Shadow Space.
The territory that should have belonged to the Quincy Empire had undergone extensive construction after Kenma seized it.
Besides serving as a headquarters for stationed troops, it allowed them to monitor the Shinigami's movements in the Seireitei at all times.
After all the work done there, Shadow Space had come back to life.
Streets crossed its broad expanse, lined with orderly rows of buildings.
The architecture resembled neither the Quincies' Western European style nor the structures of the Seireitei.
Instead, it followed the architecture of the Qin and Han dynasties as Kenma remembered it.
It looked ancient and imposing, with a solemn grandeur.
At the center of what had once been Silbern, Kenma ordered the fortress razed in case the Quincies had left anything behind.
A palace complex rose on the same site, serving as both his residence and the center from which he directed his forces.
At the heart of the complex stood its largest palace, hundreds of meters high and sprawling across a vast area, built for major assemblies.
It was named Nethercalm.
Now, Nethercalm Hall was packed with people.
Military commanders, civil officials, and agents of every rank from the Onmitsukidō had all been summoned. They sat on either side of the hall.
The great throne above them was empty, and even their immediate superiors had yet to arrive.
Speculation spread through the crowd, and a low murmur filled the hall.
"The military, the civil officials, the agents—even people like us have been called in. Looks like the empire is making a big move."
"Izuna, what do you think it is?"
"Brother, the empire has focused on internal reform lately, not expansion. Calling us all together so suddenly probably means we're moving against the Seireitei."
"Huh? Seriously?"
"Hashirama, hasn't that naturally wicked brother of yours