Yamamoto Genryusai is indeed a stubborn old man.
But when he realizes his abilities are insufficient for certain tasks, this stubborn old man always assigns them to those who can handle them.
Just like now, he readily listens to Fujimiya Makoto's guidance.
"First, the big win."
Fujimiya Makoto's expression grew serious: "We need to clarify from the start—this corruption and internal decay are essentially a clear and malicious political strike. Their goal is undoubtedly to weaken the Genryusai faction and restore the former nobles to power."
"To counter this, the simplest and most thorough method is to physically eliminate everyone involved, from the masterminds to the corrupted underlings, without discrimination."
"At the very least, conduct another purge."
False political struggle: conspiracies, strategies, open and covert battles.
True political struggle: Kill their entire family, then their subordinates' families, until no one dares claim allegiance to them.
Don't find it amusing—history has proven this method's effectiveness countless times.
When you have the power, who would bother playing political house with you?
But...
"No."
Despite Yama-jii himself rising to power this way and once saying, "Behead anyone above the wheel," such words can't be spoken lightly once you're in charge.
This isn't because Yama-jii is kind-hearted, but purely because of the Monk's orders:
"No large-scale killing for a hundred years."
Hyosube Ichihei wasn't negotiating.
And the Monk's fist is bigger than his.
Fujimiya Makoto had anticipated this, which is why he placed this option first—as a 'time traveler,' he knows Yama-jii will soon have a chance for a 'big win.'
It's up to him to seize it.
"Next, the medium win."
This time, Fujimiya Makoto's tone softened slightly: "Expand the existing Shinō Academy and transform it into an 'Academic City,' using education and socialization to raise the next generation of noble heirs as part of the Gotei 13."
"Academic City?"
Yama-jii had never heard this term before, repeating it instinctively.
"Yes."
Fujimiya Makoto's expression grew animated, his tone emphatic: "Captain-Commander must have noticed that most Shinigami have limited talent, many unable to meet Urahara's training requirements."
"Therefore, I propose expanding Shinō Academy into a massive institution dedicated to developing students' diverse talents and skills, based on the former Urahara Shop."
"We must abandon Urahara's crash-course method, extending the study period from three to six years to at least fifteen, or more. We should also implement Soul Society identity education—in this gradual process, the noble heirs will passively integrate into the campus-centric lifestyle. Upon graduation, they'll be assigned jobs based on performance."
"I call this system the 'Soul Society Socialized Education-Study-Work-Research Growth System.'"
"How can nobles trust these people to remain loyal after decades or even centuries without contact?"
Hearing Fujimiya Makoto's idea, Yama-jii first paused, then imagined the described base centered around 'school—Gotei 13/Kido Corps.'
Children with spiritual potential, gathered from everywhere, would live in this massive base for decades or centuries, considering teachers and classmates as family, before directly entering the workforce.
The self-identity cultivated in such an environment...
Just imagining it, Yama-jii's eyes sparkled with excitement.
His gaze at Fujimiya Makoto grew intense.
"Well done, Makoto."
Yama-jii's large hand patted his shoulder forcefully.
With this combo, where's room for nobles?
Though Makoto has some peculiar hobbies, his mind, when focused, is truly remarkable!
"Captain-Commander is too kind."
Fujimiya Makoto smiled awkwardly.
In the living world, this plan would be labeled extreme leftism or militaristic indoctrination, and likely fail due to productivity constraints.
But in Soul Society, it's flawless.
Come on!
They're training Shinigami!
What else would they be but executioners?
And in a 'Shinigami-centric' system, there's no room for nobles to rise again.
"What about the small win?" Yama-jii asked next.
"The small win is something we can achieve now," Fujimiya Makoto explained. "Establish effective laws, create an oversight department, investigate the former nobles and corrupted insiders, and swiftly punish, dismiss, and expel them, making it standard practice."
"This department must be independent of the Gotei 13, preferably under the First Division, led by someone you trust—most importantly, rotate leadership regularly."
"Additionally, Shinigami must understand one crucial thing."
"We are not the 'new' nobility."
Listening to Fujimiya Makoto, Yamamoto fell into thought, pondering either the leader for this power or the implications of his words.
After taking control of Seireitei, even Yamamoto experienced a brief period of confusion.
Since Soul Society is isolated, most outsiders are self-governing. The Gotei 13's task, as its name suggests, is merely to 'protect the court.'
In this situation, many feel a false sense of 'satisfaction.'
But Fujimiya Makoto's words suddenly awakened him.
What are nobles?
Those who hold privileges.
So, if powerful Shinigami in Seireitei seek greater power, where would they turn?
Raising his head, Yamamoto met Fujimiya Makoto's calm gaze.
"Sasakibe."
"Yes."
Yamamoto spoke suddenly, and Sasakibe appeared, kneeling before the desk.
"What are the current regulations for Shinigami leaving Seireitei?"
"This..."
Sasakibe was caught off guard.
Shinigami are our own people.
Do our people need regulations to enter and exit Seireitei?
But Sasakibe answered cautiously: "Captain-Commander, there are currently no regulations for Shinigami leaving."
"After the meeting, have someone draft a proposal."
Yamamoto thought, then added: "Make it strict."
"Yes."
Sasakibe immediately agreed.
Fujimiya Makoto added casually: "Also, draft regulations for Rukongai civilians entering Seireitei for work or trade, and emergency conflict resolution between Shinigami and Rukongai residents—favoring Rukongai residents as much as possible."
"These must be comprehensive."
"This..."
Sasakibe turned to Yamamoto.
Yama-jii nodded slightly: "Do as he says."
Big win, medium win, small win.
The first option is clearly unfeasible, but the other two involve self-improvement within the Gotei 13, with almost no direct countermeasures against the former nobles.
Hearing this, Yamamoto understood Fujimiya Makoto's intent.
'Former nobles' can't be eradicated.
But the soil that sustains them can be gradually stripped away.
However, one issue remains.
Genryusai sipped his tea, asking: "Makoto, do you realize the problems these two measures will create?"
"Yes."
Fujimiya Makoto was well aware of the consequences of a clear and united Soul Society.
It would lead to Soul Society's unlimited growth, and Rukongai's population would surge after the nobles' disappearance.
This would cause the biggest problem:
Imbalance between Soul Society and Hueco Mundo.
But since Fujimiya Makoto proposed this, he naturally had a solution: "Captain-Commander, you must have received my report from Hueco Mundo via Captain Genryusai, right?"
"You mean...?" Yamamoto seemed to understand.
Fujimiya Makoto nodded: "After spending time with them, I've confirmed one thing—Adjuchas-level Hollows have excellent communication skills. Their intelligence, language ability, and even research and manufacturing capabilities far exceed normal humans."
"Hollows have only one major flaw."
"Their instinctive, insatiable thirst for Reishi."
"So why not cooperate with Hollows?"
Yamamoto Genryusai listened, nodding slightly.
Fujimiya Makoto's taming of an Adjuchas-level Hollow named 'Tier Harribel' in Hueco Mundo couldn't be concealed from Genryusai.
Instead, his entire cultivation and research process was reported to Seireitei in detail, even attracting Shuhōin's interest.
During this time, Fujimiya Makoto's strategy of 'using Hollows as bait' achieved significant success.
But Sasakibe's eyes widened in shock.
"But if we're nurturing a tiger..."
"Then we've already failed." Fujimiya Makoto's tone was calm, almost cold.
Yamamoto listened, unconsciously nodding in approval.
Makoto's strategy is clearly based on the large-scale training base he mentioned earlier.
If a group of carefully cultivated Shinigami elites lose to wildly grown Hollows, then those so-called elites deserve to die.
Figures forged in war lack compassion.
"A squad of powerful Hollows, cultivated with human assistance...?"
"Continuously selecting the 'obedient' ones and eliminating the 'disobedient' ones with Shinigami help."
Yamamoto pondered, his interest piqued.
If Makoto succeeds in balancing this 'enhanced Hueco Mundo' with Soul Society, even maintaining dynamic equilibrium...
Then... the chains binding them might truly be broken.
As for Hyosube?
If successful, he likely wouldn't reject the proposal.
After his conversation with Hyosube, Yamamoto understood the essence of the 'Soul Society-Living World-Hueco Mundo' trinity.
These three realms are shackles suppressing 'Hell.'
As shackles, the heavier, the better.
Thinking this, Yamamoto's gaze at Fujimiya Makoto grew more admiring.
How long has this kid been planning this entire scheme?
Truly remarkable.
If not for his quirks, he'd be perfect!
With this thought, Yamamoto suddenly felt that Makoto's strange hobbies were more acceptable... right?
"I see."
After listening, Yamamoto fell silent for a long time before asking:
"Makoto."
"Yes."
"Would you... be interested in temporarily teaching at Shinō Academy?"
Fujimiya Makoto looked up, confused:
"Huh? Me?"
Aren't you worried about this broken sword corrupting the children, Captain-Commander?
...
Clearly, when the Captain-Commander discusses your job change with a questioning tone, he's not actually seeking your opinion.
Before Fujimiya Makoto could object, the matter was decisively settled.
Additionally, he was tasked with designing and building the 'Shinō Academic City.'
Trust without suspicion.
Since you proposed the plan, executing it is only natural.
Until he was escorted out of the First Division barracks, Fujimiya Makoto wore a mournful expression.
More work.
"Makoto, don't blame Captain-Commander Genryusai."
Seeing his pitiful state, Sasakibe sighed: "Captain-Commander Genryusai truly has no one to rely on."
"The problem you just solved with minimal effort has been weighing on him for days."
"Before you returned, he had no one to consult."
Fujimiya Makoto looked puzzled: "Aren't the other captains available?"
"Are you serious?"
Sasakibe turned, even more puzzled.
"..."
"Right, the old man's started using nobles."
Fujimiya Makoto realized his words were foolish.
Expecting the original captains to use their brains?!
"And not just the divisions."
"The newly established Shinō Academy's teacher list is half filled with former nobles."
"Captain-Commander Genryusai likely invited you to counterbalance them."
Sasakibe shook his head.
These people can't fight.
But their scholarly backgrounds are genuine.
"Speaking of which, the first batch of student recruitment should be nearly complete." Sasakibe suddenly recalled, turning his head.
"Makoto-kun, would you like to go see now?"