XX-level Hokage

The black lines stood out starkly against the pale skin, carrying an ominous yet powerful aura—an aura more ethereal than the previous Bone Vein, more primal than the fluctuations of the Rinnegan, as if it were a symbol of some forbidden power.

Sparrow's heart began to race uncontrollably. She slowly reached out, her fingertips trembling slightly with excitement, and gently touched the black lines on Kimimaro's cheek.

The cold touch of her skin sent a shiver through her, yet the texture seemed alive, flickering slightly the moment she touched it.

A term that shouldn't exist in this era flashed through her mind like lightning, instantly freezing her body. This... this...

Her voice trembled with disbelief, her gaze fixed on the black patterns, as she uttered the name that represented absolute taboo, word by word:

The first seal originates from the unique ability of the Otsutsuki clan. Members of the Otsutsuki clan can replicate themselves and digitize their own data, then implant it into the body of another person. The person into whom it is implanted is called a "vessel," and a black diamond-shaped mark will appear on the palm of the "vessel" as an initial symbol. This mark is the "seal."

Specifically, "Wedge" is a compressed "backup file of the Otsutsuki clan." The compressed file will gradually "thaw" over a long period of time, and the "thawing" can be accelerated through battle.

When all the data is "thawed," the "vessel's" body will be "replaced" by the data of the Otsutsuki himself, and the "vessel's" own existence will completely disappear; the Otsutsuki himself will thus be resurrected. As long as the Karma remains, the Otsutsuki will be resurrected. They are beings that transcend death.

The selection of the "vessel" is subject to extremely strict requirements. If the "vessel" has a defect, it will be unable to withstand the chakra of the Otsutsuki himself during reincarnation, which will result in the Otsutsuki himself not being able to be fully resurrected and dying a few days later.

Otsutsuki himself can delay the time of reincarnation, but once Otsutsuki dies, the "vessel" that has been thawed will automatically enter the reincarnation state. Even Otsutsuki himself cannot control this process, as the wedge has strict rules.

Furthermore, even if the "vessel" is burned to a crisp, the Otsutsuki himself can be resurrected. As long as the Otsutsuki's body marked with the Karma seal remains, the "vessel" can be used for reincarnation.

It can fulfill its own function.

When one of the "vessels" is used to complete the reincarnation, the wedge mark engraved on the same "vessel" will disappear, and this happens at the same time, regardless of how many identical "vessels" there are.

Chapter 315: Vacation

The smoke of battle in Karakura Town has long since dissipated.

More than three weeks have passed since the decisive battle that was enough to overturn the order of the Soul World ended. The residents of the present world are still living their ordinary lives in the sunshine—the oden in the convenience store is steaming, and middle school students are chasing and playing with their schoolbags on their backs. Only the occasional traces of spiritual pressure that sweep across the sky are still silently telling the story of that unknown upheaval.

However, beneath the calm surface of Seireitei, undercurrents were surging.

Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryu and Captain-Commander Shigekuni's burns have not yet healed, and he is still in seclusion in the sanatorium. The 12th Division is busy repairing the technical facilities damaged by Aizen, while the 6th Division is doing its best to track down the escaped remnants of the Arrancar.

What should have been a situation supported by all team captains ultimately placed the majority of the pressure on Retsu Unohana and a few veteran captains. No one dared to easily mention that name—Mashiro.

This nominal captain of the Third Division is both the key to quelling Aizen's rebellion and the "variable" currently causing unease throughout the Seireitei. Yet, at this moment, this captain, who should be overseeing affairs in the barracks, is treating the beach in the mortal world as his own private retreat.

In the shade of the parasol, Mashiro reclined on a deck chair, her long, jet-black hair loosely tied back, a few stray strands falling around her neck. Her fingertips held...

He occasionally brought a mint leaf to his lips and swallowed it lightly, his eyes showing no concern for the affairs of the Tokishin world, but rather a lazy air of just waking up.

The sea breeze, carrying a salty, damp scent, swept by, causing her light gray tracksuit to flutter slightly, revealing a section of her fair wrist.

For Mashiro, Aizen's departure was merely the fall of a piece on a chessboard, while Kurosaki Ichigo—the boy she regarded as "the next test subject"—still needed time to digest the power of the "Book of Origin".

Before this grand drama of fate truly reaches its climax, she has plenty of time to enjoy this rare "afterglow." "I say, you really know how to pick your moments to be lazy."

A cheerful voice came from behind her. Mashiro didn't need to turn around to know that it was Yoruichi Shihouin.

She glanced sideways and saw Yoruichi raising her hand to unzip her tracksuit. Her bronze skin glowed healthily in the sunlight, and the close-fitting black combat suit underneath perfectly outlined her agile figure, like a black panther.

As Yoruichi stretched, the muscles in her waist taut, and even the sea breeze seemed startled by her aura, ruffling the silver strands of hair beside her ears. "The old man is so biased; he actually believed your nonsense about coming to the mortal realm to inspect the remnants of spiritual pressure."

Yoruichi walked to the recliner, bent down to pick up the iced cola on the table, and made a crisp "pop" sound when she pulled the tab. "If the other captains find out, they'll probably go to the Captain-Commander to lodge another protest."

Mashiro chuckled softly, her gaze sweeping over the surroundings—a pale blue spiritual pressure barrier isolated the beach from the outside world. Outside the barrier, there was a bustling crowd and the sound of waves, but inside, it was so quiet that only the wind could be heard. "It's good to take a break now and then so you can better move on to the next scene, isn't it?" She raised her hand, her fingertips lightly tapping the table, and a tall glass filled with orange juice floated slowly to her. "Besides, I wasn't lying; the spiritual pressure in Karakura Town is indeed not completely stable yet."

As soon as he finished speaking, a figure knelt down beside the recliner.

Tia Heribel had her head down, her long, icy blue hair cascading over her shoulders, obscuring most of her face.

At this moment, she lacked the majesty of a former Espada. She wore a maid outfit made of black leather and lace, the bow at the neckline tightening around her neck. Silver anklets adorned her calves peeking out from under the skirt. She held a tray in both hands, the juice glasses on it still emitting wisps of cold air. Her bronze skin contrasted sharply with the shameful uniform, only her eyes, hidden behind her hair, still burned with suppressed shame.

“Master, your juice.” Heribel’s voice was very low.

Mashiro took the juice, her fingertips inadvertently brushing against the back of Halibel's hand. Feeling the other's body tense up instantly, the smile in her eyes deepened.

“Thank you for your hard work, Halibel.” Her tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable air of control. On the beach not far away, the sounds of an argument were drifting up.

Matsumoto Rangiku stood with her hands on her hips, her cheeks flushed red. She was wearing the same maid outfit as Halibel, only a size that fit her better, with the skirt just covering the middle of her thighs.

Meanwhile, Liluka Dokukamina, standing opposite her, was tugging at the volleyball net rope with her feet, muttering, "Hey! Breast monster! Can't you pay attention? The net's practically pointing into the sea!"

"I didn't slack off!" Rangiku quickly retorted, reaching out to adjust the net pole. "This net is heavy; do you think everyone is like you, just standing by?"

While gesturing wildly?

Liluka snorted and crossed her arms. "If it weren't for Mr. Gin's promise, do you think I'd want to come here and sunbathe with you?" These words struck a nerve with Rangiku. She lowered her eyes, her fingers tightening on her skirt.

Since Gin Ichimaru's death, she had become a "bargaining chip" in Mashiro's hands—Mashiro said that as long as she behaved, she could see Gin Ichimaru one more time. Even knowing it might be a lie, Rangiku had no choice but to believe it. She took a deep breath and straightened her back: "Alright, alright, I'll adjust."

Go and grab the sandbags over there to secure the net poles.

Liluka nodded in satisfaction, then turned and ran towards the nearby sunshade. "What a lively little white-light district!"

A gentle voice, like a spring breeze, swept over as Unohana Retsu walked slowly over, holding an elegant Japanese parasol. She had changed into a light purple yukata with delicate wisteria patterns embroidered on the hem. Her long black hair was still meticulously combed, with a long braid hanging down in front of her chest, the ends tied with light-colored ribbons.

With his usual melancholic smile on his face, his steps were as light as if he were walking on clouds, barely stirring up any of the fine sand on the beach.

"It's a real treat for Retsu-chan to grace this beach with her presence today," Mashiro said, patting the empty seat next to her. "I thought you were going to stay in Seireitei to handle team affairs."

Retsu Unohana sat down on the recliner, gently leaning the umbrella against the side. Her gaze swept over Rangiku and Riruka, who were busy not far away, and then fell on Harribel, who was kneeling on the ground. There was no ripple in her eyes.

"With the arrangements you've made, the Seireitei won't descend into chaos for the time being." She picked up the teacup on the table and took a small sip. "Even if those captains have complaints,..."

I know now is not the time to be your enemy.

The two women both knew perfectly well what Mashiro meant by "arrangements"—they were spies scattered throughout the various divisions, the remnants of the Arrancar under Mashiro's control, and "backup plans" hidden in every corner of Tokishiro.

"Hehe, Retsu-chan knows me better than I know myself." Masashi shook the juice glass in her hand, the ice cubes making a crisp sound as they hit the glass. "By the way! You didn't come to see me today just to watch me sunbathe, did you?"

Unohana Retsu put down her teacup, her fingertips gently rubbing the rim of the cup, and a flicker of emotion finally appeared in her unfathomable eyes: "How is that child now?"

"You mean Ichigo-kun?" Mashiro asked softly. "Now that he's gained the approval of the Book of Origin, he's not someone to be trifled with. You know, even I couldn't handle that book."

"Didn't manage to get it done?" Retsu Unohana smiled gently, seemingly lost in thought. "Retsu-chan, I really didn't lie to you this time."

Unohana Retsu didn't press the matter further, but simply picked up her teacup again, gazing at the distant sea. Sunlight bathed her face, softening her usually melancholic eyes. Just then, light footsteps interrupted their conversation.

Rukia Kuchiki, carrying a drawing board, ran to the parasol. She changed into a white dress with small rabbit patterns embroidered on the hem and a silver rabbit hair clip at the neckline—a gift that Mashiro had given her last time.

"Lord Mashiro! Here's my new drawing of Chapi!" Rukia handed the drawing board to Mashiro, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. On the drawing board, a pink rabbit sat on the beach, holding a carrot in its hand.

Although the rabbit's expression is still somewhat distorted and its ears are drawn unevenly, the lines are much smoother than before, and the colors are more harmoniously matched.

Mashiro took the drawing board, examined it carefully, and nodded: "You've improved, Rukia. It seems you've been practicing a lot lately." Hearing the praise, Rukia's cheeks instantly flushed red. She scratched her head shyly: "It's all thanks to Mashiro-sama's excellent teaching..." Mashiro looked at the renewed light in Rukia's eyes and felt a sense of satisfaction.

Since the last time in the real world, when she untied the knot in Rukia's heart about truth, this girl who was once bound by the past has finally begun to live for herself. Mashiro can clearly feel that Rukia's affection for her has reached 91—a level of almost complete trust.

Rukia's gaze inadvertently swept over Harribel, who was kneeling beside her, and then she saw Rangiku, who was busy setting up a volleyball net not far away. A hint of reluctance and embarrassment flashed in her eyes. She took a deep breath, suppressed the complicated emotions in her heart, and asked softly, "Lord Mashiro, why isn't Orihime here?"

"Orihime is keeping 'Little Bee' company." Mashiro gestured towards the distance.

Rukia followed her gaze and saw Inoue Orihime circling around a figure, holding a pen and paper, occasionally bending down to jot something down. The person she was surrounding was none other than Soi Fon, the captain of the Second Division.

At this moment, Soi Fon was wearing a dark, conservative swimsuit with a high neckline that covered most of her neck and a skirt that reached her knees. She was standing on the beach with her hands forming hand seals, surrounded by a light blue spiritual pressure—clearly, she was practicing "Shun-Hoo."

But Orihime's approach made it impossible for her to concentrate; her cheeks flushed red and her forehead was covered in sweat.

"Soi Fon! Your movement just now was amazing! The spiritual pressure fluctuations were much more stable than last time!" Orihime's eyes lit up, her pen flying across the paper. "Could you do it again? I want to write down the details!"

"Don't come any closer! And don't take any notes!" Soi Fon's voice was tinged with exasperation. She turned abruptly, trying to avoid Orihime's gaze. "I'm here to monitor Mashiro-sama, not to set an example for you!"

But Orihime didn't stop, still following behind her: "But Soi Fon-san, your Instant Spell is really amazing! If only I could learn these techniques..."

Write this down; it might help Ichigo and the others someday.

Soi Fon was furious. She was sent to the human world by Captain-Commander Yamamoto to monitor Mashiro's movements, but as soon as they met, Mashiro forced her to stay under the pretext of "instructing Shunko on his training" and assigned Inoue Orihime as an "observer".

What made her even more frustrated was that she simply couldn't refuse Mashiro's request—Mashiro held leverage over the Second Division, and with just a word from her, the entire Second Division could descend into chaos.

Soi Fon could clearly feel Mashiro's subtle gaze constantly sweeping over her and Yoruichi not far away. The feeling of being manipulated made her both ashamed and angry.

Wow, everyone seems really energetic!

Yoruichi had changed into a black bikini at some point, the fabric so scantily clad that it revealed her bronze skin and perfect figure. She swayed her hips as she walked up to Mashiro, a hint of provocation flashing across her face: "Mashiro, sitting here is so boring, how about a match?"

"What are we competing in?" Mashiro looked up at her.

“Swimming.” Yoruichi pointed to the distant horizon. “I’ll bet you who will wash the dishes for your maids tonight. If I win, I’ll put Haribel and Rangiku under my command tonight; if you win, I’ll help you set up that volleyball net.”

Mashiro raised an eyebrow and put down her juice glass. "Interesting. But just betting on washing dishes is too boring. How about adding another wager—the loser..."

You must grant the winner one request, whatever it may be.

Upon hearing this, Yoruichi's fighting spirit intensified: "Alright! It's settled then!"

Mashiro slowly rose, her light gray tracksuit jacket slipping off her shoulder and landing on the lounge chair. When she turned around, everyone's eyes were drawn to her—she was wearing a pure white high-cut swimsuit, the design of which, like her ethereal whiteness, possessed both a restrained elegance and a deadly allure.

The high slit of her skirt reached almost to her waist, perfectly outlining her long, fair legs. The lace trim on her chest subtly covered her vital parts, adding to her allure.

Sunlight bathed Shiro, giving her skin a pearly glow. Her long, dark green hair swayed gently in the sea breeze, like angel wings. Retsu Unohana paused slightly in her teacup, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes. Rukia's cheeks flushed instantly, and she quickly lowered her head. Even Harribel, kneeling on the ground, couldn't help but raise her head, a look of disorientation in her eyes.

Mashiro walked to the shore, the cool seawater washing over her ankles, bringing a refreshing sensation. She turned to look at Yoruichi, a devilishly alluring smile playing on her lips: "Don't lose too badly, my... little kitty."

Before she finished speaking, her figure vanished from the spot as if by teleportation, leaving only a white trail on the sea surface.

"Damn it! They're using that trick again!" Yoruichi cursed under her breath, then suddenly pushed off with her feet, transforming into a golden bolt of lightning as she plunged into the sea. The two figures darted across the surface of the water, creating sprays that bloomed like white fireworks.

Mashiro's speed was astonishing, almost leaving a trail of afterimages on the sea surface; while Yoruichi, relying on his years of experience with Shunpo, closely followed behind her, occasionally trying to overtake her.

On the beach, Retsu Unohana put down her teacup, her gaze following two figures on the sea. Her smile softened. She turned to look at the distance and saw Riruka standing with her hands on her hips, directing Rangiku and Harribel to build up the words "Master is the Greatest" in sand. Rangiku's face was full of helplessness, while Harribel lowered her head, letting the sand stick to her maid outfit.

"What a...wonderful 'everyday life' it is," Unohana Retsu murmured softly, a hint of envy and pleasure flashing in her eyes that she herself was unaware of.

The sea breeze, carrying the scent of sunshine, swept across the beach, mingling laughter with the sound of the waves.

Chapter 316: The Game (Part 1)

The afterglow of the setting sun, like melting gold leaf, slowly spread along the sea surface, dyeing the originally azure seawater into a warm orange-red, and even the fine sand on the beach was wrapped in a gentle halo.

The sea breeze dispelled the daytime heat, carrying a salty, damp scent that brushed past my ears, gradually dispersing the lingering noise of the afternoon swimming competition, leaving only the rhythmic "whoosh" of the waves crashing against the rocks, as regular as the earth's breathing.

The swimming race that had the beach buzzing with excitement ultimately ended with the white team leading the night team by a mere half a body length.

The price had already been agreed upon before the match—Yoruichi Hōin not only had to do all the dishwashing tonight, but also owed Mashiro a promise that "no matter what the request, it must be fulfilled."

At this moment, Yoruichi was sitting cross-legged on the beach, vigorously rubbing the water droplets off her bronze skin with a towel. Her golden eyes were full of resentment, and she was muttering to herself, "Damn it! If it weren't for that damn wave that suddenly came over at the last moment, you would definitely have lost!"

Despite her tough words, her fingertips unconsciously slowed down the towel-wiping motion, and a hint of resignation, which she herself didn't even notice, was hidden in her eyes—after all, this wasn't the first time she had lost to Mashiro in terms of speed.

"A loss is a loss, little kitty." Mashiro's voice, tinged with laughter, drifted over. She had just changed out of her pure white swimsuit and into a loose, off-white cotton dress. Her long, jet-black hair cascaded casually over her shoulders, the ends still glistening with tiny water droplets that shimmered in the setting sun.

She gracefully draped a towel over her arm, walked over and sat down next to Yoruichi. The lazy aura she exuded contrasted sharply with Yoruichi's sullen expression. Just then, a rich aroma of grilled meat wafted over on the sea breeze, making people subconsciously swallow.

Not far away, in an open space, three figures dressed as maids were gathered around a huge barbecue grill, their movements showing a hint of reluctance, yet also an air of earnestness—they were Harribel, Matsumoto Rangiku, and Riruka.