The sudden news left Shimo momentarily stunned.
The disappearance of Shiba Isshin was beyond his expectations.
Hadn't the first generation White Hollow already been slain by his hand? Not only was the body gone—it had been shattered into spirit particle fragments.
"The cause of his disappearance remains unconfirmed."
Shunsui's expression was grave as he explained:
"The loss of the Tenth Division's captain has left Old Man Yama rather unsettled. Lately, the First Division has been on edge—you'd better not walk straight into their blades."
Shimo naturally took Shunsui's warning to heart. Until his strength reached a new qualitative leap, he had no intention of provoking the volatile, combustible Genryūsai Yamamoto.
"Before Captain Isshin went missing, did anything unusual happen?" Shimo asked, hoping to infer the truth.
Shunsui shook his head, then continued:
"His last known location was in the Human World, in a city called Naruki. Prior to that, there were several cases of shinigami being mysteriously attacked there. Isshin went to investigate those incidents."
He paused, fixing Shimo with a serious gaze.
"According to the Department of Research and Development, Naruki City experienced a massive fluctuation of mixed reiatsu. We believe Captain Isshin's disappearance is closely tied to that disturbance."
Shimoku nodded in understanding. If the timeline aligned, this was about when the Hollowfication Incident should have occurred.
But since he had already killed the original White himself, things were taking an unusual turn. Of course, it was possible that Aizen had gone on to create a second or third generation. Maybe even bizarre new constructs.
"That's all there is for now," Shunsui concluded.
"In Isshin's absence, the Tenth will be managed by Lieutenant Matsumoto Rangiku and Third Seat Hitsugaya Tōshirō. Speaking of which, Hitsugaya is a prodigy from the Shin'ō Academy. Shimo, if you faced him, would you feel any pressure?"
Shimo smirked helplessly.
"Stupid old man, would you believe me if I said yes? Even if Tōshirō wields the most powerful ice-type Zanpakutō in Soul Society, with limitless potential… Well, never mind. I should report to the Captain-Commander—my sentence has ended."
Shunsui blinked, recalling Shimo's past deeds. Watching his retreating figure, the smile that surfaced on his weathered face carried unspoken meaning.
This guy… perhaps he's already worthy of being head of the Kyōraku household.
Clearly, the shameless Shunsui was already considering handing off part of his burdens. Ever since Shimo's fight with Zaraki five years ago, the so-called elders of the Kyōraku family had sealed themselves back into slumber, their soul lifespans stretched to the limit. They now had no objections about the family's future successor. Shimo had already proven himself through sheer strength.
---
First Division Barracks
When Shimo arrived, Chōjirō Sasakibe had just stepped out, hurrying with an armful of documents stacked like a small mountain.
"Lieutenant Shimo."
"Lieutenant Sasakibe."
A routine greeting, but Shimo noticed something odd—Sasakibe looked unusually overworked. He shook his head and set the thought aside, stepping into the Captain's office.
"Shimo-kun, you're here," Yamamoto said, his tone slightly milder than usual.
"Head Captain, I came about the matter of my sentence," Shimo replied directly—always the best way with Yamamoto.
"I understand," Yamamoto nodded. "Your five-year sentence has ended. The confinement order is lifted."
"Thank you, Head Captain," Shimo bowed in gratitude.
The so-called punishment had always been lenient—more like a verbal warning. He hadn't been monitored by the Onmitsukido, nor forced to report regularly.
Kenpachi Zaraki, however, still hadn't returned from the outer districts of South Rukongai.
Silence settled in the room. Yamamoto's steady breathing suggested deep thought.
Just as Shimo was about to excuse himself, the old voice rang out again:
"You've heard of Captain Shiba Isshin's disappearance, haven't you?"
"I just learned of it from Captain Kyōraku," Shimo answered.
"The Tenth Division is now held together only by its Lieutenant and Third Seat. The Gotei 13 lacks manpower… I want you to become the Captain of the Tenth Division."
Shimo froze.
What? Why him? Become Captain of the Tenth? Wasn't that a little reckless?
"Your battle with Zaraki already proved much," Yamamoto pressed. "You are fully qualified for a captaincy."
Shimo fell silent, then shook his head.
"Forgive me, Head Captain, but I must decline. Even as a Lieutenant of the Fourth, I can't fully manage all my duties—how could I handle a captaincy? Besides, I've heard that Hitsugaya Tōshirō is exceptionally gifted and highly responsible. Perhaps he is the better choice."
The meaning was clear: I'm too lazy—give the job to someone else. The prodigy next door can handle it.
Yamamoto's eyes narrowed thoughtfully, glints of consideration flashing within. At last he nodded.
"Very well. I understand."
Shimo bowed and took his leave. Responsibility should fall on the capable—he had more pressing matters to attend to.
---
Human World – Karakura Town
Though he had occasionally visited during his confinement, now he could move more freely. Yet as soon as he arrived, his brow furrowed tightly.
"Why is the Human World filled with such mixed reiatsu? Hollows and shinigami alike, scattered everywhere…"
Where once there had been a balance of hunter and hunted, now it felt like war had begun—and the shinigami were losing ground.
"Looks like I have one more question to ask."
He gathered spirit particles beneath his feet, stepping onto the air. The Human World's spirit particles density was far lower than Soul Society's, but shinigami with sufficient power could still walk the skies.
---
Urahara Shop
As though expecting him, Urahara Kisuke waited lazily on the rooftop, bucket hat tilted.
"Yo, Shimo!" he called cheerfully.
"Kisuke. Long time no see," Shimo greeted, landing lightly.
"Hasn't it only been three months since we last met?" Urahara teased.
"It's different this time. My confinement order has been lifted," Shimo retorted.
"Ah, your first day of freedom," Urahara grinned playfully.
Over the years, their relationship had grown closer. Shimo often visited the Human World to see Nel and Yoruichi, which naturally led to more time spent with Urahara.
"I came to ask you about a few things," Shimo said frankly.
"I've been expecting that," Urahara replied, gesturing toward the underground training space. "Let's talk below."
Shimo followed without suspicion, descending smoothly into the underground chamber.
The moment he entered, a joyful cry rang out:
"Shimo, you finally came!"
Nel appeared, eyes shining with delight, her body leaving behind a blazing green afterimage as she launched straight into him.
BOOM!
A thunderous crash echoed through the cavern.
"Tch—Nel," Shimo braced instinctively, spiritual pressure flaring in defense just before her skull slammed into his gut.
Super speed, followed by a super headbutt. Nel, now fully restored to her former strength, unleashed a combination that could instantly kill a ship's worth of shinigami.
Only Shimo's immense spiritual pressure and mastery of spatial manipulation allowed him to emerge unscathed. Any other captain would've been crippled.
Despite regaining her power, Nel still preferred to remain in her childlike form most of the time.
The way I first met Shimo—I want to keep that forever, she once said.
To honor her wish, Urahara had crafted a special transformation bracelet, allowing her to switch freely between adult and child form. Shimo respected her choice, even if holding the childlike Nel in his arms always felt… strange.
"Sh-Shimo, I thought you abandoned me!" Nel's wide eyes shimmered with tears as she clutched his sleeve tightly.
"It's only been three months," he chuckled wryly. "Besides, aren't Dondochakka and Pesche here to keep you company?"
"But I want to be with you!" Nel muffled her words against his chest, then peeked up at him with a longing gaze. "When will you take me to your home?"
Shimo considered for a moment.
"Give me some time. I need to prepare first."
Though confused, Nel nodded obediently.
Just then—
"Well, well. Shimo finally decided to show up in the Human World?"
Yoruichi's teasing voice drifted from behind him.
"Why didn't you come to see your Yoruichi-nee first?"
Shimo stiffened, sensing danger. Yoruichi's arms wrapped tightly around him—and she wasn't in cat form.
Nel peeked out from his embrace, cheeks puffed, glaring at the woman behind him.
"Damn it! That bad woman's here to steal Shimo from Nel again!"
Shimo felt the spiritual pressure in his arms surge—Nel instantly returned to her adult form, and before he could react, both women had clung to him, facing each other with sparks practically flying.
"Nel-chan, this isn't stealing. It's fair competition," Yoruichi said smoothly, amusement glinting in her eyes. Teasing Nel had become her favorite pastime ever since the girl arrived. Watching her flustered was endlessly entertaining.
"Shimo, you like Nel best, right?" Nel's voice trembled as she sought his answer, eyes pleading.
"Ooh, can't say for sure," Yoruichi laughed, deliberately stirring things further. "I knew Shimo before you did!"
At that moment, Urahara cleared his throat pointedly.
"Ahem. Perhaps you two should let go of Shimo. Judging by his face, he's about to suffocate."
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