The Maggot's Nest was located northwest of the Second Division barracks, under the supervision of their Third Seat.
The Second Division's architecture was even more intricate than the First Division's.
After passing through numerous corridors and two training grounds, they finally reached a wide moat crossed by a sturdy wooden bridge.
Kyōraku Callum observed the fortress-like structure, sensing the unusual material of its construction.
"Don't stare," Suì-Fēng said coldly. "It's a special material, similar to Sekkiseki. It effectively isolates spiritual pressure. My job is to deliver you here. I hope you survive!"
She seemed to have other pressing matters to attend to, and after handing Kyōraku Callum over to the guards, she hastily departed.
The Underground Special Disciplinary Facility, comprising thirty cells, was tightly encircled by the massive moat—hence its name, the Maggot's Nest!
Kyōraku Callum, under the guard's guidance, entered the facility.
The inmates weren't restricted; in fact, they weren't technically prisoners, but individuals deemed dangerous by Soul Society due to their inherent nature.
The environment resembled a cavern, with a staircase descending into darkness. Water dripped from overlapping stalactites, echoing eerily in the vast space.
A path was dimly visible ahead.
After what felt like a long descent, the guard stopped before a crimson door intricately carved with Kidō runes.
A faint light emanated from the crack beneath the door.
Without a word, the guard opened the door.
Bright light illuminated the interior.
It was similar to a normal building, except the surrounding walls were natural rock, and the ceiling was constructed from a special material.
"Enter," a muffled voice came from beneath the guard's mask.
Kyōraku Callum nodded and entered without hesitation. The inmates, aware of the newcomer, turned to look at him, but most quickly glanced away. A weakling wasn't worth their attention; survival in the Maggot's Nest would prove his worth.
"This way," the guard said, leading Kyōraku Callum to his cell—a standard iron-barred cell, typical for Maggot's Nest inmates. Surprisingly, there were no locking mechanisms; inmates could move freely.
"Well, well, the Maggot's Nest has a new guest," a strange laugh echoed from behind Kyōraku Callum.
He turned to see teal eyes filled with amusement behind a black-and-white mask and a bizarre headdress.
Mayuri Kurotsuchi, Captain of the Twelfth Division and second director of the Technical Development Bureau!
"Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi?!" Kyōraku Callum exclaimed, his voice laced with confusion.
"What are you doing here?"
Mayuri Kurotsuchi's fingers twisted in a grotesque manner, his smile unsettling. "Oh? Are you questioning your Captain?"
As a former Maggot's Nest inmate, Mayuri Kurotsuchi was inherently dangerous. After Urahara Kisuke's defection, he'd become Captain of the Twelfth Division and director of the Technical Development Bureau. He was a classic mad scientist, his modifications to himself and his squad members being clear evidence of this.
Kyōraku Callum smiled, showing no fear. "Is Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi reminiscing about the old days?"
This was a pointed remark, alluding to Mayuri Kurotsuchi's past, known only to a few.
Mayuri Kurotsuchi studied Kyōraku Callum intently, scratching his head before speaking. "Ah, yes. You're the Kyōraku brat. High spiritual pressure, unusual power..."
His modified eyes seemed to possess enhanced observational abilities.
"I want you!"
Kyōraku Callum felt a chill. "Ahem... Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi, we're both men..."
Before he could finish, Mayuri Kurotsuchi continued, "A vial labeled 'Kyōraku Callum' would be quite interesting!"
Mayuri Kurotsuchi noticed Kyōraku Callum had already entered his cell and closed the door. The other party didn't want to talk and threw him a guard.
"Don't worry, I wouldn't want to be accused of assassinating a high-class noble," Mayuri Kurotsuchi said, his demeanor shifting rapidly from disdain to delight, then to a calm attitude.
Kyōraku Callum knew this was a facade. If he could surpass Urahara Kisuke in technological development, he'd stop at nothing. Mayuri Kurotsuchi was inherently insane, as his inventions demonstrated.
"I sympathize with your predicament in the Maggot's Nest," Mayuri Kurotsuchi said, "but I'm very interested in researching you. If necessary, visit me in the Twelfth Division. My purpose here is fulfilled. Enjoy your stay in the Maggot's Nest!"
The guard showed no surprise at Mayuri Kurotsuchi's presence. After his final words, Mayuri Kurotsuchi left, the guard following closely behind. Having lived in the Maggot's Nest, he was intimately familiar with the place.
"What was that all about?" Kyōraku Callum pondered, unable to decipher Mayuri Kurotsuchi's intentions.
"Mayuri Kurotsuchi seems to have noticed something... A collaboration?"
He decided to consider the proposal carefully, but not now.
His current task was to deal with the immediate threats.
"Hey, kid!"
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