Higashino's worries proved correct.
The very same night he reluctantly accompanied Gingan Jirō to Sakura Plaza to sign up, he received a message from Aizen.
"So the target really is this Noble Hunting Festival?" Higashino muttered at his window, looking out toward Rukongai. "But come on, that slogan—'Rescue captured comrades'? Since when could Hollows shout slogans like that? Who'd actually believe it?"
He sneered at Aizen's shallow deception.
Then again, he thought, the slogan didn't matter. What mattered was that this was most likely a diversion.
On the surface, the Hollows would disrupt the festival. In truth, Aizen would strike Rukongai, harvesting all those souls with Shinigami potential he had long marked.
"Heh, Aizen."
Higashino smirked coldly.
Outwardly claiming there was no rush, that they could wait until Kaname graduated. Inwardly, clearly impatient to begin.
Higashino's task was simple: provide key positions—where the nobles would be—so the majority of the Gotei's attention would be swallowed by the event.
Once the hunt began, people scattered. Even Aizen's Kyōka Suigetsu couldn't predict everything.
But this was child's play for Higashino. No Zanpakutō ability was more suited to the job.
"Soldier, how long has it been since I've fought with you?"
He whispered to the moonlight.
Soon, the day of the Noble Hunting Festival arrived.
As one of the few grand events nobles still hosted, the Gotei gave them face. Every captain attended—except Jūshirō of the 13th, absent for health reasons. Even Kirio of the 12th, the science captain, showed up.
Dozens of male Shinigami filled the grounds. Higashino counted nearly twenty. Considering seated officers below didn't even qualify, it wasn't a small number.
But the 4th Division—the "women's division"—had only three attendees: Captain Unohana, Vice-captain Seinosuke, and Higashino himself.
"Don't the girls in our squad have any romantic interest?"
He couldn't quite understand.
But from another angle, it was convenient. It gave him an excuse to use his Zanpakutō power more openly.
"Captain, our numbers look thin. For the nobles' safety, should I release Shikai later?"
While Tokinada spoke on stage for the nobles, Higashino whispered to Unohana.
He wasn't reckless. Unsealing one's Zanpakutō without permission in Seireitei was illegal.
He expected a simple nod.
But Unohana turned with her gentle smile and gave him the cruellest answer: "No need. I know your Shikai splits your Reishi into little dolls, and it would suit this setting. But Seinosuke has already promised me he can handle all medical needs today, and I've agreed. I can't go back on my word now\~"
"…I see."
Higashino's gaze shifted past her to the shadow behind—Seinosuke, his cold eyes fixed on him.
Coincidence? Or deliberate?
Suddenly he remembered: over the past two years, the number of patients he treated had shrunk. He'd been sent to the pharmacy instead.
He'd thought Seinosuke was suppressing him. Now it seemed Unohana herself allowed it.
Because of the dirty work he'd done for Aizen.
I won't last in the 4th Division, Higashino thought grimly, even as he plastered on a cheerful smile. "That's great! After every use, I'm drained for days. If Vice-captain Seinosuke can handle it alone, I'm relieved."
"Too soon to relax, Shuuichi. Haven't you wondered why Seinosuke is confident he can cover all the healing?"
A hearty voice rang from behind. Higashino knew it instantly.
Kensei, captain of the 9th. A man who looked like a hot-blooded protagonist and acted the same.
As a former 4th Division vice-captain, Higashino knew nearly everyone in the Gotei. Kensei was no exception.
"Sounds like you know the reason, Captain Kensei. Care to enlighten me?"
Higashino was reeling. Everything had gone off track since Unohana's refusal.
"It's a trap! A trap!" Kensei laughed, throwing an arm around Higashino and ruffling his hair roughly. "Our Hueco Mundo expedition spotted unusual Hollow gatherings. Two special types seemed to be leading. Combine that with intel, and the Head Captain and Shunsui suspect they'll strike here."
Higashino shook him off. Kensei only chuckled and clapped his shoulder. "So what's the point of nobles hosting this? Besides provoking Hollows? And we had to baby those we captured, keep them battle-ready—damn, it pisses me off. Our 9th had to—"
Kensei rambled on. But Higashino's thoughts spun elsewhere.
He dared not turn around; his back was ice-cold.
Unohana knew. She must know. Yet she'd said nothing—just watched him.
"So that's why hardly anyone from our division came. The others must be standing by for post-battle relief."
When Kensei finished, Higashino replied smoothly, playing along.
He knew Unohana wasn't the kind to condemn him outright. Even if she suspected.
But he wouldn't gamble his life on an assumption.
What he couldn't understand was—why did Unohana believe he was tied to the Hollows?
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