Shinigami in the Ninja World (Re-upload)

The Royal Guard is not part of the Seireitei's organizational structure.

In fact, they aren't even stationed in the Seireitei.

Yet, the moment they arrived, they took control, asserting their dominance without hesitation.

Even Yamamoto, who is typically very conscious of status and would never tolerate such behavior, seemed to accept their authority, though with a sense of guilt and regret.

After all, under his leadership, the Seireitei was on the verge of collapse.

This time, they were fortunate to exploit the Quincies' time limit.

But what about next time?

The sudden end of this conflict can be attributed to two factors.

First, Naruto had discovered traces of their presence, forcing them to reveal themselves.

Second, this attack was merely a test on their part—a test of the Seireitei.

As for the results, the Quincies had gained significant insight into the Seireitei and the Gotei 13, while the Shinigami had yet to fully comprehend the extent of their enemies' powers.

Their 'Schrift', the ability to steal 'Bankai', and their power to alter or manipulate physical forms...

The Seireitei now knew they had over twenty members with abilities at or near Captain-level strength.

But beyond that...

They knew nothing more.

"They're so... arrogant," Soi Fon gritted her teeth. She always despised those who flaunted their superiority, especially when it was in front of someone she respected.

In front of her revered Captain-Commander...

In front of Naruto...

Did they not care at all?

"I don't care how impressive you are. The Gotei 13 fought hard to defend the Seireitei," she said. "For you to belittle us like this..."

A soft breeze rustled through the air.

"You're too noisy," the man with the pompadour grumbled impatiently, turning away as he prepared to throw something at Soi Fon.

But the moment he used 'Shunpo', there was a 'click.'

Chains moved in sync with his motion.

As soon as he raised his hand, the chains wrapped around his wrist, suspending him in mid-air.

Soi Fon looked up, surprised.

That speed...

What just happened?

Her reactions barely kept up.

Was this the power of the Royal Guard?

The man with the pompadour glanced down at the chains on his wrist, then turned to Naruto. "Impressive reflexes."

"As expected from the most surprising Shinigami in history."

Naruto ignored him, pulling the chains taut to hold the man's arm still. "Talk is fine, but don't try to get physical."

"Soi Fon is a Captain," Naruto said calmly. "Even if she's not ranked higher than you, she's not beneath you either."

The man with the pompadour scowled, his expression darkening further.

"Looks like even Captain Kirinji gets put in his place sometimes," Unohana Retsu said, covering her mouth with a light laugh.

Kirinji clicked his tongue, grumbling, "I taught you healing, Retsu. You ought to show me a little more respect, kid."

Naruto flicked his hand, and the chains dissolved into reishi, leaving no trace. He simply turned away, uninterested in engaging further.

Meanwhile, the tall woman with long black hair, who had been giving orders, disappeared momentarily and returned before the conversation ended.

She had gone into the Seireitei to retrieve some items.

These were the individuals she mentioned earlier—the ones they would take with them.

The people in the orbs of golden light were gravely injured from the previous battle.

Among them were 'Kaien Shiba', 'Byakuya Kuchiki', 'Renji Abarai', and 'Rukia Kuchiki'.

Each of them was encased in a golden orb with a small window.

The tall woman glanced at Naruto. "We've almost got everyone we need."

"Now we just need that boy, Ichigo Kurosaki."

"He's still in the World of the Living, right?"

Yamamoto nodded and glanced at Soi Fon, signaling her with his eyes.

The Captain of the 2nd Division understood immediately.

He wanted her to contact the 13th Division and bring Ichigo Kurosaki here.

She turned to leave, but Naruto stepped forward, blocking her path.

Soi Fon bumped her head against Naruto's stomach—given her height, that was as far as she could reach.

"Naruto?" She looked up, confused.

Naruto grabbed her collar, gently pulling her back. His gaze shifted to the orbs containing the injured. "There's no rush to get Ichigo Kurosaki."

"These people..."

"They're too gravely injured to be moved from the Seireitei. Their bodies..."

The tall woman raised her hand, twirling a lock of hair around her finger, her tone as indifferent as Kirinji's. "Taking them away is for their benefit, obviously."

"Kirinji already mentioned that Captain Unohana isn't particularly skilled in healing."

"With your abilities, I doubt you can heal them either."

Naruto replied calmly, "I can."

He raised his hand, and a ball of golden reiryoku emerged from his palm, emitting a bright and gentle glow.

It brimmed with vitality.

When it came to healing, Naruto had an innate talent that surpassed even those who had dedicated centuries to studying 'Kaidō'.

Kirinji tilted his head, eyes gleaming with curiosity. "That's not ordinary healing."

"Such potent life energy..."

"Even more powerful than my hot springs."

"And safer, too."

The bald monk chuckled, shaking his head. "These injuries go beyond just physical wounds."

"Their 'Zanpakutō' are also damaged."

"They need to go to the 'Soul King Palace'."

"Only there, where we have special high-level techniques different from ordinary 'Kidō', can we repair their 'Zanpakutō'."

He paused briefly.

"Moreover, the Quincies are stronger than what you've seen so far. While we're here, there's no need to worry, but it wouldn't hurt to bolster our forces."

"They are exceptionally talented."

"Their potential hasn't fully been realized yet."

"Taking them to the 'Soul King Palace' will only benefit them."

Naruto then asked, "And Ichigo Kurosaki?"

"Why does the Soul King want to see him? Is it because... he has the qualifications to take the throne?"

The monk stared at Naruto intently, his expression serious and sincere. "You seem to know quite a lot."

"Is it because of Aizen?"

"Or is it due to the Shihōin and Shiba clans?"

Before Naruto could respond, the monk shook his head. "Never mind, it doesn't matter."

"No matter how much you know."

"It won't change the plan."

"We need power, and that's the Soul King's will. He believes Ichigo Kurosaki possesses infinite potential, just like you."

There it was again...

The "will of the Soul King."

When Naruto first became a Shinigami, and even before that, he had held the Soul King in high regard, having learned from books and discussions that the Soul King stabilized the Three Worlds.

But the more Naruto learned...

The more his respect faded, until it disappeared entirely.

No matter if they were ordinary Shinigami, Captains of the Gotei 13, or even members of the Royal Guard, all of them revered the Soul King.

But it didn't change the fact that the Soul King was a "prisoner."

Naruto couldn't muster respect for someone who was "imprisoned" and "deprived of freedom."

That reasoning wasn't convincing enough for him.

"Ichigo Kurosaki isn't a Shinigami," Naruto emphasized once again.

The monk's expression remained unchanged, still serious and genuine. "So, what are you planning?"

"Whether he wants to or not is his choice. His consent should be sought," Naruto replied calmly. "I don't think the Soul Society is desperate enough yet to forcibly enlist him."

The monk and Naruto locked eyes, their gazes unwavering.

There was no anger, just cold calm.

"You're exactly as I expected," the monk said, clapping his hands. "The Soul King anticipated this response from you."

"He specifically instructed us to respect your opinion."

The monk studied Naruto with curiosity.

Having conversed with the Soul King directly, he noticed how the Soul King seemed particularly focused on this boy—someone who, aside from his strong spiritual pressure and the fact that he possessed a second spirit within him, allowing him to wield two 'Zanpakutō', appeared unremarkable. He was a handsome, gentle young man.

And yet...

The Soul King seemed to care more about Naruto than even Ichigo Kurosaki.

In the monk's eyes, Ichigo was clearly more special.

Ichigo possessed the qualifications to replace the Soul King, to sit upon the throne of the Three Worlds...

Apart from Yhwach, Ichigo was the only other candidate.

Naruto said nothing, merely raising a hand.

Mayuri immediately retrieved a communication device from his pocket.

Though their relationship was tense and confrontational, there was a mutual understanding between them.

When it came to timing and coordination...

Mayuri prided himself on being more in sync with Naruto than anyone else.

Having pushed Naruto's buttons countless times, always flirting with disaster, Mayuri had escaped relatively unscathed, usually just receiving a beating or losing a few 'Shadow Clones'.

The device beeped as the connection went through.

Ichigo Kurosaki sat in a tatami room, holding up a communication device. "Ah, Captain Kurotsuchi, what's up?"

His face appeared on the screen, but the voice that came through was exaggerated and playful.

From the first word alone, Mayuri's face fell. "Kisuke Urahara, stop playing this childish ventriloquist act."

"Ah, Captain Kurotsuchi recognized me right away." A man peeked out from behind Ichigo.

Mayuri scoffed, his expression showing clear disdain. "I'm not looking for you. Don't flatter yourself."

"Ichigo Kurosaki."

"Captain Uzumaki has something to tell you."

Ichigo straightened up, his expression serious. "Uncle Naruto, are you alright?"

"How's the Seireitei?"

Naruto took the device from Mayuri and smiled. "I'm fine, and the Seireitei is holding up."

"The enemy has retreated."

"It's a rare moment of respite."

Ichigo nodded, sensing there was more beneath Naruto's calm words.

"We need to talk about something," Naruto continued. "The Royal Guard has arrived, and they want to take you to the 'Soul King Palace'."

Ichigo froze.

The 'Soul King Palace'?

He remembered it clearly.

After all...

The most powerful and unforgettable enemy he had ever faced, 'Sōsuke Aizen', had orchestrated an elaborate plan, going so far as to sacrifice all of 'Karakura Town' to create the 'Ōken', a key to the 'Soul King Palace'.

"Me? Why?" Ichigo asked, bewildered.

Naruto explained calmly, "The Soul King believes the Wandenreich is a formidable enemy, and he wants more reliable strength."

"And you have potential."

"So they want to take you to the 'Soul King Palace' to unlock your potential, making you stronger."

"They want you to become deeply involved in this war."

Ichigo squinted, contemplating.

To become deeply...

Involved in this war?

"Uncle Naruto, what do you think?" Ichigo asked after some thought, throwing the question back to Naruto.

Naruto shook his head firmly. "I don't recommend it."

The monk turned his head, his expression still straightforward, but now there was a flicker of something in his eyes, as if he was pondering something.

"Why?" Ichigo inquired.

Naruto's voice softened. "Because this isn't your responsibility."

"This is a war between Shinigami and Quincies."

"You're just a human."

"And the Soul Society hasn't weakened to the point where it needs to force a seventeen-year-old to fight."

"We may not have the upper hand, but we're not completely outmatched either."

Ichigo fell silent, deep in thought.

Kisuke Urahara popped his head into the frame, adding mischievously, "This time is different from the last incident."

"I also agree with Naruto."

"This is our war."

Naruto ignored Urahara, offering him no pleasantries despite the older man's comments of support.

Naruto held grudges.

"Then I'll go with Uncle Naruto's advice," Ichigo said, taking a deep breath and nodding. "But..."

"If things get worse, I hope you won't hesitate to call on me."

"If there's anything I can do, I'll do my best."

Naruto smiled and nodded in agreement.

Ichigo clenched his fists, his expression complicated.

Deep down, he did want to be part of something like this. He was a boy who longed to be needed.

But...

With Uncle Naruto and Urahara both advising against it, he couldn't come up with a valid argument to refuse them.

So, he could only comply with their advice.

Naruto reached to disconnect the communication device.

"Wait!" Urahara poked his head back in, his face exaggerated and theatrical. "I have something to say!"

Everyone turned to look at him.

"The Quincies' techniques are a big hassle, aren't they?" He adjusted his hat, his expression and tone becoming serious and composed.

"Whether it's how they move around..."

"Or their method of stealing 'Bankai'."

"But I've found some spiritual materials that can counter their techniques, and now I just need the cooperation of the 12th Division."

"I need some materials and a bit of time, and then I can—"

He was cut off.

Interrupted by Mayuri's disdainful laughter.

"Kisuke Urahara, is that all you've got?" Mayuri sneered, his lips curling in contempt, his eyes narrowing with malice.

Urahara froze, staring at Mayuri, eyes wide with disbelief.

He realized what those words implied. "You've... already started?"

Mayuri pulled out a vial. "Started?"

"No, I've already finished."

"Whether it's the 'Shadow Domain' the Quincies use, their coordinates, the encryption they've set up to manipulate space, their method of travel..."

"Or the ability to steal 'Bankai', how to resist it, and even how to reclaim our 'Bankai'..."

"I've solved it all."

Urahara was stunned, his eyes widening in shock.

Solved it?

That...

Wasn't that a little too fast?

He admitted that Mayuri was an excellent researcher. Otherwise, he wouldn't have gone to such lengths to rescue him from the 'Nest of Maggots'.

But even so, he knew where Mayuri's capabilities and potential lay.

"Don't look at me like that." Mayuri's eyes flashed dangerously, but his voice was filled with pride, excitement, and even a slight tremor. "Kisuke Urahara, don't think you're smarter than me."

"Don't always think you're one step ahead of me."

"This time, I've won."

Urahara smiled wryly. "Looks like I've grown a bit rusty after being away from the Seireitei for so long."

"Congratulations, Captain Kurotsuchi."

Mayuri clicked his tongue.

Congratulations?

That wasn't the reaction he wanted.

He had just achieved victory, and yet Urahara's response was simply a casual "congratulations"?

"Don't let yourself get complacent, Kisuke Urahara," Mayuri said, holding back his frustration. "If you keep this up, the gap between us will only grow wider."

He stood proudly above him.

Urahara nodded, though his demeanor remained unchanged, unaffected by Mayuri's taunts.

This only made Mayuri angrier as he abruptly ended the call.

"Just as the Soul King predicted," the monk muttered quietly as the connection was cut.

Naruto glanced at him.

Based on his 'Mind's Eye of the Kagura', this man was telling the truth from beginning to end.

But for some reason...

Naruto instinctively felt that this monk wasn't harboring the best intentions.

"Alright, let's go," the monk said with a wave of his hand.

Naruto called out, "Wait a moment."

"What about 'Kenpachi Zaraki'?"

"Aren't you taking him?"

Zaraki had also been severely wounded. He had been defeated in a single strike by the fake Yhwach and was still unconscious.

Moreover...

When it came to potential, Kenpachi Zaraki likely surpassed everyone present.

He had been appointed Captain without even mastering his 'Shikai'.

If he learned 'Shikai', if he gained 'Bankai', if he unlocked the spiritual pressure he had sealed away within himself, it was hard to imagine just how powerful he could become.

Even if he didn't surpass Yamamoto, his strength would likely be unparalleled.

The monk's eyes widened, and he shook his head. "There's no need."

"Kenpachi Zaraki's path isn't in the 'Soul King Palace'. It's here, in the Seireitei."

The man with the pompadour chimed in, "Retsu, you know what you need to do."

Unohana Retsu remained silent, bowing her head.

Naruto's gaze lingered on her.

Yamamoto fell deep into thought.

A heavy and oppressive atmosphere slowly enveloped Unohana Retsu, weighing her down with a somber air. The usually gentle, smiling Captain of the 4th Division now wore a grave expression.

Naruto looked at her...

It felt as though the distance between them had suddenly grown vast, as if he were going to the 'Soul King Palace' and would never see her again.

It felt as though she was preparing herself to die, to settle something within her.

"Wait for me to come back, okay?" Naruto took a deep breath, subconsciously summoning 'Vortex', the power of the Wind dispersing the tension in the air.

Unohana Retsu looked up.

Their eyes met, and Naruto repeated his words, this time more firmly. "Wait for me."

"Both you and Kenpachi Zaraki are important to me."

"I don't want to lose either of you."

Unohana smiled softly. "You're talking as if one of us is about to leave you."

Naruto's gaze remained serious. "Promise me."

Unohana didn't respond.

"Trust Naruto," Yamamoto interjected. "Retsu, trust him."

Naruto might have only had a gut feeling, but as someone who had known Unohana for a thousand years, who had seen her evolve from the original 'Kenpachi' to the gentle healer she was today, Yamamoto understood her journey and what the monk had implied. He recognized the decision Unohana had made in that fleeting moment.

Yamamoto had never denied being a cold, ruthless man.

If things had come to a critical point where the Soul Society was on the brink of destruction, he would have supported the unspoken decision.

But as Naruto had told Ichigo Kurosaki earlier, things weren't dire enough yet to warrant such extreme measures.

He didn't want to see another trusted friend or comrade perish.

Kirinji tilted his head, glancing at Naruto. "I'm not a fan of this kid's stubbornness."

"But he's already done so many unexpected things."

"This time, let's trust him."

Unohana finally nodded. "Alright, I promise."

"I won't do anything until you return."

"But if things become desperate enough to require my actions, I will do what's necessary."

Naruto grasped the air with his hand, his voice resolute. "I won't let things get to that point."

The monk tilted his head, still observing Naruto closely.

So...

Why was the Soul King so interested in this boy? Was it because of his determination?

But determination wasn't something that most powerful individuals lacked.

Naruto followed the monk toward the 'Tenchūrai'.

The monk laughed heartily. "Kid, we don't need to use the 'Tenchūrai' just yet."

"It doesn't have the ability to return to the 'Soul King Palace' on its own."

Naruto was confused but followed the monk's lead as they walked out of the Seireitei and arrived at a familiar location.

The Shiba residence.

The Shiba clan, a family stripped of their noble status.

"What a hassle," Kūkaku Shiba clicked her tongue, waving her hand dismissively. "But everything's ready."

"If you need to use it, go ahead."

Naruto looked up, his eyes landing on the massive cannon that stood tall in the Shiba residence, aimed straight at the sky.

That?

Wasn't that thing just for launching fireworks?

"You know what this is for, right?" Kūkaku tapped the cannon with a smirk, her tone indifferent. "I guess I can tell you more now since you already know about the Five Great Noble Houses."

"Do you know why the Shiba clan still holds a seat in Central 46, even after being stripped of their noble status?"

Naruto shook his head.

"Because all they took was the title of 'nobility.'" Kūkaku sneered, clearly unimpressed by the concept of nobility. "But they couldn't take away what the Shiba family possesses."

"The Shiba family is the only clan in the Soul Society that holds the means to reach the 'Soul King Palace'."

"And that means is this."

The 'Tenchūrai' fit perfectly into the cannon, as though it had been designed for this purpose all along. Kūkaku's talk of fireworks had just been her playing around—this cannon's true purpose was to launch individuals to the 'Soul King Palace'.

With a thunderous blast, the cannon fired.

The sound of the shot echoed loudly, a powerful force propelling them skyward.

In the blink of an eye, the 'Tenchūrai' had landed. Despite the impact, the journey had been surprisingly smooth, with the passengers inside feeling only a slight jolt.

The door opened.

The monk stepped out with Naruto. "We've arrived."

"This is the 'Soul King Palace'."

"Before today, no Shinigami outside the Royal Guard and the Five Great Noble Houses has ever set foot here."

Naruto looked into the distance.

The 'Soul King Palace' was not as grand as he had imagined. After all, it was essentially a prison for the "Chair of the Three Worlds." It made sense that it wouldn't resemble a true palace.

At the center of the high platform, a structure similar to the 'Tenchūrai' floated in mid-air.

Surrounding it were five floating islands.

"You guessed right," Kirinji said with a sly grin as he used 'Shunpo' to appear next to Naruto, as though trying to startle him. His voice was cold and eerie. "That cocoon-like structure is the main hall."

"The Soul King resides there."

"And the five floating islands around it are our castles."

"I'll be taking these little ones to my palace for healing, Naruto. Care to join us?"

Naruto looked at him calmly, showing no signs of being startled. "You seem to be an expert in healing?"

"Going to your palace is for healing, right?"

"Then I probably won't need to."

His fight with Haschwalth had been the most intense battle since becoming a Shinigami.

Even now, he could feel the dull pain and tingling sensation from his injuries.

But...

That was only from physical and spiritual exhaustion. The injuries themselves had already fully healed, thanks to his innate regenerative abilities.

"In that case, come to my palace," another figure, silent until now, finally spoke. He was a man wearing a white vest and blue-tinted sunglasses. "I think you'll be quite interested in what my palace holds."

"Let me introduce myself."

"My name is Ōetsu Nimaiya."

"I am the creator of the 'Zanpakutō'."

Naruto stared at him, his eyes sharp.