Kyōraku Shunsui adjusted his straw hat, revealing his lazy features.
He looked toward the massive barrier in the distance, a sharp glint flickering behind his casual expression.
Beside him, Ukitake Jūshirō looked solemn. His usually gentle face was now filled with seriousness.
"Yes, I've seen the notice from Central 46 and the report sent by the Secret Mobile Force stating they were conducting special maneuvers..."
"But given this level of commotion, it's become common knowledge throughout the Seireitei. To say it's merely a maneuver is a bit of an understatement!"
"That man... he is definitely not as simple as he seems."
As he spoke, the figure of a tall, stern man appeared in Ukitake Jūshirō's mind.
Kyōraku Shunsui showed a look of agreement, his voice heavy despite his usual nonchalance.
"Ukitake is right. That man took control of the Shihoin family as a son-in-law, and as the Commander-in-Chief of the Secret Mobile Force, he secretly manipulates Central 46..."
"His power is absolute. If he were just a man chasing fame and fortune, it wouldn't matter—it would just be the usual power struggles. With Old Man Yama here to suppress it, the order of the Seireitei would never break."
"But the scary part is if he holds some kind of justice in his heart, or if he's trying to realize some grand ideal!"
Ukitake Jūshirō echoed the sentiment. "People with ideals are often unwavering in the path they take. If such a person goes astray, the destruction they cause is far greater than that of mediocre men scrambling for profit!"
"I am well aware of that. That is why I have been monitoring Ren's actions. This time, the disturbance is so great... I am even bringing the two of you along!"
Yamamoto Shigekuni did not stop walking, his old and steady voice ringing out.
"Once we discover any abnormality with Ren, if the evidence is conclusive, we will take him down immediately. That is exactly why I brought you!"
"As for the pressure from the Shihoin family and Central 46, I will handle it!"
Himself, plus his two students and his lieutenant—this could be called the strongest combat force in the Seireitei at this moment!
No matter what traps lay ahead, they were enough to sweep away any malicious entities.
"Teacher, your methods are as blunt as ever."
Ukitake Jūshirō furrowed his brows. Looking at the aging yet steady back in front of him, his expression gradually softened.
In a daze, he seemed to see the sharp, imposing figure he had seen as a child; the two images overlapped perfectly.
"What about his subordinates?"
"Do not worry about casualties. Simply suppress them!"
"Understood."
Kyōraku Shunsui lowered his straw hat, hiding most of his solemn expression.
After a while, he suddenly said, "Speaking of which, Old Man Yama, since you've gotten older, not only has your temper mellowed out, but even your ability to judge people has declined quite a bit."
"Hmm?"
"Look, the three people you once praised as 'pillars of talent'... Kuchiki Kōga caused the greatest upheaval in a thousand years, resulting in the deaths of countless nobles and Soul Reapers."
Kyōraku Shunsui's voice continued.
"Of the remaining two, Ren, whom we thought was steady and reliable, now looks like he's pulling something big, forcing you to come in person and bring us along."
"As for Aizen Sousuke... although we can't see any faults for now and he always performs perfectly, I just have a bad feeling."
Hearing this, Ukitake Jūshirō turned his head with a serious look, somewhat surprised at his lifelong friend's words.
"Shunsui, have you found something?"
"No, it's just a feeling. I can't find a shred of evidence."
Kyōraku Shunsui shrugged and spread his hands with an innocent look.
When he looked at Ukitake, a hint of concern appeared on his face.
"Ukitake, is your health alright?"
"I've been in good shape lately, and I took my medicine before coming. Don't worry!"
"That's good then." Kyōraku Shunsui's expression relaxed significantly.
Yamamoto Shigekuni spoke with determination. "It is precisely to prevent another upheaval like Kuchiki Kōga's that we must act decisively this time!"
"As for Aizen, we will simply keep a close eye on him from now on!"
Yamamoto Shigekuni suddenly stopped, causing the three behind him to stop simultaneously.
His cane struck the ground heavily, making a crisp sound as Yamamoto looked toward the empty space ahead.
"Members of the Secret Mobile Force?"
"Come out at once. I have urgent business and wish to see your Commander-in-Chief!"
In the empty street, a mist gradually rose, pervading the surroundings.
A voice as cold as steel rang out.
"Captain-Commander Yamamoto, and two other captains, why have you come here?"
Within the illusory mist, three figures gradually emerged, appearing before Yamamoto Shigekuni and the others.
The one in the center wore the latest Secret Mobile Force uniform—concise and sleek. He wore a dark vest over his upper body, had short white hair, and wore a white fox mask that obscured his face.
The person on the left was dressed similarly, but his exposed neck, behind his ears, and both hands were wrapped in bandages; his frame was somewhat thin.
The person on the right wore no vest but instead a slightly loose robe. He wore no mask, leaving his entire face exposed.
He had neatly groomed hair, a long face, no eyebrows, and a small mustache on his upper lip, making him look somewhat comical.
Thud!
Looking at the three who appeared, Yamamoto Shigekuni struck his wooden staff against the ground, his face showing an air of unquestionable authority.
"Who are you? Take me inside to see your Commander-in-Chief!"
"Forgive us, but we cannot agree to that. No one may enter without permission!"
The leading Secret Mobile Force member refused decisively. At the same time, he reached for his mask, moving it to the side of his head to reveal his true face.
His appearance was as solemn as his voice—expressionless with narrow eyes and red lines painted along his cheeks and chin.
Those red eyes were calm and composed; even facing Yamamoto Shigekuni, the strongest Soul Reaper in a thousand years, he showed no fear.
It was Senju Tobirama.
"I am currently serving as the Chief of Staff of the Secret Mobile Force Headquarters. I am essentially the Commander-in-Chief's deputy. If you have questions, you may ask me."
Following Senju Tobirama's lead, the person on the left also moved his mask, revealing most of his face wrapped in bandages.
It was Mū.
"Secret Mobile Force Headquarters Staff."
Hōzuki Gengetsu, on the right, stroked his mustache while looking over the four newcomers with a smile.
"Captain of the Secret Mobile Force Special Operations Unit. My name cannot be disclosed due to confidentiality protocols."
Kyōraku Shunsui took a step forward, a slightly playful smile on his face.
"Don't be like that, Mr. Special Operations Captain."
"Didn't I treat you to a drink before? We can be considered drinking buddies. Why not tell each other our names as if we were just friends chatting?"
"You should know my name: Captain of Squad 8, Kyōraku Shunsui. Now it's your turn."
After Hōzuki Gengetsu had officially joined the Secret Mobile Force, he had run into Kyōraku Shunsui while wandering through the Seireitei. The two had spent about an hour chatting over Kyōraku's sake.
Technically, they were acquainted.
Hōzuki Gengetsu grinned. "Don't try to tell me that running into me with wine was a coincidence or that you had no other motive."
"You were clearly trying to bait information out of me the whole time we were drinking, and now you're acting like a good friend. Your skin is quite thick—it doesn't match your flashy outfit at all, Brother Kyōraku."
Hearing this, Kyōraku Shunsui pressed down on his hat and shook his head gently.
"So my motive was seen through. Good grief, I thought I hid it well."
"Honestly, you knew and yet you kept drinking my sake. That's quite a devious personality, totally different from your face."
Ukitake Jūshirō couldn't help but glance at Kyōraku Shunsui, suppressing the odd expression on his face.
'Shunsui, is it really okay for you to call someone else devious?'
In his impression, when it came to being devious, few could truly compare to his best friend.
Yamamoto Shigekuni stared at Senju Tobirama, the leader of the three, and shouted sternly, "I am not negotiating with you. I am informing you: take me to see Ren!"
"Or be killed by me here. In any case, that barrier is obvious. Ren must be inside!"
As he spoke, Yamamoto Shigekuni gripped his hand tightly.
The wooden staff slowly cracked and fell away, its fragments turning into spirit particles and dissipating to reveal an ancient Zanpakuto.
His hand, wrinkled like tree bark, gripped the hilt, ready to draw at any moment.
"Wait!"
Senju Tobirama said loudly, quickly reaching out his hand to stop Yamamoto Shigekuni's movement.
Yamamoto's movement to draw his sword paused slightly, and he pushed the partially unsheathed blade back into its scabbard.
If possible, he did not want to destroy the order and stability he had always maintained.
As the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, he had to lead by example!
Senju Tobirama felt a sigh of relief. With a major battle imminent, a conflict with Yamamoto would leave their forces spread too thin.
"Captain-Commander Yamamoto, you have come with your lieutenant and two captains specifically for what is inside that barrier, correct?"
"We can explain this."
His orders were to stall Yamamoto Shigekuni's group, not to fight.
If it really came to a fight, they were likely no match for the four of them.
Senju Tobirama turned slightly and glanced at the massive barrier behind him.
Looking at it from a distance, it was indeed very conspicuous.
"This is a special maneuver of our Secret Mobile Force. The maneuver report was delivered to Central 46 long ago, and the Sages of Central 46 approved it."
"They even issued orders for the Gotei 13 and the Kido Corps to cooperate. You should know this, Captain-Commander."
"At the time, Squad 1 gave a clear response and agreed to this operation. Coming here now... is there some secret I don't know about?"
Yamamoto Shigekuni's gaze darkened. "I indeed knew and agreed to it back then..."
"Then why put on such a murderous display? Or is there something you're uneasy about, Captain-Commander?" Senju Tobirama asked back, crossing his arms.
Ukitake Jūshirō stepped forward. "The commotion the Secret Mobile Force made today is far too large. It's completely different from the report sent over. For the sake of security and to calm the people of the Seireitei, the Captain-Commander had to come."
Yamamoto Shigekuni added, "Precisely. The Gotei 13 has supervisory authority over the Secret Mobile Force. My arrival is for official reasons."
"If you understand, then take me to see your Commander-in-Chief!"
Senju Tobirama still refused to yield. "This does not follow protocol. If the Captain-Commander insists on seeing the Commander-in-Chief, we must report it upward first."
"The Gotei 13 only has supervisory power, but the Secret Mobile Force contains many secrets. Without permission, even you captains cannot enter," Mū added from the side.
"That's right, old man. Why don't you come back another day, or wait for us to report and get approval before returning?"
Hōzuki Gengetsu waved his robes, a teasing smile on his face.
Seeing Yamamoto's hand return to his sword hilt, he suddenly jolted and asked sharply, "Old Man Yamamoto, with that posture, are you planning to barge in by force?"
"Are you really going to ignore the rules of the Seireitei and even the bans of Central 46 to force your way in and fight the Secret Mobile Force?!"
"I certainly have no such intention!"
Yamamoto's hand remained on his hilt, his gaze fixed forward on the three men, his expression becoming increasingly heavy.
"If you do not move... I will suspect the Secret Mobile Force is planning a rebellion and require a thorough investigation."
Hearing this, Hōzuki Gengetsu felt a chill. Was this old guy really planning to start a war?
According to the Secret Mobile Force's internal profile of Yamamoto Shigekuni, the old man was supposed to value the order of the Seireitei above all. Why was there such a sudden surge of killing intent?
He was even willing to tear his relationship with the Secret Mobile Force apart!
Or was it that before the old man came here, someone had influenced him?
Hōzuki Gengetsu's eyes darted between the four men, eventually landing on Kyōraku Shunsui in his pink flowered kimono.
From their brief previous contact, he could tell that although the Squad 8 captain appeared frivolous, he was very deep.
It was highly likely that this guy had said something to the old man to harden his resolve to force his way in, even if it meant a fire-fight!
"Wait!"
Senju Tobirama reached out again, but this time it was less effective.
Seeing the old man's stubborn attitude, he sighed. It seemed there was no peaceful way out today.
Fine, he would just try to stall for as long as possible!
"You may enter, but due to the rules of the Secret Mobile Force, we cannot make the decision to let you pass."
"Unless the Captain-Commander can produce an order from Central 46."
"Hmm?"
Yamamoto Shigekuni's brow twitched. Just as he was about to draw his sword, Kyōraku Shunsui pulled on his sleeve.
Kyōraku Shunsui tilted his hat and smiled.
"An order from Central 46? We don't have one, however..."
"If a Sage of Central 46 comes in person, would that work?"
As soon as he spoke, everyone's expressions changed, and they all looked into the distance.
Everyone sensed several Spiritual Pressures approaching from afar, one of which was exceptionally weak.
In the blink of an eye, these pressures arrived at the street.
Sensing the newcomer, Kyōraku Shunsui winked at Yamamoto Shigekuni.
Yamamoto Shigekuni nodded slightly.
Ukitake Jūshirō lowered his voice and asked, "Shunsui, did you do this?"
"It was just a measure I had Lisa-chan prepare in advance."
Kyōraku Shunsui pulled Ukitake aside, slowly clearing a path.
Behind them, a white figure holding an umbrella walked toward them, flanked by several guards of varying heights.
"Cough, cough..."
Amidst the coughing, the man walked up to Yamamoto Shigekuni, closed his umbrella, and revealed his true face.
The newcomer was dressed in white, with long black hair neatly draped over his shoulders. He was handsome, with a gentle smile that constantly radiated a kind temperament.
Those eyes were incredibly clear yet exceptionally deep, emitting a bright glow that marked him as a wise man.
"Everyone, please lower your tempers. We are all comrades fighting for the peace of the Seireitei. Please do not let minor matters trigger a conflict."
The man's voice was peaceful and quiet, possessing an incredible charisma that seemed to embrace everything.
"I am a member of Central 46, recommended by the great noble Tsunayashiro family. I currently serve as the Sage of the Forty-Fifth Seat. My name is Ubuyashiki Kagaya."
"Members of the Secret Mobile Force ahead, could you please open a path and allow us to observe?"
Before Senju Tobirama or the others could reply, Ubuyashiki Kagaya turned to look at Yamamoto Shigekuni.
"Captain-Commander Yamamoto, my strength is meager and cannot be compared to you Soul Reapers. May I ask for your protection as we proceed?"
"Of course."
Yamamoto Shigekuni held his head high, his expression formal and his voice powerful.
"Protecting the Sages of Central 46 is the duty of our Gotei 13."
The old man looked at Senju Tobirama with piercing, unquestionable eyes.
"You three members of the Secret Mobile Force, lead the way!"
Staring at the suddenly appearing member of Central 46, Senju Tobirama's gaze darkened.
Hadn't Central 46 already been brought under their control? Why had one suddenly appeared here?!
But now that a Sage of Central 46 had appeared in person, he had no further excuses to delay.
Gritting his teeth, Senju Tobirama nodded heavily.
"Yes. Please follow me."
[Reviews - Power St0nes - Comments are highly appreciated to keep me going.....(+50 chapters) patre0n.c0m/talecrafter]