In Bleach as Gilgamesh

Chapter 69 - Kennō Under Surveillance!

Byakuya knew his grandfather well and, seeing his expression, immediately asked, "Grandfather, do you know something?"

Ginrei's face was extremely complicated, showing hesitation, reminiscence, and pain.

It was the first time Byakuya had seen his always composed and unflappable grandfather show such a complex expression.

With a heavy sigh, Ginrei spoke in a melancholic voice, "This matter is a thorn in my heart and a stain and disgrace on the Kuchiki family."

"I thought that with the passage of time, this matter would be forever buried and forgotten by the world, so I never told you."

Byakuya frowned slightly but remained silent, listening intently.

Ginrei continued, "Hundreds of years ago, I had a son-in-law named Kōga Kuchiki."

"Kōga's talent was exceptional, a genius among Shinigami of his time."

"His brilliance was evident during the entrance exams at the Shin'ō Academy. Whether it was spiritual pressure, Kidō, or Zanjutsu, his talents were unparalleled."

"Moreover, during his time as a student at the Shin'ō Academy, not only did he awaken his Zanpakutō, but he also achieved Shikai and Bankai."

"Later, his strength surpassed even mine."

Hearing this, Byakuya's pupils contracted sharply.

Even with his usually calm demeanor, Byakuya's heart was stirred upon hearing this revelation.

He never imagined that the Kuchiki family once had such a genius, even more talented than himself.

In his mind, the image of Gilgamesh appeared, and he couldn't help but wonder, 'Whose talent is greater, Gilgamesh's or Kōga's?'

Simultaneously, Byakuya was puzzled. With Kōga's talent, he should have been valued by the family. How could he become a stain and disgrace?

Ginrei, lost in his memories, continued, "Hundreds of years ago, the Seireitei experienced a period of rebellion."

"Due to factional disputes, many Shinigami were dissatisfied with the rule of the Gotei 13 and started a rebellion."

"During that turbulent time, Kōga's outstanding performance led to his smooth appointment as the third seat of the Sixth Division. Everything seemed to be going well."

At this point, Ginrei sighed heavily again.

Under Byakuya's gaze, he continued, "Actually, with Kōga's talent, he could have been appointed the third seat immediately upon graduating from the Shin'ō Academy."

"Once he became proficient in his duties, he could have been promoted to vice-captain."

"Without any accidents, he would have succeeded me as the captain of the Sixth Division."

"But talent was both his making and his undoing."

"When one's strength becomes too great without a matching state of mind, do you know what happens?"

Ginrei's eyes suddenly fixed on Byakuya.

Byakuya didn't answer immediately, instead recalling how his grandfather had always focused on cultivating his state of mind from childhood.

This training had shaped Byakuya into a composed, noble successor who remained unperturbed in any situation.

To outsiders, Byakuya was the epitome of a noble.

Returning to the present, Byakuya answered under Ginrei's gaze, "Without a matching state of mind, one will gradually lose themselves and become a slave to their power."

Ginrei nodded lightly, "Exactly. Kōga lacked the state of mind to match his power."

"He was extremely confident in his strength, which was indeed formidable."

"But through repeated, effortless victories and constant praise, he gradually lost himself, becoming increasingly eager for quick success and impatient."

"I reminded him many times, but he never listened."

Ginrei paused, sighing again before continuing, "Captain-Commander Yamamoto also noticed Kōga's situation and arranged for him to join the special forces of the First Division, hoping to temper his state of mind."

"However, time was not on our side. Other factions, fearing Kōga's rising influence, conspired to frame him as a traitor. Kōga, being young and impetuous, fell into their trap."

"Later, Kōga escaped from prison with the help of his Zanpakutō and killed the three Shinigami who framed him, solidifying his guilt beyond redemption."

Hearing this, Byakuya frowned slightly.

If Kōga had only done these things, it shouldn't have been enough to become a stain and disgrace on the Kuchiki family.

Ginrei, seeing his grandson's confusion, explained, "After that, Kōga started his revenge. He not only slaughtered Shinigami indiscriminately but also innocent citizens of Rukongai, completely falling into darkness."

"In the end, Captain-Commander Yamamoto and I had to seal him with a blood burial, ending the disaster."

Byakuya understood the events.

Indeed, for the son-in-law of the Kuchiki family to be so easily framed and imprisoned, then neither reflecting nor repenting but instead going on a killing spree, this was indeed a stain and disgrace.

However, Byakuya didn't understand the connection between Kōga and Kennō.

Why did his grandfather tell him this story?

Wait, realizing something, Byakuya couldn't help but ask, "Grandfather, what was Kōga's Zanpakutō's ability?"

Ginrei's expression grew serious, despite the passage of time. Just thinking about that Zanpakutō unsettled him.

Ginrei said, "Kōga's Zanpakutō was named Muramasa, a cursed blade that brought calamity."

A cursed blade?

Byakuya frowned, not understanding.

Ginrei explained, "Muramasa was a highly unique illusion-type Zanpakutō."

"Its ability was similar to what you described about Kennō—it could control the opponent's Zanpakutō, even making them turn against their master."

Hearing this, Byakuya's mind shook.

Indeed, from the description, Muramasa's ability was very similar to Kennō.

He couldn't help but ponder if there was a connection between the two.

Otherwise, how could a newly enrolled student control his Shikai and even his Bankai?

Byakuya and Ginrei didn't notice a white figure ghosting away outside the door, leaving behind a murmured whisper.

"Kennō, interesting…"

"If I could recruit him as an ally, it would make my plan much easier to implement…"

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