Chapter 189: Ichigo: This Old Man Looks Like He Can't Fight!

"Huh? You say we've already been abandoned by the times? Your Gotei 13 is the strongest? You really dare say that! You foul‑mouthed fox imp, it seems that as your senior I truly need to give you a proper lesson here…"

Ai Chuan Luowu, after hearing what Shi Maru Gin said, immediately furrowed his brows into a knot; clearly, at this moment Ai Chuan Luowu was truly incensed by Shi Maru Gin's words!

Even the blue veins at Ai Chuan Luowu's temples tightened, forming one after another, like a "Blue Dragon" howling toward the heavens; opposite him stood Shi Maru Gin's continuously wicked grin, his eyes empty, his face nauseating.

"Heh?" Shi Maru Gin looked down from his height at the constantly raging Ai Chuan Luowu, first letting out a light laugh, then in a cold voice said: "All I'm saying are just facts~"

"Facts? What a joke!"

As Ai Chuan Luowu spoke, his Zanpakuto in hand had already changed its form.

Indeed, Luowu had completed the release of his Zanpakuto.

"Heh…"

To that, Gin merely let out a light laugh, then continued speaking to himself.

"As I just said, you old guys have long been eliminated by the times; with your combat power you can barely stir a ripple in Hueco Mundo. I think you should know that better than I do~ Deceiving others is fine, but if you end up deceiving yourselves, that's pointless~"

"If your combat were sufficient, you great figures who once held captain positions in the Gotei 13 wouldn't be like bereaved dogs, crawling in the living world for so long! Even this time, you only dared to return because a rift opened between the Kuchiki Clan, the Shiba Clan, and Room 46~"

"However, I must remind you: from the start you shouldn't have returned to Soul Society! Even if you are back here, you're merely bringing disgrace upon yourselves~ Everything here no longer belongs to you old guys, just like this haori of mine that represents the Third Division—both it and the entire Third Division now have new masters~"

"But, to put it another way~ I'm a kind‑hearted person, and you all are seniors I once admired immensely! I'm afraid you old veterans who once made great contributions to Hueco Mundo might die in vain within the Soul Society you love so dearly! So I came specifically today to remind you~ No matter what purpose you old guys have for returning to Soul Society this time, with your strength it's utterly meaningless~ Before absolute power, you're like ants~ While your lives are still your own, return early…"

Shi Maru Gin seemed genuinely concerned for Pingzi Zhenzi and the others; every word he uttered sounded heartfelt, each like a steel blade piercing the hearts of Pingzi and the others. As the old saying goes, lies don't hurt, truth is the sharp sword! Gin's mouth was as poisonous as his Bankai, nearly breaking the defenses of the Mask Corps beyond Pingzi, especially targeting Ri Shili and Ai Chuan Luowu.

"You…"

The moment Gin's words fell, Ri Shili could no longer hold back; she drew the Zanpakuto at her waist, leapt high from the ground, surged toward the Gin perched on a distant beam, and swung down, her eyes blazing with fury.

"Heh~"

Gin watched Ri Shili charging at him, first letting out a light laugh, then aimed his already released Zanpakuto at her.

"Damn!"

Pingzi Zhenzi, who first noticed Gin's movement, paled sharply and shouted at Ri Shili: "Idiot! Come back, Ri Shili, you can't handle this guy!"

"Swish!"

Unfortunately, Pingzi Zhenzi's words were a step too late; as a flash of silver sliced the sky, Gin's blade struck Ri Shili's abdomen, a roughly five‑centimeter wound appearing instantly, countless drops of bright red spilling into the air.

"Damn…"

Ri Shili muttered under her breath; after being directly hit by Gin's Zanpakuto, she completely lost the ability to continue fighting, even her hand that had been gripping the Zanpakuto slipped weakly, letting the sword fall, and the countless bright red from her wounded abdomen kept oozing outward. As for Ri Shili herself, after cursing Gin once, she fell backward from mid‑air toward the ground.

"Swish!"

At that critical moment, Pingzi Zhenzi vaulted into the air, catching the falling Ri Shili. Looking at Ri Shili in her arms, a flash of concern crossed Pingzi's eyes as she scolded angrily: "Idiot! I told you not to be careless! Gin has had vice‑captain‑level combat power for a hundred years; who knows how strong he's become over that century? And he's full of tricks! Your rash charge landed him right in the middle of his plans!"

"Cough cough, I couldn't help it!"

Ri Shili nestled in Pingzi Zhenzi's arms, her complexion a bit pale, she let out a few light coughs, then smiled.

"Stop talking, leave the rest to me!"

Pingzi Zhenzi gently patted Ri Shili's head, then gave You Zhaotian Boxuan behind her a glance to come help. Based on Pingzi's observation, Ri Shili's wound wasn't fatal; with You Zhaotian Boxuan's Kido technique, it could be fully…

"Leave it to me with confidence!"

You Zhaotian Boxuan, after hearing Pingzi's words, lightly nodded in understanding, then used a flash step to appear in front of Ri Shili, took her from Pingzi's hands, placed her smoothly on the ground, and then, waving his hand, prepared to…

As for Pingzi Zhenzi, she now bore a sword, went back to Shi Maru Gin, handed Ri Shili over to You Zhaotian Boxuan, feeling unusually relieved, for You Zhaotian Boxuan's Reversal Technique…

"Twin Heaven Return Shield! I refuse!"

Unfortunately, Pingzi Zhenzi didn't notice what was happening on the ground, and before You Zhaotian Boxuan could act, a clear, melodious female voice rang near the ears of the lying Ri Shili, and two swallow‑sized spirits flew to her side, forming a glittering golden shield that enveloped Ri Shili.

"You don't even know how to reverse, stop meddling…"

When You Zhaotian Boxuan saw the familiar golden barrier radiating healing power before him, his expression subtly changed; as the Vice Kido Chief, he was intimately acquainted with this…

However, just as You Zhaotian Boxuan was about to rebuke the one daring to use a medical barrier before him—"don't interfere with my healing work, and certainly don't try to outdo a Vice Kido Chief"—a scene so puzzling it nearly surpassed his medical knowledge unfolded before his eyes.

"Hmm~"

The once‑bleeding abdomen of Ri Shili, once enveloped by the golden light, immediately let out a pleasant chime from her mouth—

Then, the wound on Ri Shili's abdomen healed at a visible speed, restoring to its original pristine state, her smooth, flat belly looking as if never wounded.

If not for the clothing on Ri Shili's abdomen still bearing the slash, the others might have thought what they just saw was merely an illusion.

"Full HP restored!"

Ri Shili's complexion, along with her healed abdomen, returned to normal; she sprang from the ground, hands on hips, proudly declaring.

"Hey, uncle, what were you about to say?"

Inoue Orihime, after seeing Ri Shili fully recovered, withdrew her "spirit" and, with her bewildered large eyes, looked at the plump You Zhaotian Boxuan and asked.

"Nothing! Nothing at all! I mean, I'm just a frog at the bottom of a well looking up at the sky, knowing almost nothing about medicine~"

You Zhaotian Boxuan, after hearing Inoue Orihime's words, shook his head repeatedly; how could he still have the nerve to say anything to Inoue Orihime now?!

Elsewhere, in the sky.

"Looks like Ri Shili's luck is good, she managed to pick up a life back~"

Shi Maru Gin glanced at the ground where Ri Shili was already hopping about, and seemed somewhat dissatisfied, curling his lip.

"Ri Shili's luck has always been good~"

"But some people's luck might not be so good~"

Pingzi Zhenzi, gripping her Zanpakuto, sneered at Shi Maru Gin.

"Surrender and be captured~ Shi Maru Gin!"

While speaking, Rokusha Kenzai, Feng Qiao Lou Shilang, and Ai Chuan Luowu already surrounded Shi Maru Gin from the east, west, south, and north, completely encircling him; for a moment Shi Maru Gin seemed like a caged bird, having lost any hope of escape.

"I don't intend to have a death battle with you all here~"

"Captain Araki is still waiting for me to return for a meeting~"

Shi Maru Gin's gaze swept over the crowd, and he said with a grin.

"Don't worry! It won't take up much of your time~"

Liuchē Quánxī said he had already achieved the first release of his Zanpakutō, and he toyed with a dagger‑like Zanpakutō in his hand, speaking coldly to Shiwan Yin.

In Liuchē Quánxī's view, Shiwan Yin, surrounded by four captain‑rank Shinigami, was now trapped with no escape; apart from Captain Huangmu and the absurd creature Gengmu Jianba, Quánxī did not believe that any other captain‑rank Shinigami of the Gotei 13 could take on all four former captains at once.

"Is that so?"

Yet Shiwan Yin, surrounded by four hundred‑year captains, showed not a hint of panic; his slender body suddenly emitted a terrifying spiritual pressure that centered on him, forming a massive storm that forced Liuchē Quánxī and the others to squint. At that moment, Shiwan Yin assumed a stance reminiscent of a popular three‑kingdoms card game's "Kill" pose.

"Bad!"

Pingzi Zhenzi's face changed abruptly as she watched Shiwan Yin strike the pose.

"Bankai! Divine Killing Spear!"

Shiwan Yin, like a venomous snake, would not hesitate to activate his Bankai when needed, then use his greatest power to strike his enemies.

"Swish!!"

At that instant, a silver light outpaced sound, turning into a massive beam that barreled toward the four formidable captain‑rank warriors surrounding him—Pingzi Zhenzi, Liuchē Quánxī, Aichuan Luawu, and Fengqiao Lou Shilang—sweeping them away.

In an instant, the four captain‑rank beings could not even react before being flung by Shiwan Yin's Zanpakutō like rags, landing on the ground and kicking up a cloud of dust and wind.

"Pingzi! Ruozi! Luawu! Quánxī!"

The remaining four of the masked troops dared not delay; they rushed to where Pingzi Zhenzi and the others had fallen, checking the injuries of the four, fearing they might have perished.

"I'll at least greet you today~"

"I hope that after you realize the gap between our strengths, you'll choose to retreat! Don't disappoint me, esteemed captains~"

Shiwan Yin looked at the captains lying on the ground, smiled and greeted them, then vanished with a flash step into the air.

When the dust cleared, only the four former captains remained, their faces covered with white bone‑shaped masks, bodies in a disheveled state.

"Pingzi, are you all okay?"

Rishi Li walked toward Pingzi Zhenzi, his tone a bit agitated.

"We're fine~ It's just that the four of us couldn't keep that guy Shiwan Yin; it's hard to accept! Could it be that we're really getting old?!"

Pingzi Zhenzi let out a light laugh, and after removing his mask, his gaze grew grim.

"Damn! If I had a Bankai too, I wouldn't let him escape so easily!"

Aichuan Luawu's face turned ashen; this time he was truly beaten by the silver hand.

"Don't be careless! As Shiwan Yin said, the times have changed."

Liuchē Quánxī furrowed his brows, looked at his wounded left arm, and said gravely.

"I'll heal you!"

Jingshang Zhiji said this as she moved to Liuchē Quánxī's side.

"Please, Zhiji‑chan~"

Upon seeing Jingshang Zhiji, Pingzi Zhenzi's gloom vanished instantly.

"Bastard! Pingzi! I'm concerned about you too!"

Seeing this, Rishi Li's eyelid twitched slightly, and she punched Pingzi Zhenzi on the head.

"Ouch! I'm a wounded soldier!"

Pingzi patted the huge lump on his head from Rishi Li's blow, feeling that her punch hurt more than Shiwan Yin's Bankai had.

"Is this the battle of captain‑rank Shinigami?!"

Elsewhere, Heiqi Yigu arrived at the spot where Shiwan Yin's blade had fallen and was stunned; the ground bore a massive slash as wide as a fist and stretching beyond sight, the mark left by Shiwan Yin's single strike, followed by a line of his writing: "Take one more step forward, and it's a dead end!"

Indeed, Shiwan Yin not only had skill enough to knock down Pingzi Zhenzi and the others, but also calmly left a warning inscription on the ground before retreating.

"That's just too exaggerated…"

Cold sweat beaded Heiqi Yigu's forehead.

"Yigu, don't worry! You will one day have this kind of power!"

Black Cat Ye Yi looked at Heiqi Yigu's sweating forehead, moved to his side, and urged him.

"Mr. Ye Yi, you need not persuade me here; no matter how strong the enemies ahead are, I won't give up. I will keep fighting until we successfully rescue Xiumu Luqia!"

Heiqi Yigu, after hearing Ye Yi's words, first took a deep breath, then looked at the black‑cat incarnation of Sifengyuan Ye Yi and spoke seriously.

"Huh? I didn't try to persuade you; actually, that guy Pu Yuan Xishu, for various reasons, never taught you a crucial ability: the final secret technique of a Shinigami's Zanpakutō, which goes beyond the first release and further unlocks its power, called… Bankai!"

"For most Shinigami, a Bankai multiplies combat power five to ten times the first release, though some achieve more than tenfold. Conversely, there are cases where a Bankai adds little to one‑on‑one combat, sometimes even being less useful than the first release."

Ye Yi watched Heiqi Yigu's determined gaze, a few beads of sweat forming on her forehead; she had no intention of deceiving him, and her words were sincere.

After mentioning Bankai, Ye Yi relayed the detailed information about Zanpakutō Bankai to Heiqi Yigu.

"Huh? So you mean that Mr. Pu Yuan didn't teach me the most crucial Shinigami secret during those ten days of instruction, right?!"

Heiqi Yigu twitched the corner of his eye and asked Ye Yi.

"So? That seems right~"

Ye Yi considered briefly, then nodded.

"That swindler!"

After hearing Ye Yi, Heiqi Yigu's forehead veins bulged as he shouted angrily.

"Ugh…"

Ye Yi knew Heiqi Yigu had misunderstood Pu Yuan Xishu, but she offered no explanation.

It was too troublesome for Ye Yi.

"Rest assured! I'll help you achieve your Bankai!"

Ye Yi comforted Yigu.

"I understand…"

Yigu lightly nodded.

Meanwhile, Pingzi Zhenzi and the others fully recovered their injuries thanks to Jingshang Zhiji's miraculous healing technique.

Everyone, I suggest we split into two groups!

Hirako Shinji, you lead the Visored forces, first hide in Seireitei, gather intel on the current Gotei 13! Also find out where Rukia Kuchiki is being held now! As for me, I'll first take Ichigo Kurosaki and the others to the place where I often train with Kisuke Urahara, and teach this kid how to achieve Bankai!

After seeing Hirako Shinji and the others' injuries healed, Yoruichi seriously planned and said.

No problem!

Hirako Shinji readily agreed to Yoruichi's suggestion.

Where will we meet up later?!

Love Aikawa looked at Yoruichi and asked.

In three days, I and Urahara will be at the base beneath Sokyoku Hill!

Three days is enough for me to teach Ichigo Kurosaki this kid how to achieve Bankai!

Yoruichi Shihoin said as such.

Good!

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in unison.

First, I want to act alone~

It was exactly after everyone agreed to Yoruichi's arrangement that Lisa Yadomaru suddenly stood up and put forward her suggestion.

You're going to look for that guy Kyoraku, right?

Upon hearing this, everyone looked at Lisa without doubt and asked.

Being able to pull in an extra combatant for our side is a combat asset!

Lisa discovered her own little secret; after everyone found out, her pretty face blushed slightly.

If that's the case, I'll go to the 13th Division to have a good chat with that guy Ukitake! Right now, among the Gotei 13, the only ones who could help us are Ukitake and Kyoraku.

Upon hearing that Lisa wanted to find Kyoraku, Rose immediately thought of Ukitake Jushiro, who often goes out with Kyoraku in daily affairs.

That's fine~

Upon hearing Rose's words, everyone nodded in unison.

Love and Hirako, don't you two also plan to return to your respective divisions? I remember Tōsen and Aizen; we should be able to recruit them as well, right?

Saying this, Hiyori suddenly had a brainwave and spoke to Love and Hirako.

Tōsen?

Upon hearing this, Love's expression seemed somewhat moved.

Aizen~

As for Hirako, he slightly narrowed his eyes.

Although Aizen has been working hard these years to clear his name, Hirako Shinji deep down believes that Aizen is completely untrustworthy.

To be honest, Hirako Shinji has never disliked anyone as much as he dislikes Aizen Sosuke; disliking a person is such a mysterious thing, he can't explain why, but he just doesn't like them, probably just a lack of chemistry.

In short, don't waste time, everyone! Let's move out quickly!

Gin Ichimaru just retreated; who knows, someone else might show up soon!

If we get entangled by the Gotei 13's Shinigami and then attract more than half of the captains, we're all doomed~

Yoruichi Shihoin looked at the murmuring crowd and said coldly.

Yes, sir!

Upon seeing Yoruichi lose her temper, Hirako and the others dared not say more, instantly used Shunpo to vanish before Ichigo Kurosaki and the others' eyes, and began their mission.

Ichigo Kurosaki, Orihime, Uryu, and Chad, you guys come with me!

After Yoruichi watched Hirako and the others use Shunpo to leave, she finally let out a slight sigh of relief and spoke to Ichigo Kurosaki and the others behind her.

Good!

After seeing Hirako and the others, Ichigo and the others realized that Yoruichi Shihoin's authority was absolute, and naturally chose to obey her orders.

Then, I hope Hirako and the others can do well as bait to draw the Gotei 13's attention, so our plan can proceed smoothly~

Yoruichi Shihoin's gaze seemed somewhat deep; as a disciple of Genryusai, she naturally knows how strong the current Gotei 13 is! Relying only on Ichigo Kurosaki and the others, they haven't even gotten close to Rukia Kuchiki before likely being captured; only by also involving the power of Hirako Shinji and the Visored forces can she achieve the effect she wants.

Then, next...

Yoruichi Shihoin said no more, took Ichigo Kurosaki and the others, and began to circle around Seireitei; besides letting Ichigo Kurosaki and the others deliberately expose their whereabouts to share some of the Gotei 13's attention, she also wanted the Gotei 13 to feel that Ichigo Kurosaki and the others are unfamiliar with Seireitei.

As for the training ground she promised Ichigo, where she and Urahara Kisuke usually train together, that naturally would have to wait until night, then sneak people over; going there in broad daylight would be a direct exposure, wouldn't it?!

However, Ichigo Kurosaki and the others didn't realize that Yoruichi was leading them in circles around Seireitei; they only felt that Seireitei was truly huge, they had been running for so long, yet felt as if they hadn't moved from the spot.

Meanwhile, the 1st Division barracks.

The 1st Division captains' meeting room has now been activated; aside from going to mock the Visored forces and simultaneously greeting Ichigo Kurosaki, all the other captains of the Gotei 13, except for the 3rd Division captain Gin Ichimaru, have already gathered; they stand silently on either side of Genryusai, silently gazing at the meeting room's door, silently waiting for a certain belated silver-haired fox.

Click~

After a moment, with the soft sound of the door being pushed open, Gin Ichimaru's figure appeared before all the captains; seeing his gaze sweep over their faces, he smiled and said, "Yo! Everyone's here~"

Gin Ichimaru! Don't be flippant here; I heard you went to fight the Hollows alone without permission—what was the result? You wouldn't have deliberately let them escape, would you?!

Kenpachi Zaraki glanced at the tardy Gin Ichimaru and said coldly.

Hehe, Captain Zaraki, you're joking; I didn't deliberately let them escape! I barely escaped from those Hollows with my life!

Gin Ichimaru laughed after hearing Kenpachi Zaraki's words.

Come on, those Hollows could be your opponent?

Zaraki obviously wasn't buying it; he glared at Gin Ichimaru and said coldly.

If they were ordinary Hollows, it'd be fine, but these Hollows invading Soul Society aren't ordinary—speaking of which, they're all acquaintances of the captains present here! Moreover, they're former colleagues of some of our captains~

Gin Ichimaru spoke with a grin, chuckling.

Former colleagues?!

Upon hearing the word 'former colleagues,' Shunsui Kyoraku lightly pressed down on his hat; the eyes hidden beneath his hat flashed with a sharp light.

Of course~

You might as well take a good guess—just who did I see this time~

Ichimaru Gin nodded at Kyōraku, then glanced at the other captains present and spoke as if half‑joking.

……

As Ichimaru Gin's words fell, everyone present fell into silence; the captains exchanged glances, not picking up his thread.

If I'm not mistaken, you must have encountered Pingzi Zhēnzi, Liùchē Quánxī, Fèngqiáolóu Shíláng, Àichuān Luówǔ, Shǐnièwán Lìshā, Jiǔnán Bái, Yuánshì Rìshìlǐ, Yǒuzhāotián Bōxuán, and Sìfēngyuàn Yèyī, plus four spiritual pressure entities I have no record of here~

Among these four spiritual pressure entities, one person's spiritual pressure is no different from ours Shinigami, and has the level of three‑tier spiritual pressure! Roughly speaking, that's the one who, by a fortunate coincidence, gathered the spiritual pressure of Rukia Kuchiki, the former captain of the 10th Division, Isshin Shiba's son. Among the other three spiritual pressure entities, one person's spiritual pressure is over 99.9% similar to that of a Quincy, and the remaining two are likely Fullbringers~

While everyone was silent, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, who had been fiddling with his handheld tablet, suddenly spoke up in front of everyone, and as soon as he opened his mouth he clearly laid out the lineup of Ichigo Kurosaki and company.

As soon as Mayuri Kurotsuchi's words fell, the hall erupted in an uproar.

You're saying Captain Hinamori?!

First was Sōsuke Aizen; upon hearing that, his expression immediately turned to shock.

Captain Quánxī has actually come back?

Kaname Tōsen's eyes flickered with a hint of agitation.

The son of Captain Isshin Shiba?

The current captain of the 10th Division, Tōshirō Hitsugaya, upon hearing those four words 'Isshin Shiba', his pupils constricted slightly.

That little brat of the Shiba family actually came to Soul Society?

Byakuya Kuchiki furrowed his brow, his fingers trembling slightly.

Lisa, you've finally come back~

Shunsui Kyōraku's eyes held a hint of apology.

Is this real or fake?

Suì-Fēng, captain of the 2nd Division, looked at Ichimaru Gin and asked.

As expected of Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi, you guessed it right away~

And your guess was incredibly accurate, with not a single mistake!

Ichimaru Gin ignored Suì-Fēng's question and instead chuckled as he spoke to Mayuri Kurotsuchi.

Ichimaru Gin's words also amounted to a tacit acknowledgment of Mayuri Kurotsuchi's guess.

How foolish! This isn't my guess; it's my instrument's inference……

Mayuri Kurotsuchi glared at Ichimaru Gin and snapped.

Wait, I still missed one~ Just now my instrument showed that, besides the aforementioned people, among the intruders invading Soul Society there is another extremely interesting person; our instrument tells me that although this spiritual pressure is extremely faint, its match with Yoruichi Shihoin's spiritual pressure reaches over ninety‑nine percent~

Before Mayuri Kurotsuchi could finish, after tinkering with his tablet for a moment he seemed to discover something else interesting, and he glanced at the captains present with a grin, speaking softly.

Yoruichi Shihoin?!

For a moment, all the captains present were stunned.

Now that Yoruichi Shihoin has returned, Kisuke Urahara is probably not far off~

At that moment, Mayuri Kurotsuchi's voice continued.

Let me see where that guy is hiding~

Mayuri Kurotsuchi said this while continuing to tinker with his equipment.

Professor Araki, Yoruichi‑sensei's return must have a reason; I think we shouldn't continue treating Yoruichi‑sensei and the others as intruders!

After everyone accepted that the intruders who had invaded Soul Society were their former comrades, the first to speak was the captain of the 13th Division, Jūshirō Ukitake, who, being a kind‑hearted person, naturally spoke up to plead for Yoruichi.

Professor Araki, I think Captain Ukitake is right! Yoruichi‑sensei, Captain Hinamori and the others—when they originally betrayed Soul Society, I'm sure they had their reasons; we should first try to negotiate with them rather than immediately issuing a bounty……

Aizen appeared to be supporting Ukitake's words, but in fact he immediately labeled Hinamori and the others as traitors to Soul Society—that is, Aizen was trying to pin the guilt on Hinamori and company.

I think Captain Ukitake and Captain Aizen are both right!

Tōsen was the third to speak; his voice boomed right from the start, drowning out Aizen's earlier words and making everyone present feel a slight vibration in their eardrums.

After this smooth sequence of remarks, everyone present came to see Ukitake, Aizen, and Tōsen as a little clique.

After Tōsen finished speaking, he still didn't forget to 'look' toward the direction where Kyōraku was, and though he is blind, he made the motion of looking at Kyōraku.

……

Kyōraku seemed to have his own opinion on this; he didn't rush to speak and take a side.

I think it's inappropriate~ We shouldn't break the rules of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads just because of Yoruichi‑sensei—no matter who the other party is or what they are, intruders are intruders and should be slain~

At this point, Ichimaru Gin took on the role of the villain, playing the red face.

I agree with that!

Upon hearing that, Kenpachi Zaraki threw his support behind Ichimaru Gin; he doesn't care who the enemy is, as long as he can get a swing in and chop the opponent to pieces~

I agree too~

Mayuri Kurotsuchi, who fears nothing more than chaos, moreover intends to kill Kisuke Urahara himself.

……

Seeing this, Byakuya Kuchiki pressed his lips together, indicating he had nothing to say.

For a moment the scene split into two factions: Ukitake, Aizen, and Tōsen on one side, and Ichimaru Gin, Zaraki, and Mayuri on the other, their differing views on how to deal with Ichigo Kurosaki and the other intruders creating a clash between these small groups.

As for Kyōraku Shunsui and Byakuya Kuchiki, their eyes flickered with a strange expression; they seemed to be still observing, while Suì‑Fēng of the 2nd Division, upon hearing that Yoruichi had returned, seemed to lose herself, forgetting this was a captains' meeting and focusing all her thoughts on Yoruichi.

The captain of the 10th Division, Tōshirō Hitsugaya, had nothing on his mind but Ichigo Kurosaki—after all, Ichigo is the son of his former captain Isshin Shiba; he certainly wouldn't stand by and watch Ichigo die in Soul Society, but more than worrying about Ichigo, he was curious why Isshin Shiba abandoned them to go to the living world and then never return.

Besides those ten captains, the newly appointed captain of the 7th Division, who wears a wooden mask—his presence proves that Soul Society has no racial discrimination—Komamura Sajin, at the moment also remained silent, having nothing to add, since he isn't particularly familiar with any of the names just mentioned by Mayuri.

As for the captain of the 4th Division, Retsu Unohana, she is currently standing in her place with eyes closed, meditating; yesterday she stayed up too late playing with Araki, so she hasn't yet regained her composure~

Thus, Retsu Unohana succeeded in giving everyone else the impression that she had transcended the captains' meeting of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, as if she were in control of everything~ At the same time, Unohana herself couldn't be bothered to voice any opinion on how to handle Hinamori and the others, and she simply didn't care whether they lived or died~

In short, first seize the people!

After a while, after the people had discussed for several tens of minutes, the one who had been sitting silently in the chair before the squad leaders, quietly listening to the discussion, the Captain-Commander of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, Aramaki, suddenly opened his narrowed eyes and glanced at everyone, speaking lightly.

"Who should we arrest first?"

Upon hearing this, Aizen first froze for a moment, then immediately asked Aramaki.

"All of them~"

Aramaki glanced at Aizen, then calmly uttered two words.

"Leave them alive; I want to meet them myself……"

Then, Aramaki said to Aizen in that manner.

"We obey!"

After Aramaki spoke, the captains of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads all closed their mouths; his words had the effect of a decisive hammer, so no matter what the captains thought, once Aramaki spoke, they had to follow his orders—this is the authority of the Captain-Commander of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads.

"Dismissed!"

Aramaki looked at the respectful squad leaders before him and spoke lightly.

"As you command!"

When the captains of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads received Aramaki's order, they immediately turned and walked toward the door of the First Division's meeting room.

Although each of them was respectful in Aramaki's presence, whether they made any small moves behind his back is completely uncertain~.

"Haha, as long as we're alive, that's fine~"

"So losing an arm or breaking a leg, that's completely fine, right?"

After Kenpachi Zaraki left the First Division's meeting room, he first gave a light chuckle, then seemed to have made a decision, deciding to cut off the hands and feet of all the invaders.

"Little Sword, you've come out?"

After Kenpachi came out, a young lady who was the center of attention, such that the lieutenants of the First Division personally lowered themselves to care for her, put down the top pastry chef of Soul Society that she had personally made snacks for, took small quick steps, and ran toward Kenpachi Zaraki; seeing her lightly leap, she seemed like a hanging rack, landing on his shoulder.

"Princess, be careful!"

Behind the girl, the lieutenants of the First Division worried themselves sick for her.

Only the daughters of the Commander-in-Chief of Soul Society, Aramaki, could be called "Princess" by the Death Gods of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads and have the lieutenants of the First Division, who surpass in strength, willingly lower themselves to guard her; and the one now lying on Kenpachi Zaraki's shoulder is his and Unohana's eldest daughter, Aramaki Yachiru.

"Little Sword, let's set off~"

At this moment, Yachiru paid no heed to the lieutenants behind her; she firmly patted Kenpachi's shoulder, signaling him to take her out to play.

"Hmm, Yachiru! It's time for us to go hunting together~"

Upon hearing Yachiru's words, Kenpachi Zaraki, whose face bore a long scar and was incredibly ferocious, instantly revealed a fierce grin!

At this moment, the beast is unleashed; the hunt of the invaders begins~.

"Absolutely cannot let that monster Kenpachi Zaraki encounter the son of Captain Shiba Isshin before I do; otherwise, with that monster's personality, he will surely kill Shiba Isshin's son! At least until I find out Shiba Isshin's whereabouts, I absolutely cannot let him succeed!"

Hitsugaya Toshiro watched the eager Kenpachi Zaraki and the petite Aramaki Yachiru perched on his shoulder, beads of fine sweat appearing on his forehead.

"Ichigo Kurosaki, or rather Isshin Shiba, do you truly have the power to change everything? Let me see just how far you can go."

Byakuya Kuchiki's gaze was deep; he touched the hilt of his Soul-Cutting Sword at his waist.

"Hehe, let's make this joyful stage even more lively~"

Behind the captains, Sosuke Aizen revealed a strange smile.

However, what no one expected was……

After Ichigo and the others had entered Soul Society and run for not long, a man wearing a captain's haori, with long white eyebrows and beard, and a shiny bald head, appearing as a kindly old man one could see anywhere in the World of the Living, blocked their path.

"Are you the invaders of Soul Society?"

That old man seemed to be roasting sweet potatoes over an unknown flame; upon seeing Ichigo and the others, he smiled, waved them over, and said, "Come sit! Let's eat a sweet potato together~ My roasted sweet potatoes are the best in Soul Society~"

"We're doomed!"

When Yoruichi Shihoin saw the old man before her, she involuntarily shivered; Yoruichi Shihoin had enough confidence that, before any active captain of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads other than Aramaki, she could use her powerful flash step that earned her the title 'Flash God' to escape with Ichigo and the others.

But Yoruichi Shihoin had no confidence at all of escaping before this old man! Even after seeing him, her original intention to flee vanished completely; running was definitely impossible, and if she stayed, perhaps she could die with some dignity~.

After all, in Soul Society, aside from the legendary royal special forces 'Zero Division', besides Aramaki as Captain-Commander of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, the old man before us is the most terrifying in strength! Indeed, this old man roasting sweet potatoes by the road is Aramaki's master, Yoruichi Shihoin's grandmaster, former captain of the First Division, Commander-in-Chief of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, bearing the title 'Founding Ancestor of the Guard', Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni! Moreover, he was the strongest Death God in Soul Society for a thousand years before Aramaki!

In that moment, Yoruichi's gaze toward Ichigo filled with sympathy; she now had an important question to ask the clever Kisuke Urahara: "Just out of the novice village, and we've already hit the regular combat power ceiling—what should we do?! Kisuke Urahara, please quickly use your invincible wisdom to think of a solution!"

Kisuke Urahara: "Sorry, I have no solution either! My advice is, you might as well lie down and wait to die~ That way, your corpses will be relatively intact! You won't be burned to ashes! As for defeating the enemy, don't even think about it! Even if I lent you the complete Collapsed Jade, before you fully fuse with it, you absolutely couldn't defeat this seemingly ordinary old man~"

"Hey, old man, why are you roasting sweet potatoes here all by yourself?"

Just as Yoruichi was trembling in fear before the sweet‑roasting old man, Ichigo casually walked up to his side, took a freshly roasted sweet potato from his hand, and then patted the old man's shoulder, asking.

"Ichigo, don't!"

Yoruichi stared wide‑eyed at the scene; she wanted to step forward to stop Ichigo, but it was too late—there was no time left.

"One person, idle, roasts a few sweet potatoes to taste the freshness~"

The old man, hearing this, smiled and answered Ichigo.

"Old man, where did you get that haori?"

"I previously met a guy with silver short hair, wearing attire almost identical to your haori; that guy was truly hateful—he attacked us without even saying anything! By the way, I recall that guy was a captain of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads; old man, you couldn't also be a captain of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, could you?"

Ichigo said, narrowing his eyes slightly, ready for battle at any moment.

"No! Look closely, my haori has no number on the back!"

"The haori of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads always bears the numbers one through thirteen on the back~"

Genryusai, hearing this, laughed and shook his head at Ichigo; Ichigo's line of talk is still too naive, but Genryusai couldn't be bothered to pursue him! Instead, going along with Ichigo's words, he spoke while pointing to his own back.

"Eh, don't say it! You really shouldn't say that……"

"Old man, you truly have no number on your back~"

Ichigo saw Genryusai's haori spotless on the back, and immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

To be honest, if he encountered a captain of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads here, he really wouldn't know what to do! After all, he's experienced the strength of Gin Ichimaru and Byakuya Kuchiki, and before learning Bankai, he has no chance against these captains!

But fortunately, this kindly old man before us is not a captain~ Moreover, he's up there in years; at a glance he doesn't look very formidable. Ichigo feels that taking on an old man may be unfair, but at least he won't lose! For Rukia, Ichigo can test the limits of his own morality.

Oh! The sweet potatoes are all roasted~

Come, each of you take one!

Just as Yihu was still wanting to say something, Yuanliuzhai picked up his roasted sweet potato from beside the fire and immediately looked toward Yeyi and the others in the distance.

Whoosh~

With a gust of howling wind, by the time everyone reacted, Four Maple Court Yeyi, Shitian Yulong, Chadu Taihu, and Jingshang Zhiji each had an additional sweet potato in their hands, identical to the one in Heiqiyihu's hand.

This...

At that moment, everyone stared at the sweet potato in their hands, stunned, and they didn't even see clearly when the old man made his move, placing the sweet potatoes in their hands.

Master! A true master!

Then everyone finally realized that this old man might actually be a monster.

All right! Hurry up and eat the sweet potatoes; once you're done, it'll be time to set off~

Just as everyone was marveling at the sweet potatoes in their hands, Yuanliuzhai Chongguo, with the kindest expression and gentlest tone, spoke the most terrifying words.

Twelve thousand, a big chapter!