Seireitei, noble Kasumiooji family.
Before heading to Hueco Mundo, Higashino Shuuichi still had to settle matters in Soul Society.
First of all, the two lost Bakkōtōs of the Kasumiooji family.
Fortunately, because of the three criminals and Zaraki Kenpachi's presence in District 79, few dared to intrude. And with the Kasumiooji family controlling the scene in Seireitei, no shinigami or civilians had entered before Higashino Shuuichi woke.
Thus, upon returning, he finally achieved his first goal: retrieving the Bakkōtō.
"A commoner with reiatsu greater than yours?"
Kasumiooji Masasuke, head of the family, stared at Higashino Shuuichi, who presented the blades.
He knew Higashino Shuuichi now held captain-class strength, though without official recognition. Stronger than him? Could a commoner really become captain-class without ever stepping into Shin'ō Academy?
"That is correct, Masasuke-dono."
Higashino Shuuichi replied calmly.
"Kumoi, you said two civilians left the 4th Division today, escorted personally by Captain Unohana. Could it have been one of them?"
"From Shuuichi's description, I believe so."
Kumoi Gyoukaku dutifully played the role of butler before Kasumiooji Masasuke.
"If that's true, then perhaps we could—"
As expected, Masasuke's first thought was whether Zaraki Kenpachi could be recruited.
After tasting the benefit of using Higashino Shuuichi, he craved captain-class power even more.
He often fantasized of building a new Gotei 13 under his sole command, powered by the Bakkōtōs.
Higashino Shuuichi caught the look Masasuke threw his way. He knew the man sought his opinion—after all, he was the only one to have fought Zaraki Kenpachi (Masasuke knew nothing of Unohana).
"I believe it's possible. With his hunger for battle, if you provide the right conditions, he will become the sharpest blade at your side, Masasuke-dono!"
Higashino Shuuichi praised without restraint.
What a joke—recruit Zaraki Kenpachi?
With that man's temperament, even if convinced, it would drag the Kasumiooji family straight into the open. They'd have no choice but to play all their cards.
That would save Shuuichi the trouble of forcing their rebellion himself.
But the family wasn't entirely foolish. Kumoi Gyoukaku, sly as always, didn't let a few flattering words cloud his judgment.
After leaving Masasuke's chambers, he brought Higashino Shuuichi back to one of the hidden workshops and chose a secret room.
"Tell me what you truly think."
The door barely shut before Kumoi pressed him.
"We will have great difficulty recruiting that man called Zaraki."
"Continue."
Higashino Shuuichi frowned. He realized that in these past years, as he followed more of Kumoi's orders, the man had begun to treat him like an actual subordinate—speaking more imperiously by the day.
But Shuuichi didn't mind. In fact, he liked it. It meant Kumoi was beginning to trust him.
The grudge from the scar he'd once dealt him was fading.
And really, who wouldn't like a subordinate as diligent, unquestioning, and competent as Higashino Shuuichi?
"Aizen."
Shuuichi grumbled silently. Aizen barely spared him that much respect anymore.
"That's all?"
Kumoi's sharp question snapped him back.
"I believe Zaraki is a natural-born battle maniac. Normal negotiations will not work on him. Since this is about recruitment, not assassination, Masasuke-dono would never risk sending the Bakkōtō corps, only his loyal shinigami.
But as far as I know, within the Kasumiooji family, only Masasuke-dono himself holds captain-level strength."
Higashino Shuuichi left it there, certain Kumoi understood the implication.
This was a chance to weaken Masasuke's faction.
"You're certain this Zaraki would kill shinigami?"
Kumoi asked after pondering with interest.
"If his opponent fails to bring him joy in battle, then given his nature—without question."
Shuuichi's reply was firm.
"Interesting… You've done well, Shuuichi."
A twisted smile curled at Kumoi's lips. No one knew what picture formed in his mind.
What followed was beyond Shuuichi's reach.
Kumoi clearly planned to use this to set a trap for Masasuke, further weakening his power and forcing him to rely on Kumoi more in the future.
Such plans were never shared until execution.
But as Higashino Shuuichi left the workshop, something felt off.
The training grounds for the Bakkōtō corps should have been crowded. For them, aside from missions, training was their only pastime.
Yet today, the grounds were nearly empty.
When asked, the few present stammered evasively, none daring to speak truth.
His instincts screamed trouble.
If the Bakkōtōs were hiding something from him, despite his standing under Kumoi, then only one person could have given them the courage.
The answer was obvious.
Curiosity sharpened, Higashino Shuuichi feigned leaving, then suppressed his reiatsu and circled back.
After twenty years under Kumoi's orders, every workshop's location and blind spot had been laid bare by Aizen's Kyōka Suigetsu.
Following him, Shuuichi had learned them all.
Normally, he had no interest. He wasn't a researcher and had no plan to tamper with the Bakkōtōs.
But now, that knowledge had its use.
Soon, he found his answer in a distant secret workshop.
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