Soul Society, within the Seireitei.
Under the night sky, Shigure quickly arrived outside the 1st Division barracks. Using Resonance Vision, he soon located Yamamoto's position.
Without any announcement, he walked straight inside.
The 1st Division guards and patrols were somewhat confused. But naturally didn't dare stop him.
After all, news of the final battle in the World of the Living had quietly spread throughout the entire Gotei 13.
Though no one openly discussed it, practically every squad member knew—
Segawa Shigure was the key figure who secured victory in that decisive battle.
After he passed, squad members whispered with shocked and reverent expressions:
"No way... feels like Captain Segawa's whole presence changed after returning from the battlefield..."
"Right? I feel it too... like he's become even more commanding."
"Hmm, isn't that just your imagination? I think Captain Segawa has always been like this..."
Meanwhile, Shigure reached the 1st Division courtyard and turned right. Passed through a corridor to a room entrance.
The injured Yamamoto was currently inside this room.
Shigure spoke in a moderate voice: "Head Captain, I've arrived."
After several breaths, Yamamoto's voice finally came through:
"Come in, Segawa."
Perhaps because the severe injuries from the decisive battle hadn't fully healed, his voice lacked its usual vigor. Carried a trace of weariness.
"Yes."
Shigure answered steadily. Then stepped forward and gently slid the door open.
The moment he entered, he immediately saw Yamamoto sitting on the cushion across from him.
Shigure's eyes moved slightly. The Head Captain looked very different from usual.
He wasn't wearing his captain's haori or Soul Reaper uniform. Instead, he wore linen-colored casual clothes with a pale purple cloth draped over them.
And at his left arm, the long sleeve hung empty from the shoulder—
In the Battle of Karakura Town, Aizen had used the Hōgyoku to create Wonderweiss Margela, who sealed Yamamoto's Zanpakutō, Ryūjin Jakka.
Then all its flames were released in an explosive burst.
To prevent other captains and the World of the Living from being affected by this flame explosion, Yamamoto used his own body as a shield. Blocking most of the fire's impact.
Afterward, he sacrificed his left arm. Releasing Hadō #96: Ittō Kasō, attempting to kill Aizen with it—but failed.
This was the origin of his now-missing left arm.
Whether psychological or not, Shigure suddenly felt that Yamamoto's figure seemed slightly hunched.
Yamamoto seemed to notice Shigure's expression. Seeing him standing in place, he said:
"Sit first, Segawa."
"Yes."
Shigure bowed his head slightly. Slowly walked to the cushion opposite him.
After a moment of silence, Shigure said:
"Head Captain, calling me here so quickly... are your injuries alright?"
Hearing this, Yamamoto's expression remained calm:
"Don't underestimate this old man, Segawa."
"Under Captain Unohana's healing, these injuries are nothing to me anymore."
"As for calling you here so quickly... it couldn't be helped."
Hearing this, Shigure lowered his head slightly.
He knew that without asking, Yamamoto would explain the reason himself.
Sure enough, after a moment, he slowly spoke:
"Segawa, I heard from Kyōraku and the others that you've sealed that unkillable traitor Aizen... within your own Zanpakutō. Is that correct?"
Hearing this, Shigure's expression didn't change. He nodded. "Yes."
He'd already deduced why Yamamoto summoned him. So naturally he wasn't surprised.
"Mm."
Seeing his confirmation, Yamamoto nodded. Then continued:
"Seireitei law stipulates: any criminal who commits unpardonable crimes such as treason, if captured, must be handed over to the Central 46 for judgment..."
"You should know this, correct?"
"Yes."
Shigure still kept his head slightly lowered. Answering with an unchanged expression.
Yamamoto raised his eyes slightly. Said calmly:
"Good. Then you should understand what I'm about to say."
With that, he paused briefly. Then suddenly produced a white envelope-like document from beside the cushion.
Shigure looked over. Written on it in black ink was the character "Secret."
Then Yamamoto looked at Shigure. His gaze deepening as he slowly said:
"This is a secret order recently transmitted by the Central 46's secret messenger."
"And its contents..."
"Concern the sages' dissatisfaction with your unauthorized sealing after the battle."
"They believe your actions seriously violated Seireitei law. So... they've instructed me to notify you to prepare for a subsequent 'consultation.'"
"They require you to provide a reasonable explanation that satisfies them."
Yamamoto's deep gaze fixed on Shigure as he spoke solemnly.
After listening, Shigure's heart stirred.
From Yamamoto's words, he could clearly tell the Head Captain stood on his side.
Because when mentioning "violating regulations" or "providing an explanation"—these accusatory phrases—he deliberately referred to the Central 46 as "they."
This indicated that on this matter, his position wasn't aligned with the Central 46.
Rather, he chose to stand with Shigure.
For Shigure, though expected, this completely put him at ease.
As long as the Head Captain still trusted him, then...
What came next would be very easy to handle.
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