Shigure's thoughts quickened, and he immediately accelerated his Shunpo, closing the distance to Kyoraku Shunsui.
"Captain Kyoraku," Shigure called out.
Hearing the voice, Kyoraku Shunsui turned his head.
"Hmm... Vice-Captain Segawa?"
His expression had shed its usual languid playfulness, replaced by unmistakable gravity.
Shigure stepped through the air to join him, speaking in hushed tones:
"So... you've heard as well, Captain Kyoraku?"
Kyoraku Shunsui nodded slightly. "Ah... so sudden, the news of Captain Aizen's death."
"When little Nanao came to inform me, it felt almost impossible to believe..."
Kyoraku Shunsui's gaze drifted toward the horizon, depths of contemplation in his eyes.
"Indeed," Shigure replied, his own eyes downcast.
They continued their journey while conversing.
During high-speed Shunpo, ordinary Soul Reapers cannot maintain steady breathing while speaking.
For these two, however, such coordination posed no challenge.
"Captain Aizen's body... has it been relocated?" Shigure inquired.
He had initially planned to head directly to Aizen's staged death scene, but suddenly recalled—
Since autopsy results had already emerged, 4th Division members must have completed their examination.
Hence his question.
Kyoraku Shunsui's expression remained composed.
"Yes, it's been transferred to Captain Unohana's 4th Division barracks."
"The captains not currently engaged in combat should have visited by now," Kyoraku Shunsui explained.
Shigure offered no response, though his eyes flickered with intensity.
He had already activated his Resonance Vision, prepared for any unexpected developments.
Moments later, they arrived at the 4th Division barracks.
The Ryoka battles had thrust the 4th Division into frenzied activity.
Gone were the peaceful, leisurely days of routine.
As Shigure and Kyoraku Shunsui entered, no one paused their work.
After hurried bows of acknowledgment, everyone immediately resumed their urgent tasks.
Kyoraku Shunsui sighed softly. "Completely transformed from the usual 4th Division atmosphere."
Shigure surveyed their surroundings, sharing the sentiment.
After all, he had spent half a month here studying swordsmanship under Unohana Retsu.
Following their guide, the pair entered a medical ward.
The first sight that greeted them was a white sheet-draped form upon the hospital bed.
Several figures stood vigil beside the body.
4th Division Captain Unohana Retsu.
7th Division Captain Komamura Sajin and Vice-Captain Iba Tetsuzaemon.
9th Division Captain Tosen Kaname and Vice-Captain Hisagi Shuhei.
Shigure's gaze sharpened. As expected.
Though Aizen wasn't present, Tosen Kaname was here.
Given Aizen's cautious nature, he would naturally dispatch his ally to observe for any suspicious behavior.
Shigure's Resonance Eyes had already pierced through the deception.
Yet his physical senses remained under Kyoka Suigetsu's influence.
What lay before him appeared genuinely to be Aizen's corpse.
Noticing their arrival, Unohana Retsu looked up.
"Captain Kyoraku, Segawa..."
Kyoraku Shunsui bowed his head slightly as he and Shigure approached Aizen's body.
After a moment of silent observation, Kyoraku Shunsui spoke quietly. "Captain Aizen has truly...?"
"Yes," Unohana Retsu replied, her tone weighted with sorrow.
"When we retrieved him from the Sekkiseki wall, all breathing had ceased."
"I considered the possibility of a gigai used for deception..."
"But thorough investigation from every angle confirmed the reality of his death."
"5th Division Captain Aizen Sosuke... has indeed perished."
Unohana Retsu lowered her eyes, delivering this final verdict.
"I see..." Tosen Kaname bowed his head slightly.
Hisagi Shuhei and the others nearby wore equally somber expressions.
Unohana Retsu continued:
"Given these circumstances... this information must be compiled and submitted to Central 46."
"Once the Ryoka crisis resolves, perhaps a replacement will be selected..."
As Unohana Retsu spoke, the atmosphere grew increasingly oppressive.
Captain replacements hadn't occurred in decades.
Especially under such tragic circumstances.
"Well then, formal processing of the remains must now commence."
Unohana Retsu turned to address the assembled captains and vice-captains.
"You all have guard duties awaiting your attention. Please return to your posts—I'll handle matters from here."
Komamura Sajin's resonant voice responded, "Our gratitude for your dedication, Captain Unohana."
He departed with Iba Tetsuzaemon.
The remaining group prepared to follow suit.
But suddenly, Unohana Retsu spoke again. "Ah, Segawa—might you remain a moment longer?"
Shigure froze mid-step, turning back as Kyoraku Shunsui's attention sharpened.
Unohana Retsu continued: "There's a matter I cannot manage alone—I require assistance."
"Vice-Captain Segawa... you wouldn't object, would you?"
Shigure maintained his composure, bowing slightly.
"Understood, Captain Unohana."
Kyoraku Shunsui offered a gentle smile. "Segawa, don't cause Captain Unohana any trouble."
The others departed, sealing the door behind them.
Shigure's Resonance Eyes remained constantly active, instantly expanding to maximum range.
After confirming no abnormal presences lurked nearby, he approached Unohana Retsu.
"What assistance do you require?"
Unohana Retsu turned away, her back to him, speaking with measured calm:
"Segawa, I once told you, didn't I? The exchange of swordsmanship is the exchange of hearts."
Shigure's pulse quickened. Why raise this topic now?
Yet he maintained his neutral expression. "Yes."
Unohana Retsu's voice continued:
"Such penetration—as long as your heart hasn't undergone dramatic transformation, I can always perceive it..."
She pivoted suddenly, her expression intensely grave:
"Therefore, from the instant you entered this room, I knew."
"Regarding Captain Aizen's corpse, you've also noticed—just as I have..."
"Something abnormal about it, haven't you?"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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