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It was a special day, the birthday of the Eleventh Division Captain, the Eleventh Kenpachi, Aozaki Reiji.
Actually, birthdays didn't really matter to Aozaki Reiji. After all, he himself often forgot his own birthday.
But it was precisely on such a day, which meant nothing to him, that it held significant weight in the hearts of others.
A birthday not celebrated with others was just an ordinary day, but when too many people gathered, it was easy to feel both troubled and happy at the same time.
He woke up hearing Yoruichi's snoring. She was indeed too tired, so snoring was understandable, and besides, many people had already seen her in more embarrassing states.
But it had to be said, ignoring that faint snore, her sleeping posture was like a small cat, truly adorable.
Aozaki Reiji climbed out of the pile of people—this pile of people was the source of his trouble and happiness.
Glancing at the crowd behind him, no ripples could be stirred in his heart.
He was tired of it!
This thought only lasted about two seconds before being shaken out of his mind. He probably wouldn't ever get tired of this kind of thing in his life.
Casually putting on a yukata, Aozaki Reiji saw a Hell Butterfly flying in.
"May your auspicious day be blessed with joy. Kuchiki Kōga." A birthday greeting full of ancient charm, clearly sent by an old man who had lived for hundreds of years.
Someone other than his lover actually remembered his birthday, and that person was a man he wasn't interested in.
Kuchiki Kōga, the current Sixth Division Vice-Captain, also working as an informant under Aizen Sōsuke, with Aozaki Reiji being his superior.
Nominally, his direct superior was Yamamoto, but Yamamoto had no idea what this kid was up to.
This kid was usually quite diligent and responsible in his work, but Aozaki Reiji couldn't be sure about the accuracy of his information.
In any case, Kuchiki Kōga wasn't important right now, neither to him nor to Aizen Sōsuke.
Is this what they call currying favor with a superior?
But in movies and TV shows, shouldn't they normally send something?
No wonder he's only been a Vice-Captain after being a Shinigami for so many years.
As Aozaki Reiji was lost in thought, another Hell Butterfly flew in.
"The operation is about to begin. Don't miss it. This time, we'll really make them pay!"
"The great nobles are so rich. One Hell Butterfly isn't enough; they have to send messages in two parts."
Aozaki Reiji grumbled. He wasn't short on money now, but he still scoffed at such extravagance...
"But today really is a good day!"
...
Hundreds of miles away, in the underground outskirts of Seireitei.
Footsteps were steady and strong as the laboratory door was gently pushed open.
It was Tōsen Kaname, who could blend into the environment if it were any darker.
He even adopted a similar afro hairstyle, though it was unclear what Captain Rojuro Otoribashi's standing was in his heart.
It was very much not to Aozaki Reiji's aesthetic liking.
"Opportunities for Captain and Vice-Captain to be stationed in the Human World are rare. You should prepare yourself, Tosen." Aizen Sōsuke's voice was low and gentle, yet it sent shivers down one's spine.
"Is it too risky for Kuchiki Kōga to be solely responsible for this operation, especially since the target is..." Tōsen Kaname said, frowning suddenly.
That man was annoying. Although his emotions were much more stable than before, his arrogant and tyrannical personality still made him unlikable.
"No need to worry, someone will help him..." Aizen Sōsuke whispered.
...
The midday sun shone through the gaps in the leaves, scattering across the empty courtyard.
Kuchiki Kōga paused briefly, looking down at the wailing people fleeing in all directions.
A humanoid figure stood behind him, completely cloaked in black, with two sharp blades extending from his sleeves, their tips slightly lowered, with red drops of blood slowly falling.
More white-faced monsters crawled out of the pavilions, and Kuchiki Kōga no longer had time to direct them in an organized attack.
The fleeing people below were as helpless as he was before he was imprisoned. He hadn't done anything wrong then, but now he intentionally committed a great crime.
You want to destroy me? Then I'll destroy you!
Tsunayashiro Family, Elder's Council Chamber.
"Who are the invaders?" Tsunayashiro Tokukan glanced at the clock on the wall. "How long until the Gotei 13 arrives to provide support?"
The captain of the family's samurai knelt below, with the elders staring intently at him.
"They are Hollows, a group of Menos Grande with Vice-Captain-class Reiatsu attacked us." The captain lowered his head. "These Hollows look identical and possess strange abilities. We are unable to resist them."
"Moreover, we currently cannot request support from the Gotei 13; our messages cannot get through!"
"Strange abilities? What abilities? Explain clearly to this old man!" An elder said.
A group of beastly, lowly Hollows had actually invaded the Tsunayashiro Family's territory. They had lived for thousands of years and had never heard of such a thing.
Is Seireitei's Sakki Stone just for show?! Are the Gotei 13, who protect the nobles, a bunch of dead men?!
"These Hollows can enter and control the bodies of our guards." The captain said. "At first, the guards didn't pay them any mind, but by the time they realized their abilities, it was too late. The guards were caught off guard!"
The elders exchanged glances, clearly they too had never heard of such bizarre occurrences.
"Lord De Kang, someone from the branch family has arrived." Tsunayashiro Tamae quietly approached Tsunayashiro Tokukan and said.
"The branch family? At a time like this, what do they want?" Tsunayashiro Tokukan asked.
"They have also been attacked, and their family samurai's defenses have been breached. They are requesting to temporarily release that man and borrow the family's heirloom." Tsunayashiro Tamae said.
"That man?" Tsunayashiro Tokukan murmured.
He knew "that man" referred to Tsunayashiro Tokinada. The only strong individual the branch family could offer now was him.
The Main family was fine, protected by Captain-class Reiatsu experts, but the branch family now had very few Vice-Captain-class attendants left.
"They are willing to double their tribute for the next fifty years." Tsunayashiro Tamae continued.
This was a huge sum of money!
"Then temporarily release Tsunayashiro Tokinada, but he cannot leave the family territory." Tsunayashiro Tokukan said expressionlessly. "Also give him Enrakyoten; it is to be returned after the battle."
"How can this be? Enrakyoten is a treasure left by the Ancestor! How can fifty years of tribute be enough? At least a hundred years!" An elder immediately objected.
"The Tsunayashiro Family cannot be annihilated by a group of Hollows." Tsunayashiro Tokukan glanced at him. "Even the branch family cannot."
"Thirty years ago, our family was invaded deep into its territory, losing several Captain-class experts, which severely weakened us and made the family a laughing stock among the nobles."
Tsunayashiro Tokukan said coldly, "We cannot let other nobles laugh at us again. Send out all guards and death squads. We must kill these damned things completely!"
"After this matter is over, we will have the Central 46 convene a meeting."
"To be repeatedly invaded by enemies into the Tsunayashiro Family's territory, let them go and ask Yamamoto what is the use of raising those useless Gotei 13!"
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