CRACK!
Yamamoto Genryusai's staff struck the floor with thunderous impact. His eyes snapped open as he spoke with commanding authority:
"Such unseemly bickering ends now!"
"Captain Zaraki and Captain Mayuri—return to formation immediately!"
Neither Zaraki Kenpachi nor Mayuri Kurotsuchi dared defy the Captain-Commander's direct order, retreating silently to their respective positions.
Yamamoto Genryusai fixed his penetrating stare upon Ichimaru Gin at the chamber's center.
"Ichimaru, this assembly's purpose was clearly communicated beforehand..."
"During the West RukongaiRyoka incursion, you acted without authorization."
"Furthermore, you failed to eliminate or capture the enemy forces."
"As a Gotei captain... such conduct represents disgraceful negligence!"
"I demand your explanation for these failures."
"This meeting was convened for all captains to witness your response."
Yamamoto Genryusai's spiritual pressure intensified, his gaze becoming razor-sharp.
"Well then, what defense do you offer... Ichimaru?"
His weighty proclamation concluded, absolute silence descended upon the assembly hall.
Every captain's attention converged upon Ichimaru Gin.
Despite the overwhelming scrutiny, his expression remained unchanged—that enigmatic smile persisting.
After several tense moments, he raised his head fractionally.
"I have no defense to offer."
Yamamoto Genryusai's eyes narrowed. "...What did you say?"
Ichimaru Gin bowed his head with soft laughter.
"My failure to eliminate the Ryoka constitutes inexcusable negligence."
"Regarding this matter, I offer no justification whatsoever."
His admission triggered varied reactions across the assembled captains' faces.
Yamamoto Genryusai leaned back slightly in his elevated position.
"Given your acknowledgment, your punishment shall be—"
BOOM!!
Before the Captain-Commander could complete his sentence, a deafening alarm erupted from beyond the chamber walls.
Every captain's expression shifted instantly, Shigure's gaze snapping toward the disturbance.
They all recognized that sound—Seireitei's invasion alert!
5th Division Captain Aizen Sosuke displayed immediate alarm. "What's happening? An invasion?!"
The emergency broadcast system activated without delay.
"EMERGENCY ALERT! EMERGENCY ALERT!"
"SEIREITEI IS UNDER AERIAL ASSAULT!! ALL DIVISIONS ESTABLISH DEFENSIVE POSITIONS IMMEDIATELY!!"
"REPEAT!! SEIREITEI IS UNDER AERIAL ASSAULT..."
Komamura Sajin's resonant voice carried genuine concern. "As anticipated... the previous Ryoka have returned...?!"
Zaraki Kenpachi's face suddenly blazed with savage excitement.
Without hesitation, he bolted toward the exit!
"Wait! Captain Zaraki!" Unohana Retsu called after him.
But Zaraki Kenpachi was beyond reasoning—his mind consumed entirely by battle lust.
Witnessing this development, Yamamoto Genryusai rose from his seat with grim determination.
"The situation has changed. This captain assembly is hereby suspended."
"Ichimaru Gin's disciplinary proceedings will resume after this crisis concludes."
"DISMISSED!"
"All captains return to your divisions immediately and coordinate defensive operations!"
His command triggered immediate mobilization—no captain lingered.
However, as Aizen Sosuke passed Ichimaru Gin, he paused deliberately.
With calculated composure, Aizen addressed him: "This alarm's timing... proves remarkably convenient..."
Ichimaru Gin maintained his smile. "I'm afraid I don't follow your meaning."
Aizen tilted his head downward, light reflecting off his glasses as he spoke with quiet menace:
"Do you believe this charade absolves you of my suspicion?"
"You would be wise... not to underestimate me."
He brushed past Ichimaru Gin and departed the chamber with purposeful stride.
Hitsugaya Toshiro absorbed every word of their exchange.
As he too exited, ice-cold resolve crystallized in his gaze.
"So this truly is your conspiracy... Ichimaru!"
...
By the time this confrontation unfolded, Shigure had already cleared the meeting room entrance.
His Resonance Vision, however, remained locked onto Aizen and Ichimaru Gin throughout their performance.
Only after the participants dispersed did Shigure withdraw his surveillance.
Subtle amusement flickered in his eyes.
Those words... represented pure theatrical collaboration between Aizen and Ichimaru Gin.
Predictably, Hitsugaya Toshiro's suspicions had now focused entirely upon Ichimaru Gin.
Precisely as Aizen intended.
Departing 1st Division territory, Shigure immediately engaged Shunpo, racing toward 13th Division headquarters.
Kurosaki Ichigo and his companions had successfully penetrated Seireitei via the Kukaku Cannon.
Their scattered deployment would inevitably trigger confrontations across multiple division sectors.
Provided these conflicts didn't directly impact Shigure, he saw no reason for intervention.
Mid-leap, the system's notification chimed unexpectedly.
Shigure tensed—he hadn't anticipated such rapid task generation.
His "Sekkiseki Resistance" ability remained incomprehensible, yet new objectives had already materialized.
"Ding! New sign-in mission issued!"
"Please complete sign-in at Sokyoku Hill when the Sokyoku undergoes release!"
"Successfully destroying the Sokyoku will automatically fulfill sign-in requirements and unlock system rewards!"
The notification concluded, Shigure's focus sharpening immediately.
Sign in during Sokyoku activation... destruction equals completion...
This mission's parameters were refreshingly straightforward.
No additional complications—simply await Rukia's execution commencement.
Regarding the completion condition—Sokyoku destruction—Shigure harbored zero concern.
Despite the Sokyoku's legendary power equivalent to one million combined Zanpakuto, such claims were purely superficial.
Before Shigure's capabilities, it possessed no exceptional qualities.
His devastating spiritual pressure and superior Zanpakuto would reduce the Sokyoku to splinters effortlessly.
Shigure continued his Shunpo advance while processing these developments.
Suddenly, an unexpected presence materialized within his Resonance Vision.
The figure wasn't humanoid, but rather...
A cat.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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