Regarding the appearance of that black, anomalous entity, Shimo had already formed a hypothesis.
It was much like Wonderweiss Margela, the specially engineered Arrancar created by Aizen.
Wonderweiss's Resurrección—Extinguir—had been designed solely to counter Yamamoto, sealing the full power of Ryūjin Jakka, the strongest Zanpakutō in existence.
And now, it was clear that Aizen had turned his attention toward him.
By using the Hōgyoku to manufacture Arrancar with spatial attributes, Aizen was attempting to suppress or neutralize Shimo's space-based abilities.
Whether it would succeed or not—
Shimo neither knew, nor cared.
Spatial manipulation was merely one of his many tools.
Among his abilities, it was hardly even exceptional anymore.
If Aizen truly believed that targeting his spatial powers alone would be enough, then when the final confrontation arrived, Shimo would be more than happy to deliver a rather unpleasant surprise.
As his strength continued to grow, Shimo's focus had already shifted beyond Aizen himself—toward something far more concealed.
Something above even the heavens.
Shimo redirected his gaze to the container once more.
Countless fine space-cleaving blades descended, erasing the black mass completely.
From what little remained, it was clear this thing wasn't even a half-finished product.
At best, it was merely a rudimentary prototype—a crude embryonic form that possessed a hint of spatial characteristics.
Still, every great experiment began with failure.
And when it came to research, Shimo had no reason to underestimate Aizen's capabilities.
In the near future, countless similar Hollows would inevitably appear—either in Hueco Mundo or the World of the Living.
Mayuri Kurotsuchi's smile vanished.
A dark glint flickered in his eyes.
His requests had been rejected again and again, yet there was nothing he could do to force Shimo's hand.
The presence of an unknown phenomenon right before him—something he could see, yet could not dissect—slowly drove his psyche toward an extreme.
"Damn it…"
The grinding of teeth echoed through the private laboratory.
Shimo glanced at Mayuri, noting how openly the man displayed his obsession and greed.
"Curiosity is the primary driving force behind scientific progress," Shimo said calmly.
"But excessive curiosity will eventually drag a person into the abyss."
"This is my final warning to you."
Turning his head, he looked at Nel, who was peering around the lab with interest.
"Nel. We're leaving."
"Mm!"
The two departed the Research and Development Institute without hesitation.
Behind them, Mayuri stood in silence.
His thoughts swayed between fascination and danger.
"…Should I take that final step…?"
His muttering echoed through the empty laboratory.
---
Not long after leaving the institute, Shimo received a special transmission.
A Hell Butterfly fluttered down from the air.
He extended a finger, allowing it to land.
A miniature Tenteikūra transmission activated.
"Captain Shimo."
Shimo's brow shifted slightly as he recognized the voice.
"Lieutenant Sasakibe."
Chōjirō Sasakibe's voice carried an unusual heaviness.
"Regarding your proposal to initiate a counteroffensive—Central 46 has approved it in full."
"Captain-Commander Yamamoto has also raised no objections."
Shimo listened silently, his expression unchanged.
"However, due to security concerns within Soul Society, the Captain-Commander himself will not participate in the assault on Hueco Mundo."
That came as no surprise.
Leaving the rear completely undefended would be idiotic.
"If Yamamoto went all-in and Aizen counterattacked Soul Society,"
"the consequences would be catastrophic."
"So the responsibility for this mission has been assigned to you."
Shimo: "…"
Was this karma?
"Captain-Commander Yamamoto does not intend for you to go alone," Chojiro continued.
"Excluding the Visored, you may select four captains from the Gotei 13."
"Lieutenants may accompany them."
"But this will only proceed after Hueco Mundo reconnaissance is complete."
Shimo transmitted his reply through reiatsu.
"I understand. I'll give this serious consideration."
At that very moment, the familiar system notification sounded:
[New Check-In Task Issued]
[Location: Las Noches.]
[Reward: Cero (requires Hollow System activation)]
...
"…Tch."
Shimo inhaled sharply.
"Looks like I'll have to take this seriously."
As the transmission ended, the Hell Butterfly fluttered away.
Shimo fell into thought.
With the Arrancar's enhanced strength, choosing companions couldn't be careless.
Most captains had decent relations with him.
But if someone were injured—or worse—in Hueco Mundo…
That wouldn't sit well with him.
"So… who do I bring?"
First, Kyōraku Shunsui and Ukitake Jūshirō were out.
Even if they volunteered, Yamamoto would never approve it.
Soi Fon was a possibility—but her strength was borderline.
Against enhanced Arrancar, she'd only be able to handle someone like Zommari at best.
Unohana was ideal—overwhelming strength and medical support.
Byakuya Kuchiki was also viable.
With Senbonzakura unleashed, killing an Espada wouldn't be difficult.
As for Kenpachi Zaraki—
He'd probably show up on his own once he heard about it.
Add Mayuri, and—
Huh.
That lineup looked suspiciously familiar.
Had it turned into the original Hueco Mundo expedition?
Lost in thought, Shimo realized he had already returned to the Third Division barracks.
---
Inside the captain's quarters, a familiar figure sat cross-legged in his usual seat.
A black ponytail draped down her back.
Long legs folded neatly.
One arm propped her head up lazily.
"Ah. I forgot about my own lieutenant."
Shimo chuckled as he stepped inside.
"Waiting for me, Yoruichi?"
Shihōin Yoruichi turned, her gaze carrying a hint of resentment.
"So you dumped all the Third Division's work on me, then went gallivanting around with Nelliel?"
Shimo coughed awkwardly.
"…That's not entirely accurate."
But before he could defend himself, Yoruichi leaned closer, her voice brushing his ear.
"Not entirely… hmm?"
Behind them—
Nel puffed her cheeks.
"Shimo is mine!"
She wrapped her arms around him from behind.
Shimo froze.
Thankfully, Yoruichi pulled away in time, laughing.
"Relax. I'm not here to tease you."
"I actually came for business."
Shimo straightened, returning to his seat.
Nel obediently sat beside him.
"What is it?"
Yoruichi frowned slightly.
"You remember the Third Division's role, right?"
"Of course," Shimo replied.
"We're a support division. Emergency reinforcements. Special operations."
She smiled faintly.
"Good. Then here's your assignment."
She placed a document on the desk.
The Shin'ō Academy requires a swordsmanship instructor.
Shimo's eye twitched.
"…Of course it does."
"One of the instructors—Miyano Kaede—was killed on a mission," Yoruichi explained.
"The Hollow was eliminated, but he didn't survive."
Shimo fell silent.
He remembered the man.
"…You never know whether accidents or surprises will come first."
After a moment, he nodded.
"I'll take it."
Then he looked up.
"I also have a mission coming up. Want in?"
Yoruichi narrowed her eyes playfully.
"Tell me first."
Shimo explained everything—Hueco Mundo, the Visored, the operation.
Her expression turned serious.
"…You're going to Hueco Mundo?"
"Yes. Five captains total. Plus the Visored."
She didn't hesitate.
"I'm going."
"It's dangerous," Shimo warned.
"That's exactly why I'm going," she said firmly.
"Your safety matters more than anything."
Before Shimo could respond—
"I'm going too!"
Nel grabbed his arm, golden-green eyes blazing.
The Hueco Mundo Extermination Force—was beginning to take shape.
But for now—
He still had a class to teach.
---
Shin'ō Academy – Special Advanced Class
"Did you hear?"
"We're getting a new swordsmanship instructor today!"
"I heard it's a captain!"
"No way—!"
The chatter stopped instantly.
A mountain-crushing pressure filled the classroom.
Footsteps echoed.
Shimo stepped inside.
The symbol on his haori was unmistakable.
Every student froze.
One thought filled every mind—
The legendary Third Division Captain… is teaching us Zanjutsu?!
-----------------------------///
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