Wartime Command Center

Ise Nanao's words made Kurosaki Ichigo suddenly realize.

Indeed, given Chiba Makoto's status and prestige in the Seireitei, unless the situation had become truly dire, no Soul Reaper would have wanted to see Chiba Makoto personally step onto the battlefield.

After all, Chiba Makoto was not only the Thirteen Divisions' strongest combat force on the surface, but also the safeguard of life capable of extending his healing abilities across the entire Seireitei at any time.

"I understand."

Kurosaki Ichigo took a deep breath, then asked, "What should I do next?"

There was a slight pause in Ise Nanao's voice before she spoke rapidly.

"Head toward the Tenth Division barracks. Captain Hitsugaya's opponent has an ability that heavily counters Hyōrinmaru. After his Bankai was taken by the enemy using a Star Mark, he has fallen completely into a disadvantageous position."

As the image of Hitsugaya Tōshirō's proud, obnoxious face flashed through Kurosaki Ichigo's mind, he rushed toward the Tenth Division barracks and asked, "Wait, didn't you already know that the Wandenreich could steal Bankai? Why did Captain Hitsugaya still use his Bankai and let them take it?"

Ise Nanao replied, "In fact, it is not only Captain Hitsugaya. A total of seven Bankai, including those of Captains and Vice-Captains, have been stolen by the enemy."

??!!

Kurosaki Ichigo.

For a moment, Kurosaki Ichigo was completely stunned, even suspecting that he had misheard.

The Thirteen Divisions clearly knew that the enemy could steal Bankai, and Lord Makoto's Bankai had been the first to be taken. Had the Thirteen Divisions made no preparations at all?

Seven Bankai had been stolen!?

How many Soul Reapers in the Thirteen Divisions even possessed Bankai in the first place?

Wasn't this just handing them over for free?

"How could that..."

But before Kurosaki Ichigo could finish asking,