"I didn't expect this…"
"Just a single glance… and I ended up awakening the Hōgyoku ahead of time—"
"And even used its power to perfectly resolve the problem of White's invasion!"
Suppressing the excitement surging in his chest—
Bai Chen carefully sensed his condition again and again.
Only after confirming it multiple times did he fully believe it.
The Hollow power that had once felt like a hidden time bomb inside him—
was now rapidly fusing with his Shinigami power.
And the result…
was astonishing.
A sharp light burst from Bai Chen's eyes.
He could clearly feel it—
even though the fusion had only just begun—
his already terrifying spiritual pressure
was now multiplying explosively.
Becoming denser.
Stronger.
More stable.
Bai Chen had a firm intuition—
once the fusion was complete—
his spiritual pressure would break through the very limit of a Shinigami in one leap.
He might even—
step directly into the state of Perfect Hollowfication.
Although, like in Aizen's plan, he had been forced into Hollowfication—
Bai Chen's situation was entirely different from the Visored.
Even with Urahara Kisuke's help—
it had taken them nearly a century just to barely gain control over their Hollow powers.
But Bai Chen?
He didn't need that.
As the first person to awaken the Hōgyoku—
and someone whose strength resonated with it on a soul level—
he had already been acknowledged by it.
Which meant—
he didn't need to struggle or train deliberately.
He only needed to wait.
Wait for the fusion to complete.
And once it did—
he would gain full control over his Hollow power.
From that moment on—
he could enter Hollowfication freely, at will.
That—
was the true terror of the Hōgyoku.
And why Bai Chen called it a "wish engine."
Because under its influence—
desires became reality.
Thoughts took shape.
And possibilities were forced into existence.
That was why—
it truly deserved to be called a divine artifact.
"Rukia, come inside."
"Don't just stand there daydreaming at the door."
Letting go of his thoughts, Bai Chen no longer focused on the fusion inside his body.
Instead, he chose to let it proceed naturally.
He understood one thing very clearly—
as long as Rukia stayed by his side, the fusion would not stop.
In fact—
the more time they spent together—
the faster the fusion between his Shinigami and Hollow powers would progress.
So Bai Chen made a decision.
For the foreseeable future—
he would stay close to Rukia.
On one hand, to accelerate the fusion—
on the other, to guide her.
After all—
when it came to handling squad affairs,
both of them were still newcomers.
Time passed quickly.
In the blink of an eye—
three months went by.
Under Bai Chen's careful guidance—
and driven by her own stubborn determination—
Rukia gradually adapted to her role as vice-captain.
Putting aside her strength—
in terms of communication and administrative duties—
she steadily earned the recognition of Squad Nine.
Of course—
in just three months,
her combat strength hadn't improved much.
Even with Bai Chen's personal training—
she had only reached the level of an average seated officer at best.
Still far from the standard expected of a vice-captain.
But—
with Bai Chen backing her—
and with her humble personality and earnest attitude—
no one openly criticized her.
Even the former vice-captain—
after returning from a three-month investigation—
chose to step back willingly after a few days of working alongside her.
He accepted a supporting role—
and openly expressed his support for Rukia.
And just like that—
in a mere three months—
with Bai Chen's full support—
Rukia secured her position.
She became—
the youngest vice-captain in history.
And also—
the weakest vice-captain ever recorded.
Yet because her backing was Bai Chen—
no one dared look down on her.
Instead—
many were secretly envious.
Even Byakuya Kuchiki—
gradually let go of his earlier hostility toward Bai Chen.
From time to time, he would even visit Squad Nine—
subtly taking on the role of an overprotective older brother.
Those peaceful, steady days—
continued—
until one turning point arrived.
The end of Mayuri Kurotsuchi's confinement period.
His release—
meant that the long-planned Hueco Mundo expedition, already approved by the Central 46 months ago—
was about to begin.
Inside Squad Nine's office—
Bai Chen sat cross-legged at his desk and slowly opened his eyes.
Not long ago—
he had completed a session of inner meditation (Jinzen).
His consciousness had entered his inner world—
to observe the state of his Hollow power.
After more than three months of fusion—
his Shinigami power and Hollow power had now perfectly merged.
The result—
left him completely satisfied.
White's consciousness had been fully subdued.
And alongside Hashirama and Madara—
it had become a third independent entity within his inner world.
The three forces existed in perfect balance.
Under such conditions—
Bai Chen could now activate Hollowfication at will.
All he had to do—
was raise his hand—
place it over his face—
and with a single thought—
a Hollow mask would form instantly.
He would enter the state of Perfect Hollowfication.
But just as Bai Chen was about to withdraw his thoughts—
Rukia hurried into the room.
Her expression was serious.
"Captain—"
"The Research and Development Institute asked me to relay a message."
"They're constructing a large-scale dimensional transfer device, and it requires an enormous amount of spiritual pressure."
"Mayuri Kurotsuchi… wants you to come to Squad Twelve."
"He needs your help."
Hearing that—
Bai Chen's lips curved into a faint, amused smile.
"Interesting…"
"The arrogant and eccentric Mayuri Kurotsuchi…"
"actually asking someone for help?"
◇ I'll drop one bonus chapter for every 10 reviews (leave a review/comment!)
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ Read 60 chapters ahead on P@treon: patreon.com/KageNaruto
the latest 60+ chapters are now available on Patreon for anyone who wants to read ahead.From today onward, I'll also be updating this novel daily on Webnovel, so you can expect consistent releases again.Thank you all for your patience and continued support. I hope you enjoy the upcoming chapters!