Hikifune Kirio said, "That's true. I've also stopped all research on Reishi Shell technology in my lab."
"But today, Katori-kun caught the Reishi Shells of Captain Kyōraku and Captain Ukitake acting within the Seireitei."
"Not only that, he also exposed a researcher in my lab who was a Reishi Shell in disguise."
"Although that Reishi Shell self-destructed, it confirmed for me that it definitely wasn't human."
Kyōraku Shunsui and Ukitake Jūshirō were both shocked. Someone had secretly collected their Reiatsu and used it to create Reishi Shells of them.
"Someone is using our Reiatsu to make Reishi Shells...? Who could it be?"
Kyōraku Shunsui immediately thought of Tsunayashiro Tokinada, but since Tokinada was still locked up in Squad 1's prison, he had to be ruled out.
"Wasn't it said that the Reishi Shell technique had major flaws? Why would someone still try to produce them?" Kuchiki Ginrei furrowed his brow, pondering the purpose behind making Reishi Shells.
"Their technology has advanced. They've resolved the cognition issue. If research continues, it's possible they might even solve the problem of stagnant Reiatsu growth. I suspect there are more Reishi Shells hiding within the Gotei 13, which is why I gathered everyone here," Hikifune Kirio explained.
Her words sent ripples through the assembly chamber.
One of the main reasons Central 46 ordered the Reishi Shell technology sealed away was out of fear.
They were afraid that if the tech kept evolving, it could produce Reishi Shells indistinguishable from real Shinigami.
At that point, even if someone secretly replaced them with a Reishi Shell, no one might notice!
"Perhaps the assassination attempt on the Executive Commander is also linked to the Reishi Shells. If it was committed by a Reishi Shell version of Asada Tetsuya, that would explain the planted evidence," Unohana said.
"Someone using Reishi Shells to commit evil, even replacing members of Squad 13—this is absolutely intolerable!" Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni declared.
Then, a wave of Reiatsu, like a crushing mountain, surged and blanketed the entire room.
Everyone's expressions changed slightly, and they quickly pushed back with their own Reiatsu to resist the pressure.
But the overwhelming Reiatsu didn't last long—just a few breaths—and then it dissipated.
Yamamoto Genryūsai continued, "There are no Reishi Shells among us here. Go back and check every single Shinigami in your squads!"
"Yes!" the captains and vice-captains responded in unison.
They didn't linger in Squad 1 and immediately returned to their divisions to verify identities.
Yamamoto looked toward Katori Nanatsuki, his expression showing clear appreciation. "You uncovered the Reishi Shell anomaly in time and prevented a crisis before it even erupted. You are worthy of praise."
"Very well... I'll teach you a Kidō—Hadō #96: Itto Kaso."
"This Kidō is extremely powerful, but it requires burning your own body to activate."
"However, I've noticed you excel in Kaido, so even if you use Itto Kaso, you'll likely survive. Treat this as a trump card for desperate battles."
"Thank you for your guidance, Head Captain!" Nanatsuki's heart leapt with joy. He hadn't expected to gain such a valuable reward from the Reishi Shell incident.
Itto Kaso was said to be one of the most powerful Hadō spells. Learning it gave him a brand new ace up his sleeve.
After returning to their squads, the captains and vice-captains began inspecting their members—and sure enough, six Reishi Shells hiding in the Gotei 13 were discovered. Unfortunately, like the case with Kazushu, they all self-destructed the moment they were found.
The Reishi Shells of Kyōraku Shunsui and Ukitake Jūshirō did the same. When confronted, they instantly destroyed themselves, leaving no evidence behind.
Due to the emergence of these Reishi Shells, doubts surfaced around the earlier evidence in the Executive Commander's assassination case. Asada Tetsuya was not sentenced but instead placed in temporary detention.
A few days later.
A rapid knocking shattered the peaceful silence of the Katori-ryu Dojo.
"I'm coming, I'm coming...!" Azashiro Kana called out as she hurried from the courtyard.
She opened the door to find a petite, adorable black-haired girl standing there—with an elderly woman on her back.
"Oh—Lisa? Wait, what's wrong with Granny Jiang?" Azashiro Kana immediately recognized the two neighbors from the dojo and spoke with concern.
"Big sis Kana, Granny Jiang is sick... she hasn't eaten in days..." the black-haired girl, Lisa, said anxiously, her eyes brimming with tears.
"Come in quickly. I'll get Sensei!" Kana said as she helped carry Granny Jiang into the courtyard.
Nanatsuki had already noticed the commotion and stepped out of his room.
"Lisa, let me take a look at Granny Jiang," he said gently.
But the moment he saw her condition, his brow furrowed.
Granny Jiang's body had reached the brink—her spiritual energy was almost gone, a clear sign that her soul was nearing its end.
"Lisa... Granny Jiang's body can't hold on any longer..." Nanatsuki sighed softly.
Lisa's tears flowed immediately. Granny Jiang had always been kind to her, and hearing she wouldn't make it broke the dam in her heart.
Nanatsuki took a moment to choose his words and gently consoled her, "Death isn't the end. A kind soul like Granny Jiang will surely reincarnate in the World of the Living."
Azashiro Kana stepped forward and patted Lisa's head, pulling her into a comforting embrace.
Lisa sobbed loudly in Kana's arms, quickly soaking her blouse with tears.
Nanatsuki's judgment was accurate—Granny Jiang passed peacefully two hours later.
He went to the market street to order a coffin, and together with Lisa, he buried Granny Jiang in the wooded hill behind the dojo.
Seeing how lost Lisa looked afterward, Nanatsuki softly suggested, "Lisa, why don't you stay here at the Katori-ryu Dojo?"
She was about the same age as Kotetsu Isane, and her Reiatsu had recently grown stronger. With her current potential, entering the Shin'o Spiritual Arts Academy someday wasn't out of reach.
But it wasn't enrollment season yet, so Nanatsuki planned to let her build her foundation at the dojo first.
Azashiro Kana chimed in, "Yeah! Next year, I'll graduate with Shinji and the others, and we probably won't be at the dojo as often anymore. It'll get lonely around here. If you move in with us, we can all look after each other—and it'll be livelier, too."
Lisa hesitated. "But... I don't have the money for the dojo's tuition..."
Nanatsuki smiled kindly. "Don't worry about the tuition. Once you finish your training, you can stay on as a teaching assistant and help guide the new students."
Lisa understood Nanatsuki's kindness and felt deeply grateful.
"Sensei Katori, I promise I'll repay you someday!"