"It's highly likely a Vasto Lorde-class Hollow." Kyōraku Callum nodded, his gaze turning to Byakuya Kuchiki. This typically aloof and somewh
"It's highly likely a Vasto Lorde-class Hollow."
Kyōraku Callum nodded, his gaze turning to Byakuya Kuchiki. This typically aloof and somewhat arrogant Shinigami, after a moment of contemplation, could only manage four words: "Proceed with caution."
Since Kyōraku Callum was joining Suì-Fēng's team for the mission, he didn't require any special preparations. After bidding farewell to the others, he went directly to the Black Ridge Gate. To travel safely from the Rukongai to Seireitei, one must pass through one of the four gates: the White Road Gate, Blue Stream Gate, Black Ridge Gate, and Red Hollow Gate, each guarded by an elite Shinigami selected from Seireitei.
The elite Shinigami guarding the Black Ridge Gate was named Danzōmaru.
Kyōraku Callum proceeded at a leisurely pace to the Black Ridge Gate, arriving exactly one hour later. Suì-Fēng and her squad of Second Division Shinigami were already waiting.
"You're one minute and seven seconds late!" Suì-Fēng stated coldly, maintaining her Captain's demeanor in front of her subordinates.
"Won't happen again," Kyōraku Callum replied dismissively.
Suì-Fēng felt an immediate urge to reprimand him, but noticing the somewhat curious expressions on her squad members' faces, she suppressed her anger. Usually, their initial interaction involved questions about Yoruichi Shihōin, but that was inappropriate under the current circumstances.
Upon presenting their passes, Danzōmaru sheathed his giant axe, then, with tremendous strength, raised the massive, wall-like Seireiheki. He only lowered it after everyone had passed through.
As the Shinigami emerged from Seireitei, Rukongai residents observed them with curious glances. However, upon seeing Suì-Fēng's white Captain's haori, signifying her rank, their gazes quickly shifted away.
Ordinary Shinigami might be given a second glance, but it was best not to show excessive curiosity towards a Captain.
Missions involving a Captain invariably had significant implications for Seireitei. The nearby Rukongai residents were well aware of this; this was, after all, the Rukongai district closest to Seireitei.
The Second Division's Shinigami, members of the Onmitsukidō (Secret Mobile Unit), wore attire distinctly different from ordinary Shinigami. They were clad in black, close-fitting ninja suits, their bodies completely covered except for their eyes.
"Our objective is the northern Rukongai border. Depart!" Suì-Fēng's voice cut through the air. Her command was instantly followed by her squad vanishing into the shadows lining the street.
Kyōraku Callum was surprised. "What's the meaning of this? Aren't they supposed to accompany us?"
Suì-Fēng looked at him and explained, "When the Onmitsukidō conducts investigations, traveling in large groups is highly discouraged. Before locating the target, spreading out is the most effective approach."
Kyōraku Callum considered this, and the problem became clear. "But wouldn't that maximize casualties?"
Suì-Fēng looked slightly surprised; few people ever raised this point. Her tone softened. "Precisely because of that, the Onmitsukidō prioritizes Shunpo skills. Within the Gotei 13, the Second Division's Shunpo techniques are unparalleled."
For some reason, Suì-Fēng seemed to speak more freely when alone with Kyōraku Callum, though she appeared oblivious to this change in her behavior.
"In that case, let's accelerate our pace," Kyōraku Callum suggested. "I have a bad feeling about this. The appearance of this unusual Hollow… it feels ominous."
Suì-Fēng's expression faltered. Before she could fully react, Kyōraku Callum had already vanished.
"Damn Kyōraku Callum," she muttered. "He's clearly trying to avoid the question!"
Northern Rukongai border.
Suì-Fēng had been planning to seize the opportunity to question Kyōraku Callum about Yoruichi Shihōin's whereabouts.
However, Kyōraku Callum was too quick for her; the moment he finished speaking, he vanished using Shunpo.
Suì-Fēng could only clench her jaw and follow.
To her astonishment, regardless of how much she increased her speed, the distance between them remained constant.
"This guy's Shunpo has improved considerably," she thought, pushing her speed to its absolute limit, but to no avail.
She reluctantly abandoned the attempt.
The further they moved from Seireitei, the more desolate the surroundings became. Kyōraku Callum recalled that the northern Rukongai border was known as the Wasteland, a barren expanse devoid of even wandering souls, plagued by chaotic spiritual particle flows, and characterized by an extremely harsh environment.
Even seasoned Shinigami occasionally perished there while on missions.
By the time Kyōraku Callum and Suì-Fēng reached the Wasteland, the light was fading. The Onmitsukidō squad was still searching for information within the Rukongai.
"This is the Wasteland?" Kyōraku Callum exclaimed, his eyes widening in surprise as he gazed towards the horizon.
In the distance, a massive vortex of visible spiritual particle turbulence raged, consuming anything that came within its reach.
Spiritual particle turbulence was one of the region's most significant natural hazards.
To withstand it, one needed immense spiritual pressure to counteract its force.
The stronger the Shinigami's spiritual pressure, the safer they were.
Alternatively, one could evade it by anticipating its movements.
The Onmitsukidō, with their superior Shunpo skills, were the ideal choice for exploring the Wasteland.
Despite this, numerous Shinigami had perished there, and countless lost souls had been swallowed by the turbulent spiritual energy.
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