Gotei 13, First Division, Captain's Office.
Kujō Nozomi looked up at the young man's profile, a hint of worry in her eyes.
"When do you plan to deal with Inaba Kageroza?" she asked softly.
"No hurry, let's rest for a while. Young lady, you don't want Inaba Kageroza's scheme to succeed, do you? Then just obey me."
Aozaki's tone carried a hint of authority, yet was not without gentleness, perfectly fitting his identity as the First Division Captain.
He gently stroked Kujō Nozomi's short green hair, feeling its soft texture.
It had to be said, the girl's hair felt very comfortable to touch.
Meanwhile, another black-haired young girl, whose fate was tied to the world's safety, knelt obediently to the side, pouring tea for them.
Just then, a figure suddenly arrived in the room with a Shunpo.
It was Rangiku, who enthusiastically greeted the younger girls, then turned to Aozaki and said seriously:
"Report, Captain Reiji, the First Division's outer perimeter patrol and alert unit has been attacked."
"There are no outsiders now, why are you still calling me Captain? Really, I'm going to be unhappy." Aozaki pouted.
"It's work hours now, it's better to use titles."
Rangiku stuck out her tongue, showing no sense of the impending crisis, and continued:
"A group of Reigai Captains launched a surprise attack on the Central District, and Vice-Captain Aizen and the Captain have already rushed over."
Hearing this news, Kujō Nozomi's heart skipped a beat, and worry filled her eyes.
She knew that Inaba Kageroza had finally begun to act.
If nothing unexpected happened, it should be that guy seeing how the Seireitei was currently in turmoil, with various factions fighting and clashing, making the entire situation unstable.
Therefore, they believed this was a rare good opportunity and were eager to act.
Kujō Nozomi subconsciously turned to look at Aozaki.
This Captain-Commander's strength was reassuring; he could easily defeat five Captain-class Reigai in less than half a minute.
Undoubtedly, he was the only ray of dawn Kujō Nozomi had seen in this darkness.
As long as she stayed by him, Kujō Nozomi would feel a sense of security.
It was as if all darkness would be easily shattered before him, just like the warm and dazzling sun in the sky.
Just then, Aozaki grinned, downing the cup of unknown fine wine in his hand.
Then, he said softly:
"The timing is just right; everything has come to an end."
"Whether it's the Seireitei or this world, I, the Captain, will protect it."
Looking at the confident man before them, Kujō Nozomi and Senna couldn't help but fall into contemplation.
This man seemed to not even consider his enemies.
But after so many days of being together, they also clearly knew that Aozaki indeed possessed the formidable strength to support such confidence.
Even if he didn't personally act, the ladies of the Aozaki Family alone were definitely not easy opponents.
Aozaki's lips curved into a slight smile, and he gently waved his arm.
A mysterious light flashed, and a woman clad in Valkyrie-like armor appeared beside him as if stepping out of thin air.
The woman knelt on one knee, her posture upright and full of power, as if she had stepped out of a Western mythology story.
Her eyes were enchanting, and looking at Aozaki, they seemed to ripple like autumn waters.
Aozaki slowly extended his hand, his fingers curved, gently hooking the woman's chin, then softly kissed her lips.
His movements were elegant and composed, as if the world was within his control.
"This is your down payment. I'll give you the reward after it's done. I'm counting on you for what's next."
He said softly, his voice exuding an irresistible charm.
Enrakyoten licked her lips, a fervent glint flickering in her eyes.
She nodded slightly, indicating acceptance of the mission, then stood up and turned to walk out the door.
Senna and Kujō Nozomi widened their eyes, curiously watching everything unfold before them.
As Enrakyoten reached the doorway, they were surprised to discover—
The woman's hair instantly turned black, and her armor instantly transformed into a black soul reaper uniform and a white haori.
This sudden change left them utterly shocked, as if they had witnessed a marvelous magic show.
"Aren't you going?"
Senna came back to her senses, turned to look at Aozaki, who was leisurely drinking tea, and asked.
Her voice held a hint of confusion, seemingly puzzled by Aozaki's behavior.
After all, facing such a powerful enemy, they should be going all out.
Aozaki smiled and shook his head, the teacup in his hand gently swaying, causing ripples in the tea.
"King against king, general against general! The opposing general hasn't even appeared yet, so why should I rush?"
His tone was relaxed and at ease, as if this battle was merely a game.
His confidence and composure made Senna and Kujō Nozomi calm down.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the First Division.
Shunsui held his twin swords, his expression solemn, staring intently at the figure identical to himself not far away.
His breathing quickened, his heart filled with vigilance and tension.
This person, so similar to himself, brought him immense pressure; he knew this person's strength was extraordinary and should not be underestimated.
"What a troublesome guy…"
Shunsui muttered to himself, gripping his twin swords tighter.
He understood his own abilities too well and knew this battle would be extremely troublesome.
Although Shunsui had learned about the power of Reigai from Aozaki and others, he still found it very difficult when he truly faced a Reigai.
Looking at the vanished enemy, he couldn't help but complain:
"Why are Katen Kyōkotsu's abilities so complex? Am I really that distorted inside?"
While lamenting inwardly, Shunsui swiftly used Shunpo, his figure instantly flashing dozens of meters away.
After all, a Zanpakuto is a projection of a Shinigami's inner world, and he wouldn't blame Katen Kyōkotsu entirely.
Moreover, Katen Kyōkotsu's abilities are entirely dependent on the mood of the sword spirit.
Even just complaining in his mind might lead to punishment.
After returning home, he might even have to kneel on a washboard.
The Reigai Shunsui followed closely, emerging from the shadows, his sword missing its target.
Looking at Shunsui, who had successfully evaded the attack, his equally disheveled counterpart adjusted his straw hat and teased:
"Oh dear… don't run so fast, I almost cut you."
Shunsui rolled his eyes and retorted:
"It's precisely because I was almost cut by you that I had to run faster!"
Hearing the other party speak in the same nonchalant, irritating tone as himself, Shunsui's mood became quite subtle.
Had he always been this annoying?
Yamamoto's fists seemed to favor him, and it seemed there was a reason for it.
This meant he still had something over Reiji!
Thinking this, Shunsui inexplicably felt a sense of superiority.
However, the other Captain had no time to bother with this uncle who was reflecting on his past life.
They were busy!