More than twenty days had passed since Aizen Sosuke's defeat.
With Seireitei restored to peace, the nobles seemed to have completely forgotten the crisis. Life returned to its usual calm.
Thanks to the efforts of the 1st and 6th Divisions, a new Central 46 Chamber was established.
On the very night it was formed, the first decree was issued.
It concerned the arrest and punishment of Aizen Sosuke, Kaname Tosen, and their accomplices.
No one was surprised.
After all, the previous Central 46 members had all died at Aizen's hands.
The new members couldn't ignore the gravity of the situation.
So they rushed to issue the first order—pressuring the Gotei 13 into action.
But in truth, their command held little weight.
Hueco Mundo's vastness kept Aizen's trail hidden.
The Gotei 13 couldn't move without a clear lead.
Today also marked exactly half a month since Rukia Kuchiki joined the 5th Division.
Thanks to her solid skills, she had already climbed to the 10th seat.
Her personality helped her quickly bond with her comrades.
Still, she trained hard every day at the dojo, pushing herself relentlessly.
Segawa Shigure noticed but didn't interfere.
Unless Rukia came with questions about training, he left her alone.
Then, after over twenty days of quiet, the 5th Division's calm was shattered.
While resting in his room, Shigure suddenly heard a panicked shout from outside.
"Captain Segawa!"
"Something terrible has happened!!"
His eyes narrowed. The voice belonged to Shintani Takashi, the 3rd seat of the 5th Division.
Shigure didn't stand but calmly asked, "What's going on, Shintani?"
Outside came heavy breaths and swallowing sounds, then the urgent report:
"Captain Segawa, we just received word from the Department of Research and Development!"
"There's been a Hollow outbreak in Tsukizuki City of the World of the Living!"
"The 13th Division troops sent to suppress it underestimated the Hollow numbers... and were almost wiped out!!"
"They're requesting backup from Seireitei!"
Shintani spoke rapidly, visibly anxious.
As the rescue team, the 5th Division had the highest priority to respond.
That's why he rushed over immediately.
Shigure frowned deeply.
A Hollow outbreak in the World of the Living... that was strange.
He knew Tsukizuki City well—it wasn't a spiritual hotspot like Karakura Town.
Its spiritual particle density couldn't trigger a Hollow outbreak.
But now wasn't the time to overthink.
He stood and opened the door.
"Shintani, gather the team for an emergency rescue squad. Head to the Senkaimon area immediately."
"I'll go to Headquarters now to request permission."
Before Shintani could react, Shigure activated Sonído and vanished.
Shintani froze, chills running down his spine at the speed.
Then he snapped back to action and hurried to assemble the squad.
Meanwhile, Shigure dashed to the 1st Division.
Any Soul Reaper entering the World of the Living must first report to the 1st Division.
This was strict protocol to keep Headquarters informed.
Upon arrival, Shigure went straight to the Captain-Commander's office.
No longer a lieutenant, he didn't need others to report for him.
At the door, Vice-Captain Jakucho Tsujirō bowed slightly. "Captain Segawa."
Shigure nodded briefly.
He entered without delay.
"...Segawa? Why the rush?" Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto looked up, sensing Shigure's spiritual pressure.
Shigure stopped and lowered his head respectfully.
"Captain-Commander, I just received news from the Department of Research and Development."
"13th Division purification squad members encountered a Hollow outbreak on their way to the World of the Living and urgently need rescue."
"The Hollow numbers are high, so I plan to send extra personnel. I came to report this to you."
Yamamoto nodded without hesitation.
"I understand. Go."
"Yes, sir."
Shigure bowed and turned to leave.
At that moment, someone burst in.
He landed and immediately dropped to one knee, panting.
"My apologies!"
"Captain-Commander, Captain Segawa! There's urgent news!"
His voice was strained from rushing.
Yamamoto stayed calm, silent.
Shigure spoke up.
"Speak."
The man hurriedly said:
"Just now, after confirmation by our Deputy Director, at least one Grand Hollow—Gillians or higher—has appeared in Tsukizuki City!"
?!
Shigure and Yamamoto's eyes shifted sharply.
A Hollow outbreak in a city with low spiritual particle density was strange enough.
But a Grand Hollow appearing there?
That was beyond strange.
Yamamoto's gaze turned serious.
Shigure looked at him and bowed slightly.
"Captain-Commander, it seems I must personally lead the rescue mission."
Yamamoto pondered briefly, then nodded.
"Go."
He quickly added, "Control your power."
Shigure's expression didn't change.
"Yes, sir."
He stepped out and activated Sonído, heading toward the Senkaimon north of Seireitei.
The strangeness of this incident left no doubt in Shigure's mind.
His suspicion pointed to only one person.
Aizen Sosuke.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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