Sunshine, sandy beaches, pools, watermelons, and soda—
Sōya Azashiro was enjoying all the best things summer vacation had to offer, happily playing around with Lillinette and Harribel.
Meanwhile, Szayelaporro made his move again.
Outside Seireitei—the home of the Gotei 13 Shinigami—lay the Rukongai, where only ordinary souls resided.
"Roar!"
Several low-level Hollows let out guttural cries as they emerged, indiscriminately attacking the defenseless souls.
"It's Hollows! "
"Oh no! Hollows have broken in! "
"Go get the Shinigami! "
As powerless spirits, they stood no chance even against the weakest Hollows.
"Hehehe…"
"Let's see what kind of fish I catch this time~"
Adjusting his glasses, Szayelaporro stood hidden in the shadows, clad in a spotless white lab coat—like an unremarkable scientist quietly observing his prey. His tactics hadn't changed in fifty years.
Gotei 13 – 11th Division Barracks
"Hollows in Kusajishi District, huh? "
In the 11th Division's barracks, Captain Kenpachi Kuruyashiki—bare-chested, muscles glistening with sweat—swung his katana repeatedly, sweat dripping onto the wooden floor.
"Captain! Hollows have appeared again in the Kusajishi District we've been monitoring. Just like last time, they seem to be ordinary Hollows… Will you personally lead the team again? "
The man asking was the 11th Division's vice-captain—young-looking, bespectacled, scholarly, and oddly out of place in the notoriously battle-hungry squad. As the only member capable of writing reports, his position was unshakable. Many disciplinary apologies for the squad's frequent brawls were ghostwritten by him.
"Of course! "
"I won't let what happened decades ago happen again."
Kuruyashiki took the towel from his vice-captain, wiping away sweat as a beastlike glint flashed in his eyes.
"Form up."
Death was normal for a Shinigami—but dying without clarity or purpose was something Kuruyashiki couldn't stomach.
Especially when the mass death of the former 10th Division had partly been his fault. If he'd intervened sooner, perhaps their destruction could have been avoided.
"Vice-captain, you stay here. Third Seat, Fourth Seat, Fifth Seat… you ten remain as well! "
Kuruyashiki handpicked the strongest ten to remain behind—insurance in case the 11th Division suffered the same fate as the 10th. Without another word, he led the rest toward the scene.
"Honestly…"
The vice-captain shook his head helplessly, watching them rush off.
"Third Seat Haruhiko—follow the captain. If the situation becomes critical, don't fight. Return immediately to report."
He never forgot what happened to the 10th Division years ago. Every time Kuruyashiki deployed, he sent a skilled shunpo user as backup—just in case.
"Yes, Vice-captain! "
Haruhiko knelt on one knee, nodded respectfully, and then vanished into a blur of black.
"Haah… What a troublesome captain," the vice-captain muttered. His own strength was nothing compared to Kuruyashiki—this was all he could do.
Kusajishi District
Charging into the scene, Kuruyashiki instantly cut down several Hollows rampaging through the residential streets.
"Save the civilians! "
He barked orders at his seated officers as flames and ruin engulfed the district.
"Yes, Captain! "
The squad scattered to rescue as many as they could from the burning chaos.
"Our opponent is him? "
"Hehehe… looks like that Shinigami they call 'Captain.'"
"Interesting…"
No sooner had Kuruyashiki deployed his men than five or six Adjuchas-class Hollows surrounded him, with dozens of Szayelaporro's modified Gillians looming behind them.
Schlurp~
"No mistake—that's the Shinigami who invaded Hueco Mundo before."
Szayelaporro licked his lips, eyes gleaming with fascination at the bear-like man. He remembered Kuruyashiki solo battle against one of Barragan's Vasto Lorde subordinates. In his mind, Kuruyashiki was strong—unbelievably strong—the perfect specimen for research.
"Damn!"
From a nearby rooftop, Haruhiko's eyes widened. Seeing Kuruyashiki surrounded, he didn't hesitate—he turned and sped back to report.
"Empty!!"
Kuruyashiki reiatsu burst skyward, his unreleased zanpakutō cleaving a Gillian clean in two with a single swing.
Even the Adjuchas hesitated at his raw power.
"Slaughter born of dark omens—farewell to the shadows of decay! Kuraku Corridor! "
Without giving them a chance to respond, Kuruyashiki released his zanpakutō. Black light engulfed the battlefield as countless bear-like monsters lunged with gaping maws at the Adjuchas.
"What the hell is that?! "
"Damn it! "
"Never heard of a Shinigami like this…"
The Adjuchas howled in fury, unable to find a way to counter his strength.
"As expected… the perfect experimental subject. Shame…"
"My time's nearly up. If I linger, I might end up stuck here myself."
"I'll come back when the opportunity's right~"
Szayelaporro licked the corner of his mouth, opening a Garganta to retreat.
"Hm?!"
Kuruyashiki gaze snapped toward the tearing sky, locking eyes with Szayelaporro.
"So you're the boss? You're not getting away! "
He grabbed a spider-shaped Adjuchas and hurled it straight at Szayelaporro.
The Espada shifted aside, letting the Hollow tumble into the Garganta—blocking his own path.
"Tch…"
Frowning at the obstructing Hollow, Szayelaporro had no time to think before Kuruyashiki charged with his blade poised to strike.