Chapter 3: Zanpakutō "Ryugetsu"
"Exploring Hueco Mundo?"
At Captain Shunsui's words, Mizuma fell silent, brow twitching in disbelief.
"Leaving aside why this is even necessary… even if someone had to do it, wouldn't that be the Thirteenth Division's job? Why is it being dumped on me?"
"Well now," Shunsui sighed, exhaling a lazy puff of smoke, "the Thirteenth Division doesn't have infinite manpower. Hollows have been unusually active lately, and they've already sent every available officer out on missions. Even Ukitake's been running himself ragged trying to plug the gaps."
"That…" Mizuma grimaced. "Is Captain Ukitake even okay…?"
Just picturing that frail man—who looked like a breeze could knock him over—made his lips twitch. "Alright, Captain. Please continue."
"A few days ago," Shunsui said, his tone sharpening, "a Garganta appeared in the 72nd District of South Rukongai—an unstable one that refuses to close. Dozens of Hollows have already poured through, wreaking havoc among the residents. Reports from the 13th say the Hollows coming through are getting stronger and stronger—some nearing Menos Grande levels. We can't afford to ignore it."
"I see…" Mizuma frowned.
So this wasn't part of the original plotline.
Lisa's mission—the disappearances of Soul Reapers—was obviously Aizen's doing. Only he would have both the motive and the means. But since Urahara had only just established the Shinigami Research and Development Institute, and the Visored incident was still a ways off, Lisa was under narrative protection. No need for him to interfere there.
But this open Garganta in Rukongai? That was new.
"The Research Bureau's still trying to figure out a way to close it," Shunsui continued. "Progress is slow, so we need someone to go in and take a look."
Now his voice grew serious. "You know where that portal leads. Hueco Mundo is nothing like the Human World or Rukongai. It's far more dangerous. But with both Ukitake and Kaien tied up in other incidents, we can't risk sending a regular officer."
"Wow, so it's fine to risk my life instead?" Mizuma wiped at his dry eyes with mock tears. "What tyranny, Captain! This is blatant oppression!"
"The reward is two years' salary."
"…Why didn't you start with that?" Mizuma slammed the table. "Time? Place?"
Shunsui chuckled. "See? I knew you'd be reasonable. Besides, this kind of thing suits your skillset perfectly."
He reached into his coat, producing a thick envelope and passing it over casually. "Same as Lisa—you leave today. The Research Bureau has a team waiting in the 72nd District. They'll brief you."
"Understood."
Mizuma accepted the envelope without a word, weighing it in his hand. The weight made his eyes narrow in satisfaction.
"Same as before, right?"
"Of course. No mistakes this time."
With Shunsui's approval, Mizuma gave a small laugh, lay down on the floor, one hand resting lightly on his Zanpakutō.
He whispered:
"Sever… Ryugetsu."
A flash of blue light.
When it faded, there were two Watanabe Mizumas standing in the room—perfect duplicates of each other.
"The real one's in your care, Captain," said the standing Mizuma. "I'll be back soon."
---
Zanpakutō: Ryugetsu
A Kidō-type Zanpakutō. Its Shikai command: "Sever, Ryugetsu."
Officially, its ability consumes all of the user's Reiryoku to create a physical duplicate of themselves. During activation, the real body falls into deep sleep. The clone can act independently, and any injuries or death it suffers are not transferred to the user. However, if the clone is destroyed by external force, the user's Reiryoku is completely drained.
That's what the records in Central 46's archive say.
But the truth?
That's only a cover story.
Ryugetsu's real power is Temporal Interference.
The "clone" is actually a manifestation of the user's past self—usually from one second ago. Mizuma doesn't fall asleep at all; that part's just a clever bit of acting. In reality, there's no difference between "original" and "clone." Whichever one dies, the other becomes the "real" Mizuma.
That's the nature of time-based abilities—capricious and absolute.
Of course, he kept the truth hidden. Whether it was from the Wandenreich, Central 46, or Aizen himself—exposure would only bring trouble.
A harmless Kidō specialist ranked Fifth Seat…
That's the perfect disguise.
So go ahead—underestimate me all you like.
---
It took Mizuma a short while to reach the 72nd District of South Rukongai. Several powerful reiatsu signatures acted as landmarks, guiding him toward his destination.
Breaking through a grove of trees, he saw it: a yawning, black void hovering in the sky.
Around it, members of the Research Bureau were setting up all sorts of bizarre instruments.
At the center stood a blond man in a white haori, currently locked in a heated argument with a furious, short-haired girl.
Urahara Kisuke. Sarugaki Hiyori.
Both the Captain and Lieutenant of the Twelfth Division were present.
"SO—WHAT—I'M—SAYING IS!" Hiyori's voice exploded across the clearing. "Just let me go in and check it out! What the hell are you waiting for!?"
"No, no, this Garganta is behaving abnormally," Urahara replied, scratching his head nervously. "Charging in could be extremely—"
"When the hell are you not delaying, you bald bastard!?"
"I told you, backup's on the way—ah, Fifth Seat Watanabe! You finally made it!"
Spotting Mizuma, Urahara all but tore himself free from Hiyori's grip and rushed forward, grabbing his hand like a man clinging to salvation.
"No time to waste, let's begin immediately!"
Mizuma exchanged nods with a few familiar technicians, then turned to the disheveled, half-bald Urahara, silently observing him for a long moment.
He'd stopped along the way to complete a few small side-quests—helping a cat down from a tree, assisting an old lady across the street—nothing major. But judging by Urahara's state… had his delay caused this?
…No, surely not. Absolutely not.
"I've already been briefed by the Captain," Mizuma said, bowing politely. "I'm currently in 'active ability' mode. Please tell me what needs to be done."
"Right this way, Watanabe Fifth Seat."
Urahara led him to a large device positioned directly beneath the Garganta.
"The Research Bureau took readings earlier, and the results were… quite surprising. Take a look."
Mizuma glanced at the instrument panel. A jumble of indecipherable readings flickered on the display.
"This Garganta is expanding over time," Urahara explained, "and it can't be closed from our side. We didn't understand why at first, but now we have a theory."
"Go on."
"We've detected multiple Hollow spiritual signatures within the Garganta—some of Menos-class strength. It's likely that one or more of them are maintaining the portal, using it to send troops into Soul Society."
"So… this might be an invasion?"
"Or an experiment. Who knows?" Urahara shrugged, handing Mizuma a bizarre-looking helmet. "Either way, we need answers."
"Agreed." Mizuma nodded.
"There could be Menos-level Hollows on the other side," Urahara continued. "Ordinary officers can't risk it. That's why we need you."
He helped Mizuma fasten the bulky headgear. "This is a new communication device that can transmit across a Garganta. Still in prototype phase—can't exactly shrink it down yet. Please keep it on to stay in contact."
"Got it. I'll head out."
Mizuma tapped the helmet—an uncanny resemblance to Professor X's Cerebro—and adjusted the fit. He gave a casual wave to the team below, then leapt into the air and dove headfirst into the Garganta.
Immediately, a familiar digital chime echoed in his mind.
[Limited-Time Quest]
[Quest 1: Eliminate 10 or more Hollows during this Hueco Mundo expedition.]
[Reward: +4 Free Attribute Points]
[Quest 2: Uncover the truth behind the Garganta.]
[Reward: "Special Item from Another World"]
"Well, well… looks like there's an unexpected bonus."