Several months later, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto summoned all captains and vice-captains of the Gotei 13 to the central assembly hall.
"Take a look at these reports first," Yamamoto said, gesturing for his vice-captain, Chōjirō Sasakibe, to distribute the documents.
The captains and vice-captains received the intelligence files and began reading.
A few moments later, the hall erupted in murmurs.
"The Wandenreich?"
"The Quincy were hiding in the shadows of Seireitei this whole time?"
"Yhwach is still alive…?"
"The Quincy King's that strong? Even Old Man Yama couldn't kill him?"
Yamamoto shot a glare at Kyōraku Shunsui, who had spoken a bit too freely.
"Why are we only hearing about something this important now?" Shunsui asked, rubbing his chin with interest.
"Because the Quincy of the Wandenreich can monitor Seireitei through the Shadow Passages," Nanatsuki explained. "They can intercept our intelligence at any time. If we can exploit the information gap, we reduce casualties. The Research and Development Bureau's work on the Shadow Passage system is finally complete. We're now ready to attack the Wandenreich."
Nanatsuki had submitted his reconnaissance report on the Wandenreich to Yamamoto long ago. But to avoid leaks, only the R&D Bureau had access—none of the other squads had been informed until now.
"So that's why we were stockpiling resources under the pretense of supporting the Hueco Mundo expedition," said Unohana Retsu, suddenly recalling how the Head Captain had ordered military logistics despite Hueco Mundo being quiet for months.
At the time, it made little sense—but now, the reasoning was clear. Yamamoto had been secretly preparing for war with the Wandenreich.
"Good thing Captain Katori discovered the Quincy hidden in the shadows," said Ukitake Jūshirō. But no sooner had he spoken than he was seized by a coughing fit.
"Nine hundred years to regain his heartbeat, ninety years to regain his mind, nine years to regain his strength, and nine days to take back the world..." Kuyashiki Kenpachi read aloud the prophecy circulating in the Wandenreich. His fists clenched with excitement. "That bastard of a Quincy King's got ambition. Let's see him try it!"
"If the Shadow Passage tech is ready, then we must eliminate this threat," said Kuchiki Sōjun, face grim.
A realm connected directly to Seireitei's shadows was far too dangerous to ignore.
"This is exactly why I've gathered you all," Yamamoto said. "We've pretended this was preparation for the Hueco Mundo front—but now, the true purpose is here."
He began assigning responsibilities.
"The Research and Development Bureau must connect the Shadow Passage to the Wandenreich's Gate of the Sun."
Captain Shihōin, you'll lead the Onmitsukidō to infiltrate the Wandenreich alongside Captain Katori and the R&D team. Seize the Gate of the Sun and buy us time for the shadow gate construction."
"Squads Three, Four, and Five will provide battlefield support and medical aid."
"The Inner Court Guard Unit will remain behind to protect Seireitei."
"The rest of you will march into the Wandenreich with me!"
Yamamoto was treating this with the utmost seriousness—even preparing for the possibility that Yhwach would awaken.
This operation would involve nearly every division of the Gotei 13.
"Only Squad Seven stays behind?" muttered Love Aikawa, scratching his head. "Everyone else gets to go fight, and I'm stuck doing nothing..."
"If you don't want to stay behind, I'd be happy to trade with you," Kyōraku said with a teasing wave.
"Seireitei must not be left unguarded," Yamamoto cut in, ignoring the joke. "Squad Seven is the Inner Court Guard Unit. Your duty is to protect Seireitei, Captain Aikawa."
"Understood! I'll defend Seireitei with everything I've got!" Aikawa stood up straight, saluting seriously.
As the meeting ended, the captains and vice-captains left to mobilize their divisions.
Nanatsuki, who had been standing beside Ukitake Jūshirō, naturally walked out with him.
"Cough, cough, cough—"
"Captain Ukitake, are you alright?"
Nanatsuki looked at the man with concern. The invasion of the Wandenreich was imminent, yet Ukitake's condition didn't look good.
"I'm fine, thank you for your concern," Ukitake replied with a gentle smile. "Just haven't been sleeping well lately. But I've been taking Captain Unohana's medicine—it's helped quite a bit."
"That's good." Nanatsuki hesitated, then spoke. "Actually... I've been meaning to ask you something."
"Oh?" Ukitake looked curious. "What is it?"
"You're probably aware that the Research Bureau has fully developed Reishi Shell technology. In your case, we could cultivate a replacement lung and fully cure your illness."
Kuchiki Sōjun had recovered a severed limb using a Reishi Shell, and the taboo on such procedures had been lifted long ago. Many Shinigami injured during the last Quincy war had recovered through this method.
Ukitake's condition could easily be treated the same way.
But he had never brought it up.
"Ah, so that's what this is about. Captain Katori, you should already understand my situation."
Ukitake gently touched his chest and smiled.
"My body has been entrusted to Mimihagi-sama. Replacing my lungs with artificial ones would be disrespectful to the one who saved me. I'm still alive because of that divine power—I won't dishonor it by rejecting it now."
Nanatsuki was moved.
So that was the reason Ukitake had never requested treatment—out of reverence for Mimihagi.
He had been on the verge of death as a child.
It was Mimihagi, the One-Eyed God, who had saved him by fusing with his lungs.
And Nanatsuki knew the truth behind that title.
Mimihagi was, in fact, the right arm of the Soul King.
"Captain Ukitake, your character commands deep respect," Nanatsuki said, bowing his head slightly.
To refuse treatment not out of ignorance, but out of gratitude and reverence—that was truly worthy of admiration.
"Thank you, Captain Katori," Ukitake replied with a warm smile.