It turned out that, aside from Ichigo, none of his friends were qualified to take part in such a high-level game.
Running into a captain-level Shinigami by chance? That was a guaranteed team wipe.
Thus, with the exception of Ichigo, all the other members from the living world were officially out of the mission to rescue Rukia.
Ichigo, however, remained at Unohana Retsu's house, training in swordsmanship while waiting for the date of Rukia's execution.
Unohana, on the other hand, had gone out to seek allies.
And among all the captains, there were only two people she could truly trust.
...
Thirteenth Division – Ugendō.
This was where Ukitake Jūshirō stayed to recuperate. Ever since becoming the captain of the Thirteenth Division, he rarely left this place—he was usually bedridden.
After all, he was the type who lost HP just from walking…
Today, Ugendō had more guests than usual. Before Unohana even arrived, Kyōraku Shunsui, the Eighth Division Captain, had already gotten there.
"What's wrong? Still can't make up your mind? That's not like you, Ukitake," Shunsui said as he sipped his sake and looked at his friend.
"Yeah, we both know Central 46 made a foolish decision. But our teacher unconditionally trusts their judgment. If we try to save Rukia… we'll be going against him," Ukitake sighed.
Shunsui tilted his hat down a bit. "So?"
"There are still things that must be done. If Kuchiki Byakuya won't save his own sister… then I can't sit back and watch one of my subordinates be executed unjustly," Ukitake said, finally firming his resolve.
Shunsui sighed. "I really don't want to fight the old man…"
Just then, the doors to Ugendō opened, and Unohana Retsu walked in slowly, a gentle smile on her face.
"My, my… I think I just heard something quite dangerous."
Both captains' expressions changed instantly.
"Unohana-senpai?! What are you doing here?" Shunsui and Ukitake both looked nervous.
To them, this woman—one of the original Gotei 13 captains from the moment of its founding—was even more terrifying than Yamamoto himself.
In fact, Shunsui's hand was already on the hilt of his zanpakutō.
Unohana chuckled at their tension. "No need to be so on edge. I'm here to ask for your help."
That surprised both of them. "Ask for help?"
Unohana nodded and sat down at the table. "Just like you two, I don't want to see Kuchiki Rukia die such a meaningless death."
"Huh?" Their confusion only deepened.
From what they knew, Unohana was always polite and serene—but emotionally detached. She'd never shown real concern for anyone before. Why the sudden interest in saving Rukia?
The two men grew wary.
Unohana sighed dramatically. "I've recently taken on a new disciple. He and Rukia are quite close. He came to me and asked for help."
That explanation stunned them even more.
This legendary captain hadn't taken on a disciple in a thousand years—now suddenly she had one?
"Well then, Captains. Shall we work together?" Unohana said as she calmly poured herself a cup of tea.
...
Elsewhere...
Central 46 issued a sudden decree—Rukia's execution was moved up to three days later.
Clearly, someone was growing impatient.
Upon hearing the news, Renji sprinted to the Kuchiki estate, where he found Byakuya kneeling silently before the family shrine, expression as cold and unmoved as ever.
"Captain! Rukia's execution has been moved up—to three days from now!" Renji said, nearly panicking.
"I'm aware," Byakuya replied coolly, without any change in expression.
Realizing he couldn't rely on Byakuya, Renji turned and left, determination flashing in his eyes.
At the same time, Hinamori Momo and Kira Izuru both escaped from their confinement.
Hinamori had retrieved a letter—Aizen's supposed final will—from Matsumoto Rangiku, while Kira simply followed what he believed were orders from his captain.
But after reading the letter, Hinamori's face filled with dread.
The name written in it—the true mastermind—was someone she didn't want to believe. Someone she couldn't believe.
Everything had descended into chaos.
The whole Seireitei was spiraling out of control. It felt like everyone had their own hidden agenda.
Upon learning of Hinamori's escape, Hitsugaya Tōshirō immediately went after her—only to be attacked by Hinamori herself.
Because the name Aizen left in the letter… was Hitsugaya Tōshirō.
While everything outside was turning into madness, things were strangely peaceful on Ichigo's end.
No matter what chaos unfolded, Ichigo had only one goal—rescue Rukia.
What happened to Soul Society? That was their problem. He was just an outsider from the living world.
In fact, Ichigo had even started moonlighting as a medic…
After all, his current identity was "Unohana Retsu's disciple." Wouldn't it be suspicious if he couldn't perform healing?
Of course, Ichigo's healing style matched his personality: straightforward and brutal.
What kind of injury? Who cares! Let's fix it with brute force healing!
Surprisingly, his emergency treatment skills were actually top-tier.
But today's patient was… a bit special.
Because Ichigo had personally created this patient.
The moment he opened the door, Ichigo froze.
Lying on the bed wasn't just anyone—it was Zaraki Kenpachi, the very man Ichigo had cut down!
Yachiru Kusajishi and Ichigo stared at each other, wide-eyed.
Ichigo quickly regained composure, cleared his throat, and said, "I'm here to treat Captain Zaraki's injuries."
If it had been anyone else, they would've been suspicious. But Yachiru just smiled and said, "Then I'll leave it to you, Lil' Ichi!"
Ichigo sighed. That nickname... seriously, it's awful.
Still, awkward or not, he had a job to do.
(End of Chapter)
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