With the expedition slots limited—
among the twelve captains aside from the Head Captain—
who exactly would be chosen to lead the expedition to Hueco Mundo?
For a moment, the atmosphere in the meeting room grew tense.
The captains and their vice-captains glanced at one another, clearly intending to compete for the four available positions.
Aizen, however, was an exception.
Maintaining his usual "kind gentleman" demeanor, he wore a gentle smile.
But upon closer inspection—
a faint darkness lingered in his eyes.
As the hidden ruler of Hueco Mundo,
Aizen had always treated it like his personal domain.
And now—
with Tōsen Kaname's recent death—
the prospect of captains invading Hueco Mundo so soon after
left him deeply displeased.
No matter how well he concealed it,
he clearly had no interest in this meeting.
While Aizen remained silent,
Gin Ichimaru was the complete opposite.
With his signature fox-like smile, he deliberately stirred the pot.
"Well… with such limited spots, that does make things difficult."
Kyōraku Shunsui chuckled.
"Captain Ichimaru, you seem quite interested?"
"Of course…"
Gin narrowed his eyes, smiling.
"My Zanpakutō, Shinsō—in a wide, empty place like Hueco Mundo…"
"…its power could be unleashed without restraint."
As he spoke,
he casually revealed the short hilt of his blade,
his posture practically screaming eagerness.
Bai Chen watched calmly from the side.
Inside, he thought:
"If we're talking about acting… Gin Ichimaru really is a master."
"If he were allowed to lead a squad alone in Hueco Mundo…"
"…there's a good chance he'd wipe out his own teammates."
With that, Bai Chen withdrew his gaze.
Soon after—
Kyōraku Shunsui and Jūshirō Ukitake, the two most senior captains,
exchanged a glance.
Then, with unspoken understanding, they spoke:
"With the slots being limited…"
"we'll sit this one out."
"And I suggest we give these opportunities to the newer captains."
As he spoke,
Kyōraku subtly glanced at Bai Chen and Kenpachi Zaraki.
The implication was obvious.
Why even discuss it?
Let those two lead—
they alone could probably sweep through Hueco Mundo.
"I agree."
"I also think the newer captains should go."
As soon as Kyōraku finished—
Unohana Retsu spoke up smoothly.
Then she added:
"Also… I can sense that Captain Kuchiki and Captain Komamura both wish to participate as well, don't they?"
Her gaze shifted toward the two of them,
voicing what they had not said aloud.
Komamura nodded.
"That's correct."
"As the former friend of the traitor Tōsen Kaname…"
"…I must go to Hueco Mundo."
"There is only one reason—"
"I want to personally avenge him."
"The only way… is through battle."
As he spoke Tōsen's name—
his emotions visibly stirred.
Killing intent leaked from him unconsciously.
He looked as though he could teleport to Hueco Mundo that very moment—
and slaughter countless Hollows just to vent his rage.
As for Byakuya Kuchiki—
his expression remained as calm as ever.
After being directly addressed, he responded in a composed tone:
"As a captain of the Gotei Thirteen…"
"…and the head of the Kuchiki noble house…"
"it is my duty to fight enemies in Hueco Mundo."
"As for whether I am chosen…"
"…that is for everyone else to decide."
With Komamura and Byakuya speaking up—
alongside Bai Chen and Kenpachi—
the four captain slots were effectively filled.
The discussion immediately came to a halt.
All eyes turned toward the Head Captain,
awaiting the final decision.
As expected—
he did not allow any further argument.
Instead, he decisively declared:
"Based on the proposals made—"
"This expedition will be led by…"
"Bai Chen, Kenpachi Zaraki, Kuchiki Byakuya, and Komamura Sajin."
"Each will depart with their respective vice-captains."
No hesitation.
No politics.
With a single statement—
the expedition lineup was finalized.
At that exact moment—
Bai Chen's expression shifted slightly.
Because—
a long-awaited system notification rang out in his mind.
"Ding!"
"New sign-in task released!"
"No time limit. Please proceed to the Forest of Menos and complete the check-in!"
"Reward upon completion: Eye power evolution!"
"Awaken the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan! Gain mastery over Susanoo!"
The moment he read it—
Bai Chen's eyes lit up with excitement.
"An evolution… to the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan?"
"So the system wants me…"
"…to unlock another 'giant form,' huh?"
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