Chapter 184
On the other side.
After seeing Shinji Hirako and the others appear, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni turned his gaze toward them. It could be said that Hirako Shinji and his group's escape to the Human World had been within Soul Society's predictions, but with the barrier created by Ayata Bokugen concealing their reiatsu, Soul Society had been unable to accurately detect them.
Hisagi Shūhei, lying on the ground, opened his eyes and saw Muguruma Kensei in the sky.
Muguruma Kensei turned his head toward Hisagi as well.
The two exchanged a silent look that carried meaning only they seemed to understand.
Hirako Shinji was not wearing his usual felt hat; instead, he spun it lazily on his fingertip like a pinwheel.
"It's been a while since we last met. Is there anyone in the 13th Division you'd like to greet?"
Sarugaki Hiyori crossed her arms and scoffed with disdain, her expression sharp. "No."
For Hiyori, none in Soul Society were worth her concern, save for Hikifune Kirio, who had been promoted to the Royal Guard.
"You're too noisy. I wasn't asking you," Shinji said.
"What did you!? You grinning bastard!" Hiyori pressed back, leaning in until their foreheads nearly touched.
The other Visored did not share an interest in exchanging pleasantries with the Shinigami.
Yadōmaru Lisa came up behind Kyōraku Shunsui and kicked him lightly.
Kyōraku reacted with his trademark nonchalance rather than anger. "Oh, oh… long time no see, Lisa. You've only gotten more beautiful."
Yadōmaru Lisa, who had once served under Kyōraku in the Eighth Division before being hollowfied in Aizen Sōsuke's incident, was unsurprised by his demeanor.
Ise Nanao adjusted her glasses, her tone carrying both surprise and warmth. "Lisa… is it really you?"
Back when Nanao had first joined the Eighth Division as its youngest member, the two had shared long hours reading together.
Lisa gave her a steady look and nodded in acknowledgement before lifting her gaze to the sky. Watching where Yuta clashed with the first three Espada, she said to Kyōraku, "I didn't expect that after so long, you'd let a single captain fight against three Espada. I have to wonder if there's anything in your head besides alcohol and women."
"Lisa," Kyōraku replied as he pulled his hat lower, his expression shifting into seriousness, "Yuta is not an ordinary captain."
Lisa hesitated, remembering vividly the time when Yuta's hollowfication shattered even Bokugen's barrier under its overwhelming force. He was indeed formidable, but to face three top-ranked Arrancar alone was reckless.
"Well… it's not my place to interfere with your judgment. I've changed a lot since then myself, so I'll just show you my strength instead," she said, her sailor-style uniform rustling faintly in the wind as she turned away.
Kyōraku watched her leave, quietly remarking, "It eases me to see you still so strong-willed."
...
Hirako Shinji stepped forward to stand before Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni.
They locked eyes for several moments without words. Shinji had once been the captain of the Fifth Division, but the Gotei 13 had not given him the trust he deserved when Aizen's betrayal was revealed.
"Are you here for revenge?" Yamamoto asked, his tone steady.
Shinji placed his hat back onto his head and answered, "We're here for Aizen."
"Then may I consider you comrades?" Yamamoto pressed further.
"Of course not."
Danger glinted in Yamamoto's eyes, his hand nearly moving toward his Zanpakutō, but Shinji's next words softened the tension.
"But we share a common enemy: Aizen."
With that, he rejoined the Visored.
At that moment, Wonderweiss and the massive Hollow behind him began producing guttural noises. The Hollow parted its jaws and disgorged a dark torrent like a river, from within it spilling dozens upon dozens of Gillian-class Menos.
Kira Izuru's expression stiffened in shock. "Are those… all Gillians?"
The Visored simultaneously reached for their faces, pulling their masks into place as their reiatsu surged. Each drew their Zanpakutō.
"Let's move!" Shinji commanded.
They struck with fluid precision-some cleaved through Gillian masks with their blades, others shattered them with kicks, and a few restrained the Menos Grandes with Kidō barriers before finishing them off.
The vice-captains watching could not contain their astonishment at the overwhelming strength on display. Those unfamiliar with the Visored were left in disbelief that such power existed hidden outside Soul Society.
Soon after, Shinji closed in on Aizen Sōsuke himself.
"How about it? We're pretty good at handling these Hollows now. It's all thanks to you," he said, slashing forward with his blade.
The strike came within centimeters of Aizen's eyes, but the man remained outwardly composed. Suddenly, a blade appeared before Shinji's own face, cutting a shallow line across his forehead and drawing blood into his eyes.
Tōsen Kaname pressed the attack, but a towering figure intercepted his path-Komamura Sajin.
Standing firm, Komamura declared, "Let me aid you, Visored."
Shinji narrowed his eyes. "Are you sure? Helping people like us with uncertain origins?"
Komamura's stance did not falter. "From how you just handled those Gillians, I have no doubt. You are our allies in this fight. I will fight at your side."
Shinji was not adept at handling straightforward men like Komamura, but he said nothing further.
It was, perhaps, the first sign of Soul Society and the Visored finding common ground.
Komamura and Tōsen faced one another in midair, their shared silence heavy with the certainty that one of them would not survive.
Before either could move, a chain darted out and bound Tōsen's Zanpakutō.
"Captain Komamura," Hisagi Shūhei said firmly, standing with his released Kazeshini, "allow me to fight at your side."
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