— — — — — —
After Captain-Commander Yamamoto issued the order to capture the enemy alive…
Hitsugaya Toshiro, the youngest captain present, was completely dumbfounded.
Capture a Captain-level opponent alive?
Wasn't that a bit much to ask?
Mayuri Kurotsuchi—someone infamous for his paranoia and secrecy—was killed despite all his insane countermeasures. And now they expected him to take the killer alive?
Is this a joke?
While Hitsugaya was still processing it, Kyoraku Shunsui had already figured out what Yamamoto was thinking. His expression grew more serious as he spoke:
"Old man… this isn't something a single captain can pull off on their own."
Besides him and Unohana, capturing an opponent on that level was nearly impossible for the others present—and one wrong move could easily end in death.
He didn't think it was wise to tie everyone's hands with this "capture alive" order.
Sure, he understood the Commander's goal was to use the suspect as leverage against the Royal Guard, but still...
Maybe this Quincy was a candidate for the Soul King's successor, but that wasn't reason enough to risk the lives of multiple captains.
Besides, the Royal Guard rarely intervened in Soul Society's affairs anymore. Some of the newer generation didn't even know they existed.
Honestly, Yamamoto was being too cautious.
"No need to worry," the old man waved off their concerns with a dismissive hand, then said coldly:
"Just keep him occupied. I'll handle the capture myself."
"...Haaaa—!"
A sharp gasp ran through the room.
Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto himself was going to step in?
The strongest Shinigami of the last thousand years—undisputed, unmatched—was personally going after a Quincy?
Yeah, this guy was screwed.
Nearby, Aizen Sōsuke calmly adjusted his glasses, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Unbothered by the captains' reactions, Yamamoto continued in a firm tone:
"Soifon."
"Sir!"
The Second Division captain stepped forward and bowed.
"Mobilize all Onmitsukido forces. Track the Ryoka's movements and goals, and report everything directly to First Division. Await further orders."
"Yes, sir!"
"Additionally, all divisions are to take full control of their patrol areas. If you encounter a Ryoka, report it to your captain immediately and handle it as appropriate."
"If the intruder is identified as a Quincy Ryoka—stall him and report straight to First Division!"
"Understood!"
The captains all lowered their heads in unison.
This was serious.
Yamamoto wasn't pulling any punches anymore.
Once they locked in on the Ryoka's location, the Gotei 13 would rain hell on them like a spider's web closing in.
And when that happened... anyone with the Ryoka—aside from the Quincy—would likely be sentenced to death, no questions asked.
Some captains smirked coldly. Others showed faint sympathy.
Once all the orders were issued, Yamamoto slammed his staff on the ground.
"Meeting adjourned."
The captains began to disperse.
Hitsugaya, however, noticed something odd—Aizen Sōsuke was deliberately lagging behind, walking in step with Ichimaru Gin.
That… raised some eyebrows.
Hitsugaya subtly shifted his attention toward the two.
Aizen smiled gently as he walked beside Gin, speaking softly: "Well, looks like Captain Ichimaru's plan worked out nicely, huh?"
"My my, Captain Aizen—what do you mean by that?" Gin replied, fox-like grin in full display, eyes closed as usual.
Truth was… Gin had no clue what Aizen was talking about.
Was Aizen scheming something again?
Gin's gut said yes—but before he could think more on it, he noticed Hitsugaya eavesdropping.
Seriously? The kid didn't even try to hide it. His gaze was way too obvious. So young…
Just then, Aizen's tone turned slightly cold.
"You and his little partnership… you didn't think you could keep that from me, did you?"
"Oho? A partnership? You'll have to be more specific, Captain Aizen. Got any proof?"
Gin mentally sighed.
Seriously, man? You're the one teaming up with Ryo Yagami, why drag him into it too? Did he enjoy having Hitsugaya breathing down his neck 24/7?
If this kept up, he was going to snap. And if he ended up hurting Hitsugaya, Rangiku would definitely turn on him.
Was this Aizen's idea of a joke?
"You want proof?" Aizen said with a cold chuckle. "Oh, don't worry. It's coming."
With that, he turned and walked out of the chamber.
At that moment, Gin knew—Aizen's fake-death plan was about to kick off.
He'd known about the escape plan for a while… but this? This level of fake-out? Aizen had officially thrown him under the bus.
Gin said nothing. Face tight, he followed Aizen out.
Hitsugaya had seen it all.
Aizen's words: "You and his little partnership…" Gin's reaction—pale and shaken.
It didn't take a genius to connect the dots.
Was Gin working with the Ryoka?
Back when they first stormed the Seireitei, Gin had swaggered up to the gate, unleashed his Zanpakutō, and made a big show of it.
Then what? He walked away without even injuring a single Ryoka.
Suspicious.
Sure, it showed the Ryoka were strong—but why would Gin do that?
Was it just to prove he wasn't in on it?
But why would he need to prove that at all?
And now, Mayuri was dead—without even unleashing his Reiatsu. Killed right in the Fifth Division's territory.
That was sketchy as hell.
If Gin had lured Mayuri there… then teamed up with the Ryoka to ambush him… it would explain a lot.
Choosing the Fifth's area might've been a warning to Aizen, too—a subtle message.
Which, in turn, was more evidence of Gin's betrayal.
And Hitsugaya couldn't ignore how Gin always lurked around, watching him and Matsumoto Rangiku like a fox with a plan.
At first, he'd thought it was harmless.
Now? Not so much.
Was he next?
Was Gin planning to take him out next?
The thought hit Hitsugaya hard. His face turned serious.
Yep, that was it.
Case Closed.
He realized that in all of Soul Society… he might be the only one suspicious of Ichimaru Gin.
And without proof, no one would believe him.
If he wanted to survive—if he wanted to protect the Soul Society…
He'd have to do it himself.
Eyes narrowed, Hitsugaya stared after Gin's retreating back, thoughts spinning.
— — —
Twelfth Division – Research and Development Institute
Having just been named acting captain, Nemu Kurotsuchi calmly waved away the Jigokucho communication and turned to bow toward Ryo.
"My lord, I've passed along your message to First Division."
"Excellent."
Ryo, now seated comfortably in the Division Chief's chair, adjusted his glasses and focused back on the monitor in front of him.
The screen was flooded with data—Zanpakutō schematics, Shunpo techniques, Hakuda strategies… but most of it was on Kidō spells.
Ryo was quietly studying all of it—breaking down every detail, every structure—to find ways he could personally utilize.
Nearby, Inoue Orihime had been silently watching it all unfold—how Ryo orchestrated the Thirteen Divisions like pieces on a chessboard.
After a moment of hesitation, she finally spoke in a small voice:
"U-Um… Can I ask… where the real Ishida-kun is?"
The screen's glow reflected in Ryo's glasses, hiding his eyes. But the corner of his thin lips slowly curved upward.
.
.
.