Death: This Death is a bit unorthodox.

He had to admit that even he, the strongest Shinigami in a thousand years, was no match for the leader of the Zero Division—"Eye Monk" Hyosube Ichibei.

Chapter 164 Requesting Leave

"Whom are you going to release?" Yamamoto asked expressionlessly.

Without hesitation, Aozaki Mayuki uttered a name: "Kuroko Mayuri."

"That former member of the 12th Division who researched Quincy?" A hint of surprise flashed in Yamamoto's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. "Alright, I will report to the Central 46."

Yamamoto's quick agreement surprised Aozaki Mazuki.

He originally thought he would encounter some obstacles, after all, Mayuri Kurotsuchi's actions had caused quite a bit of controversy at the time.

In fact, Yamamoto had heard of this name from Kiryu Hikifune as early as the establishment of the Technology Development Bureau and had learned about it in depth.

In his view, Mayuri Kurotsuchi's imprisonment for researching Quincy was not a big deal.

However, since the Seireitei leadership considered this research a dangerous act, it was only reasonable to arrest and imprison Mayuri Kurotsuchi.

However, Yamamoto did not want to refuse his junior disciple's request.

He knew that as the future captain, he needed to have his own power base and team.

Just like the original Gotei 13, after its formation, they only obeyed him and didn't even care about the orders of the nobles. That's why he was able to continue the Gotei 13 as the captain-commander to this day.

However, even with the help of Shunsui and Jushiro, Aozaki Mayuki's efforts were clearly far from sufficient.

In addition, he has close relationships with Kisuke Urahara, Yoruichi Shihouin, and others, but these relationships are limited to personal friendships, and it remains to be seen whether he will receive their full support at crucial moments.

Therefore, cultivating your own team is particularly important.

Thinking of this, Yamamoto nodded to himself.

He was very satisfied with the suggestion made by Aozaki Mayuki.

It would be ideal if my junior disciple could think things through and build a solid and reliable foundation for himself in advance.

This further proves that my choice was correct.

"That's wonderful! Now Nie Yinmeng is not far away from me!"

Aozaki Mayuki secretly rejoiced, imagining his future life as a student, completely unaware of how much his good teacher had worried about him.

He could no longer contain his joy; a radiant smile spread across his face, and he excitedly exclaimed:

"Teacher, actually, I have a small request! It's about Rangiku. I hope you can help me ask for leave."

Upon hearing the name "Rangiku," Yamamoto's originally serious face instantly became kind and approachable, and a gentle smile appeared on his lips.

Although this girl looks quite similar to Aozaki Mayuki—

He always tries to use his cleverness to shirk responsibility, doesn't know how to respect his elders and often angers Chojiro, and also drinks alcohol during work hours from time to time.

However, the fact that she favored this good-for-nothing apprentice is enough to prove that she has a gentle and broad mind, as well as a kind and beautiful heart.

Witnessing the old man's rapid change of expression, Aozaki Mayuki knew perfectly well that the old man must be secretly applying double standards again.

Without a doubt, he must have been belittling himself in his heart while praising Rangiku to the skies on the other.

This old man has always been like this. He treats Rangiku with utmost care and tenderness, but he beats and kicks her at the drop of a hat, without any regard for reason!

How could there be such biased people in the world?

Aozaki Mayuki's face was filled with grief and indignation. She kept shaking her head and sighing, as if she had endless sorrow and suffering in her heart that she could not relieve.

He picked up his teacup, as if using the tea to replace fine wine, and drank it all in one gulp, hoping to forget his troubles and dispel his worries.

Yamamoto was already used to his young disciple's outstanding performance skills and was completely unmoved.

He spoke calmly:

"Why are you taking leave again? Didn't you guys keep saying you wanted to contribute to the future of Soul Society? You even took a whole month off for that."

"But I haven't seen what contributions you've made. How long are you planning to take leave this time? You need to give a reason!"

Aozaki Mayuki answered with a serious expression:

"It's not that we don't want to contribute, but that we've already tried our best."

"But as you also know, the Grim Reaper has a special constitution, and it's not so easy for him to achieve anything."

Then, Aozaki Mayuki's expression grew even more solemn. He leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice, saying:

"However, we do have something very important to deal with this time. I want to help Rangiku improve her strength and help her master Bankai."

Upon hearing this, Yamamoto raised his eyebrows and pressed for an answer:

"Rangiku's Zanpakuto hasn't been materialized yet. Are you planning to use that Bankai training tool called the Transcendent Body?"

As a traditionalist and a die-hard, Yamamoto had no interest in such opportunistic tricks.

After all, what ordinary people cultivate for decades or even centuries, you completed in three days. Who knows if there are hidden dangers?

Fortunately, this young disciple did not disappoint him. He mastered the Bankai technique through his own efforts, otherwise he would have been severely reprimanded.

"You've seen Kisuke's situation; there's no immediate danger," Aozaki Mayuki said. "Although using this kind of tool requires extremely high talent from a Shinigami, I believe Rangiku will be fine."

Yamamoto nodded; he indeed hadn't noticed any problems with Urahara Kisuke's Bankai.

"Very well, Rangiku has been stuck at the third-class spiritual power level for several years."

"Since you are confident, then go ahead and give it a try, but remember to ensure your safety."

…………

As the sun sets, its afterglow shines on the walls of the First Squadron's barracks, as if draping the entire building in a golden veil.

Aozaki Mayuki left the dojo with light steps, searching for Matsumoto Rangiku's figure.

Finally, in a corner, he saw Matsumoto Rangiku, who was engrossed in organizing documents.

Aozaki Mayuki quickly stepped forward, gently patted Matsumoto Rangiku on the shoulder, and then told her the whole story in detail.

After hearing this, Matsumoto Rangiku jumped up excitedly:

"Great! Finally, I can have a vacation! That way, I can dump all the work on Vice-Captain Chojiro again!"

Her face beamed with joy, and her eyes sparkled.

The surrounding teammates keenly noticed this, and they all turned their attention to Chojiro Sasaki.

Chojiro's face had turned very ugly, but before he could lash out, several team members quickly stepped forward and dragged him away.

At this moment, Aozaki Mayuki and Matsumoto Rangiku were completely oblivious to Chojiro's departure, immersed in joy, gazing at each other tenderly and embracing.

Matsumoto Rangiku couldn't help but sigh, "Mastering Bankai feels so difficult."

Aozaki Mayuki, however, disagreed.

He knew that Matsumoto Rangiku, whose soul was flawless, possessed extremely high talent, and whose talent was so outstanding that even Urahara Kisuke admired him!

"Don't worry, if Kisuke can succeed, you definitely can too."

Chapter 165 Yu Ji

The Hill of Twin Killings.

Matsumoto Rangiku was being led to the underground training ground with great excitement and anticipation.

Aozaki Mayuki stared at the woman whose body had undergone transformation and couldn't help but exclaim in amazement:

"Is this Yu Ji? She's so beautiful, she looks exactly like you."

Except for her snow-white hair, the woman before him was exactly the same as Matsumoto Rangiku.

She wore a white bodysuit that perfectly accentuated her figure, adorned with feather-like decorations.

However, Aozaki Mayuki was quite confused by this outfit.

He couldn't see any other purpose in such clothing besides making his body stiff.

Just then, Yu Ji spoke, her voice filled with charm and allure:

"Matsuki, my Matsuki, I've finally met you again!"

Her smile revealed an unnatural flush, and her burning gaze seemed to want to devour Aozaki Mayuki completely.

Aozaki Mayuki couldn't help but tremble, secretly surprised.

This woman had somehow created an inexplicable and special attraction for him, a feeling that seemed to have nothing to do with his appearance.

He knew that this was Yu Ji's unique ability.

When Matsumoto Rangiku unleashes her Shikai, she not only commands the pink breeze but also maximizes her charm.

For those with weaker spiritual pressure, this allure is particularly strong, and can even make them infatuated and devoted.

However, once the initial understanding is removed, this allure will vanish without a trace.

However, Aozaki Mayuki speculated that this was not Hagihime's Shikai, but rather might have originated from the power of the Soul King's fragments.

After all, Wanxiang Senluo had once imitated Yuhime's Shikai, but it did not bring that unreasonable charm; it could only manipulate the breeze.

"What on earth are you up to, woman? You were completely covered up when you were practicing Blade Zen, how come you're all dressed like this now?"

Matsumoto Rangiku angrily pointed at Hagi and rebuked her, clearly saying that Hagi's attire must have had ulterior motives!

"That's a question for you to answer, after all, it's just your Zanpakuto!"

Yu Ji's lips curled up slightly, revealing a sly and mischievous smile.

Her bright, expressive eyes sparkled, as if hinting at some unfathomable secret.

Immediately afterwards, Yu Ji parted her lips slightly and continued:

"But...does True Moon perhaps prefer a more traditional, conservative style of clothing?"

"If that's the case, they could try different styles of clothing and show them to Zhenyue~"

As she said this, Yuhime deliberately blinked and looked at Aozaki Mazuki with an expectant and provocative gaze.

Then she murmured softly:

"After all, Shingetsu is Shingetsu—Shingetsu that Rangiku loves the most, Shingetsu that Hagiwara loves the most, Shingetsu that everyone should love!"