C23 Ojiisan Yamamoto Added to the Drama

"It has to be him; he's the one who tampered with it."

Kurotsuchi Mayuri regained his balance and swiftly sheathed his Soul-Cutter Sword.

His gaze fell on Taku, who appeared indifferent, yet his eyes betrayed a hint of green envy.

Kurotsuchi Mayuri had been bested by the unknown, a bitter pill to swallow.

But as a deranged scientist, he relished the challenge of the unknown, the thrill of peeling back its layers to reveal its secrets.

"Look at Captain Kurotsuchi, he's probably into guys. The way he's looking at that man, it's like someone gazing at their first love."

"Knock it off. I'm not that obvious. My longing for the goddess is subtle and heartfelt. This kind of stare, it's unbearable. I'm steering clear of the Twelfth Division from now on."

"Pfft, you're just putting on an act. If you had the chance to join the Twelfth Division, you'd jump at it in a heartbeat."

The incessant banter nearly sent Kurotsuchi Mayuri toppling over once more.

Aware of the surrounding stares, he realized that his fearsome reputation had been compromised by this young upstart.

Kyoraku Shunsui, standing nearby, glanced at the Pisces Ring on his waist and shot Kurotsuchi Mayuri a look of sympathy and thanks.

He had wanted to give Taku a piece of his mind but didn't want to jeopardize his future happiness.

When it came to choosing sides, Kyoraku preferred the company of women.

Yet, amidst the current turmoil, Kyoraku Shunsui couldn't shake off his headache, silently commending Shiba Taku's knack for stirring up trouble.

A new recruit assessment had brought not only a brooding adversary but also two captains lying in wait, ready to trip him up.

And now, he had attracted the attention of a pervert.

The situation was akin to a pack of wolves vying for a meal.

Helping this kid sneak through the back door seemed an insurmountable task.

"Dammit, as captains, you're supposed to be role models for these new students attending the Shinoreijutsuin assessment. Does this endless commotion not embarrass you?"

A thunderous bellow erupted from outside the door.

As the aged figure approached, the examinees' pupils constricted, and they instinctively held their breath in anticipation.

Seeing the emblem of the First Division, the title of the strongest Shinigami had already taken root in their hearts. This was a living legend. Typically, they would remain stationed at the First Division's headquarters, seldom venturing out. Their appearance was always a sign of significant events. Yet now, they had come out for a mere examinee, which undoubtedly added a substantial layer to Taku's aura.

The real question, though, was how the old and stubborn captain would handle the chaos of a drunken debacle in the testing hall. "Old man Yamamoto, I didn't expect to see you here," Kyoraku Shunsui said as he ruefully ran his fingers through his disheveled hair, managing a wry smile.

"Don't be fooled by the mess here. The examination actually went quite well. Captain Kurotsuchi vouched for the kid with the honor of the Technological Development Department, claiming he has Ten Bamboo Spiritual Pressure. He's a rare talent, and with his solid hand-to-hand skills, he's definitely a promising recruit."

The thought of the millennium-aged fine wine snatched by Taku was disappointing, but the commitment to pull strings for Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni had to continue. Kyoraku Shunsui was itching to give the feigning drunk Taku a piece of his mind, yet the charade had to go on.

"No..." Kurotsuchi Mayuri was visibly upset, but recalling Kyoraku's words, he just huffed, "Correct, even if my testing machine breaks, the readings remain accurate. Pursuing the truth is a scientist's duty." He gave Taku a piercing look, adding, "No matter the methods or the cost, one must ensure what they obtain is genuine."

His cryptic words carried an eerie undertone. However, the mood was quickly disrupted once more. "Look, this is definitely bent," someone blurted out unexpectedly, nearly provoking Kurotsuchi Mayuri to draw his sword. But even with his defiant nature, he could only scoff and step aside in the presence of Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni. As for Taku, the interest in him as a test subject was undeniable.

After being swept up in baseless rumors, he temporarily set aside his covetous gaze and quietly pondered his next move.

Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni gave the spirit pressure testing machine, now a mangled wreck, a cursory glance. His face betrayed nothing, yet his mind was anything but calm.

Upon hearing from Kuchiki Rukia about Taku's seemingly exceptional abilities, Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni realized he might have underestimated this particular player in the game.

To tighten his grip on this piece, he had Kyoraku Shunsui facilitate Shiba Taku's advancement, allowing him to bypass the usual channels.

Yet, Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni had not anticipated overlooking a critical detail once more. The Ten Bamboo Spiritual Pressure was a rare talent, surpassing even the prodigious Toushirou, who emerged once in centuries.

With the right training, this individual could undoubtedly ascend to such heights.

Reflecting on the report's mention of Three Bamboo Spiritual Pressure, Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni instinctively cast a glance at Abarai Renji. Renji's recent reactions and actions didn't seem deceitful.

"Have I once again underestimated the kid? Does he possess a technique to control his own Spiritual Pressure?" Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni mused, his eyes narrowing as he watched Taku snap out of his daze, growing more convinced of his speculation.

Moreover, he contemplated a more profound issue. This chess piece might not be as manageable as he had assumed. Yet, it was this unpredictability that piqued Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni's interest even more.

At the very least, his initial strategy had been executed without incident.

Of course, if Shiba Taku were aware that Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni was quite the actor, imagining depths to him that didn't exist, he'd be compelled to exclaim in disbelief.

This was, without a doubt, an unexpected twist in his own narrative.

"Cough, cough, Ojiisan Yamamoto, don't just stand there watching. Everyone's waiting for the exam. Please address this situation," Kyoraku Shunsui interjected, feeling a chill down his spine under the old man's scrutinizing gaze.

After all, this was the most formidable Shinigami in the history of the Court of Pure Souls. Provoking him could mean nothing less than turning to ash.

In an instant, every eye in the room swiveled to rest on Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni.

With a resigned sigh, Taku touched his nose. He had rapidly sifted through his alcohol-fogged memories, and despite the discomfort, he steeled himself for the impending judgment.

Unlike the rest, Taku had been slow on the uptake.

Yet, as the system replayed the memories, he gained an almost detached perspective, gaining a clearer understanding of the events that had just unfolded.