"That's right… I almost forgot that Squad Zero possesses their own Kōjō no Mon—the Transcendental Gate," Shutara Senjumaru murmured.
It was a special inter-world gate built for the Royal Guard, allowing them to observe and intervene in the Human World or Soul Society whenever necessary.
Remembering its existence—and that it could allow her to meet with Gosuke Shigure again—settled the unease in Senjumaru's heart.
Otherwise, the thought of ascending to the Soul King Palace and immediately parting from him was unbearable.
After so much waiting… after finally obtaining the connection she longed for… how could something so precious end with the two of them being separated across worlds?
But what if they were destined to stand on opposite sides?
She had already been chosen for Squad Zero, her body reforged and consecrated by the power of the Soul King.
A member of the Royal Guard must reside in the palace to stabilize and protect the balance of the World of the Living, Soul Society, and Hueco Mundo.
Senjumaru cared deeply about her personal bonds—but she never ignored the greater order.
If she were the type to cling blindly to her own desires, then Kirio Hikifune would never have made the same decision years ago—ascending to the Royal Guard after confronting the truth of the Soul King's role.
Of course…
There was one way for her to stay with Gosuke Shigure forever:
He could join Squad Zero.
If Shigure ascended to the Royal Guard, then nothing would keep them apart.
But Senjumaru immediately dismissed that idea.
The Royal Guard was nothing like the Gotei 13.
Joining meant surrendering freedom permanently.
Those stationed in the palace were effectively jailers of the Soul King, bound for eternity to watch over that living linchpin.
The Soul King Palace—despite its brilliance—was ultimately a prison made holy.
How could Gosuke Shigure be confined to such a place?
In his previous life, he had loved freedom to the core.
Only the obligations of the Tsunayashiro Clan had forced chains around him.
Now, reborn in this life—living freely within Seireitei, shaped by a different identity—he finally had room to breathe.
She could not ask him to give that up.
Just as Senjumaru reached that conclusion, Shigure's voice cut cleanly through her thoughts:
"Besides all that… there's one more thing I must do."
"What is it?" she asked.
"I want to go to the Soul King Palace."
Senjumaru froze.
Then, flustered, she answered:
"You don't need to do that. Becoming a Royal Guard is not easy—far harder than becoming a Kenpachi. Even the strongest captains are not automatically eligible for Squad Zero. And even if you could join… the reality of life up there is not as glorious as it seems."
Before Kirio Hikifune, Senjumaru had tried to persuade someone into joining Squad Zero.
But when it came to Gosuke Shigure—she was doing the opposite, firmly blocking the path.
"I already understand exactly what becoming a Royal Guard means," Shigure replied calmly.
"You know who I was in my previous life."
Senjumaru nodded silently.
Indeed—before his rebirth, Shigure had been born a branch member of the Tsunayashiro Clan, at a time when the clan's political influence was at its waning end but its historical authority still gave him access to secrets few dared mention.
It was from him, in that previous life, that Senjumaru first learned many hidden truths about Squad Zero, long before she herself ascended.
That was why Shigure showed no surprise when she spoke of the Kōjō no Mon or the Royal Guard.
"But I still need to enter the Soul King Palace," Shigure continued.
Senjumaru's curiosity sharpened.
Shigure explained:
"Even though I've been reincarnated, the transformation altered the nature of my soul. The Zanpakutō I wielded as a Shinigami in my past life no longer resonates with my current spirit. To fix this, I must meet Ōetsu Nimaiya, the Blade God—the creator of all Zanpakutō."
Ōetsu Nimaiya.
The true originator of the Asauchi—the sealed, nameless form from which every Zanpakutō is born.
It was thanks to him that Shinigami could manifest their own inner spirits, shaping unique abilities from their souls' depths.
Before the creation of the Asauchi, Shinigami had spiritual power—but no reliable method to draw it out.
Nimaiya's blade templates became the key that unlocked their evolution.
No one in existence understood Zanpakutō more than the Blade God.
If anyone could diagnose or repair a Zanpakutō that had become "dead"—unable to synchronize with its owner—then it was unquestionably Ōetsu Nimaiya.
"I see… I understand now," Senjumaru said softly.
Everything made sense.
From that night onward, Shigure and Senjumaru spent every evening together, meeting in the quiet outskirts of Rukongai.
Why Rukongai?
Because Seireitei was not safe—not completely.
A massive shadow still lingered: the invisible, sleeping threat of the Wandenreich hidden within the shadows of Seireitei itself.
Senjumaru wondered whether Urahara Kisuke had uncovered the truth of the "Invisible Empire" during his years of study…
If he could preemptively infiltrate the Wandenreich and eliminate the Quincy hidden in the shadows before their invasion, that would be an ideal outcome.
Days passed.
One evening, Kirio Hikifune appeared before Senjumaru, expression firm yet calm.
"I've made my decision," Hikifune said.
"Since Squad Zero requires me, I will join the Royal Guard."
Had this been the day she first arrived, Senjumaru would have been thrilled—her mission completed.
But now, a quiet frustration echoed in her heart.
Why did Hikifune choose so quickly…?
Senjumaru spoke in a serious tone:
"Even if you've decided, you don't have to ascend immediately. Settle all unfinished matters first. Then come with me to the palace."
Hikifune nodded.
"There are indeed many things to handle."
She had served as the Captain of Squad Twelve for years.
Now, with her decision to join Squad Zero, she had responsibilities to conclude—ensuring her division would not fall into chaos.
At minimum, she needed to secure the next captain before she resigned her position.
Only then would her departure be complete.