Shigure and Unohana exchanged glances. She looked equally confused.
Neither knew who this "former subordinate" could be.
Then Yamamoto's voice came from the captain's office.
"No matter. Come in, Captain Unohana, Captain Segawa."
Chōjirō immediately stepped aside, gesturing them forward.
Shigure and Unohana nodded and approached the office door.
"Excuse us."
Unohana slid open the door and stepped inside.
The moment it opened, Shigure's eyes flickered. He recognized the person sitting across from Yamamoto.
Shinichi Kasahara.
Leader of the Near Abyss Unit beyond West Rukongai. Former 4th Seat of the 1st Division.
He'd interrupted Kenpachi's challenge during their Hollow extermination mission.
Kasahara looked over, his expression shifting slightly.
He bowed to Unohana first. "Captain Unohana, it's been a long time."
Unohana looked surprised but smiled. "I never expected it would be you, Kasahara-san."
Kasahara turned to Shigure, smiling. "Captain Segawa."
Shigure returned a polite smile. "Kasahara-san."
"Just two months... and you've become a captain. Time really changes things."
Before Shigure could reply, Yamamoto raised his eyes. "Sit down first."
"Yes, Captain-Commander."
Both sat on the remaining cushions.
"Now then, Segawa... how is Tsukishima City?" Yamamoto asked.
Shigure bowed slightly and recounted everything, including the black aura incident at the 4th Division.
Yamamoto's brow furrowed. Kasahara's gaze grew grave.
They hadn't expected Aizen to develop so rapidly in Hueco Mundo.
Unohana and Shigure exchanged glances, then looked at Yamamoto.
"Captain-Commander, we came to petition you..."
"About launching a proactive attack."
Yamamoto's eyes snapped open.
Unohana's expression remained steady. No retreat in her gaze.
After silence, Yamamoto lowered his eyes.
"Bringing Kasahara here was perfectly timed."
"Hm?" Unohana didn't understand.
Kasahara explained: "Captain Unohana, Captain Segawa, the Captain-Commander was just discussing... the expedition against Aizen in Hueco Mundo."
Both Shigure and Unohana's gazes shifted.
Yamamoto spoke: "You know I mentioned searching for Aizen's whereabouts during the rebellion meeting."
Shigure nodded. He remembered.
"The next morning, Captain Kyōraku, Captain Soi Fon, and several others selected squad members to explore Hueco Mundo."
"With Research Department equipment, they've moved smoothly for over twenty days."
"But recently, they're encountering frequent Hollow attacks."
"Their leader speculates... they're close to Aizen's base. They want us to prepare."
Unohana's expression grew more serious.
Yamamoto continued: "After this news, I called Kasahara here."
"The exploration team's situation remains unknown."
"Approaching Aizen's base is speculation. Rashly sending forces could create problems."
"So I'm sending Kasahara with a unit to verify the situation."
"If we confirm Aizen's traces..."
Yamamoto paused. His eyes radiated fierce intensity.
"Then... even using all of Seireitei's power, we must eliminate these three traitors!"
The room's temperature seemed to drop to freezing.
His anger had been building for months.
All three bowed their heads. "Yes!"
After brief discussion, Shigure and Unohana left the office.
The advance unit wasn't their responsibility.
They walked in silence, lost in thought.
"This time... it will be a fierce battle," Unohana said suddenly.
"Yes."
Shigure walked steadily, answering softly.
His strength was powerful now. But he never underestimated Aizen. Much less the Hōgyoku.
At a fork in the road, Unohana returned to the 4th Division.
Shigure didn't head toward the 5th Division.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
🔥 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]