Discussion

In a relatively secluded courtyard near the Fifth Division barracks, the atmosphere was grave.

Momo Hinamori had clearly been waiting there for quite some time. She kept twisting her fingers together, and her usually gentle, bright eyes were now filled with unmistakable anxiety and helplessness. The rims of her eyes were even slightly red.

Several figures gradually gathered before her.

Renji Abarai was the first to arrive, striding over with his brow tightly furrowed. "Hinamori! What exactly happened? The rumors outside are everywhere. Shiro-chan really...?"

Izuru Kira came next. He looked as cautious as ever, though concern also showed between his brows. He nodded to Momo Hinamori and quietly stood to one side.

Shuhei Hisagi followed. The Ninth Division officer carried himself with steady seriousness. Upon arriving, he first nodded in greeting to everyone, then turned his gaze toward the visibly distraught Momo Hinamori and asked in a low voice,

"Hinamori, did you call us here because there's definite news about Hitsugaya?"

The final two arrivals added a subtle tension to the already oppressive atmosphere.

Liu Chuan arrived at an unhurried pace. After receiving Momo Hinamori's brief urgent message through the Kido Corps' internal contact method, he had canceled his afternoon plans.

Almost at the same time, another figure appeared at the courtyard entrance. It was Rukia Kuchiki.

Her appearance surprised everyone slightly. After all, she had joined the Kuchiki Household and had far fewer day-to-day interactions with her old companions.

Rukia bowed faintly to the group. Only when her gaze met Momo Hinamori's worried eyes did a trace of genuine concern appear on her face.

"Sorry to make everyone come all this way." Momo Hinamori's voice was somewhat hoarse. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself.

"It's about Shiro-chan... Toshiro Hitsugaya, and Sojiro Kusaka. The rumors outside are true."

"The two of them have indeed both displayed Hyōrinmaru's call and traits. They've already been taken away by the Central 46 Chambers for isolation and observation."

Although they had been mentally prepared, hearing it confirmed firsthand by Momo Hinamori—Hitsugaya's closest childhood friend—still made everyone's hearts sink.

Izuru Kira said quietly, "This really is unbelievable."

"So what's the situation now? What are those old men at Central 46 Chambers saying? And what about the Captain-Commander?" Renji was the most impatient, firing off questions one after another.

Momo Hinamori shook her head, the worry on her face deepening.

"No specific decision has been made yet." Her voice trembled slightly.

"What about Captain Aizen?" Shuhei Hisagi asked calmly. "The Fifth Division should have received an official notice, right? Does the captain have any opinions or instructions?"

As a lieutenant, he was more accustomed to considering matters from the perspective of division duties and superior orders.

At the mention of Sōsuke Aizen, Momo Hinamori's eyes dimmed, and her fingers twisted together even more tightly. "I reported it to Captain Aizen first thing this morning. I was very worried about Shiro-chan. The captain..."

She paused, recalling the scene. "The captain only comforted me gently. He said it was a rare miracle, that I shouldn't worry too much, and that I should trust the Captain-Commander to handle it properly."

"He also said that Hitsugaya was a promising Soul Reaper and that the Gotei 13 would pay attention to his growth."

Liu Chuan listened quietly. Sōsuke Aizen... the captain of the Fifth Division, renowned for his gentleness and wisdom, deeply beloved by his subordinates.

His response sounded entirely fitting for a benevolent elder and steady captain: soothing an emotional subordinate, expressing trust in the system, and showing concern for a junior.

To others, there was nothing to criticize.

But considering that Momo Hinamori was Toshiro Hitsugaya's closest person, along with the unprecedented nature of this incident and the tremendous turmoil it could cause, didn't such standard reassurance seem a little too bland?

Captain Aizen didn't seem particularly concerned about his subordinate.

Liu Chuan temporarily filed away that subtle doubt. What mattered more now was Momo Hinamori's condition and Hitsugaya's situation.

"So the higher-ups are still arguing and haven't reached a conclusion. Meanwhile, Hitsugaya and Kusaka are currently being isolated for protection—or rather, being watched."

"Hinamori, you contacted us because you hoped we could do something? Or do you think there's anything we can do right now?"

Momo Hinamori raised her head and looked at Liu Chuan, then at the other former classmates. Her eyes held both hope and confusion.

"I... I don't know. I'm just scared. I'm afraid Shiro-chan will be treated unfairly because of something so inexplicable, or get dragged into some kind of danger."

"Captain Aizen told me to rest easy, but I just can't... So I thought we could at least discuss it together. Maybe we can think of something, or at least learn more about what's going on?"

Her helplessness and worry affected everyone present. Renji slammed his fist into his palm. "Damn it! Are we supposed to just sit here and wait?"

Izuru Kira pondered for a moment. "It's impossible to intervene directly in Shin'ō Academy's or the higher-ups' decisions, but perhaps we can learn something from the side."

"I'll see whether I can hear any relevant rumors from the Third Division. Captain Ichimaru... sometimes knows particularly unusual things."

He put it tactfully. Gin Ichimaru, the captain of the Third Division, was famously well-informed.

After thinking for a moment, Shuhei Hisagi said, "The Ninth Division handles communications and intelligence reports. Perhaps we'll be able to spot some clues in subsequent notices. I'll keep an eye out."

Rukia Kuchiki, who had been standing quietly a short distance away, finally spoke. Her voice was clear and calm.

"Outsiders can hardly interfere with Shin'ō Academy's specific handling of this matter. But regarding what happens during their isolation and observation... perhaps I can try asking my elder brother."

She meant Byakuya Kuchiki. "The Sixth Division handles matters related to the nobility. Although this incident doesn't directly involve the nobles, such an unusual event should mean that my elder brother, as a captain, knows some of the details. It's just..."

She sighed softly. "My elder brother may not be willing to reveal anything, and I'll need to find the right opportunity."

This was already very practical help for her to offer. Given her current status, taking the initiative to ask about such a sensitive matter required courage in itself, and it also showed her concern for her former companions.

"I understand... Thank you. Thank you, everyone." Momo Hinamori nodded vigorously.

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