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Research room.
When Urahara Kisuke pushed the results of his work into Moyu's hands, he ignored the faint surprise in his eyes. Moyu lowered his gaze and frowned at the object placed before him—a gemstone shimmering with a blue-black glow, shifting in color as though alive under the light.
Hōgyoku.
Its form was identical, yet Moyu sensed nothing unusual beyond appearance.
"Don't be surprised," Urahara said lightly, folding his fan with a smile. "It's not the Hōgyoku, merely an imitation—an enchantment device in disguise. Feed it Reiatsu, and it triggers a countermeasure against Reiatsu Abandonment, stabilizing your own structure at the sub-spiritual level."
Curious, Moyu poured power into the stone. Immediately, dense dark-red radiance swelled outward like a bubble, engulfing him entirely. His senses traced the lattice of Kidō etched into the Reiatsu itself, weaving spirit particles into a stable pattern.
"Useful," Moyu said at last, calm but certain. He had experienced Reiatsu Collapse firsthand—no one understood it better.
"If nothing unexpected occurs, it should function as intended," Urahara replied, relief in his voice.
Before Moyu could answer, a soft voice came from the doorway. Nemu Kurotsuchi stepped in, bowing slightly. "Mr. Moyu. The Ritei Unit has arrived."
"The Ritei Unit?" Moyu arched a brow. "Did Rangiku confirm a first-level strict order?"
The Ritei Unit, the Fifth Detachment of the Stealth Force, carried messages of the highest urgency—far swifter and more reliable than Hell Butterflies. Such an order required approval from the Tenth Division's captain. In Hitsugaya's absence, Rangiku Matsumoto must have sealed it in his stead.
Nemu nodded faintly. "Vice-Captain Sasakibe reported that information from Hueco Mundo indicates the traitor may have acquired something further. Therefore, the Head Captain has issued a first-level strict order. All captains and vice-captains are to assemble immediately… including Urahara Kisuke." Her eyes lifted briefly toward him, then lowered again.
Moyu's gaze shifted to Urahara. "In that case, we should go."
Urahara only shrugged, as if the summons were nothing new.
—
First Division, the Captain's Meeting Chamber.
Within ten minutes, the hall was filled. For once, the captains and vice-captains of the Gotei Thirteen moved with startling efficiency, the weight of the order pressing them into action. Only the Third and Ninth Divisions sent their lieutenants—Kira Izuru and Hisagi Shūhei. Everyone else was present.
Urahara's arrival drew countless eyes. Some were curious, others wary, and many belonged to comrades who once called him friend. Yet the air was too tense for greetings.
Yamamoto Genryūsai sat rigid at the front, Chōjirō Sasakibe looming sternly beside him. "Since you have answered the first-level order, the old man will not waste words. Shunsui—you will explain the intelligence gathered on Hueco Mundo."
Kyoraku Shunsui stepped forward, his usual indolence nowhere to be found. "The outer sands pose little threat. But after the Forest of Menos was forced up from the depths, its creatures began to roam the inner circle. Among them we confirmed Hollows of humanoid form—Arrancar. After thirteen engagements, our unit withdrew, leaving coordinates anchored at the forest. According to all information, the only path to Aizen's location runs directly through that place."
His words sank the chamber into silence. They had anticipated danger, yet the gravity of the situation eclipsed expectation. Finding Aizen would be no simple task.
At last Yamamoto's voice broke through, deep and unwavering. "From Shunsui's report, Aizen's position is clear. And Urahara Kisuke has devised countermeasures to his schemes. Everything is in place. The purpose of this meeting is to designate a vanguard to Hueco Mundo. Once Aizen's stronghold is confirmed, reinforcements will follow. This time," his gaze burned, "the traitor will die."
The temperature plummeted, killing intent thick enough to choke the air.
"Does anyone object?" His eyes swept the hall.
Jūshirō Ukitake stepped forward, worry etching his pale features yet resolve shining in his eyes. "Hueco Mundo is perilous. Without proper command, the vanguard risks annihilation. For that reason, I am willing to lead the expedition myself."
His declaration shifted the room's mood. Before the silence could deepen further, Urahara spoke with uncharacteristic sharpness. "Captain Jūshirō, your health won't withstand such a reckless burden. As for leadership—" he turned deliberately, eyes sliding toward the man beside him, "I already have a candidate. Mr. Moyu, what do you say?"
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