Chapter 229: Arriving at Hueco Mundo
That afternoon, the sun descended toward the horizon. The elongated shadow cast by the setting sun stretched beyond a secret chamber's window and fell across the ground.
Several hours had elapsed since the morning's captain assembly. Among developments, Kira Izuru—who served as Third Division's vice-captain at that time—had entered Captain-Commander Yamamoto's division barracks.
Subsequently, Twelfth Division Captain Kurotsuchi Mayuri was summoned to the First Division...
"As Vice-Captain Kira stated, I utilized Twelfth Division members without authorization to correct and balance the souls between worlds—annihilating twenty-eight thousand Rukongai residents."
The setting sun's shadow fell across Captain Kurotsuchi, who leaned against the wall—half within shadow, half covered by sunlight.
"Why didn't you submit an application for authorization? If circumstances proved urgent, permission wouldn't have been denied."
Yamamoto Genryūsai didn't hold Kurotsuchi Mayuri accountable for his actions. Rather, he felt dissatisfied that the other party had acted without authorization.
"Isn't this matter self-evident?"
"If the situation deteriorated further due to awaiting permission, I couldn't bear that responsibility!"
Kurotsuchi Mayuri displayed absolutely no concern regarding his immediate superior's words.
"If the Technology Development Bureau had reported earlier and implemented corresponding measures, perhaps possibility still existed preventing this incident."
"Hmph!"
Uncharacteristically, Kurotsuchi Mayuri retorted with firm tone: "When Ishida Uryū—the Ryoka Quincy—invaded Seireitei, I'd already foreseen this situation and advised you repeatedly. Yet you, believing I worried unfoundedly, didn't adopt my suggestions. Consequently, you who accomplished nothing regarding this incident represent the genuine culprit!"
"Everything stems from you, Captain-Commander... failing to eliminate that man one thousand years ago, correct? Yamamoto, Commander!"
...
[His Majesty's Order!]
[All Sternritter members assemble at the Sun Gate immediately!]
[The Wandenreich advances upon Soul Society!]
Just as Yhwach summoned his forces to assemble, Kurosaki Ichigo, Sado Yasutora, and Urahara Kisuke had already arrived at Hueco Mundo's outer perimeter through the Garganta.
"Ah—"
"It's been extraordinarily long since I've visited this location. I hadn't anticipated it transforming like this!"
Touching the distinctive hat atop his head, Urahara Kisuke stared at Las Noches positioned tens of kilometers distant with lowered eyes and spoke with obvious emotion.
"Why must we approach from such tremendous distance?"
Ichigo and Sado—who'd been traveling alongside Urahara Kisuke for some duration—bent forward, speaking between gasps for breath.
"My sincerest apologies, Kurosaki!"
Urahara Kisuke addressed both with a smile across his features: "If the Garganta's opening range proves too proximate to the opponent's stronghold, we might be attacked the instant we emerge. Consequently, advancing gradually from greater distance proves considerably safer."
"Manager Urahara Kisuke, what you're implying is—if we pass through here, the other party won't notice our arrival?"
Hearing Kurosaki Ichigo's inquiry, Urahara Kisuke simply smiled and waved the folding fan within his grasp: "Naturally not. Current Hueco Mundo's spatial structure proves extraordinarily reinforced. Even slight spatial fluctuations will make them notice. This likely explains the differences from our reconnaissance attempts from years past."
"The reason I've selected a distant location is simply informing them that we've arrived—providing them minimal time for consideration. Only through this approach can our visit demonstrate genuine sincerity, wouldn't you agree?"
"As expected of Urahara Kisuke! Truly exceptional regarding strategic considerations!"
After Urahara Kisuke's voice concluded, Reinhard—with hands clasped behind his back—materialized suddenly in the air, gazing down at all three from considerable elevation.
"Observe! What I mentioned—when guests arrive visiting, you must demonstrate your sincerity!"
As he spoke, Urahara Kisuke raised his eyebrows and kept blinking triumphantly at Ichigo.
"Kurosaki Ichigo! Lord Fiander invites you to Las Noches!"
Ignoring Urahara Kisuke's theatrical gesture, Reinhard addressed Kurosaki Ichigo directly.
"What about Manager Urahara and Sado? All three of us traveled together!"
Kurosaki Ichigo waved his hands and spoke with dissatisfied expression.
"You don't possess authority refusing. Even having regained Shinigami status, you still cannot refuse Lord Fiander's invitation!"
Reinhard frowned slightly, a hint of anger permeating his tone.
"Then let's test that claim!"
Without hesitation, he withdrew his Zanpakutō from behind. Ichigo urgently addressed Sado and Urahara Kisuke positioned beside him: "Manager Urahara, please retreat behind me with Sado!"
"Exercise caution, Ichigo! This individual isn't simple!"
Sado had witnessed the Espada's battles previously. The Arrancar before him imposed extraordinarily frightening sensations—particularly those non-angry yet authoritative eyes. Simply being observed by them produced chills coursing down his spine.
"Don't worry. I know him!"
Ichigo smiled and positioned his left hand upon his right arm, shouting with focused intensity: "Bankai!"
BOOM!
Azure Reiatsu erupted instantaneously. Ichigo—having regained Shinigami status—didn't experience qualitative strength transformation like the previous occasion emerging from the Dangai. However, the Reiatsu within his body proved considerably more stable than before.
"Tensa Zangetsu!"
The Shihakushō's appearance and Bankai blade had transformed compared to previously. Most importantly, Kurosaki Ichigo had now regained his confident temperament.
"I entrust this to you, Kurosaki! Continue forward!"
Regarding Kurosaki Ichigo choosing to initiate conflict with his opponent, Urahara Kisuke didn't select stopping him. Instead, he positioned his hands upon Sado's shoulders and guided him toward distant observation point—as though witnessing theatrical performance.
"Manager Urahara, didn't we come here rescuing Orihime? If conflict erupts with them at this location, won't circumstances become..."
Sado Yasutora regarded the situation suddenly transforming thus and felt extraordinarily puzzled. However, Urahara Kisuke simply smiled confidently: "Don't worry, Sado. Infiltration isn't the proper method extracting Orihime. Kurosaki made the correct choice!"
"I understand!"
Observing Ichigo's confident smile once more, Sado ceased speaking. He chose believing in his companion. Since meeting Kurosaki Ichigo, which occasion had ended differently?
"Interesting! Truly interesting!"
Witnessing Kurosaki Ichigo pointing his blade toward him without hesitation, Reinhard smiled with self-deprecation: "Do you intend utilizing me as stepping stone to meet Lord Fiander? However, having only just recovered Shinigami power, you display such arrogance?"
"Sorry, Reinhard!"
Kurosaki Ichigo addressed Reinhard with extraordinarily serious expression: "Certain matters—I don't wish depending upon others' charity. Although you've shown me kindness, I'm sorry!"
"Getsuga Tenshō!"
As his voice concluded, Ichigo immediately swung the Zanpakutō within his grasp. Black Reiatsu gathered, forming an enormous crescent moon—resembling blazing hellfire—advancing rapidly toward Reinhard positioned in midair.