Bleach: The Strongest Shinigami-Chapter 284 ⥤ Such is Life

"Lord Hashirama, are you really content to remain subservient to Yhwach?" Candice looked at the young man lying on her lap eating grapes and asked with exasperation, "Just give the word, and we'll rebel against Yhwach immediately."

Bambietta nodded beside her, "I support Lord Hashirama. From what I know of the other Knights and Quincy, over 90% stand with us."

Meninas simply nodded firmly.

Her demeanor made it clear that if Akira said he wanted to strike down Yhwach, she would be the first to charge in.

This girl was perfect in every way — soft and sweet, though rather quiet. Compared to the other Sternritter Ladies, she was more reserved.

Worth noting is that after becoming Vice Captain and Captain of the Schutzstaffel, a certain someone had used his authority to remove Giselle Gewelle, aka GiGi, from the Bambies.

Psycho crossdressers should stay where they belong. While Akira might be somewhat perverted, his orientation remained normal.

{T/N: Yes, Giselle is a male.}

Though Liltotto protested this action, under majority rule, she could only complain to Jugram.

The blond, naturally, ignored such minor matters.

As he put it, since Hashirama had worked so hard for the Wandenreich, shouldn't he be allowed some enjoyment? Case dismissed, no further discussion.

"Be reckless with food if you must, but not with words." Akira closed his eyes, enjoying Meninas's massage as he spoke calmly, "In this vast empire, none are more loyal than I. However, this battle will be commanded by myself and Hueco. Once we're on the battlefield, you cannot act on your own — you must follow orders. Remember this well."

The three women exchanged glances, each seeing confusion in the others' eyes.

Was there hidden meaning in Lord Hashirama's words? Could unknown factors affect this upcoming war?

As they communicated silently with their eyes, Akira gazed at the half-visible sky, his expression peculiar.

The Quincy genes were truly remarkable. Apart from a few underdeveloped girls who didn't match his preferences, everyone possessed increasingly striking figures, especially in their fashion choices.

Unlike the traditional Soul Society under the old man's control, the Wandenreich under Jugram's loose management had adopted increasingly modern attire.

The mini-skirts alone surpassed anything worn by female Shinigami, not to mention the magnificent curves and shapely white legs...

Though Akira was accustomed to grand sights, particularly after experiencing a mature woman's charms and tasting a certain chocolate, he was reluctant to leave this paradise. It would be tragic if such beauty vanished because of war.

"Let's not dwell on that now." He lifted his head from Candice's lap and gave the three a serious look, "I have an important matter to discuss with you all. However, due to certain... complicated reasons and rules, we must do this one at a time. So, who would like to go first?"

All three raised their hands in unison.

"Then Candice it is." Akira stood up and walked toward the room, "Candy, follow me inside for a detailed discussion!"

Her cheeks flushed slightly as a thought crossed her mind. She cast a challenging glance at the other two before following him into the room, making sure to lock the door behind her.

The two remaining women looked at each other, confusion in their eyes.

"Something's not right!" Bambietta said with vigilance, sensing an ominous feeling.

Beside her, Meninas nodded, "Very not right."

Bambietta's eyes flashed intensely as she rushed to the room and pressed her ear against the door.

Meninas followed suit.

"Lord Hashirama, are we really doing this here?"

"Well, it's not impossible, but Bambi and Meni are still outside..."

"Mmm..."

Outside the door, both women's faces turned crimson. Their eyes met accidentally, each seeing the embarrassment in the other's gaze.

Could this be the important matter Lord Hashirama mentioned?!

Damn it! If only they had raised their hands faster...

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After briefly entering sage mode post-battle, Akira felt refreshed and turned his attention to various matters that needed handling.

{T/N: Okay, now I PROMISE that I'll make the +18 Chapters and send to everybody the notes. This MC is a menace, and you're all paying for the view... now I have to make five Chapters...}

First was the daily task of disciplining Bazz-B to curb his cockiness, ensuring he wouldn't get himself surrounded and killed by Shinigami on the battlefield.

Then came reviewing the final plans with Aizen and the others to ensure every step would proceed smoothly.

With Yhwach calling an imperial meeting, the countdown to war had begun. They now only needed approval from the Sternritter Grandmaster, Vice Captain, and Schutzstaffel Captain to initiate the war.

This was why Akira had spoken so confidently to Genryūsai earlier — the Wandenreich truly couldn't function without him.

At the Quincy Research and Development Institute, after Szayelaporro adjusted the equipment to standby status, he pushed up his bone-framed glasses and curiously approached Akira.

"Your Majesty, is the plan truly foolproof?" As one of its architects, Szayelaporro was well aware of the potential pitfalls.

Akira and Aizen's group formed the plan's core. If either element showed any flaw, it would trigger a complete collapse, leading to catastrophic consequences.

At that point, forget about this foolish man — even Szayelaporro wouldn't want to witness the outcome.

"What problems could there be?" Akira glanced at him with confidence, "With this Captain's supreme power and brilliant wisdom, we can easily resolve whatever we encounter."

Despite his words, Szayelaporro maintained his worried expression. After all, this war would affect all of Sangai.

Meanwhile, Aizen calmly lifted his teacup and took a measured sip.

"Szayelaporro, you're overthinking this. We've analyzed hundreds of scenarios and developed solutions for each one. What you need to do now is quite simple." Setting down his teacup, his lips curved into an elegant smile, "Face what's coming with composure, follow the plan, and await the final moment. There's no need for worry or fear. As long as you advance alongside Akira and me... nothing shall stand in our way!"

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Soul Society, Senkaimon.

Kisuke rested his hand on his forehead, gazing thoughtfully at the massive gate.

Layer upon layer of emerald light screens emanated from the equipment at his feet, climbing up the soul-blocking membrane and gradually merging with it.

Though serving in the 11th Division often meant being exploited by a certain someone, it came with its advantages.

In his days with the 2nd Division, he'd had neither funding nor personnel — let alone advanced scientific equipment. Being a traditional division, they lacked anything remotely technological.

For his research and experiments, he'd had to wait for his monthly salary to purchase second-hand items discarded by the 12th Division. Most often, he simply made things himself.

But one person's capabilities have limits, even for Kisuke, whose intelligence was second only to Akira's. The scarcity of equipment and materials frequently left his research at a standstill.

This predicament troubled him deeply. He'd considered explaining the situation to the acting Captain of the 2nd Division, Marenoshin Ōmaeda, but his own laziness — and fear of being exploited — held him back.

So he'd abandoned the idea.

Who would have thought that while drifting aimlessly, he'd be discovered by a husky in the vast sea of people, recruited directly into the 11th Division, and thus begin his hellish life.

No matter how precise the equipment or instruments he needed, Akira would procure them immediately. No matter how complex the work, he ensured Kisuke completed it within the specified time.

During his time in the 11th Division, Kisuke lived in a paradox of pain and happiness. As time passed, he not only adapted to this demanding pace but actively embraced it.

Perhaps, he mused, this was what they called Stockholm Syndrome.

With a helpless sigh, Kisuke turned the equipment valve to maximum power output.

Dense green light poured forth, instantly covering the Hakutōmon (White Way Gate), and rapidly expanding to both sides, enveloping the entire Shakonmaku.

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Meanwhile, on the other side.

Mayuri, now wearing a white Captain's haori, performed the same operation as Kisuke.

Following Kirio Hikifune's temporary retirement request — due to a critical phase in a certain project — Akira had arranged for him to take over as Captain of the 12th Division.

Though now a Captain, Mayuri, like Gin and others, still frequently visited the 11th Division for friendly exchanges.

Recalling his years there, Mayuri's lips curved upward in a smile tinged with madness.

Unlike traditionalists such as Kirio who strictly followed the rules, Akira was thoroughly revolutionary — caring nothing for Soul Society's regulations. He conducted forbidden experiments and human modifications at will.

From the Soul King's power to Hell's phosphorus, from Shinigami hollowfication to Arrancar experiments — when Mayuri even requested to research Akira's body, he unhesitatingly offered two pieces of his own flesh.

Such trust truly inspired absolute loyalty.

Watching the rising green light screen, Mayuri believed this war wouldn't be the end; the future world still held great potential. He eagerly anticipated the coming conflict.

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In Rukongai, at the Shōryūmon (Blue Stream Gate).

Kaname Tōsen, wearing a white haori, "watched" the green light gradually dye the soul-blocking membrane. Though his expression remained calm, other thoughts surfaced in his mind.

A faint smile played on his lips, as if recalling something pleasant.

Unlike others in the 11th Division, he pursued what he believed to be justice. Without doubt, Akira's words and actions embodied the justice in his heart.

Eliminating corrupt nobles, killing Tokinada Tsunayashiro, punishing Central 46 for their crimes — Akira had established a new system within Soul Society's framework that served the vast majority.

His only regret was not personally delivering justice to the villain who killed his friend Kakyō.

But Lord Akira had promised future opportunities. Though uncertain of their exact nature, Tōsen chose to believe.

After all, his Lord had never deceived him.

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At the Kokuryōmon (Black Ridge Gate).

Gin Ichimaru, eyes narrowed in his fox-like smile, softly murmured, "It's done."

As his words fell, the green light completed its convergence at the peak of the Shakonmaku (Soul-Warding Membrane), sending an almost imperceptible beam straight into the sky.

Then, all of Seireitei experienced a slight tremor. The amplitude was so small that only those with keen perception noticed it, while most Shinigami remained absorbed in their work.

In Kisuke and the others' view, the green light screen formed a massive Senkaimon, like Kuruyashiki's Bankai, opening an irregular maw that swallowed all of Seireitei.

Only layers of building shadows remained on the ground, as if nailed in place.

Kage Shibari (Shadow Binding). A powerful Kidō not included in the numbered spells, developed by the former Kuchiki family genius, Kōga Kuchiki.

After joint development by Aizen and Akira, it evolved into a Kidō barrier that could cover all of Seireitei, anchoring shadows in place during its transfer.

With everything proceeding flawlessly, Kisuke drew out his communication device and broadcast his voice across Seireitei.

"Release Seireitei Number Two."

Countless visible Reishi particles gathered and coalesced, drawn together by an invisible force to form towering buildings one after another.

Kenpachi Azashiro, the Sinner of Mugen, wielded Urozakuro.

Using Kisuke and Mayuri's advanced technology, he released the merged Reishi into the empty space, swiftly creating a perfect replica of Seireitei.

As the buildings materialized on this land once more, Mayuri retrieved red Gikon pills from his pocket, strategically placing them throughout the area.

Reiatsu injected, Reigai activated. Black figures materialized throughout Seireitei — perfect duplicates of Shinigami division members, down to their Reiatsu signatures and memories.

As the final preparations concluded, heavy Reiatsu descended. Concentrated beams of Reishi flames burst forth across Seireitei, shooting skyward and transforming it into a battlefield.

Within the buildings, countless black shadows stirred. Terrifying Reiatsu emerged as Quincy in white uniforms descended upon Seireitei.

Amidst someone's maniacal laughter, the war began!

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