By now, a crowd had gathered, chatting and laughing as voices rose and fell throughout the room.
Every one of them was a Fullbringer, gifted with abilities beyond ordinary human limits.
This so-called "bar" was actually the headquarters of their Executive Militia and also served as the base of the 11th Division's Special Operations Unit in the World of the Living! Its construction had been made possible thanks to the generous support of the 11th Division and Seireitei.
After Kūgo Ginjō was officially recognized by Seireitei as a Substitute Shinigami, the Executive Militia was fully renovated into a specialized combat unit stationed in the World of the Living. Naturally, as their direct superior, the 11th Division had backed the reorganization and rebuilding efforts.
Now, after careful planning and remodeling, this place served as a hub where members could unwind, bond, train, and most importantly, gather before deploying on missions.
At that moment, the arrival of a young man with black hair immediately drew everyone's attention.
Among them, an elderly man—thin and impeccably groomed—glanced his way and greeted him coolly.
"You're here, Tsukishima."
The dark-haired youth, Tsukishima, lifted the corners of his mouth into a gentle smile and gave a slight nod, though a subtle chill flickered in his eyes.
His deep gaze swept the room before settling on a lavishly decorated room nearby. As if pondering something, he asked quietly,
"Is Captain Kūgo inside?"
The old man gave a small nod, pointing at the closed door beside him with a blank expression.
"I saw him go in earlier. He hasn't come out, so he's probably still there."
"Then I'll go see him."
Shūkurō Tsukishima replied politely, turning to head for the door.
Just as he took a step forward, the old man's indifferent voice called out from behind.
"I'm on patrol today. I'll be heading out first."
With that, the old man moved toward the exit, still wearing the same detached expression.
But as the door slowly opened, a flicker of fear crossed his eyes, and he instinctively stepped back several paces.
Standing in the doorway were two tall women.
One had long, icy blond hair and a presence so cold and unapproachable it seemed to freeze the air around her.
The other was less intimidating in demeanor, but her waist-length green hair made her immediately stand out. A rose-colored horizontal marking across her face added to her mysterious and unique aura.
But none of that was what truly unsettled him.
What did was the overwhelming Reiatsu radiating from both women.
It was suffocating—oppressive like a mountain crashing down—making it nearly impossible to breathe.
Just meeting their gaze made the old man's head spin, as though the world itself had tilted.
The sheer pressure had his body and soul trembling uncontrollably.
"W-Who... who are you?"
His voice trembled as he stared nervously at the two cold-faced women, his legs giving way until he collapsed to the floor.
By now, the others in the room had also noticed what was happening.
Fear swept through them. They backed away, faces pale and eyes filled with dread.
No one mocked the old man's weakness.
In the face of power like that, dropping to your knees was the natural response.
Even before anything began, their bodies were already swaying, ready to give out at any moment.
Harribel and Nelliel both frowned in discomfort as they sensed the fear around them.
Thanks to Masatsuki Aozaki's long-standing guidance, their Reiatsu had recently reached the upper limit of the Hollow domain. But since it hadn't been long, they still struggled to control it.
Despite their best efforts to restrain it, they hadn't expected these people to be so overwhelmed.
"Intruders! We've got intruders!"
Someone shouted, but before they could finish, they were cut off.
"Calm down, everyone. They're not intruders."
The crowd turned to see the black-haired young man who had just entered the room earlier. He bowed slightly, a respectful and sycophantic smile on his face, then gestured toward the two women and said,
"Ladies, please come in. Captain Kūgo is waiting for you inside."
With that, he gently pushed the door open. Harribel and Nelliel stepped inside.
A faint fragrance filled the room. Elegant paintings hung on the walls, giving the space a calm and refined atmosphere.
Behind a spacious desk sat a middle-aged man. His neatly combed medium-length hair reached just past his neck, and his broad forehead was accentuated by slightly arched eyebrows that formed a thick brow line. His deep brown eyes carried a mysterious glint.
He was tall and well-built, dressed in a black coat with a fur-lined collar, and wore a delicate silver cross necklace around his neck.
This was none other than the head of the Executive Department and the leader of the 11th Division's World of the Living Special Forces—Substitute Shinigami Kūgo Ginjō.
"Ladies, may I ask what brings you here today?"
Kūgo Ginjō's voice was low and gentle, but laced with a hint of flattery.
A flicker of disgust flashed in the eyes of Harribel and Nelliel. They had already heard from Masatsuki—this man was deeply calculating and dangerously ambitious. Seeing his demeanor now only confirmed her words.
To see a Substitute Shinigami and Fullbringer with first-class spiritual pressure acting this servile was truly shocking. There was no trace of the dignity a true powerhouse should possess.
Even when they had once served under Aizen, the two Vasto Lorde-class Arrancar had never debased themselves this way.
Ginjō extended a hand toward them.
But neither woman moved. With narrowed eyes full of disdain, they stared at him as if his very presence was revolting.
Ginjō could only force a smile and awkwardly pulled his hand back.
"We don't have time to waste on you. You should have already received Masatsuki-sama's orders."
Harribel's tone was ice cold, her voice as chilling as a winter wind.
"If you've forgotten, let me remind you—Kūgo Ginjō, hand over the Soul King's fragment."
Her sharp gaze pierced straight through Ginjō, as if trying to see into his soul.
"Why!? I worked so hard to collect them!"
Ginjō's expression darkened instantly. The flattering smile vanished, replaced by a vicious scowl.
He slammed both hands on the desk with a sharp crack and growled through clenched teeth,
"You can't just take away what I've achieved! Not even Masatsuki Aozaki has that right!!"
Nelliel let out a cold snort, her eyes filled with contempt.
"Don't forget—you're Masatsuki-sama's servant. Everything you have belongs to him."
Her voice was flat and commanding, brooking no argument.
"Besides, over the years, how many Fullbringers in the Special Forces have you hunted down in secret? Harming your comrades is a serious crime."
Her words hit Ginjō like a hammer, making his heart jolt.
"Masatsuki-sama chose not to punish you because he wanted to give you a chance."
"Hand over the Soul King's fragment now, and consider it your redemption."
"Masatsuki-sama is merciful. We only want the fragment. Your life will be spared."