NOVEL NEXT Chapter 19: Chapter 19
Uehara Shiroha didn't intend to linger around Aizen for too long.
He was keenly aware that Aizen had already taken notice of his eyes—and was undoubtedly forming ideas.
As a performative personality and a perfectionist, Aizen's meticulous attention to detail was on an entirely different level.
Otherwise, how could he wield Kyōka Suigetsu to such perfection? With nothing but a blade, he could deceive the entire world.
After all, Kyōka Suigetsu didn't alter cognition—that was Hirako Shinji's Sakanade. Aizen's Zanpakutō merely controlled the five senses.
Which meant—he had to personally fine-tune every illusion, every falsehood, down to the most minute detail.
And yet, he never slipped.
That was Aizen Sōsuke.
Not wanting to test the waters any further, Uehara Shiroha casually said a few parting words, then picked up his fishing rod and smiled at Aizen:
"Sorry for the disturbance. If I catch a big one, I'll treat the guys to a meal."
With that, he turned and left, humming the melody of Big Fish & Begonia under his breath.
Behind him, Aizen watched his retreating figure with an almost imperceptible smile.
A fleeting glint flashed in his eyes—but in the next instant, it was gone.
The water remained still.
No ripples.
No waves.
Rukongai – North District 12
The moment Uehara Shiroha set foot outside Seireitei, his steps grew noticeably lighter.
Moving swiftly, he made his way to the wilderness of North Rukongai's 12th District—a sparsely populated area rich in natural resources.
Perfect for solitude.
Settling down on a large boulder, he cast his fishing line into the tranquil lake below, basking in the serenity of the moment.
As he relaxed, he opened his Character Status Panel.
Character Status
Name: Uehara Shiroha
Position: 7th Seat, 1st Division
Reiatsu: Third-Class Spiritual Power (Captain-Level)
Zanpakutō: Shunkyō[Fleeting Void] (Second-Stage Shikai)
Zanjutsu: Vice-Captain Level
Hakuda: High-Ranking Officer Level
Kidō: Captain Level
Shunpo: Captain Level
Abilities
Shadow Clone Technique (B-Class Ability, Mastered)
Stand – White Album (S-Class Ability, Mastered)
Breathing Style – Sun Breathing (B-Class Ability, Proficient)
Tools
Camouflage Glasses (B-Class Item, Kryptonian Creation)
Five Thunder Curse (C-Class Item, Cultivation Talisman)
Death Gloves (D-Class Item, Extraordinary Creation)
Horse Talisman (A-Class Item, Magical Creation)
Shiroha's gaze lingered on his Shunpo mastery.
"Turned captain, huh? Guess Yoruichi really is a top-tier sparring partner."
It was a testament to how much he had improved—without their match, it would have taken months to break through.
"Fighting strong opponents really is the fastest way to grow."
For a brief moment, he reflected on how much time he had wasted on indulgences.
"Alcohol and women are a detriment to progress. I've squandered too many opportunities to become stronger!"
He clenched his fist with determination.
"From today onward—I quit drinking!"
…
…
…
To celebrate quitting drinking, I'll head to the red-light district for a drink tonight.
Yes.
A perfect decision.
Task Log Panel
After closing his status window, Uehara Shiroha opened the Task Log Panel.
First came the Daily Task Summary:
[As of yesterday, you have completed 7,251 daily tasks, earning a total of 14,502 random attribute points.]
Then, the Special Task Summary:
[Tour Rukongai] – Reward: Shadow Clone (B-Class Ability)
[Enroll in the Shin'ō Spiritual Academy] – Reward: Death Gloves (D-Class Item)
[Obtain a Zanpakutō] – Reward: Stand – White Album (S-Class Ability)
[Zanpakutō Meditation: Communicate with the Sword] – Reward: Five Thunder Curse (C-Class Item)
[Graduate as Top Student & Join the Gotei 13] – Reward: Camouflage Glasses (B-Class Item)
[Gain Recognition in the 1st Division] – Reward: Sun Breathing (B-Class Ability)
[Witness the Birth of the Visored] – Reward: Horse Talisman (A-Class Item)
Looking at his extensive list of rewards, Uehara Shiroha felt an immense sense of satisfaction.
This—was his territory.
But as time passed…
His mood soured.
Where were the fish?
Where the hell were the fish?!
His fishing line remained motionless, the water undisturbed.
Just as he began considering which Kidō spell would be most environmentally friendly for mass fishing—
A thunderous ROAR erupted from the distant mountains.
At the same time—he felt it.
A powerful surge of Reiatsu.
Uehara Shiroha's eyes gleamed.
"I knew it. My bad luck isn't because of poor fishing skills—it's because someone is screwing with me."
Reeling in his empty line, he stood up and prepared to collect debts.
[Ding! Daily Task Completed – "Fishing"! Rewards: +1 Hakuda, +1 Assassination Techniques!]
Uehara Shiroha nodded in satisfaction.
"At least I didn't walk away empty-handed."
And with that, he vanished from the spot.
Mountaintop –
Arriving at the scene, Uehara Shiroha spotted a lone Shinigami attacking a massive boulder.
"WHY?!
Why did you abandon me?!
I WILL become a great captain—and you'll regret leaving me behind!"
The furious voice belonged to a small-framed girl, clad in an outfit similar to Yoruichi's Onmitsukidō uniform.
Though her black haori draped over her shoulders in an attempt at authority—her lack of curves made the intimidation factor non-existent.
This petite, plain-looking girl—
Was Suì-Fēng.
Hearing her "bullied-wife" mutterings, Uehara Shiroha barely suppressed his laughter.
"Seriously? This is adorable."
But his amusement was short-lived—
Because the moment Suì-Fēng sensed another presence, her head snapped toward him.
"Who's there?!"
Her gaze sharpened like a blade, her Reiatsu flaring with hostility.
The moment she saw his Shinigami uniform, her expression turned dangerous.
"You—!" she hissed. "Did you hear everything just now?!"
Uehara Shiroha, master of tactical retreat, instantly took a step back.
"Of course not! My hearing's terrible. If you don't believe me, ask the bald guy from 10th Division!"
It was a flawless evasion tactic.
But Suì-Fēng's expression only darkened.
And the next moment—she vanished.
"Ice Lock!"
Reacting instinctively, Uehara Shiroha swung Shunkyō, creating a freezing blast that coated the air in frost using White Album.
Suì-Fēng barely managed to evade, her pupils contracting in shock.
"A permanently released frost-type Zanpakutō…?"
Recognition flashed in her eyes.
"You—you're Uehara Shiroha!"
With an icy smirk, Uehara Shiroha flourished his sword:
"Indeed! The prodigy personally favored by the Captain-Commander!"
Suì-Fēng's face darkened.
"I'll be leading the Onmitsukidō soon… and I will remember this."
Her fists clenched.
He might not be worth killing—
But "physical amnesia"?
That was still an option.
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