Soul Society.
West Rukongai, District 1 Outskirts, Shiba Residence.
The others had tactfully left the room, leaving only six people seated: Masatsuki, Rangiku Matsumoto, Gin Ichimaru, Isshin Shiba, Shunsui Kyōraku, and Lisa Yadōmaru. The atmosphere was relaxed, with everyone acting casually.
Masatsuki took a sip of tea, glanced at Lisa, who was absorbed in an unusual book, then turned to Shunsui with a smile.
"I don't know why you're here, but if you have something to say, just say it."
Seeing his perpetually unmotivated senior, Masatsuki found it amusing. Out of all the captains in the Gotei 13, the one who loved slacking off the most was chosen to handle this matter.
Aside from the 8th Division's general duties being somewhat relevant, it was mainly because Shunsui, as both a high-ranking noble and an exceptional leader, was trusted by the aristocracy.
What a joke.
Shunsui chuckled. "You really don't know what happened?"
He lifted his teacup and took a slow sip, his sharp gaze sweeping over the three before him, his expression gradually turning serious.
Masatsuki shook his head. "I only know it involves the Konsō internship and the great noble houses. Other than that, I don't know much."
Shunsui nodded. "That's exactly why we're here."
"Five days ago, during the Konsō internship, something happened that shook the upper echelons of Seireitei."
"A student from Shin'ō Academy, Asaka Tsunayashiro, suffered an accident during the internship… and died on the spot."
The moment the words left his mouth, Masatsuki's expression changed drastically. He shot to his feet.
"What? That's impossible!"
Gin and Rangiku were equally stunned, their faces reflecting sheer disbelief.
Meanwhile, Isshin, already overwhelmed by the chaos surrounding this incident, was too preoccupied with figuring out a solution to notice their reactions.
Lisa, on the other hand, remained completely disengaged, her focus lost in her book as her mind drifted elsewhere.
Only Shunsui seemed to have caught onto something, and the subtle smile at the corner of his lips took on a deeper meaning.
"The attack on the Tsunayashiro Clan members is still being kept confidential, but Master has already received orders from the Central 46 to conduct a thorough investigation."
Shunsui sighed. "We visited the crime scene but haven't found any useful clues yet."
"What we can deduce is that the attacker was extremely powerful... Asaka Tsunayashiro died within five minutes of the battle's start."
"We're here to ask if you have any leads."
As he spoke, Shunsui stroked his chin, observing Masatsuki's expression.
Masatsuki mimicked him, rubbing his chin in thought. After a moment, he murmured, "I remember that young lady had two Seated Officers escorting her during the Konsō internship, and she herself was as strong as a high-ranking Seated Officer."
"To kill her under their protection, and in under five minutes... even an average Lieutenant wouldn't be able to pull that off."
"Now that I think about it, during the Konsō internship, I did sense two powerful Reiatsu bursts. That must have been them fighting!"
"No, those weren't Asaka Tsunayashiro's Reiatsu!"
At that moment, Rangiku suddenly interrupted. "That was the Reiatsu of her two escorts. They were in my group during the graduation test, so I recognized their Reiatsu!"
"Really? I wasn't aware of that."
Masatsuki's voice grew serious. "But since this happened during the internship, we, as participants, can't say we have nothing to do with it…"
"We're willing to cooperate with you, but that's all I can think of. Is there anything else we can do to help?"
Isshin nodded approvingly. "Good attitude. We've already ruled out suspects capable of this, but we haven't had any breakthroughs."
"However, according to the students and instructors, a rather powerful Hollow appeared in that area at the time."
"We're here at the Shiba residence to investigate further. Given the circumstances, you had contact with Asaka Tsunayashiro before the Konsō internship."
"...I see." Masatsuki suddenly understood and nodded in agreement.
"I heard you gave Asaka a gift during the exam…"
Shunsui tapped his fingers on the table, looking intrigued. "You two seemed to get along well. I'd like to know—what did you give her?"
The moment he finished speaking, he noticed a slight change in Masatsuki's expression—hesitation, as if he wanted to say something but couldn't.
"Senpai, can we not talk about this? It concerns my reputation…" Masatsuki's expression was unusually complicated.
Shunsui smirked. "Your reputation? What reputation could you possibly have?"
"How about this—you only need to tell me, and I promise to keep it secret."
Masatsuki sighed. "Alright then…" He reached into his pocket, pulled out a small card, and, after glancing at Lisa, awkwardly said, "This is what I gave her."
Sensing Masatsuki's gaze, Lisa looked back.
The moment she saw the card, something clicked in her mind. Her face instantly turned bright red, and she hurriedly hid behind her book.
"Oh? A business card?" Shunsui raised an eyebrow, catching Lisa's reaction as he examined the card.
This kid's a genius. Who even thinks of something like this? He really doesn't let any opportunity—money or people—slip through his fingers.
Too bad the requirements for this line of work are too high. No way I could pull it off.
Business cards aren't exactly rare, and even if one wasn't found on the body, it wouldn't mean anything. Who knows if it just got tossed aside somewhere? Still, to save face for the "Genryū" school, Shunsui only took a quick look before slipping the card into his pocket.
Then, his expression turned oddly unreadable. In a low voice, he asked, "Does your Master approve of you doing this kind of business?"
"Afraid of him? Me?" Masatsuki scoffed, looking smug.
"Not just now—even if I become a Seated Officer, a Lieutenant, a Captain, or even the Captain-Commander, I'll keep doing this job. I'd love to see who dares to stop me."
Shunsui chuckled. "You're bold, little brother."
"Are you kidding? Go ask around in Kagarashi District or Shin'ō Academy. I, Masatsuki, am super bold!" Masatsuki declared proudly, puffing out his chest, practically looking down his nose at Shunsui.
A deep voice suddenly echoed through the room.
"Masatsuki, come to the 1st Division barracks next month. Let's see how bold you really are."
Masatsuki's head snapped around, his expression stunned as he looked at Shunsui.
Shunsui, unfazed, pulled out a small, intricately designed metal disk embedded with a gemstone that shimmered with a strange light.
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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