People's Words Are Fearful
The Messenger Machine was primarily used for communications outside the Seireitei.
Within the Seireitei itself, however, tradition still reigned supreme. Orders were conveyed directly from the Captain-Commander or through the Central 46 Chambers, relying on ancient methods that had endured for centuries.
For this purpose, the Fifth Division of the Onmitsukidō—the Ritsu, or Stealth Communication Unit— existed.
This was not a combat division. Its members abandoned their Zanpakutō, Kidō, Zanjutsu, and Hakuda. Their sole mission was to deliver orders instantly and flawlessly, relying only on the mastery of Shunpo.
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The Messenger
Oishi Gorō, born into a lower noble household, had joined the Ritsu after graduating from the Shin'ō Academy. For more than a decade, he had served with distinction, his speed and obedience eventually earning him a transfer to operate directly under the Captain-Commander.
Like the others, he would wait silently on rooftops, ready to move the instant an order was given.
On this day, two urgent orders were dispatched at once. After the first messenger departed, Oishi Gorō took the second without hesitation, leaping across the rooftops of Seireitei with practiced ease.
He reached the Tenth Division barracks within moments, slipped through an open window, and knelt.
"Captain Shiba, urgent orders from the Captain-Commander—"
But he froze mid-sentence.
Sitting in the captain's chair was not Shiba Isshin—but a boy.
Silver-white hair. Emerald eyes like polished jade. A calm, unflinching expression.
"My name is Hitsugaya Tōshirō, Third Seat of the Tenth Division," the boy said firmly. "Captain Shiba isn't here right now. If you have orders, you may address them to me."
Oishi Gorō frowned. "That won't do. Where is Vice-Captain Matsumoto?"
"She's not here either," Hitsugaya replied, his voice steady. Once he might have protested angrily at being dismissed as a child. Now he had grown accustomed to responsibility, even if it weighed heavily.
Just as Gorō debated whether to entrust the orders to Hitsugaya, a ripple of reiryoku filled the room.
"Captain-Commander, any orders?"
Shiba Isshin strode in, having sensed the unfamiliar presence near Hitsugaya and returned quickly.
"The Captain-Commander requests your presence in the First Division hall immediately," Gorō reported.
"I see," Isshin said, expression turning serious. A summons delivered by the Ritsu meant the matter was urgent. He glanced at Hitsugaya. "You're in charge until I return."
Hitsugaya's face didn't flicker. "I've been in charge all day. What's one more?"
Isshin chuckled awkwardly before hurrying to the First Division.
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The Summons
The great hall of the First Division was quiet when Isshin arrived. Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni stood by the railing, gazing outward. His presence carried a weight that pressed down even on captains—a pressure like a teacher's silent scrutiny.
"Captain-Commander," Isshin said, bowing, "what is it you wish to discuss?"
Yamamoto turned, his voice calm but sharp.
"What do you think of Shiba Kūkaku?"
Isshin blinked. The question was unexpected. The Captain-Commander never wasted time on idle family matters.
Had Kūkaku done something?
He thought of her fiery nature, of the way she had openly opposed the Tsunayashiro family after her brother Kaien's death. She had seized their holdings in the West Rukongai 26th District and even forced the Central 46 to investigate them.
Was this retaliation? A smear campaign?
"Kūkaku is kindhearted," Isshin answered firmly. "Generous. She would never involve herself in wrongdoing."
"There are rumors," Yamamoto said slowly, "that she maintains a close relationship with Shiraishi." His piercing gaze locked onto Isshin. "I want your opinion."
Isshin's face hardened. "Baseless slander! How could the head of the Shiba Clan consort with a criminal?"
The Captain-Commander tapped his cane against the floor, deep in thought. He had no proof, only whispers. Yet the possibility, however small, could not be ignored.
"To end rumors, we must reveal the truth," he said at last. "An investigation will be conducted into Shiba Kūkaku."
Isshin faltered. The Shiba were one of the Five Great Noble Houses. Launching an investigation on hearsay alone set a dangerous precedent. Anyone could claim a noble was connected to criminals, and if every rumor were pursued, even the Onmitsukidō would be overwhelmed.
But Yamamoto's gaze brooked no dissent.
"…I have no objections," Isshin said reluctantly.
"Good. A covert operation will verify the matter and clear her name," Yamamoto declared.
Isshin's stomach twisted. He knew the truth: Kūkaku and Shiraishi were indeed close.
"Very well, Captain-Commander," he said carefully. "If there's nothing further, I'll take my leave."
"One more thing," Yamamoto said gravely. "Remain on standby within the Seireitei. All captains are forbidden from leaving their divisions without orders. Something… is coming."
Isshin's brows furrowed. "Does this involve Shiraishi?"
"Better to be prepared," Yamamoto replied, offering no confirmation. Even he could not yet grasp the scope of the threat.
Isshin bowed and withdrew, his mind unsettled. He trusted Kūkaku's word, yet even he had never met this mysterious Shiraishi.
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Restless Thoughts
Back at the Tenth Division, Hitsugaya looked up as Isshin entered.
"Orders from the Captain-Commander?"
"We're not to leave the barracks," Isshin grumbled, scratching his head. "Big hassle." He glanced at the stack of paperwork. "What's this? Compensation claims?"
"Last month, a Shinigami stationed in Karakura Town died unexpectedly," Hitsugaya explained. "Cause still under investigation. Central 46 hasn't approved benefits. I'm resubmitting the claim."
Isshin scanned the document. His eyes narrowed at the date.
A sudden thought struck him. If something serious was stirring in Soul Society… would anyone in the World of the Living be paying attention?
The idea refused to leave him.
"…Captain, where are you going?" Hitsugaya asked sharply as Isshin stood.
"To investigate the cause," Isshin replied.
"But the Captain-Commander ordered—!"
His protest was lost in the rush of wind as Isshin vanished through the window.
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