Chapter 63 Hueco Mundo Prepares For Battle (Part 2)
"When Inoue departed the Soul Society via the portal, I was the one who saw her off in the end."
After stating this, Jushiro observed Kurosaki Ichigo's anxious demeanor and continued, "From your response, it appears she hasn't arrived. "
"What's happening, Captain Jushiro? Where is Inoue? "
"It seems you all might have some information? "
Kurosaki Ichigo asked with growing unease.
"Ugh--"
Jushiro sighed, his face reflecting his sorrow, "Allow me to share my thoughts. When Orihime Inoue left, we dispatched two guards to accompany her to the boundary. "
"Yet ultimately, only those two guards returned alive. Based on their accounts, they encountered an Arrancar dispatched by Aizen en route to the human world. "
"If Inoue wasn't captured by Aizen. Then it is likely she was killed! "
"KILLED?!! "
Jushiro's statement struck like a sharp blade into Ichigo's heart, leaving him motionless.
"This is merely a hypothesis, Kurosaki Ichigo; please don't overanalyze it. And it represents the worst possible scenario. "
"Intelligence 223 indicates that Inoue and the others faced an assault by Arrancar at the boundary and subsequently vanished along with the Arrancar. "
Fueled by anger at Jushiro's declarations, Kurosaki Ichigo clenched his fist and retorted, "What is this nonsense! "
"How can you make such a statement without any proof? "
"Besides, the injury I sustained days ago has healed rapidly. That kind of healing can be performed only by Inoue in this world,"
"Furthermore, there is still Reiatsu left from her in my wound, which proves she is alive. "
As he said this, Kurosaki Ichigo unveiled his arm, indicating the unblemished limb.
Ichigo's words caused Jushiro's eyes to widen, leaving him momentarily speechless.
"Really? "
Suddenly, a deep and commanding voice resonated from behind Jushiro.
"Head Captain.."
Jushiro turned and whispered.
The speaker was Yamamoto, Head Captain of Gotei 13.
"That's unfortunate, Kurosaki Ichigo. "
"Excuse me? What do you mean by that? "
Ichigo inquired, confused.
"If your assertion holds any truth, then Inoue Orihime must still be alive, but this means her existence also implies a sort of betrayal."
"Betrayal? What do you mean by that? "
"If Inoue Orihime were truly taken by Hueco Mundo, then she wouldn't have had the opportunity to see you before her departure.
She even completed the treatment for your injury. If she chose to conceal this from everyone, it signifies...
Inoue Orihime opted to go to Hueco Mundo. "
"Nonsense! ! "
Even though the other was a highly respected figure in the Soul Society, Kurosaki Ichigo felt rage boiling within him from such accusations against his friend.
"Enough, Ichigo! Continuing this argument won't help Inoue's situation. "
Abarai, standing nearby, quickly intervened to calm the agitated Ichigo.
This was Abarai, stepping forward with a serious expression and speaking firmly.
"We understand your perspective, Captain Yamamoto. Then, I, who serves as the vice-captain of the 6th Division and is part of Hitsugaya's advance team, requests permission to go to Hueco Mundo,
To capture Inoue Orihime. "
"Renji? "
Abarai's statement left Kurosaki Ichigo confused, as he was not particularly adaptable, yet he noticed the slight lift at the corners of Renji's mouth.
Ichigo perceived that Abarai had a valid reason for wanting to join him, to rescue Inoue.
Crack~
Once Abarai finished speaking, Captain Yamamoto struck his cane against the ground and declared in a quiet voice, "No. "
"Now that we have grasped Aizen's objectives, we simply need to remain vigilant through the coming winter.
To rashly send personnel deep into enemy territory is suicidal. I cannot agree to sacrifice high level personal for an human."
"You mean, we should abandon Inoue?"
Rukia Kuchiki questioned with skepticism.
"Precisely. A singular life pales in comparison to the entirety of the world."
"Damn.... "
Kurosaki Ichigo, filled with rage, suddenly erupted, stretching his neck and preparing to yell at Yamamoto.
"Calm down, Kurosaki! "
At that moment, Zaraki Kenpachi seized Ichigo's collar, stopping him from advancing any further.
After all, the individual before him is the Soul Society's most formidable Shinigami in a millennium. Showing respect is the most fundamental courtesy.
"It has been decided, Captain Hitsugaya. Your advance team is to return to the Soul Society at once; there must be no errors! "
Upon hearing Yamamoto's words, Rukia Kuchiki and Abarai Renji were still inclined to protest when they primarily moved through the boundary gate behind them.
Byakuya Kuchiki, who had recently recovered from severe injuries suffered at the hands of Fiander, appeared revitalized.
Byakuya Kuchiki, maintaining his usual icy demeanor, addressed Rukia and Renji after narrowing his gaze at Kurosaki Ichigo.
"You cannot resist; you should have listened to the captain! Return, Rukia, Renji.
And Kurosaki Ichigo, it isn't that we do not wish to assist you, but you must also reflect on your own situation. "
Following this exchange, Hitsugaya, Byakuya Kuchiki, and Zaraki Kenpachi guided their companions back to the Soul Society via the portal.
Before departing, Rukia cast a guilty glance at the disheartened Kurosaki Ichigo and expressed remorse.
"I'm sorry, Ichigo."
As she spoke, the crowd swiftly vanished from the world, leaving behind only the group from the Urahara shop and Kurotsuchi Mayuri.
"Hmph, since this matter is concluded, let's move on, to address the threats posed by the Arrancars following the battle. "
In the end, Kurotsuchi Mayuri exited the underground area alongside his lieutenant.
"Kurosaki. . . "
Observing the solitary Kurosaki Ichigo, Urahara Kisuke spoke with concern.
"You cannot hold the Soul Society accountable for this; they. . . "
"How could that be, Manager Urahara? I wouldn't dare...
I have unfinished business; I will return to see you in a few days. "
After chuckling at himself, Kurosaki Ichigo departed alone, his back turned.
"Mr. Urahara, Ichigo he. . . "
Beside Urahara Kisuke, Tessai who observed Ichigo's demeanor, remarked with concern.
"Let him be, Ichigo he. . . "
It's time for him to mature, and I believe he will eventually come back to ask for assistance in finding a way to Hueco Mundo; we need to start making arrangements, sohe doesn't feel abandoned."
"Okay. . . "
Tessai Tsukabishi responded with a tinge of resignation.
Ichigo exited the Urahara shop, strolling on the empty street, where the sun was setting.
Before he knew it, Ichigo had wandered close to the school he hadn't attended for months. Through the barbed wire, he spotted Arisawa Tatsuki in her school uniform sprinting towards him.
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