Inside the spacious hall of First Division's barracks, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni sat at the center, gripping his staff tightly. His eyes were slightly narrowed, and his expression grave.
Even though his spiritual pressure was completely suppressed, the atmosphere in the room remained suffocating—so heavy that it felt like even the air had solidified.
Shimo arrived with Unohana Retsu, stepping into the hall.
Several captains were already present.
The moment Soi Fon noticed Shimo's arrival, her gaze locked on him. Though clearly agitated, she restrained herself out of respect for the Head-Captain's presence.
Now was not the time to cause a scene.
Unohana glanced at Soi Fon's subtle reaction, raising an eyebrow slightly in surprise. Shimo gave an awkward smile, trying to brush it off.
"Oh my, everyone's here already!"
Mayuri Kurotsuchi entered, accompanied by Nemu. His expression was playful and smug.
"Ah, Shimo-kun," he greeted warmly. "Don't forget to have Madarame Ikkaku settle his debt with Twelfth Division. Flesh-Regen Stimulants and Reiatsu Purification Pills are very expensive."
Byakuya Kuchiki entered next, followed by his vice-captain Renji Abarai—though Renji still hadn't set up his infamous glasses shop.
Upon seeing Shimo, Byakuya gave a polite nod.
Their friendship was no secret in the Seireitei. Byakuya was genuinely grateful for Shimo's continued support in the past.
Soon, all captains of the Gotei 13 had assembled—even the chronically ill Jūshirō Ukitake did not miss this meeting.
Shimo scanned the room and realized that the gazes of several captains were directed at him—Soi Fon from Second Division, Shunsui Kyōraku from Eight Division, Kenpachi Zaraki from Eleventh Division, Mayuri from Twelfth Division… even Ukitake from Thirteenth Division.
He was a little surprised.
But as he noticed that most of their expressions were simply curious, he figured they were just interested in the newly appointed Fourth Division Lieutenant.
After all, back when Shimo was young, Shunsui often brought him to visit the Ukitake household. Shimo and Ukitake had always shared a friendly bond. Ukitake had even offered Shimo a place in Thirteenth after graduation.
Then there was Kenpachi Zaraki—his eyes burned with unrestrained battle lust the moment they met Shimo's.
Were it not for Yamamoto's presence, Kenpachi would've likely challenged him on the spot.
Boom!
A heavy knock silenced the room, drawing everyone's attention.
"This meeting concerns the recent Hollow assault on Eleventh Division's seated officers," Yamamoto began. His aged voice still carried formidable authority, and his eyes flashed with sharp intent.
"A simple attack doesn't usually warrant a captain's meeting."
"But according to the survivors' testimony… the assailant exhibited Vasto Lorde-class traits."
"I would like to hear your thoughts."
The hall fell silent.
None of the captains knew much about the incident.
Unohana spoke gently, her voice calm but clear:
"By the time I began treating Third Seat Madarame and Fifth Seat Ayasegawa, nearly a full day had passed."
"In other words, they were critically wounded and unconscious in Rukongai for an extended period before being rescued."
"Judging from their injuries, the attacker possessed overwhelming strength—yet chose not to kill."
"It felt more like... they were toys being tortured for amusement."
Her analysis, coming from the top healer in Soul Society, held significant weight.
The captains fell into deep thought.
Even Yamamoto frowned slightly.
"Oh? Old man Yama," Shunsui adjusted his straw hat and spoke casually.
"How about we send a recon team to investigate the northern border of Rukongai?"
"Even though it's been two days, there might still be some clues."
"A Vasto Lorde-level Hollow isn't a minor threat."
Yamamoto seemed inclined to agree—but his responsibilities were complex.
"A Hollow of that level is too dangerous…"
He coughed slightly before continuing. "From the fact that it incapacitated both seated officers… it's unlikely ordinary Shinigami could deal with it."
Ukitake, despite his persistent cough, added:
"We can't risk sending weak squads against such an enemy."
Kenpachi grinned.
"Heh. That's why Eleventh Division should handle this!"
He stepped forward eagerly. "What's a mission like this without me?"
Yamamoto's eyes opened fully—his spiritual pressure swept across the hall, instantly suppressing the mood.
"Captain Zaraki," he said coldly. "This mission is not suited for Eleventh Division."
"The target is elusive, suppresses its reiatsu, and exhibits violent tendencies. An open confrontation could result in complete annihilation of the deployed squad."
"Your temperament is also... not suited for reconnaissance."
Kenpachi clicked his tongue in frustration but said no more.
Tactically, this should've been assigned to Second Division.
After a moment's thought, Yamamoto turned to Soi Fon.
"Captain Soi Fon, I'm assigning this mission to Second Division. You are to investigate the Vasto Lorde sighting in Rukongai."
"If necessary—you have permission to fight."
Gasps spread among the captains.
Clearly, Yamamoto considered this situation dire.
[New Check-in Task Unlocked: Proceed to the northern border of Rukongai and eliminate the prototype "White."]
[Reward: Kido – Peak Mastery!]
The sudden system prompt nearly made Shimo's brain short-circuit.
He had hoped to stay out of this—but the mission was clearly targeting him. Now he had no choice but to go.
"Yes, Head-Captain," Soi Fon replied flatly.
It was her duty after all. Missions like these fell squarely under Second Division's jurisdiction. Yamamoto's only concern was the power gap between the target and a standard recon team.
"I request to join the investigation team."
Just as Yamamoto was about to end the meeting, Shimo stepped forward.
All eyes turned to him.
He spoke calmly and with conviction.
"Ikkaku and Yumichika nearly died."
"As their friend, I feel obligated to help."
"Moreover, as Fourth Division's Lieutenant, I can provide emergency treatment if needed—and I'm not useless in combat either."
Yamamoto contemplated silently.
Soi Fon blinked in confusion, glancing at Shimo with slightly furrowed brows.
After a pause, Yamamoto nodded.
"Very well. Captain Soi Fon and Lieutenant Kyōraku Shimo will be jointly responsible for this mission."
He tapped his staff on the floor—thud.
His decision made, he looked around.
"The rest of you must not let your guard down. Remain ready for any emergency."
"This meeting is adjourned."
After the Meeting—
The first to approach Shimo was, unsurprisingly, Soi Fon.
"Kyōraku Shimo," she said coldly, "meet me at Black Ridge Gate in one hour. We leave for northern Rukongai immediately."
All business. No nonsense.
Without waiting for his reply, she turned and left.
Considering he'd pinched her cheeks over three hundred times in the past, Shimo decided to let it slide this time.
Soon after, another figure approached—
Kenpachi.
"I'll be seeing you," he growled. "When you get back—I'm coming to Fourth Division myself."
His bloodlust was barely contained.
Then Shunsui and Byakuya joined in.
"Well, that was unexpected," Shunsui said with rare seriousness.
"Didn't think you would volunteer for something like this."
Shimo smiled. "If you could predict my every move, would I even still be me?"
Shunsui considered that. Then he chuckled. "Fair point."
"But still… be careful."
"The opponent might really be a Vasto Lorde."
Shimo nodded and turned to Byakuya.
The usually cold noble managed to squeeze out three words:
"...Act with caution."
Since Shimo was joining an existing squad, he didn't need to prepare much.
After bidding everyone farewell, he made his way to Black Ridge Gate.
To pass safely from the Seireitei into Rukongai, one must go through one of the four great gates: White Road, Blue Stream, Red Hollow, or Black Ridge—each guarded by a powerful warrior chosen by Soul Society.
Black Ridge Gate was guarded by a shinigami named Danzōmaru.
By the time Shimo arrived, an hour had passed exactly.
Soi Fon was already there, leading a small unit of Second Division operatives.
"You're one minute and seven seconds late," she said icily, maintaining strict discipline in front of her subordinates.
"Won't happen again," Shimo replied casually.
Soi Fon looked like she wanted to snap, but noticed her subordinates watching and decided to let it go.
Normally, she'd immediately grill him about Yoruichi the moment they met.
But now wasn't the time.
Danzōmaru examined their passes, sheathed his massive axe, and with a mighty push, lifted the Sekkiseki stone gate like it weighed nothing.
Once the squad passed through, the gate slammed shut behind them.
Curious Rukongai residents peeked out—until they saw Soi Fon's white haori.
Upon realizing a captain was present, they all quickly averted their eyes.
Everyone in the outer districts knew:
If a captain shows up, it's not a good sign.
The Shinigami of Second Division—also members of the Onmitsukido—were dressed in tight black ninja-like attire, leaving only their eyes visible.
"Target: Northern Rukongai border. Move out!"
Soi Fon's command rang out—and in an instant, her squad vanished into the shadows.
Shimo was surprised.
"What the…? Aren't they going with us?"
Soi Fon explained calmly:
"Onmitsukido agents never operate in groups unless the enemy has been located."
"Spreading out is the most effective strategy during investigations."
Shimo thought for a moment and frowned.
"But wouldn't that increase the risk of casualties?"
Soi Fon blinked—surprised. Few ever raised that concern.
Her tone softened slightly.
"That's why we focus heavily on Shunpo."
"In terms of speed, Second Division's agents are the best in all of the Gotei 13."
Oddly enough, Soi Fon seemed to talk more when it was just the two of them.
Not that she noticed.
"Well then," Shimo said, eyes sharpening. "Let's hurry."
"I don't know why, but I have a bad feeling about this."
"The appearance of a special-class Hollow… feels like the start of something worse."
Soi Fon froze.
By the time she looked up again—Shimo had already vanished.
"Damn that Shimo…"
"Always changing the subject!"
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