"Grandpa, you really are hopeless."
"For such a long time, you've been wandering in the desert. If I hadn't found you, you'd probably still be circling around out here."
In the middle of Hueco Mundo's endless desert, Yoruichi, Gosuke Shigure, and Asido finally reunited with Shihouin Kongchan and Zaraki. After hearing about Kongchan's recent misadventures, Yoruichi wasted no time in ridiculing him.
At the same time, she couldn't resist bragging.
"And I'm different — Tsunayashiro Tokinada has already been dealt with by me and the teacher."
Of course, it was Gosuke Shigure who had dealt the decisive blow, but she had fought against Tokinada alongside him, so claiming joint credit didn't seem too far-fetched in her mind.
"You…" Kongchan's face darkened, his anger rising like a volcano. Being openly belittled by his granddaughter — and in front of outsiders — was almost unbearable.
More than anything, it was a matter of pride.
'Looks like I'll have to teach her a lesson when we get back. She's getting far too full of herself…'
Kongchan quietly resolved to discipline Yoruichi after returning to the Seireitei. She was captain of the Second Division's Special Forces, but not yet head captain — there was still room for him to keep her in check.
Sensing Kongchan's rising temper, Gosuke Shigure stepped in to smooth things over.
"We were able to take down Tsunayashiro Tokinada mostly due to luck," he said lightly. "Captain Shihouin, you shouldn't worry too much about this matter."
Kongchan exhaled slowly, letting some of his irritation fade. "You're right. The important thing is that Tokinada is gone… it's time to return to the Soul Society."
From within his robes, he produced a specialized communication device created by the 12th Division. With it, he could contact them directly and request a gate to be opened from Hueco Mundo back to the Soul Society.
In these days, Senkaimon technology wasn't as advanced as it would become later. There was nothing like Urahara Kisuke's portable gates. Returning from Hueco Mundo required coordination with the 12th Division, who would open a crossing from their side.
After a brief exchange over the device, a shimmering white portal opened before them.
"Let's go," Gosuke Shigure said, glancing at Asido, who was still carrying Tokinada's body.
During their search for Kongchan and Zaraki, Asido had made his decision — he would return to the Soul Society. Opportunities like this were rare, and without Gosuke Shigure's invitation, he might never have another chance.
If he refused, the rest of his days would be spent in Hueco Mundo, alone and likely to die in some battle with a Hollow, remembered by no one.
"Alright," Asido replied.
One by one, they stepped into the Senkaimon, traversing the Dangai's twisting corridor.
When they emerged on the other side, the difference in spiritual pressure density was immediate. Even though they hadn't been in Hueco Mundo for very long, the thinner air of the Soul Society felt strange — almost hollow — by comparison.
They had returned.
Asido stood in silence, taking in the familiar atmosphere he thought he'd never experience again. Ever since leading his doomed expedition into Hueco Mundo and losing his comrades to the Hollows, he had resigned himself to staying there forever, fulfilling his companions' last wish to keep fighting.
Now, unexpectedly, he was home.
"Don't think too much about it," Gosuke Shigure told him. "You've been gone for years. Your Shinigami status was long ago revoked — you'll need to re-register. During the process, expect some questioning. It's standard procedure."
"I understand," Asido said.
They parted ways soon after. Zaraki headed back to the 11th Division, eager to check if Yachiru had been eating well and growing. Yoruichi and Kongchan delivered Tokinada's body for official processing. Gosuke Shigure personally escorted Asido to the 1st Division to handle the re-registration.
Thanks to Gosuke's backing, the process was swift. A round of questioning, some verification, and Asido's status as a Shinigami was restored.
Meanwhile, Kongchan reported the mission's completion to Central 46. They received him with courtesy, even praise. Although they regretted not being able to put Tokinada on trial, they didn't press the matter.
The political reality was simple — the Shihouin family was still one of the Four Great Noble Houses, alongside the Kuchiki. Central 46, composed largely of nobles, had no interest in provoking them.
Because of Kongchan's influence, they also left Gosuke Shigure completely unbothered, sparing him any tedious interrogation about Hueco Mundo.
For everyone involved, the matter was over.