The next day, when Kōe arrived at the Kidō Corps barracks with Yamamoto's written order, members of the Kidō Corps were already waiting with escort equipment in hand. It seemed Yamamoto had notified them well in advance.
The Kidō Corps was an extremely unique division within the Seireitei. Although they specialized in Kidō, aside from the Grand Kidō Chief and the Deputy Kidō Chief, the rest of the members generally focused on a single discipline. They were primarily responsible for logistical and support tasks such as sealing and opening spatial pathways. Expecting them to serve as a main combat force would truly be asking too much of them.
Structurally, the Kidō Corps was included within the Gotei 13. However, unlike the thirteen squads led by Yamamoto, Central 46 also held direct command over them. This was the main reason they were entrusted with executing punishments within the Seireitei.
In any case, Kōe's deepest impression of the Kidō Corps was that they were meticulous—to put it nicely. To put it bluntly, they were rigid. Setting aside their tedious verification process, even though Yamamoto had already informed them, they still insisted on double-checking whether he had brought Yamamoto's written order. It was completely redundant.
Fortunately, they didn't hit him with a line like, "Please prove that you are Kōe Shihouin." Otherwise, Kōe figured he might have suffered a mental breakdown right then and there.
Truthfully, the Kidō Corps was already making an exception. Typically, the escort of a high-profile criminal like Konrad required the presence of at least one captain from the Gotei 13. Theoretically, Kōe didn't have the qualifications to participate alone.
However, the moniker of "the Shihouin Kenpachi" had grown far too resounding lately, and Yamamoto's written order had explicitly addressed the matter, so the Kidō Corps decided to accommodate him.
After being delayed at the Kidō Corps for over half an hour, Kōe led them to Squad 9. This time, Muguruma Kensai personally made an appearance. With him present, Kuna Mashiro restrained herself a bit and didn't exchange her usual banter with Kōe.
Squad 9 was much more efficient. They didn't even check the written order before handing Konrad over. The entire process took less than ten minutes.
By the time they arrived at the Research Institute, Kōe was surprised to find that only a little over an hour had passed. The most time-consuming part of this escort mission had actually been the inspection at the Kidō Corps? Thinking of this, Kōe didn't quite know what to say.
Over at the Research Institute, Kurotsuchi Mayuri actually came out to greet them personally at the door. This was a first, leaving Kōe feeling somewhat flattered.
"Hand him over to me. I've already planned a fully packed itinerary for him, heh heh."
Mayuri stared at Konrad with an eerie smile. Kōe let out a helpless, long sigh; as expected, his own charm wasn't quite enough to attract the man in front of him.
Just as Kōe was about to speak, the Kidō Corps members responsible for the escort spoke up first. "This individual is extremely dangerous. We need to confirm whether you have sufficient measures in place to ensure security. Please cooperate."
Mayuri, who had already turned around to open the door, suddenly stopped. He turned his head, facing the man with half his face, and said sinisterly, "Ensure security? Or ensure the security of the Research Institute? As if the likes of you are worthy!"
"There are plenty of secrets in here. Follow me inside if you have the guts," Mayuri said, turning back to continue his work on the door. "But if you *accidentally* see something you shouldn't, don't blame me. Heh heh heh."
Kōe glanced at the men behind him. Although nearly half of their faces were hidden beneath white veils, their previously dull eyes were now flickering slightly. Kōe knew that Mayuri wasn't just making empty threats—he would genuinely keep these people inside to use as his personal entertainment.
"I will bring him inside. You all can leave now," Kōe ordered, raising a hand in a dismissive gesture.
"But..."
"Unwilling? It seems you all have quite a bit of *curiosity*," Kōe threatened in a casual tone. However, paired with his dangerous gaze, the words sounded exceptionally chilling.
At that moment, Mayuri opened the inconspicuous wooden door of the Research Institute and stepped aside, making a gesture of invitation. Yet, the *radiant* smile on his face made the Kidō Corps members feel that if they stepped into this small building, they would never come out again.
"T-Then, we will leave it to Lieutenant Shihouin. If anything happens, it will no longer be our responsibility."
"Don't worry about it."
After Kōe took hold of Konrad, the Kidō Corps members left without looking back. Their steps were steady enough, showing their legs hadn't completely given out. But judging by the rapid little steps they were taking, if they had moved at this pace on the way here, they probably would have reached the Research Institute in just over forty minutes.
Kōe shook his head. Suddenly, another hand grabbed the rope in his grasp. He turned his head—wasn't it Mayuri, who had just been standing by the door?
"What is the meaning of this?"
"Just like them, you can leave now too."
"Hah." Kōe was so annoyed he actually laughed. What was going on? They had been cooperating perfectly just a moment ago, and now Mayuri was tossing him aside the second he outlived his usefulness. "Am I not allowed to see the secrets of your Research Institute either?"
"I told you, this man's itinerary is already fully booked. I don't have the time to entertain you," Mayuri said, pulling the rope a little closer to himself.
"Are you moonlighting as a tour guide now?" Kōe mocked coldly. His right hand clamped directly onto Mayuri's wrist, his grip gradually tightening. "Not only does this man not belong to you yet, but even if I had already given him to you, I could take him back at any time!"
The mounting pressure on his wrist finally forced Mayuri to let go. Kōe didn't push his luck; he simply tossed Mayuri's wrist aside.
"It seems I won't be able to get out of having a chat with you. Follow me inside!" Mayuri rubbed his wrist and turned to walk into the Research Institute. Seeing this, Kōe dragged Konrad along and followed.
Having Mayuri lead the way made a world of difference. After entering the wooden building, an elevator opened on the opposite wall. Without even seeing the first floor, Kōe and Mayuri arrived directly at the second floor.
It was the same room as last time. Mayuri plopped down into a chair and said irritably, "Letting a test subject see the monitoring room is like letting a pig sleep in your bedroom. So, whatever you have to say, say it quickly. I won't be able to tolerate this for long!"
Kōe seemed dead set on making things difficult for him this time. Back at the door, he had outright refused Mayuri's demand to drag Konrad down for preparations. This feeling of being coerced made Mayuri truly displeased.
"If that's what's making you unhappy, I can help you solve it." After speaking, Kōe delivered a swift chop to Konrad's neck, knocking him unconscious. He spread his hands and said, "He can't see anything now. Don't you feel refreshed?"
Kōe's dry joke did nothing to ease the tension. Although Mayuri remained expressionless and seemed to have calmed down, the sound of his fingers tapping against the desk grew louder and louder, proving that his mood had only worsened.
"Is this a demonstration of power?" Mayuri sneered. "The Shihouin Kenpachi truly puts on quite the show."
"No, no, no."
Kōe shook his head, his face darkening as he spoke slowly. "I'm just letting you experience how angry I was earlier! I do need a favor from you, but you should also understand that I have what you want!"
"And so?"
"And so, we are actually in a cooperative relationship, yet I haven't received what I want." Kōe pointed at the unconscious Konrad on the floor and continued, "I will give you one more chance, and you need to show the proper attitude! Just one chance. If you fail to satisfy me, this guy will be reduced to ash at any moment!"
"Such arrogance," Mayuri replied, his face equally dark.
"If you don't believe me, you are more than welcome to try!" Kōe said, faintly releasing his Reiatsu. "Win-win or lose-lose. The choice is yours!"
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