Chapter 88 - Shutara Senjumaru!
Chapter 88 - Shutara Senjumaru!
The Soul King's Palace.
Yamamoto was taken away for healing by Kirinji.
Gilgamesh, on the other hand, was led by Ichibē to the inner sanctum of the Soul King and saw the Soul King sealed within crystal.
This time, Gilgamesh directly asked, "What crisis arises after I leave this world in the future?"
The Soul King seemed taken aback by Gilgamesh's straightforwardness and awareness of what was to be said, causing a momentary pause.
After some time, the Soul King's voice echoed in Gilgamesh's mind.
Listening, Gilgamesh's brow furrowed slightly before he left the inner sanctum, deep in thought, returning to the main part of the palace.
Ichibē, walking beside Gilgamesh with a kind smile, said, "Our mission as the Zero Division is to guard the Soul King's Palace and not to descend to Soul Society unless absolutely necessary."
"So, you'll have to return to the Seireitei by yourself."
"Of course, I will open the passage for you."
With that, Ichibē lightly tapped the ground with his Zanpakutō, opening a large circular hole revealing a spiral staircase leading downward.
This was the passage between the Soul King's Palace and the Seireitei. For a captain-level Shinigami using their fastest Shunpo, it would take roughly half a day to reach the Seireitei.
Standing nearby, Shutara handed Gilgamesh a specially made Shihakushō and said, "There are seventy-two barriers between the Soul King's Palace and the Seireitei."
"This Shihakushō is woven from our bones and hair. Wearing it is equivalent to carrying a key, allowing you to pass through the seventy-two barriers."
Gilgamesh shook his head and declined the Shihakushō, saying, "Too troublesome. I have a faster way."
As he spoke, a golden ripple appeared before Gilgamesh.
From it, he took out the Royal Key.
At this moment, Ichibē and Shutara were curious, not knowing what method Gilgamesh was referring to, and watched the Key of the King's Law in his hand.
They had never seen the Key of the King's Law before and did not know what it was.
But as they saw the Key of the King's Law gradually transform into Ea, they seemed to realize something.
Shutara couldn't help but exclaim, "Are you planning to use that sword to break through the seventy-two barriers?"
Through his all-seeing star, Gilgamesh discerned Shutara's thoughts but instead of confirming, he asked with interest, "Why? Do you not believe that Ea can do it?"
Shutara was momentarily speechless at Gilgamesh's counter-question.
Having witnessed the power of Ea, Shutara was inclined to believe it could.
But this wasn't about belief; it was that such an act should not be done.
The seventy-two barriers were established using the Soul King's power. In the Soul King's current state, forcibly breaking these barriers might render them irreparable.
Without these barriers, future troubles would arise, such as ill-intentioned individuals being able to reach the Soul King's Palace directly.
Seeing Shutara's reaction, Gilgamesh continued without waiting for her response, "Don't worry. The Soul King won't blame you."
This isn't about blame!!
As Gilgamesh aimed Ea at the spiral staircase, Ichibē, recalling the scene of Ea destroying Ryūjin Jakka, couldn't stay silent and quickly said, "Wait! Even if you break the barriers, you'll still need to return on your own."
Shutara also grew nervous, hastily adding, "Yes, breaking the barriers won't save you any time. It's not worth wasting your strength."
Gilgamesh did not respond, and another golden ripple appeared behind him.
The next moment, to the astonishment of Ichibē and Shutara, the flying throne Vimana slowly emerged.
"What is this?" Shutara couldn't help but ask.
With a slight smile, Gilgamesh replied, "This is my flying throne, Vimana. With its speed, once the barriers are broken, it will take only ten minutes to reach the Seireitei."
Ichibē and Shutara were skeptical.
For a captain-level Shinigami, using Shunpo at full speed, it would take half a day. How could Vimana do it in just ten minutes? Its speed would have to be multiple times that of a captain-level Shinigami.
But recalling the extraordinary Ea, they dared not gamble on the possibility.
Seeing Gilgamesh about to unleash Ea, Shutara urgently said, "Wait! I can modify this special Shihakushō to fit Vimana."
"That way, you can fly Vimana directly through the seventy-two barriers to the Seireitei."
Satisfied, Gilgamesh retracted Ea.
In the future he had seen, he arrived at the Soul King's Palace aboard Vimana.
Thus, Gilgamesh knew his future self had likely affixed the Royal Key to Vimana.
Future Gilgamesh might have bought the Royal Key from the Royal Shop, while he now received a free Royal Key.
This meant, in the future, he could ride Vimana to the Soul King's Palace whenever he wished.
Shutara quickly got to work, her six golden prosthetic arms swiftly dismantling and reweaving the Shihakushō with incredible speed, almost leaving afterimages.
In just a moment, Shutara completed the modification and installation.
Her hands were so deft that Gilgamesh couldn't discern any difference with the naked eye.
But with the omniscient star, Gilgamesh saw a special coating at Vimana's front, matching its original color, making it indistinguishable to the naked eye.
Not sparing his praise, Gilgamesh said to Shutara, "Your craftsmanship is a rare treasure in this world, deserving to be part of my collection."
Looking at her, he asked, "How about it? Will you consider following me?"
Ichibē remained unaffected by Gilgamesh's words.
However, Shutara was momentarily stunned. Though Gilgamesh was young, his charming appearance made her feel a sense of closeness.
Hearing his praise, meeting his fiery gaze, and feeling his commanding presence, Shutara's long-dormant heart skipped a beat.
But only for a moment.
Shaking her head, she replied, "I appreciate the offer, but I am the Divine General of the North under the Soul King and will only serve him."
With a slight smile, Gilgamesh, not denying her answer, flashed onto Vimana's throne and began his journey back to the Seireitei, leaving behind a determined declaration.
"Shutara, you will undoubtedly become part of my collection in the future!"
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