If the Enemy Can Go There, So Can We

In the next instant, spiritual particles invisible to everyone but Sōya Azashiro formed an unseen hand that covered Yoruichi Shihoin's mouth.

"Mmgh~"

The faint whimper made Yoruichi Shihoin, who had sensed something strange, freeze. Her gaze instinctively turned toward Chiba Makoto.

However, Chiba Makoto seemed utterly unaware of Yoruichi Shihoin's change. His eyes were deep and distant, as if they carried the hopes and future of Seireitei's peace.

None of the other Soul Reapers noticed anything unusual either.

Even Hitsugaya Tōshirō, standing beside Yoruichi Shihoin, merely assumed that her somewhat heavy breathing came from her inability to restrain her anger toward the Wandenreich.

Hitsugaya Tōshirō understood that well. He was only somewhat surprised that Yoruichi Shihoin, whose usual behavior seemed so unconventional, possessed such sentiment and resolve.

As expected of a senior. Even if her usual conduct seems terribly irresponsible, when Seireitei faces a crisis, her thoughts and actions are still exemplary.

Hitsugaya Tōshirō silently gave Yoruichi Shihoin his approval and decided not to hold her occasional teasing over the past two years against her anymore.

Then, despite being severely injured and attending the meeting while dragging along his ailing body, Hitsugaya Tōshirō once again focused all his attention on Seireitei's current predicament.

With the possibility of an alliance between Yhwach and Aizen Sōsuke, the crisis facing the Thirteen Divisions was no longer merely the threat of a Wandenreich assault at any moment. They also faced a severe lack of frontline combat power.

Yet no matter how Hitsugaya Tōshirō considered various countermeasures, he could not find the slightest feasible solution.

The atmosphere in the captains' meeting room grew increasingly heavy.

Until Chiba Makoto, standing at the head of the room, slowly spoke.

"Right now, blind defense will only mean waiting for death. And the reason the Wandenreich has not launched