"What! This impact...!?"
"Look at the sky!! A mysterious light...!!"
An uproar broke out within the General Headquarters. One of the Soul Reapers working as a communications officer pointed out the window; in the distance, "something" emitting a strange light, much like an electrical discharge, was hovering in mid-air.
"Was the collision with the Shakunetsu-kabe the cause? But what on earth is that...?"
The Shakunetsu-kabe is a massive barrier that covers the entirety of the Seireitei. It is wrapped around the area like a giant sphere, extending from the high heavens down into the depths of the earth. Furthermore, this wall decomposes spiritual power upon contact. If one touches it without any preparation, they would be broken down at a molecular level. It is because of this barrier that external enemies cannot easily invade the Seireitei.
"To think it wouldn't be annihilated even after crashing into that... just how much density does it possess...?"
Ah, Aizen is acting surprised.
Even if I say it decomposes things, it doesn't necessarily turn everything into dust in an instant. If the exterior is covered with "something" high-density enough to withstand the decomposition, then naturally, it could gain enough momentum to potentially break through the Shakunetsu-kabe, just as it's doing now.
...Come to think of it, Kuukaku made a tool that generates an incredibly hard barrier before, didn't she? She bragged about it endlessly. She called it the Reijū-kaku, the Spirit Orb Core. It certainly was hard... I see, so they used that to break in.
What a reckless method...
"Look! The light is...!!"
Just as I thought that, the light split into four and exploded outward. Conveniently, they scattered in the four directions: East, West, South, and North.
Those lights must be Ichigo and the others. Let's see... Orihime-san's spiritual pressure is... Ah, no good. I can't tell. Her own spiritual pressure and the pressure from the explosion are all scrambled together; I can't distinguish which is which at all... For a while, until their spiritual pressure settles down, I'll only be able to confirm their locations visually. This is going to make finding them a real pain.
"...Captain Aizen. Those four splitting lights... they are likely the Ryoka who defeated Jidanbo, aren't they?"
"Yes, presumably."
"Then what about that alarm for the intruder discovery during yesterday's Captains' Meeting? Who exactly was it that broke in then?"
"...!?"
The moment I voiced my question, everyone in the room looked at me with expressions that seemed frozen in place.
"According to reports, there were five Ryoka who defeated Jidanbo. Even if each of those four lights that just flew off contained one of the Ryoka, there is still one person missing."
"Then, are you saying that one person is the intruder who was found during the Captains' Meeting!?"
Soifon took the bait.
"I think it's a possibility. However, if that were the case, it would have been better for them to take some other measure rather than breaking in using such a conspicuous method once that single person was discovered."
"Is it not possible that they couldn't contact the outside, or that they became unable to do so?"
"Yes, the possibility Captain Aizen mentioned exists. But even so, they are far too uncoordinated. I think it is more natural to assume there is someone else entirely."
Well, I can only say this with such confidence because I know the behind-the-scenes circumstances to some extent.
"Conversely, we have far too little information on 'what kind of opponent the first intruder is'—everyone just assumed it was 'those Ryoka who were coming'."
Still, every time I think back on it, that emergency announcement really came at an exquisite timing.
"In that case, you are saying there might be another entity?"
"Yes. Who triggered that intruder discovery report? What did that person see to judge them as an intruder? We need to re-investigate from there."
"In that case, please leave that to the Second Division!"
Soifon spoke up enthusiastically.
"I shall brilliantly track down who sent that report and report back to Captain Yukawa!"
"Uh... share that information with everyone, not just me."
"Yes!"
I can practically see the 'I'm useful!! So please pat my head!!' emotions leaking out of her...
"Then, we'll leave that matter to the Second Division. Along with that, please notify all division members to 'capture the Ryoka whenever possible.' We need to investigate their comrades and cooperative relationships. Is that alright, Captain Aizen?"
"Yes, of course. Please proceed."
"Yes!"
I have to say this just in case, otherwise they might end up being killed. Well, even with this warning, there will probably be Soul Reapers who "do whatever they want" anyway... like Captain Kurotsuchi.
"Lastly, may I return to the Fourth Division for a short while?"
"Yes, I don't mind, but... why?"
"Since they've broken in so flashily, it's likely that bloodthirsty members will swarm them. I'm going to give some direct instructions regarding our future policy and methods of handling the situation."
I'm pretty sure a large number of casualties started appearing from this point on. I'm sure Isane will do her best to manage things, but it's a problem if the top official isn't at the scene.
"I see, if that is the case, there is no problem. Then, I shall also head to the Fifth Division..."
"Captain Aizen, please continue to handle the general command here. If you have any business, please issue instructions through your Vice-Captain."
"Eh...? Is it... not allowed...?"
You're stuck here! That's how it's decided!!
[Teacher, if you don't write another 300 pages by today, the manuscript will be late!! It's that kind of situation!!]
Yeah, something like that.
"Isane, what's the situation?"
"Ah! Captain!! Welcome back."
"Yes, I'm home."
When I left the General Headquarters and showed my face at the Fourth Division, Isane's face brightened up the moment she saw me. I could clearly see the relief in her expression.
"I hate to disappoint you, but I only came to check on things and give some orders. I have to head back soon."
"I-I see..."
Sorry, I really want to focus on things here, but... I'm just so worried about that Aizen.
"So, how was it last night? It seems nothing unusual happened in the end."
"Yes. Everyone was on alert, but since nothing happened, they are currently taking breaks in rotation."
"I see, that's good. Make sure the break groups can sleep as soundly as possible."
When you're told there's an anomaly but time just passes without finding anything, your nerves and spirit wear down more than you'd expect. If I don't let them rest properly and recharge their energy, they might collapse.
"Also, Isane, you probably know, but there were those who crashed into the Shakunetsu-kabe, right? It seems they were also intruders."
"Ehh! Was that what that was!?"
"Could you not see it well from here?"
"Yes... it was dawn, so we were all just talking amongst ourselves, wondering 'what is that?'"
That scene sounds a little fun. I wanted to join in too.
"It seems those lights are the main force. I think things are going to move in a big way from here on out, so secure medicines and personnel to be dispatched to the field while you can."
"Understood!"
When Ichigo and the others invade, quite a few low-ranking members get taken out. So...
...Wait?
Did Ichigo fight Ikkaku right after being blown away...? Work, memory!! Remember properly!! With Ichigo as he is now, there's no way he can beat Ikkaku with just a bit of training... Ikkaku has become strong enough that it's beyond the level of protagonist plot armor or Zangetsu's help...
It's okay! I asked him properly, so he'll let them go... it'll... be okay... right...?
"This is bad, Vice-Captain! Oh, Teacher, you were here too!?"
"Yes, I just came back for a bit."
Hinamori-san arrived in a frantic, pale-faced rush.
"So Momo, did something happen? It looked like you had business with Isane."
"Ah, that's right! An emergency contact just came in!!"
Is it a report that Ichigo and the others are rampaging? Or... I think Sado-kun was also rampaging... maybe around there?
"There's a massive number of casualties!!"
"...Eh?"
Casualties... a massive number...?
"W-What are the details!?"
"Apparently, there are many people with injuries that look like they were hit by Kido! The scale and detailed information on the casualties are currently unknown!"
Wait, wait a minute!? What is that, what does that mean!? Were those kids that aggressive!?
"Does that mean the Ryoka in question are rampaging!?"
"Yes, Vice-Captain. It seems so. A Soul Reaper not recognized in the Seireitei is rampaging... and besides that, there are many other reinforcements, so the scene is in chaos and detailed information is..."
"Understood! We'll send a relief squad immediately!"
"I'll stay here and help too."
"Thank you, Captain!"
I certainly can't overlook this situation.
But... just what on earth is going on!?
[Reviews - Power St0nes - Comments are highly appreciated to keep me going.....(+50 chapters) patre0n.c0m/talecrafter]