novelblue
Chapter 160
Chapter 160
Chapter 160
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Looking at the excited expression on Mayuri Kurotsuchi's face, Kaelith fell into thought.
I haven’t even made my move yet, and you’re already rolling over? That’s not very satisfying for someone who’s supposed to be a genius.
Although confused, Kaelith quickly adjusted his state of mind.
Under Mayuri’s gaze, he snorted and lifted his chin.
“Work for me? In the Soul Society, there are no fewer than a thousand people who’d kill for the opportunity to serve me. What makes you special?”
Without hesitation, Mayuri replied, “The bomb that almost blew you to pieces—that was my creation!”
Kaelith: “?”
Bringing that up wasn’t the best move. Now, Kaelith wanted nothing more than to kick Mayuri.
Hiding a bomb inside an assassin’s body—what kind of hellish tactic was that?
If not for his sharp instincts and immediate retreat, things could have gone very wrong.
Mayuri, however, seemed completely unaware of Kaelith’s darkening expression. Instead, he leaned in almost fanatically and asked, “Kaelith, have you already mastered Captain Kirio Hikifune’s Gikon technology?”
“Of course! I’m one of the top three intellects in the Soul Society. Something like that wouldn’t be a challenge for me,” Kaelith boasted without a shred of humility.
Mayuri, surprisingly, had no doubts about his claim.
Kirio Hikifune’s Gikon technology was an incredibly complex system.
For most Shinigami, even with direct guidance from Kirio herself, fully understanding it was no easy feat.
Not long ago, Mayuri had heard from other captured prisoners that Kaelith had defeated Kuchiki K?ga in battle.
To Mayuri, this was proof that Kaelith had already mastered Gikon technology.
After all, for someone Kaelith’s age, no matter how talented, researching something as intricate as spiritual synchronization would be an absurd waste of time unless it served a specific purpose.
Defeating K?ga indicated that Kaelith must have had some hidden trump card capable of resisting Muramasa’s power.
Piecing this together with Kaelith’s late-night visit to the Twelfth Division, Mayuri came to a conclusion:
There was a high probability that the ability Kaelith used to counter Muramasa’s power was precisely Kirio Hikifune’s Gikon technology!
Now, with Kaelith confirming it himself, Mayuri’s excitement grew.
If Kirio Hikifune had been present, she might have given him a sympathetic glance.
Kaelith’s mastery of Gikon... wasn’t due to the usual process of understanding spiritual energy and harmonizing with its frequency to harness Gikon’s power.
For Kaelith, mastering Gikon was more like mixing paint into water—it just happened naturally.
Noticing Kaelith’s apparent indifference toward his allegiance, Mayuri hurriedly added,
“It’s not just bombs... I have extensive expertise in pharmacology as well!”
“Sedatives, anesthetics, even drugs that can alter thought and memory—I can develop them all!”
“Additionally, I excel in biological modification, including human body enhancements!”
“I’ve heard you often fight beyond your limits and sustain severe injuries. I’ve developed a regeneration serum that can rapidly heal lost body parts, though it does come at the cost of some life potential...”
As Kaelith stared at him, Mayuri continued to market his skills without pause.
On the surface, Kaelith showed no reaction, but inwardly, he was almost worshiping Mayuri.
No wonder he’s considered a genius. In this era, he’s already mastered so many advanced technologies.
Compared to him, Urahara seems a bit green.
Seeing Mayuri about to continue his pitch, Kaelith coughed, interrupting him.
“What do you plan to do once you’re out of here?”
Hearing this, Mayuri immediately stood up.
“Create life!”
“My research has reached a bottleneck. Even if I spend another thousand years pursuing the same avenues, I won’t achieve anything groundbreaking.”
“My sole goal now is to create new life!”
“At first, I didn’t have much hope since this goal seemed so distant. But then Captain Hikifune developed Gikon technology!”
“Unfortunately, even with my dedication in the Twelfth Division, Captain Hikifune always refused to teach me, citing my current state as insufficient for such advanced concepts.”
“But fortunately, Kaelith, you’re here!”
“With your mastery of Gikon technology and my innovative capabilities, we can create the perfect lifeform!”
“Please, this is my life’s greatest ambition. I’ll do anything if you agree to help me!”
Kaelith was stunned.
If he recalled correctly, Mayuri’s lieutenant, Nemu Kurotsuchi, was a synthetic lifeform he had created.
Unexpectedly, Mayuri’s ultimate goal in life was essentially... making people.
Truly befitting of a scientist—romantic in its own way.
If it were me, Kaelith thought, I wouldn’t waste time researching artificial life.
Why bother when Kurotsuchi could achieve the same result?
Speaking of Nemu...
Kaelith thought for a moment.
To be fair, she was quite compatible with his operating system.
If Mayuri could truly bring Nemu to life, it wouldn’t be a bad thing.
Under Mayuri’s expectant gaze, Kaelith pondered for a long while.
“Mayuri, if I were to accept your allegiance, but your loyalty would be solely to me—not to the Gotei 13, not to the Seireitei—would you agree?”
Mayuri tilted his head. “Isn’t that obvious? I serve only you, not the people you serve.”
Alright, Kaelith thought. That logic was... uniquely Mayuri-eks.
He nodded.
“One last question, then.”
“To ensure your loyalty, I’ll use my Zanpakut?’s ability to implant a shadow in your brain. If you betray me, I’ll activate the shadow’s power and shred your brain instantly.”
“Is that a price you’re willing to pay?”
Hearing this, Mayuri’s expression turned conflicted.
“Does it have to be my brain?”
“My brain is incredibly valuable. If possible, I’d rather it remain untouched.”
“What about my heart? You can place your power in any other organ!”
Kaelith chuckled. “Internal organs? With your expertise, wouldn’t it be easy to replace those?”
Mayuri sighed.
Fair point. This guy knows his stuff, even though he doesn’t seem like the scientific type.
To reassure him, Kaelith added casually, “Don’t worry. I’ve tested it on my own brain. As long as the power isn’t activated, the shadow is intangible and harmless.”
In truth, Kaelith had never conducted such an experiment.
Leaving a shadow in someone’s brain was absurd—it’d be like setting a time bomb.
Unless he constantly maintained his ability, it was impossible.
The real purpose of his statement was simply to test Mayuri’s resolve.
Hearing this, Mayuri looked at him in surprise.
This guy... is truly insane.
He even dared to experiment on his own brain?
No wonder he mastered Gikon technology. In a way, their methods were oddly compatible.
Although the idea of his brain being under constant threat made him uneasy, Mayuri, after a long pause, firmly nodded.
“Understood. I accept!”
He had immense confidence in his value.
After all, no one would kill a scientist as brilliant as him without a second thought.
The more Kaelith relied on his talents, the more indispensable he’d become, and the more support he’d receive.
His dream was within reach!