Chapter 228 The Calm Before the Storm
"The above... constitutes the complete report regarding the entire bandit invasion incident."
At this moment, within the First Division's barracks—inside the captain's assembly chamber—all division captains had congregated here. The previous office for conducting affairs had been destroyed by Yamamoto Genryūsai's fury following the Wandenreich's invasion.
After reporting all accumulated intelligence from recent days, Akon departed from the assembly chamber under Kurotsuchi Mayuri's orders.
Following Akon's exit, Kurotsuchi Mayuri assumed the other party's topic and continued explaining to the captains assembled: "This incident—we're temporarily designating it as 'the bandit army.' The bandit army invasion conducted by the organization known as the Wandenreich possesses one commonality with recent cases involving Hollow annihilation. I believe all wise captains assembled have already comprehended that the bandit army's true identity is actually—Quincy!"
After speaking, Kurotsuchi Mayuri displayed a mysterious smile and continued: "I don't know how these bandits survived beneath Soul Society's siege and gradually strengthened. However, what requires our vigilance is that they apparently possess methods for bypassing the Shakonmaku barrier. Additionally, according to Vice-Captain Sasakibe's final words, they possess means to seal or disable Bankai..."
Before Kurotsuchi Mayuri could conclude, Captain-Commander Yamamoto shouted sharply: "Enough!"
"That concludes the intelligence provision. What I require knowing now is... where is their stronghold located?"
Yamamoto Genryūsai's features grew extraordinarily grim. The murderous aura emanating from his entire being made all captains refrain from any inappropriate behavior presently.
"My apologies... for the moment..."
BANG!
Yamamoto Genryūsai didn't await Kurotsuchi Mayuri finishing his statement. He slammed his cane downward and spoke with extraordinarily calm voice:
"That settles matters... then we cannot initiate attacks proactively. Order all captains to prepare for battle immediately! The bandit army's vanguard announced warfare would commence within five days. However, the words of these treacherous scoundrels who launched raids cannot be trusted. All captains must immediately adopt complete battle readiness. This time, we will absolutely not permit another opportunity being squandered!"
The furious roar of Gotei 13's Captain-Commander reverberated throughout the assembly chamber. His resolute tone permitted no one holding rebuttal opinions.
"Yes!"
The captains raised their morale beneath the Captain-Commander's war declaration. Meanwhile, the vice-captains of various divisions awaited here with different emotional states outside the corridor of the division barracks on the other side.
Tap— Tap— Tap—
Witnessing Rukia pacing back and forth anxiously—resembling an ant upon a scorching pot—Renji sat upon a chair with hands positioned behind his neck and declared: "Calm yourself. The captain's meeting won't conclude early simply because you're impatient!"
"That... that's accurate!"
"However, such a tremendous matter—how do you expect me remaining calm?!"
Rukia didn't deny Renji's words. However, the sense of urgency consuming her heart wouldn't fade due to others' persuasion.
"My apologies. Before the captain's meeting concludes, I possess something confusing to inquire about..."
Suddenly, Kira Izuru—Third Division's vice-captain—spoke unexpectedly. This attracted every vice-captain's attention.
"The recent cascade of events—the bandit invasion, mass Hollow disappearances, and Rukongai resident vanishments—all indicate one matter. However, according to the Twelfth Division's report, the first two prove genuinely related. Yet the third incident was merely regarded as ordinary civil disputes. The investigation was soon terminated. Thus far, Rukongai resident disappearances haven't ceased momentum. I cannot accept the Twelfth Division's reasoning. Consequently, I wish to inquire—while vice-captains are gathered together—among us... does any vice-captain exist who's conducted searches beyond the Fiftieth District?"
What Kira Izuru stated made the vice-captains assembled feel somewhat confused. Among them, Eighth Division Vice-Captain Nanao Ise inquired with bewilderment: "Locations beyond the Fiftieth District? Does some difference exist?"
"Present!"
Kusajishi Yachiru hastily raised her hand and declared excitedly: "Our division's baldy and small guy searched the Sixty-Fourth District!"
"What about their report?" Kira Izuru inquired directly.
"Everything proved identical. Footprints gathered in one location then vanished. No Hollow tracks existed, so it might constitute disputes between villagers." Yachiru spoke doubtfully with her finger in her mouth.
"No! Not that matter. I wish to know the footprint types mentioned in the report." Kira Izuru's eyes grew sharp, as though he'd obtained crucial intelligence from Yachiru's statement.
"Footprint types? I recall the report stating they should be barefoot and sandal prints..."
"As expected!"
The conversation between Yachiru and Kira Izuru had just concluded when some quick-witted captains instantly comprehended what Kira genuinely meant.
Following brief silence, Kira Izuru spoke slowly: "In truth, according to published Rukongai development statements, Rukongai residents' living standards are divided by the Fiftieth District. Beyond the Fiftieth District, residents' living standards continue declining. Barefoot individuals' numbers begin increasing. Moreover, according to statistics spanning the past five hundred fifty years, no straw sandal-wearing villages exist beyond the Fifty-Ninth District!"
After drawing a deep breath, Kira continued: "Which signifies—if sandal-wearing signs exist within the Sixty-Fourth District, they should have been left by Shinigami. I sense something proves wrong. Previously, such investigations would have been accompanied by spiritual search teams from the Technology Development Bureau. However, this time, no such accompaniment occurred. Captain Kurotsuchi... what is he concealing?"
Although Kira Izuru didn't indicate directly, everyone's gazes subconsciously regarded Nemu Kurotsuchi—the Twelfth Division's vice-captain leaning against the corner.
"I possess no knowledge."
"Captain Kurotsuchi hasn't provided me any intelligence regarding this matter."
Nemu Kurotsuchi avoided this subject without hesitation, refusing to answer Kira Izuru's inquiry directly.
"I shall report this matter to the captain truthfully!"
Unable obtaining desired intelligence, Kira Izuru addressed Nemu with obvious reluctance.
"Please proceed."
Nemu Kurotsuchi closed her eyes and ceased conversing with the other party. However, she spoke silently within her heart: 'Regardless, Captain Kurotsuchi will not commit errors!'
On another front, within the Wandenreich...
"Your Majesty, according to reports from our surveillance personnel in the human world, Kurosaki Ichigo—one of the [Special War Powers]—and Urahara Kisuke—another [Special War Power]—contacted one another. However, neither has been witnessed for considerable duration."
"The tracking personnel preliminarily judged that both parties had departed from Karakura Town. However, no traces of either exist within Soul Society."
"They've vanished? Heh..."
Following a cold chuckle, Yhwach rose from the throne and addressed the attendants below: "Very well, let's proceed."
"Eh? Where is Your Majesty intending to travel...?"
"Where? Do you even require asking?"
Yhwach spoke with obvious displeasure: "Naturally to Soul Society!"
"I don't know why Kurosaki Ichigo traveled to Hueco Mundo. However, him and Urahara Kisuke departing simultaneously represents the optimal opportunity for our assault."
"No!"
After pausing momentarily, Yhwach spoke with ferocious expression across his features: "I'm going to ravage Soul Society!"
"Have Haschwalth summon all Sternritter members! The Wandenreich... is attacking Soul Society!"