"What?!" Yamamoto exclaimed in shock.
"What exactly happened, Toshiro? Explain it to me in detail," Yamamoto said urgently to Toshiro.
Given that this involved a Shinigami, especially one at the pinnacle like a Gotei 13's Captain, Yamamoto couldn't take it lightly.
Toshiro immediately explained, "Here's what happened. Captain Shiba and I didn't go to the Living World together. After learning about the situation in Narumishi City, Captain went to the Living World without authorization. Worried something might happen, I followed shortly after. However, there was an issue with the Senkaimon, so I arrived later."
"Before I got there, while Captain Shiba was fighting that special Hollow, he was ambushed from behind. According to him, although he didn't see the attacker's appearance, the weapon used was a Zanpakuto."
Hearing this, a cold gleam flashed in Yamamoto Genryusai's eyes. His tone turned icy. "A Zanpakuto... So that means..."
A Zanpakuto is a Shinigami's exclusive weapon. The attacker using one confirmed their identity as a Shinigami, indicating a traitor had indeed appeared within the Soul Society.
Toshiro continued, "After I arrived later, I located the hidden mastermind and fought him. Although he wore a black cloak and concealed his Reiatsu signature, I'm almost certain he was a Shinigami, and his strength was immense."
"During the battle, I essentially went all out, even using Bankai in the end. Yet, he still escaped. Or rather, he chose to withdraw, likely fearing his identity would be exposed if the fight continued, not because he was inferior in strength."
Hearing Toshiro's account, Yamamoto's expression turned grave. "I see. That means his strength is at least at Captain-level or above. In the Soul Society, the only ones who could achieve that are the Captains of the Gotei 13!!"
Yamamoto had some understanding of Toshiro's strength. Although not officially a Captain, in terms of power, Toshiro had ranked among the top Gotei 13's Captains many years ago.
And after all these years, he had undoubtedly progressed far beyond that. The might of Toshiro's Bankai release in the Living World had even been faintly sensed by Yamamoto in the Soul Society.
At the very least, regarding Reiatsu, aside from himself, no other Captain could reliably defeat Toshiro… at best, they might match him.
Coupled with Toshiro's extraordinary combat prowess, Yamamoto believed only he could claim absolute victory over Toshiro within the Soul Society.
Yet even so, that mastermind could retreat calmly after Toshiro's Bankai, showcasing his formidable power. In the Soul Society, only those at the pyramid's peak, the Captains, could do this, and not even ordinary Captains. Only those ranking among the very top in strength among captains might accomplish it.
Although the possibility of an exceptionally strong, reclusive Shinigami existed, the most suspicious were still the powerful captains.
Yamamoto then asked Toshiro, "Does anyone else know about this?"
Toshiro replied, "Besides Captain Shiba, who was directly involved, I haven't told anyone. Even this report to you was done discreetly. No one else knows besides Captain Shiba."
When Toshiro came to report to Yamamoto this time, he avoided everyone along the way. Even members of the 1st Division didn't see his arrival. Besides Isshin, who knew of the incident, even the mastermind Aizen was unaware Toshiro had secretly returned to report to Yamamoto after the Captains' Meeting.
"Hmm. Since this matter concerns the Gotei 13's Captains, your discretion is commendable," Yamamoto said, clearly satisfied with Toshiro's maturity and prudence.
"So, how do you intend to handle this?" Toshiro asked.
After a long pause, Yamamoto finally said, "Since this likely involves the Captains, a high-profile investigation is inappropriate. I will have someone conduct a thorough, covert search. Once discovered, regardless of who it is, I will not forgive them!"
At this point, a cold glint flashed in Yamamoto's eyes.
As the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, Yamamoto Genryusai didn't place great importance on ordinary Shinigami. In his view, they were like chess pieces… expendable if necessary, not causing much regret if lost. Even Lieutenants, with their higher status, were seen as replaceable losses.
But Captains were different. Captain-level Shinigami represented the Gotei 13's peak combat strength, appearing only once in several decades or even a century. Their loss would be a massive blow to the entire Soul Society.
Precisely because of this, if a Captain truly became a traitor, Yamamoto would find it even more unforgivable.
"Alright, Toshiro. I'm now aware of the situation. I will immediately dispatch personnel for a covert investigation. You may return," Yamamoto stated.
"Yes, I'll take my leave then," Toshiro nodded.
Seeing Yamamoto's urgency, it seemed he wouldn't rest until the culprit was found.
However, given Aizen's capabilities, regardless of how Yamamoto investigated, uncovering Aizen's trail would be extremely difficult.
Toshiro also had no intention of revealing Aizen's involvement to Yamamoto at this point. Toshiro's purpose in informing Yamamoto about the mastermind was merely to keep him alert.
…
A few days later.
In the Living World, a high school.
Masaki, still just a high school girl, sat by the window in the back row, gazing absentmindedly outside.
Of course, Masaki wasn't looking at the scenery. She was thinking about a certain Shinigami.
'I wonder if Mr. Shiba returned safely to the Soul Society...'
'How are his injuries?'
'And, being involved with a Quincy like me... I wonder if he got scolded after returning...'
'Also... it would be wonderful if I could see him again...'