XX-level Hokage

Looking at the information about the Pure Glazed Body in her mind, Mashiro sighed softly. It was an ability that was both useful and useless to her. "Choose! Zero Hundred!"

Mashiro spoke softly, and the silver katana in her hand changed accordingly. As the green gem on the hilt lit up, the blade also transformed into a short, emerald-green sword. The green blade resembled bamboo, displaying segmented growth.

Immediately afterward, Mashiro forcefully slashed at her wrist, but strangely, there was no wound on her wrist. Instead, streaks of green fluorescence spread from her wrist all the way to Mashiro's entire body, with the green light moving and forming faint ripples.

[Pure Glass Body: By guiding the scattered spiritual energy around, the user can transform the surrounding area into a "glassy" state, and then use the spiritual energy of the "glassy" area to defend against attacks or heal.]

Simply put, this is a completely non-aggressive initial release ability, a powerful support ability that combines defense and healing.

When a Shinigami or Hollow uses their abilities, whether it's a Zanpakuto, Kido, or Cero, they need to inject spiritual energy. After the attack is launched, the injected spiritual energy dissipates into the air, which is called dissipated spiritual energy. The Pure Ruri Body can mobilize the dissipated spiritual energy to specialize the surroundings and form an area called "Ruri". In this area, Mashiro can mobilize the dissipated spiritual energy for defense or healing.

In a sense, this ability is very weak. If there is no Grim Reaper around to launch an attack, then this ability can only be considered a green glow stick.

In a sense, this ability is very strong, especially for those in a weaker period. Like Mashiro now, she has this ability, so even if Mashiro's current strength is not enough, she can still participate in captain-level battles.

It's not bad.

While pondering, Mashiro released his Shikai.

After dealing with the initial situation, Mashiro relaxed and quietly looked out the window, pondering her next step. Just then, a knock came at the door.

Although the person outside didn't speak, Mashiro guessed who it was. She gently pushed the door open.

"Team Saito... it's Captain Shimura. Is there something you need?"

Mashiro initially thought Saito was immortal, but upon opening the door, she discovered that it was Shishima Chigiri, the captain of the Fourth Division.

"It's nothing. I heard you were injured, so someone asked me to come and check on you." As she spoke, Shijima Chigiri glanced behind her. "Then I'll trouble Captain Shijima," Mashiro said with a smile.

The Fourth Division is the medical team, and its captain is the Shinigami with the strongest medical skills in the entire Gotei 13.

Generally speaking, if a regular member of the Gotei 13 is injured, they have to go to the Fourth Division themselves and seek treatment from a member of the Fourth Division. As the captain of the Fourth Division, Shishima Chigiri is only responsible for treating the other captains.

Now, he came specifically to find Mashiro to treat her. Without even guessing, it was obvious who had asked him to do it. Immediately afterward, Shijima Chigiri reached out his hand and initiated the response.

White light flowed into Mashiro's body, and after a moment, Shijima Chigiri withdrew her hand with a somewhat puzzled expression.

When Saito the Immortal asked her to come over, he described a very serious situation: a significant loss of life force and blood.

But now, the other party's vitality does not seem to have been lost, but rather is extremely vigorous. As for the blood, it is indeed somewhat anemic.

"It's nothing serious, just a little anemia, just be careful." After saying that, Shijima Chigiri turned and left. "Thank you for your help, Captain Shijima," Mashiro said softly.

After leaving the Sixth Division's barracks, Shishima Chigiri arrived at the corridor of the Fourth Division's barracks.

On the railing of a pillar in the corridor, a girl with purple twin ponytails and a black eye patch over her left eye sat quietly.

The girl's expression was very calm, her gaze fixed on the distance, but unfocused, as if she were lost in thought. Seeing this, Shijima Chigiri was somewhat surprised.

It should be noted that in his decades-long memory of knowing Saito Immortal, Saito Immortal's expression had always been fierce and arrogant, so it was surprising that he could have such a calm demeanor.

However, Shijima Chigiri didn't want to ask any more questions.

The twelve captains of the Gotei 13, from the second to the thirteenth division, were brought together by the strength and prestige of Captain-Commander Yamamoto Shigekuni. They usually carried out assassination missions, and they did not have any deep feelings for each other; their relationship could only be considered to be decent.

"How is she...?" Noticing Shijima Chigiri's figure, Saito Immortal turned around and asked. "She's fine, just a little anemic," Shijima Chigiri replied.

"How is this possible?" Saito, who was immortal, frowned slightly and asked with some doubt.

“I was about to ask you the same thing. I’ve already checked her using the Return Path, and even checked her twice. Her body doesn’t show the signs of a significant loss of life force that you mentioned. Her spiritual energy has also been concentrated to the point where it can be released as spiritual pressure. You could say that, apart from being a little anemic, she is perfectly healthy,” Shijima Chigiri replied.

"I see, I understand." Although still somewhat doubtful, Saito Immortal nodded. "Alright, you can go back now." Turning back, Saito Immortal said calmly.

"How indifferent." Shijima Chigiri didn't seem to mind, and turned to walk towards the Fourth Division barracks. "Also, thanks."

Hearing a very faint sound behind her, Shijima Chigiri turned around, only to find that there was no one there. "What a tsundere," Shijima Chigiri shook her head slightly.

Chapter Twenty: The Promise to Change the Future

The next day, sunlight streamed through the window into the pure white room.

Mashiro was tidying up her belongings when there was a knock on the door. "Come in," Mashiro said.

The door was pushed open, and Saito Immortal walked in. Mashiro saw her, gave a slight nod, and then smiled. "Mashiro," Saito Immortal said softly.

Mashiro looked up and saw Saito, who was immortal, and smiled, "Captain, you've arrived." This wasn't the time of their previous "desperate situation," so Mashiro naturally wouldn't address him directly as "Saito."

Saito, who was immortal, walked up to Mashiro and looked at the Zanpakuto in her hand, saying, "How is your recovery going?" Mashiro nodded, "I'm much better now, thank you for your concern, Captain."

Saito, the immortal being, remained silent for a moment before speaking, "Regarding yesterday, there are some things I feel I should tell you." Mashiro looked at her with a puzzled expression: "Captain, what is it?"

Saito, who was immortal, took a deep breath and said, "Actually, killing Balmer this time was not just a simple mission; there are deeper reasons behind it."

Mashiro feigned surprise and said, "Captain, I'd like to hear more."

"Have you ever heard of the monk Hyosuga Ichibei?" Saito Immortal asked.

Upon hearing this, Mashiro shook her head slightly. She had heard Yamamoto mention the name "Eye Monk" when she first met him, but she had not found any specific information about the name in the books.

"Hyōjube Ichibei was born in the chaotic world a million years ago. He was one of the few special life forms at that time. He was a contemporary of the Spirit King and the five noble ancestors. The Spirit King gave him the name Eye Monk, which means to call out one's true name. Therefore, he was also known as the True Name Calling Monk."

He was the first to name everything in the Soul Society. He named the Zanpakuto, Shikai, and Kai. He knew their names the moment Asauchi was handed over to the Shinigami.

In other words, he is considered the founder of the Shinigami (Soul Reapers), not only knowing the names of all the Shinigami's Zanpakuto (Soul Swords), but also being able to seal their names.

He was a very frightening old man. "Not at all surprised by his white answer," Saito the Immortal explained.

After hearing Saito's explanation of immortality, Mashiro began to ponder.

The founder of the Grim Reaper sounds somewhat like Hagoromo, since after sealing Kaguya, Hagoromo used his chakra to create the ninja profession.

In other words, until she maxes out her system panel to 80%, she has absolutely no way to deal with "Eye Monk" Hyosube Ichibei, who has the ability to see the true names of Shinigami Zanpakuto. It's unknown whether her Zanpakuto can be seen through, since it didn't originate from Hyosube Ichibei.

Seeing Mashiro's expression, Saito, who was immortal, assumed she was just surprised and continued, "Captain-Commander Yamamoto and 'Eye Monk' Hyosube Ichibei have reached an agreement: if we, the Gotei 13, can kill Yhwach and expel all the Quincy from Tokishiro, we can become an organization recognized by the four noble families and take control of Tokishiro."

"So, the Gotei 13 have actually been secretly working on Yhwach's awakening?" Mashiro asked softly.

Saito, the immortal being, nodded, her eyes gleaming with determination: "That's right. Killing Balmer is only part of this plan. Although he is a 'fallen' Quincy, his power is still not to be underestimated. We cannot let him become an obstacle to our plan."

Mashiro sighed softly, somewhat "reluctantly," and said, "But is this really the right thing to do? Is it necessary to engage in such cruel slaughter just to gain recognition? Is controlling the Soul World really that important?"

You should act childish where it's appropriate.

Saito Immortal paused for a moment, then sighed and said, "It's very simple. The current Soul Realm lacks order. It may not be obvious in the Seireitei, but in the Ryukon World, you can clearly feel the Hollows running rampant. Most Shinigami only serve the nobility, and ordinary souls only have three paths: being devoured by Hollows, becoming a Shinigami, or dying in torment."

As for the nobles of Seireitei, they were already corrupt. They controlled the entire Soul Society, possessing the best resources and the most powerful forces in the Soul Society, but they did nothing about it and just sat there passively.

Therefore, we must seize real power over the entire Tokishin world and then change everything.

As for Yhwach and his invisible empire, he will awaken sooner or later; it's just a matter of time. Rather than letting him suddenly appear one day, it's better for us to guide his awakening and then kill him.

Mashiro was silent for a moment, then said, "Can this plan really go smoothly? According to those accounts that are like something out of a story, Yhwach is not so easy to deal with."

A resolute glint flashed in Saito's immortal eyes as he said, "This is a difficult battle, but we have no choice. We have been advancing covertly."

The purpose of Yhwach's awakening was to deliver a fatal blow at the crucial moment.

Furthermore, you underestimate Lord Yamamoto.

The reason we can stay so close to someone without any ulterior motives is not because he is eloquent, but simply because of his absolute strength.

It was precisely because of this absolute strength that "the monk Hyosube Ichibei was able to make that agreement with Lord Yamamoto."

Upon hearing this, Mashiro's eyes revealed a complex expression, and she murmured softly, "I see, it is strength that makes everything possible."

Saito, the immortal being, gently patted Mashiro's shoulder, his tone encouraging: "That's right, Mashiro. Strength is the most fundamental principle in this world, and we, the Gotei 13, exist to protect the order and peace of the Soul Society. This plan, though risky, is our chance to secure the greatest possible advantage."

Mashiro raised her head, her eyes gradually hardening. "I understand, Captain. I will do my utmost for the Gotei 13 and for the future of Tokage World." Saito, the immortal, nodded in satisfaction, then took a sealed letter from his robes and handed it to Mashiro. "This is what Captain-Commander Yamamoto asked me to give you."

He said it contained important intelligence about Yhwach and the tasks you might need to perform next.

Mashiro took the letter with both hands, carefully opened it, and quickly browsed through its contents. As she read on, her brows furrowed slightly, clearly indicating that the letter's contents were not simple.

"I am truly grateful for Lord Yamamoto's trust." Mashiro closed the letter, a resolute glint flashing in the light.

Seeing this, Saito, the immortal being, felt a complex mix of emotions welling up inside him: "Yes, Mashiro, from this moment on, the future of Tokami World will bear your mark."

"Thank you, Captain Saito." Stepping forward lightly, Mashiro embraced Saito, the Immortal.

She knew perfectly well that Saito's immortality must have played a significant role in Yamamoto's quick trust in her.

Under Mashiro's embrace, Saito's immortal body instantly stiffened. But she did not resist, quietly letting Mashiro hold her.

Outside, the sun still shone brightly. Everything became quiet. So quiet you could hear your own heartbeat.

Chapter Twenty-One: List of Those Who Have Deviated from the Path

After a long while, Mashiro slowly released Saito, the immortal being, and the atmosphere between the two became slightly awkward.

With a light cough, Saito, the immortal being, tried to break the silence. Her eyes were somewhat evasive as she asked, "I heard from Captain Shimura that there's nothing wrong with your body. How are you feeling?"

"Thanks to your help, Captain, my lost life force was quickly restored after the 'Crimson Kingship' was dispelled," Mashiro said with a light laugh.

"My help?... Cough cough, that's good." At first, Saito Immortal didn't quite react, but her expression instantly became unnatural.

"By the way, Captain, let's have a match. I want to see how strong I am now," Mashiro suddenly said.

Saito Immortal paused for a moment, then a smile appeared on her lips: "Oh? You want to spar with me? Very well, let me see your progress." The two of them then went into the courtyard.

"Then let's start with demonic arts and physical techniques. Go all out, and I'll adjust the intensity based on your power."

As soon as he finished speaking, Mashiro flashed and appeared in front of Saito Immortal. He gathered a faint spiritual energy in his hand and attacked Saito Immortal.

Saito, being immortal, reacted with incredible speed, dodging the attack while simultaneously drawing his Zanpakuto to meet it. The two exchanged blows, their blades flashing, in a fierce duel within the confined space.

Mashiro's movements were nimble and precise, each attack perfectly avoiding Saito Immortal's defense, while Saito Immortal, with his rich experience and quick reflexes, steadily dealt with Mashiro's offensive.

However, as time went on, Mashiro gradually began to feel some strain.

She discovered that she was not only far inferior to Saito the immortal in speed and strength, but also significantly inferior in her mastery of Kido (the way of the demons).

Saito, being immortal, always manages to create advantageous situations for himself at crucial moments by using Kido, while Mashiro often misses opportunities due to his lack of familiarity with Kido.

Finally, in one exchange, Mashiro was trapped in a fire net created by Saito Immortal using "Hidden Fire," unable to escape for a time. Seeing this, Saito Immortal dissipated the "Hidden Fire," smiling at Mashiro: "How are you feeling?"

"Hmph, as expected of Captain Saito, there's absolutely no hope of winning." Mashiro said with a hint of helplessness.

In the recent duel, Saito Immortal only used three Kido techniques: Hado Ichi-chū, Hado Shiso Rai, and Hado Shitsu-ka. Mashiro, on the other hand, used five Kido techniques: Hado Ichi-chū, Hado Shiso Rai, Hado Shitsu-ka, Hado Shitsu-ka, and Hado Shitsu-san Souka-jutsu.

Saito's immortality even gave her time to chant, but both the Crimson Fire Cannon and the Azure Fire Drop were easily dodged by Saito's immortality in a flash.

"The battle between Shinigami mainly relies on Zanpakuto, Kido, and Shunpo. Zanpakuto is the most powerful and basic power of Shinigami, so I won't go into detail. Kido is a bit special. Although low-level Kido is not very useful and high-level Kido has the drawback of chanting, it is still very useful overall. As for Shunpo, it is a skill that allows you to move your body quickly and instantly. You can move to the side of the opponent or even further away at a speed that the opponent cannot see. It is also a way for Shinigami to avoid attacks. In a sense, as long as you use enough Shunpo, you can dodge almost all high-level Kido that requires chanting. For example, I just used Shunpo to dodge your Crimson Fire Cannon and Azure Fire Fall."

"Oh, right, Mashiro, you don't seem to know Shunpo yet. I can have Shihouin Senhi teach you later. His Shunpo is the best among all the Gotei 13, but he hasn't returned from his intelligence mission yet, so it'll probably take a while." Saito the Immortal said.

"Then I'll trouble you, Captain." Mashiro replied with a smile, his mind already racing.

“Next, let’s proceed with the Shikai. I’m very interested in the abilities of your Zanpakuto, especially the abilities of your second Shikai form,” Saito Immortal said.