Chapter 867: Chapter 868: Smiling on the Surface

Ethan could not persuade Yoruichi, because she said she had learned too many strange and unusual techniques from him.

"I still haven’t fully figured out the muscle control, shaping my own reishi, and the Demonic Black Flame you mentioned last time," she said. "Studying those is far more interesting than studying a Zanpakuto."

Feeling the basic reishi transform freely in her hands into whatever form she wished gave Yoruichi a strong sense of control, and she was deeply fascinated by it.

In comparison, a Zanpakuto had too many uncertainties. Although a blade’s power was related to the Shinigami’s own strength and personality, that did not mean everyone liked their so called true self.

Yoruichi disliked things with too many uncertain factors.

Ethan did not like them either, but he did not face that problem. He had absolute control over his Zanpakuto. The power his blade could unleash depended entirely on his current reiatsu, which was completely different from many Shinigami who improved their strength through the evolution of their Zanpakuto after learning Bankai.

In other words, the Tenshintai, a tool specifically designed for training Bankai, was not that valuable to Ethan.

However, he soon realized it still had some value.

"It’s quite entertaining watching Kisuke get beaten so badly by Benihime."

Sitting on the edge of the stone platform, Ethan and Yoruichi leisurely watched Urahara below being chased and beaten by his own Zanpakuto, Benihime.

The method of using the Tenshintai to learn Bankai was simple and brutal. It materialized the Zanpakuto’s true form. As long as the Shinigami could defeat the materialized Zanpakuto, they could force it to grant them the ability to use Bankai.

But achieving that was not easy. If someone needed the Tenshintai to reach Bankai, it meant their strength was still some distance away from it. The materialized Zanpakuto would therefore be stronger than the Shinigami.

Defeating an opponent stronger than oneself was never as simple as it sounded.

"Benihime really isn’t holding back."

Although Benihime was not using her Bankai and only employed various Shikai abilities against Kisuke, a Zanpakuto using its own powers had a natural advantage. In fact, the Tenshintai allowed a Shinigami to experience all of their Zanpakuto’s abilities more directly, completing their understanding in a much shorter time than normal training would require.

"Kisuke is gradually stabilizing the situation. If this continues, he should complete his Bankai training soon."

"Yeah."

In the original timeline, Urahara completed his Bankai training in three days. Now, with Ethan around, his strength was slightly greater than before. Perhaps he could finish in just over one or two days.

"A Third Seat who has mastered Bankai."

That bald guy had not yet joined the Gotei 13. If Kisuke succeeded, he would likely be the only seated officer to have mastered Bankai.

Thinking about the current members of the Gotei 13, Ethan wondered whether Rojuro Otoribashi, who would later become Captain of the Third Division, had already learned Bankai.

In the original timeline, Rojuro became Captain only one year before Kisuke. Considering how long it usually took to master Bankai, even if he had not fully mastered it yet, he was probably close.

"In that case, maybe he won’t be the only one."

As the battle below reached a stalemate, Ethan and Yoruichi left the secret base.

It was not that they did not care about Kisuke, but both had their own responsibilities. Even Ethan, who often slacked off, could not hide in the base all day. As Fourth Seat of the Fourth Division, he had to remain reachable in case of emergencies.

After parting ways with Yoruichi and returning to the Fourth Division barracks, he learned that Captain Unohana was looking for him.

"Where is Captain Unohana now?"

"The Captain said that Fourth Seat Ethan should go directly to her office upon returning."

"I understand. Thank you."

Ethan quickened his pace and headed toward the Captain’s office. However, when he reached the courtyard entrance, he saw Unohana sitting under the eaves on the veranda, leisurely sipping tea. She did not look concerned about anything.

"Oh? You’re back."

Over the years, Ethan often left the barracks without explanation. Almost no one knew exactly where he went.

Although this slightly violated Gotei 13 regulations, he never neglected important duties, so Unohana did not pursue the matter.

She also knew he went to see Yoruichi. If anything urgent happened, he would certainly receive the news and return in time.

"Did you need me for something important, Captain?"

"It’s not particularly important."

Her calm tone made Ethan believe it truly was nothing serious, until he heard the words he least wanted to hear.

"Seinosuke Yamada is being transferred. I hope you will take over the position of Lieutenant."

"Huh?"

Something was not right. Ethan remembered that when Kisuke defected to the Human World, the Lieutenant of the Fourth Division was still Seinosuke Yamada. Yamada left later after committing some offense, but he was not punished. Instead, he became head of the Central 46 Medical Administration.

How was he being transferred now, before Urahara even became Captain of the Twelfth Division?

What Unohana did not say was that Seinosuke had long wanted to leave the Fourth Division, or even the Gotei 13.

However, personal wishes meant little in the Gotei 13. It was a place one could only enter, not leave.

Once someone joined, the only exits were promotion to the Royal Guard or death in battle. Retirement was rare, and leaving voluntarily was almost impossible.

So called leaving usually meant being judged a threat to the Seireitei or Soul Society, then captured by the Second Division and imprisoned in the Maggot’s Nest.

Even if Seinosuke wanted to resign, he had no way to do so and could only remain in his position.

Until Ethan appeared.

After discovering Ethan’s talent, Unohana intended to focus on cultivating him. Naturally, she needed to arrange a suitable position for him afterward.

Thus, Seinosuke, who already wished to leave, was moved aside. It also reduced the risk of him causing trouble in the future. In her view, it was a perfect solution.

Perfect for her, perhaps.

However, when Ethan saw the faint killing intent hidden beneath Unohana’s gentle smile, he realized that refusing the Lieutenant position would make his future very difficult.

A Shinigami could refuse an appointment, but unless Ethan transferred out of the Fourth Division, Unohana had countless ways to make his life miserable.

"Thank you for your trust and recognition, Captain Unohana."

He forced out the polite words with a defeated tone. Unohana finally revealed a genuinely delighted smile, poured him tea, and invited him to chat.

"I will have to rely on you more in the future, Lieutenant Ethan."

"I will also rely on your guidance in the future, Captain."

This time it was not mere politeness. Ethan briefly considered causing some real trouble for the Captain who hid darkness behind her smile, but after imagining the retaliation, he wisely gave up.

The process of promoting a Lieutenant was complicated. Even with approval from the Head Captain and his direct superior, numerous procedures had to be completed. It took more than a month before Ethan’s appointment was officially issued.

Only after the inauguration ceremony did he truly become a Lieutenant.

At this level, regardless of background, a Shinigami was considered part of Soul Society’s upper class. There were only thirteen active Lieutenants in the entire Seireitei. Even noble families treated them with respect. Many noble households’ most outstanding members were merely seated officers.

"Congratulations, Lieutenant Ethan."

At the ceremony, aside from the Captain and members of the Fourth Division, the Lieutenants of the other divisions were also present.

Ethan saw many familiar faces, especially the one standing before him and offering congratulations.

"You are too kind, Lieutenant Aizen."

"There is no need to be so formal. Just call me Sousuke."

"Then please call me Ethan."

The two exchanged friendly greetings. On the surface, they appeared harmonious, like old acquaintances. Inwardly, however, Ethan was cursing. Aizen’s left hand rested lightly on his sword hilt, making him suspect that Aizen was seeking an opportunity to act.

Aizen often used lectures at the Shin’o Academy to hypnotize promising students under the pretext of demonstrating his Zanpakuto. For certain key individuals, he took extra precautions.

However, he and Ethan had little contact. Even when Aizen once visited the Fourth Division for treatment, Ethan quickly used his medical skills, made an excuse, and left without exchanging more than a few words.

After a few brief exchanges at the ceremony, Aizen realized that Ethan seemed wary of him, similar to how his own Captain, Shinji Hirako, regarded him.

Perhaps he should find a chance to test him.

When Aizen glanced aside, he saw that Ethan had already moved on to greet Yoruichi, who had come to attend the ceremony.

(To be continued.)