Chapter 877: Chapter 878: Sending a Sheep
Hosting Kuchiki Ginrei, the head of one of Soul Society’s great noble families, could not be as casual as hosting others.
Ethan invited him into the reception room and quietly waited for the tea and snacks to be arranged. During this time, the two sat opposite each other without saying a word, like statues, completely still.
Once everything was prepared, Ethan, as the host, made a gesture of invitation. After Ginrei symbolically took a sip of tea, the conversation officially began.
Ethan was not a noble, but that did not mean he did not understand the rules. After becoming a Shinigami, he had learned these customs and knew how to interact with true nobles.
Yoruichi’s usual behavior might not seem noble, but she understood all those rules. After occasionally watching her host other nobles, Ethan had long since learned the necessary etiquette.
"I’m very curious, Captain Kuchiki, why did you seek me out?"
Ginrei’s purpose had already been mentioned earlier. This conversation was about the details.
"Captain Unohana spoke very highly of Captain Ethan."
Unlike Yoruichi, who only maintained noble etiquette when necessary, Ginrei carried noble manners in his very bones. Even with no one watching, he perfectly maintained his composure.
"Is that so?" Ethan paused, choosing his words, but realized he was not good at speaking indirectly. He decided to be straightforward. "The Kuchiki family should not be lacking in teachers, right?"
As one of the Four Great Noble Families, the Kuchiki family certainly had no shortage of instructors. Whatever they wished to learn, they could find teachers better than those at the Shin’o Academy for personal guidance.
"Those people do not possess the same level of strength as Captain Ethan."
Ginrei’s expression never changed, nor did his posture. Aside from that initial sip of tea, his hands rested steadily on his lap.
"You flatter me, Captain Kuchiki."
After thinking it over, there seemed to be no harm in this matter. As for why Ginrei had sought him out, Ethan could roughly guess.
Just as he said, the Kuchiki family did not lack teachers. If they wanted to cultivate their descendants, education was not a concern.
But there was a problem that could not be ignored. Ginrei was advanced in age and could step down as Captain of the Sixth Division at any time. It would not be surprising if the head of the Kuchiki family suddenly passed away one day.
A Shinigami’s lifespan is related to spiritual pressure. Yamamoto Shigekuni had lived for countless years. Although he appeared elderly, he was still full of vitality and could easily defeat most younger people.
Unohana was also not young, but her powerful spiritual pressure allowed her to maintain a youthful appearance.
Then there was Hitsugaya Toshiro, whose spiritual pressure was astonishing from birth. Because it was too strong, his growth was hindered, and he retained a childlike form.
Although Ginrei’s strength was respectable, it was only at an average captain level. His aged appearance made it clear that his spiritual pressure did not reach the level of Yamamoto or Unohana. He had entered the twilight of his life.
Furthermore, Kuchiki Soujun, the heir of the Kuchiki family, was intelligent, gentle, and respected within the Sixth Division. Unfortunately, due to his weak constitution, his strength was difficult to improve. Even becoming Lieutenant of the Sixth Division was largely because the division had long been under Kuchiki control, and Soujun was the designated successor.
But could Soujun, whose strength was lacking, firmly hold the position of Captain of the Sixth Division? Being a Shinigami ultimately required power. Ginrei had to consider the future.
If a current captain of the Gotei 13 became a teacher for his grandson, Kuchiki Byakuya, even in name only, it would provide the Kuchiki family with support within the Gotei 13.
After Ginrei retired or passed away, if Soujun encountered difficulties, he would have someone to turn to. If something unexpected happened to Soujun, Byakuya would at least know whom to seek for guidance.
Once both Ginrei and Soujun were gone, Byakuya would need to grow up quickly and shoulder the responsibilities of both family head and Sixth Division Captain. Family matters would not be an issue, as there were enough people to guide him. But within the Gotei 13, he would need someone like Ethan.
As for why Ethan was chosen.
Yamamoto had not taken students in a long time. For a great noble family like the Kuchiki, sending their next head to study under Yamamoto, even in name, would attract too much attention.
There was also a certain tension between Soul Society’s nobles and Yamamoto’s faction within the Gotei 13, so Yamamoto was unsuitable.
Unohana had both seniority and strength, but she would not involve herself in such matters. Ginrei was certain of that.
Excluding Kyoraku and Ukitake, who were part of Yamamoto’s faction, there were not many suitable choices left. Among them, Ethan was the most appropriate. He had a good relationship with Yoruichi but was not a noble himself, so he had no entanglements.
Most importantly, Ethan excelled in Shunpo, Kidō, swordsmanship, and Hakuda. His foundation was extremely solid. There was no need to worry about Byakuya learning incorrectly under him.
While Ethan considered all this, Ginrei waited quietly without showing impatience.
"It seems there is no reason to refuse."
Only then did Ginrei react slightly and nod. He then discussed whether it should be a formal master-disciple relationship or simply guidance.
Ethan knew the suggestion of formal discipleship was polite. Ginrei likely did not truly intend it.
"There is no need to be so formal."
As expected, Ginrei immediately dropped the topic and arranged to bring Byakuya to the Tenth Division in a few days to meet his teacher. This was a sign of respect toward Ethan, rather than asking Ethan to visit the Kuchiki residence.
After all, Ethan was the Captain of the Tenth Division. Ginrei would not act so discourteously.
With the matter settled, Ginrei took his leave. Ethan personally escorted him to the main entrance of the Tenth Division and watched as he slowly disappeared from view.
Isshin, who had been hiding somewhere, suddenly appeared and looked at his captain curiously.
"Captain, you agreed?"
"More or less."
"The kid from the Kuchiki family is going to be your student?"
"Not formally." Ethan glanced at his lieutenant. The Shiba family was also a noble family, though Isshin came from a branch. "After all, that is the future head of the Kuchiki family."
"The Kuchiki family, huh."
The two stood at the entrance for a moment before heading back inside. This matter was not major, and the Kuchiki family would likely not publicize it. Perhaps most people would never know that Ethan was guiding Byakuya.
Things unfolded as expected. Within a few days, Ginrei brought Byakuya to the Tenth Division, allowing Ethan to meet his student.
Except for a few individuals, no news spread that the Kuchiki family had asked Ethan to guide Byakuya.
Looking at the still young Byakuya before him, Ethan felt this task would be interesting, a good way to pass the time.
"Come every day after lunch. As for how long you will study, that depends on your performance."
Although Byakuya looked slightly unwilling, he did not dare show disrespect in front of his grandfather. That would not only embarrass himself but also tarnish the Kuchiki family’s reputation.
"From now on, we will trouble Captain Ethan."
What Ethan did not expect was that Soujun had also come. He bowed solemnly, as if Byakuya were formally becoming Ethan’s disciple and it was an honor for the Kuchiki family.
Soujun’s politeness made Ethan feel comfortable.
"You are too kind."
Looking at the man who resembled Byakuya but always wore a gentle smile, Ethan suddenly wondered. If Soujun had not sacrificed himself, would Byakuya have become so cold in the future?
Turning his gaze back to Byakuya, Ethan began to think seriously about how to teach him.
If he led Byakuya’s style astray, that scene would be quite amusing.
"Let’s start with the basics."
After exchanging greetings, Ginrei and Soujun left. Only Ethan, Byakuya, and Isshin remained in the dojo. Isshin silently rejoiced that the Captain was no longer tormenting him.
"Let me see your fundamentals first."
Byakuya held the bamboo sword, took a proper stance, and began swinging.
"Stop."
Byakuya froze, confused about what he had done wrong.
"Not this kind of basic stance practice. With the Kuchiki family’s resources, you have already mastered the fundamentals." Ethan casually twirled his bamboo sword, rested his left hand on his hip, and pointed at Byakuya. "What I want to see is whether you have truly made that knowledge your own."
He lightly tapped the bamboo sword, signaling for Byakuya to attack.
Understanding the gesture, Byakuya felt fearless. Sparring with the Captain of the Tenth Division seemed interesting. For a moment, he thought having such a teacher was not so bad.
He quickly changed his mind.
Being beaten one-sidedly was absolutely not interesting.
(To be continued.)
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