Chapter 200

【Soul Society】。

Outside the First Division's captain's office, two figures hurriedly walked over.

No entry beyond this point…

I wonder what urgent matter Vice Captain Abarai and Vice Captain Kuchiki have that brings them rushing to the First Division's captain's office? If there's no sufficient reason, we won't concede…

Just as the two figures were about to reach the main door of the First Division's captain's office, several black shadows suddenly emerged from the corridor opposite the office and blocked their path.

Division Leader Sugimoto, Vice Captain Tsukishima, we have urgent business to report, General Commander Araki! Please allow us to enter and see the General Commander…

The arriving party was Renji Abarai and Rukia Kuchiki. They seemed already aware that Orihime Inoue had been taken by Aizen, so they came to request Araki's approval for them to go to the Hollow World to help Ichigo Kurosaki.

「……」 -> none.

Sugimoto Souichirou furrowed his brows, stared at the serious Renji Abarai and Rukia Kuchiki before him, and after a brief silence, finally gave a gentle nod.

Alright, I understand…

I'll go in now and report to General Commander Araki that you wish to see him! As for whether General Commander Araki will ultimately want to meet you after hearing my report, that's not my concern.

Sugimoto Souichirou said softly to Renji Abarai and Rukia Kuchiki.

Thank you for your help!

Renji and Rukia, without hesitation, immediately bowed to Sugimoto.

Hmm…

Sugimoto simply gave a light nod.

Then his figure vanished from before their eyes.

So fast…

It must be said, Sugimoto had lived through countless wars, including personally experiencing the thousand‑year‑old war when Yhwach led the Quincy of the Light Empire to invade the Soul Society, making him one of the few Soul Reapers who have lived over a thousand years.

Although his innate talent meant his spiritual pressure and Zanpakutō awakening were not as strong as Renji's or Rukia's, the flash‑step technique honed over a millennium far surpassed those two, who have served as Soul Reapers in the Tranquil Spirit Court for less than a hundred years.

About five minutes later…

As the main door of the First Division's captain's office slowly opened, Sugimoto stepped out, approached the anxious Rukia and Renji, smiled faintly, and said softly, "Come in with me! General Commander Araki has decided to see you."

Phew~

Seeing Sugimoto's pale face, they had thought Araki wouldn't meet them, but once they confirmed Araki's decision, Rukia and Renji finally relaxed, wiped the sweat from their foreheads, and followed Sugimoto through the First Division's captain's office door.

Ah~

At that moment, outside the First Division's captain's office door, only Lieutenant Tsukishima, who had been on night duty the previous night and was still sleepy, remained, along with a group of squad members standing in the nearby corridor, each holding a Zanpakutō and on high alert. Since Aizen's betrayal, every division has been on lockdown.

You have arrived…

When Rukia and Renji finally entered the First Division's captain's office under Sugimoto's guidance, they saw General Commander Araki standing quietly at the desk at the far end of the office, looking at them. Before they could speak, Araki greeted them first.

I've seen General Commander Araki!

Rukia and Renji, not daring to be bold, immediately knelt on one knee upon seeing Araki and greeted him.

Rise…

Araki merely smiled faintly.

Understood!

After receiving Araki's permission, Rukia and Renji dared to stand up. Although their status had changed dramatically since they first arrived in the Wandering Souls Street, it was still insufficient in front of Araki, the General Commander of the Soul Society.

Vice Captain Abarai and Vice Captain Kuchiki, tell me about it.

What brings you here at such a critical moment?

Araki looked at Renji and Rukia and asked.

We…

Renji and Rukia exchanged glances, hesitating. After all, their Thirteen Court Guard Squads were still in a preparation phase, and Aizen, who had fled to the Hollow World, might soon lead the Grand Hollows in a counterattack. Requesting to leave the Soul Society to help others now seemed rather inappropriate…

You came for Ichigo Kurosaki, didn't you?

Before they could answer, Araki asked again.

This…

After Araki's remark, Renji and Rukia were at a loss, unsure whether to retreat or advance.

I happen to have a mission for you!

Araki cut them off and said plainly.

This…

Rukia hadn't expected Araki to suddenly assign her a mission, and she was visibly stunned. She wanted to refuse, because she needed to rescue Orihime in the Hollow World; watching Orihime being taken by Aizen without acting would make her despise herself tomorrow.

Rukia!

Before Rukia could speak, Renji's rough hand clamped over her mouth.

Renji…

After Renji covered her mouth, Rukia turned her head toward him, about to say something, but was met with Renji's resolute gaze.

At the same time, Renji's gentle voice whispered in Rukia's ear, "Rukia, don't interrupt General Commander Araki; that's impolite! Wait until he finishes speaking, then we can decide. If not, ask our older brother Byakuya to use the Kuchiki family's World‑Piercing Gate to get us through…"

Rukia was momentarily stunned, unable to say what she intended to tell Araki, and swallowed her words.

As Renji said, Rukia decided to first listen to what Araki had planned for them…

After they learn the mission details, they'll decide whether to accept or refuse. In any case, as Renji said, they truly cannot interrupt Araki, for he is the General Commander, and it would be rude to do so…

Then Vice Captain Abarai, and Vice Captain Rukia, obey!

Araki observed all of Rukia and Renji's subtle movements, but he seemed uninterested in them and began to explain the mission.

Yes!

With Araki's words finished, Renji and Rukia immediately responded.

「I, in my capacity as captain-commander of the Guardian Thirteen Squads, order you here: go immediately to the Present World to find Urahara Kisuke, and with his help proceed at once to the Hollow Realm, and you must assist Kurosaki Ichigo in rescuing his classmates……」

Huangmu looked at Lianci and Luqi ya, speaking softly.

Eh?!

At the moment Huangmu's words fell, both Lianci and Luqi ya were stunned; they never expected that Huangmu would ultimately give them such a task……

Isn't this exactly what they had in mind from the start?!

How about it, do you two have any problems?

After glancing at Luqi ya and Lianci, Huangmu asked coldly.

No! We have no problems……

Luqi ya and Lianci dared not have any problems; they looked at Huangmu ecstatically.

Since you have no problems, I'll give you another opportunity to seek external aid from the Guardian Thirteen Squads!

You can go to the Guardian Thirteen Squads, seek no more than five active captain-level external aides! And go with you to the Hollow Realm to help Heiqi Yihu~

Upon hearing this, Huangmu first nodded in satisfaction, then continued.

Huh? Seek external aid from within the Guardian Thirteen Squads?

And you can take them, no more than five active captains?!

After hearing Huangmu's words, Luqi ya and Lianci were dumbfounded; they never expected that Huangmu would actually give them such a favorable condition.

Unwilling?

Huangmu looked at the shocked Luqi ya and Lianci and asked back.

Willing! Willing! Truly too willing!

Captain-Commander Huangmu, you're truly great; you are practically the eternal god in the hearts of all members of our Guardian Thirteen Squads……

Luqi ya and Lianci looked at Huangmu ecstatically and spoke.

Alright, go on!

Seeing this, Huangmu seemed a bit tired, lightly waved his hand at Luqi ya and Lianci, indicating they could leave his captain's quarters.

Um……

However, after about a few minutes, Lianci and Luqi ya still stood in place, wanting to speak but hesitating, looking at Huangmu; they seemed to want to say something, but due to their status, they found it hard to speak.

If you have something to say, say it quickly……

In response, Huangmu glanced at the two and then said.

Captain-Commander Huangmu, if we mobilize so much force to go to the Hollow Realm, and if Lanran then attacks the Soul Society, will we still have enough strength to respond? We cannot become sinners of the Soul Society……

Lianci looked at Huangmu sternly and asked nervously.

First, Lanran will never attack the Soul Society; what he wants, the Soul Society cannot give him; attacking here would only make him lose his wife and lose his troops!

Lanran's target is the Human World, namely Heiqi Yihu's hometown, currently Empty Seat Town, and he intends to use Empty Seat Town's power to forge a pass to the Spirit King Palace, that is, the King's Key!

Huangmu first stated where Lanran would attack.

This is also why Lanran's main reason for abducting Jing Shang Zhi Ji is to lure the tiger away from the mountain; only by letting Heiqi Yihu leave Empty Seat Town does he have a chance to seize Empty Seat Town for his own use! It's a pity that Heiqi Yihu failed to see through Lanran's scheme and has already fallen into his trap……

Next, Huangmu also stated Lanran's reason for abducting Zhi Ji.

Secondly, five active captain-level Death Gods are the maximum force I can allocate to you; I suspect this is also in Lanran's calculations; if I'm not mistaken, lacking even one captain-level combat power could jeopardize your Hollow Realm mission! This is Lanran's open plot, and I have no choice but to fall into it……

Furthermore, Huangmu explained why he wanted Luqi ya and Lianci to take five captains from the Guardian Thirteen Squads. Yes, this is the tacit understanding between Huangmu and Lanran as master and disciple, and also their mutual calculation~

As for what you just said, if the Guardian Thirteen Squads lose five active captains, will it affect my duel with Lanran? You can rest assured; as long as I'm here, neither the Soul Society nor the Human World can be overturned! Lanran is nothing in my eyes; just go ahead.

Finally, Huangmu looked at the facing Luqi ya and Lianci with an overbearing aura and spoke coldly.

We understand……

Until Luqi ya and Lianci left the First Division captain's quarters, they remained immersed in Huangmu's aura of authority without anger.

Hehe! How ridiculous, that's Captain-Commander Huangmu; how could he possibly lose?

Yeah! Captain-Commander Huangmu is the strongest Death God in the Soul Society, bar none!

For a moment, they both couldn't help feeling somewhat ridiculous, that they would dare to question Huangmu, who holds the title of the strongest Death God in Soul Society history~

It seems that because so many things have happened recently in the Clear Spirit Court, they've all become flustered, their thoughts not as quick as before……

So, which captain should we ask to join us in going to the Hollow Realm to help Heiqi Yihu?!

After Lianci and Luqi ya left the First Division, they again found themselves in a dilemma, not knowing who to let accompany them to the Hollow Realm.

In any case! Lianci, you go beg my older brother first; I'll go beg Captain Haiyan! Captain Haiyan and Heiqi Yihu are actually cousins, so I think he will surely lend a hand.

As for my older brother, he will likely help Heiqi Yihu out of sentiment, given that they both hail from the Five Great Noble Houses……

Luqi ya analyzed.

Good!

Upon hearing that, Lianci nodded without a second thought.

Because the situation was urgent, Lianci and Luqi ya also didn't continue discussing, but each ran off to their respective divisions……

Thirteenth Division captain's quarters.

Going to the Hollow Realm to help Heiqi Yihu?!

Sure! Come to think of it, I haven't really properly interacted with this cousin of mine yet.

This time, going to the Hollow Realm to help him, our relationship can thus get better~

Shibo Haiyan, upon hearing this, immediately agreed to Luqi ya's request without hesitation.

Captain, I am deeply grateful for your help here!

After obtaining Haiyan's consent, Luqi ya immediately bowed to Haiyan and expressed thanks.

No need for thanks! If I must say something, I should also thank you, after all this counts as a family matter of our Shibo clan; Heiqi Yihu has caused you, an outsider, to go to trouble……

Shibo Haiyan helped Luqi ya up from the ground and then expressed thanks.

Heiqi Yihu and I are close friends! He's not an outsider!

After listening to Hai Yan's words, Lu Qi Ya spoke seriously.

"Hahaha, good! Not counting outsiders..." Hai Yan gave a light laugh, then looked at Lu Qi Ya and asked, "Besides me and that little brat Bai Zai—I mean Captain Bai Zai—who else did you recruit to help?!"

"Um, none..."

Lu Qi Ya's expression showed some embarrassment as she spoke softly to Hai Yan; her voice was as faint as a mosquito's buzz, and if Hai Yan didn't listen carefully, she wouldn't hear it at all. Fortunately, unlike Hei Qi Yi Hu, whose ears aren't that bad, he managed to understand...

"None?!"

Hai Yan's eyelid twitched slightly as he asked Lu Qi Ya.

"None!"

Upon hearing that, Lu Qi Ya nodded firmly.

"Sigh..."

Hai Yan, at this point, helplessly sighed.

"Come on! I'll take you to find the other captains."

Hai Yan patted Lu Qi Ya on the shoulder, his gesture seeming to comfort her, or perhaps himself, and he spoke softly.

"Thank you..."

Upon hearing that, Lu Qi Ya's expression held embarrassment mixed with a hint of gratitude.

"Mm."

Hai Yan gave a slight nod, then immediately led Lu Qi Ya to the nearest 12th Division barracks.

"We're going to the 12th Division?!"

Lu Qi Ya stared at Hai Yan's action, then froze for a moment.

"Mm."

Upon hearing that, Hai Yan gave a slight nod.

"Are you familiar with Captain Nie Yuanli of the 12th Division?"

Lu Qi Ya asked Hai Yan.

"Not familiar!"

Hai Yan lightly shook his head; he had hardly ever spoken with Nie.

"Then why are you still heading to the 12th Division?!"

Upon hearing that, Lu Qi Ya's expression showed a hint of curiosity.

To be honest, Lu Qi Ya is somewhat afraid of Nie Yuanli; whenever she sees his sinister expression, her whole body trembles involuntarily.

"Because it's nearby..."

In response, Hai Yan answered truthfully.

"Alright~"

Only then did Lu Qi Ya realize that Hai Yan intended to go division by division.

Soon after, Lu Qi Ya and Hai Yan arrived at the front gate of the 12th Division barracks.

"Sorry, Captain Zhibo Haiyan, Vice Captain Xiumu Lu Qi Ya..."

"Captain Nie doesn't want to see you now, no matter the reason—please both go back~"

As Hai Yan and Lu Qi Ya had just pushed open the gate of the 12th Division's Technical Development Bureau, they were stopped by Vice Captain Nie Yin Meng, who stared at them expressionlessly and said coldly.

"As expected, Captain Hai Yan, shall we head back?"

Upon hearing that, Lu Qi Ya let out a slight sigh of relief, while her expression also showed a hint of "as expected"; she advised Hai Yan with an air of inevitability.

"Go tell your captain that I have an opportunity here to go to the Hollow Realm on official business, and ask him whether he'll go—just give me a straight answer..."

Hai Yan seemed to understand Nie's nature well; looking at the blocking Nie Yin Meng ahead, he spoke softly.

"Huh? Going to the Hollow Realm?!"

"Please both of you wait here for a moment..."

Upon hearing that, Yin Meng's expression paused, then she immediately returned to the laboratory behind her, heading straight for Captain Nie Yuanli's quarters...

"Captain, the 13th Division's Captain Zhibo Haiyan and Vice Captain Xiumu Lu Qi Ya are requesting an audience; they say they have an official mission..."

Nie Yin Meng had already put on her gas mask, then gently pushed open the door to the captain's quarters, and in a haze of colorful gas, she softly spoke to the constantly busy Captain Nie Yuanli.

"Nie Yin Meng, didn't I already say that? I'm currently working, and while I'm working, no matter who comes to see me—even if it's Commander Huangmu—they get turned away directly; everything must wait until my experiment ends before we talk..."

Captain Nie Yuanli glared at Nie Yin Meng, who had rashly entered the laboratory, and spoke angrily.

"Captain Nie Yuanli, Captain Zhibo Haiyan outside has asked me to tell you that they now have an opportunity to go to the Hollow Realm—do you need it?!"

Nie Yin Meng ignored Captain Nie Yuanli's reprimand and continued speaking.

"Ah? There's such a good thing?"

Just moments ago, he had told Nie Yin Meng to outright reject Hai Yan, but after hearing her words, he completely changed his previous disdainful attitude; he first calmly put away the experimental gas, then walked up to Yin Meng and asked.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing that, Yin Meng nodded firmly.

"Then we really need to make a trip."

"A Jin, take the antidote from bottle number two in my lab and give it to these poisoned idiots; I need to go on a long trip, so I'll leave the house in your care~"

Captain Nie Yuanli reached into his pocket, pulled out the key to his quarters, and tossed it to A Jin, who was standing guard outside wearing a gas mask; then he pointed at the lab workers who hadn't had time to put on their masks and had thus been poisoned by the gas leaking from his quarters, and said coldly.

"All right, Captain~"

Upon hearing that, A Jin lightly nodded.

"Well then, let's set off~ set off~ Yin Meng~"

Captain Nie Yuanli said this and then walked out toward the outside of the 12th Division's research institute.

Not long after, Captain Nie Yuanli opened the gate of the 12th Division's barracks, and as Nie Yin Meng and Captain Zhibo Haiyan approached, he walked toward them, smiling happily as he said: "Hahaha, just looking at your outward appearance, you two seem to have no brains—simple-minded muscleheads! Although you end up doing foolish, life-threatening things, I must say, your performance today has been quite good~ You should be glad to have found me to accompany you to the Hollow Realm, for this is absolutely the wisest thing you've ever done in your lives~"

"I suddenly don't want to take this guy with me~"

At this, Zhiba Haiyan's eyelid twitched slightly.

"I feel the same..."

Luqia heard that and nodded vigorously.

Although Luqia and Zhiba Haiyan each felt some regret—regret for having asked Niejian Li to accompany them...

Had they known Niejian Li's mouth was so ugly, they should have skipped the Twelfth Squad and gone straight to the Eleventh, or even the Tenth Squad.

But since they'd already recruited Niejian Li, they wouldn't fuss any more; after all, he was the one they chose, and even with regret they'd take him along to Hueco Mundo.

"In any case, the next squad is the Eleventh Squad."

Zhiba Haiyan continued.

"Ugh, the captains of the later-numbered squads all seem difficult to get along with; I hope we don't encounter another annoying guy like Captain Niejian Li this time..."

Luqia clasped her hands and prayed,

"Bastard! I heard everything..."

Niejian Li, hearing that, said irritably,

Eleventh Squad's quarters.

This time, after Haiyan explained why they were looking for Gengmu Jianba, the squad members outside let them in without much resistance.

"Going to Hueco Mundo to help Kurosaki Ichigo rescue people?!"

"I'm not interested in rescuing anyone..."

"But I am very interested in going to Hueco Mundo~"

"Might as well just kill that Aizen bastard~"

Gengmu Jianba moved his neck and flashed a cruel smile.

"Would you like to go to Hueco Mundo with us? That's wonderful..."

Originally, when Haiyan and Luqia heard Gengmu Jianba say he wasn't interested in going to Hueco Mundo, both their faces darkened slightly...

After all, Gengmu's combat power is evident; having him join the Hueco Mundo expedition would increase their odds by a few points.

Consequently, just as Haiyan and Luqia were feeling down, Gengmu's words once again stirred them; although his purpose for going to Hueco Mundo differs from theirs, at least he's going together—somewhat complementary.

"Going to Hueco Mundo, yay, yay! I also want to go with you, Little Sword!"

Baqian Liu, upon hearing they were going to Hueco Mundo to fight Aizen, instantly became excited.

"Me too!"

"Me as well!"

As Baqian Liu finished speaking, Banmu Ichijiao and Ayasegawa Yumichin exchanged a glance, then in unison said,

"In that case, we have three captains on our side!"

"According to Chief Commander Araki's specifications, we're still short two~"

Haiyan counted the people; currently they have himself, Niejian Li, and Gengmu—three active captains. Under Chief Commander Araki's limit of no more than five active captains, they can only recruit two more.

"Since we're heading to the enemy's stronghold, they outnumber us absolutely, so I suggest the next two captains we find should include a one‑against‑many specialist and a return‑path expert to handle emergencies!"

"Therefore, I propose we invite Captain Heiko Mako of the Fifth Squad and Captain Rei of the Fourth Squad! With Heiko's Bankai and Rei's return‑path skill, whether we face many foes or wounded allies, we'll be unbeatable~"

Haiyan analyzed the situation based on everyone's condition.

"I can handle medical duties too, and besides, Hueco Mundo still has that human girl beside Kurosaki Ichigo who wields the power to reject all phenomena, right?!"

"Even though she's currently detained by Aizen, aren't we going to Hueco Mundo to rescue her? Once we free her from Aizen, she can heal people~"

"Or are you idiots thinking our lineup can't rescue that human girl from Aizen? What a joke?!"

"Moreover, if we take Captain Rei with us to Hueco Mundo, the Jingling Court will lack a strong medical practitioner~"

Niejian Li stroked his chin and rejected Haiyan's suggestion.

"However, we could bring Heiko Mako along~"

Immediately after, Niejian Li added another remark.

Niejian Li essentially agreed to half of Haiyan's proposal.

"I think Captain Niejian's point makes sense; the most important thing is I've already asked Renji to beg my big brother, so counting my brother, we have only one slot left..."

Luqia said, awkwardly scratching her cheek.

"Honestly, since you all say so, let's go find Heiko Mako~"

Haiyan sighed helplessly; since everyone had decided, what else could he say? He could only agree!

And so, the group bypassed the other squads...

They headed straight to the Fifth Squad's quarters.

"Going to Hueco Mundo to help that Kurosaki Ichigo guy?! Sure~"

"Coincidentally, I still owe that guy a favor! ~"

When Heiko Mako first saw the bizarre lineup of Luqia, Haiyan, Niejian Li, Niyin Meng, Gengmu, Baqian Liu, Ichijiao, and Yumichin...

Heiko felt a foreboding sense, wondering why so many captains were suddenly seeking vengeance when he hadn't offended anyone lately.

But after hearing their reasons for seeking him, Heiko first exhaled in relief, then agreed without hesitation.

"With that, our formation is complete!"

Haiyan breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing Heiko's words; his eyes flashed with fierce light. With the five of them deploying together, plus Kurosaki Ichigo and others, this Hueco Mundo expedition seemed solid.

"Captain Heiko, Captain Heiko, Captain Gengmu, Captain Niejian, plus my big brother and the deputy captains! We'll definitely help Kurosaki Ichigo rescue Orihime..."

Luqia tallied the combat power here and suddenly felt confident.

Then, after a few tens of minutes, the meeting point...

"Renji! And elder brother~"

Rukia, Byakuya, Renji (also Byakuya and Renji, etc.).

Captain Unohana? Vice Captain Kotetsu Isane?

Headmaster Genryusai? And Vice‑Headmaster Suzumebachi!

Byakuya, Renji, Unohana Retsu, Kotetsu Isane.

Byakuya and Kaiyan thought of it together.

Former General Commander of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, now Headmaster of Shin'o Academy, Yamamoto Genryusai, with Vice‑Headmaster Suzumebachi Chōjirō.

Byakuya, big brother.

Yamamoto Genryusai and Suzumebachi.

General Commander Araki gave us five active captain positions.

Byakuya mumbled thoughtfully.

It can still be like this?!

As Byakuya's words fell, everyone present was stunned.

Rukia looked at Byakuya and continued.

Our side already has enough for five captains; if we include Captain Unohana, wouldn't that exceed the quota?

etc.

Kaiyan, step down! Hand over the captain's seat of the Thirteenth Division to my sister~

Byakuya ignored Rukia and continued looking at Kaiyan.

Big, big, big brother…

"You saying that is also way too much?!!"

Rukia never expected Byakuya, in front of so many people, to directly have Haiyan step down and then give the captain's position to her, making Rukia feel extremely ashamed, her face turning bright red.

Kuchiki Byakuya.

Haiyan stared at Byakuya in shock, speaking in disbelief.

"I've always been a genius, a genius never surpassed by anyone..."

Byakuya rolled his eyes at the words, really too lazy to bother with Haiyan.

Byakuya considered his overall ability to be unmatched among his peers...

Those stronger than him in combat aren't as smart as him; those smarter than him lack his keen political sense~

Adding his status as the current heir of the Kuchiki family, Byakuya is simply outstanding~

"But our lineup is just to go to Hueco Mundo to save a human girl—doesn't that seem a bit wasteful? Using a cleaver to kill a chicken? Rather than that, let's change the plan: instead of rescuing the human girl, we'll assassinate Aizen. What do you all think?"

After Haiyan scanned everyone with his gaze, he slightly raised his eyebrows, feeling that if they went to Hueco Mundo with this lineup...

Aizen Sosuke, Kurosaki Ichigo, Founder of the Gotei 13

"The Strongest Sword Eight under Araki" Komamura.

"Death Sword".

etc.

Upon hearing Haiyan's words, everyone furrowed their brows, then nodded in agreement.

"Then it's decided, the target is changed~"

"From going to Hueco Mundo to rescue Ichigo Kurosaki's human companions!"

"Changed to going straight to Hueco Mundo to strike at the heart! Take down Aizen..."

Mayuri Kurotsuchi.

etc.

For a moment, whether it was Genryusai or Retsu Unohana, upon hearing Nemu's words, they all lightly nodded.

"It doesn't matter, as long as there are enough enemies for me to slash, that's enough~"

Komamura Sajin.

"Mom~ we're going to Hueco Mundo to kill people~"

Yachiru.

etc.

"Do you still remember the killing techniques I taught you?"

"You must use it then~ be sure not to get blood on your clothes~"

"In that barren Hueco Mundo, Mom won't have water to wash your clothes~"

Unohana gently stroked the little head of Hachiryu, a gentle smile on her face.

etc.

Hachiryu immersed in Unohana's surging embrace, rubbing around while nodding.

If at this moment, Hachiryu and Unohana, this extremely good-looking mother-daughter pair, were not embracing while discussing killing techniques, this scene might actually be quite warm~

However, now this scene, placed before everyone present, aside from Genryusai, Geki, and Nemu, makes everyone else feel extremely eerie and trembling with fear—needless to say, the wife and daughter of General Araki are mighty! In every sense, they are powerful...

etc.

Finally, it was Genryusai, cane in hand, who lifted his cane and struck the ground hard, then issued commands to everyone present.

etc.

As Genryusai's words fell, all the captains and vice-captains present shouted in unison.

Tranquil Spirit Court.

Araki's wife and Araki's daughter Yachiru.

etc.

World‑Piercing Gate.

Well, as more and more people head to Hueco Mundo, everyone's goal has shifted from initially rescuing Orihime to, at some point, subduing Aizen...

Most importantly, even Kuchiki Rukia and Abarai Renji failed to notice anything amiss! Even the two of them, the initiators and organizers of the Orihime Rescue Team, believed that with their current lineup, if they made a trip to the "Hollow Circle" just to rescue Orihime, that would indeed be a great loss……

After everyone used the high-speed world-crossing gate developed by Kurotsuchi Mayuri, with the captains' shunpo level, they only took half an hour to reach the "Living World".

As everyone stepped out of the world-crossing gate, they saw on the vast wasteland, Kisuke Urahara smiling as he looked at the gate before him.

"Yo! Rukia and Renji, you guys came~"

"Hehe, and Hirako Mako, you came too, congratulations on becoming captain again~"

"Because I've been too busy over here, I didn't have time to come see you, sorry~"

"Yo! Kurotsuchi Mayuri, you came too? I heard you're doing well in the Research and Development Institute~"

"And Captain Kuchiki and Captain Shiba, when I left, you were still young, maybe you don't recognize me~ hehe……"

When Kisuke Urahara saw the first few people emerge from the world-crossing gate, he still wore a smiling expression and a very relaxed posture.

"Huh? Captain Zaraki, Vice Captain of the 8th Division, you guys came too?"

"Ah? Captain Unohana, how did you come too?"

"What? No? Commander-General Yamamoto, you came too??"

But as more and more people came out from behind the world-crossing gate, the smile on Kisuke Urahara's face grew thinner, eventually fading away.

Replacing it was shock! Shock! And still shock!

"Who are you?!"

Kisuke Urahara looked at the newcomers, his expression filled with endless shock and disbelief.

Although Urahara had thought that the Soul Society would send some captains to the Hollow Realm to help Ichigo deal with Aizen, he never imagined that the Soul Society……

To be honest, Urahara didn't expect Araki to value Ichigo so much! He actually dispatched over half of the Seireitei's regular high-end combat forces.

At the same time, a doubt arose in Urahara's heart: did Araki really send such a force just to go to Hueco Mundo to rescue Orihime? With a force of this level, if you said Araki intended to send them to kill Aizen, Urahara would completely believe it……

"Huh?!"

Upon thinking this, Urahara's expression slightly paused; he seemed to have discovered something, an astonishing secret. However, Urahara is a smart man, he had no intention of exposing it……

"We're here to help Ichigo Kurosaki!"

Upon hearing this, everyone first glanced at each other, then replied in unison.

"Er, I understand……"

"Then everyone, please pass through my specially made world-crossing gate and head to the Hollow Realm!"

"Ichigo Kurosaki and the others only left not long ago; if you all set out now, you might even catch up with them."

Kisuke Urahara spoke to the captains present, with a slight smile.

"Understood~"

Upon hearing this, Genryuusai Yamamoto lightly nodded.

"Thank you, Mr. Urahara~"

Ikkaku, Yumichika, and others then bowed deeply toward Urahara.

"Urahara Kisuke~"

As for Unohana, she directly approached Urahara.

"Er, Captain Unohana, what are your orders?"

Urahara alone faced Captain Unohana, feeling his heart race and tension double……

Of course it's not that Urahara is shy; it's his sixth sense, stimulated by the killing intent Unohana wraps around him, making his whole body feel on the verge of collapse!

To Urahara, Captain Unohana is simply too dangerous.

"Araki asked me to give you a message~"

"He told you that after the Aizen incident ends, you must return to the Soul Society~"

Captain Unohana looked at Kisuke Urahara and spoke lightly.

"I, I understand……"

Upon hearing this, Kisuke Urahara's eyelid twitched slightly, then he nodded firmly.

"Very good~"

In response, Captain Unohana gave a light smile.

"Depart~"

On the other side, Yamamoto Genryuusai had already stood before Kisuke Urahara's specially made world-crossing gate for heading to the Hollow Realm.

"Yes, sir!"

As Yamamoto's words fell, the strong captains immediately surged into the world-crossing gate, setting off toward the Hollow Realm.

"Finally they left?!"

Watching the captains enter the world-crossing gate, Kisuke Urahara secretly breathed a sigh of relief, having to say the pressure from Yamamoto and the others was truly immense……

At the same time, Urahara secretly broke a sweat for Aizen~

Honestly, at this moment Urahara even felt a bit of sympathy for Aizen~

Who would you provoke if not this bunch of monsters?!

"Hollow Realm."

"Boom!"

Accompanied by a roar, Ichigo Kurosaki arrived with Uryū Ishida and Yasutora Sado in this pitch-black expanse where endless white sand stretched as far as the eye could see—the Hollow Realm.

"Ouch!"

"By the way, this is the Hollow Realm, right?"

Ichigo Kurosaki, carelessly, used too much force and fell straight from the black cavity torn in the sky into the white sand pile, pulling his head out of the sand and then softly asking while looking at the surrounding white sand.

"Mm! This is definitely the Hollow Realm~"

"It's exactly the same as what's recorded in our Quincy handbook!"

"It's been a thousand years; whether the Soul Society or the Human World, everything has changed dramatically, yet here nothing has changed…"

Shi Tian Yu Long gently nudged the glasses on his nose, first surveyed the surroundings, then spoke earnestly.

"…"

As for Cha Duo Taihu, he said nothing.

"Then that's correct, let's set off~"

"Go quickly to rescue Zhi Ji, she's still waiting for us!"

Hei Zhai Yi Hu's gaze was urgent; he had once sworn to protect anyone by his side, so he would never allow anyone to harm Jing Shang Zhi Ji.

Buzz!

"Idiot! Do you know where Zhi Ji is?!"

Just as Hei Zhai Yi Hu shouted to rescue Zhi Ji, the black cavity behind him, previously sealed, suddenly opened again!

Boom!!

In the next second, a ferocious spiritual pressure burst outward from that black cavity!

"Who are you?!"

Just as Hei Zhai Yi Hu and Shi Tian Yu Long were on guard, Shan Ben Yuan Liu Zhai and Mao Zhi Hua Lie, together with the captains behind them, stepped out of the black cavity and stood before Hei Zhai Yi Hu, Shi Tian Yu Long, and Cha Duo Taihu.

"They're the captains of the Gotei 13!"

Taihu lowered the arm he had raised.

"Lu Qi Ya, Lian Ci, Bai Zai, Ping Zi, Yi Jiao, Gong Qin, Jian Ba, Ba Qian Liu, Yong Yin, Nie Yin Meng! Even Captain Mao Zhi Hua, Elder Shan Ben Yuan Liu Zhai, Mr. Que Bu, and you, cousin, have all come?"

Hei Zhai Yi Hu saw the captains emerging from the black cavity; his pupils first contracted, then he nodded and greeted each captain.

Because Hei Zhai Yi Hu, with the help of his father Hei Zhai Yi Xin, had learned his own identity and the matters of the Zhi Ba family, he naturally called Zhi Ba Hai Yan as "cousin"~

"Ah! Captain Araki said you must definitely rescue Jing Shang Zhi Ji!"

Xiu Mu Lu Qi Ya walked to Hei Zhai Yi Hu's side, gave him a light nod as a greeting, then spoke earnestly.

"Uncle Araki…"

Hei Zhai Yi Hu heard this, his heart filled with wordless emotion; Araki was truly kind to him, he was practically a saint, he was literally moved to tears.

"Now is not the time to be indecisive~"

"Let's go, the target is to eliminate Lan Ran the traitor…"

"Um, I mean rescue Jing Shang Zhi Ji while eliminating Lan Ran the traitor!"

A San Jing Lian Ci brandished his Zanpakuto, sword pointing at Xu ye gong, and shouted.

"Hey hey hey! This isn't your turn to give orders, Lian Ci?!"

Lu Qi Ya, seeing this, moved beside Lian Ci and teased.

"Um, well, I just wanted to experience what it's like to give orders!"

Lian Ci's cheeks flushed slightly; he tried to find a somewhat reasonable explanation for his own chūnibyō.

"Let's go!"

Before Lian Ci could continue, the real commander, Shan Ben Yuan Liu Zhai, tapped his cane lightly on the ground and said in a deep voice.

"As you command!"

In response, the captains of the Gotei 13 and the human companions, including Hei Zhai Yi Hu, all nodded and set off toward Lan Ran's Xu ye gong.

"Hm? What about me? That guy Hei Zhai Yi Hu just now didn't call my name, did he?"

While everyone used flash steps to run toward Xu ye gong, pondering how to battle the Great Void, only Nie Jian Li lingered, finally reacting, and asked the surrounding captains.

"Captain Nie, this is just your illusion, right?"

"Yeah! Yeah! I heard Hei Zhai Yi Hu shout…"

"I heard Hei Zhai Yi Hu say the word 'Nie'!"

"Right, Hei Zhai Yi Hu mentioned 'Nie', I confirm that!"

As soon as Nie Jian Li finished speaking, the surrounding captains all backed Hei Zhai Yi Hu, telling Nie Jian Li.

"Isn't that wrong? Hei Zhai Yi Hu just said 'Nie Yin Meng', right?"

Nie Jian Li narrowed his eyes, feeling those bastards had conspired behind his back to mock him here~

"Really, really…"

The others responded perfunctorily.

"Hmph! You hopeless fools, we'll see about that!"

Nie Jian Li snorted coldly, then scolded.

Meanwhile, inside Xu ye gong.

Lan Ran sat on a lofty throne, experiencing the delightful sensation of merging with the Hōgyoku.

"Lord Lan Ran, sorry to disturb you~"

Just as Lan Ran was enjoying himself, Shi Wan Yin, holding a tablet, walked up the steps to Lan Ran's side and said with a grin.

"No problem, Gin, whatever you need, just say it~"

Lan Ran, after hearing Gin's words, slowly opened his eyes and smiled at the snake‑like Shi Wan Yin before him.

"Lan Ran, I think you should take a look at this~"

Shi Wan Yin said, shoving the tablet into Lan Ran's hand.

"What is this?!"

Lan Ran, whose expression had held a hint of confusion, flipped through the tablet and his face instantly changed, his brows knitting.

The tablet Shi Wan Yin showed displayed Hei Zhai Yi Hu leading a group of Soul Reapers continuously advancing toward Xu ye gong.

Lan Ran was puzzled; in the blink of an eye, why did so many allies suddenly appear beside Hei Zhai Yi Hu? Was this a joke?

"So that's how it is…"

Lan Ran lifted his head and gave Shi Wan Yin a deep glance. Though Lan Ran's expression was fine, Shi Wan Yin still saw a hint of confusion in Lan Ran's eyes.

"Go down, Yin~"

"Don't worry, everything is within my plan~"

Lan Ran sat on the throne and waved at Shi Wan Yin.

"Alright, Lord Lan Ran~"

Shi Wan Yin, hearing that, still smiled and walked down.

"…"

After Shi Wan Yin completely left Lan Ran's sight,

Lan Ran finally furrowed his brows and whispered, "Hei Qi Yi Hu, Shan Ben Yuan Liu Zhai Zhong Guo, Geng Mu Jian Ba, and Mao Zhi Hua Lie Shi Mu—how can I see any intention to rescue Jing Shang Zhi Ji in this lineup? It looks more like they're here to kill me~"

Yes, Lan Ran finally understood…

The wave of Shinigami led by Yuan Liu Zhai was clearly coming at him~

They're after his head! While he's not fully matured, they want to cut him down!

Even though Lan Ran knew in his heart that the lineup entering the Void Circle didn't quite match his master Huang Mu's temperament, and was probably not assigned by Huang Mu, the fact remained that they had already arrived. If these monsters breached Xu ye gong, the Great Voids under his command might not be useful! Yet even so, Lan Ran would never just sit and wait for death! He had already won the first ninety‑nine steps—how could he lose on the final step?!

"Looks like it's time to play a game with my dear Yuan Liu Zhai Patriarch~"

Lan Ran Zong You Xie furrowed his brows, continuously devising a plan in his mind to lead the Great Voids beside him to proactively confront Yuan Liu Zhai and the others.

On the other side…

When the captain‑rank Shinigami gathered, the spiritual pressure they unintentionally released was enough to warp the space of the Void Circle.

Under that massive spiritual pressure, far surpassing the Wa Shi Tuo De‑level Great Voids, there was nothing in the Void Circle daring enough to tempt the Shinigami's bad luck.

Thus, under Yuan Liu Zhai's lead, the group moved unimpeded and arrived at the outskirts of the Great Void Forest. According to Yuan Liu Zhai's memory, once they pass through the Great Void Forest, they can go straight to Lan Ran's residence, Xu ye gong.

The conditions for victory seemed already in their grasp…

"Now listen up, everyone. The forest ahead is extremely dangerous! According to the Spiritual Arts Academy curriculum, this forest is the so‑called Great Void Forest, home to Kilian and Great Voids of Kilian rank and above. Even a regular Shinigami squad member approaching here risks being spotted by a Great Void and shattered by a Void Flash, so we must be extra cautious!"

Lu Qi Ya, an outstanding graduate of the Spiritual Arts Academy, immediately briefed everyone present on the danger level of the forest before them.

"No need to be nervous! I am here…"

However, just as Lu Qi Ya finished speaking, Yuan Liu Zhai led his trailing Shinigami in a swaggering march into the Great Void Forest ahead,

"Ugh…"

Lu Qi Ya wanted to say something, but seeing the Shinigami treating it lightly, she held back—after all, even the director of their Spiritual Arts Academy was still here~

"Roar!!"

One can only say this pitch‑black forest truly lives up to the name Great Void Forest…

As soon as they entered the forest, they encountered countless wandering lower‑rank Great Voids, the Kilian ones. These Kilian roamed aimlessly, not attacking each other but jointly targeting lower‑rank Voids or other things, such as the Shinigami daring into the forest.

"Roar!!"

Because Yuan Liu Zhai and the others made no attempt to hide, the moment they stepped into the forest they were spotted by the wandering Great Voids, which roared and staggered forward at their fastest speed toward Yuan Liu Zhai.

Among them, many Kilian flared their mouths, aiming at Yuan Liu Zhai and his group, their crimson light flashing as they gathered the signature Great Void skill, Void Flash! Even captain‑ or vice‑captain‑rank Shinigami, if caught unprepared by a Void Flash or a barrage of them, would face mortal danger.

"Dodge quickly!"

For a moment, Lu Qi Ya and A San Jing Lian Ci tensed up instantly.

"Boom~"

Before Lu Qi Ya and Lian Ci could act, the previously silent Yuan Liu Zhai raised his staff, which instantly transformed into a Zanpakuto; he slipped the Zanpakuto onto his waist and then drew it out forcefully…

A towering pillar of flame surged forward, incinerating every Kilian‑rank Great Void before them into ash! Even the Void Flashes released by some Kilian could not escape the moment they met Yuan Liu Zhai's fire, being instantly consumed by the extreme heat.

"Gaba~ Gaba~"

Having done all that, Yuan Liu Zhai simply shrugged his shoulders lightly.

"I'm old! Not as strong as before~"

Yuan Liu Zhai, one hand gripping the flaming Zanpakuto, the other gently stroking his long white beard, couldn't help but lament his aging body and years.

"Swish!"

On the other side, Mao Zhi Hua Lie, brandishing her sword again, seemed to become another person the instant she grasped it; her eyes turned icy and blood‑thirsty, the Zanpakuto emitting only a faint silver glint, and one Kilian after another fell to her blade.

"Too weak! Too weak…"

While Geng Mu Jian Ba spoke, he already charged toward the forest's depths; his golden spiritual pressure acted like a lantern, constantly drawing Kilian closer…

Unfortunately, those Kilian didn't even reach Geng Mu Jian Ba's hem before his razor‑sharp slash shattered them into countless fragments~

"Crescent Cross Rush!"

Hei Qi Yi Hu, of course, was not idle; he drew his two Zanpakuto and, before everyone, calmly etched a cross in front of him.

The next second, the terrifying Cross Rush surged forward…

Everything within the Cross Rush's range, whether Kilian or Aqiu Kaso, was instantly annihilated by Hei Qi Yi Hu's slash!

Jiao and Gong Qin also refused to be outdone; though they couldn't match Hei Qi Yi Hu's group, together they instantly killed any approaching Kilian.

As for Bai Zai and Ping Zi Zhen Zi, the two simply stood still to watch the spectacle~

In the blink of an eye, wherever Hei Qi Yi Hu and his companions went, it turned into a ruin blazing with fierce fire!

Yi Hu, Jian Ba, Yuan Liu Zhai, Mao Zhi Hua, and Ba Qian Liu, five of them, stood amid the ruins like savage murderers, the great villains of the Soul Society.

"Alright, the enemies have been mostly cleared~"

"Let's happily continue onward together~"

In front of the group, at some point Mao Zhi Hua's long hair fell loose, a delighted smile on her face, and she firmly addressed everyone present.

"Understood~"

For some reason, when they met Mao Zhi Hua's crimson eyes, they involuntarily shivered, instantly bobbing their heads like quails~

"Yuin, has Captain Unohana always been like this?"

After Unohana brandished her blood-soaked sword and moved forward, Renji and Rukia finally seized the opportunity and asked Yuin.

"No way!"

Yuin heard this and immediately replied firmly.

"Captain Unohana is usually very gentle~"

Yuin looked at everyone present and spoke earnestly. She absolutely would not allow anyone present to misunderstand that, in her heart, the world's gentlest Captain Unohana Retsu~

"You call this gentle?!"

In response, all the captains present fell into doubt.

They all felt that the gentleness in Tiger-Penetrating Yuin's eyes seemed not to be the same gentleness as everyone else's~

15,000~big chapter~

(End of chapter)