Shinigami Research and Development Institute.
Mayuri ignored the corpses of the researchers strewn across the floor and strode straight toward the underground vault.
The vault housed a large collection of research materials, including samples taken from Szayelaporro—mainly the bodies of Shinigami, Quincy, and Hollows.
When Mayuri arrived, the vault door had been completely destroyed and every last specimen stolen. Though only a portion of his total collection, the loss enraged him.
He glanced at the frost crystals near the entrance. "Damn it!"
"Hitsugaya!"
Mayuri's roar echoed through the sub-basement.
—
Karakura Town.
Freshly back, Shin was playing with Nel, who still preferred her child form.
He'd enjoyed a carefree half-year, though now only he, Yoruichi, and Nel remained in the small courtyard. Soi Fon only dropped by when she had missions in the Human World.
Gin, however, often strolled over for a visit and even planted a persimmon tree in the yard.
During this period, Shin had taken Nel to Hueco Mundo a few times—once to share tea with Aizen, and again so she could see Pesche and the others.
Kaname always escorted them and Aizen had done nothing to him.
After fully merging with the Hōgyoku, Aizen devoted himself to new Arrancar experiments using his newfound power.
Seeing Shin suddenly freeze, Nel tilted her head and asked, "Big brother, what's wrong?"
"It's nothing, Nel. Keep playing. I need to take care of something."
Just now, he'd sensed Soi Fon's reiatsu and then it vanished.
He decided to investigate.
—
Outskirts of Karakura Town.
A few Teleports later, Shin arrived on the scene. He ran a hand across the invisible wall. "A barrier?"
With a casual slap, he shattered it.
Dead Shinigami littered the ground.
"Looks like something major happened."
He'd been in Hueco Mundo the past few days and had no idea what had transpired here.
Suddenly, ninja-clad figures surrounded him.
Onmitsukidō!
Recognizing Shin, they bowed. "Nohara-sama."
Shin's name was already legendary in Soul Society—after Yamamoto deliberately kept it in check.
"Nohara!"
Soi Fon, in charge of the sector, stepped into view. She glanced at the ruined barrier and shot him a glare. "I just finished setting that up and you smashed it."
Shin scratched his cheek. "Haha, I sensed trouble and rushed over. Has something big gone down in Soul Society?"
Soi Fon briefly explained the Ōin and Tōshirō's involvement.
Shin was bewildered, he didn't remember this plot from the original story.
"That's the situation. Contact us if you find any leads. I've got another assignment. See you."
With that, Soi Fon ordered her men to collect the bodies and left.
The moment they departed, snow began drifting from the sky.
Tōshirō staggered out of the woods, collapsing after a few steps.
"Kusaka…" He murmured.
"Kusaka? Who's that?"
The name rang no bells for Shin.
A quick check showed the boy had fainted from blood loss.
Shin healed the wound with Reverse Cursed Technique, yet Tōshirō remained unconscious. He hoisted the captain over his shoulder and headed home.
He refused to believe Tōshirō would betray them, he'd wait for answers.
A trip outside, and instead of picking up a girl he'd picked up a boy.
—
"Where?"
Tōshirō jolted awake, staring at an unfamiliar ceiling.
"Awake?"
"Nohara."
"Yep. You passed out from blood loss, so I brought you here."
Tōshirō checked the wound on his abdomen.
"Already healed it for you."
"Thanks."
"Soul Society's going all-out—Divisions Two, Six, and Eight are hunting you."
Tōshirō merely gave a soft "Hm."
Shin shook his head.
The kid was as reckless as ever, carrying the blame yet acting indifferent.
"Who's Kusaka?" He asked point-blank.
"The guy who ambushed you and stole the Ōin?"
Tōshirō's pupils shrank and he sighed. "A man who was supposed to be dead."
"Supposed to be... meaning he isn't. What's going on?"
Tōshirō fell silent, lifted Hyōrinmaru, and turned to leave.
"Thanks for the help."
Shin raised a hand to stop him.
Tōshirō reached for his sword.
"You sure you want to fight me?" Shin grinned.
After a moment's hesitation, Tōshirō lowered his hand—he had no chance against this monster.
"Exactly. Spill the story and maybe I can help. Otherwise, you're not walking out that door."
Left with no choice, the captain yielded—he still had things he must do.
"Kusaka Sōjirō is…"
Slowly, he began.
Long ago, Sōjirō had been Tōshirō's closest friend and rival.
Both had won Hyōrinmaru's approval, but Central 46 forbade identical Zanpakutō and forced them to duel. Sōjirō lost, and Central 46 ordered the Onmitsukidō to execute him.
Yet now Sōjirō lived, and had stolen the Ōin.
Hearing the tale, Shin knew exactly what this was.
The DiamondDust Rebellion movie—though he'd never watched it.
And, as expected, Central 46 were scumbags.
"From what I know, someone used Hyōrinmaru to attack the SRDI—must be him. Problem is, Soul Society thinks you did it."
Only now did Tōshirō frown. "Why would Kusaka…?"
Shin spread his hands. "No idea, Captain Hitsugaya. What's your move?"
"I'll find Kusaka and take back the Ōin."
"Alright, you can go."
Shin still couldn't fathom why Kusaka had raided the SRDI. Simple revenge on Soul Society?
Since he couldn't figure it out, he let Tōshirō go. Once the captain found Kusaka, answers would follow.
Toshiro left, but he left his captain's haori behind.
"What kind of move is this?"
Shin didn't understand why he left his captain's haori.
"Perhaps he doesn't want to resolve it as a member of the Gotei 13."
Yoruichi leaned against the doorframe, she had heard everything Toshiro said.
Shin still didn't understand, but it wasn't important. He put the haori into Yogasa.
(End of Chapter)
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