death, he needed only a standard Shihakushō.
According to Akira's understanding, an Asauchi functioned like a login device — the Shinigami's soul serving as username and password. One had to obtain an unclaimed Asauchi and engrave their soul's essence into it to create their own Zanpakutō.
No two souls in existence were identical. Thus, even the same Asauchi would become different Zanpakutō in different wielders' hands.
Tetsuzaemon took Kaname under his wing.
As the 3rd Seat, guiding new members was his duty. He vowed to complete this task flawlessly, determined not to fail his lord's trust.
Akira deeply valued such unwavering loyalty in his subordinates.
Unlike a certain Kisuke, who despite having talent, time, and energy, only thought about slacking off — showing no dedication whatsoever.
However, the Kaname incident sparked an inspiration in Akira.
With his maxed-out charisma, convincing capable officers to follow him shouldn't be difficult. Why not venture into Rukongai to gather powerful warriors under his command?
After all, hadn't old man Genryūsai done the same when establishing the Gotei 13?
Besides, if charisma failed, he could always beat them into submission.
Several promising candidates came to Akira's mind. With Kaname now in their ranks, they couldn't pass up Sajin Komamura — a powerful warrior who would make an excellent addition to their team.
There was also Zaraki Kenpachi, the battle-crazed warrior who had been roaming the Zaraki District for centuries.
Having identified his targets, Akira summoned the 4th, 5th, and 6th Seats of his division.
"Lord Tsukiyomi, what are your orders?"
"Are we going on another mission?!"
"Yay, we can go cut people with our lord!"
The atmosphere in the 11th Division was electric.
With a single downward gesture from Akira, the room fell silent — a testament to his absolute authority within the division.
Looking at his men's fanatical expressions, he realized they would probably charge the 1st Division without hesitation if he ordered them to attack his master's prized bald eagle…
And he'd end up attending their premature funerals.
Ahem...
"Gather a team and follow me out!" Akira commanded, leaving the arrangements to his 4th, 5th, and 6th Seats.
The Seated Officers erupted in beast-like cheers of excitement. They had witnessed their Captain's wild, valiant fighting style during bandit-suppression missions — a perfect embodiment of violent aesthetics.
A feast for the eyes!
Following their Captain's orders, all combat-ready Shinigami of the 11th Division quickly assembled on the grass before the division quarters.
Akira surveyed the spirited crowd with satisfaction and waved his hand.
"Everyone, set out for Rukongai!"
Aizen watched the departing crowd with surprise, "Weren't all the rebels in Rukongai eliminated? Could there be a Hollow invasion?"
Akira sneered, "This great one is going to Rukongai to recruit powerful warriors. When my wings are fully grown, that will be the time to launch a counterattack against Yama-jii. Sōsuke, yesterday you gave me the cold shoulder — tomorrow I'll make you unable to reach my level. You'll spend the rest of your life in regret!"
Aizen: "..."
This guy was going crazy again.
His previous refusal to join the 11th Division had clearly been weighing on him, and he still couldn't let it go.
"By the way, Sōsuke." Before leaving, Akira suddenly turned back, "Make sure to tell Kisuke, if there's still only a folder when I return, the consequences will be severe."
Aizen nodded.
Though Kisuke liked to fool around, he knew exactly where his talents lay. A gravity room with adjustable controls would indeed be the perfect training ground for Akira.
Between his and Kisuke's abilities, they could construct the basic framework quickly, leaving the finer details for later refinement.
The 11th Division set out in grand fashion.
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Due to their large numbers, news of their departure swiftly reached the 1st Division.
When Genryūsai heard about it, his blood pressure shot up instantly — he nearly yanked Ryūjin Jakka from beneath the furnace to chase them down himself.
"Chōjirō, tell Kyōraku to follow them and keep watch," his authoritative voice echoed through the office. "Don't let that unruly disciple cause any more major incidents."
Genryūsai had absolute faith in his disciple's talent for causing trouble.
After all, this was the same person who'd managed to draw out a Vasto Lorde — unseen in Soul Society for centuries — during what should have been a simple missing soul investigation.
What couldn't he do?
Soon after, Shunsui departed his quarters wearing a bitter expression, pursuing the path the 11th Division had taken.
He had to revise his earlier assessment of Akira.
Since becoming captain of the 11th Division, that man hadn't given anyone a moment's peace. Every single day was spent either cleaning up his messes or rushing to prevent new ones.
Oh, the suffering! The sorrow!
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A crowd of Shinigami under Akira's leadership marched grandly from Seireitei toward the outer districts of Rukongai.
Originally, he had planned to head straight to the Zaraki District to search for Zaraki.
But after careful thought, Akira realized Zaraki wasn't one to stay put in one place. The chance of him remaining in the 80th District for centuries was about as likely as Akira defeating the old man with a single punch and claiming his throne!
So Akira decided to seek other powerful warriors first.
He had a special method for finding people.
Under his men's watchful eyes, he produced an altar table, teacups, ceremonial wands, incense, and other ritual items from his waistband.
"I know this one — Lord Magistrate's exclusive technique, Summoning People!"
"Wrong! This is God Summoning!"
"As expected of Lord Magistrate, we adore you!"
Fine black shadows rose into the air and, under Akira's Reiatsu, formed into a giant right hand filled with divine aura. It hovered above the altar table, its indifferent single eye gazing down at the crowd below.
An invisible pressure swept across the plain, instantly silencing the noisy troops. The men stared in awe at the giant hand in the sky, gaining a deeper appreciation of their Captain's abilities.
"To casually summon deities — something even Captain-Commander Yamamoto cannot do — truly worthy of Lord Magistrate!"
Akira explained his requirements to the entity.
The shadow paused, its deep single eye studying the youth before it. Only after a sheepish smile crossed Akira's face did it slowly turn away.
In the next moment, tree branch-like black patterns spread across the ground, stretching to the horizon.
Shortly after, the shadow drew back, whispering in Akira's ear in a detached, disjointed tone to reveal the location.
As the words faded, the shadow began to dissipate — but not before collecting its offering. It paused again when it saw what the offering was.
The complete collection of "Seireitei Communication". Each time, the offerings seemed to grow more outrageous...
A sigh echoed in the void as the shadow took away the books, and the pressure on the plain instantly dissipated.
"My minions!" Seeing that Mimihagi had left, Akira regained his spirits and waved his hand, "East Rukongai, 48th District, let's move out!"
The warriors responded in unison, their voices thundering like lightning. The group marched magnificently toward their destination in Rukongai.
Soon, under Akira's guidance, the 11th Division soldiers arrived at a mountain forest. Being in the front districts, the area wasn't desolate — villages dotted the horizon.
The group of Shinigami spread out, searching for wandering warriors who matched their image of a mighty fighter.
Though the 11th Division's officers lacked skill in tracking or Kidō, they made up for it with boundless energy and enthusiasm.
Before long, the 4th Seat located a target and notified his Captain.
"On the other side of the forest, we've discovered a humanoid creature wandering about."
Akira's curiosity was piqued by the 4th Seat's strange choice of words.
Could this warrior, acknowledged by his deity, be some rare beast?
Led by the 4th Seat, the group trekked through mountains and valleys until they discovered the "humanoid creature" he'd mentioned.
A towering figure — nearly as tall as Jidanbō Ikkanzaka — stood before them, wrapped in coarse light blue garments. White bandages wound around its head, completely concealing its true appearance.
Though little Reiatsu could be sensed, its physique alone radiated intense pressure.
"To think you've chased me here." A deep, resonant voice emerged from beneath the bandages, "Do we truly not deserve to exist in this world?"
Sharp eyes shot out like arrows from behind the wrappings, fixing upon the 11th Division's warriors.
Seeing they had been discovered, everyone emerged from the forest.
Watching more and more Shinigami appear, the giant creature's heart sank with intense despair.
His father's words had indeed come true. The Wolfman Clan that left their secluded dwelling could never survive in Soul Society. The Souls and Shinigami outside were always filled with malice toward their fierce appearances — this had nothing to do with good or evil, nor with justice.
Seeing the other's unique appearance, Akira immediately recalled one of his objectives for this trip.
"Doggy?"
Giant creature: "?"
"Big dog?"
Giant creature: "... I am of the Wolfman Clan, not a big dog!"
The other's reaction was quite intense, clearly hitting a sore spot.
"That's right." Akira nodded, "Whether wolfman or big dog, you're the one I'm looking for. Come with me to become a Shinigami in the Seireitei."
At this, the other's sharp eyes emanated a beast's aura as he warily sized up the outstanding foe among the crowd.
After observing for a moment, he shook his head, "No, I don't know you. Besides, if you see my true face, you will surely attack me."
Seeing his invitation refused, Akira smirked, "No point in talking more. I'll just beat you up and take you back."
With those words, he tore off the upper half of his Shihakushō, revealing a perfect muscular body, and strode toward the humanoid creature with determined steps.
Sharp eyes shot over again as a deep warning rang out.
"Stop there, Shinigami. If you come any closer, I won't be polite!"
Akira stomped his foot, causing the ground to cave in and sending out a ring of white spiritual waves.
The humanoid creature's pupils contracted as he sensed this man wasn't someone to be trifled with. He immediately unleashed powerful Reiatsu, crushing down toward the front.
Feeling the quality and strength of this Reiatsu, Akira's eyes lit up.
As expected of a warrior chosen by his boss — even without systematic training from the Shin'ō Academy, he still possessed such strong Reiatsu.
If given some training by himself, wouldn't he become strong enough to beat Kisuke?
No way out — even if he had to be tied up, he had to be brought back!
A giant hand attacked, its shadow falling as if it could cover Akira's head.
Bang!
He met it straight on, his right hand colliding perfectly with it.
In an instant, spiritual waves exploded from the point of impact, shock waves raging wildly!
The division members burst into shouts and cheers, excitedly watching the contest of strength.
This was what they lived for — a battle of pure power.
Unfortunately, the difference in strength was too vast. The opponent lasted barely a second before Akira's Thunder God Palm flipped him over.
The enormous body crashed to the ground with a thunderous impact, sending dirt and dust flying. The bandages covering his head scattered, revealing his beast-like face to all.
A deafening silence fell.
A self-mocking smile crossed the beast-like face, "See? Even Shinigami can't accept such an ugly face. Now do you still want to invite me to become one of y—"
But before he could finish, excited voices erupted from the crowd.
"How wild, how fierce!"
"To think Soul Society has such an admirable appearance!"
"Lord Magistrate, please let this guy join our Eleventh Division!"
"Powerful, so powerful!"
Akira stood in place, picking his ear disdainfully, "You think the Eleventh Division is made up of inferior beings who judge by appearances? Dead wrong — we only care about loyalty and honor! Rookie, state your name."
Hearing the cheers around him, he stood there stunned, only coming back to his senses when prompted.
"Sajin Komamura..."
Akira grinned, extending his right hand to the big dog on the ground.
"Welcome to the Eleventh Division, Doggy..."
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