Inside the room, silence suddenly fell.
For the first time, Shigure began to doubt the check-in mission.
After all, Byakuya Kuchiki wasn't someone who would lie. Since he'd said this much, then...
Frostburn Valley really must have been destroyed by Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto.
So what was the point of this check-in mission?
Made no sense to give him a location that had already disappeared in the past and tell him to go check in there...
Shigure's gaze flickered slightly.
Across the tea table, seeing Shigure's reaction, Byakuya raised his eyes slightly.
"Segawa, you seem... to want more than just information about it, correct?"
Hearing this, Shigure collected his thoughts. Smiled wryly. Nodded:
"Yeah, that's right."
"I originally wanted to go inside and take a look. But now it seems I won't have that chance."
At this point, no need to hide anything.
After all, from Byakuya's tone, he could tell that while this place was indeed somewhat mysterious, it was far from sensitive.
Even saying he wanted to go there wouldn't be improper.
Moreover, the place had already disappeared.
But hearing Shigure's words, Byakuya's gaze flickered again.
After a moment of silence, he suddenly said:
"Segawa, I won't ask why you want to go to such a place. But—"
"If what you wish to reach truly is the place called 'Frostburn Valley'..."
"There is a way to get there."
?!
The moment these words fell, Shigure's heart jumped. He instinctively said:
"...What do you mean?"
What Byakuya said before and after almost completely contradicted each other. Even Shigure couldn't quite process it.
Byakuya continued:
"The Frostburn Valley I just mentioned behind the Shihōin family estate was undoubtedly destroyed in that great battle. So you indeed cannot reach it..."
"However, afterward, the twenty-first head of the Shihōin family—Lady Yoruichi's father—used a Heavenly Gift Armament..."
"Modeling it after the original valley's scale, he used barriers to rebuild a hidden valley."
"Though it's called a Heavenly Gift Armament barrier, the space inside is still named..."
"Frostburn Valley."
"!!"
Hearing this, Shigure's gaze jumped. His heart couldn't help but rejoice.
It seemed right. This Frostburn Valley... might be the location this check-in mission indicated!
Coming to find Byakuya really paid off!
Shigure's eyes shone brilliantly.
Byakuya naturally saw his joy. Said flatly:
"It seems what I've said can help you."
Hearing this, Shigure's smile deepened. Said sincerely:
"Thank you, Captain Kuchiki. You've helped me tremendously this time."
But just then, Byakuya suddenly changed his tone:
"Don't be happy too soon."
"This matter isn't as simple for you as you imagine."
"..."
Shigure's gaze flickered. He couldn't help complaining internally.
Why did Byakuya today like to pause so much when speaking, never finishing everything at once...
"Back during your captain appointment examination, to facilitate your Bankai demonstration, I went to the Shihōin family and borrowed a Heavenly Gift Armament called 'Radiance-Sealing Silver Mask.'"
"You should still remember these events, Segawa."
Byakuya looked at Shigure. Speaking flatly.
Shigure thought briefly. Immediately remembered. Nodded lightly.
The Radiance-Sealing Silver Mask's function was to fix and contain a person's spiritual pressure within the silver mask barrier without suppressing it, avoiding damage to the surrounding environment.
This armament had been borrowed by Byakuya to control Shigure's Bankai.
Seeing Shigure nod, Byakuya continued:
"At that time, because we misjudged your Bankai's level, the Radiance-Sealing Silver Mask was instantly shattered..."
"And afterward, when I went to the Shihōin family to return the broken Radiance-Sealing Silver Mask, their family elders told me..."
"From then on, any Shihōin family Heavenly Gift Armament is forbidden from being used on you."
"Even borrowing isn't allowed."
"..."
Hearing this, Shigure fell silent.
He finally understood why Byakuya said not to be happy too soon...
The reason was that he'd previously destroyed their divine artifact and gotten blacklisted by them...
Shigure suddenly felt both amused and helpless.
From the current situation, the biggest obstacle to this check-in mission wasn't any difficulty... but rather the Shihōin family's goodwill.
After leaving the 6th Division, Shigure led Aning as they strolled through the Seireitei streets.
His mind naturally still pondering the Shihōin family and the Heavenly Gift Armament Frostburn Valley matter.
After Yoruichi Shihōin left Soul Society a hundred years ago, the Shihōin headship passed to the twenty-third generation. Taken by her younger brother, Yushirō Shihōin.
Yushirō had a good personality. With his friendship with Yoruichi, Shigure wasn't worried he'd make things difficult.
However, from what Byakuya just told him, Shigure learned that although Yushirō was the head, he actually couldn't make decisions for the Shihōin family in many matters.
For instance, with Heavenly Gift Armaments, decision-making power was basically in the family elders' hands.
Even if Yushirō wanted to help, if the elders opposed with full force, he'd be helpless.
"Looks like... I'll need to call in another helper."
Shigure felt somewhat helpless. But to smoothly complete this check-in, there was no other way.
Shigure led Aning away—not back toward the 5th Division barracks, but west.
That was the direction of the Shihōin estate. Also the direction of the 2nd Division.
Shigure was heading there now naturally to find this helper—
Former Shihōin family head, Yoruichi Shihōin.
Four chapters guaranteed, let's go!
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