As Zommari's spiritual pressure completely vanished, his ability naturally began losing its effect.
The black sunflower pattern on Soi Fon's forehead, who was bound by Rikujōkōrō ahead, began fading and finally disappeared.
At the same time, her eyelids drooped heavily, and finally, as if her entire body had lost strength, she collapsed downward.
If not for Rikujōkōrō supporting her body, she would have fallen directly to the ground.
Rukia and the others immediately felt their hearts tighten with worry: "Captain Soi Fon!"
Ōmaeda swallowed nervously, asking carefully: "Captain Segawa... nothing's happened to the captain, right...?"
"She's fine."
Shigure answered calmly, then walked to Soi Fon's side, dispelled Rikujōkōrō, and supported her body.
"That force controlling her caused some mental damage, which is why she fell unconscious."
"She just needs to rest for a while and will recover completely."
"However, this type of damage can't be healed with Kaidō, so she probably won't be able to participate in the upcoming battles."
As Shigure's words fell quietly, Hitsugaya and the others' gazes shifted.
This meant not only losing a captain-level fighter from the team, but also having to spare someone to take care of her.
And the place they were heading next was Aizen's base, far more dangerous than the outer areas of Hueco Mundo.
Indeed, the situation had become somewhat troublesome.
But just then, Kisenchiyo Ōmaeda's eyes darted around as he quickly said: "I... I have a good idea! Captain Segawa! Captain Hitsugaya!!"
"Hm?" Hitsugaya looked over sideways: "What idea?"
Ōmaeda swallowed again, saying carefully:
"Well... it's... let me take Captain Soi Fon directly back to Soul Society... th-this way we can avoid becoming a burden to the team..."
Upon hearing this, before the others could express their opinions, Hitsugaya's gaze immediately sharpened.
"Are you trying to be a deserter, Ōmaeda?!"
Being scolded like this, Kisenchiyo Ōmaeda's face immediately looked somewhat awkward as he laughed nervously:
"Eh... this... eh..."
Just then, Shigure spoke up: "No need. Reinforcements are already coming."
"Eh?" Ōmaeda was stunned.
Shigure pointed behind them, and everyone immediately turned to look.
In the distant air, a black crack was actually beginning to appear, like torn curtain fabric.
It had faint spiritual power fluctuations with deep purple aura swirling around it.
"It's a Garganta?!"
Tōshirō Hitsugaya and the others finally realized that when they encountered the Arrancar earlier, Rangiku had indeed already notified Soul Society.
They had been delayed in the labyrinth for some time, so now was about the right time for them to arrive.
Since the directional Garganta appeared in this state, it meant they were currently traveling and would probably arrive soon.
"That's good then... phew... I feel a bit more at ease now..."
Rangiku stretched out her hand, patting her chest while exhaling.
Just then, Shigure spoke to the side: "Rukia, I'll entrust Soi Fon's care to you for now."
"...Hm? Ah, o-okay!"
Rukia was initially stunned, but seeing Shigure's actions, she immediately understood and quickly walked over to support the unconscious Soi Fon.
However, hearing his words, Hitsugaya seemed to sense something and asked in surprise:
"Segawa, don't tell me... you're not going to continue waiting for the reinforcements to arrive?"
Shigure looked over, nodding lightly: "You all stay here and meet up with the captains who are coming. I'm going to depart first."
?!
As his words fell, several people around were simultaneously stunned.
Rukia immediately spoke up with an anxious expression: "N-no, Captain! That's too dangerous!"
Rangiku beside her also looked grave: "Captain Segawa, maybe you should reconsider... this really is..."
"Really too reckless!" Hitsugaya suddenly spoke up, saying what Rangiku hadn't dared to say.
Then he continued with a serious expression: "Segawa, didn't you just say we can't be reckless? How are you making such a decision instead?"
Shigure's expression remained unchanged as he said calmly: "Haven't you noticed that these Arrancar's attacks on us were somewhat suspicious?"
"Suspicious?" Hitsugaya's gaze flashed.
Shigure raised his eyes slightly, quickly explaining:
"From any perspective, if Aizen's goal really was to annihilate us, then he should have gathered all his forces together, not sent out a few people for scattered attacks like this."
"Moreover, among the enemies, there happened to be someone who could use 'labyrinth'-type obstructive abilities."
Hearing this, Hitsugaya's breathing hitched slightly, seeming to understand something.
Shigure's gaze swept across their faces: "Therefore, I deduce that Aizen's real purpose should be to delay our arrival time there, in order to complete another plan of his."
"So I can't wait any longer. I must head there now."
Hearing Shigure's explanation, Rukia and the others finally understood, instantly feeling chilled by the implications.
But even so, Rukia still stared intently at Shigure, saying very seriously:
"If that's the case, please at least... let me follow you!!"
Hearing this, Shigure looked over to see Rukia's gaze trembling somewhat but very determined.
At this time, Hitsugaya beside them also spoke up: "Going alone is still too dangerous. I can go with you too."
"Me... me too! I can go with Captain Segawa!"
Rangiku beside them also quickly spoke up.
After speaking, she quickly glanced at Ōmaeda: "As for taking care of Captain Soi Fon, just leave that to Ōmaeda!"
"Eh... eh?!" Ōmaeda was suddenly stunned.
Looking at everyone's expressions, Shigure's gaze moved slightly.
He naturally knew they genuinely wanted to help right now, but dealing with Aizen wasn't something you could help with just by wanting to.
Under Kyōka Suigetsu's effect, they might become people who would hinder Shigure, which would make originally simple battles become complicated instead.
After comprehensive consideration, Shigure still shook his head gently:
"Though saying this might sound somewhat arrogant, dealing with them... I alone am sufficient."
"If you come along, it will only make me have concerns."
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