Regarding Akago's true identity, Shimo decided to investigate it only after finishing the swordsmanship lesson.
For now, it was more important to properly conclude Miyano Kaede's final class.
With the duel between the two coming to an end, the academy students finally gained a firsthand understanding of what captain-class combat power truly meant.
With nothing more than a single finger, Shimo had defeated Akago, the strongest third-year student.
That display of strength alone was enough to leave every third-year student shaken—and filled with awe.
---
"Next, what I'm about to say concerns the paths you'll walk in the future."
Shimo swept his gaze over the gathered students, their excitement clearly visible.
"If, someday, you face an opponent whose spiritual pressure you cannot overcome…"
"Don't give up. Face them head-on—and unleash your strongest strike."
Akago excitedly chimed in from the side.
"Does that mean we might injure them and create an opening for ourselves?"
Shimo replied calmly,
"That would just mean you'd die with a bit more dignity."
A joke, of course.
What kind of fantasy was it for students who hadn't even graduated yet to believe they could challenge real Shinigami?
Without having experienced life-and-death combat, the title of Shinigami would never be granted so lightly.
Once spiritual pressure reached the level of absolute suppression, the outcome of a battle was already decided.
Aizen himself was the clearest example of that truth.
...
During the rest of the practical lesson, Shimo showed no favoritism.
He treated every student equally, pointing out their flaws in swordsmanship and teaching them the essence of true bladework.
Many students experienced sudden breakthroughs under his guidance, their skills rising noticeably.
At the same time, gratitude toward Shimo quietly took root among them.
Later, during the squad recruitment exams, the number of applicants choosing the Third Division increased dramatically.
Of course—those were stories for another time.
...
...
After finishing the practical swordsmanship class, Shimo returned alone to the Third Division.
As for Akago's identity, he decided to leave that to a professional.
However, someone soon brought him new information.
"Shimo."
Yoruichi, the mischievous cat was uncharacteristically serious.
"The Inner Court Troop just came by."
Shimo's eyes flickered.
"A new Supreme Order?"
The Inner Court Troop, a fifth sub-unit of the Onmitsukido under the Second Division, was responsible for delivering the Captain-Commander's orders.
Their speed far surpassed that of Hell Butterflies, and their secrecy was far superior.
Ordinarily, any command above Level One Emergency, including Supreme Orders, would be delivered by them.
Yoruichi nodded gravely.
"The Hueco Mundo reconnaissance team has returned. Heavy casualties."
"But they also brought back intelligence of tremendous value."
"A captain's meeting will be held tonight at eight.
All captains and lieutenants are required to attend."
Shimo's heart stirred.
"It looks like my proposal has likely been approved."
Yoruichi lowered her gaze.
"I've already passed word to the captains you mentioned.
None of them objected."
"Also—Kenpachi came by the Third Division earlier."
"He was looking for you."
Shimo gave a wry smile.
He truly understood that beast's temperament far too well.
"We'll discuss everything properly at the meeting."
"It's almost time. Let's go straight to the First Division conference room."
---
7:30 PM
Ten minutes later, Shimo and Yoruichi entered the meeting hall.
To his surprise, he was once again the last to arrive.
"Good evening, everyone."
Shimo smiled faintly.
Clearly, this meeting was no small matter.
"Shimo-kun!"
"Lady Yoruichi!"
Soi Fon brightened at the sight of Shimo—
—but when Yoruichi stepped in behind him, her expression immediately grew complicated.
Even now, Soi Fon couldn't understand Yoruichi's thinking.
Why does she insist on competing with me for Shimo?
"Good evening, Shimo-kun."
A gentle voice came from the crowd.
Unohana stood calmly, hands folded, a warm smile curving her lips as she looked at him.
Shimo walked to her side—his proper position as Third Division captain.
On the other side stood Soi Fon, her expression stiff and stubborn.
—
"Oi, Shimo."
A hoarse, rasping voice came from across the room.
Shimo glanced up.
"Don't worry. There'll be a place for you."
Kenpachi Zaraki grinned savagely.
"Hahaha! Good!"
"I'm barely holding back my urge to fight!"
Byakuya Kuchiki, still expressionless as ever, showed a trace of curiosity in his eyes.
"Shimo… is what Lady Yoruichi said true?"
For the woman who once taught him Shunpo, Byakuya's feelings were complicated.
After all—she had violated Soul Society law.
Shimo nodded.
"Of course it's true."
"That's exactly what this meeting is about."
Byakuya calmed himself and waited in silence.
Shunsui merely observed, saying nothing—the meeting would soon reveal everything anyway.
...
As time passed, Yamamoto entered the hall.
His commanding gaze swept the room, and upon confirming everyone was present, he nodded.
He took his seat at the head of the table, with Chōjirō standing behind him.
"This meeting concerns a matter of the utmost importance."
"I expect all of you to conduct yourselves appropriately."
"The intelligence obtained by the reconnaissance team—"
"Hueco Mundo has become an urgent threat."
Chōjirō stepped forward, solemn.
"At an extremely high cost, the team retrieved critical intelligence."
"Great Hollows born from dual-soul Hollow pits are continuously emerging in Hueco Mundo."
"Conservatively estimated, their strength exceeds previous levels by three times or more!"
"Furthermore—humanoid Hollows, known as Arrancar, have been confirmed!"
He proceeded to explain the intelligence in detail.
Residual Hollows from Hollow pits.
Analysis of Arrancar combat capability.
With Baraggan having appeared in the Human World before, the Research and Development Institute already possessed partial data.
And now, with Nelliel having joined the Third Division, Hueco Mundo's power was no longer an unknown.
...
Silence fell over the chamber.
Then—
"Hahahaha!"
Kenpachi's laughter rang out as he surveyed the room like a feral beast.
"So many powerful enemies?"
"My blood's starting to boil!"
White steam hissed between his teeth.
"Tch. Beast."
Mayuri sneered, though the flicker in his eyes betrayed his excitement.
Kenpachi ignored him completely.
"Ahem—"
After a brief pause, Yamamoto spoke again.
"After careful deliberation, we believe this matter is likely connected to Aizen and the traitors."
"Therefore, the purpose of this meeting is to select a Hueco Mundo Expedition Force."
"While gathering intelligence, should Aizen be encountered—reinforcements will follow immediately."
The weight in his voice made his resolve unmistakable.
Aizen was his highest-priority target.
The captains fell into thought.
Shunsui finally understood—Shimo had known all along, even coordinating with several captains beforehand.
Soi Fon bit her lip, fire literally burning in her gaze toward Shimo.
"Do any of you have objections?"
Yamamoto scanned the room, pausing briefly on Shimo.
Shimo understood.
It was his turn.
He stepped forward.
"Captain-Commander, I volunteer to join the expedition."
Some were confused.
Some understood.
Some looked at him with admiration.
Among them was Hisagi Shūhei, standing in representation of the Fifth Division and as lieutenant of the Ninth.
Courageous responsibility was something Shinigami respected deeply.
From the intelligence alone, Hueco Mundo promised suffocating danger.
Hisagi couldn't imagine surviving such a place.
...
Yamamoto nodded.
"Any other captains?"
At that moment, something unexpected happened.
Hisagi stared at himself in confusion.
Why did I step back?
Then he realized—
All the captains had stepped forward.
Before he could react, Yamamoto spoke again.
"I commend your resolve."
"But the duty of the Gotei 13 is to protect Soul Society."
"Therefore—only five captains may join the expedition."
"The selection authority is granted to Captain Shimo."
All eyes turned toward him.
Even Shimo was momentarily surprised.
He hadn't expected this.
Besides the candidates he had in mind, others—including Ukitake Jūshirō—had stepped forward.
Captain Ukitake… shouldn't you be resting in the Rukongai clinic?
Suppressing his inner commentary, Shimo spoke calmly.
"Fourth Division Captain Unohana Retsu."
"Sixth Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki."
"Eleventh Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki."
Only one slot remained.
Soi Fon's eyes burned with expectation.
Shimo met her gaze—and gently shook his head.
"Twelfth Division Captain—Mayuri Kurotsuchi."
Aside from Kenpachi's excitement, the selected captains concealed their emotions well.
Yamamoto surveyed them and nodded.
"I approve."
Shimo continued,
"Additionally—we have reinforcements."
As confusion spread, he spoke the final words.
"The Visored, from the Human World."
-----------------------------///
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