The Seireitei.
Many Captains of the Gotei 13 were gathered here, surrounding a high platform.
Voices rose and fell, creating a slight clamor.
Surrounded by the crowd, alongside Captain-Commander Yamamoto Shigekuni, stood the protagonist of the day.
Hikifune Kirio.
On the ground beside her lay piles of packages of various sizes, with another one strapped to her back.
Sarugaki Hiyori gripped her sleeve, eyes brimming with tears, looking utterly reluctant to let go.
Hirako Shinji walked over and rolled his eyes at Hiyori's display.
"Hiyori, if you keep crying like that, you're going to soak through Miss Kirio's clothes. It'll be a real embarrassment when the big shots from Squad Zero see her!"
"Shut up, Shinji, you baldy! I'm not crying."
"Huh? I have hair, I'm not bald!" Shinji retorted, flipping his hair. "Then who's been crowding around Miss Kirio and staining her clothes?"
"Baldy, believe me or not, I'll slaughter you!"
Seeing the two of them bickering heatedly, Hikifune Kirio, caught in the middle, hurried to intervene.
"Now, now, stop arguing."
"I'm just being promoted to the Soul King Palace, not dying. We can still see each other in the future."
She reached out and pulled the two apart.
While she enjoyed the lively atmosphere, she wanted to bid a proper farewell to her colleagues in the Gotei 13 since she was about to leave the Seireitei for the Soul King Palace.
This farewell party was definitely best enjoyed with everyone in high spirits.
She looked toward Yamamoto and the others but noticed one person was missing.
"Captain-Commander, Captain Kyōraku... Captain Ukitake didn't come?"
At the mention of his sickly student, Yamamoto Shigekuni sighed, a look of helplessness flashing across his face.
Kyōraku scratched his cheek, which was slightly flushed and hot.
"Jūshirō wanted to come, but his condition worsened over the past few days. He can't even get out of bed, so he couldn't make it."
"My apologies, Captain Hikifune."
Unohana Retsu blinked slightly, a look of confusion on her face. "I remember the medicine I prescribed for Captain Ukitake; as long as he takes it on time, there shouldn't be any problems."
Facing the senior's questioning, Kyōraku felt a bit bitter inside.
Naturally, there wouldn't be a problem if he took the medicine on time.
But Ukitake Jūshirō hated the bitter taste and had been secretly pouring it away behind his subordinates' backs.
On top of that, not long ago, Ukitake had accompanied them to the Stealth Force and caught a chill, which caused his condition to spiral.
From the looks of it, he wouldn't be well for at least half a year or a year.
Unohana clearly knew about Ukitake's habit of secretly disposing of medicine, and just as she was about to ask more, Hikifune Kirio interrupted.
"Since Captain Ukitake's condition has worsened, there's nothing we can do."
"Retsu, once this farewell is over, go check on Captain Ukitake. I've left some supplements behind; remember to have your members deliver them."
"After eating the pastries I made, Captain Ukitake will surely recover faster."
After chatting with Unohana Retsu and the others for a moment, Hikifune Kirio turned her gaze to the side.
Shihoin Yoruichi had her arms crossed over her chest, talking to Kuchiki Ginrei beside her.
Sensing the gaze, Yoruichi and Kuchiki Ginrei stepped forward.
After a bit of small talk, Hikifune Kirio suddenly asked, "Little Yoruichi, where is little Ren? Did he not come?"
"Him?" Yoruichi curled her lip. "I mentioned it to him, but he's been busy with work and didn't give me a definite answer. I suppose he isn't coming."
"I see. That's truly a shame."
Hikifune Kirio looked regretful.
She really wanted to see Ren one last time before heading to the Soul King Palace.
Just as she was sighing, a somewhat muffled voice drifted in from the distance.
"Who said I wasn't coming?"
Hearing that voice, Yoruichi's brow furrowed deeply as she turned her head toward the sound.
Not just her, but Hikifune Kirio, Kuchiki Ginrei, and all the Captains, including the Captain-Commander, turned to look in unison.
What met their eyes were five figures walking toward them.
These five people were split into two groups, with the two in the very front wearing white haori.
Leading the group of three was Shihoin Ren.
Behind him were two members of the Stealth Force wearing fox masks, their movements radiating efficiency.
On the other side were two people. One was tall and thin, wearing glasses, his haori swaying as he walked.
The Grand Kido Chief of the Kido Corps, Tessai Tsukabishi.
Behind him was a broad-shouldered, stout man with a gentle expression.
His physique was so immense that even Tessai Tsukabishi in front of him seemed small by comparison.
The Vice Kido Chief, Hachigen Ushōda.
Seeing the heads of the Stealth Force and the Kido Corps arriving together, the Captains' faces showed expressions of surprise.
"A Captain of the Gotei 13 is being promoted; why are these two unrelated people here?"
"It's been a long time since I've seen the two Kido Chiefs."
"I didn't expect the two of them to show up today."
"Setting the Kido Corps aside, the Stealth Force and the Gotei 13 don't exactly get along. Why are they here too?!"
A slight clamor broke out among the crowd.
Yamamoto Shigekuni raised his hand, instantly silencing the Captains' chatter.
His eyes, glowing with a subdued light, swept over Ren and the others. He gave a slight nod in greeting.
"I didn't expect you two to come on the day of Captain Hikifune's promotion."
"It is truly an honor for the Gotei 13."
Tessai Tsukabishi maintained a stiff expression and adjusted his glasses. "Captain-Commander Yamamoto, you flatter us. Captain Hikifune's promotion is a joyous occasion for the Seireitei; naturally, I had to come and offer my congratulations."
Ren, on the other side, chimed in, "Though we belong to different organizations, we are all colleagues protecting the Seireitei. There's no need for such formality."
"Professional duties aside, Captain Hikifune is my friend. Now that she's going to the Soul King Palace, I'm afraid we'll rarely meet again. I couldn't miss today."
Seeing them approach, Hikifune Kirio first expressed her sincere gratitude to Tessai Tsukabishi.
To be honest, although she was a Captain, she spent most of her time holed up in her division doing research and didn't go out much, so she wasn't very familiar with the members of the Kido Corps.
The fact that the two Kido Chiefs appeared was truly beyond her expectations.
When facing Ren, Hikifune Kirio was a bit more casual.
"Little Ren, when I didn't see you earlier, I was quite disappointed."
"I didn't think you'd arrive just as I mentioned it."
Ren's expression softened slightly as he spoke. "My apologies, Captain Hikifune. The Stealth Force has been busy. I set off immediately after arranging today's work."
"I happened to run into the two Kido Chiefs on the way, so we just came together. Fortunately, there was enough time, and I made it before you left for the Soul King Palace."
His voice trailing off, he looked toward the high platform with a puzzled expression.
"The people from the Soul King Palace haven't arrived yet?"
Hikifune Kirio looked up at the sky and replied, "At this time, they should be arriving any moment now."
Noticing the curiosity on Ren's face, she asked, "What is it? Is little Ren curious about the Squad Zero members from the Soul King Palace?"
"It would be a lie to say I'm not curious."
Ren nodded.
"After all, they are prominent figures who guard the Soul King Palace. Each of them is a being who has changed the history of the Soul Society."
"Coming to see Captain Hikifune off is a good opportunity. It's always better to see them with my own eyes."
Hearing Ren say this, Hikifune Kirio laughed. "I'm familiar with the ones coming to pick me up. I'll introduce them to you."
Just as she finished speaking, she felt someone tug on her sleeve.
Looking down, she saw her Vice-Captain, Sarugaki Hiyori.
After Ren arrived, she had become unusually quiet, hiding behind Hikifune Kirio with a submissive look.
Hikifune knew that Hiyori was somewhat intimidated by Ren's seriousness, so after chatting with him for a bit, she made an excuse to step aside.
Ren warfare then observed the Soul Reapers who had gathered. Almost all the Gotei 13 Captains were present, a sea of white haori filling his vision.
But the Vice-Captains were nowhere to be seen.
On the entire grounds, there was only one Vice-Captain: Sarugaki Hiyori, whom Hikifune Kirio regarded as a daughter.
It seemed the status of those Vice-Captains wasn't high enough.
Ren at that moment suddenly thought of Aizen.
Aizen yearned to 'stand in the heavens,' yet when the visitors from the heavens arrived, he couldn't even see their faces.
Ren couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for him.
While he was lost in thought, Yoruichi came to his side.
Nudging Ren in the ribs with her elbow, Yoruichi lowered her voice and asked, "Hey, Mr. Serious, didn't you say you weren't planning to come this time?"
Ren snapped out of it and looked at Yoruichi.
On Yoruichi's pretty face, her brow was slightly furrowed, and a hint of dissatisfaction flickered in her eyes.
Looking into his wife's clear eyes, Ren said, "Hey now, Yoruichi. When you asked me before, I never said I wasn't coming!"
He just hadn't given a specific or accurate response.
According to his deductions, at least one member of Squad Zero would descend to fetch Hikifune Kirio.
He still wasn't sure if Squad Zero knew about his secret plans.
Originally, he hadn't intended to come.
If Squad Zero knew about his covert activities and decided to descend in full force, this farewell party might turn into a hunt for him.
But Ren thought about it again and decided to come after all.
If the worst-case scenario were true, it wouldn't matter whether he came or not.
No matter where he hid, he would inevitably face a combined attack from Squad Zero and the Gotei 13.
Ren could simply walk away, but his subordinates remaining in the Seireitei couldn't.
Against the Monk of Squad Zero and Yamamoto, even if his subordinates possessed immortal bodies, it wouldn't do much good; they would only face total annihilation.
It was better for him to be present in person to react immediately rather than being caught off guard.
Of course, Ren hadn't come without preparation.
He had already made all the necessary arrangements.
A large portion of his forces, under the command of Nobunaga and Sengoku, had already assembled in the Shadow Space, ready to launch a counterattack at any moment.
Though they were still underprepared, they at least had a fighting chance!
If it turned out they were no match for the Monk and Yamamoto, Ren still had his final trump card!
At worst, they would go down together and head to Hell as one!
With that thought, Ren's mind settled.
Then he heard Yoruichi's annoyed voice.
"Oh? Coming to see Captain Hikifune off? Since when were you two so close? How come I didn't know!"
Hearing this, Ren was taken aback.
He saw the expression on Yoruichi's face grow even more dissatisfied, her gaze even holding a touch of gloom.
Ren's brow arched as if he had realized something.
He leaned in slightly, whispering into Yoruichi's ear.
Opening his mouth slightly, he lowered his voice.
"Yoruichi, are you jealous?"
"Ah! What kind of crap are you talking!"
Yoruichi's eyes widened as she glared fiercely at her husband.
If she hadn't been mindful of the many people on the field, she would have shouted at the top of her lungs.
"What you do, Mr. Serious, has nothing to do with me. I don't care at all."
"Yoruichi, being a tsundere doesn't suit you. I don't recall you having that trait anyway."
Yoruichi's reaction couldn't help but make Ren feel a bit more relaxed.
He gently wrapped his arm around Yoruichi's waist, pulling her slender body close to him.
Feeling her softness, Ren's voice was gentle.
"Captain Hikifune brought us so much food before, most of which ended up in your stomach."
"Today is her promotion day; I should at least come and offer some congratulations."
Yoruichi balled her small fists and punched Ren in the stomach several times in a row.
"Watch yourself in front of all these Captains."
"Where's your usual composure? Don't make a laughingstock of us!"
"What's there to laugh at? We even have Touichirou already," Ren chuckled, his hand remaining on Yoruichi's waist. "Stay by my side when the people from Squad Zero descend."
"Hmm? What do you mean?"
Yoruichi glanced sideways, her face full of suspicion.
"Are you doing something bad again?"
"Yoruichi, can't you think better of me?"
Ren sighed. "From what I know, although Squad Zero has made great contributions, they aren't necessarily 'good' people. The Shihoin family is large and influential now; it never hurts to be cautious."
He gave Yoruichi's waist a gentle pat before finally letting go.
Yoruichi didn't move, still leaning against Ren.
Shaking her head, a trace of helplessness appeared on her pretty face.
"You really are excessively cautious. It's almost like you have a persecution complex."
Ren ignored her and gave a low-voiced instruction to the two behind him. "You two, remember to protect Yoruichi."
"Understood!"
The two replied in low voices.
Yoruichi turned her head to look at the two, as if she had suddenly realized something.
She pointed at one of them.
Even though this person wore a mask to hide their features, the red-and-black pinwheel pattern glowing in their eyes, the curly hair, and the familiar physique gave them away instantly.
She recognized him immediately.
"Are you Shisui?"
"Yes, Lady Yoruichi."
Seeing him nod in acknowledgment, a look of confusion appeared in Yoruichi's eyes.
"Most people here know you. What's the point of covering your face?"
Ren explained, "I asked Shisui to do it. After all, it's a regulation of the Stealth Force."
Yoruichi nodded and then looked at the other person.
That person had spiky white hair and their arms crossed over their chest, radiating a sharp, efficient aura of killing intent.
"And who are you? I haven't seen you before."
"I am a newcomer who just joined the Stealth Force."
The person spoke, their voice possessing a metallic quality.
Ren chimed in, "There are so many people in the Stealth Force, and you don't exactly work here. How could you possibly know everyone?"
"Oh, I guess that's true."
During his conversation with Yoruichi, Ren suddenly sensed several gazes fixed on him.
Looking over, the first was Kuchiki Ginrei nearby.
The old man's expression was complex; he looked on with both admiration and a touch of pained regret.
His gaze on Ren and Yoruichi was as if he were seeing others through them.
Seeing Ren look his way, Kuchiki Ginrei offered a polite smile and a slight nod.
Ren nodded back and then looked toward another source.
He saw Kyōraku Shunsui pushing up his straw hat, his brow arching playfully.
He stroked his stubbly chin, a sentimental, knowing smile on his face.
Ren was very familiar with this kind of smile.
It was like the knowing, shipper's grin he'd have in his past life while watching romance anime.
There was one more person Ren hadn't expected.
It was actually Yamamoto Shigekuni.
Yamamoto looked over; while his expression was calm, his gaze held a sense of steadiness.
Although Ren didn't understand why the old man was looking at him like that, he maintained his politeness.
Realizing everyone was watching, Yoruichi quickly stepped away from Ren.
"Ahem..."
She feigned composure with a few coughs, her expression returning to normal.
Just then, Ren seemed to sense something and suddenly looked up.
The other Captains followed suit, looking up at the sky.
The clouds above suddenly tore open, leaving a massive hole.
A solid white cylinder descended from the heavens, landing right in front of the high platform.
BOOM!
The cylinder slammed into the ground, kicking up clouds of dust.
A door on the cylinder faced the crowd, its surface emblazoned with the emblem of Squad Zero.
The door swung open with a bang, revealing the figures within.
Seeing this, Ren remained outwardly calm, but his mind instantly sharpened with focus.
Squad Zero had arrived!
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