Yo!

  I'm back with the next chapter of Transcendent Fme. This is a really fun to write, hope you'll enjoy this as much as I did while writing it.

  Without further ado, let's get started.

  Enjoy the chapter.

  Transcendent FmeChapter 5The New Order

  Grand Hall, Squad 1 Barracks

  As Seijūrō slumped in his seat, utterly broken under the weight of Yamamoto's spiritual pressure, Viktor allowed silence to stretch once more. His piercing gaze swept over the gathered assembly, giving them the time to process the enormity of his words. The disbandment of the Central 46 had sent shockwaves through the hall, and now every soul present sat rigid, their breaths held in anticipation of what would follow.

  When he spoke again, his deep, commanding tone carried the unmistakable weight of finality. "The dismantling of the Central 46 is not the end of these reforms. It is the beginning. As of this moment, Martial Law is imposed across Soul Society."

  A collective gasp rippled through the hall, but no one dared interrupt. The captains exchanged wary gnces, their disciplined composure masking their unease. The nobles shifted uncomfortably, their carefully maintained facades cracking at the implications of such a decration. Viktor ignored the murmurs, his voice cutting through the tension like a bde.

  "Effective immediately, all captains and lieutenants are required to carry their zanpakutō at all times, both within the Seireitei and beyond. You are the first line of defense against threats to the bance of our world, and compcency will no longer be tolerated."

  His words carried a sharp edge, and the lieutenants, many of whom had left their zanpakutōs behind in deference to the formality of the meeting, stiffened at the rebuke. Viktor's gaze swept over them, lingering just long enough to ensure the weight of his decree settled in.

  "The Shin'ō Academy," he continued, his tone unwavering, "will implement a fast-track program to identify and train the most promising recruits. These shinigami will be deployed across all divisions to bolster our ranks. No division will be left understrength."

  The hall remained deathly silent as he spoke, his words meticulously pnned to leave no room for doubt or debate. He paused, allowing his gaze to settle on the section where the noble families were seated. The elders and heads of the great cns bristled under his scrutiny, their discomfort evident in their tense postures and furtive gnces. Viktor leaned forward slightly, his commanding presence bearing down on them.

  "Furthermore," he announced, his tone sharpening, "positions traditionally held by noble families will now be militarized. Each noble family is required to send their head or heir into active service of Soul Society. This is no longer a world where prestige is its own reward. Every soul must contribute to the survival of the realm."

  At this, the nobles erupted into barely contained outrage. Their whispers rose to audible levels, their protests simmering just below the surface. Faces once schooled in aristocratic calm twisted into expressions of disbelief and anger. The Kasumioji elder gred openly, his lips tightening as if to speak, while members of the Shihōin and Kuchiki families exchanged silent, heated looks.

  Viktor's gaze hardened, his eyes narrowing as he let the rising unrest build for a moment. Then, without a word, his spiritual pressure surged once more—this time focused solely on the noble section. The air grew suffocating around them, as though a vast weight had settled upon their shoulders. A dark, chilling presence filled the space above and behind Yamamoto, and to those seated before him, it seemed as though the specter of death itself had materialized—a phantom avatar wreathed in shadows, its eyes glowing faintly with cold, merciless intent.

  The nobles froze, their protests dying in their throats as the apparition loomed over them. For the eldest among them, it was a vision that struck with terrible familiarity. It was a stark reminder of the Yamamoto they had feared in centuries past—the man who had built the Gotei 13 through fire and blood, who had cared nothing for lives, traditions, or politics if they stood in the way of his vision for Soul Society's survival.

  Viktor's voice, low and unrelenting, broke the silence, every word striking like a hammer. "Tradition without purpose is weakness. Prestige without service is vanity. Soul Society will no longer bear the weight of those who contribute nothing to its survival. If you wish to oppose this mandate, I will remind you of the stakes we face. The world is changing, and we must change with it—or be swept aside."

  The oppressive pressure subsided slightly, but the memory of it lingered, etched into the minds of every noble present. No one spoke. No one dared.

  Satisfied, Viktor straightened, his gaze sweeping over the room one final time. "This is the new Soul Society. Our survival depends on unity, strength, and purpose. You may not agree with the path, but you will follow it."

  He nodded once, his expression resolute. The meeting hall remained silent, the weight of his words and presence settling over the assembly like a shroud. None dared challenge him now, their thoughts consumed by the enormity of what they had just witnessed.

  Yamamoto allowed the oppressive silence to linger a moment longer, his gaze sweeping over the noble families one final time, ensuring his authority had been understood. As their rigid, pale faces stared back at him, he nodded slightly, as if acknowledging their unspoken submission. Then, with a deliberate shift, his sharp eyes turned toward the far corner of the room.

  The gathered crowd instinctively followed his gaze, their attention now on Urahara and his group. While Yoruichi and Tessai remained composed, Kisuke's habitual fan was conspicuously absent, tucked away as he met Yamamoto's gaze with an expression of calcuted neutrality. Beside him, Shinji, leaning casually against the wall with his hands in his pockets, raised an eyebrow as he noticed the Sōtaichō's focus settle on him.

  "Hirako Shinji," Yamamoto said, his voice calm yet den with authority. "Step forward."

  The room collectively stilled, the shift in atmosphere palpable. Shinji straightened slightly, his usual smirk slipping into something more cautious. He gnced at Kisuke, who gave a subtle nod, and then at Yoruichi, whose golden eyes betrayed nothing but quiet curiosity. With a shrug that belied his unease, Shinji stepped forward, his movements slow and deliberate.

  As he walked toward the center of the room, the tension shifted. The disdainful gnces and whispers that had followed them earlier were now conspicuously absent, repced by wary silence. The nobles and the provisional Central 46, cowed moments earlier by Yamamoto's overwhelming presence, now watched Shinji with thinly veiled unease. The fear Yamamoto had instilled had extended to them, shattering their previous contempt for them.

  When Shinji reached the center, he stopped, his rexed posture an obvious act as his sharp eyes flicked briefly to Yamamoto. "Well," he said, his tone casual but tinged with skepticism, "I'm here. What do you want from me, Old Man?"

  Yamamoto's expression didn't change, his eyes boring into Shinji with an intensity that left no room for pretense. "Tell them," he said, his tone grave, "what truly happened during the hollowfication incident a century ago. Leave nothing unsaid."

  Shinji's smirk faltered, repced by a wary frown. He crossed his arms, gncing around the room at the expectant faces of captains, nobles, and lieutenants. His eyes lingered briefly on the Provisional Central 46, whose earlier smugness had dissolved into quiet discomfort. "You want me to air all that out, huh?" he asked, his tone ft. "What's the point? They've already decided what they think happened."

  Yamamoto's gaze sharpened further, his voice cutting through the air like a bde. "The point, Hirako, is truth. The truth will stand, regardless of what they have decided. Speak."

  Shinji studied Yamamoto for a long moment, searching his face for any sign of deception. Finding none, he exhaled heavily, running a hand through his blonde hair. "Fine. You want the truth? Here it is."

  He turned slightly, his sharp eyes sweeping over the room. "It started with Aizen. We all know that much by now, don't we?" His voice carried an edge of bitterness as he continued. "But back then, no one believed me. I was the captain of Squad 5, and Aizen was my lieutenant. He pyed the part well—polite, competent, always one step ahead. Too good to be true. Turns out, it was."

  Shinji's hands slipped into his pockets, his tone darkening. "He was experimenting with hollows. Using them, twisting them. He wanted to see how far he could push the boundaries between hollow and shinigami. And when he decided he needed test subjects…" He paused, his jaw tightening. "He chose us."

  The silence in the room was suffocating as Shinji continued, his voice steady but filled with barely restrained anger. "He orchestrated everything. Lured us into a trap and subjected us to his experiments. The hollowfication wasn't some accident or natural occurrence. It was deliberate. Controlled. He wanted to see how much we could take before we broke."

  Yamamoto's piercing gaze remained locked on Shinji, his expression unreadable. "And Urahara Kisuke?" he asked, his tone even. "What was his role?"

  Shinji turned toward Kisuke, who remained silent, his face unreadable. "Urahara was the one who tried to save us," Shinji said after a moment, his voice softening slightly. "He created the Hōgyoku, thinking it could help stabilize what was happening to us. But by the time he stepped in, it was already too te. Aizen had done his damage, and we were… we were something else. Not shinigami. Not hollows. Something in between."

  His hands clenched into fists as he continued. "Instead of thanking him, the Soul Society turned on him. Branded him a criminal and exiled him, same as us. They didn't want to face the truth of what Aizen had done. Easier to sweep it under the rug than admit they'd let a monster rise under their noses."

  The weight of Shinji's words pressed down on the room. The nobles, who had previously worn looks of disdain, now avoided his gaze, their discomfort palpable. The lieutenants shifted uneasily, many of them hearing the details of the hollowfication incident for the first time. Even the captains, some of whom had harbored doubts about the Visoreds, appeared grim.

  Shinji looked back at Yamamoto, his sharp eyes burning with a mix of defiance and pain. "That's the truth, Old Man. You asked for it, and now you've got it. What are you gonna do with it?"

  Yamamoto stood in silence for a long moment after Shinji's words, the weight of the room pressing heavily around him. His fiery eyes locked onto Shinji's, unwavering and resolute. Then, with the same deliberate authority he had dispyed since the meeting began, he finally spoke.

  "You are correct, Hirako," Yamamoto began, his deep voice resonating throughout the grand hall. "I did not actively harm you or your comrades. But I was complicit through my silence. I allowed the Central 46's decisions to stand without question, their authority sacrosanct in my eyes. I followed their decrees as if they were the absolute truth, blind to the injustices they inflicted."

  His gaze swept briefly to Kisuke, Yoruichi, and Tessai, lingering on them with a somber intensity. "For that, I am responsible. For that, I must atone."

  The room collectively stilled, every eye locked on the Sōtaichō as he straightened slightly. Then, to the astonishment of everyone present, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, the indomitable Head Captain, bent forward into a precise 45-degree bow, his head lowering toward Shinji, Kisuke, Yoruichi and Tessai.

  "I formally revoke the unjust exile of all captains and lieutenants who were wrongfully cast out by the Central 46," he decred, his voice steady and unwavering despite the weight of his words. "I offer you my apology—for my silence, for my inaction, and for my failure to protect you from the machinations of a traitor."

  The silence that followed was deafening. The assembled captains, lieutenants, nobles, and provisional Central 46 stared in stunned disbelief. For many, the sight of Yamamoto bowing was unfathomable, an act that shattered the image of unyielding authority they had known for centuries.

  As the Sōtaichō held his bow, Unohana, standing nearest to him in front of the Captains section, stepped forward without hesitation. Her serene face bore no trace of surprise or reluctance as she followed his lead, bowing to the same precise angle. The symbol of the Fourth Division, a figure known for both her unparalleled healing skills and her fearsome history, now stood humbly alongside her commander.

  The other captains and lieutenants hesitated for only a heartbeat before moving as one. In military precision, they stepped forward and bowed, their collective movement creating a ripple of astonishment through the hall. The sight of the Gotei 13—its highest-ranking officers united in an act of humility—sent shockwaves through the gathered crowd.

  Shinji, Kisuke, Yoruichi, and Tessai stood rooted in pce, their expressions a mixture of shock and wariness. For Shinji, who had harbored resentment for over a century, the gesture was almost incomprehensible. He exchanged a gnce with Kisuke, whose sharp eyes betrayed a flicker of emotion—one he quickly masked with his usual inscrutable smirk.

  Yamamoto straightened slowly, the gesture complete but the impact lingering in the air. He met Shinji's gaze directly, his expression resolute. "I understand your skepticism," he said, his tone still carrying the same gravity. "You may believe that I bow only because of the common enemy we face in Aizen. That I do this to secure your strength for the battles ahead."

  His fiery gaze swept over Urahara's group, acknowledging the doubt that lingered in their eyes. "But that is not my intent. It has taken me far too long to understand the depth and strength of the threats we face—not only from Aizen but from the stagnation and arrogance that has pgued the Soul Society."

  Yamamoto's voice grew stronger, cutting through the charged atmosphere. "No more will I stand silent. No more will I allow the mistakes of the past to dictate the future. This act is not a maneuver; it is an acknowledgment of the truth. The Soul Society is broken, and only by standing together—truly together—can we rebuild it."

  He turned slightly, addressing the entire assembly now, his presence filling the hall. "This is the beginning of a new era. One where strength is not defined by titles or hierarchy but by unity, purpose, and resolve. We cannot afford divisions born of mistrust and past grievances. The battles ahead will demand everything of us, and I will not allow the shadows of the past to cloud our path."

  Yamamoto paused, his piercing gaze sweeping across the stunned faces of his audience. "You have my word," he said, his voice quieter but no less resolute, "that I will lead this change—not through silence or force, but through action and accountability."

  He stepped back slightly, the fire in his eyes steady and unyielding. The hall remained silent, every soul present grappling with the magnitude of what they had just witnessed and heard. The weight of Yamamoto's words and actions hung heavily in the air, leaving the assembly poised on the edge of a transformation that none could ignore.

  Viktor allowed the silence to stretch for a moment longer, his gaze settling firmly on Shinji and Urahara's group. Then, with a slight incline of his head, he spoke once more, his tone steady but inviting.

  "Soul Society will always have its doors open for you," he said, his words carrying both sincerity and resolve. "If you choose to return, know that you will not merely be tolerated but welcomed. Your strength, your intellect, and your unique experiences are invaluable. They will not only aid in our survival but help shape the future we must build together."

  Shinji narrowed his eyes slightly, searching Yamamoto's face for any hint of manipution. Beside him, Kisuke's fan reappeared, fluttering zily as he masked his expression, though the sharpness in his eyes betrayed deep consideration. Yoruichi remained silent, her golden gaze flickering between Yamamoto and other Gotei 13 officers, gauging their reactions. Tessai, ever composed, inclined his head slightly, acknowledging the weight of the invitation.

  Satisfied that his message had nded, Viktor shifted his attention back to the gathered assembly. His voice grew stronger, carrying authority that brooked no dissent. "To ensure our readiness for the battles ahead, I am ordering the establishment of a permanent communications and combat base in Karakura Town. This base will be manned by members of Squads 10, 12 and 13, working in unison to monitor spiritual activity, protect the bance, and respond swiftly to threats."

  There were murmurs among the captains and lieutenants at this announcement, though none voiced objections. Hitsugaya, whose division frequently handled matters in the World of the Living, nodded thoughtfully, while Ukitake's calm expression showed quiet approval.

  "This is but one of many steps we must take," Viktor continued, his voice firm. "I am unching several new initiatives to strengthen the Soul Society. First, every division will ensure that its members are proficient in at least one of the three branches of kidō: Hado, Bakudo, and Kaido. This includes the 11th Division."

  A noticeable stir rippled through the hall at the mention of the 11th Division, known for its disdain for kidō. Zaraki grinned, his wild energy undimmed by the announcement, while Yachiru cpped her hands excitedly from his shoulder. "Kidō training for Ken-chan? That'll be fun!" she chirped.

  Viktor pressed on, unperturbed. "Additionally, every division will train and maintain a team of healers within their own ranks, supplementing the Fourth Division's efforts. No squad will be left vulnerable due to a ck of medical support. The Fourth Division will oversee this training, ensuring that all healers meet the standards required to serve effectively."

  Unohana inclined her head gracefully, her serene demeanor giving no indication of surprise. Beside her, Isane looked thoughtful.

  "These reforms will not be optional," Viktor decred. "They are necessary steps to adapt to the evolving threats we face. The enemies before us are strong, united, and, most importantly, willing to adapt. So too must we."

  His words grew more impassioned as he addressed the entire assembly. "I call upon all squads, all shinigami, to set aside past differences, rivalries, and divisions. The threats we face do not discriminate between noble and commoner, captain and recruit. They are relentless, and their unity is their strength. If we are to prevail, we must mirror that unity. We must stand as one."

  The weight of his decration resonated through the hall. Captains and lieutenants straightened imperceptibly, the significance of his words settling over them. Among the nobles, there were still uneasy gnces, but the fear in their eyes outweighed their resistance. Even the provisional Central 46, though visibly uncomfortable, offered no protests.

  "We shall rise together," Viktor concluded, his tone unyielding. "Not as scattered divisions or fractured factions, but as a united force capable of meeting any challenge. This is the path forward. Adaptation, strength, and unity. This is how Soul Society will endure."

  His words hung in the air like a vow, their power undeniable. For a moment, the hall remained utterly still, the assembled shinigami, nobles, and guests absorbing the enormity of his vision. Then, almost as if on cue, the captains and lieutenants straightened further, a silent acknowledgment of the path id before them.

  Viktor straightened, his presence still commanding as he surveyed the hall one final time. His sharp gaze lingered briefly on the captains, lieutenants, and nobles, all processing the weight of his announcements. He inclined his head slightly, his voice carrying a calm but definitive tone.

  "Thank you all for attending. The path forward is clear. I leave you now to reflect and prepare. Together, we will shape the Soul Society's future."

  With that, he turned, his haori billowing slightly as he moved toward the exit. The heavy silence of the hall remained unbroken, every soul present grappling with the enormity of what had transpired. As he walked, his sharp eyes briefly met Unohana's. The Captain of the Fourth Division, ever serene, offered him a faint, approving smile. Viktor, maintaining Yamamoto's composed exterior, returned the gesture with a subtle nod, an unspoken acknowledgment passing between them.

  Once the heavy doors of the hall closed behind him, cutting off the tension-filled atmosphere, the familiar voice of the System echoed in his mind, its tone carrying a pyful lilt. "Impeccable performance, Viktor. Truly a mastercss in leadership and oration. Perhaps I should award you extra points for that perfect speech—and for being a catalyst of change."

  'Extra points?' Viktor thought back dryly. 'What's next? A shiny medal or a leaderboard ranking?'

  The System chuckled, its tone mockingly contemptive. "Well, a leaderboard would be amusing, wouldn't it? Maybe you'd like a title: Fme-Bringer of Reform?"

  Viktor couldn't help but smirk internally. 'Sure, add some sparkly effects to it while you're at it. Really drive the point home.'

  The System's voice turned mock-serious. "Careful, or I'll actually do it. Don't tempt me, Viktor."

  He shook his head slightly, though his expression remained stoic outwardly. 'You've got an interesting way of lightening the mood after an apocalypse-prevention pn. I'll give you that.'

  "Ah, but isn't that the bance?" the System retorted with a smirk audible in its tone. "You handle the weight of history-changing decisions, and I provide the witty commentary."

  Viktor snorted mentally, letting the banter fade as his thoughts turned inward. The echoes of his speech, the reactions of those in the hall, and the enormity of the changes he had set in motion settled in his mind. He hadn't just dismantled the Central 46—he'd broken the foundation of centuries-old traditions, setting Soul Society on a path that no one could fully predict. It was bold, dangerous, and entirely necessary.

  But none of it would have been possible without the series of events that had brought him here.

  Fshback Begin

  The memory of the second day after his sparring session with Zaraki rose unbidden. The visceral impact of being overwhelmed by the wild captain's raw, unrestrained power had been a sobering reality check. He had been pushed beyond his current limits, his vitality sapped, forcing him to rest for the entirety of the third and fourth days. The frustration of inactivity had weighed heavily on him, but the rest had been unavoidable. Even with the System's cryptic reassurances, he had felt the sting of inadequacy keenly.

  It was on the fifth day, as he sat in his chamber, recovering his strength, that the knock came. The soft, measured rap on the door was unmistakably Chōjirō's. Viktor had barely called out to allow entry when the door slid open, revealing his ever-dutiful lieutenant. Beside him stood Unohana, her serene expression as unreadable as ever.

  "Sōtaichō," Chōjirō said, bowing deeply before stepping aside to allow Unohana to take center stage. "Captain Unohana has arrived to brief you on the preparations."

  Unohana inclined her head gracefully. "Sōtaichō," she began, her tone calm yet carrying an undercurrent of purpose, "the arrangements for your testing with Orihime Inoue have been completed. She is prepared to begin whenever you are ready."

  Viktor's sharp eyes studied her for a moment, his mind already racing. Though he maintained the calm demeanor of Yamamoto, internally, a cascade of thoughts and musings began to flow.

  'Testing with Orihime's power… This is the real test. The stakes here are higher than ever.' He considered the implications of unleashing Orihime's abilities—her power to reject phenomena itself. 'This could be the key to not just my recovery, but to pushing the Soul Society's boundaries of understanding and strength. Or… it could tip the scales into chaos if mishandled.'

  The System chimed in softly, its tone almost contemptive. "High risks, higher rewards. Isn't that your specialty, Viktor?"

  He ignored it, focusing instead on Unohana's composed face and the possibilities ahead. This wasn't just about recovery; it was about evolution. Soul Society's survival would depend on innovation and adaptation—and Orihime's abilities might just be the catalyst.

  Viktor nodded once, his sharp gaze meeting Unohana's steady eyes. "Bring her to my private treatment room in the First Division barracks," he instructed. "Chōjirō, ensure everything is prepared and in order."

  Chōjirō bowed deeply, his voice crisp. "It will be done, Sōtaichō."

  As Chōjirō departed with military precision, Unohana offered a faint smile, serene as always. "Inoue-san has undergone extensive training in preparation for this task. She has gained valuable insight into the nature of souls, the principles of kidō, and the intricacies of healing. I have every confidence in her abilities."

  Viktor gave a subtle nod. "Good. This will be a true test of both her power and her resolve."

  An hour ter, the treatment room was ready. The space was meticulously prepared under Chōjirō's supervision, every detail attended to with the precision expected of the First Division. The room's serene atmosphere, bathed in soft light, belied the significance of what was to occur.

  Viktor sat at the edge of the treatment bed, his hands resting on his knees as he waited. The door slid open, and Unohana entered, walking with her usual calm poise. Beside her, Orihime followed, her hands csped nervously in front of her. Though she moved with confidence, her wide eyes betrayed a hint of uncertainty as they darted around the room.

  Unohana's serene voice broke the silence. "Inoue-san, this task is no different from what you accomplished with Captain Ukitake. You've already proven your ability to heal even the most dire conditions. This time, I will guide you closer than before. Trust in your power. You can do this."

  Orihime gnced at Unohana, then at Viktor. She swallowed hard, her determination slowly overtaking her nerves. "Yes, Captain Unohana," she said softly. "I'll do my best."

  Viktor observed her closely, his sharp eyes assessing every nuance of her posture, her expression, and the resolve flickering in her eyes. Though her nervousness was evident, so too was the spark of courage that had carried her this far. He inclined his head slightly, his gravelly voice carrying a note of encouragement.

  "Inoue-san," he said, "your power is unlike anything we have ever seen. You've already achieved what many thought impossible. I trust in your ability to help me now. Proceed with confidence. You are more than capable."

  Orihime's cheeks flushed faintly at the words, her hands rexing slightly as she nodded. "Thank you, Sōtaichō. I won't let you down."

  Unohana pced a gentle hand on Orihime's shoulder, her presence a steadying force. "Remember, Inoue-san," she said quietly, "you are not alone in this. We are here to guide and support you."

  At their unwavering belief in her and their encouraging words, Orihime's thoughts turned to her training. The past four days had been a whirlwind of intense preparation. From the moment Unohana introduced her to the principles of kidō and their connection to her unique abilities, Orihime had thrown herself wholeheartedly into learning, determined to master what was needed.

  Unohana had been a meticulous teacher, guiding Orihime through the fundamentals of kaidō—the healing branch of kidō. Orihime had practiced tirelessly, focusing on understanding the flow of spiritual energy and the way it interacted with injuries, both physical and spiritual. Unohana had supplemented this with lessons on the essence of a soul, expining how the threads of reishi and reiatsu intertwined to form the core of existence.

  Orihime's practical training had included sessions with injured personnel from the Fourth Division, her abilities carefully monitored and guided by Unohana herself. Under Unohana's supervision, Orihime had applied her powers to stabilize severe wounds, repair damaged organs, and even mend the fractured soul threads of a grievously injured shinigami. While her abilities often defied conventional kaidō logic, Unohana had helped Orihime align her unique techniques with established healing principles, enhancing her precision and understanding.

  On the third day, Orihime had been introduced to practical trials involving small animals, many of which had been gravely injured in the Rukongai. These trials tested her ability to manage emotional pressure while refining her technique. Though the sight of suffering had initially shaken her, Orihime had steeled herself, drawing strength from Unohana's calm encouragement. By the fourth day, she had gained a newfound confidence in her abilities.

  Unohana had pushed Orihime just enough, striking a bance between rigorous training and nurturing guidance. The result was a young woman who, though still nervous, carried a quiet determination that had only grown stronger with each passing day.

  At Viktor's subtle nod, he reclined on the treatment bed, his movements calm and deliberate. He exhaled deeply, allowing himself to rex as much as his state would permit. Though he outwardly projected composure, his thoughts churned with anticipation.

  'This is the culmination of everything—her training, her resolve, her power. If this succeeds, it could be the key to not only my recovery but to unlocking new paths for Soul Society.'

  The room fell into an anticipatory silence, the air charged with the weight of the moment. Orihime stepped forward, her resolve strengthening with each step, and Unohana moved beside her, ready to guide her through the delicate process. Viktor closed his eyes, centering himself for what was to come.

  The treatment began with a stillness that filled the room, a silence heavy with anticipation. Orihime stood near Viktor's side, her fingers trembling slightly as her Sōten Kisshun formed—a shimmering golden shield of intricate light that encased Yamamoto's body. Her brows furrowed in concentration as she extended her spiritual awareness into the sphere, seeking the source of what she was meant to heal.

  But this was unlike anything Orihime had attempted before. This wasn't a wound, nor an illness, nor even the lingering effects of a curse. It was something far more elusive—a disruption of bance within the soul itself, a culmination of age, fatigue, and time's relentless erosion. The abstract nature of what she faced left her momentarily adrift, unable to find a tangible starting point. She probed deeper, but the sheer complexity of what needed to be reversed seemed infinite, a delicate web of interwoven concepts resisting her every attempt to unravel them.

  She hesitated, her confidence wavering as frustration crept in. "I… I can't find where to start," she murmured, her voice tinged with panic.

  From her position at Orihime's side, Unohana pced a steadying hand on her shoulder. "Breathe, Inoue-san," she said gently, her voice a balm against the growing tension. "You are not alone in this. Allow me to guide you."

  The experienced captain extended her own spiritual energy into the shield, her mastery of kaidō blending seamlessly with Orihime's power. Unohana's presence was calm, focused, and unwavering, a guiding light in the byrinth of the Sōtaichō's fragmented bance. "We begin with the body," Unohana instructed softly. "Let us heal what time has worn down."

  Under Unohana's precise guidance, Orihime directed the shield's energy outward, focusing on Yamamoto's physical form. Bit by bit, the frailties etched into his body began to reverse. The wear on his muscles disappeared, the aches born of centuries faded, and the cracks that age had etched into his bones smoothed away. The process was slow, meticulous, and exacting, every fragment of his body restored to its peak.

  Once the physical restoration was complete, Unohana guided Orihime to shift her focus inward. "Now, the internal functions," she said, her voice steady. "The organs must regain their full vitality, each system working as it once did."

  Orihime closed her eyes, her hands trembling slightly as she channeled her energy deeper. The shield's light grew brighter, its golden glow suffusing Yamamoto's form. The slowing functions of his internal organs began to quicken, the lethargy of time giving way to the vibrant rhythm of renewal. His heart, his lungs, and every vital system surged with newfound vigor, their functions snapping back to their prime.

  Finally, they turned their attention to the most abstract of all—his mind. Under Unohana's quiet yet firm direction, Orihime wove the shield's energy into Yamamoto's spiritual essence, targeting the dulling effects of time on his mind. The lethargy, the slowed reflexes, the creeping haze that even the sharpest intellect could not escape—all of it was reversed. His thoughts became clear, his responses instantaneous, his very presence once again as sharp and unyielding as a bde.

  As the process neared completion, Orihime poured the st of her focus into stabilizing the restored bance. The golden glow of the shield began to fade, its work done. A faint pulse of reiatsu rippled outward from Viktor's resting form, subtle yet powerful, like the first breath of a reawakened fme. For those attuned to such nuances, the pulse seemed to resonate not just from Viktor himself but from the zanpakutō lying innocently at his side.

  Ryuujin Jakka, sheathed in its cane-like form, suddenly began to change. A thin crack formed along the scabbard, splintering outward in a network of glowing fissures. With a sound like smoldering embers igniting, the cane shattered, revealing the full glory of the weapon within—a polished bck bde, its hilt wrapped in crimson, and faint wisps of fire curling from the edges as though alive. The zanpakutō seemed to hum softly, resonating with its wielder's renewed vitality.

  [SYSTEM ALERT]

  Name: Genryūsai Shigekuni Viktor Yamamoto

  Status: Stable (Revitalized)

  Vitality: Restored (+500 Years Equivalent)

  Power Level: 43% — Above Captain-Css (+25%)

  "Congratutions, Viktor! Truly an extraordinary performance. Your resolve has ignited a revolution. Keep forging ahead—Soul Society's destiny depends on it!" The system chimed in.

  Viktor opened his eyes slowly, his body humming with an energy he hadn't felt in centuries. He moved deliberately, testing each muscle as he sat up, his every movement fluid and unrestrained. He felt younger, sharper, as though the weight of time had been lifted from his very soul. His connection to Ryuujin Jakka burned brightly within him, a constant presence as vivid as the fme it embodied.

  Orihime stepped back, her Sōten Kisshun fading completely, leaving faint golden sparks that dissipated into the air. She csped her hands tightly in front of her, her wide eyes flickering nervously between the Sōtaichō and the remnants of her shield. "S-Sōtaichō, are you—?" she began hesitantly.

  Viktor, maintaining Yamamoto's composed exterior, regarded her with a piercing gaze. For a moment, he said nothing, letting the weight of the moment settle. Then, in a deep, gravelly tone, he spoke.

  "Your power is extraordinary," he said, each word deliberate and den with approval. "It is no exaggeration to say you are a cornerstone of Soul Society's future."

  Orihime flushed deeply, her nervousness giving way to a shy but grateful smile. She bowed quickly. "Thank you, Sōtaichō! I'm so gd I could help."

  Unohana stepped forward, her calm authority filling the room like a steady tide. "We have made great progress," she said softly, her tone warm yet firm, "but this is only the beginning. Recovery, as I've said before, is not a destination—it is a path."

  Viktor inclined his head slightly. "Then we will walk it carefully."

  As the golden light faded entirely, Viktor allowed himself a moment of inward reflection, his thoughts a blend of satisfaction, relief and determination. The renewal of his strength and vitality was not an end but a beginning. And the future of Soul Society demanded nothing less than his absolute best.

  Fshback End

  And Cut!

  That's it for this chapter folks.

  AN:

  Here we go, the full scene of how and what actually happened for Viktor gaining his Youth. And of course, more changes for the Soul Society. What would Aizen do to counter this, that is of course if he actually cares to give a fuck for anything they do, unless Viktor makes him ;).

  Aside from that, I'm not gonna cover the Bount arc, the coming chapters will mostly be about the changes in actions, like squads training, Visoreds pov, Captains and Lieutenents making the necessary changes. I have this idea: what if I integrate the Bounts in Soul Society instead of whatever happened in Canon? Let me know your thoughts on it.

  As always, let me know in your reviews and do share your feedback and suggestions!

  I'm very delighted to share that you can now read 14 early chapters on my patron. My user name is same BckInfinity1289 on patron website.

  Note: They are early access only, they will be eventually released here as well.

  Also, if you want discuss about the story or the ideas, you can join my discord server. I go by Henry there, give me a ping to say hi.

  link: discord. gg / SPsSwAcq4b

  Hope to see you there!

  Thank you for reading.

  Good Day!

  Bck Infinity 1289,

  Ja Ne.