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In a space resembling a subway station, a group of people, led by Retsu Unohana, dashed forward.
"This place is truly eerie."
Ishikawa Katori looked back at what was behind him. When they first entered this passage, he glanced at the entrance, but as he looked, the entrance had already been replaced by an endless darkness.
Without the Senkaimon activated, this passage seemed to have no beginning… and no end.
"Indeed. Although I've been here a few times, I still find it very creepy every time I come."
Ōmaeda, who was beside him, nodded in agreement, then asked with some confusion, "Speaking of which, didn't you come with the Fourth Division? Why aren't you with the Fourth Division, and instead, you've run into our ranks?"
"...None of your business."
Ishikawa Katori's mouth twitched slightly. How could he not want to follow Retsu Unohana closely, just like Kotetsu Isane, and take the opportunity to communicate with her…
But as soon as Ishikawa Katori got close to her, he would recall the scene in front of the Senkaimon earlier, which made him instinctively want to stay away from that monster with a gentle and beautiful appearance.
Compared to being by Retsu Unohana's side, the professional killers of the Onmitsukidō made Ishikawa feel safer!
"I don't know why, but your expression inexplicably annoys me!?"
Ōmaeda's mouth twitched. Looking at Ishikawa's 'I feel very safe with you' expression, he felt as if his profession had been insulted…
"That's definitely your illusion." Ishikawa said, then looked at the pitch-black butterfly in front of Ōmaeda and asked, "Is this a Hell Butterfly?"
"Heh, you actually know about Hell Butterfly?" Ōmaeda looked surprised.
"I saw it in the 'Seireitei Communication', but this is the first time I've seen a real one." Ishikawa said, then carefully observed the strange butterfly named 'Hell Butterfly'. It was entirely black, and its body emitted an aura different from that of Soul Society creatures, constantly spreading outwards.
And the most bizarre thing was…
No matter how fast they moved, this tiny butterfly would always fly in front of everyone, like a guide.
"I see."
Ōmaeda nodded, "It's normal not to have seen a real one. After all, Hell Butterflies are rare, each one is incredibly precious, and they are essential for Shinigami to go to the Human World. Without them… by the time we reached the Human World, there would probably only be a few of us left, and the rest of the Fourth Division, besides the two Captains, might even be completely wiped out."
"Besides being a guide for Shinigami going to the Human World, it can also receive the latest commands and urgent information from the Information Technology Bureau, but it can only receive very short messages."
"Receive information?"
Ishikawa Katori was slightly startled. He knew very well that Hell Butterflies could safely lead Shinigami to the Human World, but he hadn't paid much attention to the function of receiving information, because in the Seireitei, most people used… Denreishinki, similar to 'feature phones' in the Human World.
No…
Strictly speaking, they weren't even as good as feature phones, since feature phones could still play some simple games.
As for the Denreishinki, perhaps it was to prevent Squad Members from becoming phone addicts, no entertainment functions were added besides basic functions like making calls and receiving messages.
"This doesn't feel as good as a Denreishinki."
"Uh…" Ōmaeda's mouth twitched slightly, "In terms of receiving information, it's indeed not as good, but compared to a Denreishinki, the information transmitted by a Hell Butterfly is more secretive. Only the person receiving the information can know its content, unlike a Denreishinki where anyone who gets their hands on it can see the information."
"So, within the Seireitei, some important information is transmitted by Hell Butterflies and our Fifth Squad, the Inner Court Squad."
Ōmaeda didn't hide anything and directly informed Ishikawa about the Hell Butterfly. Kotetsu Isane, who was at the front of the team, couldn't help but look back. Although this wasn't a secret, it wasn't something that could be casually explained to outsiders.
And most importantly…
Ōmaeda's introduction was also a bit strange. It wasn't the Onmitsukidō's Fifth Squad, but 'our' Fifth Squad, as if he regarded Mr. Ishikawa as one of their own, and even the surrounding Punishment Force looked very familiar with Ishikawa.
"We're almost at the exit."
Just then, Retsu Unohana, at the very front of the team, suddenly spoke.
Upon hearing this, everyone's expression couldn't help but become solemn.
At the end of the pitch-black passage, a ray of light gradually expanded, making Ishikawa Katori, who had been in the darkness for a long time, squint his eyes.
It was a rectangular, door-like exit, neat but appearing somewhat eerie as it materialized out of nowhere in this endless, pitch-black passage.
Thump-thump-thump-thump—
As the sound of footsteps faded, Ishikawa Katori stood on the ground again. He looked back, and the pitch-black passage completely disappeared after everyone had exited.
Unlike the Soul Society, Reishi was extremely scarce in the Human World, and the air quality was very poor, which made Ishikawa Katori, accustomed to the Soul Society's environment, frown.
Everyone appeared in a forest, but looking south from where Ishikawa Katori stood, one could vaguely see a modern city with towering buildings in the distance. Many people present, like Ishikawa Katori, were visiting the Human World for the first time. Upon seeing the city in the distance, they couldn't help but discuss among themselves.
"The buildings in the Human World are really tall."
"They look really nice, but the air smells terrible, and with so little Reishi, it feels like rolling in mud, uncomfortable all over."
"Don't let your guard down. Don't forget our purpose for coming to the Human World!"
"..."
Ignoring the discussions around him, Ishikawa Katori silently sensed for a moment, then looked towards the depths of the forest.
In that direction, he sensed a conflict of Reiatsu. If there were no surprises, that should be their destination for this trip.
Sure enough, as soon as they stood still, Retsu Unohana, at the very front of the team, led the way in the direction Ishikawa Katori was looking, and everyone followed.
Boom boom boom—
Before they could get close, they heard continuous roars from a distance. The Squad Members of the Fourth Division couldn't help but swallow, their faces showing nervousness.
Unlike other Squads, most of the Fourth Division's Squad Members were specialized. Many couldn't even use Shikai for their Zanpakuto, let alone Kido, and simply didn't know how to fight. They had always been looked down upon by other Squads for this reason.
"That is…"
"How is that possible?"
"So many Giant Hollows, comparable in strength to elite Shinigami, appearing at the same time?"
"..."
A commotion erupted. Ishikawa Katori heard it and stepped out of the crowd, looking into the distance. He saw four bizarre-looking monsters standing in the distance. Each monster was incredibly massive, so huge that even several-meter-tall trees couldn't completely obscure their figures.
And around those monsters, figures like flies fluttered up and down. Only upon getting closer did they realize those were Shinigami dressed in shinigami uniform.
Seeing this, everyone quickened their pace, arriving nearby in the blink of an eye.
Looking around, what met their eyes was a wide-open space. Several makeshift tents were set up in the clearing, from which constant wails emanated, likely a temporary medical station.
"Seventh Advanced Medical Squad, provide emergency treatment to the injured. Twenty-fifth Intermediate Medical Squad, prepare for transfer and send the emergency-treated casualties back to the Soul Society."
Retsu Unohana gave commands in a steady tone. Her incredibly calm demeanor infected everyone, causing the Fourth Division members, who had been pale with fear at the sight before them, to calm down. Led by their respective Squad leaders, they walked towards the makeshift tents.
The ground tremors showed no sign of stopping. Not far from the base, the battle continued, and injured individuals were constantly carried back by their comrades.
"Captain Retsu Unohana."
The Squad Members stationed at the base sighed in relief upon seeing the Fourth Division arrive. The leader of the group approached Retsu Unohana, saying respectfully:
"Our Third Division has set up three lines of defense. The first and second lines of combat members are constantly rotating, and the third line of defense is stationed within the base, responsible for defense. We can ensure that the four Giant Hollows will not enter this area. Please, you must heal our Squad Members."
He spoke cautiously, as if afraid that the Fourth Division wouldn't treat his comrades. Although they usually looked down on the Fourth Division members, on the battlefield, the status of the Fourth Division Squad Members rose sharply, becoming objects that everyone would fight to protect.
Ishikawa Katori couldn't help but roll his eyes. When they didn't need them, they bullied the Fourth Division Squad Members daily, always throwing miscellaneous tasks at them. Now that they were needed, they came begging submissively.
How shameless!
Retsu Unohana nodded upon hearing this and turned to Kotetsu Isane beside her, "Isane, you go too."
"Yes!"
Kotetsu Isane responded and walked directly towards the temporary base. Ishikawa Katori, seeing this, followed without hesitation.
Although he wanted to experience the difference between fighting a Hollow and fighting a Shinigami, Ishikawa Katori didn't want to expose his presence in front of the Third Division. Moreover, his purpose in coming here was to aid the injured, not to fight.
Upon seeing Ishikawa Katori, dressed in a black uniform, walking towards the makeshift tent, the Shinigami guarding the tent looked puzzled. He immediately stopped Ishikawa Katori and asked, "You are…"
"Mr. Ishikawa is someone I invited."
Before Ishikawa Katori could reply, Kotetsu Isane, who was ahead, spoke, "Although he is not a Squad Member of our Fourth Division, his proficiency in Kaido is in no way inferior to mine."
Kotetsu Isane, in her work state, had none of her usual introversion; her every word and action carried the dignity a Vice-Captain should possess, causing the Third Division Squad Member who had stopped Ishikawa Katori to quickly clear the path.
"Sorry, it's my duty."
"It's alright."
Ishikawa Katori replied, then walked into the temporary tent. Upon seeing the injured, he frowned.
"Stab wounds?"
Ishikawa Katori scanned the makeshift tent and found that most of the Shinigami in the tent had stab wounds, with traces of Shinigami Reishi remaining on the wounds. These people… were basically injured by Shinigami!
Only those who were brought in later had wounds resembling animal bites, and Hollow Reishi emanated from the wounds.
Although he hadn't gone to the other tents, he imagined the situation there should be similar.
So that's how it is.
Ishikawa Katori immediately recalled what Retsu Unohana had said before they departed: the Onmitsukidō wasn't here for support, but to execute traitors!
"Third Seat Togakushi!?"
Kotetsu Isane's surprised cry came, and Ishikawa turned to see Kotetsu Isane looking astonished at one of the injured. It was a man with his hair combed back and a small braid.
Ishikawa Katori stepped forward to examine him and frowned, "A penetrating wound from the back, grazed his Soul Sleep. From the situation, it seems someone attacked him from behind. Fortunately, he reacted in time at the moment of the attack, otherwise, this slash wouldn't have just been a graze to his Soul Sleep."
As he spoke, Reishi condensed on Ishikawa Katori's right hand, and a light blue glow immediately enveloped the man's wound.
"You can tell that too?"
The Third Division Squad Member in the tent looked at Ishikawa Katori in surprise, "Third Seat Togakushi Rikū was ambushed exactly like that."
Kotetsu Isane, seeing Ishikawa Katori begin treatment, walked towards the other patients. Although Third Seat Togakushi's injuries were severe, if she could treat them, then they were no problem for Ishikawa.
"Even Third Seat Togakushi suffered such severe injuries. What exactly happened here?"
The Third Division Squad Member was about to answer when several figures walked into the tent from outside. The one leading them was Ōmaeda Marechiyo. Upon entering the tent, he asked coldly, "Has Third Seat Togakushi, who was leading the team, regained consciousness?"
The Third Division Squad Member in the tent frowned upon hearing this, but seeing Ōmaeda and the cold-auraed Punishment Force behind him, his face immediately turned pale: "Not… not yet…"
Ōmaeda frowned. After scanning the makeshift tent, he walked to Ishikawa Katori's side.
"How is it? Can you make him regain consciousness?"
"Yes, but I need to finish repairing his Soul Sleep. It will take about a minute." Ishikawa Katori replied, then looked at Ōmaeda and the Punishment Force, asking, "Aren't you going to support the Third Division members?"
Ōmaeda pursed his lips and said disdainfully, "This is the Third Division's mission, it has nothing to do with us! And the reason for their heavy casualties isn't because of those four Hollows, but because of their comrades."
The Third Division Squad Member in the tent immediately looked extremely upset upon hearing this.
Although Ōmaeda's words were unpleasant, they were the truth… If their comrades hadn't suddenly ambushed the support unit from behind at a critical moment in the battle, causing over half of the support unit's casualties, resolving those four Giant Hollows wouldn't have been difficult.
"Tsk tsk, that's a really harsh thing to say. I never realized you were so unkind before." Ishikawa said.
Kotetsu Isane, who was eavesdropping nearby, couldn't help but nod in agreement.
The support unit suffered heavy casualties, and not only did they not help, but they also came here to make sarcastic remarks.
"Hey, what do you mean by unkind? They were ambushed by their own comrades, can they blame me?"
Ōmaeda rolled his eyes: "Besides, the mission we received is to execute traitors, not to support them; instead of mocking us here, you should quickly wake him up. Only he has the list of the support unit. After confirming the exact number and identities of the traitors, I can lead the team to hunt them down."
Ishikawa Katori didn't reply. The Reishi on his hand dissipated, and he extended his index finger to Togakushi Rikū's Soul Sleep.
"Cough… cough cough—"
With a single point, Togakushi Rikū, lying on the stretcher, coughed violently and slowly opened his eyes. A confused look flashed through his eyes, but then his expression changed:
"Bastard!!"
As he spoke, he tried to sit up from the stretcher, but Ishikawa Katori pressed him down with his hand.
"I just finished emergency treatment. If you don't want to die, don't move."
Only then did Togakushi Rikū clearly see the situation in the field. When he saw the Punishment Force led by Ōmaeda, a bitter expression appeared on his face.
"Since you're awake, report what happened to me."
Ōmaeda said coldly, "Also, the number and identities of the defectors, and their respective abilities. All of this must be reported truthfully to us."
"Yes."
Togakushi Rikū, well aware of the Onmitsukidō's modus operandi, didn't waste words and said with a somewhat complex tone, "The defectors are led by our Third Division's 4th seat, Ninth Seat, and Twelfth Seat. Each of them brought three Squad Members."
"Originally, this support operation was led by me, bringing the Third, Fifth, and Sixth support groups."
"But before we left, the three of them suddenly said they wanted to follow me out for support, saying they wanted to show their subordinates the scenery of the Human World; at the time, I didn't think much of it and agreed to their request, replacing the Fifth and Sixth support groups with them."
"As a result, as soon as we engaged with the four Hollows, they suddenly attacked us from behind."
Ōmaeda frowned, "Three Seated Officers?"
Although Ōmaeda had vaguely realized this mission might be difficult when he received the order to personally lead the team, he never expected…
Three Seated Officers from one Squad actually defected. This is practically a den of traitors!
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