Bleach: The Strongest Shinigami

12th Division Barracks, Soul Preparation Dining Hall.

Two young men sat across from each other at a table piled high with dishes. A faint light shimmered over them, as if dusted with fluorescent powder.

Akira surveyed the familiar dishes before him.

Oyakodon, gyudon, onigiri with various fillings, American-style okonomiyaki, teriyaki tofu, tonkatsu, yakitori, and many other Japanese dishes — with plenty of tofu options.

Good, his extra care for Aizen hadn't gone to waste. The feast made all his effort worthwhile.

The dishes vanished quickly, and soon a small mountain of bowls and chopsticks towered on the table.

When Akira finished, Aizen eyed the pile with surprise.

"Not hungry? You've eaten so little?"

Still picking his teeth, Akira let out a heavy sigh.

He told Aizen about his experience at the 1st Division — the nobles problem — and his thoughts.

Though he'd devised a solid plan, Genryūsai refused to approve it, threatening to break his legs if he dared proceed.

Knowing the old man, this was no empty threat.

The rejection had dampened his spirits all day, even affecting his training enthusiasm.

He'd come to the 12th Division not just to share a meal, but to seek his friend's advice.

A thoughtful look crossed Aizen's eyes.

Though unfamiliar with nobility, he could see how these people had created darkness in Soul Society, like a quagmire.

Aizen asked, "Do you know why Captain-Commander Yamamoto won't let you go?"

Akira considered this, "He's worried about my safety — afraid something might happen."

Aizen nodded, "As founder of the Shin'ō Academy, Captain-Commander Yamamoto has had more disciples than just you three — Ukitake, Kyōraku, and yourself."

"Other disciples died on various missions, including undercover work, due to insufficient strength. He fears history might repeat itself — that's why he rejected your proposal."

Akira threw up his hands, "Then what should we do? Just sit and watch as familiar people die in this conflict?"

Aizen replied calmly, "It's simple — do what you think is right. We just need contingency plans. Consider what happens if they discover our true purpose. With your abilities, even a group of nobles couldn't stop you from escaping. Political targeting is the only real concern."

If even Szayelaporro couldn't kill this man quickly, his toughness was evident — even Aizen admitted he couldn't compare in this aspect.

"A commoner from Rukongai, even as a Seated Officer, faces natural disadvantages against nobles. They lack background, and the Central 46 consists entirely of nobles. But think carefully — do you really fit that situation?"

At this hint, Akira's eyes lit up, "The Shihōin clan!"

After all, since Yoruichi Shihōin, the 22nd Head of the clan, had explicitly promised to marry him, wouldn't that make her clan practically his family?

Though appearing a commoner, he was now connected to one of the Five Great Noble Houses. In terms of status, ninety-nine percent of Soul Society's nobles would have to bow and praise him.

Realizing this, Akira's mood soared, and he gave Aizen's shoulder a hearty pat while letting out a booming laugh.

"As expected of you, Sōsuke! Your wisdom is finally reaching a fraction of mine."

Aizen: "?"

How could this guy insult him so casually?

With his spirits lifted, Akira's appetite returned. After devouring several more bowls of food, he departed from the 12th Division.

He made his way directly to the Squad 2 barracks.

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In the office, Yoruichi sat twirling a brush between her nimble fingers, her black sleeveless backless Shihakushō catching the light as she quietly listened to Akira's exaggerated retelling.

"That's the situation." He spread his hands and looked at the young woman, waiting for her response.

"Hmph, the Segawa clan dares to poach from my Shihōin clan? They've grown far too bold!" Yoruichi gave a cold laugh and waved her hand dismissively, "Do what you need to do. The Shihōin clan will be your strongest backup. As long as you don't betray Soul Society, you can be as aggressive as you want!"

Akira was overjoyed, not expecting her to be so resolute and fearless of the other party, even with the Segawa clan's powerful backing.

"By the way, who is this person that Kusagusa Segawa mentioned?" He suddenly asked.

As head of one of the Five Great Noble Houses, Yoruichi would surely know the inner workings of noble families.

"You know about the Five Great Noble Houses, right?"

Akira nodded, then shook his head.

He knew little of such matters — only that the Shihōin and Kuchiki were among the Five Great Noble Houses, along with the Shiba clan.

The Shiba clan had fallen from grace, now ranking below other noble houses. Yet they remained untainted, never participating in power struggles — a rare pure lineage among the nobility.

"The Tsunayashiro clan leads the Five Great Noble Houses. With their prosperous lineage and many followers, they wield immense authority in Soul Society. In terms of raw power, they surpass all other Great Noble Houses, including the Shihōin clan."

Yoruichi crossed her arms, freely sharing noble secrets with this commoner.

To her, none were more trustworthy than the young man before her. Besides, knowing Akira's mind, he might forget everything by tomorrow.

"Simply put, most rebels have noble backing, and behind those nobles stands the Tsunayashiro clan." She explained, "Remember that stronghold we eliminated? I checked the records — that head-exploding Kidō is called Tongue-Binding, a Tsunayashiro clan secret."

"The disappearing souls in Rukongai — the Tsunayashiro clan likely orchestrated it. Even the rebels who tried to assassinate you, and Sōya Azashiro's imprisonment — their shadow likely lurks behind it all."

Akira nodded thoughtfully.

Yoruichi concluded, "The person Kusagusa Segawa mentioned is likely Ansai Tsunayashiro, the current clan head. Undercover work is standard practice among noble houses — one might say it's their favorite tactic."

She shifted topics to teach him about undercover work.

"As an undercover agent, you must gain their trust to gather evidence against the Tsunayashiro clan. No noble house in Soul Society has clean hands, especially not the Five Great Houses. But above all, protect yourself."

They talked through the night, discussing every detail of the operation.

That night, seeing the office light burning until dawn, Marenoshin felt his heart grow cold, sensing that the little cabbage he'd watched grow up was about to be snatched away by a pig.

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6th District, Noble Quarter.

A magnificent mansion stood in the depths of the district, surrounded by exquisite landscaping.

Kusagusa led the way, speaking with pride.

"I purchased this mansion at great expense, specifically for noble gatherings. When that person heard of this, he was so pleased he offered to elevate the Segawa clan to high nobility."

"Naturally, I declined. The Segawa clan needs a stronger foundation. Perhaps in three to five hundred years, once we've built sufficient wealth, we can consider such a promotion."

"What do you think? Impressive, isn't it? This was formerly the Azashiro clan's mansion — a merchant noble family who built it here in the Noble Quarter for an astronomical sum. Even high noble houses would envy it. That person promised the mansion will be yours once your noble status is confirmed!"

"Lord Kisaragi, that person truly holds you in high regard!"

Akira stared at the vast mansion, then at the beaming Kusagusa, momentarily speechless.

So they bought my house just to give it back to me. By that calculation, hadn't he just made an enormous profit for free?

Merchant noble Azashiro clan, ✗.

Business genius Akira Kisaragi, ✓.

So it turns out I was the all-around talent all along!

Akira suddenly realized, belatedly, that even Aizen's wisdom couldn't match his own.

"It's getting late, let's head inside and wait." Kusagusa called out, "The banquet will begin once that person arrives."

The two entered the mansion together.

They were greeted by an array of classical, luxurious buildings, immaculately maintained — clear evidence of meticulous care.

He truly was going all out to impress that person.

The reception hall bustled with guests, most wearing ornate clothing, though some, like Akira, wore simple Shihakushō.

The feast was in full swing, filled with cheerful conversation.

Just as Kusagusa was about to introduce other nobles to Akira, the tall young man vanished in the blink of an eye.

When he finally spotted him again, the guy was already mingling with the crowd, engaged in conversation with a beautiful young woman from the Utsunomiya family.

Her crescent moon-shaped eyes sparkled with delight as they chatted.

Ah, perfect — this was exactly what young people should be interested in.

Kusagusa felt no disapproval; rather, he considered this perfectly natural. Those who joined their side and immediately displayed a righteous facade, abstaining from wine and women, surely harbored ulterior motives.

Someone like Akira, who showed his true nature, would be easier to control.

"Lord Kisaragi, is it true you can read destinies from palms?" Wan Utsunomiya asked with a gentle smile, extending her fair right hand, "Would you be so kind?"

"My pleasure."

As he examined her smooth palm, an imposing figure entered the reception hall. The room instantly fell silent, all eyes drawn to the newcomer.

While continuing his palm reading, Akira observed the arrival.

The man had silver hair and sharp eyes, with an elderly yet commanding presence that suggested villainy.

More significantly, despite his deliberately concealed Reiatsu, Akira could sense the threat emanating from him. He was at least a 3rd Class (Spirit Rank) Shinigami.

Ansai Tsunayashiro strode to the seat of honor, his hawk-like gaze sweeping across the gathering.

Everyone instinctively bowed their heads in respect — before this lord, they were inferior in both status and power.

When Ansai noticed the young man reading palms, their eyes met. Akira gave a friendly nod before returning to his reading.

He acted as if even the head of the Tsunayashiro family, first among the Five Great Noble Houses, was less interesting than the lady's palm beside him.

Ansai's brow furrowed deeply.

Kusagusa stepped forward and bowed, "Lord Tsunayashiro, this is Akira Kisaragi, Yamamoto's disciple."

The elder merely nodded.

To him, Akira was merely a pawn. Having him would be a bonus, but losing him wouldn't affect their plans. Still, the chance to irritate Yoruichi and Genryūsai was appealing.

He had expected a genius renowned throughout Soul Society, yet here was someone caught up in such frivolous matters.

Oh Genryūsai, you've grown senile to accept such a character into the Genryū Style.

"How pitiful..."

Ansai kept his remarks brief before announcing the banquet's continuation.

The festivities resumed with vigor — guests drinking heartily, playing pitch-pot, reciting poetry, and singing.

The nobles' luxurious lifestyle stood in stark contrast to the commoners struggling to survive in Rukongai.

Though Ansai participated in the revelry, his gaze often drifted to Akira. Something about the young man seemed off.

It wasn't distrust of Akira's intentions that bothered him, but rather how naturally he fit in.

Like a husky among wolves, Akira moved through the noble crowd with practiced ease, using his Head Priest's eloquence to deftly extract their backgrounds in mere sentences.

As dawn approached, Ansai had servants escort the intoxicated guests to their rooms.

Only his loyal followers remained in the reception hall — and Akira.

He had intended to leave, but Kusagusa insisted he stay, mentioning that the lord had an important task for him.

"Lord Kisaragi."

"Lord Tsunayashiro."

In their first meeting, they exchanged courteous pleasantries before Ansai addressed the matter at hand.

"Kusagusa must have informed you of my intention to nominate you for nobility. However, I first have a task that requires completion."

Akira thumped his chest enthusiastically, "My lord, just say the word! For the sake of universal harmony, I'll take on not just one task, but even ten or a hundred!"

Ansai nodded with satisfaction — whether genuine or not was unclear — seeing in this attitude something his subordinates should emulate.

If this task proved successful, perhaps they could truly welcome him into their inner circle.

"Excellent, such spirit!" He praised, "Your task is to infiltrate the 12th Division and obtain the Gikon technology that Kirio Hikifune is developing!"

Hearing this, Akira's eyes widened...

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