4-7...

Aye-yai-yai! It's the first time I've ever set foot in here. Looks like it hasn't been used in a while, but at least someone's been keeping it clean.

I understand it was used exactly once, during the inauguration of the family heads two generations ago. I'm sure that was the last time.

This place wasn't even used when the Shiba Clan was demoted from the Great Noble Clans.

Yes. That's precisely why I selected it. Carrying on ancient traditions is one of our duties as nobles.

On a different note, you stink of blood. What'd you do, slaughter an innocent kid and eat him on your way over?

I just found myself surrounded by a gang of malcontents, and failed to fully dodge their blood as it splattered everywhere.

So? What'd you call me and Byakuya out for?

You went to the trouble of asking for me instead of the current head of our family, so I know this isn't just you introducing yourself to everyone.

I'm proposing a return to having five Great Noble Clans. In other words, the reinstatement of the Shiba Clan.

Why?

To restore fairness.

I could use the Tsunayashiro Clan's authority to forcefully change things to my will, but that would just set the stage for more problems in the Soul Society down the line.

The end result would be me running a dictatorship. I want the world to know that I moved the Seireitei using methods that are fair and just.

...?

If all five houses were united, then with the express permission of the Soul King, we would carry equal authority to the Royal Palace. Moreover, we would surpass the authority of the Central 46 and become the true governing body of the Seireitei.

It's quite possible that the Central 46 decided the Shiba Clan should be demoted to defend against that very scenario.

Don't either of you find it a little suspicious why the Shiba Clan was always treated poorly compared to the other Great Noble Clans?

The official line is that it's because they chose to take up residence in the Rukon District in order to have a place to keep their secret battery of guns.

But even before they lost their status, the Shiba Clan was treated worse than the poorest, lowest-ranking nobles.

Don't you ever wonder why they were okay with that?

Who knows? The Shiba estate's every bit as sprawling and lavish as any other noble family's.

I don't intend to pry into the affairs of other clans.

To your original point, I understand the situation. However, never once has the Soul King given his express permission for anything.

No, he hasn't. While the Soul King conveys the general flow of his will to the residents of the Royal Palace, he doesn't directly give out his permission.

Or should I say, he CAN'T.

That era is coming to an end.

I don't follow. What're you plotting, Tokinada?

Soon, we will obtain the Soul King's permission and the Seireitei... No, we, the Five Great Noble Clans, will rule over all three worlds. That's what I'm saying.

Before we go any further into the details, let me get one thing straight. You admitted yourself that the Soul King doesn't grant his permission, right?

So why would he make an exception to allow your plan to move forward?

Oh, that's simple. Because the next Soul King will have free will.

...?

Oh, now I get it. That's why you called for me instead of my younger brother.

Yoruichi Shihoin. You saw it, didn't you? You saw the state of the Soul King before Ichigo Kurosaki sliced him in half.

But what exactly was that thing? What kind of being was the Soul King in the first place? I can see that the two of you don't know yet.

But I can tell you that Kisuke Urahara knows.