Bleach: The Invincible Slacker from Rukongai

If anyone else had said this, Ise Nanao would have dismissed it as arrogance.

But coming from Uehara Shiroha, the words carried undeniable weight.

After all, Uehara Shiroha was infamous in Soul Society for his laid-back, playboy lifestyle.

At the same time, he was also recognized as a prodigy—powerful, versatile, and undeniably brilliant.

More importantly, Ise Nanao had personally experienced his exceptional teaching abilities and his astonishing proficiency in Kido.

As she gazed at him with admiration, Uehara Shiroha smirked.

If this system operated on a favorability meter instead of a task system, I'd probably see a notification pop up right now.

Without further delay, the two resumed their training.

After another intensive lesson, Ise Nanao's proficiency in Kido had advanced significantly. Her appreciation for Uehara Shiroha deepened as well.

Meanwhile, Uehara Shiroha was pleased with her progress.

At this rate, this special mission will be completed in no time.

And once it was done, the war between Soul Society and Hueco Mundo would likely break out. When that happened, he knew he'd have to make a move.

After all, the three old men in the First Division had tolerated his antics for long enough. They were probably itching to use this opportunity to test him.

But Uehara Shiroha wasn't concerned.

That night, he headed to the pleasure district for a drink.

"Master Shiroha, you haven't visited for several days!"

Matsuko, a courtesan with a sweet, satisfied smile, greeted him warmly.

This kind of tenderness and charm was reserved exclusively for Uehara Shiroha.

She had been with him from the beginning and had long since become his personal courtesan.

With one pouring tea and wine while the other sipped leisurely, the two conversed in a relaxed manner, their laughter mingling with the warm glow of the lanterns.

Uehara Shiroha enjoyed the atmosphere.

He wasn't particularly fond of bloodshed and conflict—though, of course, he wouldn't allow anyone to bring the fight to him either.

Just as he was basking in the moment, his expression suddenly shifted.

He listened carefully.

From outside, he heard a maid's voice attempting to stop someone—followed by a rough, arrogant voice.

"I am a guard of the Tsunayashiro family! And yet, a mere geisha dares to put on airs?"

"I've never even heard of the Seventh Seat of the First Division! Hah! You so-called Shinigami are nothing more than lapdogs raised by my master…"

Hearing this, Uehara Shiroha smiled at Matsuko.

"Prepare me a cup of wine. I'll be right back."

Then, he stood up, opened the door, and stepped out.

Outside, the Tsunayashiro family's personal Shinigami was brandishing his sword, trying to intimidate the two maids.

The courtesans of the pleasure district weren't defenseless—they also functioned as half-guards and had managed to hold him back.

But as a dog of a great noble house, the Shinigami was used to getting his way. And now, he had drawn his sword in frustration.

Uehara Shiroha took in the scene in an instant.

Aside from two hidden Onmitsukidō scouts stationed by Suì-Fēng, there were no other Shinigami present.

After confirming that this wasn't a setup, he drew his own blade and shouted:

"Who is this lunatic daring to draw a sword against the Seventh Seat of the First Division?! Stand down!"

Before the Tsunayashiro member could react, an overwhelming wave of freezing energy surged toward him, instantly encasing him in ice.

Uehara Shiroha had deliberately used excessive force. Even if the man survived, he would be crippled for life.

From the shadows, the two Onmitsukidō scouts watched in stunned silence.

What now?

Should they continue tracking him?

Should they step in?

Can we even win?!

While they hesitated, Uehara Shiroha turned toward them with a sharp glare.

"There are accomplices? Who are you? How dare you conspire to assassinate a seated officer of the First Division?!"

Before either of them could react, his Stand ability—White Album—activated soundlessly.

Two more ice sculptures appeared where they had been standing.

This time, however, he held back.

Not because he wanted to show mercy, but because he didn't want to offend two great noble families at once.

After all, if he stirred up too much trouble, Captain Commander Yamamoto would have to step in to protect him.

And that would just lead to him getting scolded.

With that settled, Uehara Shiroha turned on his heel and leisurely strolled back inside.

Sitting down, he picked up his cup. "Great taste. Not bad!"

Matsuko, who had initially gone pale with fear, now gazed at him with admiration.

"Brother Shiroha, I might've caused you some trouble."

Not long after, Kyoraku Shunsui arrived to check on the situation, handling the aftermath while wearing his usual lazy smile.

"My conflicts with the Tsunayashiro family run deep," he explained. "And since we're friends, it's inevitable they'd target you too.

Lately, the Tsunayashiro family has been growing more aggressive. You should be careful."

Among the Five Great Noble Houses:The family that guarded Hell had long since withdrawn from Soul Society.The Shiba family had exiled themselves to Rukongai.The Kuchiki family remained bound by the rules of the Sixth Division and noble traditions.The Shihōin family once had power through the Second Division and Onmitsukidō, but after Yoruichi defected, their influence had weakened.With so many old families in decline, the Tsunayashiro family had become the greatest beneficiary.

They had been expanding rapidly, growing increasingly arrogant.

This provocation against Uehara Shiroha?

It was simply a test to see how much they could push the Gotei 13.

After all, the noble families and the Gotei 13 operated as two separate systems—technically, the nobles still ruled over the Gotei 13.

Even as a captain, Kyoraku Shunsui had little authority over them.

But Uehara Shiroha remained indifferent.

"Brother Kyoraku, you're being too polite. There's no need to talk about 'dragging me into trouble'—our relationship isn't that shallow.

I don't start trouble, but I'm never afraid of it.

Even if the Tsunayashiro family has deep roots… well, I have the Captain-Commander backing me!"

This was truly an unexpected situation.

Kyoraku Shunsui came from an upper-class noble family himself, and he was skilled at maneuvering through political games.

Yet now, the Tsunayashiro family had set their sights on him—and by extension, Uehara Shiroha.

The irony was almost amusing.

I was planning to target the Tsunayashiro family eventually, Uehara Shiroha mused.

But before he could make a move, they had thrown themselves at him first.

Kyoraku Shunsui shook his head in disbelief. "Hah… you really are something else."

In the end, the matter was left unresolved.

The Tsunayashiro family—and the noble houses of Soul Society as a whole—knew better than to directly challenge Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni.

After all, the old noble families still remembered what kind of ruthless monster the original Gotei 13 had been a thousand years ago.

But what puzzled them was why Yamamoto, who was always strict about rules, was protecting this kid.

Who exactly was Uehara Shiroha?

Not only was he brazenly fearless, but he was also receiving special treatment from Yamamoto himself.

Meanwhile, Suì-Fēng was furious.

Glaring at the two subordinates who had just recovered, she snapped,

"You two are supposed to be the elite of the Onmitsukidō's First Division! And yet, you were captured so easily?! You've brought shame to the entire corps!"

Deep inside, she desperately wanted to drag Uehara Shiroha straight to the Maggot's Nest.

But since Yamamoto had spoken, she had no choice but to obey.