"Is there still no progress on the research into the anomalies within Seireitei?"
In the First Division, Captain Commander stood atop the Division's peak, which resembled a hanging temple, gazing at the anomalies occurring within Seireitei. A never-before-seen murderous glint appeared in his ancient eyes.
"We haven't yet clarified the specific situation. The only thing we can confirm is…"
Behind him, Akon's expression showed a hint of tension. Although he usually remained calm even when facing his own captain, standing before Captain Commander still made him somewhat nervous:
"The source of the current anomalies in Seireitei is very likely a Quincy. However, the one who caused these anomalies to manifest is Ishikawa, the owner of Everything Store."
Since the anomaly occurred, the Shinigami Research and Development Institute immediately reported the situation regarding 'a large number of Hollows being exterminated leading to an imbalance,' and also reported Ishikawa's involvement in resolving the issue.
Although Captain Mayuri initially wanted to suppress the news and report it after making adjustments in secret, no one expected that Ishikawa's intervention would make the situation so severe.
Of course, he wasn't blaming Ishikawa.
Because various signs already indicated that Seireitei's current anomaly had likely existed for a very, very long time. Now, Ishikawa's premature manifestation of this anomaly was undoubtedly a good thing for Seireitei, giving them time to react.
However, the Central 46 were the first to react to this disturbance.
As if they had been prepared all along, after the anomaly in Seireitei occurred, while the Gotei 13 were still unaware of what had happened, the Central 46 immediately issued an order to evacuate residents through secret communication channels. They even unprecedentedly opened the gates of the Central 46, allowing Seireitei residents to enter for shelter.
It was precisely because of the actions of the Central 46 that Akon decided to report everything from beginning to end.
As for why he made the decision, the reason was simple…
Shortly after the anomaly in Seireitei occurred, Captain Mayuri took Lieutenant Nemu and plunged into his laboratory, strictly forbidding anyone from disturbing him!
"However, although Ishikawa's unwitting actions prompted this incident, it is not Ishikawa's fault. In fact, for Seireitei…"
After Akon's report, he immediately explained, somewhat worried that Captain Commander might misunderstand that Mr. Ishikawa was responsible for the current situation.
"This, this old man knows very well."
Captain Commander interrupted Akon's explanation, causing Akon to immediately fall silent, his face subtly turning pale. He detected an unprecedented murderous intent in Captain Commander's words, making him feel a chill spread straight up his spine.
"Did Captain Mayuri leave any words before entering the laboratory?"
Akon hesitated upon hearing this, then said: "The Director didn't leave any words, but before entering the laboratory, the Director kept repeating one sentence… 'So you were hiding here, right under my nose.'"
He remembered clearly that the Director's expression at the time was extremely complex, with anger but also a sense of relief.
As for who the 'you' in the Director's words referred to, it was already self-evident given the current situation.
Captain Commander said nothing upon hearing this, but instead looked at the faintly visible buildings of Seireitei, sensing the gradually spreading Reishi fluctuations in the air. The moment he felt all of this, he already knew who the enemy was.
Although he didn't know how Ishikawa managed it, the current situation was undoubtedly a good thing for Seireitei.
If nothing unexpected happened, the Central 46's decision to open the ten-layered barrier of the council hall to receive residents should also have been a decision made by Ishikawa and his sworn elder sister. It could be said that he had already prepared for the subsequent handling before taking action.
The only thing that angered Captain Commander was…
He did all of this without informing him beforehand.
However, Captain Commander could understand this point.
Because from Akon's report, although Ishikawa vaguely sensed something, he didn't know the root cause or the exact time. He only learned about the situation with the help of the Shinigami Research and Development Institute.
And regarding the Quincy matter…
Kurotsuchi Mayuri had already foreseen the possible situation when the Ryoka Quincy, Ishida Uryū, invaded Seireitei, and had advised him, but he did not adopt his opinion, rejecting it on the grounds that he was being overly anxious.
Of course, the reason for the refusal was more because he disliked Kurotsuchi Mayuri's preventive measures. Paying such a heavy price for a situation that might or might not occur was simply not worth it.
Even though he was well aware that these sacrifices might allow Seireitei to gain a certain advantage.
Thinking of this, Captain Commander slightly lowered his gaze: "Do you have any idea how to resolve the current anomaly?"
Akon pondered for a moment, then said with a grave tone: "The situation currently occurring within Seireitei, after initial assessment, appears to be that Ishikawa, by some unknown method, forcibly pulled out the co-located space hidden within Seireitei and manifested it within Seireitei."
"But as for how this 'co-located space' was hidden, we currently have no clue. Furthermore, after our assessment…"
Akon paused, then finally mustered his courage and said: "Allowing this situation to continue is undoubtedly the best course of action. We have already immediately notified the Gotei 13 to station themselves in the blank areas common to both co-located spaces and establish positions in advance."
"As long as that unknown space fully manifests, we will be able to respond immediately. Before that… we have not yet found a way to help Ishikawa, nor can we infiltrate that space."
"In other words, the esteemed Gotei 13 can only stand by and wait for the enemy to come knocking, doing nothing until then?"
Captain Commander's words made Akon's face slightly pale. He opened his mouth, then finally remained silent.
Because…
They truly could do nothing.
Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep~!
Just then, a hurried ringing sound suddenly came from Akon's arms. Upon hearing this sound, Akon, regardless of whether it was rude or not, immediately pulled out a Denreishinki from his arms and connected it without permission.
Captain Commander offered no opinion on this.
During special times, there were naturally fewer formalities, and the Shinigami Research and Development Institute, which constantly monitored all developments, was undoubtedly an important source of intelligence.
"…I understand."
The communication was quick. Akon hung up after responding and reported the content:
"Due to Ishikawa, we have set up many collection instruments in Hueco Mundo. Although they are mainly concentrated around the 'Hueco Mundo Everything Store Branch' outside Las Noches, the collection instruments in Hueco Mundo also reported a lot of data simultaneously with the anomaly in Seireitei."
"Tens of thousands of strange Reishi fluctuations invaded Hueco Mundo and engaged in a confrontation with the Espada in Las Noches. And just now… according to the data reports, those strange Reishi fluctuations in Hueco Mundo have disappeared. The preliminary judgment is…"
"Hueco Mundo has achieved a phased victory in this invasion. The Shinigami Research and Development Institute is now trying to establish contact with Las Noches through the Everything Store's channels, hoping to obtain more relevant intelligence. However, perhaps due to the war having just ended, contact with the Hueco Mundo Everything Store has not yet been established."
"However…"
Akon paused, a strange glint in his eyes: "Urahara Kisuke in the Human World seems to have obtained some information and is transmitting some data to the Shinigami Research and Development Institute. However, to avoid interception or discovery by others, he used the Shinigami Research and Development Institute's confidentiality measures in the data, which is now being decrypted and analyzed."
"Decryption will take about three more minutes… We…"
Suddenly, Akon's voice abruptly stopped, and he looked up with a horrified expression.
Because at that moment…
An unprecedented aura suddenly spread throughout Seireitei. It was an abyss-like aura, and merely sensing it caused a strange shiver to run through one's very soul.
"This…"
…What kind of aura is this?
The shiver from the depths of his soul made it difficult for Akon to even speak, but he immediately realized what had happened.
That unknown force that attacked Hueco Mundo had very likely detected Ishikawa's actions and returned to the space co-located with Seireitei.
This made Akon worried for Ishikawa.
Because from the anomaly in Seireitei, it was clear that he had used some method, for example, by using those who exterminate Hollows in the Human World as a catalyst, to invade that 'co-located space.' To put it bluntly… he entered the enemy's base camp while the force hidden in Seireitei was invading Hueco Mundo and their rear was empty.
And now that the members of that force had withdrawn from Hueco Mundo, it meant the main force had returned…
Akon could think of this, and Captain Commander naturally could as well.
Moreover, he knew even better than Akon who the owner of that terrifying aura was, an aura that could be clearly felt even from a different space!
"Have all captains prepare for battle. Find a way to enter that space at all costs. If you cannot infiltrate it, then find every possible way to provide support to Ishikawa. You must ensure he leaves that space alive."
Captain Commander finished speaking, slowly opened his lowered eyelids, and looked directly at Akon: "This is not a request, but an order!"
"Yes."
"Also…"
Captain Commander paused: "Convey my order to Urahara Kisuke, ask him for assistance, and maintain contact with Urahara Kisuke, sharing all intelligence and countermeasures regarding this incident."
…
At the same time, the Shinigami Research and Development Institute.
"I should have said it, even if the Gotei 13 all die, don't disturb me!"
The Head of the Communication Technology Research and Radio Wave Measurement Department, Hiyosu, listening to the Director's cold voice from the communicator, couldn't help but swallow, but still mustered his courage and said: "W-we received data and images from U-Urahara Kisuke… Th-that…"
He originally wanted to ask if he should transmit it to the Director, but having followed Kurotsuchi Mayuri for so many years, he knew very well his Director's animosity with Urahara Kisuke. Anything Urahara Kisuke created, he would disparage, and then insist on creating something better…
And receiving help provided by Urahara Kisuke was even more of a humiliation for his Director!
When the sages of the Central 46 angrily criticized him for not being as good as Urahara Kisuke, his Director was in a state of extreme irritability for nearly a year.
The sound from the communicator paused, and indistinctly, the hurried breathing of suppressed anger could be heard. After a long while, Kurotsuchi Mayuri's chilling voice finally came through:
"Damn it, I said I should be the one to rebuild Las Noches."
It was unclear whether the 'damn it' in his mouth was aimed at Urahara Kisuke or Ishikawa.
Of course, it was more likely both.
However, after an angry complaint, Kurotsuchi Mayuri immediately said:
"…Now, immediately, transmit it to me!!!"
…
Buzz~!
Almost simultaneously with the appearance of that abyss-like aura, the anomaly in Seireitei suddenly came to a halt. Even the space that was gradually overlapping with Seireitei became illusory at that moment, as if some force was preventing the overlap between the two co-located spaces.
The stalemate was quickly broken.
The space overlapping with Seireitei rapidly became illusory, and the faintly perceptible aura became intermittent.
"Ishikawa…"
In various temporary positions throughout Seireitei, everyone involuntarily looked up.
At this moment, even without knowing the full details, they all vaguely realized that…
Ishikawa's situation might be extremely unfavorable!
Fourth Division position.
Unohana's expression was grave, lost in thought; behind her, Kotetsu Isane looked worried, her hands clasped tightly in front of her in a prayer-like gesture, her fingers pale from the force.
Second Division position.
Soi Fon calmly directed the Onmitsukidō to take action and set up positions, but her gaze occasionally swept into the distance. She didn't know where to look, only vaguely sensing that Ishikawa's aura, which permeated various parts of Seireitei, was gradually diminishing.
Similar situations appeared throughout Seireitei; some prayed, some worried, and some cast aside distractions, firmly fulfilling their duties and doing their best.
…
Within the pitch-black Schatten Bereich.
Ishikawa stood in place, looking up, the purple glow in his eyes, influenced by the Zanpakuto, had already dissipated.
Around him, ominous shadow flames continuously emerged, and figures possessing powerful auras gradually appeared, surrounding Ishikawa.
And directly above him, blue flames covering several kilometers, illuminating the entire area, burned fiercely, gradually bringing this space to peace.
The vibrations dissipated, the phantoms faded…
Everything silently returned to stability. As a chilling, soul-freezing killing intent permeated the air, the entire space became even more solid.
This was a blockade.
But Ishikawa, with the purple light receded from his eyes, a smile, a genuine smile, appeared on his lips regarding the current situation.
He succeeded!
And next…
It was about survival.
He had to leave here alive, no matter what. If he died here, everything he had done before would turn into nothingness like a bubble.
Only if he survived could Yhwach's actions be restricted, thereby forcing him, in a short time, to be unable to…
Personally lead a team to Hueco Mundo!
Although even if he died here, it wouldn't be without any gain.
The battle in Hueco Mundo could at least allow Seireitei to gain some intelligence about the enemy to a certain extent. This was also why Ishikawa didn't stop or secretly sabotage Urahara Kisuke, even though he knew Urahara Kisuke would tamper with things.
However…
They might have some countermeasures, but in a situation where they were preoccupied, Hueco Mundo would still face another invasion and be left isolated and helpless.
Therefore…
He must survive, and he must leave in the most perfect and absolutely victorious posture, at least on the surface!