The morning light trickled down as the guard of the Maggot's Nest, having finished his night shift, let out a small yawn.
The atmosphere in the Seireitei had been exceptionally tense over the past two days, causing their own moods to fluctuate along with it.
Captains undergoing Hollowfication, declaring war on the Quincies, wanted posters plastered across every main street of the Seireitei and the Rukongai.
In contrast, things were actually much quieter here at the Maggot's Nest.
Not many new people had been brought in—just Unohana Retsu.
It seemed this was the first time a captain-level figure had been locked up here.
Fortunately, she stayed quietly in her cell, neither noisy nor troublesome. She ate her meals on time every day, and after eating, she would close her eyes to rest, hardly causing them any trouble.
The guard on duty today leaned against a concealed spot near the entrance, observing the surroundings.
Not long ago, a blue-haired weirdo had just visited. He was reportedly a newly appointed researcher of the Twelfth Division, coming to take a few inmates to assist with his experiments.
His paperwork was in order, so after the guards verified it, they naturally let him through.
It was just that the guy was muttering to himself as he left, saying things like "The position of the first director is mine," which left the guard feeling rather baffled.
While he was lost in thought, the sound of footsteps rang out again.
The guard looked up toward the end of the corridor and instinctively straightened his posture, his breathing becoming cautious.
Yamamoto Shigekuni, the Head Captain of the Gotei 13, was standing at the entrance to the Maggot's Nest.
Sasakibe Chojiro stood half a step behind him, his expression stern.
At Sasakibe's signal, the guard emerged from the shadows and dropped to one knee to salute the two men.
"Which cell is Unohana Retsu being held in?"
"The deepest solitary cell. After entering the inner section of the Maggot's Nest, go straight down the corridor to the end, turn right, and it is the third iron gate."
Yamamoto nodded and strode forward, with Sasakibe following closely behind.
The guard stood frozen in place, watching the two walk into the Maggot's Nest, only one thought remaining in his mind.
'What could possibly warrant the Head Captain personally making a trip to the Maggot's Nest?'
In the deepest cell, Unohana opened her eyes upon hearing the sound of the walking cane.
Yamamoto stood before the iron bars.
Separated by a row of iron bars as thick as a wrist and the faint glow of sealing Kido, the two people who had known each other for a thousand years locked eyes for a moment.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of the Head Captain's visit?"
Unohana spoke first, somewhat curious about the purpose of Yamamoto's arrival.
"Hasumi Ren has defeated Kiganjo and become the new Kenpachi."
Yamamoto got straight to the point, and his words made Unohana's fingers twitch involuntarily.
Her eyes widened, and her lips parted slightly as if she wanted to say something, but no words came out.
It took several seconds before she finally spoke, her voice half a pitch softer than before.
"Is that so? That is indeed unexpected... What exactly happened?"
"Hasumi Ren defeated a Bankai-wielding Kiganjo head-on using Zanjutsu. The entire Eleventh Division and multiple captains witnessed it with their own eyes. He is indeed stronger than Kiganjo."
"The title of Kenpachi has already been passed to him, and his captain's haori will be ready in a few days."
Yamamoto paused.
"You've raised a fine seedling."
Unohana did not reply.
She lowered her eyelids as if recalling something, a very faint smile gracing the corners of her lips.
Yamamoto noticed Unohana's expression; it seemed she was quite satisfied.
"There is another matter. Kurotsuchi Mayuri has locked onto the Quincies' hideout, and the entrance to the Shadow Realm will soon be opened."
"With Hasumi Ren taking over the position of Kenpachi, the Fourth Division lacks a leader. With a major war imminent, the Gotei 13 needs someone capable of holding down the rear."
Yamamoto raised his cane and lightly tapped the lock on the iron bars.
"Unohana, the Seireitei needs you now."
"Head Captain, have you cleared me of suspicion?"
"We just needed to go through the formalities. I naturally know your character. You don't need to pay any mind to Central 46; official business takes priority."
Yamamoto raised his hand and exerted a slight bit of force, directly crushing the lock.
The iron gate creaked open.
Seeing this, Unohana said nothing more. She stood up from the stone bed, straightened her collar, and stepped out of the cell.
Hasumi Ren really had given her quite a surprise.
...
That same day, the Gotei 13's comprehensive war council against the Quincies was held in the main assembly hall.
All current captains and acting captains were required to attend.
This day had come very quickly.
Yamamoto Shigekuni sat at the head seat, both hands resting on his cane.
The acting captains and vice-captains of the various divisions lined up in order, though the room felt much emptier now.
Wearing his newly tailored captain's haori, Hasumi Ren stood in the spot designated for the captain of the Eleventh Division, while the Fourth Division's spot remained completely empty.
As special personnel, Kurotsuchi Mayuri stood behind Hikifune Kirio, his face deadpan.
Soon, the focal point of the meeting arrived as Mayuri took the floor to report.
He projected a Kido diagram in the center of the assembly hall, marking the calculated coordinates for the entrance to the Shadow Realm.
"The coordinates for the Shadow Realm's entrance have been locked onto. We estimate that the spell adjustments will be completed within three days. At that time, we can open a passageway that will remain stable long enough for the main vanguard to push through."
After finishing his explanation, he turned off the projection and retreated to his position.
Yamamoto's gaze swept across the crowd before he spoke in a deep voice.
"The captains of the Third, Fifth, Seventh, and Ninth Divisions have undergone Hollowfication, and the captain of the Second Division has defected. Less than half of our captains are capable of fighting."
"This is the most severe personnel shortage the Gotei 13 has faced since its inception. With the war imminent, Unohana Retsu is hereby reinstated to her post as the captain of the Fourth Division, effective immediately."
As Yamamoto's voice fell, Unohana walked in from the door, dressed in a pristine captain's haori with her Zanpakuto strapped back at her waist.
She walked among the captains. Kyoraku and Ukitake both gave her slight nods of greeting, and Hikifune Kirio offered a rare smile.
Hasumi Ren stood at the Eleventh Division's position, watching her. As Unohana brushed past him, her gaze lingered on his face for a second.
Their eyes met, and then Unohana walked over to the Fourth Division's spot and stood firm.
With Unohana back in position, Yamamoto continued speaking.
"The war with the Quincies is upon us, but we are facing a shortage of captain-level combat power."
"Therefore, the First Division will issue a conscription order throughout the Seireitei. Any capable individual, upon being recommended by a captain and passing the assessment, may step in to fill a vacant captaincy."
"That is all."
After the meeting concluded, Unohana and Hasumi Ren ran into each other in the corridor outside the assembly hall.
The two walked shoulder to shoulder down the long stone path, neither speaking first.
"That uniform fits you quite well."
"Yes."
Unohana turned to face Hasumi Ren, looking him up and down.
Then she reached out and straightened the collar of the haori resting on his shoulders.
"You did well. It's just a pity that I have to find a new vice-captain again."
Hasumi Ren thought for a moment and decided to give his little assistant a push.
"Kotetsu Isane, who frequently acts as my assistant, is quite good. With a little grooming, she can handle major responsibilities. Captain, you might want to consider her."
Unohana nodded, saying nothing more.
The inner courtyard of the Fourth Division was exactly as it had been when he left. Several young squad members froze entirely upon seeing Unohana and Hasumi Ren walk in.
It wasn't just because of Unohana's return, but more so because of the captain's haori draped over Hasumi Ren.
After all, the news of Hasumi Ren defeating the Kenpachi was far too unbelievable, and it had caused an absolute uproar within the division.
Seeing it with their own eyes now, they had no choice but to believe it.
Upon hearing the news, the Third Seat, Iemura, rushed out of the clinic, still tightly gripping a mortar and pestle he hadn't had time to put down.
When he saw Hasumi Ren and Unohana, his lips trembled for a good while before he finally managed to greet them.
Unohana nodded and walked into the captain's office.
Hasumi Ren followed behind her and shut the door.
Since Hasumi Ren had transferred divisions, the two of them still had many duties to hand over.
The sky gradually darkened.
Shiba Kaien crossed the stone paths of the Rukongai and stopped in front of an old estate.
The residence wasn't large, but it was kept quite clean.
A few crooked persimmon trees were planted in the courtyard, and a large, perennially unused water vat sat beneath them.
This was the home of his uncle, Shiba Isshin.
Following his own ambitions, Kaien had entered the Spiritual Arts Academy, joined the Gotei 13, and now even secured a seated officer position.
Over the years, he had sought out Shiba Isshin many times, always bringing it up whenever they drank together.
Shiba Isshin clearly possessed captain-level strength, so why didn't he become a captain?
But Isshin always had the same reaction—he would laugh out loud and say that since the Shiba clan had chosen to move out of the Seireitei, wanting to return now would probably make them unwelcome inside.
Kaien would argue against it every time, but Isshin would just brush it off with a laugh and a joke, leaving Kaien feeling utterly helpless.
This time, standing at the door, Kaien clutched the conscription order he had just torn off the First Division's notice board, took a deep breath, and pushed the door open.
Isshin was sitting on the veranda enjoying the cool breeze. Seeing Kaien enter, he sighed helplessly.
"Why are you here again, kid..."
"Uncle, it's different this time."
Kaien unfurled the conscription order right in front of Isshin's eyes.
"The Head Captain personally issued an order to draft captains. No restrictions on background, no restrictions on seniority. As long as you pass the assessment, you can become one."
"Uncle, you've heard the news too. Captains were Hollowfied, the Quincies are making a comeback. The Seireitei is in desperate need of manpower right now. You shouldn't stay hidden any longer."
Kaien stood up and looked Isshin in the eye.
"Step forward."
Shiba Isshin looked at Kaien.
He picked up the conscription order, flipped it over a few times to read it, and finally let out a long sigh, tucking it into his robes.
"Man, I really can't win against you, kid..."
Seeing Isshin's reaction, Kaien's eyes lit up.
"Uncle, you agree?"
Isshin scratched his head, looking rather helpless.
"What else can I do? Let's go. Let's go meet this captain you've been talking about."
The process moved swiftly. Through Kaien's introduction, Shiba Isshin met with Ukitake Jushiro.
Afterward, acting as his sponsor, Ukitake recommended Shiba Isshin to the First Division.
The assessment was held at the First Division's training grounds.
Yamamoto served as the head judge, with Unohana and Kyoraku assisting.
Shiba Isshin stood in the center of the training ground, his straw sandals stepping on the gravel. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, and a Zanpakuto wrapped in cloth hung at his waist.
His stance was very casual, even a bit slouchy.
But Shiba Isshin's strength successfully earned the acknowledgment of all three judges, and he smoothly passed every test.
With Ukitake's backing and the past background of the Shiba clan, Yamamoto Shigekuni considered the matter and assigned Shiba Isshin the position of captain, broadcasting the announcement to the entire Seireitei.
"From this day forward, Shiba Isshin is appointed as the captain of the Tenth Division."
Shiba Isshin bowed his head in salute.
Standing on the sidelines, Kaien clenched his fists, finally exhaling the breath he had been holding in for so long.
Once he successfully mastered his Bankai in the future, he too would take on a captaincy.
From then on, the Shiba clan would have two powerhouses in one family!
The great cause of their revival was just around the corner.
The next day, news of the first person to successfully pass the special conscription and become a captain spread throughout the Seireitei.
Everyone became aware of the matter.
At the same time, inside the Second Division.
Soi Fon was training alone in the training grounds.
Her breathing was heavy, and the spiritual pressure around her shoulders and back still burned hot.
She had repeatedly practiced that combination of Shunko strikes no less than a hundred times. Standing in the center of the empty training ground, she gasped for air.
In the past, after finishing her training, she would always subconsciously glance toward the edge of the grounds.
Sometimes, Yoruichi would be leaning against that crooked fence, a blade of grass in her mouth, offering a word of guidance every now and then.
After Yoruichi left, the area by the fence had remained empty.
However, there was now another figure who frequently appeared in her mind.
Just then, she heard footsteps.
Hasumi Ren walked over from the stone path outside the training grounds, watching the hard-working Soi Fon.
"Why are you working so hard lately?"
Soi Fon wiped the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand, catching her breath before she spoke.
She remained silent for a moment, as if contemplating whether to say her next sentence out loud.
Then she looked up at Hasumi Ren, a stubborn gleam in her eyes.
"Lady Yoruichi isn't here, so I have to step up. The Second Division... cannot be without a captain."
Hearing this, Hasumi Ren clapped his hands.
"Ambitious. Do you want to become a captain through the special conscription too?"
Soi Fon pursed her lips, but then her expression deflated, losing its former confidence.
"But I... don't know Bankai yet."
"Bankai, huh..."
Hasumi Ren smacked his lips, and a wicked idea popped into his head.
"Want Bankai? I have a way."
"How brave are you?"
Soi Fon's eyebrows twitched.
"Are you underestimating me?"
Her voice immediately hardened.
"Let's hear it. What's your way?"
The corners of Hasumi Ren's mouth curled up.
A moment later, two dark figures landed outside the west wall of the Shihoin main estate.
Both wore dark, tight-fitting clothes meant for night travel, their hair entirely tucked into their hoods. Only their eyes shone startlingly bright in the darkness.
Soi Fon's voice trembled slightly.
"Hasumi Ren, do you have any idea what you're doing right now?"
"The Shihoin Clan is one of the Four Noble Families. What we are doing now is trespassing on a private noble estate to steal sealed artifacts from the Tenshiheisoban."
"If we're discovered, before your seat as Kenpachi even gets warm, you'll be reporting to the Central Great Underground Prison."
"I must be crazy to believe your nonsense..."
She kept her voice extremely low, but her pace of speaking grew faster and faster, clearly tense to the extreme.
"It's not too late to turn back. We can pretend nothing ever happened. You go back to your Eleventh Division, and I'll go back to my Second Division. We can..."
"If you're scared, go back. I'm making my move."
Hasumi Ren reached out, gave her backside a smack, and vaulted over the wall.
Squatting at the base of the wall, Soi Fon stared blankly for a moment. She reached back to rub the stinging spot before she finally reacted.
Feeling humiliated and furious, she gritted her teeth so hard they almost made a sound. Finally, she took a deep breath and followed him over.
The Stealth Force inherently excelled at concealment, making her completely in her element during an infiltration mission like this.
She tapped her toes lightly against the eaves of the wall, her body flipping in a tight arc through the air, before landing silently on the branch of an old pine tree in the courtyard.
Crouching on the branch and looking down, Hasumi Ren was hiding right below.
After dropping down, Soi Fon leaned close to his ear, her voice lower than a mosquito's buzz.
"But how do you know where this thing called a Tenshintai is?"
"Let's just look for it. Since it's a treasure, we should search the places with the most guards and the highest security."
Saying that, Hasumi Ren looked at Soi Fon.
"I remember that as a member of Captain Yoruichi's direct unit, you should have participated in the security deployment for the Shihoin estate, right?"
"You must have some understanding of the estate's layout. Are there any spots worth paying attention to?"
Hearing this, Soi Fon's expression twisted several times in the darkness.
Why was he asking her now?
Soi Fon subconsciously thought back and actually recalled a few places that fit the description.
"I suppose... there are a few..."