IDKjust
patreon
Chapter 330 B
🕑 Added 2025-04-26 15:00:21 +0000 UTCChapter 330
2-in-1 chapter:
----------------------
Kaelith moved over to the current captains.
Ukitake Jūshirō sat up with effort.
“Kaelith, thank you.”
After being revived by the 4th Division, Kyōraku had filled him in on what had happened.
Ukitake was filled with emotion.
If not for his junior, he probably wouldn’t have survived this time. Thinking back, as the senior disciple, he had rarely helped Kaelith over the years—on the contrary, it was Kaelith who had often supported him.
He truly felt ashamed.
Unlike Ukitake, Kyōraku had no such emotional burden.
Seeing Kaelith, he grinned.
“Kaelith, that battle of yours really opened my eyes. I always thought old man Yamamoto was invincible. Didn’t expect someone to rival his ferocity.”
“Keep it up—I’m looking forward to the day you take him down and give him a solid thrashing!”
“If you need a hand, your dear senior is here to back you up!”
Kaelith nodded: “Good. I recorded all that—let’s play it back for Sensei later so everyone can enjoy it.”
“Ah?”
Kyōraku’s face paled, chest hair quivering.
Unohana looked at Kaelith with a soft, admiring smile.
When Kaelith noticed her gaze, she lowered her head modestly.
Hirako Shinji stood silently in a corner, hands in his sleeves, looking at Kaelith with a complicated expression. That night—had Kaelith not stepped up and crushed the Abyssal Maw with his massive shadow fortress, half of Seireitei’s ordinary Shinigami might’ve died.
He still remembered Kaelith, covered in blood, charging around the battlefield, slaughtering the Convicted from Hell.
Whether Kaelith had done it for Seireitei, for Yamamoto, or for someone else entirely—at that moment, he couldn’t help but admire Kaelith’s bravery and resolve.
Could such a person truly be evil?
Hirako fell into thought.
From his hospital bed, Shiba Shōta gave Kaelith a thumbs-up.
He now found Kaelith utterly likable.
Looking back, it was a wise move to shamelessly push Shiba Isshin onto him. If not for that, how would Isshin have grown so strong at such a young age?
Without Kaelith’s guidance, would that kid be captain of Squad 6? Now that he was injured like this, he clearly couldn’t continue as captain.
He had only a few years left anyway—pushing on might’ve meant dying in the line of duty. The Shiba family had Isshin, and perhaps someday Kaien too—what did he have to worry about?
Retiring early meant enjoying life early!
Mayuri bared his teeth at Aizen. During the Hell invasion, he hadn’t gone to the battlefield—he stayed in his lab. The reason was simple: he was competing with Aizen to see who could come up with a method to seal off Hell first.
No need to ask who won.
Even worse—he’d heard from Kaelith that Aizen had been doing backup support while doing research.
Mayuri felt like Komamura had just been violated.
Unacceptable. Absolutely unacceptable!
This bastard multitasked and still outdid him!
Why be born Mayuri when Aizen exists?
Aizen quite enjoyed Mayuri’s jealousy, though he maintained an aloof appearance.
Just then, Yamamoto walked in.
Seeing him, both current and original captains fell silent. Under their watchful gaze, Yamamoto sat down on an empty hospital bed at the front.
Placing his hands on his cane, his gaze swept over the room.
“Everyone, well done.”
“In this war against Hell, through bloodshed and struggle, we have secured victory! Once the Kidō Corps completes the barrier, Hell will no longer be able to peek into our Soul Society!”
Everyone smiled.
After summarizing the losses of the war, Yamamoto looked at Aizen.
“Aizen Sōsuke.”
“Yes.”
Aizen bowed his head.
“Would you be willing to accept the position of 10th Division Captain?”
At that, many glanced toward Shiba Shōta lying in bed.
Seeing his miserable state, they all silently agreed.
Yes, time to replace him. Better that than dying on the job.
However, Aizen shook his head.
“Apologies, Captain-Commander. My current ability is limited, and I cannot take on a captain’s responsibilities. Also, I’m deeply attached to the 5th Division and wish to continue assisting Captain Hirako.”
“I must respectfully decline.”
Yamamoto nodded and dropped the matter.
Hirako’s eye twitched.
“Deeply attached”? “Wants to assist me”? This bastard probably suspects something and wants to monitor me up close!
If he finds anything, he might just kill me!
Thinking of how Aizen had silenced Muguruma Kensei at a captain’s meeting with just spiritual pressure, Hirako broke into a cold sweat.
........................
..
.
In the days that followed, the Kidō Corps tirelessly sealed all open paths between Hell and Soul Society.
From then on, if Hell wanted to interfere again, they would have to open the Gates of Hell directly.
The massive spiritual buildup and preparation would give Soul Society ample time to respond.
And the most dangerous wielder of a Zanpakutō from Hell, Kuruyashiki Kenpachi, wouldn’t be able to release his Zanpakutō for at least six months.
Kaelith had fully returned to his old self—energetic and lively.
He led Squad 11, played around with little Soifon, sparred with Yamamoto—living his best life.
Under Yamamoto’s arrangements, the three original captains each received assignments.
Shihōin Chika led the Punishment Force around Soul Society, searching for any Convicted who might have slipped in.
Saitō Furōfushi had initially wanted to return to Squad 6 as a musclehead.
But after a few days, she said the vibe wasn’t the same as before—she couldn’t stand it. After checking around, she, a noble-born former captain, chose to join Squad 11.
Kaelith was amused.
“Saitō, you’re really a noble?”
“Hmm? You don’t believe me?”
The pink-haired girl grinned. “Wanna fight to see if I’m the real deal?”
Kaelith just chuckled.
If fighting skill made you noble, Aizen would be the head noble.
After joining Squad 11, Saitō sparred daily with the seated officers. After going a full round with them all, her gaze toward Kaelith grew strange.
This guy… all his subordinates are this strong?
Is something wrong with this Squad 11?
Batsu'unsai Katori didn’t join Squad 11. Instead, she went to Squad 4.
With Unohana—though she called her Unohana Yachiru instead, by her side, she felt more at peace.
At least she didn’t feel like a relic from another era. Learning healing arts from Unohana allowed her soul, which had wandered in Hell for centuries, a rare moment of peace.
In her free time, she often made Kaelith’s favorite dishes and brought them to Squad 11.
Kaelith happily declared she was acting like his girlfriend.
Though Batsu'unsai Katori found the term a bit odd, she had to admit—after a lifetime of battle with no romance, this tingling ambiguity was strangely exciting.
That day, she once again brought a basket to Squad 11.
After thanking her, Kaelith opened it.
Inside were well-prepared dishes—clearly made with care. A few of his favorites were missing, but Kaelith didn’t mind. In Soul Society, he could chow down on just about anything.
Back at the Shin'ō Academy, he’d stolen endless snacks from Kuchiki Sōjun with this ability. He pulled out the food and happily ate while reviewing the homework Aizen had assigned.
At that moment, Batsu'unsai Katori spoke lightly:
“Kaelith-san, is there any food you particularly like? I’d like to try making it~”
Hearing this, Kaelith paused his chopsticks and looked up.
Seeing that she wasn’t joking, he felt his heart sink.
He smiled and listed a few favorite dishes. After she left, he closed the book in his hand and flash-stepped toward the Department of Technology.
“So that’s how it is. I have a rough understanding of the situation.”
Aizen sat in his chair, having listened carefully to Kaelith’s explanation.
For half a month, Kakutori Bayunsai had been cooking for Kaelith, always preparing dishes tailored to his tastes.
But today, she suddenly asked Kaelith if there were any particular foods he liked.
Kaelith felt uneasy.
“Sōsuke, could this have something to do with the power of Hell? Is it possible that Hell’s will is trying to reestablish a connection with her, causing her memory issues?”
Hearing this, Aizen fell silent, seemingly deep in thought.
After several seconds, he looked at Kaelith.
“In fact, I learned about this two days ago.”
Kaelith froze.
Under his gaze, Aizen stood up, walked over to the file cabinet, and retrieved a document.
“Two days ago, Shihōin Chika came to me. He said he had forgotten something important. As the original Captain of the 2nd Division, founder of the Stealth Force, he has many commendable habits.”
“One of them is leaving coded messages around his operating areas. This allows him to confirm that the area hasn’t been tampered with—and also serves as a makeshift reminder.”
“At first, it was just small, daily things he forgot.”
“Later, he started forgetting even critical intel. To avoid any mishaps, I obtained his consent and performed a cerebral analysis procedure.”
At this point, Aizen set the file down and looked at Kaelith.
“During Shihōin Chika’s… treatment, I discovered a very unusual phenomenon. The activity level of his internal organs, hormone secretion, brain activity… were all indistinguishable from that of a young man. If a regular 4th Division medic were to examine him, they’d conclude he was in perfect health.”
“Only someone of my level of knowledge could discern the true problem.”
“That is—soul decay.”
Kaelith furrowed his brow.
“Soul decay?”
“Aren’t Shinigami just souls? If his organs are still active, how can the soul be decaying?”
Aizen sighed and gently shook his head.
“Many uninformed—many ordinary people believe a Shinigami’s body is the soul.”
“That’s a classic misconception.”
“In the human world, everything is composed of material particles—cells, air, your psp… naturally, human flesh and blood included.”
“In Soul Society, everything is made of spirit particles. Both material and spirit particles are forms of matter. Humans bleed when cut, they need air to breathe—Shinigami are no different.”
“Both can serve as vessels for the soul.”
“A Shinigami’s body is merely an outer shell composed of spirit particles. Their true essence remains the soul within.”
“Does that make sense?”
Kaelith said nothing.
Aizen’s explanation was clear and easy to understand—he grasped it fully. But that clarity only made it more terrifying.
Sensing his thoughts, Aizen spoke calmly:
“According to my estimation, Shihōin Chika’s memory will begin deteriorating at an accelerating rate.”
“In the shortest case—two days. At most—a month. All his memories will be gone.”
“In other words… soul erasure.”
“Once the soul disappears, his body will crumble to sand—just like the Convicted tormented in Hell—vanishing from this world completely. From what you’ve described, Kakutori Bayunsai’s case is likely the same.”
“The only difference is how much time remains.”
“My recommendation is to purify their spirit particles while their souls are still intact—and send them to reincarnation.”
Having said this, Aizen stood and returned to his lab bench, resuming his experiments.
What needed to be said had been said. The rest was up to Kaelith to process at his own pace.
Kaelith sat silently for a long time.
Then he stood and walked out.
“Where are you going?”
Aizen lifted his head.
“To find the Royal Guard.” Kaelith’s tone was grave. “The monk will definitely know how to save them.”
“Save them? How? Reverse aging?”
Aizen’s voice turned cold.
“Let’s say the Royal Guard could do it. Even if they could turn these three back to youth—what about tomorrow?”
“Kuchiki Ginrei, Yamamoto Shigekuni, Unohana Retsu, other original captains in Hell—even older Shinigami…”
“When they near death, are you going to ask the Royal Guard to reverse their age too?”
“Kaelith, don’t be arrogant. Have you even asked them what they want?”
Kaelith stood still, speechless.
After a few seconds of silence, Aizen walked over and patted him on the shoulder.
“Talk to them.”
“No matter what decision you end up making—I’ll support you. I don’t believe the Royal Guard can reverse aging… but if they really can, I’ll find a way to negotiate terms they’ll accept.”
Looking at Aizen standing in front of him, Kaelith felt a storm of emotions.
Eventually, he nodded and turned to leave.
Leaving the Department of Technology, he first sought out Shihōin Chika.
The dark-skinned, silver-haired man lay on a tree branch, chewing on a blade of grass, seemingly lost in thought.
Kaelith landed beside him.
Chika turned and glanced over.
Seeing it was Kaelith, he snorted a laugh.
“My dear grandson-in-law. Let me hear you call me Grandpa.”
Kaelith smirked in return.
“Wise little brother, let me hear you call me Big Bro.”
“…”
Chika coughed awkwardly and changed the subject.
“Let’s skip the banter. Judging by your face, you came here with something serious?”
“Lucky for you, this great one’s got a bit of free time. Go ahead—I’ll solve all your troubles.”
He twisted himself agilely on the branch, shifting from leaning against the trunk to sitting cross-legged.
Kaelith stood on a neighboring branch, arms crossed.
“Shihōin Chika, if all your youth and health right now were fake—if in truth, you had less than a month to live—what would you do?”
Chika blinked in surprise.
Then clicked his tongue in annoyance.
“Tch, you found out pretty fast.”
“That Aizen kid’s got a loose tongue and poor character. Don’t hang around him too much.”
Kaelith chuckled. “Sōsuke and I have no secrets.”
“?”
Chika gave him a puzzled look.
Comments
Striker
😢
N
Damn, it's a pity they don't have very long...
