The emergency strategy meeting was held in the back courtyard of the 4th Division barracks.
Unlike the vast training valley behind the 2nd Division, the 4th Division's courtyard was modest-sized—filled with flowers, plants, and a clear pond surrounded by Captain Unohana's flower arrangements.
When Shigure arrived with Rukia, the other captains were already there.
Aside from Chōjirō Sasakibe and Sajin Komamura, who couldn't come due to severe injuries, even Kenpachi Zaraki had shown up. Clearly, after hearing from Ikkaku what happened, he'd gotten interested.
Seeing Shigure arrive, Kenpachi stepped forward, blocking his path. His massive frame loomed over him. "Tch, Segawa... making us wait forever..."
Halfway through, he was interrupted by the cute figure climbing onto his shoulder.
"Good morning, Shigure!!!"
Yachiru Kusajishi's cheerful voice rang out.
Shigure looked up with a smile. "Good morning, Yachiru."
Then he walked right past Kenpachi toward the center of the courtyard.
Complete disregard.
Kenpachi froze. His teeth ground together as he turned mechanically, veins bulging on his forehead. "Hey... Segawa, you bastard...!"
"Just like Byakuya... getting more arrogant... Makes me want to cut you down even more!!"
Shigure smiled lightly but didn't turn back.
Just then, Byakuya opened his eyes.
"Does that even count as arrogance, Zaraki?"
"Segawa is simply like me—he knows conversation with you is meaningless."
Byakuya gazed at Kenpachi with undisguised contempt. "This isn't arrogance. It's because your level has long been left behind."
"...Hah?!!"
Kenpachi's expression darkened further.
But before he could continue, Captain Unohana looked over. "Captain Zaraki, could you please be quiet for now?"
Kenpachi froze, then clicked his tongue, tilted his chin up, and walked to the side without another word.
Unohana turned to everyone, hands folded. "Good morning, captains and lieutenants."
"Since Captain-Commander Yamamoto's whereabouts are unknown, the Seireitei's situation is extremely urgent."
"I took the liberty of calling this emergency meeting. I hope no one minds."
"Now that Segawa has arrived, let's begin."
She paused, her gaze sweeping across everyone. "Last night, we were summoned to Sōkyoku Hill. Though we didn't see the Captain-Commander, we were attacked by an enemy called Muramasa."
"Today's meeting concerns the missing Captain-Commander and the escaped Muramasa with the rebellious Zanpakutō."
"As the Gotei 13, we must ensure the Captain-Commander's safety while apprehending these troublemakers."
"Please speak freely."
Tōshirō Hitsugaya spoke first, arms crossed, expression stern. "Based on what Muramasa said before escaping and our inspection of the 1st Division last night, the Captain-Commander seems to have fallen into Muramasa's trap."
"Otherwise, he would've appeared by now."
"Rescuing the Captain-Commander and pursuing Muramasa should be treated as the same mission."
Shunsui and the others nodded slightly.
Hitsugaya had hit the nail on the head.
Jūshirō Ukitake spoke next, face grave. "Captain Hitsugaya is right... However, Sensei Yamamoto's spiritual pressure is completely unlocatable."
"Perhaps... he might not even be in Soul Society."
Mayuri Kurotsuchi cut in decisively. "Impossible."
"The Department of Research and Development's instruments show no Garganta reactions or Senkaimon openings yesterday."
"The Captain-Commander is still in Soul Society."
Ukitake's eyes flickered.
Soi Fon's expression changed. "Which means... the Captain-Commander's spiritual pressure can't be located because Muramasa used his Zanpakutō to seal him away?!"
Her words carried involuntary tension.
The atmosphere grew heavy.
Everyone's expressions turned grave.
This incident had just become critical.
But then, Shigure raised his eyes.
He swept his gaze across everyone's faces, then looked ahead calmly.
"Though your speculation is logical, if you think this way..."
"You've already fallen into Muramasa's trap."
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
Read up to (100+ ) advanced chapters on Patre\on
Visit us here: patreon.com/DarkGolds
Happy reading, everyone!