"District 7, Number 12, no abnormalities!"
"Number 13 is the same, no abnormalities!!"
"Understood. Please continue the search."
" "Understood!!" "
Reports flew in from the radio, and the results were reflected on the blank map.
Although the map was being filled in by the diligent searches of each squad and every squad member, for now, it was still a mix of black and white.
This alone made me realize once again just how vast the Seireitei really was.
"The Ryoka appeared in the west. If so, we should focus our investigation on the western side. What is the situation over there!?"
"Deployment is complete, but no reports have come up yet. They seem to be searching cautiously!!"
"I see..."
In response to Aizen's—no, I suppose I should call him Aizen for now?—words, a squad member reported the current status.
Aizen had a thoughtful look on his face upon hearing the content.
"Any reports of injuries?"
"No, none so far!"
"The Onmitsukido will coordinate with each squad to conduct the investigation! Members of the Second Division are to act as liaisons!! Is that clear!!"
Soifon and I also issued instructions, not wanting to lose to Commander-in-Chief Aizen.
It really is busy.
It's not like we can just sit back in our chairs and relax.
'My Lord!! It is about time for an explanation!! I do not understand this at all!! What is this situation!?'
Yes, yes, I know.
Well then, let's jump back to just before the Captains' Meeting was dismissed. I'll explain from there.
---
"I apologize for interrupting. I have a thought... may I make a proposal?"
"...Speak."
"Thank you."
I, who had interrupted the Head Captain, spoke my mind.
"Intruders inside the Seireitei are unprecedented. Therefore, I believe we should establish a system where squads cooperate rather than moving separately."
"Hmm..."
At those words, the Head Captain stroked his beard, showing a thoughtful expression.
"Easier said than done. However, doing it is difficult. What exactly do you intend to do?"
"We will appoint one person as the Commander-in-Chief. I submit that if every squad member, including the Captains, follows the instructions of this Commander-in-Chief, we can execute organized movements and coordination."
"..."
"If we prepare a location for the Commander-in-Chief and unify the overall movements from there, wouldn't the response proceed smoothly?"
After all, Soul Reapers are quite disjointed.
In cases like this, each squad protects its assigned area, but someone standing at the top taking firm command, and those below following...
They are not good at that kind of organizational movement.
Even on a battlefield, units move by receiving instructions from headquarters, right?
Until now, field commanders known as Captains moved independently, and things still worked out well enough, but...
"I see... We're going to use this incident to conduct practical training for organizational movement. You've come up with something amazing again, Chan."
"But in this case, it might be effective. Given the current situation where we don't know where the intruders are, horizontal connections and a role to consolidate information are necessary."
Surprisingly—or perhaps it's rude to say that—Captain Kyoraku and Captain Ukitake showed a positive reaction.
"What is that!? Do we have the leisure to be doing such leisurely things at a time like this? We should be moving immediately!!"
"Because it is an unfamiliar attempt, there is a possibility that the response will be delayed. It would not be desirable to fall behind against Ryoka."
"Haste sometimes makes waste. Should we not stop this?"
And naturally, opposing opinions arose.
Captain Komamura and Tosen. And for some reason, Captain Hitsugaya, who was unusually excited in his opposition.
"I do not care either way. Can you just capture the Ryoka quickly?"
...Captain Kurotsuchi never wavers.
The other Captains seemed to be neither particularly for nor against it.
"Hmm, I see. Everyone has their say, but it seems there would be no harm in trying. So, who will play the crucial role of coordinator? Yukawa, will it be you?"
"No, I was thinking of asking Captain Aizen to take that role."
"...Eh!? Me!?"
Aizen's eyes went wide at the sudden grand selection.
"Yes, that's right. When I was a lecturer at the Academy, I requested special lectures from Captain Aizen many times, and the knowledge and way of thinking he showed then were all wonderful. I would definitely like to request him."
"N-No... that is... I'm in a bind... That is too heavy a burden for me."
Surprisingly, he might genuinely be troubled.
He was agonizing over it to a degree that didn't seem like acting.
"Besides, regarding this intruder. Nine times out of ten, I think it is the rumored Ryoka. However, there is also the possibility that another existence has come using the Ryoka as cover. I believe Captain Aizen would be able to notice such things as well."
"...Indeed. I have heard about Aizen's reputation as well. There should be no problem."
As if convinced, the Head Captain clapped his hands together.
"Regarding this matter, I strictly order that we take action with Aizen at the top! It is unprecedented, but an intruder in the Seireitei is rare in the first place! Therefore, each Captain is to convey this to their subordinate squad members and keep a tight rein on them. Understood!"
The Head Captain's order was given.
Now that it has come to this, he can't run away.
Normally, a decision wouldn't be made so easily.
But Aizen's excellence, and the large number of people who know of it.
And the fact that it was to deal with an unprecedented situation must have pushed the Head Captain's mind forward.
So, it was decided that Aizen would take supreme command.
But the story doesn't end there.
"Captain Aizen, one more request."
What I proposed was to make Soifon and myself Vice-Commanders.
Soifon, the top of the Onmitsukido and the Second Division, those who make so-called covert movements.
Me, the top of the Fourth Division, those who handle healing and logistical support for each unit.
If such two people were attached as assistants, the overall movement should be smoother.
And so, this plan was also approved.
---
That is the sequence of events.
Aizen became the Commander-in-Chief, a General Headquarters was constructed in a great hurry, and he was to take command from there.
Information flies into the General Headquarters irregularly, and in addition, people come and go irregularly.
It is unclear who will come when, or at what timing the situation will move.
In such a situation, not even Aizen can pull a stunt like faking his death with Kyoka Suigetsu.
After all, he doesn't know who might see him or when.
So he can't secretly maneuver behind the scenes as he pleases.
Furthermore, Soifon and I are by his side.
Since we are basically acting together as assistants, he won't easily find the time to hide his presence and manipulate the incident from the shadows.
Incidentally, the Head Captain is also at the General Headquarters.
He doesn't say anything, but he watches our movements silently, putting an indescribable pressure on everyone.
Officially, it's because "Since we are trying a new form, some inconvenience might occur. This is to oversee that," but... yeah, it's hard to work.
I'm sure it's even harder for Aizen.
And above all.
As long as he hasn't obtained the Hogyoku from Rukia yet, Aizen has no choice but to work seriously and quietly.
Even if he realized my scheme, there is nothing he can do.
After all, this person is going to disappear once this disturbance is over anyway.
It's his last service. Let's use him to the fullest!!
Because Aizen is still wearing the mask of a good person!!
Since he's a surprisingly capable opponent, while he's declaring himself to be on our side, let's give him a massive amount of work so he can't get away!!
Look, look, I've created a board where you can move the situation exactly as you aim! Be grateful!! How will you move from here!?
That is my aim.
Incidentally, it's also a bit of harassment.
---
And so—
"What about this district!?"
"No, nothing yet."
Commander-in-Chief Aizen is working desperately even now.
Communication equipment has been brought into the General Headquarters, and information is being sent from there like arrows from the squad members on the site.
He is so busy he has no time to sleep.
He has work, he has watching eyes, and he has flowers on both arms—me and Soifon.
Good for you.
Oh, right. In this situation, Byakuya is sitting out.
He got permission from the Head Captain to focus on dealing with Rukia.
I wonder if he was swayed by emotion... the Head Captain too...
"From Fourth Division Captain, Yukawa, to all squad members. If the intruder is the Ryoka, their strength is at least enough to defeat Jidanbo of the West Gate. Even if you discover them, please do not push yourselves too hard."
I also issued instructions urging caution.
I also contacted the Fourth Division and instructed Isane to take charge.
We have to do our jobs properly, after all.
Now then... how will this turn out?
---
—In the end, there were no reports of discovery that day.
Since we worked all night without rest, fatigue is starting to show on the faces of the headquarters staff. I have to make them take breaks in shifts around here.
Well, some people can't rest though.
Around dawn, just as we were trying to decide on the rotation for shifts, a powerful impact assailed the Seireitei.
As if something with massive mass had collided with tremendous force...
...Huh? Is this when Ichigo and the others arrive?
Then, what was that report of an intruder that rang out earlier...?
Eh!? Could that have been Kyoka Suigetsu!?
'ORA! Hypnosis!! It is!!'
Could it be, Nubatama noticed too...?
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