Inside Squad 1's barracks, Mayuri Kurotsuchi's expression was one of extreme impatience — not even the thick, colorful makeup on his face could hide the obvious irritation in his eyes.
He glared at the belatedly arriving Asano Kiyoshi, opened his mouth to reveal those yellow, glinting teeth, and snapped unpleasantly:
"You rude little brat! How dare you make me wait here for so long!"
Hearing Mayuri's abrupt accusation, Asano Kiyoshi was a bit bewildered, but he instinctively apologized:
"Ah, I'm terribly sorry."
Just then, a pleasant female voice sounded:
"Captain Kurotsuchi, the agreed meeting time today is 8:30. It's only 8:16 now — Asano Kiyoshi isn't late at all…"
As the words fell, a striking figure stepped out from the shadows — it was Nemu Kurotsuchi.Her face was expressionless, her eyes betraying no trace of human emotion as she looked at Kiyoshi.
Mayuri tilted his head when he heard this, then carelessly waved his hand, grabbing Kiyoshi's arm with an impatient huff:
"Alright, alright! Who cares about that — hurry up and come test my new device! It's a product I was forced to pull an all-nighter to make at the request of your beloved Captain-Commander!"
As Mayuri spoke, he slipped a pale blue ring around Kiyoshi's wrist. The ring felt cold to the touch, and the moment it clasped on, Kiyoshi felt a sharp sting shoot up his arm — but it faded as quickly as it came.
Nemu stood at his side, scribbling notes rapidly while gently pinching his arm here and there, seemingly testing some readings.
At that moment, Old Man Yamamoto stepped out of his office too. He looked at Kiyoshi with a faint smile, then turned to Mayuri:
"Thank you for your effort, Captain Kurotsuchi."
"It wasn't that much effort. I do hope that research funding hits my account as soon as possible."
"Don't worry — someone will deliver it this afternoon."
Hearing their exchange, Kiyoshi understood immediately and felt his respect for Yamamoto rise even higher.Sensing Kiyoshi's grateful gaze, Yamamoto gave a small nod before asking Mayuri:
"Captain Kurotsuchi, please explain how this device works."
Mayuri nodded and turned to Kiyoshi:
"Hmm… I need to think about how to say this in a way even you can understand — can't have you ruining my masterpiece."
Though Mayuri's words were laced with thorns, Kiyoshi didn't mind. He had a good temperament and saw no reason to make trouble over it.
Grabbing Kiyoshi's hand, Mayuri pointed at a yellow button on the blue wristband:
"This button will absorb and store spirit particles that leak from your body. It helps you avoid detection by powerful Hollows when you're in Hueco Mundo, since their sensory nerves won't pick up your spirit pressure as easily. It can also give you a small spirit energy boost when yours runs low — although the amount is minimal. Right — just press it once to activate the recharge, and press twice to turn it off."
Next, Mayuri pointed at another button, this one flashing with a red light:
"This button monitors your spirit pressure status. Useless for you, but it lets us check if you're still alive. You can also press and hold it — that'll send a distress signal."
Hearing this, Kiyoshi felt a little thrill of delight. This bracelet is just like those life talismans in cultivation novels, he thought, and the Old Man is my personal guardian… hahaha.
Pushing aside the silly thoughts, Kiyoshi bowed deeply:
"Captain Kurotsuchi, thank you so much!"
Mayuri waved him off indifferently, pulling Nemu along as he left Squad 1's barracks. His parting words still echoed in Kiyoshi's ear:
"Thank the Captain-Commander instead — if it weren't for that funding, I wouldn't have bothered making this for you. Nemu, next time make the pain more intense when implanting the device. I want to see them grimacing in agony…"
Hearing Mayuri's typical twisted remark, Kiyoshi could only shake his head helplessly.
Yamamoto turned to him and asked:
"Are you ready?"
"Mm. Just about."
Seeing Kiyoshi's determined face, Yamamoto nodded and slowly led him toward the gathering point for the Hueco Mundo expedition team.
On the way, Yamamoto said quietly:
"If you ever encounter danger that even the Royal Seal can't help you escape, remember to signal for help. I will send someone to retrieve you. That's why I had that function added — do you understand?"
Looking at the old man's stern expression, Kiyoshi nodded solemnly.
As they reached the entrance of Squad 1's barracks, a few familiar figures appeared — Ukitake, Kyoraku, and Vice-Captain Sentarō Kotsubaki.
Each of them carried something in their hands. When they saw Kiyoshi, they stepped forward and handed him their gifts.
Ukitake, whose health had improved greatly after his last treatment, even spoke with a bit more strength:
"I specially went to Squad 12 and asked for materials to make this shihakushō — it's much more durable than the usual ones. And in Hueco Mundo, laundry is a pain, so this robe can clean itself!"
Kyoraku was more straightforward. He handed Kiyoshi a book he'd written himself, whispering conspiratorially:
"Hueco Mundo is really boring. Bring this book — it'll help pass the time."
Seeing the jet-black robe and the obviously suspicious pink book, Kiyoshi thanked them profusely.
Vice-Captain Sentarō's gifts were even more varied. He explained:
"This is a high-grade windproof mask from Captain Kuchiki — he says it costs about as much as a three-story house with a pool."
"These are special pastries from Captain Unohana — she says they have mild healing properties and will fill you up."
"This heart-guard plate is from Captain Komamura. He said he admires you and hopes you return safely."
"And this is my gift — a spirit particle stabilizer. In Hueco Mundo you might not always find a proper place to stay, so with this, you can fix the sand and build yourself a spot."
Looking at the pile of gifts, Kiyoshi hurried to accept them, his smile stretching wide to his ears.Being remembered and cared for feels so good…
It wasn't too much to carry — just enough to fit on his back. Once the final preparations were complete, the Kidō Corps activated a barrier, and a pitch-black Dangai gate opened. From within, faint, desolate howls seemed to echo out.
Taking a deep breath, and with everyone's eyes on him, Asano Kiyoshi stepped slowly through.
The long spiritual pathway ended at last. Pale moonlight shone down on them.
A barren wind blew past, carrying with it a hint of rust and iron.
T/N: For up to 30 chapters ahead on my translations, become a p@tron at [email protected]/LordHipposApostle