Not long after—
the expedition force finished traversing the Garganta.
After a period of travel—
they finally arrived in Hueco Mundo.
At the outer regions—
a cold, pale moon hung in the sky.
Looking out—
the heavens stretched into endless darkness.
Suddenly—
Boom!
A massive rift tore open in the air,
like black fabric being violently ripped apart.
Immediately after—
led by Squad Six—
followed by the other three squads,
along with members of the Kidō Corps and Squad Four's medical team—
hundreds of Shinigami stepped out from the Garganta.
They landed in orderly formation atop the sand dunes.
"We're finally here…"
"So this is Hueco Mundo? It's even more desolate than I imagined…"
"Staying in a place like this for too long… even a stable mind would start to crack…"
The Shinigami looked around,
taking in the barren, lifeless landscape.
Their expressions grew tense and serious.
Instinctively—
everyone raised their guard.
"Where are the Hollows?"
"There's not even a decent presence within several hundred meters!"
"I didn't come all this way for sightseeing!"
Kenpachi Zaraki stood at the edge of a sand dune.
His uncovered eye scanned the surroundings with spiritual perception.
Then he snorted in annoyance.
Within his range—
there were Hollows.
But they were weak.
Not even Menos-class—
just ordinary low-level Hollows.
After being so excited during the journey—
eager to fight—
Kenpachi now felt nothing but frustration.
"Don't rush, Ken-chan~"
Yachiru, sitting on his shoulder, giggled as she comforted him.
"According to the data Captain Mayuri gave us…"
"This area is just the outer zone."
"Of course there won't be strong enemies here."
Just as she finished—
Bai Chen's voice followed.
"Yachiru's right."
"Kenpachi—if you're that eager to fight…"
"you can head straight to Las Noches."
"I'm sure the Espada will give you a warm welcome."
His light teasing eased the tension slightly.
The Shinigami around them finally relaxed a bit.
"So—what's the plan?"
Byakuya Kuchiki looked toward Bai Chen and spoke first.
Over the past three months—
due to Rukia—
he had frequently visited Squad Nine.
Gradually—
his relationship with Bai Chen had grown closer.
Although the Head Captain had never explicitly appointed a leader—
Byakuya's gesture just now
was essentially acknowledging Bai Chen as the one in charge.
Komamura also said nothing—
but his gaze followed.
Clearly—
he agreed.
The rest of the expedition force—
subtly fell in line as well.
All eyes turned to Bai Chen.
Waiting for his decision.
However—
instead of giving a cautious, conservative plan—
Bai Chen proposed something unexpected.
"Everyone."
"According to the original plan—"
"this expedition only requires us to clear out Hollows in the outer regions."
"We're not actually meant to push deep into Hueco Mundo…"
"or engage the Espada in a decisive battle."
That—
was the official objective.
To show results—
and report back to Central 46.
But for Bai Chen—
that wasn't enough.
If they stayed in the outer zones—
he would never reach the Forest of Menos.
Since he had everyone's trust—
and Kenpachi was already itching for a real fight—
there was only one option.
Change the plan.
Bai Chen looked at the other three captains.
"Staying here is safe."
"And if we remain for half a month…"
"we can return without any issues."
Then his tone shifted.
"But that's not enough."
"It doesn't truly damage Hueco Mundo's foundation."
"So—"
"I suggest we split up."
"Each squad can decide for themselves—based on risk—"
"whether to move deeper into Hueco Mundo."
The moment he finished—
shock spread through the group.
"What?!"
"Bai Chen… you mean split up?!"
"If we separate recklessly, isn't that too dangerous?"
Byakuya, Komamura, and several vice-captains all frowned.
Their expressions changed instantly.
This was Hueco Mundo.
The home ground of Hollows and Arrancar.
If they divided their forces—
and a large-scale Hollow gathering occurred—
they could easily be surrounded.
But not everyone opposed the idea.
Kenpachi Zaraki—
and Squad Eleven—
immediately supported it.
For them—
battle was everything.
After months under Kenpachi's influence—
the desire to fight and kill had been carved into their very instincts.
Now—
with the chance to act freely—
without restraint—
they were more than willing.
With Bai Chen and Kenpachi aligned—
even those who were hesitant
eventually had no choice but to agree.
Thus—
the expedition force split into separate groups.
Bai Chen would lead Squad Nine—
heading toward the Forest of Menos.
Byakuya and Komamura—
would remain in the outer regions,
carrying out the original mission more conservatively.
As for Kenpachi—
he was the most extreme of all.
He chose a single direction—
and intended to charge forward relentlessly—
until he reached Las Noches.
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