Chapter 293
But.
It seems that Kagerōza Inaba have given up on the idea of fusion.
After unleashing the Bakudō #99, he immediately released his Zanpakuto: due to the special nature of his soul, Muramasa's power separated Nozomi Kujō, but did not completely strip him of his Zanpakuto abilities.
Although it was suppressed back to its Asauchi form, the Zanpakuto could still be released again.
Certainly.
"Whoosh!"
He needs Haruto to give him that opportunity.
"Clang!!"
Raikū, who had just transformed into his double-edged naginata form, became the second Zanpakuto that Far Shore had severed that day.
"Oh?"
"Puff!!"
Along with it, Kagerōza Inaba's head also snapped off... along with the red fountain that erupted from his neck.
"You're interested in this too?"
--And the second Zanpakuto that was sealed away.
Aside from a bit too much ketchup, the underground parking lot wasn't damaged at all; it's still the same as before...
Dilapidated.
"Nozomi Kujō."
Haruto sheathed his sword a bit too frequently today, almost like he was practicing Iaijutsu back in his student days.
"... yes!"
Nozomi Kujō somewhat nervous.
After being merged with Kagerōza Inaba, she learned many secrets belonging to Yushima Oko, and what a ruthless executioner the man before her was.
"As a victim of Yushima Oko's experiments, what are your thoughts?"
"... Huh?"
Kujo Nozomi couldn't quite grasp the situation at first.
"What, you thought I was going to arrest you?"
Haruto turned and glanced at the Zanpakuto "Arazome Shigure" in Nozomi Kujō's hand: While its potential isn't as high as Soyo no Sōgyo no Kotowari's, it's significantly easier to wield, and paired with Nozomi Kujō, who's roughly equivalent to Captain-level, it's quite usable.
Especially in the matter of beating children.
"This must be the first time you've wounded Soul Reaper, right?"
"The Expeditionary Force members who were coerced performed such great deeds; the Gotei 13 are too busy rewarding them to even think about arresting you."
But I...
"I'm in charge of this."
Haruto set the tone for the whole thing.
It wasn't that he was clinging to her body, it's just that after Muramasa's actions...
The Gotei 13 is really short-staffed!
Volume 1: Chapter 174, Major Overhaul
The following morning.
The First Division is having yet another meeting.
Given the seriousness of the situation, no squad dared to be absent: the major incident that occurred in Seireitei last night served as a wake-up call for everyone—they had personally experienced just how much damage a Soul Reaper could inflict on Soul Society.
All the captains and vice-captains of the Gotei 13 were required to participate in this meeting.
The main entrance to the First Division.
"Hello!"
The same door as the one in Central 46 Chambers.
"The door is open--"
Shinji Hirako, the newly appointed Fifth Division Captain, shouted loudly in front of the completely empty gate of the First Division.
It wasn't that there weren't any guards to open the gate; it was simply because there were quite a few casualties last night.
On his way there, Shusuke Amagai casually killed all the Soul Reaper who weren't in the barracks and hadn't been attacked by his Zanpakuto; Captain-Commander Yamamoto Jōkaku Enjō protected most of them, but ultimately couldn't save everyone.
"Tsk."
Seeing that the First Division did not respond, Shinji Hirako subconsciously clicked his tongue.
"That's the downside of being a team leader; you get called here for everything, it's really nerve-wracking."
Hirako's eyes looked incredibly dejected.
You don't seem like the type to get nervous.
Not far behind him.
Wearing the vice-captain's armband Sōsuke Aizen timely made a sarcastic remark.
--Today is not a daily complaint to cater to Mako Hirako. Aizen is really very happy. If it weren't for the wrong occasion, it would almost show on his face: among the corpses of the Shinigami and nobles who died last night, there are a lot of raw materials suitable for becoming experimental bodies, which suddenly solves the trouble that has been bothering him for a long time.
After having these...
Aizen's next Hollowfication Experiment will be much faster:
Following the Third-Class Reii Captain-level and Adjuchas, he will now begin his research on higher-level Captains and Vasto Lorde.
"We can't make a lot of noise in the First Division just because it's inconvenient to have a meeting."
"Aren't you annoying?!"
Shinji Hirako promptly interrupted Aizen's nagging, motherly chatter.
"The door opened, we're getting ready to go in..."
"Captain Hirako."
A familiar voice came from not far behind.
"Miss Kirio!"
It was Kirio Hikifune and Hiyori Sarugaki from the Twelfth Division who arrived.
"... Hiyori's here too?"
"What do you mean 'You're here too'?! You should have noticed me sooner!"
"..."
Shinji Hirako picked at his ear with his little finger, decisively ignoring Hiyori's complaints.
Hiyori ~
Kirio Hikifune patted Hiyori on the head from behind, instantly suppressing her fiery temper.
For Hiyori, Kirio Hikifune was indeed like a mother figure.
"I'm so sorry."
Under pressure from Kirio Hikifune, Hiyori reluctantly apologized to Shinji Hirako.
"Well..."
"I also made mistakes."
Seeing Hiyori being so obedient, Shinji Hirako scratched his cheek, his expression turning slightly embarrassed.
"Yo!"
At that moment, a new team leader came over to say hello.
"Love... and Mr. Kotsubaki."
Love Aikawa is indeed the captain, but in terms of seniority, Jin'emon Kotsubaki; he is also a senior who has taught everyone present kendo, so it is not surprising that he is being treated with such courtesy.
Where is your Captain's Haori?
"I can tell!" said Shinji Hirako, who had a keen eye.
"It was burned by Tengumaru."
Love Aikawa said somewhat sullenly, "Shinji Hirako was actually quite lenient. Besides Captain's Haori, half of the Seventh Division barracks was burned down last night. If Byakuya hadn't arrived early, that number would probably have doubled."
"That's terrible... What happened to Mr. Kotsubaki this time?"
"Ugh... I used too much force and broke my own Zanpakuto."
Jin'emon Kotsubaki hesitated for a moment before speaking.
--He wasn't in the Seventh Division barracks last night, otherwise, judging from his terrible state, even Byakuya probably wouldn't have been able to help.
"... ah?"
"Wouldn't that be..."
"It's nothing, it's just that I might need to take a long vacation this time."
Love Aikawa only lost his haori—he was actually quite regretful at the moment, wishing he had bought a few more cheap ones—but Jin'emon Kotsubaki lost more than just his dressing room at home (he came shirtless), even his Zanpakuto was ruined; although he said it lightly, it was hard to say whether he could continue to serve as the vice-captain.
"..."
The atmosphere that had been so lively when everyone met had now become somber again because of the tragic events of the previous night.
"Snort!"
The loud noise from behind drew everyone's attention.
"What are you all doing blocking the doorway? Get out of my way!"
The newcomer was none other than Kenpachi Kuruyashiki, the captain of the 11th Division.
And beside him was the newly promoted vice-captain: Maki Ichinose.
"..."
Everyone instinctively made way for Kuruyashiki.
It's not that I'm afraid of this guy, it's just that getting involved with the 11th Division always causes all sorts of trouble.
At this time.
"Ouch~"
Everyone arrived very early.
Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake walked over side by side, followed by their adjutants Lisa Yadōmaru and Kaien Shiba.
"The Captain Kyōraku wasn't late today!"
Kirio Hikifune showed a curious expression.
"What kind of stereotype is that? Miss Kirio —when Old Man Yamamoto summons me, I'm always the first one there."
"I dragged this guy out of bed."
Shunsui Kyōraku had barely finished speaking when he was interrupted by Lisa Yadōmaru, who had come close to him.
"With so many captains in front of me, could you at least give me a little face, Lisa -chan?"
Shunsui Kyōraku lowered his voice and whispered in Lisa Yadōmaru's ear.
"Speaking of which..."
Jūshirō Ukitake aptly changed the subject for Shunsui Kyōraku.