The next day—
Inside the First Division barracks, in the captain's meeting chamber—
With Bai Chen's assistance, the large-scale dimensional transfer device had finally been completed.
Its only flaw—
the issue of insufficient energy—
had been perfectly resolved after integrating the power of his Wood Style.
As a result—
Mayuri wasted no time.
He immediately reported the matter.
And upon receiving the news—
the Head Captain promptly convened a Captains' Meeting.
To formally begin preparations for the upcoming—
Hueco Mundo Expedition.
"Since everyone is present, we'll skip the unnecessary formalities…"
"Let's proceed straight to the main topic."
Standing at the head of the room—
the Head Captain's aged body radiated overwhelming authority.
His gaze swept across the room as he spoke, his tone firm and decisive.
Clearly—
he had been anticipating this moment for months.
Below him—
including Bai Chen—
all thirteen captains stood in orderly formation.
Then—
Mayuri stepped forward to begin the briefing.
"Everyone."
"Under the Head Captain's directive, the Research and Development Institute has successfully constructed a large-scale dimensional transfer device."
"This machine will serve as the pathway for the expedition force to enter Hueco Mundo in three days."
He paused deliberately.
Then, clearing his throat, he continued in a hoarse voice:
"However—"
"Due to technical limitations, and because this is our first attempt at large-scale group traversal…"
"Even after opening a Garganta, the number of people it can accommodate is limited."
His voice lowered.
"Especially for captain-level combatants."
"Including their vice-captains…"
"It can carry a total of only eight individuals."
The moment those words fell—
especially the number "eight"—
almost every captain present—
aside from a few like Bai Chen and Aizen—
showed visible disappointment.
After all—
the news of the Hueco Mundo expedition had been circulating for months.
The only reason it had been delayed
was due to Mayuri's confinement.
During that time—
many captains—
and even confident seated officers—
had been itching for action.
As for battle fanatics like Kenpachi Zaraki—
there was no need to even mention it.
He would have gladly stormed Hueco Mundo alone,
carrying his Zanpakutō and cutting down everything in his path.
Even someone like Sajin Komamura—
normally calm and reserved—
had developed a strong desire to participate.
After all—
his former close friend, Tōsen Kaname,
had betrayed Soul Society.
And that—
had ignited something within him.
So when Mayuri finished speaking—
Komamura reacted immediately.
"Captain Mayuri."
"What is the meaning of this?"
"You've had months to prepare…"
"And this is the result? Such severe limitations?"
"I have reason to question the efficiency and attitude of Squad Twelve."
Though his face was hidden beneath his helmet—
his voice alone carried enough weight to reveal his anger.
Low.
Heavy.
Barely restrained.
However—
as if he had expected this reaction—
Mayuri simply ignored him.
He let out a cold laugh.
"Heh…"
"I was merely tasked by the Head Captain to relay information."
"I am not here to receive your criticism."
"And as for research—"
"With your level of understanding…"
"You wouldn't comprehend it anyway."
His words were sharp.
Cutting.
Completely unapologetic.
Yet—
because everyone was familiar with Mayuri's personality—
even though several captains frowned—
no one escalated the situation further.
At that moment—
the ever-smooth Kyōraku Shunsui stepped in to ease the tension.
"So…"
"If I understand correctly—"
"This meeting is to select four captains…"
"And their respective vice-captains…"
"As members of the expedition force, correct?"
After he finished speaking—
he glanced toward the Head Captain.
And upon receiving confirmation—
the atmosphere in the room instantly turned heavy.
Thirteen captains.
Only four slots.
Who would go—
and who would be left behind?
That—
was the real question.
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