After leaving the Grand Spirit Library corridor, Shunsui Kyōraku split from the group and headed straight to the 1st Division. He planned to have a private conversation with Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto.
Meanwhile, Segawa Shigure walked alongside Ise Nanao. Nanao kept a respectful distance of about two steps behind Shigure, quietly following. Aside from Kyōraku, she treated every captain with great respect. Although Shigure had just been appointed today, in her eyes, he was no different from the other captains—all worthy of honor.
As evening approached, Shigure suddenly remembered she needed to rush back to the 5th Division for the new captain's inauguration meeting. The Kidō Corps should be arriving at the 5th Division barracks soon, and they needed Shigure's approval before taking Momozono Hinamori along.
With that in mind, Shigure informed Nanao and then left.
...
Two days later.
Momozono Hinamori's transfer to the Kidō Corps for training had stirred little reaction. Aside from Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Kira Izuru from the 3rd Division visiting once, no one else seemed to care. But since the order was authorized by the three captains-commanders, even their visits changed nothing.
As for Kyōraku, he had reported to Yamamoto, but the reply was a firm refusal.
It was confirmed that Aizen and the others were hiding within Hueco Mundo, but its vastness rivaled that of the Soul Society. Countless dangers lurked there. Entering blindly without first pinpointing their location would only lead to unnecessary casualties. Worse, Aizen and his allies might exploit this to launch a counterattack on the Soul Society.
So, the plan for a proactive strike was shelved for now.
Today, Shigure arrived at the northern gate of Seireitei. A large Senkaimon stood ready for Soul Reapers on missions outside. Today, it was opened especially for the "Returnees." After all, the Judgement Meeting had unanimously agreed to let them return to the World of the Living. It was only natural to follow through.
Shigure was entrusted with opening the Senkaimon this time.
When Ichigo Kurosaki learned that Rukia Kuchiki had chosen to stay in the Soul Society, he wasn't surprised. After all, this was her true home.
But when he heard she'd join Segawa Shigure's command, his eyes widened. "Huh?! Shigure?!"
At that moment, a calm voice spoke up. "...You seem to have some bias against me, Ichigo Kurosaki."
Rukia turned sharply, surprised. "Captain Shigure!"
Shigure smiled faintly. "No need to look so shocked. I'm just here to see you off. Also..." He glanced at Ichigo. "Reminding him not to forget the previous instructions."
Under Shigure's gaze, Ichigo felt completely seen through and uneasy. Still, he forced a casual expression and said, "I know. I'll tell Urahara."
Shigure was referring to the invitation from the Arrancar Army. Though Ichigo didn't plan to go anytime soon, a reply was necessary.
Suddenly, a black cat appeared on Ichigo's shoulder in a flash. "Yo, Shigure... Looks like you're the one opening the Senkaimon this time," the cat said.
Shigure nodded. "That's right. Captain Ukitake taught me beforehand." He pulled out a neat wooden tag and tossed it to Ichigo. "This is from Captain Ukitake, too."
It was a proxy Shinigami badge, allowing the bearer to separate their soul from their body at will and act as a proxy Soul Reaper.
Just then, a man in blue-and-white clothes with glasses approached. Uryū Ishida.
He didn't look at anyone else but Shigure. His expression was calm as always, but his eyes burned with strong resolve.
"Captain Shigure, I don't know if we'll meet again... But next time, I will definitely close the gap between us. I won't let you knock me down so easily again."
Shigure raised an eyebrow. Looks like he still hadn't let go of their fight back in the World of the Living.
Hearing this, Ichigo laughed. "Ishida, that's not like you at all."
"Shut up, Kurosaki. Let's get going." Ishida pushed up his glasses and turned toward the Senkaimon.
There was no time for catch-ups. Shigure opened the Senkaimon and sent them off.
As the gate closed, Rukia bowed her head slightly. A faint smile appeared on her face—relieved, yet a little lonely.
Shigure watched her for a moment, then said with a smile, "Your spiritual power seems almost fully restored."
Rukia nodded quickly. "Yes! Soon I'll be qualified to rejoin the squad!"
Shigure turned and started walking. "I think I forgot to tell you something earlier."
Rukia hurried to catch up, looking up at his side profile in surprise.
Shigure didn't look back. "You know Momozono Hinamori, the former 5th Division vice-captain? She was removed from her post for certain reasons and is now training with the Kidō Corps."
"Yeah... I know," Rukia nodded softly.
"So, haven't you noticed? The 5th Division is missing a vice-captain."
Shigure smiled faintly at her.
Rukia froze on the spot, understanding his meaning instantly.
Shigure kept walking, his voice calm. "You might not be ready yet, but I'll keep that position open for you. So, you should know what you need to do."
Behind him, Rukia's face flushed with excitement. She bowed deeply and said with passion, "I will work hard to improve! I absolutely... absolutely won't let you down, Captain Shigure!!"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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