"Seat Six Makiya's Shikai is closely linked to Reishi. My Kyoka Suigetsu can only deceive the five senses; it cannot confuse his perception of Reishi information. If the Reishi fluctuations nearby are abnormal, Seat Six Makiya will seize the opportunity." Aizen looked toward Gin Ichimaru with a pointed gaze. "Gin, do you want to try?"
"Unfortunately, Lord Aizen, my Zanpakuto is a direct-attack type. It doesn't have the ability to sense Reishi," Gin Ichimaru replied with a smile.
The words of these two foxes, one large and one small, were hard to distinguish between truth and lies. Kaname Tosen followed behind holding his severed arm, deep in thought after hearing Aizen's words.
'So he sensed the Reishi fluctuations? Makiya, for the grudge of this severed arm, I will definitely pay you back twofold!'
His arm remained mostly intact. Once he returned, it could be reattached using Kaido. Although it might affect flexibility and strength, it would avoid the possibility of exposure and wouldn't interfere with Lord Aizen's plans.
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"As long as it's something composed of Reishi, Chisato can control it. Of course, if the opponent resists strongly, controlling it becomes very taxing."
Within District East 24, Makiya was explaining his ability to Captain Shinji.
He was definitely holding something back. Chisato's true ability was too heaven-defying, and the nobles of the Soul Society weren't exactly broad-minded.
"You brat, you sure hid it well. Even I was fooled by you." Shinji Hirako grabbed Makiya's head and said fiercely, "Could you already achieve Shikai a long time ago? To think you have such terrifying Reiatsu. If you wanted to slack off, just say so! It's not like I would've forced a promotion on you."
The Captain of the Second Division, the dark-skinned beauty Yoruichi Shihoin, looked at Makiya thoughtfully. Kisuke Urahara leaned over to the prone forms of Kensei Muguruma and the others, pulling out equipment from nowhere to begin his research on the spot.
Then, he was chased away by Retsu Unohana.
Faced with Retsu Unohana's gentle smile, Kisuke Urahara very obediently put away his equipment and retreated to the side to study the ordinary souls that had turned into monsters.
'It's actually Hollowification...'
Kisuke Urahara was internally shocked. Today's situation was identical to his own research results on the Hogyoku. Clearly, someone else was conducting the same research, and that person was even more insane, using thousands of ordinary souls and captain-level Soul Reapers for experiments.
'However, Kensei and the others are in good condition. Their soul bodies are complete and clean. Makiya's Shikai might be the catalyst for the Hogyoku to take another step forward...'
Kisuke Urahara began to turn his clever mind, thinking of how to poach someone from Shinji's side.
The Technical Development Department needed a talent like Makiya!
The infection was still spreading. The other captains led their members to suppress it in different areas, rushing and fighting throughout District 24.
After Makiya's report, they already knew they couldn't afford to be injured. They were somewhat constrained during combat, but fortunately, the monsters had no intelligence and only possessed brute strength.
Makiya was the only involved party who remained conscious. He claimed to have been fighting an invisible enemy, but the witnesses were all unconscious. Until Kensei Muguruma and the others woke up, Makiya would have to stay at the Second Division for a few days.
"On what grounds?" Shinji Hirako looked displeased. "If Makiya hadn't notified us in time, the situation would have been countless times worse. Now you want to send the hero to jail?"
"It's not jail." Yoruichi Shihoin stood with hands on her hips, correcting Shinji. "It's staying at the Second Division barracks for a few days while waiting for the investigation results."
"What's that? How is that any different from jail?"
"How is it not different..."
Shinji Hirako and Yoruichi Shihoin bickered back and forth. On the other side, Kisuke Urahara stealthily pulled Makiya aside.
He glanced at Shinji and, seeing that he wasn't being noticed, whispered, "Seat Six Makiya, are you interested in developing your career in the Twelfth Division?"
Makiya shook his head. "I appreciate Captain Urahara's kindness, but Captain Shinji treats me well. I have no intention of changing divisions."
"Is that so? That's a pity." Kisuke Urahara looked a bit disappointed.
"However..."
Makiya's words lifted Urahara's spirits. "Captain Urahara is interested in my Shikai's ability, right? That's fine. I can go to the Technical Development Department in my spare time to assist you, but I have one small condition."
"What condition?"
"Chisato has a bellicose nature and longs to break her limits through battle." Makiya scratched his head, looking troubled. "I hope Captain Urahara can provide a combat area and worthy opponents."
"An arena and opponents?" Kisuke Urahara subconsciously glanced at Yoruichi before saying generously, "No problem. So, is it a deal?"
"Deal!"
"Hmm?" Yoruichi Shihoin, sensing something, appeared beside Kisuke Urahara with a Shunpo. She grabbed him by the collar, tucked his head under her arm, and pressed her knuckle against his temple, twisting it. "You fellow, are you thinking about something bad again, huh?"
"Ahhh!!! I'm going to die, I'm going to die!!!" Kisuke Urahara struggled desperately, but even with all his effort, he couldn't break free from the combined lock of her armpit and chest. Goddess of Flash Yoruichi was indeed terrifying.
"My, my, those two still have such a good relationship." Shinji Hirako walked over to Makiya, his golden bangs swaying. "Don't worry, you're just staying at the Second Division temporarily. Captain Yoruichi won't make things difficult for you."
"Thank you, Captain Shinji," Makiya said with sincere gratitude.
"No need for unnecessary words." Shinji waved his hand dismissively and turned to leave, intending to find Aizen.
The cleanup continued. Makiya was taken back to the Seireitei by Yoruichi Shihoin and moved into a detached room within the core area of the Second Division barracks.
He could feel several powerful Reiatsu signatures hidden around him. Yoruichi's own bedroom was also not far away.
Makiya didn't mind. He settled in obediently, sitting cross-legged on the bed to begin Jinzen.
Kensei Muguruma, Mashiro Kuna, and Heizo Kasaki were taken back to the Fourth Division barracks by Retsu Unohana for further treatment. Kisuke Urahara followed closely behind, and only after repeatedly promising not to cause trouble was he allowed into the infirmary by the gentle woman.
A day later, Kensei Muguruma and Mashiro Kuna regained consciousness. Three days later, Heizo Kasaki and the other two woke up. Their testimonies perfectly matched Makiya's account. Makiya was released and returned to the Fifth Division.
The 'invisible enemy' had to be pursued. The Eighth Division Captain Shunsui Kyoraku, who slacked off all day, was handpicked by the Head Captain and forced to take on the task.
One day, while Makiya was training in his quarters, he suddenly heard a call.
"Hey, Makiya." Heizo Kasaki and the other two poked their heads through the doorway. After looking around to make sure Shinji Hirako wasn't there, they slipped into the room.
"You guys were actually released? Does Captain Unohana know?" Makiya was surprised.
Because they had been tainted by Hollow power, the Seireitei's opinion on their disposal was conservative. They had to ensure their soul bodies were completely clean before they could move freely. Makiya was worried they had sneaked out.
Be careful, or Hanako might cut you down.
Retsu Unohana hid herself too well. Many newcomers thought she was a harmless, gentle lady. On normal days, they often looked down on the Fourth Division, and ignoring doctor's orders was a common occurrence.
"Of course. We were checked inside and out countless times. It nearly drove us crazy."
"Let's go, let's go. The food in the Fourth Division is too terrible. Let's get a drink. I heard the izakaya in District South 31 has some very beautiful oirans."
Shinobu Eshima and Tōdō Gizaemon grabbed Makiya from both sides and tried to drag him out.
"Wait, wait." Makiya broke free, smoothed out his messy Shihakusho, and said seriously, "I have an appointment with Captain Urahara. I really don't have time today."
Shinobu Eshima scratched his head. "Then what about tomorrow?"
"No time tomorrow either."
"The day after?"
Makiya covered his face. "For a short while, don't invite me to drinking parties."
Shinobu Eshima froze, looking shocked.
"You fellow." Heizo Kasaki angrily grabbed Makiya's collar. "I heard at the Fourth Division that you've suddenly become frighteningly strong. What? Now that you're powerful, you're looking down on your old friends?"
"I just don't want to waste any more time." Makiya brushed aside Heizo Kasaki's hand, his voice calm. "Greatness is earned for oneself. Compared to those with mediocre talent, I am already very lucky. I wasted too much time before; now I must make amends."
Makiya walked to the door and paused briefly. "Perhaps in a hundred years, I'll still drink and boast with you guys. But not now. Sorry."
With that, Makiya vanished with a Shunpo.
Heizo Kasaki and the others looked at each other, speechless for a long time.
A moment later, Heizo Kasaki suddenly waved his hand. "That guy Makiya is just trying to look cool. Fine, let's forget the drinking. Let's go train."
Shinobu Eshima followed behind, nodding in agreement. "I feel like my Rei-i has increased recently. I wonder if it's just my imagination."
"I have the same feeling."
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