Stepping out of the Shihōin Clan's Senkaimon, Kensei Kenzuru found himself back in the familiar expanse of Hueco Mundo. Surveying the endless, identical white sand all around, he couldn't help but sigh.
"Choosing a delivery address for the Tsunayashiro Clan... not an easy task." Kensei rubbed the corner of his eye. "It can't be noticed by Baraggan, and it'd be best if it could also give the Tsunayashiro a headache..."
Just as Kensei was pondering, a familiar spiritual pressure was rapidly approaching from the distance.
Boom!
The familiar meteor-like landing. Nelliel's tall figure appeared before Kensei, her eyes carrying a mix of curiosity and concern. "You're back? It's dangerous to come alone."
As she spoke, Nelliel moved closer, sniffing the air. "Your scent is clearer than last time."
"Work demands." Kensei spread his hands helplessly. "I'm looking for a place right now."
He then explained his requirements to Nelliel. After thinking for a few seconds, she pointed in a certain direction. "Over there. A place few Hollows go."
Kensei's eyes lit up. "Sounds good. Is it far from here?"
"On foot, very slow." Nelliel said, naturally bending down to reveal the elegantly curved line of her antelope-like back. "I'll carry you."
Kensei blinked. "This... isn't really appropriate, is it?"
Even as he said this, his body had already taken two honest steps forward.
"It's fine." Nelliel shook her head. "Your scent is very... comfortable."
Kensei couldn't shake the feeling that Nelliel saw him as some kind of pet. He couldn't smell the scent she was talking about. Could he be catnip or something?
Smoothly mounting Nelliel's back, Kensei gently placed his hands on her sides. Feeling the soft fur of her back, he had the distinct sensation of riding a big horse.
"Hold on tight."
After a simple reminder, Nelliel's four hooves pushed off, her whole form transforming into a streak of light as she shot forward. Coupled with the occasional Sonído, their speed was indeed incredibly fast.
"Has anything happened in Hueco Mundo recently?"
Since he'd run into an acquaintance, Kensei felt he should get an update on the situation in Hueco Mundo. Once he was done dealing with the Tsunayashiro Clan, he'd have time to come play here.
"The Skull-head has been lying low lately, no more movements." Nelliel tilted her head. "But some Hollows have been disappearing recently. Not disappearing after being devoured, but vanishing quietly."
Kensei's heart stirred. Baraggan had been low lying, yet Hollows were disappearing silently. That style... wasn't it that pink-haired pervert's?
"Nelliel, be careful recently. Especially around pink-haired Hollows."
Kensei reminded her seriously. Even though Nelliel was a Vasto Lorde-class Menos, Szayelaporro Grantz had too many strange methods. Besides, that pervert probably hadn't split himself in two yet, so his power hadn't decreased.
Nelliel didn't quite understand, but she nodded. "Mmm, I'll remember. Thanks for the warning."
They chatted intermittently as they traveled. As Nelliel moved, the surrounding terrain began to change.
Towering rock pillars became more numerous, forming a natural labyrinth. The air was filled with chaotic spiritual particles, carrying a subtle sense of oppression.
Finally, Nelliel stopped at the edge of a basin surrounded by rock pillars.
"This is the place."
Kensei jumped down from Nelliel's back, carefully observing the area: an open basin capable of accommodating the Tsunayashiro Clan's main estate area. Moreover, no Hollows would come here to disturb.
"This is perfect!" Kensei nodded with satisfaction. "Thanks, Nelliel."
"As long as you like it."
Even though she didn't know what Kensei planned to do, Nelliel could sense his happiness.
Kensei used Kūkon to mark the center of the basin and four surrounding points with his Hiraishin markers, simultaneously recording the spatial data.
Good thing Urahara had given him the required distances between the points beforehand. Otherwise, mistakes might have occurred, preventing the complete transfer of the Tsunayashiro estate.
"All done." Kensei withdrew his hand, turning to Nelliel with sincerity. "I really owe you one this time, Nelliel. I don't know how long I would have searched otherwise. I'll repay this favor later."
Nelliel shook her head. "No need. You smell good. You're a friend."
Kensei's expression turned strange. He quickly pushed the familiar "friend, tasty" phrase out of his mind, waving goodbye to Nelliel. "I need to head back. Got a lot to do recently."
"Be careful on your way."
Nelliel waved as well, watching Kensei disappear from sight before slowly leaving herself.
Central Laboratory, Department of Research and Development.
Urahara Kisuke, with heavy dark circles under his eyes and messy hair poking out from under his hat, was muttering to himself in front of a light screen displaying complex data and a three-dimensional model. His fingers flew across the equipment's keyboard.
Beside him, Mayuri Kurotsuchi was equally "excited", faint bloodshot veins visible in his pupils. Yet, the corners of his mouth held a near-fanatical grin as he carefully injected a test tube filled with blue liquid into the core interface of a pillar.
Tessai Tsukabishi and Hachigen Ushōda felt their throats were about to go dry. They had to explain spatial principles to both Urahara and Mayuri, and also periodically chant Kidō incantations, applying them to the pillars to ensure the device's effectiveness.
"Am I late?"
Kensei's figure once again appeared silently in the laboratory. Sadly, he didn't startle the deeply focused group.
Without turning his head, Urahara simply stretched out a hand. "Coordinates."
Kensei tossed over a small crystal recording the spatial parameters.
Urahara caught it precisely, inserting it into the console. The light screen immediately displayed the anchored coordinate points and detailed environmental analysis data of the surrounding area.
Quickly scanning the data on the screen, a look of relief finally appeared on Urahara's tired face. "Good. Now we have the most crucial data as well."
Mayuri beside him also glanced at the data and snorted. "The location is barely acceptable. Well then, final adjustments can begin."
Urahara didn't reply, merely speeding up his movements.
"How's the progress? Can it be completed on time?"
"The main bodies of the four Boundary Transfer Pillars are complete. The required Kidō has also been inscribed." Urahara pushed up the brim of his hat. "Now we just need to perform the final adjustments and calibration based on the coordinates you provided. They will be ready for use by noon tomorrow at the latest."
"Then I'll go notify Kensei and the others, have them keep an eye on these pillars when the time comes."
Kensei's figure flickered. Ukitake-senpai was often ill; better to have him command from the rear, lest he coughs up more blood from fighting than he loses from injuries.
As for the heavy lifting... let Kyōraku-ojisan handle it. There's no way this junior should be working this hard while he enjoys life.
Meanwhile, in the shadows on the other end of the Seireitei, deep within the Tsunayashiro main family's underground laboratory...
With continuous personnel adjustments, the synchronization rate between the experimental product and Ikomikidomoe had risen considerably.
Tsunayashiro Jin stood on the observation platform, his fingers tracing the cold blade of Enrakyōten, a light of ambition flashing in his eyes.
"Two more days..."
He murmured to himself, the corners of his mouth twisting into a ferocious grin.
***
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