Heading to the Thirteenth Division, Host and Captain Assistant

"I see..."

Gaoyu narrowed his eyes slightly, then said, "Can I go take a look?"

Aizen looked up at Gaoyu and said, "I originally intended for Tanimoto to go, but if you want to, it's no problem."

The Fifth Division was a rescue team, so it was fine to support other divisions at a time like this.

Gaoyu had never met Shiba Miyako before, so he didn't feel any sadness over her death.

Gaoyu...

So far, he only felt a sense of reality towards the people around him in this world.

However, if Shiba Miyako died, then Shiba Kaien would surely seek revenge.

If that happened, Shiba Kaien might die.

This was a good opportunity to increase his favorability with Shiba Kaien and Kuchiki Rukia.

Moreover, the Hollow causing trouble this time might be Whitey. He planned to go take a look; what if Whitey got killed by Shiba Kaien?

He hadn't even managed to raise Whitey's favorability to eighty yet. If he couldn't reach eighty, he wouldn't be able to obtain the ability of uninjured Hollowfication.

Two hours later, Gaoyu had arrived at the Thirteenth Division.

He also met Jūshirō Ukitake for the first time.

Jūshirō Ukitake's ability was... 'Host'.

'Host: Allows one to integrate an object into one's soul, gaining its characteristics.'

'Note: If favorability is below eighty, the accommodated object will be expelled after three days. Once favorability reaches eighty or above, it can be permanently accommodated.'

This ability...

It was quite fitting for Jūshirō Ukitake's identity.

Jūshirō Ukitake was the Captain of the Thirteenth Division of the Gotei 13, but at the same time, his soul also contained the Soul King's right arm, Lord Mimihagi.

His ability allowed Gaoyu to also fuse with an external object. He wondered if he could accommodate a Zanpakuto?

If he could accommodate a Zanpakuto, would that mean he had directly reached the Person-Blade Fusion realm?

He felt like that wasn't ideal and would be a waste.

Gaoyu thought about it. He had other ways to fuse with a Zanpakuto, such as obtaining the Final Zanpakuto Fusion from Isshin Shiba, or breaking through the Shinigami's limit, or going through the ancient Person-Blade Fusion ritual in Seireitei, etc.

There was no need to waste the 'Host' ability slot.

The description of this ability stated that one could accommodate an object into their soul, which should include both living and non-living things. This meant he could completely accommodate another soul into his body.

If he could integrate Aizen into his soul, wouldn't he be invincible?

Gaoyu chuckled inwardly, then said to Jūshirō Ukitake, "Captain Ukitake, Captain Aizen knows this matter is of great importance, so he asked me to come provide assistance. Is there anything I can help with?"

Jūshirō Ukitake still had some sadness on his face, as the deceased was a Third Seat of the Thirteenth Division.

He had originally intended to abdicate and let Kaien become Captain, showing how much he valued him.

Upon Gaoyu's arrival, he was somewhat surprised, as he hadn't expected Aizen to send his Vice-Captain to help them.

Jūshirō Ukitake nodded and said, "The opponent is different from the Hollows we've encountered before. He is very cunning, and we are working hard to pinpoint his location."

"I've already asked the Eighth Division for help, and I believe we'll find him soon."

The Eighth Division was the intelligence division, so asking them to find someone was the right move.

Gaoyu nodded, then said, "I will be on standby at the Thirteenth Division. Captain Aizen's orders were to follow your instructions."

Before Jūshirō could speak, the door was pushed open, and Shiba Kaien, wearing a Shinigami uniform, quickly entered, his face suppressing anger and sadness.

"Captain!"

"Let me handle this alone!"

"Captain Ukitake, Vice-Captain Kaien!" This was said by Kuchiki Rukia, who followed behind him.

Rukia ran over with Shiba Kaien, but she was also surprised to see Gaoyu in the office. She then stood behind Shiba Kaien and remained silent.

"..." Looking at his sorrowful subordinate, Jūshirō sighed and said, "Kaien, this incident is no small matter."

"Thirty-four Shinigami from the Thirteenth Division and sixteen Shinigami from the Fifth Division who came to support have all died. The opponent is not a simple Menos Grande; he not only has terrifying strength but also possesses a cunning mind! This incident is not something you can handle alone."

"So what?!" Shiba Kaien said loudly, "They all died. If I can't personally avenge them, then what's the point of me becoming a Shinigami?"

"..." Looking at Kaien's determined gaze, Jūshirō was moved.

The two stared at each other, and Jūshirō finally nodded.

"Once we get information about the opponent, I will inform you immediately."

"Thank you, Captain..." Shiba Kaien said softly.

Then he retreated.

Kuchiki Rukia glanced at Gaoyu, then chased after Shiba Kaien and ran out.

"I apologize. Because of Miyako, Kaien's emotions are a bit out of control," Jūshirō Ukitake said softly to Gaoyu.

"That's only natural..."

Gaoyu also said softly, "After all, she was Vice-Captain Shiba's wife. No one else can truly understand that sorrow."

"It's good that you can think that way," Ukitake said. "Therefore, I accept the kindness of you from the Fifth Division this time, but... this matter should be resolved by us, the Thirteenth Division."

"I refuse," Gaoyu said. "Someone from our Fifth Division also died in this incident. I understand Vice-Captain Shiba's sorrow, but at the very least... I should see that Hollow destroyed with my own eyes."

"Very well," Ukitake nodded.

"I will notify you if there is any news."

Gaoyu did not return to the Fifth Division afterward and instead waited within the Thirteenth Division.

On this day, he saw many Lieutenants of the Thirteenth Division.

He also saw the Soul Abilities of Kotsubaki Sentaro and Kotetsu Kiyone.

Although there were two people, their Soul Ability names were the same.

'Captain Assistant ①: After use, the user will perform optimally when assisting the Captain and completing tasks assigned by the Captain.'

'Captain Assistant ②: After use, the user can instantly appear beside their Captain.'

Hmm, acceptable. Very much like extras.

Although these two were considered supporting characters with some standing in the original work, their presence was minimal, basically equivalent to Jūshirō Ukitake's accessories.

Gaoyu wasn't surprised that they had such abilities.

Moreover, he felt that both abilities were quite good.

Captain Assistant ① could make Gaoyu more effective when working, provided it was a task assigned by Aizen.

Captain Assistant ② could allow Gaoyu to appear beside Aizen regardless of distance, essentially a form of teleportation.