The disappearance of the 13th Division's Lieutenant caused quite a stir within the Seireitei, especially since this Lieutenant was also the current head of the Shiba family.
However, compared to the search and investigation conducted by the Gotei 13, the reaction from the nobles appeared much more... ruthless.
On the very day Kaien Shiba was declared missing, all of the Shiba family's assets within the Seireitei suffered a comprehensive blow. Countless small and medium-sized families, as if having conspired in advance, simultaneously reached out to encroach upon the Shiba family's sphere of influence.
Anyone with a discerning eye could see that this behavior was tacitly approved, as these families were all mouthpieces for the Tsunayashiro family.
Just because people saw it didn't mean anyone would raise an objection. Even the Shihoin and Kuchiki families maintained their silence. Consequently, the Gotei 13's search and rescue operations began to become superficial.
After all, in matters involving struggles between nobles, the term "Missing" was clearly just a fig leaf to save a little face; essentially, it was no different from "Killed in Action."
The Shiba family's ancestral lands had always been in the Rukongai. Following this incident, Kukaku Shiba had no choice but to completely withdraw the Shiba family from the Seireitei, gathering them entirely around their ancestral grounds.
Thus, the Shiba family, once honored as one of the Four Great Noble Houses, now had only one member remaining within the Seireitei: the Captain of the 10th Division, Isshin Shiba, who hailed from a branch family.
No superfluous words came from the Captain-Commander's side, though protection for the Shiba ancestral grounds in the Rukongai was strengthened. Clearly, Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto still had no desire to get mixed up in noble affairs. However, the special nature of the Shiba family forced him to be vigilant about whether this would turn into some sort of probe against the Soul King Palace.
After all, that place was the official gateway to enter the Soul King Palace.
Originally, Suzuki Makoto had absolutely no interest in paying attention to this matter, but he ended up being dragged into it in a peculiar way.
"Why do you want me to transfer to the 13th Division to serve as Lieutenant?"
He looked at Retsu Unohana before him with a subtle expression.
"Because Captain Ukitake's health is very poor. His division must have a Lieutenant capable of stepping up. The 13th Division is currently extremely busy; even promoting a Lieutenant from within their own ranks wouldn't solve their problems. That is why I recommended you."
Retsu Unohana looked as if this were a matter of course.
"Furthermore, Suzuki-kun, you only came to the 4th Division because Seinosuke entered the Shin'o Relief Station, and only the 4th Division had a vacancy for a Lieutenant. After all, the clinics we are responsible for don't really match you. Having you come here was doing you an injustice; Suzuki-kun, you should be more suited for a combat division."
"I actually find the fighting in the 4th Division quite enjoyable..."
"Oh my, then why haven't I seen you come looking for me in such a long time?"
Suzuki Makoto scratched his head awkwardly. Faced with Retsu Unohana's resentful gaze, the reason was naturally clear to both parties—
Suzuki Makoto had truly learned all of Yachiru Unohana's "Yachiru" styles.
Although it sounded like Suzuki Makoto ruthlessly abandoning Retsu Unohana, she herself was already quite satisfied with her battles against him. Therefore, after sensing that his desire for battle had declined, Retsu Unohana hadn't actively issued any more battle invitations to him.
"However, I am only discussing this with you now. If you are willing, that is naturally good. If you are unwilling, neither I nor the Captain-Commander will force you to go."
"Forget it, Captain, what you said is correct. The 4th Division really isn't suitable for me. My Kaido is strong, but I'm truly not very good at the affairs of the clinics. For these past few years, the duties a Lieutenant should be responsible for have been shouldered by the child Isane. If I don't leave, I'll feel guilty myself."
Regarding this lateral transfer, Suzuki Makoto didn't have much of an opinion. He just found it a bit funny. After all, Kaien Shiba was practically made "missing" by his own hands. Now, it looked more like he had framed Kaien Shiba to seek the position of Lieutenant of the 13th Division.
However, regarding this matter, those unaware couldn't possibly think this way, and those aware were even less likely to think so.
"I also have high hopes for Isane."
"She will make a very good Lieutenant candidate. Consider it my parting recommendation."
Retsu Unohana nodded. Although Isane Kotetsu's Reiatsu was a bit lacking, promotions in the 4th Division didn't pay much attention to that.
"However, speaking of parting..."
Her hand gently landed on Minazuki at her waist, revealing a faint smile.
"Suzuki-kun, you shouldn't mind, right?"
"Of course."
"I am truly sorry, Suzuki-kun, to have to call you over to help clean up the mess at a time like this."
Jushiro Ukitake smiled bitterly.
"It doesn't matter. Since I am a member of the Gotei 13, I should fulfill my responsibilities. I am also well aware of the Captain-Commander's care for the Yellow Turbans in the Rukongai previously."
Suzuki Makoto took the message Ukitake handed over and began to look down and read it.
Actually, very few people sought help due to the strength of the enemies. After all, since Aizen consolidated Hueco Mundo, Gillian-class Menos and above were restrained around Las Noches as strategic reserves. The only ones truly able to cross over and attack the Rukongai and the World of the Living were ordinary Hollows.
However, the scope of the World of the Living that the 13th Division was responsible for was simply too vast. Those squad members had to be stationed within designated areas. Moreover, even when facing ordinary Hollows, not all squad members could fight and win. Thus, the casualty rate of the entire division was considered the highest within the Gotei 13.
Such a casualty rate naturally required an extremely high reserve of personnel for rotation. The issue with this year's graduates caught Ukitake and the others off guard, though not to the point of causing major problems. It was just that suddenly, several high-level Hollows appeared at once, all excelling in concealment and speed, instantly draining the 13th Division's mobile forces dry.
Suzuki Makoto knew this clearly in his heart, because this was Aizen's doing intentionally. To create an opportunity for Gin Ichimaru and to mobilize Kaien Shiba, such a situation was created. As long as these few Hollows, who had lost their utility value, were disposed of, and the deployed Seated Officers and mobile units returned to their original posture, the 13th Division would be able to catch its breath.
"Withdraw all the search teams. I will be responsible for these places."
"But the incident with Kaien just happened... shouldn't you bring more people?"
Ukitake's expression wasn't very good. Previously, Kaien Shiba's thinking was exactly the same as Suzuki Makoto's, yet an accident occurred halfway.
"It doesn't matter. Captain Ukitake, have you forgotten? I can perform Bankai."
Suzuki Makoto smiled and came up with a random excuse.
He couldn't exactly say that to deal with these Hollows, he just needed to mention it to Aizen, right?
____
👻🔥+40 ch: Walnut-chan🔥👻
🔥 New history: Group chat of the Dead
✅ Read up to 40 chapters in advance (all stories)!
✅ Access exclusive posts and updates first!
Let's achieve our community goals:
🎯 100 Powerstones = +1 extra chapter for everybody
🚀 140 MEMBERS = +5 additional chapters on ALL STORIES!
👻 P - Walnut-chan