The next day, Ichigo still hadn't woken up. He slept peacefully, and with Inoue Orihime taking care of him, there was nothing to worry about.
"Kid, where are you planning to go today? Old Man Yamamoto has already ordered a search for Hollows inside Seireitei. The defensive alert level has been raised several tiers," Yoruichi said. As the head of the Shihōin family, she had her own channels for gathering intelligence within Seireitei.
"Nowhere." Tsunayoshi stretched lazily. "Unless someone else is in danger, I'm staying here at your place. For now, all we need to do is wait—wait for someone to step forward on his own."
"Aizen…"
Yoruichi's expression darkened as the name immediately came to mind. During last night's captains' meeting, Aizen hadn't appeared. As for kidnapping him, she knew their group simply didn't have the ability to do that. Tsunayoshi's decision not to leave was also meant to clear his own suspicions in front of her.
After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the Shihōin residence, Tsunayoshi's communicator suddenly buzzed.
"Hey, Tsuna?" The voice on the other end sounded secretive.
"I'm here. Go ahead."
"I just overheard Ukitake talking about something. Captain Aizen Sōsuke of Squad 5 has been found dead in their barracks!"
The speaker was Kūgo Ginjō, currently within Squad 13. While following Ukitake Jūshirō, Ginjō had also taken it upon himself to act as a sort of spy around him. Having just obtained valuable information, he quickly found an excuse to contact Tsunayoshi.
However, Tsunayoshi wasn't particularly impressed by Ginjō's "espionage."
"Ginjō, do me a favor and tell Ukitake that I already know. This matter has nothing to do with us."
"Wait—what? I finally found a chance to share intelligence, and you want me to report to Ukitake?" Ginjō said in disbelief.
No wonder Tsukishima always said Ginjō was a lot like Ichigo—when he didn't want to think, he really didn't think.
"Don't underestimate Ukitake," Tsunayoshi advised. "If he hadn't intentionally allowed this information out, do you think you could've gotten it so easily? Just go tell him. We don't need to hide anything."
"Damn it…" Ginjō cursed under his breath.
When he opened the door to the small room, he found Ukitake Jūshirō standing outside with a gentle smile. Behind him was Tsukishima, looking helpless.
"Well? What did Mr. Sawada Tsunayoshi say?"
Ginjō's fists trembled as he glared fiercely at Ukitake. Finally, he made up his mind, pulled off the headset, and threw it toward him.
"You two schemers can talk to each other yourselves!"
Tsukishima quickly followed the sulking Ginjō out. Someone had to calm him down.
"Mr. Sawada Tsunayoshi, can you hear me?" Ukitake asked.
"Go ahead."
"Not long ago, I received a Tenteikūra message from Squad 1. Lieutenant Hinamori Momo of Squad 5 discovered Captain Aizen Sōsuke nailed to the high wall of the Squad 5 barracks. According to Squad 4's examination, Captain Aizen lost all signs of life around dawn."
Ukitake briefly explained the situation before continuing:
"I would like to ask—during that time at dawn…"
"It wasn't us," Tsunayoshi immediately replied. "We were at the Shihōin residence. As for the others scattered around, beating a captain would already be difficult—killing one silently is impossible."
"…Then what exactly is going on?" Ukitake muttered thoughtfully. "And the 'grand entrance' you mentioned before…"
"Don't overthink it," Tsunayoshi said. "When it's time for him to appear, he'll appear."
Thinking carefully about it, Aizen's defection didn't seem to harm many innocent bystanders. Well—except perhaps Hinamori's heart.
But how could Ukitake not worry? As a member of the Gotei 13, the death of a captain was a major event.
"Squad 4 will continue investigating Captain Aizen's cause of death," Ukitake said. "Shunsui and I will head to the scene to take a look. If we find anything, I'll contact you again."
"Sure. Bring Ginjō along when you reach out," Tsunayoshi replied casually.
Given Aizen's cautious nature, Tsunayoshi doubted Ukitake and Kyōraku would find anything meaningful.
After the call ended, Yoruichi walked over.
"The Stealth Force just received news. Rukia's execution date has been moved forward."
"That was quick," Tsunayoshi commented.
Based on the timeline they knew, Aizen had already disappeared last night. During that time, he likely took control of Central 46. Now that morning had arrived, he was pushing his plan forward—advancing the execution of Kuchiki Rukia at Sōkyoku Hill.
Tsunayoshi rolled over beside Ichigo and kicked him lightly.
"Hey, Ichigo~ If you don't wake up soon, something bad might happen to Rukia."
His words seemed to reach Ichigo somewhere deep inside. Ichigo's brows twitched slightly before relaxing again.
"Inoue, keep watching over Ichigo," Tsunayoshi said to Orihime. "At this rate, he should wake up before long."
"You're going to act?" Yoruichi asked.
"Yeah. Might as well go take a walk around Seireitei…"
Before he could finish speaking, two bursts of Reiatsu erupted somewhere within Seireitei.
One of them was very familiar to Tsunayoshi.
Chad.
"Who did Chad run into?" Tsunayoshi asked. Since he hadn't fought that opponent before, he couldn't identify the Reiatsu. But from its intensity alone, Chad's opponent was definitely strong.
"A captain promoted within the last century," Yoruichi said. She didn't recognize the Reiatsu very well either—it must have belonged to someone promoted after their exile.
"Chad, do you need support?" Tsunayoshi immediately asked through the communicator.
"Squad 7."
Chad stared at his opponent as he spoke. The short phrase was enough for Tsunayoshi to understand while preventing the enemy from realizing he was asking for help.
"Tsk… Komamura Sajin," Tsunayoshi muttered. "That's actually a perfect opponent for Chad."
Komamura's fighting style was direct and overwhelming—his attacks and strength were both formidable. Chad also relied on brute power, making this clash extremely valuable combat experience for him.
Yoruichi thought the same.
"Go all out, Chad," she said through the communicator. "Tsunayoshi and I will back you up."
Worst case scenario, it would just be like Ichigo last night—if Chad lost, they'd simply retrieve him afterward.
Receiving their reassurance, Chad focused completely on Komamura.
"Let's go," Tsunayoshi said. He had been planning to stroll around Seireitei anyway.
After reminding Orihime once more to watch over Ichigo, Tsunayoshi and Yoruichi slipped out of the Shihōin residence together.
But after only a few steps, they were blocked.
Standing before them was a white-haired boy with spiky hair, wearing a captain's haori and carrying a long Zanpakutō across his back. Beside him stood an unforgettable woman with bright orange hair and an impressive figure.
"So you really were here. I've been waiting for you for quite a while," the boy said in an oddly mature tone despite his youthful appearance.
"Oh, it's Shirō-chan," Tsunayoshi said casually. "We're in a hurry—mind letting us pass?"
He immediately recognized the outfit: the current Captain of Squad 10, Hitsugaya Tōshirō.
"It's Captain Hitsugaya! Don't act like we're close!" Hitsugaya snapped, veins bulging on his forehead.
"Pfft—'Shirō-chan' actually suits you, Captain," someone laughed.
"Matsumoto! When we get back, you're handling all the paperwork!" Hitsugaya barked.
The one teasing him was his lieutenant, Matsumoto Rangiku. The two were practically reversed in roles—most of Squad 10's paperwork was handled by Hitsugaya, while Rangiku spent her time slacking off or drinking.
"Oh come on, Captain~" Rangiku whined playfully, treating him like a child.
Tsunayoshi and Yoruichi exchanged a glance.
In the next instant, both used Shunpo to vanish.
"You two keep chatting—we're leaving!"
"Stop right there!"
Hitsugaya and Rangiku reacted instantly, moving in perfect coordination. Each intercepted one of them—Hitsugaya blocking Tsunayoshi, Rangiku stopping Yoruichi.
The night before, the two had traced the disappearing Hollow Reiatsu to this area. Since it fell within the Shihōin family's sphere of influence, they didn't act rashly. Instead, they waited patiently.
And now, in broad daylight, the people they had been waiting for had finally appeared.
There was no way they were letting them leave.
Their division of targets was deliberate.
They understood Yoruichi well enough—though she was wanted by Seireitei, she was mostly harmless. Rangiku could handle her.
But Sawada Tsunayoshi, a complete unknown, seemed far more dangerous.
Hitsugaya chose to face him personally.
Tsunayoshi sighed inwardly. No matter what, Hitsugaya was still a captain—he wouldn't be easy to deal with quickly.
"Ryoka," Hitsugaya said coldly. "Regarding the Hollow infiltration of Seireitei and the death of Captain Aizen… you're coming with me."
As he spoke, he drew his Zanpakutō.
"Do we really have to fight, Shirō-chan?" Tsunayoshi asked, his hand resting on the hilt of his own sword.
"Enough talk. Surrender peacefully!"
Hitsugaya swung his blade toward him.
Tsunayoshi drew his sword at the same time—but instead of blocking the attack, he used Bringer Light to propel himself toward Rangiku.
"Watch out!" Hitsugaya shouted.
Thanks to the warning, Rangiku managed to block Tsunayoshi's surprise strike.
However, during that brief moment, Yoruichi used Shunpo to escape.
The coordination between Tsunayoshi and Yoruichi was flawless.
Chad needed backup, and Tsunayoshi had deliberately stayed behind to stall the two captains.
"Sit upon the frozen heavens—Hyōrinmaru."
After the Shikai release, a crescent-shaped chain extended from the hilt of Hitsugaya's Zanpakutō. He swung it forward, the chain wrapping tightly around Tsunayoshi's blade, briefly restraining his movements.
"Matsumoto! Go after Shihōin Yoruichi!" Hitsugaya ordered.
"But…" Rangiku hesitated, remembering Squad 1's order that captains and lieutenants must act together.
"Don't forget—there's still that idiot wandering around nearby. I'll be fine."
That morning, while monitoring the Shihōin estate, they had coincidentally spotted a certain someone roaming aimlessly through Seireitei.
Rangiku's eyes lit up as she realized who he meant.
"Then I'll leave it to you, Captain!"
Tsunayoshi attempted to intercept Rangiku, but Hyōrinmaru's chain held his blade firmly in place. In the end, he let her go.
"What's wrong, Shirō-chan? You really think you can stop me?"
He raised his Zanpakutō.
"Wash away all things—Rain."
As he spoke the release command, the Asauchi-like blade dissolved into a mass of rain-attributed flames before reforming in his hand as Shigure Kintoki. The transformation caused Hyōrinmaru's chain to lose its hold.
"We'll see about that!" Hitsugaya replied.
He pulled the chain back as freezing air poured from Hyōrinmaru.
A massive ice dragon spiraled outward from the blade and surged toward Tsunayoshi.
"Sit upon the frozen heavens—Hyōrinmaru!"
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