"Shunsui, what's the situation? What about Muramasa and the others?" Toshiro asked Shunsui.
Shunsui sighed. "Alas, we ultimately couldn't catch up to Muramasa and the others. When we pursued them here, we saw Byakuya being engulfed by Senbonzakura's countless blades from afar. But by the time we reached the scene, both Muramasa and Byakuya had vanished without a trace. There wasn't a single clue left. Even if we wanted to pursue, we wouldn't know which way to go."
"Is that so? I see."
Toshiro thought for a moment and said, "Let's put Muramasa and the others aside for now. The Seireitei was attacked by the rebelling Zanpakuto earlier, causing considerable chaos. There are quite a few casualties, and the buildings are severely damaged. We should focus on treating the injured and restoring order first."
"What about Byakuya? Should we continue sending people to search for him?" Kyoraku asked.
"Don't worry, Byakuya should be fine. Didn't you just say there was no trace of him? The lack of traces indicates he isn't in trouble."
"Otherwise, even if Byakuya were dead, a body would have been left behind. The fact that nothing was left behind precisely suggests he isn't dead, and probably not even injured. The reason Byakuya isn't showing himself is likely because he's discovered something but finds it inconvenient to share with us," Toshiro analyzed.
In truth, Toshiro knew that Byakuya had likely discovered Muramasa's origins.
Muramasa was the Zanpakuto of Kuchiki Koga, who was the son-in-law of Byakuya's grandfather, making him an elder of Byakuya's. So Byakuya had probably heard about Koga and Muramasa from his grandfather.
Therefore, Byakuya had likely recognized Muramasa's identity and origins through the abilities Muramasa had displayed.
In the Bleach anime storyline, to uphold the dignity and pride of the Kuchiki Clan, Byakuya wanted to personally kill Koga, even going so far as to pretend to betray Gotei 13 and join Muramasa's side.
So, upon hearing that Byakuya had gone missing, Toshiro was very certain that Byakuya wasn't dead. Instead, he was preparing to get close to Muramasa, gain his trust, and use Muramasa to find the location where Koga was sealed.
Hearing Toshiro's analysis, Kyoraku and the others said nothing further.
"Since everyone has no objections, that's the decision," Toshiro said.
"Captain Hitsugaya, there's no need to be so formal. With the Captain-Commander absent, you are the Acting Captain-Commander. The Gotei 13 naturally defer to you. So please make decisions directly if anything comes up," Unohana stepped forward and said.
"That's right, Toshiro. With Old Man Yama gone, just make the decisions directly. We will naturally follow your orders," Kyoraku also nodded in agreement.
The other Captains also expressed their willingness to follow Toshiro's commands.
Toshiro nodded gratefully to Unohana and Kyoraku, then said seriously, "Since everyone trusts me, I won't stand on ceremony. I will now announce the next course of action."
"Captain Unohana, you will immediately lead the 4th Division in treating the wounded."
Unohana nodded. "Understood. That is, after all, the 4th Division's responsibility."
"Captain Sui-Feng, you will lead the Onmitsukido and the Tenth Division to maintain order in the Seireitei and prevent anyone from causing trouble."
Sui-Feng said solemnly, "Understood. Leave it to me."
"Captain Komamura, you will lead the 7th Division and Lieutenant Abarai of the 6th Division to guard the Seireitei."
Komamura pounded his chest. "Rest assured, Hitsugaya-dono. I will not disappoint you."
"Captain Kyoraku, from Muramasa's tone earlier, he seems to be a Zanpakuto as well. You will be responsible for investigating Muramasa's origins, gathering intelligence on them, and locating their hideout."
Kyoraku adjusted the straw hat on his head. "My, my, how troublesome... but I suppose there's no choice. If I don't do this properly, the Soul Society will be in serious trouble."
"The 11th Division will stand by, ready for battle. Once the enemy's whereabouts are found, strike immediately!"
With the Captain of the 11th Division, Zaraki Kenpachi, whereabouts unknown, the Third Seat Ikkaku had to step forward. "Don't worry, Captain Hitsugaya. Although the Captain isn't here, you can count on the 11th Division for anything involving combat!"
"Captain Mayuri, you will immediately lead the Technology Development Bureau in researching the cause of the Zanpakuto rebellion and finding a solution."
Mayuri looked intrigued. "Heh heh heh... A Zanpakuto betraying its master is such an interesting phenomenon. I've never encountered it before. Even without you saying so, I intend to study it thoroughly."
Toshiro nodded. "Alright, if there are no objections, let's move immediately!!"
Under Toshiro's direction, everyone promptly and orderly carried out their tasks.
…
4th Division.
After working late into the night, before anyone could catch their breath, Toshiro gathered the Captains, Lieutenant, and other key personnel at the 4th Division and convened a Captain's Meeting in one of its conference rooms.
The 4th Division's conference room naturally wasn't as large as the 1st Division's, which was specifically designed for Captain's Meetings, but it was certainly large enough for the few of them. Besides, the size of the conference room wasn't a priority at a time like this.
…
Inside the conference room.
Aside from those who couldn't be reached, all remaining Captains were gathered.
"Thump!"
Imitating Yamamoto, Toshiro struck the ground with his Zanpakuto.
Toshiro said solemnly, "Gentlemen, with the Captain-Commander absent, I am convening this Captain's Meeting in my capacity as Vice-Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13 and Acting Captain-Commander."
"First, I wish to announce something. During the earlier attack by the Zanpakuto, the Gotei 13 suffered considerable casualties. The injured sent to the 4th Division have nearly overwhelmed its capacity. Therefore, to ensure the safety of the wounded, we must strengthen our defensive forces."
"Additionally, the 1st Division's barracks were severely damaged in the attack and are unsuitable as a command center. Therefore, I have decided to temporarily make the 4th Division our command center."
"This is also why we are holding the Captain's Meeting here. From now on, please come to the 4th Division if you need to report on the situation."
After announcing this, Toshiro continued, "Now, let's hear your reports first."
Following Toshiro's words, Sui-Feng spoke first. "Captain Hitsugaya, thanks to the efforts of the Onmitsukido and the 10th Division, the disturbances in the Seireitei have been quelled, order has been restored, and those criminals who were taking advantage of the chaos have been dealt with."
Toshiro nodded. "Well done, Captain Sui-Feng. Thank you for your hard work."
After Sui-Feng, Unohana reported, "Captain Hitsugaya, all the wounded have been brought to the 4th Division's relief station and are receiving effective treatment. However, due to the large number of injured, we are running short on some medical supplies. Our current stock at the 4th Division can last for a few more days, but if we don't find a solution soon, we'll face shortages."
"Hmm... I will find a way to gather supplies within the Seireitei, even from the Rukongai. We will not allow a shortage of medical supplies," Toshiro said with a frown.
"Hitsugaya-dono, there are no issues on my end. All is normal in the Seireitei. Muramasa and his group haven't reappeared," Komamura stated.
"Shunsui, have you found any information regarding Muramasa?" Toshiro asked Kyoraku.
"I'm afraid... I'm quite embarrassed to say. I've searched through all the records but found nothing about Muramasa. Furthermore, there's no news about Muramasa and his group's hideout," Kyoraku said apologetically.
"..."
Toshiro exhaled the frustration in his chest, then consoled him, "Don't worry about it, Shunsui. Finding Muramasa and the others' hideout won't be easy. But as long as we persevere, I believe we will find it."