The Seireitei's high-intensity combat readiness alert had lasted for over half a month.
Surprisingly, there was no movement from Hell.
The Shinigami responsible for patrols had worked themselves to the bone for over ten days, but in the end, they didn't even catch a glimpse of the enemy.
The Central 46 were not foolish; they knew this couldn't continue.
However, to guard against a potential sudden attack from Hell, they could only make the Shinigami of the Gotei 13 work hard.
But they didn't do nothing; facing a matter that could destroy the world, they still knew what was important.
They forcibly conscripted some of the nobles' private armies to assist the Gotei 13's operations.
At first, the nobles naturally strongly objected, even declaring:
"This is something for lower-class samurai to do. How can we disregard the safety of nobles' lives over such a minor matter?"
However, when the blade was truly held to their necks, these nobles' attitudes immediately did a 180-degree turn, becoming surprisingly agreeable.
As for how many people these nobles secretly hid?
Even if the Sages and Judges scratched their heads bald, it would probably be difficult to find out.
Ultimately, the Central 46 still gave each noble family a minimum requirement.
They were required to dispatch a certain number of family samurai, more or less depending on their rank, to complete the task.
Of course, these squabbles among the higher-ups had nothing to do with those referred to as "lower-class samurai."
Their daily lives were simple and regular.
Every day, besides eating and sleeping, they patrolled their assigned defense zones with their teammates.
Occasionally, they would invite some criminals attempting to take advantage of the situation to "enjoy tea" with the Gotei 13.
Even facing such a tense situation, their duty, in the name of protecting, had never changed in the slightest.
After a full day of standing guard in the defense zone, Zaraki couldn't help but yawn.
Although he knew the enemy could attack at any time, waiting endlessly like this was truly irritating.
He disliked performing such trivial and boring tasks the most.
Annoyed, Zaraki subconsciously scratched his head.
Then, he looked up at the gradually darkening sky.
Night was about to fall, and it would soon be time for the changing of the guard.
Perhaps he could find an opportunity to sneak out and fight the old man and that woman to the death?
It would be even better if he could meet Aozaki.
Yachiru seemed to visit the Aozaki Family often and was quite familiar with the place, so he would let her lead the way!
Thinking of this, Zaraki couldn't help but feel a hint of anticipation.
Just then, he suddenly widened his eyes, a ferocious smile appearing on his face.
In his excited gaze.
The sky, which had been gradually dimming, was now completely enveloped in a blood-red hue.
A massive, dark-red glowing gate had silently appeared in the sky at some unknown time.
This mysterious gate emitted a suffocating aura, as if leading to an unknown world.
On either side of the gate, two giant skeletal figures slowly pulled the gate open.
Crimson light surged from within the gate, spilling across the sky.
Accompanying that incredibly oppressive red light.
Led by a skeleton with one side of its body completely black, figures emerged from the gate one after another.
Among them were not only Shinigami but also monsters like Szayelaporro, whose Hollow holes were "distorted" outside their bodies.
Boom!!!
A profound Reiatsu, like an abyss, swept across the entire the Seireitei as if the sky were collapsing, bringing with it a heavy weight.
Zaraki listened to the rapidly vibrating bells in his ears, a huge grin spreading across his lips.
"Such Reiatsu... it's truly wonderful!"
He slowly raised his arm, wildly swinging his Zanpakuto.
His soul reaper uniform flapped loudly in the terrifying Reiatsu, echoing in his ears like a triumphant war song.
At this moment, the Shinigami in the Seireitei, upon feeling this powerful Reiatsu, all showed expressions of shock.
Such powerful Reiatsu, as if the entire world was about to be destroyed by this force.
Some weaker Shinigami couldn't even withstand this Reiatsu and collapsed directly to the ground.
The Captain of the Seireitei also looked at the gate with solemn expressions.
They knew that an unprecedented battle was about to begin.
And their opponents were the predecessors who had once protected the Soul Society!
Not far from the gate, Zaraki was incredibly excited as he watched the figures descend from the high heavens like meteors.
He craved battles with strong opponents, and these enemies clearly fulfilled his wish.
He swung the Zanpakuto in his hand and charged towards those enemies.
"...Is this the Seireitei of today? It's completely different from when we left back then!"
Among the dozens of figures who emerged from the Hell Gate, a long-haired man looked down at the entire the Seireitei as he fell, sighing with emotion.
"Uki, are you an idiot? When do you think we died?"
Next to Uki, the first Captain of the Tenth Division, was a small loli with purple twin-tails and an eye patch.
Saitō Furofushi, the purple-haired loli, rolled her eyes and said disdainfully:
"We died on the battlefield back then; everything was in ruins."
"Didn't Katori say it? The Seireitei started rebuilding not long after we died."
"After a thousand years, if the Seireitei was still the same, we might as well just kill all those useless noble administrators."
The elementary schooler waved her fist, saying fiercely.
"Heh heh... I, the old man, actually think it's not bad to be like before."
Saizō Sakahone narrowed his eyes, staring intently into the distance, and said with a strange laugh.
"But last time I was suddenly pulled over, I didn't get a chance to look closely. The changes are indeed significant, even the old friends."
"Yes, time spares no one. That brat now looks almost like me, the old man."
Another old man wearing fur agreed, who was indeed Nobutsuna Shigyo, the first Captain of the Seventh Division.
He scratched his head and grinned, saying:
"Fortunately, I still have hair."
"Does not having hair bother you?" Saizō Sakahone immediately realized the other party was subtly mocking him.
"You old geezers are just nostalgic! Who cares about those old guys from the old era?!!"
Saitō Furofushi said impatiently.
At this moment, a bald man with glasses seemed to discover something strange.
Entetsu Kumoi, the first Captain of the Ninth Division, rubbed his nose and asked in confusion:
"Speaking of which... although her appearance doesn't show it, Yachiru's changes seem quite significant."
Beside him, a muscular man with blue gauntlets and short brown hair, who was Danjirō Obana, the first Captain of the Fifth Divsion.
Hearing this, he paused and replied:
"Are you referring to her Reiatsu?"
The chubby kid with two small braids, who had just been arrogant, turned his head upon hearing their words, his face stiffening as he muttered in disbelief:
"Her Reiatsu, wasn't it unable to increase further a thousand years ago? What's with this intensity?"
"I wonder who will encounter Yachiru later."
Looking at the surprised expression of Uhin Zenjōji, the first Captain of the Twelfth Division, Katori muttered to herself, a slight smile on her face.
The others exchanged glances, tacitly shifting their gaze away from Unohana.
That madwoman… let whoever wants to go, go!
"Oh…"
The white-haired, dark-skinned youth exclaimed in surprise.
"The guy who should be here isn't! Is he afraid of me, this great lord!?"
There was a hint of dissatisfaction in his voice.
That guy who taken advantage of men and women in their Shihōin Family, he hoped he wouldn't catch him, otherwise that brat would suffer.
"Afraid of you? Don't forget your head was cut off last time!"
Saitō Furofushi scoffed disdainfully.
Her gaze towards Shihoin Chika was filled with contempt.
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