The souls in East Rukongai 62 have vanished, so they need to pass through the East Gate, Blue Stream Gate.
The gatekeeper of Blue Stream Gate is named Kaiwan. Yoshio took a look—he has a soul ability too.
His soul ability is "Entranced Illusionist," which lets himself fall into an illusionary hypnosis state. Useful—though it puts himself under an illusion, it can still be handy when necessary.
Mm, another potential friend!
But he definitely has no time to befriend Kaiwan now. As soon as their squad of Shinigami passed through Blue Stream Gate, they continued swiftly east.
It's quite a long trek from the 5th Division to East Rukongai 62—one day might not even be enough.
Considering they might encounter battle upon reaching District 62 "Kagarashi," they needed to rest somewhere along the way.
When night was about to fall, they pitched tents in the wild; at this point Yoshio became even more cautious.
Last time, it was Muguruma Kensei who was attacked while camped; he figured it could play out the same way this time.
But last time Aizen made such a big move to deal with Urahara Kisuke and several Captain-level Shinigami. This time just for him?
That's too much, isn't it?
Yoshio clicked his tongue, then greeted Tanimoto Toru.
"Tanimoto, is it our turn on watch now?"
Of course the whole team couldn't rest at once—someone had to patrol.
Tanimoto waved his hand. "Nope, you're paired with Fujita."
The Lieutenant plus four seated officers were split into three rotating night-watch teams: the 4th and 9th seats together, the 5th and 6th seats together, and Ichimaru Gin alone.
Of course that's just the seated officers; each pair led some rank-and-file Shinigami.
Yoshio's watch partner was the 4th Seat of the 5th Division, Satoru Fujita. Yoshio was a bit disappointed—he didn't much like Fujita's ability.
Fujita's soul ability is "Sleep On Command"—if he wants to sleep, he can instantly fall asleep.
Damn it, what use is that?!
It's not like I have insomnia!
Though if someone did, they'd probably crave that ability…
But…
Tonight he really had no interest in farming favorability; he had to be cautious and keep an eye on the surroundings so he didn't die inexplicably.
By the campfire in front of the tents, Yoshio sat by the blazing flames, ready to use Black Sun.
For months, Yoshio had been injecting about half his spiritual power into [Black Sun] almost daily. With that constant infusion, its power had become considerable.
But he only had one shot in him.
If only he could permanently acquire [Special Beam Cannon].
Yoshio glanced toward a tent—that's where Tanimoto Toru was. Tanimoto's favorability toward him was already high, but not yet 80.
Of course, besides [Black Sun], he had another offensive skill—[Fireball]—but he wasn't sure how destructive it really was.
Lately, he had basically collected all the team's soul abilities, even if they were one-time use; you never know when they might come in handy.
Just then, Yoshio looked at his skill list and froze.
He noticed the ["Game Master"] skill was glowing.
That meant it was in an "activatable" state.
Game?
He wasn't playing a game right now.
Sitting by the fire, he frowned—then suddenly his heart stirred!
Game?!
Right, he wasn't playing a literal game, but…
Isn't he inside a game Aizen set up?!
What is a game?
If the organizer considers it a game and the participants consider it a game, then it damn well is a game!
Aizen must have arranged this chessboard with a gamer's mindset, and he himself thought of it as Aizen's little game.
Then this operation really is a game, isn't it?
Perfect!
Yoshio suppressed his excitement and activated ["Game Master."]
In an instant, everything around him changed.
The world looked renewed. He looked at the surrounding Shinigami—no changes on them—but when he looked toward Tanimoto's tent, he saw a red silhouette inside!
…?
Not good!
Is it Tanimoto, or someone near him?
What does red mean?
For a moment, Yoshio's mind was a jumble, but perhaps under the skill's effect, he quickly sorted himself out.
He sighed softly and stood up.
Satoru Fujita watched Yoshio head toward the tent and said, "Yoshio, it's not time to switch shifts yet!"
"I know. I've just got something to do."
Yoshio reached the tent and spoke softly. "Tanimoto, are you in there?"
After a moment, Tanimoto's voice came from inside.
"I am. Yoshio? Do you need something?"
Yoshio lifted the flap and went in.
Inside were seven or eight Shinigami; especially beside Tanimoto sat one Shinigami glowing red.
Yoshio sighed and said to that Shinigami, "Kawai-kun? Oh no—what should I be calling you now?"
After months of friendly interaction, Yoshio knew every Shinigami in the 5th Division by name.
Kawai was a young man—he'd joined even later than Yoshio, only three years in the 5th. He looked fair and clean-cut. Hearing Yoshio's words, he put on a puzzled look.
Tanimoto was confused; he looked at Kawai, then at Yoshio. "Yoshio, what nonsense are you talking about?"
But in a flash, Kawai drew his Zanpakutō and slashed at Tanimoto!
It was too quick, too sudden—and Tanimoto would never expect a squad member beside him to strike!
But just as the blade was about to pierce his scarf and chest, Yoshio moved.
With a single flash step he appeared before Kawai, his Zanpakutō already swinging.
In an instant, the blade cut across Kawai's throat!
Splurt!
A jet of blood sprayed from Kawai's neck, spattering the tent!
"?!"
Gasping, Tanimoto stared at Kawai's body dying right before him and panted out, "W-what… what is going on?!"
Yoshio didn't answer; he looked at Kawai's corpse.
The next moment, Kawai showed a grotesque smile!