"Evolving into the Mangekyō Sharingan… and awakening Susanoo…"
"The system really wants me to pilot another 'giant,' huh?"
After hearing the system notification—
a smile of excitement curved on Bai Chen's lips.
He still remembered—
months ago, during a mission in Zaraki District—
when he fought Ikkaku.
Back then, by using the Wood Golem Technique,
he had completely crushed his opponent in an overwhelming display.
In front of countless onlookers—
he had already experienced the thrill of "piloting a giant."
And now—
after waiting all this time—
he was finally about to unlock another legendary ocular power.
A thought naturally surfaced in his mind:
"If I summon the giant Wood Golem… and then clad it in Susanoo armor…"
"Then only someone at the level of the Soul King could possibly defeat it."
"And if I take that into the Shadow Realm…"
"…there'd be no need to wait for the Thousand-Year Blood War."
"The Wandenreich would be wiped out on the spot."
Just imagining it—
Bai Chen could already see himself
stepping into the icy plains of the Wandenreich,
tearing through everything in his path.
Soon after—
once the final arrangements were made—
the pre-expedition meeting officially came to an end.
Three days later—
inside the Research and Development Institute.
"A dark green machine?"
"Didn't expect it, Captain Mayuri… you've got quite the taste."
At the lowest level of the research facility—
in a vast open plaza—
Bai Chen, Kenpachi Zaraki, Byakuya Kuchiki, and Sajin Komamura stood together.
Alongside them—
were their vice-captains,
and hundreds of seated officers and squad members.
The entire expedition force had assembled.
However—
when they saw the appearance of the device—
its unusual green coloration—
many of the Shinigami exchanged strange looks.
Their gazes toward Mayuri carried a hint of doubt.
After all—
not many people had a fondness for that color.
"Ha!"
"Who cares about the color?"
"As long as it gets us to Hueco Mundo, that's all that matters!"
Kenpachi Zaraki grinned wildly,
his chipped Zanpakutō resting on his shoulder.
His voice was filled with excitement.
He could hardly wait—
to charge into Hueco Mundo
and indulge in battle to his heart's content.
Behind him—
Ikkaku Madarame and Yumichika Ayasegawa polished their blades.
Though less outwardly intense than Kenpachi—
their expressions still revealed anticipation.
Among the crowd—
Rukia stood quietly beside Bai Chen,
almost glued to his side.
As the "weakest" vice-captain—
her current strength was still below most others present.
But with Bai Chen there—
though she felt nervous,
she did not feel afraid.
At that moment—
Mayuri stood at the control platform.
Behind his sunflower-like mask,
his gaze swept across the crowd.
"I'm about to activate the machine."
"Once the Garganta opens—"
"enter in order according to your squad numbers."
With that—
he pressed the activation switch.
In the next instant—
a loud mechanical roar erupted.
The device began to operate.
Powered by the Wood Style energy infused within it—
a massive pillar of green spiritual pressure burst forth from the machine.
It shot straight through the ceiling—
piercing into the sky.
At the same time—
a tremendous surge of spacetime energy spread outward.
The surrounding space began to distort.
Every Shinigami present—
felt that overwhelming fluctuation deep within their bodies.
"I have to admit…"
"Mayuri's research really is at the very top."
"Power like this… isn't something ordinary people can control."
Standing among the crowd—
even though Bai Chen had already mastered Garganta manipulation—
he still couldn't help but be impressed.
Less than three minutes later—
under everyone's watch—
a massive Garganta passage was forcibly opened.
A dark void stretched ahead—
endless and unfathomable.
Kenpachi looked thrilled.
Komamura and Byakuya remained serious.
Bai Chen—
as always—
stood calm.
All they had to do—
was step inside,
advance through the passage,
and follow the preset coordinates—
to reach their destination:
Hueco Mundo.
"Move out!"
"While the spacetime energy is at its peak—now is the safest moment to depart!"
Under Mayuri's command—
starting with Squad Six—
the captains, vice-captains, and their forces
entered the Garganta in orderly succession.
In less than half an hour—
the last Shinigami disappeared into the passage.
Then—
the Garganta closed.
Temporarily sealed.
Akon stepped forward respectfully.
"Captain Mayuri…"
"Our task now is to remain here and await their return, correct?"
"That's right."
Mayuri replied calmly.
"All we need to do is ensure the stability of the Garganta at all times."
"As for everything else…"
He paused slightly.
A faint smirk appeared.
"With Bai Chen there…"
"this expedition is as good as secured."
"Honestly—"
"he alone could probably wipe out all of Hueco Mundo."
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