The familiar scent of herbs in the Fourth Division barracks could not soothe the unease in Shinobu Kocho's heart at this moment.
Walking briskly all the way back to the barracks from the long bridge in front of the Senzaikyu, the smile on her face never faded, but her hands hidden within her sleeves remained tightly clenched.
Hanataro could tell that Shinobu was in a bad mood, so he followed closely behind her, not daring to speak a word the entire way.
It wasn't until the two of them rushed into the document room of the Comprehensive Relief Clinic that the tension radiating from Shinobu eased slightly.
Two young women dressed in Shihakusho were kneeling before a low desk, burying themselves in a mountain of medical supply manifests.
Hearing the door open, they looked up simultaneously, revealing identical expressions of joy.
"Lady Shinobu! You're back."
The young woman on the left had snow-white long hair; she was Hinaki Ubuyashiki.
Eighteen years had blossomed her into a beautiful and elegant woman. Her features exuded a gentle grace strikingly similar to her mother, Amane, and her every movement displayed the poise of a noble lady.
Beside her was Nichika Ubuyashiki.
Although they were twins, Nichika looked much younger and more childish than Hinaki.
Time seemed to flow exceptionally slowly for her.
She retained the appearance of a thirteen or fourteen-year-old girl, her large eyes sparkling with lively radiance.
This was because her body contained an incredibly dense amount of Spiritual Power that far exceeded that of ordinary people. This overly abundant Spiritual Pressure unconsciously stunted her physical growth.
"Welcome back!" Nichika set down her calligraphy brush, about to chat, but then furrowed her delicate brows as if sensing something.
Hinaki also put down the scroll in her hands, her perpetually smiling eyes narrowing slightly.
"Lady Shinobu... did something happen?" she asked with concern. "You look a bit upset."
Nichika leaned right up to Shinobu, her small nose twitching slightly.
Her brows knitted together tightly. "It smells like a nasty emotion... Lady Shinobu, who did you just run into?"
Shinobu cursed inwardly and quickly adjusted her breathing, trying her best to suppress the anxiety in her heart.
"Oh my, when did your noses become as sharp as a puppy's?"
As these two girls grew older and refined their Spiritual Power, the hyper-intuition originating from their bloodline had become increasingly terrifying.
She reached out and lightly flicked Nichika's forehead, displaying her flawless, gentle smile. "I'm just stressed over work, don't overthink it."
Setting her medical kit aside, she walked over to her own desk and sat down. "Speaking of which, I happened to run into Captain Aizen on my way here."
"Instructor Aizen?" Nichika stood up, somewhat excited. "Did... did he say anything?"
"Nothing much, he just casually asked how you two were doing." Shinobu walked to the desk, pretending to casually flip through the documents while actually observing their reactions from the corner of her eye. "He said he still remembers when he used to teach you, and praised you for becoming excellent Soul Reapers."
"Hehe, he flatters us," Hinaki scratched her head shyly.
Nichika, however, looked at Shinobu suspiciously, clearly not entirely convinced.
But she didn't ask for details, simply making a mental note of the matter.
Shinobu rested her gaze on the two girls. "However, while it's a good thing to be acknowledged by others, don't get too complacent."
"Listen carefully, Hinaki, Nichika."
Shinobu stared at them intently, instructing them word by word, "There might be some unrest within the Seireitei in the coming days."
"Unless you are carrying out essential division duties, I do not want you to step a single foot outside the Fourth Division barracks. Especially do not go visiting the Fifth Division or any other barracks on your own, understood?"
"We can't even go to the Fifth Division?"
Nichika pressed, then seemingly realizing that sounded a bit off, she added, "But... we still have documents to deliver to big sister Momo..."
"You still need to perform your official duties, just don't linger around there, understand?" Shinobu replied firmly.
Hinaki and Nichika exchanged a glance.
Although they were somewhat puzzled by Shinobu's sudden seriousness, to them, Shinobu was the most trustworthy elder aside from their parents.
Her words were never wrong.
"We understand, Lady Shinobu." Hinaki nodded obediently. "We will stay right here and won't go anywhere."
"Mhm... I'll protect my big sister!" Nichika also clenched her small fists.
"Nonsense, who needs your protection," Hinaki retorted, using her height advantage to tickle Nichika.
Having ensured the safety of the two girls, the heavy stone in Shinobu's heart finally settled a little.
Fortunately, it seemed Aizen really was just mentioning them in passing and had no intention of making a move against them.
But how long could this peace last?
Shinobu didn't know.
She only hoped Asuka would return soon... otherwise, even this safe haven of the Fourth Division might not remain secure.
"Alright, back to work. There are still some issues with this rationing manifest. Nichika, go double-check the inventory..."
Before Shinobu could finish her sentence.
Wooo-- Wooo-- Wooo--!!!
A blaring alarm suddenly exploded across the skies of the Seireitei without warning.
The sound pierced through the thick walls, echoing throughout the entire Fourth Division barracks.
"What is..." Hinaki looked out the window curiously.
Shinobu walked briskly to the window and pushed it open.
In the western sky, red alarm lights were flashing frantically, and several Hell Butterflies were darting frantically between the various divisions.
Then, an emotionless broadcast echoed throughout the Seireitei:
"Alert! Alert!"
"Illegal intrusion detected in the direction of the Seireitei's West Gate, Hakutoumon!"
"Repeat! Ryoka have invaded the West Rukongai!"
Ryoka.
This referred to souls that had entered the Soul Society without the guidance of a Soul Reaper, often viewed as the culprits behind disasters.
'Have they finally arrived...'
She looked in that direction, her eyes filled with a mix of anticipation and worry.
Earlier, she had already learned through a message that Manager Urahara was specially training Ichigo Kurosaki.
'That brat who inherited Soul Reaper powers... should I help him out?'
"Lady Shinobu?" Nichika tugged at her sleeve with some concern. "What are Ryoka? Have enemies attacked us?"
"Don't be afraid."
Shinobu gently patted the back of Nichika's hand, the hesitation in her eyes largely dissipating at this moment.
'Forget it, it's none of my business.'
'I just need to protect my family and avoid getting dragged into Aizen's schemes...'
"Remember what I just said. Stay here, and no matter what happens outside, do not leave."
"I'm going to find Captain Unohana and ask what's going on."
"Yes, ma'am!"
Meanwhile.
Tenth Division, Comprehensive Training Grounds.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Dull thuds echoed across the grounds.
A bare-chested young man with muscles bulging like rocks was riding on the back of a massive boar.
He was wielding a heavy halberd, frantically thrusting and slashing at the wooden dummy in front of him.
He sported a somewhat exaggerated mohawk, a prominent scar across his face, and eyes burning with a fighting spirit that seemed like it would never extinguish.
Ganju Shiba.
The second son of the Shiba Family, and the current Seventh Seat of the Tenth Division.