"This spiritual pressure... can now be confirmed."
Shigure walked over while explaining the properties he'd sensed.
After hearing everything, Unohana's face showed lingering fear.
Then her expression relaxed. She chuckled softly.
"Thank goodness I approached this as a medic... If I'd thought like you, Segawa, I'd have been caught."
She'd focused on treatment, not dispersion. Different approach entirely.
"So this means... an Arrancar sent by Aizen caused this?" Unohana asked.
Shigure nodded. "Basically certain now."
What would happen after being devoured by this spiritual pressure? Shigure didn't know.
But it wouldn't be good.
Aizen's purpose was becoming mysterious.
After creating the Espada with the Hōgyoku, he should be preparing the King's Key.
But instead of attacking Karakura Town, he'd shifted focus to Tsukishima City...
No. Not Tsukishima City.
He was focusing on Shigure.
Ulquiorra and Yammy's appearance. This new Arrancar's residual power. All targeting him.
Shigure looked at Unohana with grave eyes.
"Captain Unohana, if the Gotei 13 keeps waiting... we'll become more passive."
Unohana's heart jumped. Her expression grew serious.
"Segawa, you mean... launch a proactive attack?"
"Yes." Shigure nodded calmly.
"Time passes. Aizen's side grows stronger."
"Seireitei's recovery time... is running out."
"Rather than wait for Aizen's declaration of war, we should strike first!"
Unohana fell silent. Then nodded with stern eyes.
"You're right."
"We must petition the Captain-Commander."
Their opinions aligned instantly.
"No time to waste. Let's go now."
Unohana turned with determined resolve and strode outside. Shigure followed quickly.
Meanwhile, in Hueco Mundo's Las Noches.
Shortly after Shigure eliminated the black auras.
"Oh my, Captain Aizen, looks like Assimilate's plan... failed somewhat?"
Gin Ichimaru laughed lightly, hands tucked in wide sleeves.
Before them stood a massive glass tube.
Inside was something beyond description.
Completely black. Body collapsed like sludge.
Beneath its white bone mask, pale red eyes were its only recognizable feature.
It writhed constantly, scraping the tube's inner walls.
Aizen's eyes flickered. He spoke as if to himself.
"You've become such an ugly form, Assimilate."
"But this means... you contacted Segawa Shigure's spiritual pressure."
The black creature showed no reaction.
Gin maintained his smile, spreading his hands.
"What a shame. You spent so much effort creating it, yet it failed on its first mission..."
"Failed?"
Aizen repeated softly. Then smiled faintly.
"It didn't fail, Gin."
"I never expected it to assimilate Segawa Shigure's magnificent soul."
"I simply wanted to test my hypothesis."
"Eh?" Gin startled slightly.
Aizen turned and walked forward steadily.
"Come, Gin."
"Time to continue researching Lightning Arrester."
"When he's born, I can... begin seizing Segawa's soul."
No arrogance in Aizen's tone. No conceit.
In his view, this was decided.
He was stating fact.
Gin's expression changed for a microsecond. Gold flashed in his narrowed eyes.
Then he resumed his usual expression, laughed, and followed.
Meanwhile, in Soul Society's Seireitei.
Unohana and Shigure reached the 1st Division barracks.
"I haven't reported the rescue results to the Captain-Commander yet."
Shigure suddenly remembered.
Rukia had brought him straight to the 4th Division. No time for the 1st Division.
Unohana chuckled and nodded.
"My oversight. Report to the Captain-Commander first, then discuss our idea."
Shigure nodded. They walked inside.
1st Division members didn't dare question them. Quick bows, then back to duties.
As they approached the captain's office, Chōjirō Sasakibe appeared.
He bowed slightly.
"Captain Unohana, Captain Segawa, please wait."
"Something wrong?" Unohana asked.
Chōjirō kept his head lowered.
"Genryūsai-sama is meeting with former subordinates. Important matters."
"Former subordinates?"
Both froze.
The Captain-Commander's former subordinates?
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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