"The next item on the agenda is the investigation report regarding the frequently occurring abnormal dissipation of souls in the 37th District of the West Rukongai, as well as the Technology Development Bureau's preliminary analysis of the reishi concentration fluctuations..."
The deep, resonant voice of Yamamoto-Genryūsai Shigekuni echoed within the solemn First Division Captain's conference room, like the morning bell and evening drum beating against everyone's heart.
This marked the transition of the dull Thirteen Court Guard Squads' routine captain meeting into the substantive agenda phase.
Sitting in the expansive seat representing the Sixth Division, Shihōin Hiroki let out a silent sigh of relief.
Heaven knows how he had managed to endure the preceding lengthy squad reports, budget bickering, and discussions on the revision of various trivial regulations.
He felt like a living fossil nailed to his chair; while his surface maintained the composure befitting a captain and Grand Kido Master, his soul had long since wandered elsewhere.
"Eye of Insight," it was finally coming in handy!
Kyoraku Shunsui appeared easygoing but was unfathomable; Jūshirō Ukitake was gentle but sickly; Aizen Sōsuke always wore a smile that made one feel like they were basking in a spring breeze, yet remained unreadable; Unohana Retsu appeared gentle and graceful but hid the heart of a terrifying sword demon.
He had never found a suitable opportunity to use the "Eye of Insight (Beginner)" ability granted after the system update on a large scale.
Wasn't this meeting, which gathered the highest combat power of the Seireitei, the perfect testing ground?
He wanted to properly "see" what these captains, who were usually imposing, mysterious, or inscrutable, really looked like when mapped by the system data.
With a thought, his spiritual power spread silently like invisible tentacles.
Deep within Hiroki's eyes, extremely faint pale golden runes seemed to flash and vanish. The world before him did not change, but above everyone's head, translucent information boxes that only he could see appeared.
He remained composed, his gaze sweeping over the seated captains one by one like the most precise scanner.
Target Locked: Yamamoto-Genryūsai Shigekuni
Name: Yamamoto-Genryūsai Shigekuni
Identity: Captain Commander of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads; First Division Captain
Spiritual Pressure: special grade
Favorability: 20
Damn! The old guy really wasn't "First Rank"! This "special grade" rating was the only thing worthy of his Ryujin Jakka, known as the'strongest and oldest flame-type'! A living legendary existence!
But... Favorability 20??? Old man, speak with your conscience! How much have I donated to you! Buying the Sixth Division Captain position was one expense, and you even hinted for me to 'donate' for the acting Grand Kido Master position!
Is this favorability made of gold? Only 20??? Fine, fine, at least it's positive. I should be thanking my lucky stars it didn't become negative, right? The old man really only cares about "contributions" and "rules"...
Tsk.
Target Locked: Soi Fon
Name: Soi Fon (Soi Fon)
Identity: Second Division Captain; commander-in-chief of the stealth force
Spiritual Pressure: Third Rank
Loyalty: 92
Little Bee! Well done! Truly worthy of being from the Shihōin Clan and Yoruichi's former lieutenant.
Third Rank spiritual pressure perfectly suited her specialty in assassination and speed; she didn't need absolute strength.
This 92 loyalty... hiss, just looking at this number makes one feel comfortable! It's practically sparkling!
What does this mean? It means she perfectly meets the system's "dispatch" conditions (Loyalty > 90)!
If there are any tricky cross-world missions in the future, I can definitely consider sending this commander-in-chief of the stealth force!
High efficiency, strong ability, and absolutely reliable!
Hiroki seemed to see countless points beckoning to him, and the look he gave Soi Fon held a hint of approval for a "future gold-medal employee."
Soi Fon seemed to notice Hiroki's gaze and looked over slightly. Her eyes remained sharp and cold, carrying a hint of inquiry.
Hiroki immediately returned a gentle (to outsiders) and encouraging (to Soi Fon, perhaps a bit strange) smile.
Target Locked: Ichimaru Gin
Name: Ichimaru Gin
Identity: Third Division Captain
Spiritual Pressure: Third Rank
Favorability: -25
Crap! (A type of plant) This damn squinty-eyed fox! -25!? Negative!? And such a big negative number at that!?
As expected! That smiling face is all a facade! Who knows what kind of backstabbing this guy is plotting in his heart.
Is it because I am one of the Four Great Noble Clans? Because the power I displayed makes him feel threatened? Or does he just simply not like me?
It's not too surprising that Aizen's number one lackey holds such deep hostility toward a "variable" like me... but this negative number is really an eyesore.
Hiroki remained nonchalant on the surface, even nodding slightly at Ichimaru Gin's signature smile as if responding to his "friendliness."
The corners of Ichimaru Gin's mouth seemed to curve deeper, and no one knew his true thoughts behind those slit eyes.
Target Locked: Unohana Retsu
Name: Unohana Retsu (Retsu)
Identity: Fourth Division Captain; Head of the Medical Rescue Team
Spiritual Pressure: First Rank
Favorability: 0
First Rank spiritual pressure! Truly inscrutable! This is the foundation the first kenpachi should have!
Wait... Favorability... 0??? You've got to be kidding me! So, Unohana, you treat me as transparent? Air? Completely indifferent?
Is it because I interrupted the thrill of the slaughter you had been looking forward to for so long? Or is it that in the eyes of the first kenpachi, who has lived for who knows how many years and seen everything, a noble clan head and captain like me isn't worth wasting any emotional scale on, as long as I don't cause her trouble (like interrupting her fight again)?
Fine, 0 is 0, at least it's not negative.
Anyway, since you have Izumi, there will be plenty of chances to interact in the future... Hiroki recalled the battle intent hidden beneath the gentle facade when Unohana Retsu invited Izumi to join, as well as her ecstasy upon learning Izumi had First Class Spiritual Pressure potential, and couldn't help but mourn for Retsu for a second.
Target Locked: Aizen Sōsuke
Name: Aizen Sōsuke
Identity: Fifth Divsion Captain
Spiritual Pressure: First Rank
Favorability: 72
Hiroki's internal monologue: Pfft... cough cough! (Forced himself to swallow the urge to spit out his drink) Captain Aizen! Aizen! What the hell is this 72 favorability!?
This is way higher than Old Man Yama's 20! This is so unscientific! So unreasonable! So... so terrifying!
Could it be that my "strongman" persona unexpectedly suits your taste?
However, this shouldn't be a disguise under your Kyōka Suigetsu ability, right? The system's Eye of Insight wouldn't be interfered with by your ability, right!?
But... First Rank spiritual pressure? Hmm, that's right, the current Aizen hasn't fused with the Hōgyoku yet. Although his spiritual pressure is definitely at the top level for a captain, it is still within the "First Rank" category. He can only break through to "special grade" or even higher after getting the Hōgyoku and cheating in the later stages.
This 72 favorability, regardless of whether it's true or false, makes one's scalp tingle just looking at it.
Hiroki felt Aizen's warm gaze land on him. He immediately adjusted his expression and returned a nod and smile that fit the identity of a "young, promising, but slightly flashy" noble captain, with just the right amount of arrogance.
Aizen also nodded gently in response, his glasses reflecting the candlelight.