The moment Shigure's words fell, quite a few people looked over immediately.
Clearly, they were surprised by Shigure's proactive request to go.
Rukia, standing behind Shigure, was naturally surprised too.
Hearing this, Yamamoto's expression stayed unchanged as he raised his eyes:
"Captain Segawa, what's your reasoning?"
Shigure's gaze didn't waver as he said calmly:
"I once fought Arrancar created by Aizen in Tsumesato City. So I'm familiar with their combat methods."
"Moreover, due to my Zanpakutō's characteristics, I can effectively distinguish Aizen's Kyōka Suigetsu. This lets me avoid complete hypnosis and making wrong judgments about the situation."
"Therefore, having me investigate is currently the optimal plan."
Shigure spoke methodically with calm expression.
Regarding his immunity to Kyōka Suigetsu, Yamamoto and others had questioned Shigure about it at Sōkyoku Hill.
Of course, Shigure wouldn't reveal his Resonance Eyes. So he attributed it to his Zanpakutō's characteristics.
Though this answer puzzled them, it could explain certain situations.
For instance, why Tōshirō Hitsugaya was affected by Aizen's complete hypnosis even in Bankai and got instantly defeated, while Shigure could fight them in Shikai.
The only explanation was Shigure's Zanpakutō characteristics.
After hearing Shigure's explanation, Yamamoto pondered briefly, then slowly nodded:
"Captain Segawa speaks reasonably."
Then he swept his gaze toward other captains: "What are your thoughts?"
As soon as he finished, Retsu Unohana responded first:
"Captain-Commander, I agree with Captain Segawa going, but..."
"Hueco Mundo is vast, containing multiple unknown dangers. If they truly encounter Aizen's faction, more troublesome enemies will certainly appear."
"Therefore, I suggest this mission should have at least three captains going together."
As Unohana finished, Shigure's gaze moved slightly. Yamamoto nodded again.
"Captain Unohana is correct. Though this first expedition force investigates the actual situation, we still can't be careless."
As Yamamoto spoke, his gaze suddenly turned to Tōshirō Hitsugaya:
"Then... Captain Hitsugaya, you'll go together as well."
"Eh?"
Before Hitsugaya could respond, Rangiku Matsumoto behind him let out a surprised sound.
Hitsugaya glanced at Rangiku speechlessly, then looked toward Yamamoto and nodded: "I understand."
He naturally wouldn't object to Yamamoto's orders.
At this moment, Soi Fon suddenly spoke: "Captain-Commander... I also wish to go."
As her words fell, Shunsui Kyōraku responded, chuckling: "Captain Soi Fon, you've been quite active with missions lately..."
Soi Fon's eyelid twitched. Her expression became serious again: "Captain Kyōraku, as a Gotei captain, actively pursuing traitorous criminals is my duty."
Seeing this, Kyōraku was stunned, then smiled awkwardly: "Yare yare, don't be so serious. Just a joke..."
"Ahem!" Yamamoto cleared his throat, interrupting them.
But next, he didn't look toward Soi Fon. Instead, he looked at Shigure:
"Segawa, since this mission's core revolves around you... what are your thoughts?"
By saying this, he'd basically established Shigure's leadership position in this first expedition force. But no one would object.
After all, his strength and past performance proved he could handle such responsibility.
Hearing this, Shigure said calmly: "I have no objections."
Soi Fon and Hitsugaya's addition wouldn't cause him major problems.
After Shigure expressed no objections, the remaining captains naturally wouldn't oppose either.
Finally, Yamamoto made the final decision, settling the meeting's outcome.
Then he looked toward Mayuri Kurotsuchi:
"Captain Kurotsuchi, the advance team's coordinates should have been given to you. How's the targeted Garganta to Hueco Mundo?"
Kurotsuchi grinned immediately: "Already complete. I can open it anytime."
"Good."
Yamamoto stood up, gripping his staff with both hands:
"Then, the first Hueco Mundo expedition force—"
"Led by Captain Segawa of the 5th Division, with Captain Soi Fon of the 2nd Division and Captain Hitsugaya of the 10th Division coordinating, bringing three vice-captains!"
As his words fell, he struck his staff against the ground.
Thunk.
Vice-captains Rukia and Rangiku were mentally prepared, though their expressions grew grave.
Instead, Kisenchiyo Ōmaeda behind Soi Fon was stunned. His face turned green instantly.
"I-I-I... I have to go too?!"
Soi Fon turned her head slightly: "Don't you have even this much resolve, Ōmaeda?"
"Uh, this..."
Feeling Soi Fon's sharp gaze, Ōmaeda's cold sweat flowed. He could only grit his teeth and nod.
Yamamoto narrowed his eyes again and declared:
"Then, this strategy meeting is officially adjourned!"
"Time is crucial. Captain Kurotsuchi, assist in opening the Garganta and send them off."
"Yes."
Kurotsuchi responded and headed directly outside.
Since the meeting was adjourned, other captains naturally followed.
Moments later, Kurotsuchi successfully opened a targeted Garganta for them.
Arriving before the Garganta, Shigure showed no hesitation: "Let's go, Rukia."
With that, he stepped inside first.
Rukia quickly looked back at Byakuya Kuchiki, Renji, and others, then turned and followed Shigure with determined eyes.
The remaining four—Hitsugaya, Matsumoto, Soi Fon, and Ōmaeda—also entered without delay.
From leaving the meeting hall until entering the Garganta and departing.
Not a single person spoke during this time.
Whether Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake, or Unohana, though they all had varying concerns about this sortie.
But now they all remained silent, watching them leave.
Worry was futile. Believing in them was the best approach.
Watching the Garganta gate slowly close, Unohana lowered her eyes slightly and said in barely audible voice:
"...Please stay safe."
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