"Anomalous fluctuations in the Reishi flow have been detected at coordinates west 3604, north 6273."
Researchers surveyed the area outside the nearly collapsed mountain, searching for whatever traces remained.
"The Reishi contains components from Hueco Mundo. We can conclude that the Hekisa Botas Hollow group came from Hueco Mundo."
"The Reiatsu left at the scene belonged to Captain Hirako Shinji, the Hollow group, the rebel faction's assassins, and Kisaragi Akira, a first-year student at the Spiritual Arts Academy."
"Did the student named Aizen Sosuke not take part?"
"He was probably too shocked by the sudden appearance of the assassins and Menos Grande to react in time."
"This crisis far exceeded what the students could handle. The fact that the two didn't die on the spot was already a great miracle."
"We can't expect everyone at the Spiritual Arts Academy to be a genius."
Similar conversations rang out among the crowd as they exchanged their observations and discoveries, carefully reconstructing everything that had happened at the scene in hopes of uncovering the truth behind the Menos Grande's appearance in the Soul Society.
But just as they were getting closer and closer to the truth—
A sudden change struck!
The air rippled, rings of distortion spreading outward.
Several black-clad figures, their bodies completely concealed, appeared nearby. A massive Kido Barrier appeared with them.
In the blink of an eye, it formed a huge semicircle, covering everyone inside.
"Who's there?!"
The researchers snapped out of their discussion and cried out in alarm.
The Shinigami assigned to protect them went on alert at once. They drew their Zanpakuto, pointed the blades at an angle, and released their Reiatsu.
"Kill them all."
The hoarse voice had clearly been disguised, making it impossible to discern anything about its owner.
At the order, the shadows unleashed overwhelming