When Nanatsuki, Hikifune Kirio, and Shutara Senjumaru stepped inside the Tenchūren, the Shiba Clan Head raised both hands—flames bursting to life in his palms.
This was the Shiba Clan's unique firework Kidō.
It could be used not only to launch fireworks, but also to power the Heavenly Pillar itself.
With burning hands, the clan head struck the ground.
Two spirals of flame circled the launch barrel—and then detonated violently.
BOOM—!!
"S-So brutal… I thought the Royal Guard's transport would be more… refined!"
Muguruma Kensei stared in disbelief as the Tenchūren shot off like a cannonball.
The Heavenly Pillar moved at staggering speed.
In mere minutes, it pierced through all seventy-two barriers between the Soul King Palace and the Seireitei.
At last, the Tenchūren slammed down onto the Omotesandō of the Soul King Palace.
"This is the main approach to the Soul King Palace. On both sides are the royal districts.
See those floating islands up in the sky?"
Hikifune Kirio enthusiastically gestured upward as she explained.
"Those five circular islands are the Royal Guard Residences—where we live.
And that pillar floating in the center… that is the Great Inner Palace, where the Soul King resides!"
"The Reishi density is extremely high… even higher than in the Wandenreich," Nanatsuki observed, surveying the surroundings.
"Naturally. This is the very core of the three realms—the dwelling of the Soul King and the Royal Guard," Senjumaru replied.
Waiting for them ahead on the Omotesandō were three more figures:
Hyōsube Ichibē, Nimaiya Ōetsu, and someone Nanatsuki had already met once—Tenjirō Kirinji.
"Yo—long time no see, kid!" Kirinji waved cheerfully.
"Oh~ Guess I should be calling you Captain Katori now, huh!"
"It's been a while, Kirinji-senpai." Nanatsuki smiled.
"You left so quickly last time that I never got the chance to properly thank you for your help."
He reached into his Shadow Space and produced several jars of Katori Daoist Hall's specialty—Deer Antler Spirit Wine.
"These are my thanks… and also a small gift for Senior Hyōsube and Senior Nimaiya."
Nanatsuki had prepared a jar for each of the five Royal Guard members.
After Katori Batsu'unsai had recovered, she had taken to raising spiritual deer in the back mountains.
These beasts possessed higher Reiatsu than ordinary spiritual creatures, and wine brewed from their antlers was exceptionally rich.
For anyone below seated-officer rank, a single jar could greatly benefit the spiritual body—and even increase Reiatsu.
"Now this is good stuff!"
Kirinji popped the seal, inhaled deeply, and immediately caught the intoxicating aroma.
"Drinking this while soaking in the hot springs—that's living!"
"We get some too? Much appreciated!"
Hyōsube Ichibē stared with his wide eyes, betraying no emotion.
"Hmm… Datenshinkotsu seems a bit resentful. You don't use her very often, do you?"
"And the other blade… is it called Kagehime? Rare to see a Zanpakutō that I didn't forge!"
Nimaiya Ōetsu had already stepped beside Nanatsuki, bending to examine the two swords at his waist.
Nanatsuki's Kagehime was actually the manifestation of his Shinigami power—it had not been forged by Nimaiya.
His case wasn't unique, either. Before Nimaiya began mass-producing Asauchi, certain souls with Shinigami potential could naturally shape parts of their own spirit into Zanpakutō.
Many of the original captains had been like that.
Still, the invention of Asauchi had lowered the threshold to becoming a Shinigami dramatically.
"Datenshinkotsu is formidable—it's just that I rarely meet enemies worthy of drawing her," Nanatsuki shrugged.
Nimaiya's familiarity with Datenshinkotsu confirmed Nanatsuki's suspicion:
she truly was a blade forged by Nimaiya himself.
"Don't let a good sword go to waste."
Nimaiya straightened and patted Nanatsuki on the shoulder.
"Thanks for the wine. Come by the Phoenix Hall later—I've got something for you."
Hyōsube took over.
"The reason we summoned you to the Soul King Palace… is by the Soul King's command."
"Though we can hear His Majesty's voice, this is the first time he has personally requested an audience with a Shinigami who is neither Royal Guard nor a Royal Guard candidate."
Hyōsube was referring to the Soul King after becoming the Covenant of the Three Realms, though he offered no further explanation.
"Before you meet His Majesty, there are preparations to be made. You must pass through all five Royal Guard Residences first."
"Then I'll be in your care, seniors."
Nanatsuki nodded.
"Then let's start at Kirin Hall. I'll give you a proper welcome!"
Kirinji hoisted his long-handled hammer in one hand and pointed to a circular platform before Nanatsuki.
"Step up. I'll send you straight to Kirin Hall!"
Within the Soul King Palace, Senkaimon could not be used.
And under these unique conditions, even forming Reishi footholds in midair was impossible.
Travel between the floating islands relied purely on physical propulsion.
Once Nanatsuki stepped onto the platform, Kirinji raised his hammer high and slammed it down onto the piston mechanism beneath.
THUD!
The platform launched him skyward in an instant.
Kirinji's aim was flawless—Nanatsuki landed perfectly upon the floating island of Kirin Hall.
From the air, he had already noticed the many hot springs scattered across the island.
Hot springs were Kirin Hall's signature.
Tenjirō Kirinji was a master of Kaido and medical arts—unmatched in the Soul Society.
Even Unohana Retsu had learned Kaido and healing techniques from him.
"I heard you've already healed Katori Batsu'unsai. The Soul Society's Reishi Shell technology has really come a long way!"
Kirinji, still carrying his wine jar, landed beside him.
"I owe much of that to your guidance, Kirinji-senpai. Without you, Batsu'unsai wouldn't have lasted this long.
And Reishi Shell technology isn't my achievement alone—Lady Kirio and Senior Senjumaru's records were invaluable as well."
"No need for modesty!" Kirinji laughed, clapping Nanatsuki on the shoulder.
"By our original calculations, Batsu'unsai shouldn't have survived long enough for the technology to mature.
You saved her—that's your accomplishment!"
"Come on. Kirin Hall may lack many things, but it never lacks hot springs."
He shook the wine jar in his hand.
"Let's enjoy this fine spirit properly—in the baths!"
Moments later, the two arrived at the hot spring grounds.
The springs were divided into two pools—one white, one crimson.
Before each stood a sign:
White Bone Hell
Blood Pool Hell