"Ding! New check-in mission released!"
The moment he heard that voice, Shigure's drowsiness vanished.
Since completing the Las Noches check-in, he hadn't heard the system's notification.
He'd been so busy he'd unconsciously forgotten it existed.
But now, just as he was about to rest, it suddenly rang out.
Shigure focused immediately. The notification continued:
"No time limit. Please proceed to Frostburn Valley in Soul Society to check in!"
"Upon completion, you will receive a system reward!"
"..."
The notification ended. Shigure felt completely dazed.
Frostburn Valley?
Just like the Land of Deep Ash in Hueco Mundo—another completely unfamiliar term.
Soul Society's known territories weren't as vast as Hueco Mundo, but they were well-documented.
Almost every accessible location had records in the Seireitei nobility's archives.
The Segawa family was only lower-tier nobility, but they had the same geographical access as others.
In three years since transmigration, aside from waiting for system missions, Shigure had plenty of opportunities to study these archives.
But he'd never heard of this place.
"If it's in Soul Society but not recorded... it must be extremely hidden..."
"Perhaps I should ask the other captains..."
Thinking this, Shigure relaxed again.
Though he didn't know the specifics, as long as it was in Soul Society, things would be manageable.
The next morning.
Shigure slept peacefully until waking naturally. Felt exceptionally refreshed.
Though sleep wasn't physiologically necessary, it still soothed body and mind.
After getting up, he stood in the courtyard breathing fresh air. Checked the Soul Wall palace in his mind.
Nothing needed checking with the sealed Aizen and Ulquiorra, so he looked toward Aning's area.
Last night, he'd planned to bring Aning out. But seeing how much she enjoyed being there, he'd left her.
Now, looking in, he couldn't help but chuckle.
In that room, Aning wasn't alone. Three figures surrounded her, chattering nonstop.
Little Nel and her two Fracción—Dondochakka and Pesche.
What made Shigure laugh was how familiar they seemed now.
Nel was tugging at the black feathers on Aning's body. Aning didn't resist. Just smiled and communicated through spiritual pressure.
They'd probably met hours ago.
When Shigure transported Aning in last night, he hadn't sealed her room. It connected to the rest of the palace.
Nel's group must have sensed the new room and run inside.
Realizing this, Shigure's eyes flickered. He concentrated his thoughts.
In the Soul Wall palace, pale white spiritual particles suddenly emanated from the wall behind the four.
Little Nel noticed first. Jumped in fright. Pointed ahead and shouted:
"Waaah!!"
"Nel-sama's palace is being invaded!!"
"Shigure!! Shigure!!"
She stretched her little neck. Called out dramatically.
But the next moment, those pale particles coalesced. Formed a transparent human shape.
Shigure.
Seeing this, Aning's face showed unconcealed joy.
Next instant, she vanished. Reappeared beside Shigure. Wrapped her arms around his waist.
Shigure smiled.
She seemed so happy she'd unconsciously used Sonído.
Nel's trio saw Shigure clearly. All looked shocked.
"Shi... Shigure!!!"
Little Nel looked incredulous.
Pesche and Dondochakka were more reserved. "S-Segawa-sama!"
Shigure chuckled. Placed his hand on Aning's head. Looked at Nel with a smile:
"This 'Nel-sama's palace' isn't so easily invaded."
Hearing this, Nel froze. Then showed an embarrassed smile. Scratched her head:
"Hehe... I saw Aning appear so suddenly..."
"Thought other people could break in too..."
"Didn't expect it was you, Shigure..."
That was Nel's personality. Though they'd only met twice, she wasn't afraid of him anymore.
Hearing this, Aning looked up at Shigure. Opened her mouth as if to speak.
After a moment, only managed a tiny sound. Couldn't form complete sentences.
She closed her mouth dejectedly. Used spiritual pressure transmission instead.
Explained how she'd met Nel's trio. Said Nel was a very good friend.
After listening, Shigure chuckled: "Hehe, Aning, don't worry. You can come here again later."
"But for now, come outside with me."
Since he'd brought Aning along in front of everyone, he couldn't leave her here. If other captains asked, it would be awkward to explain.
Aning immediately nodded obediently.
She would follow Shigure's instructions without reservation.
Seeing this, Nel's eyes widened. Gaze darted between Aning and Shigure's faces. Then, as if thinking of something, her expression changed. She spoke quickly:
"Going out to play?!"
"Me me me, I want to go with Aning too! Shigure!"
She ran to Shigure's other side. Grabbed his white haori. Refused to let go. Put on a pleading expression.
Pesche and Dondochakka looked shocked. Wanted to dissuade her.
But Shigure looked down at Nel with a mysterious smile:
"Are you... sure about that?"
Seeing that smile, Nel's heart jumped. She sensed something wasn't simple.
Her cute little face suddenly froze. As if deep in agonizing thought.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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