"Mm."
Shigure smiled lightly and stepped out of the Senkaimon.
The doors closed behind him. He looked around with surprise. "You're waiting here alone?"
Rukia's expression turned serious.
"When we escorted the injured 13th Division members to the 4th Division, Captain Unohana asked me to come."
"Hm?" Shigure paused. "Does Captain Unohana need something?"
"I don't know. She just said when you returned, I should tell you to go there."
Shigure nodded. "Alright, let's go together."
He stepped forward. Rukia quickly followed.
They walked toward the 4th Division without using Shunpo.
"Captain Segawa..." Rukia suddenly spoke.
"Mm." Shigure responded calmly without turning.
"I've recently gained new insights about Sode no Shirayuki's Shikai..."
Rukia lowered her head slightly, speaking quietly. "I wonder... if you might have time to provide guidance?"
Shigure raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Of course."
Rukia's face lit up with excitement. "Thank you!"
"No problem." Shigure chuckled. "The 5th Division Lieutenant position has been vacant too long. If your strength is sufficient, I can appoint you soon."
A captain could directly appoint their lieutenant.
Generally, even competing members wouldn't challenge someone personally designated by the captain.
Rukia nodded vigorously. "Yes."
She knew that although Shigure hadn't actively guided her since joining, he was watching her growth.
This was why she forced herself to train desperately. She wouldn't disappoint his expectations.
Soon they arrived at the 4th Division barracks.
"Captain Segawa!" "Captain Segawa!"
The 4th Division members were busy but still bowed respectfully.
They'd heard about recent events from 5th Division members.
Especially "instantly slaying three Menos Grande" had spread throughout the entire 4th Division.
5th Division members were naturally proud when telling stories about their powerful captain.
4th Division members who heard these stories held even greater admiration for Shigure.
Shigure responded with slight nods.
After asking about Unohana's location, he headed there directly with Rukia.
When they arrived, Unohana was finishing healing the last severely injured member.
"Alright, transfer him to a regular ward. Have Uehara handle bandaging and medication."
"Yes!" The surrounding members carried the patient away.
As captain, Unohana only handled the most severe injuries. Basic treatment went to subordinates.
She stood up, looking over with a warm smile.
"Captain Segawa, did you return safely?"
Shigure stepped forward, smiling lightly. "Yes, Captain Unohana. Rukia said you were looking for me."
"That's right." Unohana nodded. "There's something strange I'd like you to see. Please follow me."
She turned toward a nearby side door.
Rukia spoke up carefully. "Um... Captain Unohana, do I need to excuse myself?"
Unohana paused and smiled back.
"You should ask your own captain, 10th Seat Kuchiki."
Rukia looked at Shigure. Before she could speak, he smiled lightly.
"Since Captain Unohana said so, it's probably not classified. Come along, Rukia."
"Alright... Hm?!"
Rukia was about to nod when she suddenly startled.
A strong aura emanated from Unohana!
But her face maintained a gentle smile. "Is something wrong?"
This smile made Rukia's spine chill. Her hair stood on end.
She realized something and forced a stiff smile, shaking her head frantically.
"I suddenly remembered! I have division duties! Excuse me!"
She quickly bowed and fled.
Shigure looked at Unohana with amusement. "You frightened her."
The aura vanished instantly. Unohana smiled with narrowed eyes, gentle and serene.
"Is that so? I don't understand... Please come, Captain Segawa."
She gestured welcomingly. Shigure nodded and walked alongside her.
Though junior and her student, he was also a Gotei 13 Captain.
Following behind would violate etiquette.
Walking forward, Shigure noticed this path led to the morgue.
"Captain Unohana, does this relate to the unfortunate 13th Division members who died?"
Unohana didn't pause, nodding. "You'll understand once you see."
They entered the morgue.
Seven Soul Reapers from the 13th Division lay ahead. They'd died in the Hollow chaos at Tsukishima City.
Shigure immediately activated his Resonance Eyes.
The instant he saw clearly, his gaze jumped.
Strange black auras floated faintly above the corpses' wounds.
Unohana noticed his expression change and spoke gravely.
"It seems you've noticed as well."
"Those corpses have very faint but eerie spiritual pressure..."
"They've been dead nearly two hours, yet it won't dissipate."
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
🔥 Want to read the next 30 chapters RIGHT NOW?
💎 Patreon members get instant access!
⚡ Limited-time offer currently running...
👉 [Join on Patreon - patreon.com/DarkGolds]