"Ha ha ha, Captain Kyōraku, what are you talking about?"
Hearing Shunsui Kyōraku's words, several drops of cold sweat rolled down M Matsumoto Rangiku's forehead as she hurriedly denied it.
"Hmph!"
Just as Shunsui Kyōraku was confused, Toshiro Hitsugaya's cold snort left him feeling somewhat awkward.
Had he accidentally repeated Miss Rangiku's complaints about her superior to that very superior?
"I'm truly sorry, Matsumoto."
"So I've been exploiting you all this time!"
"Ha ha ha ha, Vice-Captain Toshiro, don't listen to Captain Kyōraku's nonsense. You know what kind of person I am, don't you?"
M Matsumoto Rangiku put on a wronged expression, intending to sweet-talk Toshiro Hitsugaya out of pursuing the matter.
Unfortunately, that trick might work on adults, but it was still decades too early for Toshiro Hitsugaya.
"Hmph. I'll settle this with you when we get back."
After reprimanding M Matsumoto Rangiku, Toshiro Hitsugaya walked up to Shunsui Kyōraku.
"Captain Kyōraku, I came this time because I have some questions I would like to ask you."
Toshiro Hitsugaya still held great respect for a senior like Shunsui Kyōraku.
"Oh? Go ahead, Vice-Captain Toshiro. If I know the answer, I certainly won't hide it from you."
"Then thank you in advance."
Next, Toshiro Hitsugaya told Shunsui Kyōraku about Isshin Shiba before asking, "Captain Kyōraku, you have considerable experience with Hollows."
"Moreover, when Hollows appeared within the Seireitei last time, you were also part of the investigation team."
"So I would like to ask: how does this Hollow's ability to suddenly appear and disappear differ from those Hollows last time?"
"And Captain Shiba disappeared together with the Hollow. Where could they be now? Is Captain Shiba safe?"
While Toshiro Hitsugaya continued asking his questions, he failed to notice that Shunsui Kyōraku's expression gradually turned grave as he listened to the