Chapter 68: Emergency Meeting
Emergency meeting! Emergency meeting!
The captains of the Gotei 13 had been summoned, in the middle of the night, for an urgent conference.
Due to the suddenness of the situation and the peculiar nature of the incident, attendance was not mandatory.
It was a temporary assembly — those unable to attend could be excused.
Even so—
"Calling everyone for a meeting at this hour… isn't that a bit much?"
With a tired expression, Fengqiao Rojuro raised his right hand, playing with the long strands of hair that fell over his shoulder.
"Staying up all night like this will ruin my hair's quality, you know?"
Hirako Shinji, wearing only pajamas with his captain's haori loosely draped over his shoulders, yawned and replied indifferently:
"Ah, don't be like that. If they called us at this hour, it must be something really important."
Trying to lighten the mood, Urahara Kisuke smiled, but immediately heard a teasing remark from Shihōin Yoruichi, standing beside him:
"It's not like this affects you anyway, does it? You'd stay up all night regardless."
"Ahahaha… that's a bit cruel. I prefer to call it 'research,' if you don't mind."
Behind them, a firm, impatient-looking man cracked his neck, producing sharp, dry sounds.
Muguruma Kensei wiped his mouth with his fist and spoke bluntly:
"Whatever. I just want to know why the hell we were called here at this hour."
Looking around, everyone seemed sleepy and irritable.
The only exception was an old man with long white hair and a thick beard, his eyes half-closed but his posture perfectly upright. He muttered in a stern voice:
"The duties of the Gotei 13 distinguish neither rank nor rest. If there is an urgent matter, it is only natural that we answer the call."
Not far away, Shihōin Yoruichi let out an amused chuckle:
"There he goes again with the grandpa speech~"
Urahara Kisuke gave her a wry smile and nudged her lightly, whispering:
"Hey, your voice is a bit loud… he's going to hear you."
"It's fine~ we're old friends, he won't get offended over a joke."
Kuchiki Ginrei sighed quietly, discomfort flashing across his face, but said nothing.
Though Yoruichi was younger, she was the head of one of the Four Great Noble Families — an equal in status.
To reprimand her would be impolite.
"Lady Shihōin, please mind your words."
"Sorry, Grandpa~ I promise I'll behave next time."
Even if reluctant, Ginrei let it go — diplomacy among nobles was always a tedious affair.
Suddenly, the door burst open.
A belated figure entered in a hurry, drawing every gaze toward him.
Feeling slightly awkward under all the stares, the newcomer smiled sheepishly.
"Ah… I'm late, aren't I?"
Tall, with a lean face and neatly cut short hair, the man carried a vigorous presence.
He was the Captain of the 10th Division — Shiba Isshin.
"No, actually, you're right on time."
Leaning casually against the wall, Aikawa Love raised a hand and pointed behind Isshin.
"The Head-Captain and Captain Unohana just arrived too."
With their arrival, the previously relaxed atmosphere instantly tightened.
Like a steel wire pulled to its limit, the air grew heavy and suffocating.
Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni ascended the platform calmly, leaning on his staff, and faced everyone.
A dry sound echoed as the staff struck the ground.
"The Captain of the 13th Division, Ukitake Jūshirō, is absent due to the worsening of his illness.
The Captain of the 8th Division, Kyōraku Shunsui, is taking care of him and will not attend either. Consider that noted."
"Again, huh…"
Most of those present wore expressions of resignation.
Ukitake's health had always been unstable, and even centuries of treatment from Unohana hadn't changed that.
Thinking of the teacher-student bond between him and the old commander, everyone sighed silently.
"That old guy worries too much about others…"
"Then, with all remaining captains present, I shall begin today's meeting."
"Hold on a moment."
Rojuro Otoribashi lowered the hand that had been twirling his hair and spoke, confused:
"The Captain of the 11th Division hasn't arrived yet, right? Did something happen to him?"
Beside him, Aikawa Love pushed up his white-rimmed sunglasses and answered heavily:
"That's exactly why this meeting was called, Rojuro… better to hear it directly from the Head-Captain."
Unaffected by the interruption, Yamamoto's gaze remained firm. No emotion, no hesitation — only pure authority.
"The reason for this emergency meeting lies in the conduct of the Captain of the 11th Division, Kiganjo, who violated Seireitei's internal orders and used his Bankai without authorization."
"As a result, part of the city was spiritualized — the affected area covered three city blocks."
"Casualties: thirty-six dead, including six officers of the 11th Division and two seated members."
"This incident is grave enough to demand immediate attention."
Thud!
The staff struck the floor hard, and a wave of spiritual pressure swept across the hall, making everyone tremble.
Yamamoto's Reiatsu surged like a vast ocean — calm on the surface, but terrifying in its depths.
Even that faint fluctuation was enough to make the most seasoned captains tense.
There was no doubt about it.
The old man was furious.
Even so, the other captains exchanged confused glances.
"Hmm… sorry to interrupt."
It was Urahara Kisuke who spoke, wearing his usual cautious smile.
"But… isn't that strange? A Bankai releases a massive amount of spiritual energy. There's no way none of us noticed it."
Indeed, it was abnormal.
Shinigami were spiritual beings — their Reiatsu was the very proof of their existence.
And Bankai was the ultimate expression of that power.
That was precisely why it was strictly forbidden to use it within Seireitei — to prevent chaos and destruction.
And yet, Kiganjo had somehow released his Bankai so discreetly that no one noticed?
It made no sense.
After all, he was known for his brute temper and impulsive nature — definitely not someone capable of delicate spiritual control.
Aikawa Love cleared his throat and explained:
"I don't understand the full details either. I was on patrol when I felt a massive burst of Reiatsu.
When I arrived at the scene… there was nothing left but destruction."
Urahara Kisuke furrowed his brows in thought and silently stepped back into place.
There were too few clues.
And no way to reach a definite conclusion.
⸻
(End of Chapter)
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