The Thirteenth Division, Ukando.
Ukitake Jushiro lay on the bed, his eyes closed and brow furrowed, as if enduring torment in a nightmare.
The next moment,
he jolted awake and sat upright, breaking into a violent coughing fit as though he were about to cough up his organs.
Before long, a tall figure hurried in from the corridor and asked anxiously,
"Captain, Lord Ukitake, are you..."
He hadn't finished speaking when Ukitake Jushiro raised a hand to stop him.
Ukitake gasped for air, his face deathly pale. Sweat poured from him in heavy drops, soaking his underclothes.
After catching his breath for a moment, Ukitake's brow knotted tightly, and his hoarse voice rang through the empty room:
"Who on earth..."
"Is abusing Lord Mimihagi's power..."
The First Division Barracks, Captain's Office.
Yamamoto Shigekuni sat upright in his chair, his eyes half-closed as he calmly listened to his subordinate's report.
"According to acting Second Division Captain Omaeda Marechiyo's investigation, all the black-clad men who died at Shantei Temple belonged to the rebel forces."
"Based on the clues left at the scene and the testimonies we gathered, someone completely unknown also appeared on the battlefield that day, in addition to the rebel forces."
"Judging by Reiatsu alone, they may be at least lieutenant-level."
"Although they appeared to be on our side, still..."
"An unknown Shinigami of lieutenant rank cannot be ignored."
After finishing his report, Okikiba Genshiro offered his assessment and left the decision to Yamamoto Shigekuni.
He was only a Third Seat. Important decisions were for the Captain-Commander to make.
"I understand."
The old man's voice echoed through the room. Yamamoto slowly opened his half-lidded eyes, the wrinkles on his face easing slightly as he exuded an air of quiet authority.
"Leave that person's identity to the Second Division."
"Since