News between Soul Society and Hueco Mundo was usually delayed. But with the deaths of two captains and a vice-captain, the surviving members of the expeditionary force had been forced to use an emergency channel.
Before dawn the next day, Head Captain Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni called an emergency captains' meeting.
Given the severity, even the frail Captain of Squad 13, Ukitake Jūshirō, dragged his sickly body to Squad 1's barracks.
"There's no doubt, Head Captain. This was a blatant provocation by the Hollows. I'd say that Baraggan is no longer satisfied with being king of Hueco Mundo!"
It was the current Squad 3 captain, Kamikawa Renzosuke, who spoke first.
"So? What's your plan then?"
Squad 7's Captain Aikawa Love folded his arms.
"Last time, during the hunt, we were prepared. Aside from the nobles and Rukongai casualties, the Gotei 13 actually lost very few shinigami. But the Hollows suffered heavily. Only two of those special forms we called arrancar, and a handful of Adjuchas, escaped."
Shunsui Kyōraku of Squad 8 spoke up.
Normally, the duty of reporting post-battle data would have fallen to Squad 10's captain. But with him gone, Shunsui filled the role.
"What do you mean by that, Shunsui?"
Renzosuke realized at once he'd asked something foolish. Everyone knew what an imbalance between Hueco Mundo and Soul Society would bring.
Even the blunt Kensei Muguruma frowned, lowering his head silently.
"That's enough. I didn't call you here for empty talk. Last night, Central 46 already decided—at least five captains of the Gotei 13 will march into Hueco Mundo to execute Baraggan!"
The Head Captain's words cut through the gloom.
"Who will volunteer?"
His gaze swept the room. Shunsui was the first to step forward.
"Count me in."
His tone was flat. The loss of two captains didn't shake a man who had long since made peace with life and death. He didn't want to go to Hueco Mundo, but less did he want to remain behind and be used as an executioner.
Kensei thought similarly. Hunting criminals? He'd do it gladly. But slaughtering masses of Rukongai souls to maintain "balance"? That he could not.
The other slots were soon filled by Kenpachi Zaraki of Squad 11, Love of Squad 7, and Renzosuke of Squad 3.
Unohana Retsu of Squad 4 did not put her name forward. When she left Squad 1's barracks, her mind was elsewhere.
"Higashino Shuuichi… on leave these days?"
She remembered her vice-captain Yamada Seinosuke mentioning it days ago.
So she went to Squad 4's captain's quarters and pulled up the duty roster.
There it was—six days ago, Higashino had begun a seven-day leave.
"Could it be you, Higashino Shuuichi?"
Her gaze chilled. Signs pointed to a disturbing truth: that Higashino had some shadowy tie to the Hollows.
But she lacked proof.
So she would not report it to the Head Captain. She would investigate herself.
Summoning a Squad 4 member, she learned easily that Higashino had once again chosen to spend his leave in the World of the Living. It was unusual enough that many remembered.
For most shinigami, the World of the Living was primitive and savage. Outside of Squad 13's assignments, no one went there unless forced by duty.
To rush there at every chance, as Higashino did, was rare indeed.
And that inevitably brought her to Squad 13.
Aside from exceptions like Aizen and Urahara, any shinigami traveling to the human world needed Squad 13's gate.
"So Captain Unohana came all this way just to check on one of your former vice-captains?"
Ukitake Jūshirō, pale and coughing, studied the beautiful woman before him.
"I simply had business with him, and learned he'd gone to the World of the Living."
Unohana smiled faintly.
A clumsy excuse.
Ukitake didn't believe it for a moment. He had known Unohana for centuries—the first Kenpachi. He knew her too well.
"Business"? More likely that ex-vice-captain had erred somehow.
But Ukitake didn't press. This was Squad 4's "family matter," not his place to meddle.
Soon, Squad 13's vice-captain arrived with two nervous subordinates.
"C-captain, three days ago Higashino-san invited me to drink in a country across the sea. We drank ourselves under the table! A posted guard had to drag us back, and we slept till noon the next day—!"
"And yesterday, I was with him too! I said I was done buying supplies and heading back, but Higashino-san insisted on a farewell dinner. Even threw a send-off party! I didn't get back till dawn… Captain, he—he's not in trouble, is he?"
The poor man had no idea why two captains had taken such interest.
Hearing them, Ukitake's eyes gleamed with quiet amusement. See? Even your own men know what's on your mind, Retsu.
But Unohana's thoughts were far away. A flicker of doubt passed her eyes.
Did I misjudge Higashino Shuuichi?
It should have been good news. Yet strangely, her suspicion did not lessen.
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