"Nelliel's blood research report?" Shinji waved the document in his hand and asked.
"That's a summary of all the experiments conducted with Vice-Captain Nelliel's blood, containing all the data." Mayuri Kurotsuchi explained.
It contained all of his research data from the past few days.
"Just tell me directly, do you think I can understand it?" Shinji shook his head and chuckled, tossing the report onto the table.
If he could understand these things and still do research, then what would he need Mayuri Kurotsuchi for?
Wouldn't that be superfluous?
Mayuri Kurotsuchi scoffed, remained silent for a few seconds, summarized in his mind for a while, then said "Simply put, the special genes in Vice-Captain Nelliel's blood cells are extremely stable and will not cause any damage to Vice-Captain Nelliel's body."
"These Freshman genes are slowly replacing Vice-Captain Nelliel's current genes."
"Once all of Vice-Captain Nelliel's cells have completed their evolution, she will likely evolve into an entirely new form."
"Tsk tsk tsk, beyond the Vasto Lorde, I'm truly curious what it will look like." Mayuri Kurotsuchi's eyes glowed as he exclaimed.
One must know.
Normally, a Vasto Lorde should be the pinnacle of a Hollow, its ultimate limit.
However, there is always a way to break through.
Just like a Shinigami who has reached their limit, integrating Hollow power into their body for Hollowfication.
As long as they can endure this process, the Shinigami can successfully enter a Hollowfied state, their spiritual pressure will increase dramatically, and their limits will also be broken.
And the same goes for Hollows.
Arrancar is the Shinigami-fication of a Hollow.
"If there's an entirely new level above the Vasto Lorde Arrancar, does that mean Shinigami can also evolve to a higher level?"
"This experiment is truly quite interesting." Mayuri Kurotsuchi's lips curled slightly upward, and his golden eyes watched Shinji, who was talking to Nelliel.
Could Kuchiki Shinji, who was able to provide such technology, have already surpassed the limits of a Shinigami?
If so, then everything made sense.
In the Human World, he had once displayed a spiritual pressure that completely overwhelmed his own, directly scaring him away.
After that.
Because he mistakenly believed that Kuchiki Shinji did not possess such power and was merely putting on an act, he once again focused his attention on Nelliel.
This time, he once again felt Shinji's overwhelming power.
That was absolutely a power exceeding that of a typical Captain-class Shinigami.
Could Kuchiki Shinji be Captain-level or beyond?
----
-One week later, Tenth Division Barracks.
Shinji lay on the roof, a stack of reports covering his face, lazily basking in the sun.
Beside him.
Nelliel, naturally rested her head on Shinji's arm, sleeping soundly.
"Captain Shinji!!!"
Just then.
A roar echoed.
Matsumoto Rangiku darted onto the roof, snatched the reports off Shinji's face, and yelled, face-to-face "I'm quitting, I can't do this anymore!"
"Hmm? Quitting, why?" Shinji stretched, then sat up.
He then took off his white haori coat and covered Nelliel with it.
"I'm a woman, right? You should know that staying up late is a woman's enemy, right? But you dump all the squad duties on me, does your conscience truly not ache?"
Matsumoto Rangiku slapped away Shinji's hand that was stroking her hair, poking his chest and accusing him of his crimes.
This past week, she was truly going crazy from exhaustion, alright?!
Because Kuchiki Kōga escaped from his seal, materializing a large number of Zanpakuto in the Seireitei, the resulting destruction and impact were simply too great.
Even after a week, it hadn't completely settled down.
These past few days.
Matsumoto Rangiku truly worked from dawn till dusk, basically living in the Tenth Division's Captain's office every day.
But what about Shinji?
He takes Nelliel to go there, run there!
Then what about her?!
She's a woman after all, and a very beautiful one!
Could it be, her Captain really not understand that a woman who doesn't get satisfaction for a long time will become super terrifying?
And, it's been so long since she tasted alcohol!
Thinking of this, Matsumoto Rangiku just wanted to cry a little to make Kuchiki Shinji understand that she is a woman.
"Is that all?" Shinji scratched his head.
"Is that all???" Matsumoto Rangiku asked with a face full of question marks.
What do you mean, 'is that all'?
This heartless Captain still doesn't see her as a woman, does he?
"Didn't I leave people for you? Why don't you make them work?" Shinji ruffled his hair, saw Matsumoto Rangiku in a daze, and casually stroked her hair.
This golden wavy long hair feels good to stroke, you know.
"Are you talking about Saitō Yanagawa?" Matsumoto Rangiku suddenly understood Shinji's meaning.
Because of his excellent performance these past few days, and his impressive combat power displayed during the Zanpakuto materialization incident, Saitō Yanagawa should be promoted to Lieutenant.
Matsumoto Rangiku has some understanding of Saitō Yanagawa's strength.
Although he didn't become a Lieutenant, but his strength is definitely not inferior to that of an ordinary Lieutenant, he is a very capable person.
"That's right, Yanagawa." Shinji said matter-of-factly "If that's still not enough, you can also drag Tōshirō Hitsugaya over With two people helping you, wouldn't you be able to do what you want?"
"Eh???"
"Is that allowed?" Matsumoto Rangiku blinked her eyes, suddenly looking a bit cute and naive.
"Why not?" Shinji retorted.
Isn't it only natural for superiors to exploit subordinates?
Since Saitō Yanagawa is capable, just let him do more work.
Isn't it 'with great power comes great responsibility'?
Of course, Shinji didn't include himself in that a guy whose dream is to be a fish in ocean, he has no responsibility that can restrict him.
"But Tōshirō Hitsugaya is only a first-year student now It might not be good to make him handle squad duties so early." Matsumoto Rangiku was a bit tempted, and also a bit hesitant.
Shinji's words were like Pandora's curse, deeply tempting her.
So, being a Lieutenant could be this awesome?
"What does it matter? Tōshirō Hitsugaya is a born Captain anyway, destined to become a Captain Shinigami in the future, Consider this just getting him familiar with things for now." Shinji waved his hand.
Tōshirō Hitsugaya?
This kid will be the Captain of the Tenth Division in the future, Shinji is treating him as Captain material anyway.
So what if he gets him to come over and get familiar with things first?
Dissatisfied?
If you're dissatisfied, just bear with it!
"You're right." Matsumoto Rangiku's eyes sparkled, She suddenly pounced over and gave Shinji a firm kiss on the head, then jumped down.
"Yanagawa!"
"Saitō Yanagawa, hurry up and come out, it's time to work!" The bustling Matsumoto Rangiku rushed down, immediately putting Shinji's words into action.
"If Saitō Yanagawa and Tōshirō Hitsugaya knew that Shinji was dumping all these tasks on them, they would probably complain." At this moment, Nelliel's soft voice sounded beside him.
Although Nelliel is very cold in front of outsiders, like a queen, she would not give them any special treatment.
But as Shinji's Lieutenant, Nelliel was still very diligent.
At the very least.
Nelliel had already memorized the names of many Tenth Division members and a few Lieutenants who frequently appeared in front of Shinji.
"Complain about what? If you're uncomfortable, just bear with it." Scratching the spot where Matsumoto Rangiku had kissed him, Shinji's expression was slightly odd as he pouted and said.
What's wrong with making them do some work?
Don't they know this is all for their improvement?
Talking about salary, asking for benefits this is all an investment in themselves, understand?
Having experienced workplace tactics, Shinji naturally understood what exploitation meant.
"Alright, let's go to the Human World and have some fun, I suddenly feel like eating Human World cuisine." Shinji patted his backside, stood up, and stretched his body.
The Kuchiki Clan is indeed one of the Four Great Noble Houses, and its status is extremely high, which is true.
But when it comes to food, it really can't compare to the Human World.
Cupping his hands to his mouth like a megaphone.
Shinji shouted down below "Rangiku, we're going to the Human World, Do you want to come?"
Then, Matsumoto Rangiku's slightly surprised voice immediately rang out "Coming, coming! Count me in, wait for me!!!"
"Yanagawa, the squad duties are entrusted to you, understand?"
"Don't betray the trust of Captain Shinji and me, You must believe in yourself, you can do it."
Saitō Yanagawa: "..."
You should go tell that to children, You can't fool an old fox like me who's lived for almost a hundred years.
If you want me to work, just say so, Why all the pretense?
Hypocrite! Lieutenant Rangiku, you've learned bad habits from Captain Shinji, ah.
Saitō Yanagawa sighed, This Tenth Division is getting harder and harder to get by in..
-Human World, Karakura Town, At the Fisherman's Izakaya.
The few people, wearing gigai, were in a private room, drinking the unique sake of the place.
Even Nelliel was wearing a special gigai provided by Mayuri Kurotsuchi, specifically for Hollows, a different model from the gigai used by Shinigami.
Given the hidden relationship between Shinji and Mayuri Kurotsuchi, Mayuri Kurotsuchi only took a few minutes to modify it.
"By the way, is it really okay to just use the senkaimon at home to come directly to the Human World, Captain Shinji?" Matsumoto Rangiku asked curiously.
"There's nothing to it, All Four Great Noble Houses have their own senkaimon, It's not uncommon for people from the family to come to the Human World to have some fun."
Of course, if they were caught, a scolding from Captain Commander Yamamoto would be unavoidable.
"You really have the exact same personality as Captain Isshin, eh~~" Thinking of Shiba Isshin, Matsumoto Rangiku sighed.
Although he liked to slack off just like Kuchiki Shinji, he was a very reliable elder.
Even this Fisherman's Izakaya was where Shiba Isshin had secretly taken her.
"I'm not like him." Shinji said righteously.
Shiba Isshin, that guy who liked underage girls and wanted to marry them, how could he be like him?
"Tch, you're pretty much the same." Matsumoto Rangiku pouted and sat casually between Shinji and Nelliel, wrapping her arms around both their shoulders "Come on, let's have another drink."
"And, let's also toast to our future."
Beep beep beep!
A sudden alarm interrupted Matsumoto Rangiku's words She frowned, pulled an instrument from her chest, and after seeing the content displayed on it, her eyes looked at Shinji "It's from the Research and Development Bureau."
"Connect it." Shinji said.
What did the Research and Development Bureau mean by contacting him suddenly at this time?
Did Mayuri Kurotsuchi want to contact him?
No, he wasn't that brainless.
His and Mayuri Kurotsuchi's relationship was best kept hidden; on the surface, they should just maintain an appearance of mutual dislike.
Therefore, if Mayuri Kurotsuchi contacted him, it would be a very irrational act, unless there was an emergency on Mayuri Kurotsuchi's side.
Hearing Shinji's words, Matsumoto Rangiku connected the instrument.
Then, her pupils contracted sharply.
"Cap… Captain Shinji?"
"Why are you stammering? What's wrong And why are you trembling."
Shinji's words stopped, almost letting out a curse, On the instrument's screen, several figures stood there.
At the head of them was none other than Yamamoto-Genryūsai Shigekuni, the Captain of the First Division!
What the hell, why? why?!
I just came out to eat, it's not like I'm doing something big, so why did Captain Commander Yamamoto have to come out personally?
And why are the captains around him.
Why such a large-scale mobilization?
Could it be.. could it be that I'm being arrested for skipping work to eat? Shinji chuckled awkwardly and greeted the Captain Commander.
"Kuchiki Shinji, your current location is Karakura Town, correct?"
"With the technical support provided by the Research and Development Bureau, they have already pinpointed your current position."
Captain Commander Yamamoto's authoritative voice came through the device.
Shinji: "..."
You've already pinpointed it, so what are you still talking about?!
"Captain of the 10th Division, Kuchiki Shinji, I need your precise answer, are you in Karakura Town?"
Perhaps sensing Shinji's thoughts, Captain Commander Yamamoto's expression became serious as he spoke.
"Uh.. I am indeed in Karakura Town right now, that's correct." Shinji's face straightened, and he quickly explained "But I can guarantee that I came to the Human World to investigate some matters, absolutely not just to eat."
Under Matsumoto Rangiku's dumbfounded gaze, she watched her Captain lie with a straight face.
This was a true lie!
He didn't even blink!
Just then.
Kyoraku Shunsui took a few steps forward, his expression strange "Shinji, you just skipped work to eat, Although that violates Soul Society regulations, it's clearly not enough for all of us captains to hold you accountable for it, is it?"
"Something has happened in Karakura Town."
"We immediately contacted you after learning that you are currently in Karakura Town."
By the end of his sentence, Kyoraku Shunsui's expression had also turned serious.
Hearing his words, Shinji suddenly found the food in his mouth unappetizing.
What the hell, why?!
I just came to the Human World to eat, and something still has to happen?!
Karakura Town, this important spiritual ground, must truly be cursed?!
"Something happened, what happened?" Matsumoto Rangiku heard this, leaned forward, almost pressing her face against Shinji's, and looked at the device in front of them.
"Based on Kuchiki Kōga's last words, we can largely infer that.."
"Over a hundred years ago, the former Captain of the 12th Division of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads and the first Director of the Research and Development Bureau, Urahara Kisuke, who defected from the Soul Society."
"As well as the former Second Division Captain, former Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukidō, and former General Commander of the First Division's Execution Corps, and also the former head of the Shihoin Clan, one of the Four Great Noble Houses of the Soul Society, Shihōin Yoruichi.."
"And the former Commander of the Kidō Corps and Grand Kidō Master, Tsukabishi Tessai."
"These three are very likely hidden within Karakura Town." Jūshirō Ukitake said quickly.
Shinji: "..."
I know all of this, tell me something I don't know.
I thought it was a big deal, but it's just this?
Shinji breathed a sigh of relief.
However.
Jūshirō Ukitake wasn't finished "Based on Kuchiki Kōga's last words, we have reason to suspect that Kuchiki Kōga was released by Urahara Kisuke and his group."
Shinji: "..."
That wasn't done by Urahara Kisuke, that was Aizen trying to divert your attention!
Then, Jūshirō Ukitake continued "And according to the latest news, a Arrancar will soon appear in Karakura Town, This is very likely related to Urahara Kisuke and his group."
"Captain of the 10th Division, Kuchiki Shinji, we need you to find out what Urahara Kisuke intends to do and locate him!"
Shinji: "..."
Stop talking, I already know what Urahara Kisuke wants to do.
And I've been to his shady shop several times last time, I even "borrowed" a tenshintai.. "Wait, Arrancar appearing in Karakura Town? I haven't felt anything at all." Shinji shook his head.
He was now in 3rd Fusion State, With Shinji's current spiritual pressure, covering the entire Karakura Town was as easy as swinging a sword.
But Shinji hadn't felt any Arrancar spiritual pressure.
"So that's the problem." Kyoraku Shunsui pressed his straw hat, revealing one eye "News has come from the Expeditionary Force that Arrancar will soon arrive in Karakura Town."
"Shinji, we're counting on you."