The group stepped onto the road paved with spirit particles. After passing through the wooden door that glowed with white light, what entered their eyes was a vast, empty hall.
Numerous round pillars stood within the hall, supporting the palace. Teams of red-eyed people in black clothing stood guard.
These people were efficient in their movements and had cold, stern faces; it was clear they were elites who had undergone special training.
Seeing Kenma emerge from the Senkaimon, these Uchiha elites hurriedly bowed and quickly summoned the Uchiha elders.
Kenma looked at Setsuna and Kakkaku, who had rushed before him, and pointed to Amanai Riko and the maid behind her, saying, "These two girls will stay with your Uchiha clan for now. Settle them in properly; there must be no negligence."
The two elders respectfully accepted.
They exchanged a glance, a clear understanding in their hearts. For Lord Kenma to give such specific instructions, these two girls must be of significant importance.
Uchiha Setsuna's expression was slightly apprehensive as he spoke, "My lord, Portgas D. Ace, whom you brought back before, has asked to see you."
"Ace? What does he want?" Kenma asked.
"He did not elaborate. He wishes to tell you in person," Setsuna shook his head. "Upon learning of my lord's return, we hurried over to pay our respects. We happened to run into him on the way, and he came along with us."
"He is waiting at the entrance now. Does my lord wish to see him?"
Kenma nodded. "Then let him in."
He was also curious about what matter Ace had encountered that required him to say it in person.
Led by an Uchiha, Ace strode in.
His eyes lit up when he saw Kenma.
"Big Boss, you're back."
Ace's peripheral vision swept over the three new faces, and his gaze couldn't help but stop on Toji's dilapidated body, a look of surprise on his face.
'His body is in that state, yet he's still alive!'
'How strange.'
Kenma asked, "Ace, what is it you have to tell me?"
Hearing this, Ace's expression became unusually reserved. He scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed, and looked at the others in the hall.
"Um… can you have them step out for a moment? I want to talk to you alone. With others present, I feel a little awkward."
'Someone with your personality has things they feel embarrassed about?'
Kenma felt increasingly strange. After ordering the others in the hall to withdraw, only he and Ace remained in the empty hall.
"Speak now. What is it that could make you act like this?"
"Actually, it's nothing…" Ace gave an awkward laugh. "It's just… I was wondering if I could make a trip back to my original world."
Seeing Kenma's puzzled expression, Ace explained, "Actually… Yakumi, who stayed behind, came back once before during your wedding, Big Boss. He brought back some news from over there."
"I found out about my little brother, Luffy, from him. These past few days, I've been thinking if I could go over and see him."
As if remembering something, he immediately waved his hands, repeatedly making assurances.
"Of course, I know the rules. I'll just watch him from the shadows, I'll definitely not appear before him, much less reveal any information from our side."
After speaking, a blush appeared on Ace's face, as if he was very embarrassed.
Seeing him like this, Kenma chuckled to himself and asked, "Does Newgate know about this?"
"The old man knows, of course," Ace said. "I wanted to say it when you came over a few days ago, Big Boss, but at that time the old man and the others had regained their youth, and I was too excited and forgot about it."
"By the time I woke up from the banquet, I learned you had already gone to another world."
For the past two or three days, he had been waiting nearby.
When he saw the two Uchiha elders rushing over just now, he immediately guessed that Kenma had returned and had come along with them.
Hearing that Whitebeard had agreed, Kenma pondered for a moment, then nodded and agreed to the matter.
"You can. Go over there and keep Yakumi company. It'll prevent him from being too busy over there by himself."
Kenma had no use for Ace recently, so it was fine to let him go.
"Really?"
A happy expression appeared on Ace's face, and he was instantly thrilled.
Seeing Kenma nod again, he quickly composed his expression and bowed solemnly to Kenma.
But the thought of seeing his brother soon made it impossible to suppress the joy in his eyes.
"Big Boss, this request was rash of me. I am endlessly grateful that you agreed to my rude request."
Kenma continued, "Besides seeing your brother, you must also collect more Devil Fruits while you are there, and also the souls of strong individuals."
"Don't worry, Big Boss. I'll do my best to get it done," Ace quickly patted his chest, his words full of confidence.
After this period of training, he had successfully learned some of the standard Shinigami techniques.
Although he wasn't very good at fine-control things like Kidō, he could still use it, and he had no problems in other areas.
Seeing Ace so full of confidence, Kenma used their connection to check his physical condition.
In Kenma's senses, Ace's current spirit body was several times stronger than when he first arrived in the Soul Society. It was even able to support him in borrowing Kenma's spiritual pressure to instantly reach captain-level.
Even if he entered the Gotei 13, without borrowing power, some of the stronger seated officers would be no match for him.
'Not bad.'
Kenma nodded repeatedly, a satisfied look on his face.
'In that case, he could rest assured.'
He opened the spatial passage to the Pirate World and sent Ace through. The space automatically repaired and healed itself.
Kenma walked out of the palace and saw Shisui and the others waiting at the foot of the steps.
After giving some instructions to the Uchiha clan, he returned to the Seireitei with Shisui and Toji.
Toji's appearance at the moment was too frightening, and entering the Seireitei would inevitably cause a disturbance.
Shisui had also taken out an Uchiha clan robe for Toji to wear, temporarily covering his body.
When they arrived at the Seireitei, it was late at night.
The guard at the gate, who was usually alone, was suddenly joined by several other Shinigami today, and the inspection was much stricter than before.
Inside the Seireitei, there were also many more Shinigami squad members on patrol than usual, all with solemn expressions, their faces grave.
Feeling the heavy atmosphere that seemed to permeate the air, Kenma's brow furrowed slightly.
'Something must have happened in the Seireitei while he was away.'
"Shisui, Toji, I'll return to the Shihoin estate first to see what the situation is."
"You and Toji go to the Squad Twelve barracks. Have Mayuri Kurotsuchi and Urahara Kisuke restore Toji's body. As soon as you're done, return to the Shihoin estate immediately."
The spirit particle-proton converter that Urahara Kisuke had developed was already a success and could be put into use. However, the equipment was too bulky to be moved easily and could only be activated in the laboratory.
And although Mayuri Kurotsuchi's technology could regenerate the body, it was not very mature yet and required the person to go there in person for a series of supporting treatments.
Kenma had originally planned to go to Squad Twelve himself, but seeing the current atmosphere in the Seireitei, he decided it was better to understand the situation first to put his mind at ease.
"As you command."
Shisui could also sense the change within the Seireitei. Hearing Kenma's order, he immediately took Toji and headed towards Squad Twelve.
Kenma, on the other hand, used Shunpo and rushed all the way back to the Shihoin estate.
When the guard saw Kenma, he immediately said, "Lord Kenma, Lady Yoruichi left word that if we saw you, we were to inform you immediately. Lady Yoruichi has something to discuss with you."
"What is it?"
"Lady Yoruichi didn't say."
Kenma grew even more puzzled. He arrived at the courtyard where Yoruichi lived. Uchiha Mikoto, with a respectful expression, pushed open the door for him.
"Lord Kenma, Lady Yoruichi is waiting for you in the room."
After he entered, Mikoto pulled the wooden door shut with a soft sound.
Inside the room, candles were lit, making it bright.
Kenma glanced around, only to find the room empty. Yoruichi's figure was nowhere to be seen.
Just then, a slight, strange movement came from the bed.
Kenma looked over. A cat with entirely black fur poked its head out from the bedding.
The cat's yellowish-brown eyes looked at Kenma. It opened its mouth and let out a soft cry.
"Meow~"
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