Spirit King, Say Something!

"Alright, I've got the general idea now. This should be enough for the handover."

Matsumoto Rangiku rolled up the printed documents in her hand, flashing a carefree smile.

"After all, I'm not an idiot. Now that I've got the basics, I can figure out the rest myself."

Momo Hinamori responded with a polite and composed smile.

"If that's the case, then that's a great help. I still have other tasks to take care of—today's schedule is a bit tight."

"The 5th Division is that busy lately?"

"No, I just want to familiarize myself with my duties more, so…"

"Ahh, the younger generation is really hardworking. If I ever become a captain, I'd want you as my lieutenant, Hinamori."

"Then I'll be counting on you, Captain Matsumoto."

"Oh! You know how to play along!"

Amidst their lighthearted banter, the two parted ways at the division barracks.

Matsumoto stood with her hands on her hips, watching as Hinamori bowed respectfully and jogged off.

Once Hinamori's figure had completely disappeared, Matsumoto let out a soft sigh.

"You're not even going to come out and see her? She came all this way."

"…"

There was no immediate response.

Instead, the sound of soft, measured footsteps echoed from the hallway.

Dressed once again in a standard squad uniform, without the 5th Division lieutenant insignia, Ichimaru Gin emerged from the shadows.

"It's fine. She's grown a lot. She doesn't need me watching over her anymore."

Since leaving the 5th Division, he had let go of its affairs.

But… that wasn't coldness. Quite the opposite—entrusting something dear to him in capable hands was the truest form of trust.

Seeing Gin's quiet, unreadable expression, Matsumoto sighed in exasperation.

"You're so bad at being honest, Fourth Seat I-chi-ma-ru~"

"There are more important things to deal with."

Since joining the 10th Division, Gin had performed exceptionally.

His strength and achievements were undeniable. Even Captain Isshin Shiba had once asked if he'd be willing to take Matsumoto's place as vice-captain.

Gin had refused.

As a result, within the 10th Division, a new dynamic had formed.

Under the captain, Hitsugaya and Gin were practically equals in rank.

It wasn't that anyone intentionally overlooked Matsumoto… it was just that she didn't do any work.

Of course, this wasn't something they would say out loud.

Gin turned slightly toward Matsumoto.

"There's something I need to discuss with you."

"Why so serious all of a sudden?"

Being childhood friends, Matsumoto still found room to joke, even sensing the weight in Gin's words.

"Don't tell me you plan to stage a coup and take the captain's seat while Isshin's away~"

"…"

A brief but awkward silence followed.

Matsumoto's playful smile froze.

"Wait… you're kidding, right?"

…

Hinamori hurried back to the 5th Division barracks, making it just before the end of the day.

"Lieutenant Hinamori, welcome back."

She responded with polite nods and quick greetings as she passed by squad members. Despite her urgency, she maintained her composure.

—I should still be on time.

Finally, the familiar office door stood before her.

Without hesitation, she pushed it open and stepped inside.

"Captain, I'm back!"

Silence greeted her.

The expected figure was nowhere to be seen.

Hinamori froze.

It was unexpected.

There had been no mention of Captain Arima leaving today.

—He always says something if he'll be out…

Her thoughts raced as her gaze landed on a note left on the desk.

The handwriting was clear and familiar—Seiya's.

"Something came up suddenly, and I'll be away for three to five days. I'm leaving the division in your hands…"

"Do your best, Hinamori. I believe in you."

＼(^▽^)／ Looking forward to seeing what you accomplish.

—Seiya Arima.

Her first reaction was relief.

It wasn't an unexplained disappearance—he had a purpose. He had gone somewhere specific.

But… a trace of confusion surfaced in her mind.

For someone like Captain Arima… what was important enough to require his personal attention?

She couldn't imagine it.

And…

Hinamori carefully folded the note and held the book in her arms more tightly.

It was a book Seiya had personally given her after she had casually mentioned her interest in the topic a few days ago.

She had planned to return it and thank him in person after reading it overnight.

But now… she'd have to wait.

She could return the book on her own—after all, it was just a standard loan from the 8th Division library.

But skipping over Seiya felt… wrong.

Somehow, it made her anxious.

She couldn't quite understand her own emotions. Lips pressed together, she turned toward the office's large window.

The sun was setting.

Time was running late.

Then…

"I'll return it when the captain comes back."

She murmured softly to herself, carefully tucking the note into her uniform before stepping back.

At the doorway, she hesitated, then closed the door gently.

Click.

A quiet sound.

As if no one had ever been there… the 5th Division fell into silence.

…

"Achoo!"

"Are you getting sick?"

Seiya rubbed his nose and smiled at Kaname Tōsen's concern.

"No… just a little itch. Nothing serious."

Standing at the front, Aizen turned slightly.

"That's not something you should ignore, Seiya-kun."

Draped in a dark, matte cloak resembling a raincoat, Aizen adjusted his glasses and spoke calmly.

"Traveling from Soul Society, passing through the Dangai, and arriving in the Human World—"

"The fluctuations in spiritual pressure can directly affect the body, causing various symptoms."

"The severity varies by individual, but it can lead to serious discomfort."

Therefore—

"Rest for a while. We still have time."

Since Aizen put it that way, Seiya had no choice but to comply, even if he was perfectly fine.

After all, knowing when to accept a superior's kindness was also part of being a good subordinate.

Seiya sat on a nearby rock, closing his eyes as if taking a nap.

Tōsen glanced around, then spoke with a hint of curiosity.

"So… this is the Human World?"

Aizen chuckled softly, his tone playful.

"Come to think of it, Tōsen, this must be your first time here?"

"Yes… When I was in the Shin'ō Academy, the Konsō exercise hadn't yet been added as a formal course."

His composed response matched the situation.

They were now in the Human World.

Despite its equal importance to the Three Realms, the Human World had the weakest concentration of spiritual energy.

For any spiritual being—be it Shinigami or Hollow—adjusting their power level was essential to move freely.

Moreover, not all Shinigami could freely traverse realms.

Traveling through the Dangai required the guidance of a Hell Butterfly, functioning like an entry ticket.

Only those with Captain-level strength could enter freely, and even then, most wouldn't bother unless necessary.

So why were they here?

Because of 10th Division Captain Isshin Shiba.

As they rested, they released Hell Butterflies to trace spiritual energy.

Before long, the Butterflies reacted.

Without further words, the three began moving.

As they walked, Tōsen reached out to steady Seiya and muttered in a half-complaining tone.

"That 10th Division captain… always meddling."

There was a reason for that remark.

Their original goal was simply to track Urahara Kisuke and the Visoreds by sending out Aizen's artificial Hollows.

Yet they had drawn out a captain-level opponent.

"In theory, it's normal for Hollows to be active in the Human World…"

Aizen spoke calmly.

"Shiba must be an unusually sharp individual."

Tōsen, however, was skeptical.

"Even so, it doesn't seem necessary for him to intervene personally."

"No, it makes perfect sense."

Aizen suddenly turned to Seiya.

"Seiya-kun, do you know why?"

Since the 'boss' was offering him a chance to show off, Seiya naturally had to take it.

Feigning casualness, he wiped his mouth and answered smoothly.

"The reported casualties must have concerned him."

Aizen smiled in satisfaction.

"Exactly."

But then, his gaze sharpened.

"The real issue… is your clone, Seiya."

Yaksha had been sent out.

Initially, it was just to let it move freely rather than keeping it locked away.

But now that it had drawn a captain's attention, things had changed.

Seiya fell silent, smiling faintly.

His thoughts were complicated.

Because the real goal wasn't whether his clone would get into trouble.

It was—

"Can I successfully transfer Hollow energy into Masaki Kurosaki?"

This was a critical moment in Ichigo Kurosaki's fate.

But…

"Spirit King, you must have left some backup plan, right?"

Otherwise…

How the hell was he supposed to stage this battle so Yaksha would be defeated by the Kurosakis while transferring the energy—without triggering Aizen's intervention?

Damn it!

Spirit King, say something!

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Powerstones?

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