Third Division.
Captain's Quarters.
Kyōraku Shimo looked at the gift sent by the Kuchiki clan and showed clear satisfaction.
As one of the wealthiest noble houses in Seireitei, the Kuchiki clan's financial strength far exceeded what ordinary people could imagine.
Just the symbolic silver wind-flower scarf alone was worth the equivalent of ten buildings in Seireitei.
Even the star-shaped hair ornaments worn at the temples carried a similar value.
From this alone, one could see just how extravagant the Kuchiki clan truly was.
When it came to repairing the damage across Seireitei, Kuchiki Ginrei didn't even blink an eye before taking responsibility.
Of course, Seireitei itself would never allow the Kuchiki clan to shoulder everything alone.
After all, this was not the Kuchiki family's private Seireitei.
"So this is Byakuya's gift to you, Shimo?"
Nel curiously examined the long, tightly sealed case.
"Open it. I'm curious too what the Kuchiki clan would give."
Shimo himself was equally curious.
Nel excitedly opened the long case. In an instant, spirit particles spilled out, and the density of spirit particles in the room noticeably increased.
What appeared inside was a scabbard.
Its exquisite craftsmanship clearly incorporated spirit-tool forging techniques from the Research and Development Institute.
When lightly tapped, a steadily increasing pressure of reiatsu could be felt through the fingertips.
The classic openwork design was inlaid with multiple rare materials.
"…Impressive."
Shimo couldn't help but sigh.
"This thing is worth at least as much as that silver wind-flower scarf, isn't it?"
He was quite satisfied with the gift.
Shimo had always been rather indifferent toward money and rarely judged gifts by their price.
But this gift from the Kuchiki clan suited his taste far more than most.
After replacing his original scabbard, Shimo immediately noticed that its design seemed deliberately tailored to match a captain's haori.
"The Kuchiki clan really put some effort into this."
Nel tilted her head, looking Shimo up and down.
Suddenly, she lunged forward and pressed herself against his chest, rubbing her cheek against him.
"No matter what Shimo uses, I like it!"
Shimo froze for a moment, then glanced toward the doorway.
Sure enough, Yoruichi stood there, holding a tall stack of documents.
Her expression carried a hint of helplessness.
"Seriously."
"I never said I was going to fight you over Shimo. Why are you getting so defensive?"
Nel peeked out from Shimo's arms, shot Yoruichi a glance, and snorted softly.
"Enough."
Shimo discreetly pried Nel's hands away.
The pressure on his chest was honestly too much to handle.
Ever since joining the Third Division, Nel had fully returned to her original form.
Though her personality still carried some childlike stubbornness at times, her attachment to Shimo had never changed.
"Recently, the Third Division's workload has been heavier than usual."
Yoruichi sighed.
"Besides the Fourth and Thirteenth Divisions, several divisions have requested support."
"Seireitei's repair work has only just begun."
"Almost all Third Division members have already been dispatched on missions."
Shimo lightly tapped the desk, thinking.
After a while, he spoke.
"…Does this have much to do with me?"
Yoruichi's face instantly fell.
"Wake up already!"
"You're the captain of the Third Division! If it doesn't concern you, who does it concern?!"
Under her pressure, Shimo reluctantly took the documents from her hands and began signing them.
Just as he set down his pen, a black, elegant Hell Butterfly fluttered in from outside and landed before him.
Shimo extended a finger and received the message it carried.
Hell Butterflies served as communication bridges between divisions and were considered rare creatures in Soul Society.
Each carried a miniature version of Tenteikūra inside its body, capable of transmitting short messages.
"What now?"
Yoruichi sat cross-legged on Shimo's desk and asked casually.
Shimo paused briefly, then replied,
"A First Division summons. A captain's meeting regarding the Kuchiki Kōga incident and Seireitei's future."
Hearing this, Yoruichi immediately shot Shimo a wary look.
"Shimo, don't even think about making me attend the meeting for you again!"
Shimo sighed and glanced at the well-behaved Nel nearby.
"Nel could go in my place, but—"
Before Yoruichi could finish, Shimo waved his hand to cut her off.
He still wanted to live.
Letting a Vasto Lorde-class Arrancar attend a captain's meeting would likely end with a flaming katana flying across the room.
"I'll go myself."
---
First Division.
Captain's Conference Room.
When Shimo arrived, Yamamoto spoke in a deep voice.
"Since everyone is present…"
"The captain's meeting will now begin."
Shimo glanced around and realized that attendance was unusually complete.
Aside from the Fifth and Ninth Divisions, every captain had arrived on time.
And he himself was the last to enter.
As the meeting began, Yamamoto, seated at the center, spoke at length.
He deliberately emphasized the losses and severity caused by the Kuchiki Kōga incident.
In addition, regarding Aizen's defection, Central 46 had issued its first directive:
Capture the traitors Aizen Sōsuke and Ichimaru Gin, and bring them to justice.
At this order, the captains responded with cold, expressionless smiles.
Hueco Mundo was vast, no smaller than Soul Society itself.
If Aizen chose to hide, the Gotei Thirteen simply lacked the means to track him down.
Not to mention the countless dangers within Hueco Mundo, where even captains could easily meet their end.
Central 46's orders were not absolute.
Regarding this matter, the captains each offered their opinions.
"As for tracking Aizen and Ichimaru Gin, the Eighth Division will handle reconnaissance."
Shunsui lowered the brim of his hat and spoke gravely.
As the intelligence division, this task naturally fell to the Eighth Division.
Though he often appeared carefree, Shunsui was deeply responsible when it came to his subordinates.
During the Visored incident, he had sent his lieutenant, Lisa Yadōmaru, to investigate.
The result was that she was struck down by Aizen and Hollowfied.
Since then, Shunsui had been especially protective of his division.
Reconnaissance in Hueco Mundo was a mission with slim chances of survival.
Even captains might never return, let alone ordinary Shinigami.
Yet duty could not be refused.
As a result, Shunsui's expression was darker than usual.
"In addition, the Fourth Division will provide medical supplies."
Unohana spoke gently, her eyes lowered.
Yamamoto's gaze swept across the captains.
"Has the Research and Development Institute produced any new concealment spirit tools?"
Mayuri Kurotsuchi stepped forward, spreading his hands wide as his grin stretched unnaturally.
"Hah. In response to the Head Captain's earlier request, concealment tools have already reached a semi-finished stage."
"Hollows below Gillian class cannot detect Shinigami hidden by these tools."
A hint of surprise appeared on Shimo's face.
No wonder Mayuri hadn't been causing trouble lately.
Kōga's Zanpakutō ability would have been a fascinating research subject for him.
Yet among the materialized Zanpakutō, Ashisogi Jizō had never appeared.
Shimo clearly remembered that Mayuri had installed explosives within his own Zanpakutō.
When Ashisogi Jizō was materialized and rebelled, Mayuri had detonated it without hesitation.
In a sense, Mayuri was ruthless even with himself.
Once the topic turned scientific, Mayuri became unusually talkative.
"However, there are still many drawbacks."
"The energy consumption is extremely high. Shinigami below Sixth-Class Spiritual Power can only maintain it for six hours."
"Additionally, the concealment effect is limited."
His long, pale fingers twitched in the air as madness flickered across his face.
"While concealed, operatives cannot use Shunpo or manipulate reishi."
"As for a completed version, we need about ten more days."
The captains, long accustomed to Mayuri's demeanor, showed no particular reaction.
Yamamoto frowned slightly.
"Accelerate development."
"Central 46 has already urged us several times."
Mayuri let out a bizarre laugh, tapping his pale fingers against his head.
"A bunch of cowards afraid of death."
"Hahahaha!"
The captain's meeting concluded.
Every division began operating like a wound-up machine, efficiency pushed to its limit.
Shimo returned to the Third Division and resumed his peaceful days of petting cats and hunting Hollows.
Unfortunately, that peace did not last long.
Half a month later.
Shimo was once again engaged in his usual Hollow-hunting routine.
Nel sat obediently nearby, smiling happily.
"Cough… cough…"
"Captain Shimo."
To Shimo's surprise, Jūshirō Ukitake had come to visit.
"Captain Ukitake, what brings you here?"
Shimo looked puzzled.
Ukitake's face was pale, and he coughed intermittently.
His condition was clearly poor.
Yet instead of resting at his division, he had come all the way to the Third Division.
Ukitake spoke solemnly.
"Just now, Kiyone came to report to me. There's a problem in the World of the Living."
"The Research and Development Institute has confirmed that Hollow disturbances have erupted in Karakura Town and Naruki City."
"Kaien Shiba has been seriously injured and is unconscious."
"A joint squad from the Thirteenth and Third Divisions has been completely wiped out."
"A distress request has already been sent to Seireitei."
Shimo's brow furrowed.
"That shouldn't be happening."
"Those cities don't have particularly high spiritual density. A Hollow outbreak shouldn't occur there."
Unless… this was part of Aizen's plan.
Only half a month had passed.
Had everything already been prepared?
Shimo's eyes flickered as he considered the possibilities.
Normally, this situation should have been handled first by the Fifth Division, the designated rescue division.
But the Fifth Division captain's seat was vacant, and even the acting captain role was being handled by a Third Seat.
With no other option, Ukitake had turned to the Third Division, which also held support authority.
The main reason, however, was simple.
The Third Division's captain was the least busy.
"I understand."
Shimo stood up.
"Nel, come with me to the World of the Living."
Nel immediately rose and followed closely beside him.
Seeing this, Ukitake hesitated.
"Shimo… this is a Hollow outbreak."
"Is it really appropriate for Nelliel to go?"
Shimo looked puzzled.
"What's inappropriate about it?"
Ukitake felt helpless.
A Hollow outbreak in the Human World, and you're bringing a Vasto Lorde-class Arrancar.
And you're asking me if it's appropriate?
That question itself is outrageous.
Ukitake wasn't doubting Nel's strength.
He was worried her identity might cause unnecessary complications.
Shimo waved his hand dismissively.
"It'll be fine."
"I'll take Nel to the First Division to apply for the Senkaimon pass."
Ukitake still wanted to say something.
But Shimo had already activated Shunpo and vanished.
Nel followed closely behind, her Sonído no slower than any captain-class Shinigami.
At the moment, there were no idle members in the Third Division.
Aside from Shimo and Nel, everyone else was busy.
To save time, Shimo didn't bother gathering additional personnel.
...
After arriving at the First Division, Shimo went straight to the Head Captain's office.
"Captain Shimo, why the rush?"
Yamamoto asked without lifting his head from the documents.
"Head Captain Yamamoto, I just received a report from Captain Ukitake."
"A Hollow outbreak has occurred in the World of the Living."
"Lieutenant Shiba Kaien of the Thirteenth Division is gravely injured and unconscious."
"A joint squad has been completely annihilated."
Shimo reported seriously.
Yamamoto looked up, a grave expression flashing in his aged eyes.
"So… Hueco Mundo has begun to move?"
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