Chapter 242

As the morning light faded, the guard of the Maggot's Nest, who had been on duty all night, yawned slightly.

The atmosphere at Seireitei has been exceptionally tense these past two days, causing their emotions to fluctuate accordingly.

The captain Hollowfication, declared Quincy, and wanted posters were plastered all over the main streets of Seireitei and Rukongai.

The Maggot's Nest was actually much quieter.

Not many people came from Shinseki, just one Retsu Unohana.

This is the first time Captain-level figure has been brought in.

Fortunately, they stayed quietly in their cells, without making a fuss, eating on time every day, and resting with their eyes closed after meals, so they didn't cause them much trouble.

The guard on duty today leaned against a concealed spot at the entrance, observing the surrounding activity.

Not long ago, a strange blue-haired man came by. He was supposedly a researcher newly assigned to the Twelfth Division, who came to pick up a few people to assist him with his experiments.

His paperwork was complete, and after the guards checked it, they naturally let him pass.

However, as the guy left, he was muttering to himself, saying things like, "The position of the first director is mine now," which left him somewhat confused.

As he was lost in thought, footsteps sounded again.

The guard looked up at the end of the corridor, unconsciously straightened his posture, and even his breathing became cautious.

Shigekuni Yamamoto, the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, was standing at the entrance to the Maggot's Nest.

Chōjirō Sasakibe stood half a step behind him, his expression serious.

At the signal from the Sasakibe, the guard emerged from the shadows and knelt on one knee to bow to the two men.

"Which room is Retsu Unohana in?"

"In the innermost room, after entering the Maggot's Nest, walk straight down the corridor to the end and turn right at the third iron gate."

Yamamoto nodded and walked away, with Sasakibe following closely behind.

The guard stood frozen in place, watching the two walk into the Maggot's Nest, with only one thought in his mind.

What could possibly warrant the Captain-Commander's personal trip to the Maggot's Nest?

In the deepest part of the prison, Unohana heard the sound of a cane and opened her eyes.

Yamamoto in front of the iron fence.

Separated by a row of iron bars as thick as a wrist, and by the faint light of a sealing spell, two people who had known each other for a thousand years stared at each other for a moment.

"What brings you here, Captain-Commander?"

Unohana spoke first, showing some curiosity about Yamamoto's purpose in coming.

"Wang Xun defeated Kiganjō and became the new Kenpachi."

Yamamoto got straight to the point, and his words caused Unohana's fingers to twitch involuntarily.

Her eyes widened, her lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but nothing came out.

Several seconds passed before she spoke, her voice slightly softer than before.

"Really? That's quite unexpected... What exactly happened?"

"Wang Xun defeated Kiganjō in Bankai head-on with his Zanjutsu. The entire 11th Division and several captains witnessed it firsthand. He was indeed stronger than Kiganjō."

"The position of Kenpachi has been passed to him, Captain's Haori will be ready soon."

Yamamoto paused.

"You've nurtured a promising talent."

Unohana did not respond.

Her eyes were lowered, as if she were thinking about something, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of her mouth.

Yamamoto noticed Unohana's expression; she seemed satisfied.

"There's another matter: Mayuri Kurotsuchi has already located the Quincy's hideout and will soon be able to open the entrance to the Shadow Domain."

"Wang Xun has been transferred to the position of Kenpachi, leaving the Fourth Division without a leader. With a major battle imminent, the Gotei 13 needs someone who can hold down the fort."

Yamamoto raised his cane and gently tapped the lock on the iron fence.

"Unohana, the Seireitei needs you now."

"Captain-Commander, have you cleared me of suspicion?"

"Just go through the motions, I know your character. Don't worry about Central 46, business is more important."

Yamamoto raised his hand, exerted a little force, and crushed the lock with his Yamamoto.

The iron gate creaked open.

Seeing this, Unohana said nothing more, but simply stood up from the stone bed, straightened her clothes, and stepped out of the prison.

Wang Xun really gave her a pleasant surprise.

On that day, a meeting was held in the headquarters conference room to discuss the Gotei 13's all-out operation against the Quincy.

All current and acting captains are required to attend.

This day came quickly.

Shigekuni Yamamoto sat upright in the main seat, his hands folded as he leaned on his cane.

The acting captains and vice-captains of each squad lined up in order, but the space seemed much emptier at the moment.

Wang Xun, wearing his newly made Captain's Haori, stood in the seat of the 11th Division captain; the seat of the Fourth Division was empty.

Mayuri Kurotsuchi, as a special personnel, stood behind Kirio Hikifune, his expression somber.

Soon, the crucial moment of the meeting arrived, Mayuri Kurotsuchi the stage to give his report.

He unfolded a spell projection in the center of the headquarters' conference room, displaying the calculated coordinates of the entrance to the Shadow Domain.

"The coordinates of the entrance to the Shadow Domain have been locked. The spell adjustment is expected to be completed within three days, at which time the passage can be opened, and the duration will be sufficient for the main force to complete the infiltration."

After finishing his explanation, he turned off the projector and returned to his seat.

Yamamoto's gaze swept over the crowd, and he spoke in a deep voice.

" Of the Third Division —the third, Fifth Division, Seventh Division, and Ninth Division —four captains Hollowfication, and the Second Division Captain has defected. Less than half of the captains are capable of fighting."

"This is the most serious personnel shortage in the history of the Gotei 13. With a major battle imminent, Retsu Unohana is hereby reinstated as Fourth Division Captain, effective immediately."

As Yamamoto's voice faded, Unohana walked in from outside, dressed in a neat Captain's Haori, her Zanpakuto once again hanging at her waist.

She walked among the captains, and Kyōraku and Ukitake both nodded slightly to her. Kirio Hikifune gave her a rare smile.

Wang Xun stood in the 11th Division's position, looking at her. As Unohana brushed past him, her gaze lingered on his face for a moment.

Their eyes met, and then Unohana walked to the Fourth Division's seats and stood there.

"Unohana is back in her place, "Yamamoto continued.

"War against the Quincy is imminent, but we are short of Captain-level combatants."

"Therefore, the First Division will issue a conscription order in Seireitei. Anyone with ability who is recommended by the captain and passes the assessment can fill a vacant captain position."

"Above."

After the meeting, Unohana and Wang Xun bumped into each other in the corridor outside the headquarters' meeting room.

The two walked side by side along the long stone path, neither of them speaking first.

"Your clothes fit you perfectly."

"Yes."

Unohana turned around and looked at Wang Xun, sizing him up from head to toe.

He then raised his hand and straightened the collar of the haori on his shoulder.

"Well done, it's just a pity I need to find a new vice-captain."

After a moment's thought, Wang Xun decided to give his assistant a push.

"Isane Kotetsu, who often assists me, is quite good. With a little training, she could be of great responsibility. Captain, you should consider her."

Unohana nodded and said nothing more.

The inner courtyard of the Fourth Division was the same as when they left. Several young members were stunned when they saw Unohana and Wang Xun walk in.

It's not just because of Unohana's return, but also because of the Captain's Haori on Wang Xun's body.

After all, Wang Xun's defeat of Kenpachi was too unbelievable, and it caused a huge uproar within the team.

Having seen it now, I have no choice but to believe it.

Upon hearing the news, Third Seat Iemura rushed out of the clinic, still clutching a medicine grinder he hadn't had time to put down.

Upon seeing Wang Xun and Unohana, his lips trembled for a while before he finally greeted them.

Unohana nodded and went into the captain's room.

Wang Xun followed behind her and closed the door.

After all, Wang Xun had transferred teams, and the two still had many things to hand over.

The sky was getting dark.

Kaien Shiba walked through the stone-paved streets of Rukongai and stopped in front of an old house.

The mansion wasn't large, but it was kept fairly clean.

Several crooked persimmon trees grew in the yard, and under the trees was a large water vat that was never used.

This is the residence of his uncle, Isshin Shiba.

Kaien followed his own wishes, entered the Spiritual Arts Academy, joined the Gotei 13, and is now Seated Officer.

Over the years, he had visited Isshin Shiba many times, and he would mention it every time they drank together.

Isshin Shiba clearly has Captain-level skills, so why doesn't he become a captain?

Isshin Shiba always reacted the same way, laughing and saying that since the Shiba Clan chose to move out of Seireitei and now wants to go back, they're afraid they won't be well-received Seireitei.

Kaien would always argue back, but Isshin Shiba just laugh it off, leaving Kaien feeling rather helpless.

This time, Kaien stood at the door, clutching the captain's recruitment notice that she had just torn from the First Division's bulletin board, took a deep breath, and pushed the door open.

Isshin Shiba was sitting under the veranda enjoying the cool air when he saw Kaien enter and sighed helplessly.

"What are you doing here again, you little brat..."

"Uncle, this time is different."

Kaien laid out the conscription order in front of Isshin.

"The Captain-Commander personally ordered the recruitment of team leaders, with no restrictions on background or seniority; anyone who could pass the assessment could become a team leader."

"Uncle, you've heard the news. The captain has been Hollowfication, Quincy have returned. The Seireitei is desperately short-handed. You shouldn't continue to hide."

Kaien stood up and looked into Isshin's eyes.

"Step forward."

Isshin Shiba fixed on Kaien.

He picked up the conscription order, looked at it over and over again, and finally sighed and put it in his pocket.

"Seriously, I can't win against you, kid..."

Seeing Isshin's performance, Kaien's eyes lit up.

"Uncle, you've agreed?"

Isshin scratched his head, feeling rather helpless.

"Otherwise, let's go see the captain you mentioned."

The process was quick; through Kaien's introduction, Isshin Shiba met with Jūshirō Ukitake.

Afterwards, Jūshirō Ukitake recommended Isshin Shiba to the First Division.

The assessment was conducted at the brigade's training ground.

Yamamoto judge, with Unohana and Kyōraku as assistant judges.

Isshin Shiba stood in the center of the training field, his straw sandals crunching on the gravel, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and a Zanpakuto wrapped in a strip of cloth hanging at his waist.

His posture was casual, even somewhat slouching.

However, Isshin Shiba's abilities earned the recognition of the three and he successfully passed all the tests.

With Ukitake's endorsement and the Shiba Clan's past background, Yamamoto Seireitei, after Shigekuni Yamamoto consideration, assigned Isshin Shiba the captain's position and informed the entire Seireitei.

"From today onwards, Isshin Shiba will serve as the captain of the Tenth Division."

Isshin Shiba bowed deeply in respect.

Kaien clenched her fists at the edge of the training field, finally letting out the breath she had been holding for so long.

Once he successfully masters Bankai, he will assume the captain's position.

From that moment on, the Shiba Clan had two supreme rulers!

The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is just around the corner.

The following day, news spread Seireitei the first person to successfully pass the special recruitment and become a captain.

Everyone knows about this.

Meanwhile, Second Division.

Soi Fon was training alone in the training area.

Her breathing was heavy, and the Reiatsu on her shoulders and back was still burning hot.

She had practiced that set of Shunkō combos countless times. She stood in the center of the empty training field, panting heavily.

After finishing practice, she would always subconsciously glance at the edge of the field.

Sometimes, Yoruichi would lean against the crooked fence, a blade of grass between her teeth, and occasionally offer a few pointers.

After Yoruichi left, the area around the fence remained empty.

However, there is another figure that often appears in her mind now.

Just then, she heard footsteps.

Wang Xun walked over from the stone path outside the training ground and looked at Soi Fon practicing hard.

Why have you been working so hard lately?

Soi Fon wiped the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand, took a breath, and then spoke.

She remained silent for a moment, as if considering whether to say her next sentence.

Then he looked up at Wang Xun, a stubborn glint in his eyes.

" With Lady Yoruichi gone, I have to step in. The Second Division... can't be without its captain."

Upon hearing this, Wang Xun clapped his hands.

"That's ambitious! Do you also want to become a captain through special recruitment?"

Soi Fon pursed her lips, but then seemed deflated, her expression losing its confidence.

"But I don't Bankai yet."

"Bankai..."

Wang Xun clicked his tongue, and then a wicked idea popped into his head.

"Want Bankai? I have a way."

"Are you brave?"

Soi Fon's eyebrow twitched.

"You underestimate me?"

Soi Fon's voice immediately hardened.

Tell me, what's your plan?

Wang Xun's lips curled slightly.

A moment later, two dark figures landed outside the west wall of the Shihoin Clan head's residence.

The two were dressed in dark, tight-fitting bodysuits for nighttime travel, their hair completely hidden under hoods, with only their eyes shining brightly in the darkness.

Soi Fon's voice trembled slightly.

"Wang Xun, do you know what you're doing right now?"

"The Shihoin Clan is one of the Five Great Noble Clans. Our current actions constitute trespassing on a noble family's private residence and stealing sealed items from the Divine Weaponry Division."

"If this gets discovered, you won't even have a chance to settle into your current Kenpachi position before you have to report to the Shin'ō Underground Great: The Jail."

"I must be crazy, how could I believe your nonsense..."

Her voice was very low, but her speech was getting faster and faster, clearly she was extremely nervous.

"It's not too late to turn back now. We can pretend nothing happened. You go back to your 11th Division, I'll go back to my Second Division, and we..."

"If you're scared, go back. I'm about to take action."

Wang Xun reached out and patted her bottom before flipping over the wall.

Soi Fon squatted against the wall, stunned for a moment, then reached up and touched the burning pain on her buttocks before she came to her senses.

She was both ashamed and angry, her teeth practically grinding together, but finally she took a deep breath and followed after them.

The Stealth Force is already adept at stealth, and they are even more at home in such infiltration missions.

She lightly pushed off the wall with her toes, her body flipped in the air in a tiny arc, and landed silently on the branch of an old pine tree in the courtyard.

Crouching on the branch and looking down, I saw Wang Xun hiding underneath.

After Soi Fon landed, she leaned close to his ear and whispered something softer than a mosquito's buzz.

"But how do you know where that thing called the Tenshintai is?"

"Let's search. After all, it's a treasure. Search all the places with the most guards and security."

As he spoke, Wang Xun looked at Soi Fon.

"I remember you were part of Captain Yoruichi's direct unit, so you should have participated in the security arrangements for the Shihoin Clan, right?"

"You seem to have some understanding of the layout of the Shihoin Clan. Is there anything worth noting?"

Upon hearing this, Soi Fon's expression twisted slightly in the darkness.

Why are you asking her?

Soi Fon subconsciously recalled and actually came up with a few places that matched the description.

"It seems... there really is..."