Back at Seireitei, both Kurotsuki Renya and Miyako Shiba returned to the 13th Division and reported what had happened.
"You said they were all dead?"
Shiba Kaien stared wide-eyed at Miyako and asked.
Miyako nodded and said, "That's right, I couldn't protect them properly."
Jūshirō Ukitake, standing nearby, spoke gently, "Your Zanpakutō was useless against that Hollow, and you couldn't defend yourself. It seems you suffered a lot of injuries. Don't dwell on it too much."
Miyako had indeed been wounded during the battle with Metastacia, carrying several gashes across her body, but she never once complained of pain on the journey back. Renya admired her willpower deeply.
Miyako looked at Renya and said, "If it wasn't for Renya's help, I would have died there."
Renya replied calmly, "I only happened to pass by."
Kaien shook his head and said, "Don't be humble. I'll thank you properly after this is over. But what should we do now, Captain?"
Kaien turned to Ukitake with the last question, and Ukitake responded, "You and Miyako should rest for now. I'll go investigate the matter personally."
"Then please, Captain," Kaien said, bowing.
Kaien walked over to Miyako and supported her. She blushed faintly and muttered, "Don't carry me."
Kaien smiled. "You're injured. I'll carry you anyway."
Miyako lowered her gaze, leaning reluctantly against Kaien's shoulder as he helped her out of the 13th Division barracks.
After they left, Ukitake turned to Renya. "Please take me to the site of the encounter."
"Of course," Renya replied.
He guided Ukitake to the place where they had confronted Metastacia, retracing the battlefield. Together they examined the broken terrain and the lingering traces of spiritual pressure, confirming that Kaien and Miyako's report had been truthful.
That was Ukitake's main purpose—to ensure there was no deception in their account. The matter was grave; the deaths of several Shinigami demanded thorough scrutiny.
"Alright. Let's head back," Ukitake said softly after completing his investigation.
Renya accompanied him back to Seireitei. Ukitake thanked him again before parting ways. Renya then returned to the 2nd Division headquarters. By the time he arrived, evening shadows stretched across the barracks.
The moment he stepped inside, a figure appeared in front of him.
"Why are you only just returning?"
It was Soi Fon, standing rigid, her expression sharp and unreadable. Her gaze made Renya uneasy.
Renya wondered if Soi Fon had already questioned the Onmitsukidō surveillance unit and discovered his movements. He had told Kaien and Miyako that he had only coincidentally passed by, so he needed to come up with a convincing explanation for her.
Before he could answer, Soi Fon's cold voice cut through his hesitation: "Come with me."
Renya followed her into her office. She sat immediately at her desk, fixing him with a piercing glare.
"You left with the Shibas," she began, "and then a report came in from the 13th Division. Everyone in their squad was killed except for Miyako. Tell me, what exactly were you doing there?"
Renya's mind raced. He couldn't tell if she knew the truth or not. He quickly said, "I wasn't involved in their deaths."
"Don't be ridiculous," Soi Fon snapped. "Of course you weren't the cause. I'm asking why you were investigating them in the first place."
Renya blinked, then asked cautiously, "Captain… didn't you check with the monitoring unit?"
Soi Fon frowned. "That unit is under your command. I won't overstep into their operations. But this incident isn't minor, so I'm asking you directly."
Relief washed over Renya. She didn't know the whole story, and she trusted him enough to ask plainly. He just needed to redirect the issue.
"I wasn't investigating the Shibas," Renya explained carefully. "I was investigating the Hollow itself."
"The Hollow?" Soi Fon tilted her head, curiosity in her expression.
Renya nodded. "Yes. I received a report days ago about a Hollow that rendered Zanpakutō abilities ineffective. It had already attacked many in Rukongai and killed several Shinigami. Such an ability has never been seen before. I wanted to learn more, but I couldn't interfere openly. Since the 13th Division is tasked with purification, I ordered surveillance on them—just in case they mobilized against the Hollow. When I learned Miyako was dispatched, I followed."
Soi Fon's eyes narrowed slightly as she considered this, then nodded. "So… a Hollow capable of nullifying Zanpakutō. That is no small threat. If more of its kind appear, the danger to Seireitei will be immense."
Renya scratched his head sheepishly. "That's why I told the 13th Division I had just happened to pass by on the way to the outer Rukongai. I couldn't let them know I discovered it through surveillance."
"That doesn't matter," Soi Fon said flatly. "You handled it well. You saved Miyako and eliminated the Hollow."
Renya smiled faintly. "As long as I'm not being punished for mobilizing the surveillance team."
Soi Fon met his gaze and said firmly, "If Seireitei is at risk, you may act without hesitation. You did well. Keep it up."
Pleased at her rare praise, Renya replied, "I'll continue to work hard."
But Soi Fon's stern tone returned immediately. "Are you injured?"
"No," Renya said with a small grin. "It wasn't too difficult. I handled it easily."
Her eyes hardened. "Don't be arrogant. If a Hollow exists that can suppress Zanpakutō abilities, then others with different dangerous powers may exist as well. Stay cautious."
Renya bowed his head. "Understood."
Soi Fon waved him away. "That's all. You may go."
Once outside her office, Renya let out a long breath. He had managed to conceal the truth once more.
No matter how close his relationship with Soi Fon grew, he could never tell her everything. For her, Yoruichi Shihōin would always come first, followed by her duties. Trust could only go so far when weighed against loyalty and responsibility.
Even if Renya ever replaced Yoruichi in her heart, the burden of these secrets was his alone to bear.
As he returned to his quarters, his thoughts turned dark. Did this mission draw Aizen's attention? Had he made a mistake?
Aizen was far too powerful—more than just his Zanpakutō. Kyōka Suigetsu's ability to hypnotize was terrifying, but Renya knew the 2nd Division's restrictions made it difficult for Aizen to directly use it against him.
Even so, Aizen's sheer power was overwhelming. He had stopped Ichigo's Bankai swing with a single finger, crushed the Kurohitsugi without incantation, and fought multiple captains alone. If Aizen discovered Renya's true role, there would be no escape—only death.
He clenched his fists. I must be careful. I may have stirred Aizen's suspicion this time. I'll have to remain quiet for now.
…
By noon the next day, Renya faced another figure.
"You're inviting me to your home?" he asked cautiously.
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