Chapter 51: The Hidden Hand in Seireitei?!

Even now, the true nature of the eerie power within the Black Erosion Prison remains a mystery.

However, Shigure Segawa has absolute confidence.

After all, there are still untapped rewards awaiting him within that enigmatic place.

Seeing the confident expression on Shigure's face, Retsu Unohana chuckled softly. "Captain-Commander, your sharp eye for talent remains as keen as ever. This young Segawa... he truly has the potential to shoulder the future responsibilities of the Gotei 13."

A rare, faint smile appeared on Yamamoto Genryūsai's face before it quickly vanished, replaced by his usual stern demeanor.

"Such words are premature," he said. "However, there is something that must be addressed immediately."

As he spoke, Yamamoto turned his gaze back to Shigure.

Sensing the gravity of the moment, Shigure immediately composed himself, his expression turning serious.

"Segawa," Yamamoto began, "you were likely too young to remember this clearly, but it concerns..."

"The 'Soul Disappearance' and 'Captain Hollowfication' incidents from a hundred years ago."

Shigure's eyes flickered.

How could he not remember?

This was precisely the time when Aizen first began to reveal his sinister schemes.

Seeing his reaction, the three captains assumed he was simply astonished. Unohana then spoke gently, "Segawa, what we are about to discuss concerns the safety of everyone in Seireitei. I hope you will listen carefully and reflect deeply."

Lowering his gaze, Shigure regained his calm and responded, "Understood."

"Hmm." Yamamoto nodded lightly before continuing. "A hundred years ago, both Seireitei and Rukongai experienced the mysterious phenomenon of 'Soul Disappearance.'"

"At first, it was only the civilians who vanished. But soon, even Soul Reapers began to disappear."

"Only their uniforms were left behind, leading us to conclude that they had not died. Instead, their souls had, for some unknown reason, lost the ability to maintain their human forms."

"This incident caused quite an uproar at the time."

Shigure nodded solemnly, feeling a tinge of surprise.

Back when he had read the manga, he had always thought of Yamamoto Genryūsai as a stubborn old man who only knew how to fight.

But now, listening to his words, Shigure realized how wrong his earlier impression had been.

Yamamoto's so-called "stubbornness" was merely his strict adherence to rules. His mind was still sharp, his thoughts meticulous.

On reflection, it made sense. If he were truly as inflexible and ignorant as he seemed, how could he have maintained the stability of the Gotei 13 for so long?

Yamamoto continued in an unhurried tone, "Not long after, a Hollow suddenly appeared in the outskirts of Rukongai. It emerged without the use of a Garganta or any other known method of transportation."

"The captain who discovered this incident eliminated the Hollow and stationed himself in the area with his lieutenant for the night."

"But unexpectedly, their spiritual pressures disappeared during the night."

"Following a Captain's Meeting, I dispatched several captains to investigate. However, the outcome was... grim."

Yamamoto did not elaborate on the details, but Shigure knew exactly what had transpired.

The two whose spiritual pressures vanished were none other than Kensei Muguruma, the then-Captain of the 9th Division, and his lieutenant, Mashiro Kuna.

The captains sent to rescue them, including Shinji Hirako and others, were ambushed by Aizen and his accomplices, leading to their Hollowfication.

"The following day, members of the search team discovered Kisuke Urahara conducting Hollowfication experiments at the 12th Division barracks... along with several captains who were already undergoing Hollowfication."

"By order of the Central 46, Urahara was apprehended, along with the former Head of the Kido Corps, Tessai Tsukabishi, who was accused of conspiring with him."

"However, just as the Central 46 was about to pass judgment, the head of the Shihōin clan, Yoruichi Shihōin, intervened and helped them escape."

"To this day, Seireitei has been unable to locate their whereabouts."

Yamamoto summarized the events for Shigure to provide him with the necessary context.

But Shigure knew that far more had transpired during that time.

"These matters are highly classified, typically never disclosed to newcomers like yourself. However..."

"After yesterday's incident, Captain Unohana and Captain Kyōraku both agreed that you needed to be informed."

"...?"

Hearing this, Shigure couldn't help but feel a moment of confusion.

How were these past events connected to yesterday's deaths among the squad members?

As if reading his thoughts, Shunsui Kyōraku flashed a mysterious smile and said softly, "Segawa, do you really think that yesterday's 'coincidence'... was just a coincidence?"

The moment the words left his mouth, Shigure's eyes sharpened.

Yamamoto opened his eyes slightly, his voice deep and resonant:

"Though it may sound strange, after discussing with the two captains, we have reached a consensus...

There is undoubtedly a hidden 'hand' within Seireitei!"

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