"Captain Mayuri…"
"I'm sorry—we did our best… but due to insufficient energy, the device failed to activate again…"
Inside the Research and Development Institute—
Akon approached Mayuri Kurotsuchi with a regretful expression.
As the second most capable researcher in the institute—
during Mayuri's confinement over the past few months,
Akon had already led the entire team in constructing a large-scale dimensional transfer device.
At this moment—
in the vast experimental field before them—
stood a massive, gate-like instrument.
A highly complex machine designed to stabilize interdimensional travel.
Unlike Arrancar—
Shinigami could not casually tear open a Garganta and travel freely.
Every journey between the Soul Society and the Human World—
required guidance from the Hell Butterflies while passing through the Dangai.
Otherwise—
one risked getting lost in the darkness.
Or worse—
being devoured by the Kōtotsu, the Dangai's sweeping force.
And this time—
the planned expedition to Hueco Mundo—
would involve hundreds of Shinigami.
Including at least three to four captains.
To ensure both success and survival—
they needed something far more stable.
A large-scale crossing device—
capable of supporting immense spacetime energy—
and transporting a large force in one go.
The problem was—
energy.Despite successfully building the device—
it lacked a stable and sustainable power source.
For hours—
they had attempted activation again and again.
Sometimes it worked briefly—
only to shut down moments later.
Every attempt ended the same way:
Failure.
After repeated setbacks—
even Mayuri—
proud and arrogant as ever—
had begun to lose patience.
And so—
he had no choice but to request help.
From Bai Chen.
"Heh…"
"Akon, it doesn't matter."
"Failure is expected."
Mayuri, now wearing a new sunflower-like mask, spoke in his usual eerie tone.
"The reason I asked you to try again…"
"was simply to pass time while waiting for Bai Chen."
"I already know the cause of failure."
"And more importantly—"
"only he can solve it."
Akon frowned slightly.
"Captain… I don't quite understand."
"There are twelve captains in total."
"Especially the Head Captain—his spiritual pressure is far greater."
"If it's just a matter of energy…"
"why specifically Bai Chen?"
It wasn't doubt.
In Akon's mind—
Bai Chen was already one of the strongest beings alive.
But—
that didn't mean he was the only option.
Mayuri chuckled.
"Akon…"
"You've forgotten something important."
"Because Bai Chen hasn't used it publicly in a while."
"His Zanpakutō—Wood Dragon."
Mayuri's eyes gleamed with interest.
"Through my research…"
"I've confirmed its released ability—"
"a Wood Style secret art."
"It can absorb and drain spiritual pressure."
Akon's eyes widened slightly.
Mayuri continued:
"So—"
"If Bai Chen channels part of that power into the device…"
"And uses it as a foundation…"
"then the energy problem—"
"is solved."
A perfect solution.
Elegant.
Efficient.
And entirely within Bai Chen's capabilities.
"I see…!"
Akon's face lit up with realization.
"As expected of you, Captain!"
"If that works—"
"we only need a few attempts to succeed!"
Just then—
amid the respectful reception of Squad Twelve members—
Bai Chen arrived.
Stepping into the research facility—
he finally met Mayuri again after several months.
"Captain Mayuri."
"Long time no see."
"How was your time in confinement?"
Bai Chen greeted him casually, with a hint of mockery.
Mayuri didn't react.
Instead, he replied flatly:
"Heh… irrelevant matters are not worth remembering."
Then—
his tone shifted.
Serious.
Focused.
"As long as you help me solve this final problem—"
"I will give you something in return."
He paused.
Then said:
"I will teach you—"
"how to control the Garganta like an Arrancar."
"And move freely between dimensions."
The moment those words fell—
Bai Chen paused.
Just for a second.
Then—
without hesitation—
Because to him—
the ability to freely open Garganta…
to travel across dimensions at will…
Was far too valuable to refuse.
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