Caution never fails.
As it turned out, Suō Tsukasa's suspicions were correct.
One month later, on a particular afternoon, the sunlight was smothered by heavy layers of clouds. This cast a somewhat somber, gray hue over the Thirteenth Division's duty room.
Tsukasa sat at his desk. Before him lay the latest data charts he had compiled himself, integrating information provided by the Eighth and Tenth Divisions. A month of tranquility had not caused him to lower his guard. The intermittently rising curve of casualty rates and his daily casual conversations with Toshiro all served to corroborate his judgment.
He picked up his tea, which had long since gone cold, took a sip, and shifted his gaze away from the charts.
Beep, beep—
The Denreishinki tucked in his robes chirped with a notification.
Inside the duty room, others who were busy with their respective tasks instinctively let their eyes wander toward the sound for a brief moment. Tsukasa pulled out the device and looked at the glowing screen.
However, after a mere glance, his originally calm expression darkened instantly. The change was so stark that the others gathered around him one after another.
Shiba Miyako, who was closest, was the first to sense something was wrong. She put down her documents and asked softly and with concern, "Tsukasa, what happened? Your face suddenly looks terrible."
"A small vanguard squad from the Tenth Division has been wiped out."
"..."
Tsukasa replied with a heavy tone.
"Wiped out...!?"
The others were shocked by the news. While casualties during missions were normal, a total wipeout was extremely rare. It meant the Shinigami had encountered a power far exceeding the estimates of the Department of Research and Development.
"The information the Denreishinki can convey is limited. I'm worried about the situation on Toshiro's end."
"Big Brother Kaien, I'm heading over."
With no time for further explanation, Suō Tsukasa grabbed his Zanpakuto and stood up. The rats he had been waiting for had finally shown their heads; all the prior preparation was for this very moment.
In the instant he turned, a fire of battle intent suddenly ignited deep within his eyes, though his face remained composed. With a flicker of his silhouette, he activated Shunpo and leaped out the window.
"Wait for me!"
Shiba Kaien moved like lightning. He immediately turned back to his desk, snatched his Zanpakuto, and followed close behind.
The two moved with incredible speed, their figures trailing two fleeting afterimages beneath the overcast sky.
The few remaining in the duty room looked at each other in bewilderment.
"Sister Miyako, this—"
Kotetsu Kiyone looked at Shiba Miyako, her face etched with worry and hesitation.
Seireitei had its rules. An unauthorized sortie by Tsukasa and Kaien to interfere in the affairs of another division was technically a violation of protocol. Without formal procedures or a captain's orders, it could lead to unnecessary trouble afterward.
"It's fine. I will report the situation to the Captain."
"With Kaien accompanying Tsukasa, there shouldn't be a problem."
Shiba Miyako looked toward where the two had disappeared. She patted the back of Kiyone's hand and spoke warmly. She understood Tsukasa; she knew he wasn't a reckless person. His current action was surely a choice made after assessing the gravity of the situation. Her role was to ensure they had no worries back at the base.
She looked back at the others in the room and said steadily, "Hiko, send word to the other seated officers out on missions to raise the alert level."
"Sentaro, you and Kiyone stand ready to provide support at a moment's notice."
"Yes!"
Under Miyako's coordination, the duty room quickly restored order from the initial shock.
Elsewhere, Suō Tsukasa and Shiba Kaien soared like two arrows through the sky above the Seireitei.
"Kid, you're fast. Before I could even react, you were already gone. I almost couldn't keep up," Shiba Kaien said with a look of admiration as he sped alongside Tsukasa, the wind whistling past his ears. "Though it was a bit impulsive!"
"Yes, I know."
"A vanguard squad being wiped out means the Hollow they encountered has a way to bypass the detection of the Research Department and possesses overwhelmingly powerful strength."
"The enemy's strength and abilities are currently unknown. Toshiro has too little experience; I'm worried he'll run into trouble," Tsukasa explained, his voice exceptionally calm despite their speed.
"I understand. You have my support," Kaien said gravely.
He realized that Tsukasa wasn't just worried about this unique case. He was also concerned about the dangers Toshiro might face while influenced by his emotions.
Familiar Spiritual Pressure fluctuations entered their sensory range, and the towering West Gate appeared before them. The two landed firmly on the open ground in front of the gate.
"Tsukasa? Vice-Captain Shiba? Why are you two here?"
Matsumoto Rangiku was accompanied by Toshiro, having just handed over documents to the gatekeepers. Sensing the arrival behind her, she turned around, her face filled with surprise. "Don't tell me members of the Thirteenth Division also—?"
Her expression sank as she spoke with shock. Her usual lazy charm was completely gone; her hair was slightly disheveled, and her expression was solemn and tense.
Made it.
Tsukasa's expression relaxed upon seeing the two familiar faces. He stepped forward and leaned toward Rangiku, explaining in a low voice.
"Toshiro sent me a message via Denreishinki. I was worried the situation was serious, so I came over with Big Brother Kaien."
"However, we came in a hurry and don't have formal paperwork. Rangiku, take us out first. We can talk about the details later."
"Alright."
Hearing this, Matsumoto Rangiku glanced hesitantly at Shiba Kaien. Seeing him give a firm nod, she no longer hesitated and turned to the gatekeeper.
"Vice-Captain Shiba Kaien and Third Seat Suō Tsukasa of the Thirteenth Division will be participating in the investigation of this emergency. Please grant passage."
"This way, please!"
The gatekeeper recognized Tsukasa, who frequently passed through the West Gate, and spared a glance at the two who followed. Even though he felt the protocol was a bit off, they had the Tenth Division's paperwork in hand. After a moment's hesitation, he took half a step back and stood aside to let them through.
"Thank you."
Matsumoto Rangiku nodded in acknowledgment and took the lead. The group quickly passed through the West Gate.
Once outside the gate, Tsukasa briefly explained his theories and intentions to Rangiku.
"This Hollow is behaving abnormally. For its strength to hide from the Research Department's detection is no simple feat."
"I'm worried that the incident with the Tenth Division squad is just the beginning and that there might be other ambushes at the scene. That's why I came."
"I see. Tsukasa, Vice-Captain Shiba—thank you so much for coming."
"To be honest, this happened so suddenly that I hadn't thought that far ahead yet."
Rangiku, having grown up in the Rukongai, did not have a rigid adherence to the formal pride and glory of a Shinigami; she valued practicality and friendship more. On the contrary, she was deeply grateful for their support and accepted their kindness with frank gratitude.
"Don't mention it!"
"Let's head out. Where was the last known location of the squad?" Shiba Kaien's eyes were sharp; he had fully entered his combat state.
Rangiku composed her emotions and said somberly, "According to the reports, the squad disappeared in the forested mountain area on the edge of West District 59."
"Currently, the enemy's numbers, appearance, and abilities are unknown. Everyone, stay alert!"
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