Maggot's Nest

"Mr. Urahara..."

"If you don't try, how do you know I can't do it?"

Although Urahara Kisuke initially rejected him, Saikyō didn't give up easily.

Studying under Urahara Kisuke and witnessing the birth of the Hōgyoku has always been his deepest desire.

So, even if he were rejected a hundred times, Saikyō would continue seeking opportunities.

After all, it was related to the origin of the "God's Creation"!

"Are you really that interested?"

Urahara Kisuke had planned to find an excuse to dismiss Saikyō, but seeing his determination, he felt slightly moved. "Fine, let me take you to a place first, and after that, you can think it over carefully."

"Where to?" Saikyō asked expectantly, sensing a breakthrough.

"The Maggot's Nest!" Urahara Kisuke responded with a familiar name.

"The Maggot's Nest? Mr. Urahara, that sounds disgusting." Although he had a vague idea of the place, Saikyō couldn't help but complain.

"Technically, it's a prison," Urahara Kisuke explained with a smile.

"A prison? What does that have to do with scientific research?"

"No," Urahara corrected him. "The Maggot's Nest holds Shinigami who haven't committed crimes but are deemed too dangerous. To prevent them from causing harm, a special prison was set up."

As the former lieutenant of the Stealth Force, his main duty had been to oversee the Maggot's Nest.

Over the years, Urahara Kisuke had become intimately familiar with every inmate there. However, due to the high risks, almost no one, except him, willingly set foot inside.

"So, you're taking me to a prison?"

"Pfft!" Urahara chuckled, waving his fan lazily. "Saikyō, you've become much more humorous in the months I haven't seen you."

"Then why visit the Maggot's Nest?" Saikyō still didn't understand. The only person he could think of who might be there for research was Kurotsuchi Mayuri.

Other than that "mad scientist," he couldn't think of anyone else connected to the Maggot's Nest and research.

"You'll understand soon enough," Urahara said mysteriously, heading for the door.

"Mr. Urahara, stop being so cryptic!"

"Tsk tsk, how else would I pique your interest?"

"Alright, take me to the Maggot's Nest!"

...

Under Urahara Kisuke's guidance, the two left the training grounds and made their way to the ominous Maggot's Nest.

————

The scene shifted to the Second Division's headquarters, inside the captain's office.

"Is the information confirmed?"

"Yes, Captain Yoruichi. Lieutenant Urahara brought an outsider and opened the gate to the Maggot's Nest." A Second Division officer saluted respectfully.

"Outsider? Saikyō is my little brother, not an outsider!" Yoruichi's voice sounded dissatisfied from behind her wooden desk.

"Uh... I'm sorry, Captain! That was rude of me!" The officer blushed immediately.

"Alright, I understand. You may leave." Yoruichi waved her hand dismissively and casually reached for her tea.

"Yes, Captain Yoruichi!"

The officer left the office respectfully.

"Captain Yoruichi, are you sure this is okay? The Maggot's Nest is a dangerous place." A soft voice came from the sofa on the other side of the room.

The owner of the voice had short hair with full bangs and a petite, delicate appearance. She wore long sleeves and had the Second Division insignia on her arms.

It was none other than Sui-Feng, the lieutenant of the Second Division. At this point in time, she was still Yoruichi's devoted follower.

As the lieutenant, Sui-Feng had an almost fanatical admiration for Yoruichi, bordering on obsession.

In front of others, Sui-Feng was always cold and stoic. But when she was with Yoruichi, she acted like a docile cat, her tone soft and gentle.

"Sui-Feng, are you worried about their safety?" Yoruichi took a sip of her tea, a slight smirk on her face.

"Bringing outsiders into the Maggot's Nest without permission is breaking the rules. I just don't think it's appropriate," Sui-Feng muttered, her face flushed.

Those who observed the scene would have been left speechless. Only Yoruichi had the charm to make the normally icy Sui-Feng show such an adorable side.

"Sui-Feng, didn't I teach you? Special situations require special actions." Yoruichi leaned forward, lifting Sui-Feng's chin teasingly.

"Lady Yoruichi..."

Looking directly at Yoruichi, Sui-Feng lost her composure.

She struggled to speak, her words faltering.

"Sui-Feng, you're so cute when you act like this." Yoruichi raised her eyebrows and returned to her desk. "If you're that worried, you can go check on the Maggot's Nest yourself."

"Alright!" Sui-Feng nodded eagerly, taking Yoruichi's teasing seriously.

"Go on, then."

Yoruichi waved her hand with a grin.

"Lady Yoruichi, I'll report back if anything happens."

Sui-Feng saluted respectfully and quickly left the office.

"Sui-Feng really is adorable," Yoruichi muttered, shaking her head in amusement as she watched her leave.

————

Meanwhile, at the entrance to the Maggot's Nest...

"Saikyō, the door is open. Follow me inside."

Urahara Kisuke led the way.

"Mr. Urahara, isn't the guard squad basically just jailers?" Saikyō asked as he walked, observing the surrounding area.

Just as Urahara Kisuke had mentioned earlier, even though this was only the outskirts, not a single blade of grass grew. The air was still and devoid of any life—human, bird, or beast. The eerie silence hung in the atmosphere.

"No, to be precise, they're more like guards," Urahara corrected, stopping and raising a finger for emphasis. "The job of the Kōtotsu Police Unit is to arrest and supervise the criminals of the Seireitei."

"In addition to that, the squad has another duty, which is somewhat unique."

"Oh?" Saikyō was intrigued.

"They monitor the thoughts and actions of Gotei 13 members, assessing whether their behavior poses a threat to other Shinigami or disrupts mission operations. If so, they're monitored and eventually detained."

Urahara Kisuke explained everything in one breath.

"So, they're like dangerous individuals? What happens when you confront them?" Saikyō asked curiously.

"You'll understand soon enough!"

Under Urahara's guidance, they eventually reached the entrance of the Maggot's Nest.

The two descended the stairs and entered a dark corridor, the atmosphere growing heavier with each step.

Finally, after a while, they arrived in an open cavern.

"We're here!"

"Saikyō, be careful from here on out. All the prisoners in this place are dangerous."

As Urahara Kisuke pushed open the door, the sight that greeted them was the mysterious and ominous Maggot's Nest.