The Visored were a group of Shinigami who had been forcibly Hollowfied due to Aizen's schemes.
Afterward, Central 46 ruled that they were to be "disposed of" as Hollows. They were only spared because Urahara and Yoruichi intervened and rescued them.
In total, there were eight members:
Former captains of the Third, Fifth, Seventh, and Ninth Divisions
Three former vice-captains
And one former Vice Commander of the Kidō Corps
On the surface, the Visored already appeared extremely powerful.
But once one truly understood them, it became clear that their strength was indeed formidable.
After Hollowfication, even their vice-captain–level members, while only in Shikai, already possessed combat power comparable to captains.
Their greatest weakness was simple—
They could not achieve Bankai.
And Bankai was something that relied heavily on talent and fate.
Some prodigies mastered Bankai in three days.
Others struggled for decades without success.
The disparity was staggering.
On this point, Shimo harbored deep resentment.
---
"About the Visored…"
Tōshirō Hitsugaya rested his fingers against his chin in thought.
"How did Central 46 handle their crimes?"
"Their captains were once labeled criminals—did Central 46 really provide a reasonable explanation?"
Yamamoto slowly opened his eyes and gave Hitsugaya a long look.
"Central 46 has pardoned the Visored's crimes and agreed to reinstate some of them."
"Those whose former positions have already been filled may take posts of equivalent authority."
Hitsugaya nodded, realization flashing through his emerald eyes.
Having served as a captain for over a decade, he was well acquainted with Seireitei's rules.
And Central 46's nature was something he understood all too well.
Although the current Central 46 had only recently taken office, Hitsugaya was confident they were already being corrupted by power—slowly turning into soulless machines.
After the massacre of the previous Central 46, this new council prioritized its own safety above all else.
Anything that strengthened the Gotei 13, they supported without hesitation.
And when it came to eliminating the traitor Aizen, they practically applauded with both hands and feet.
From a certain perspective…
Aizen hadn't done only bad things.
At least from a captain's standpoint, the Gotei 13 was now in a better position than before.
...
Just as Hitsugaya was thinking, a resolute voice cut through his thoughts.
"Captain-Commander, I request to join the Hueco Mundo expedition force!"
Hitsugaya turned—
It was Captain Soi Fon of the Second Division, her expression firm and unyielding.
And the direction of her gaze—
Oh.
It was Shimo.
That explained everything.
Meeting her eyes, Shimo felt a wave of helplessness.
"This isn't some sightseeing trip."
"We're going to Hueco Mundo—a place of extreme danger."
Soi Fon clenched her fists, unwilling to waver.
"As captain of the Second Division, eliminating traitors is my duty!"
At her side, Marechiyo Ōmaeda looked pale, cold sweat pouring down his forehead.
A terrifying thought struck him—
If Captain goes… does that mean I have to go too?!
With his strength, wouldn't Hueco Mundo be a slaughterhouse?
He was about to speak up when someone beat him to it.
"Oh my, oh my," Shunsui chuckled.
"Our captains are as devoted to duty as ever."
Shimo shot him an annoyed glare.
"Not talking won't kill you."
Shunsui grinned wider.
"How scary, Shimo."
"Looks like it's time for me, as head of the Kyōraku clan, to apply some pressure."
His eyes gleamed with mischief.
Shimo shook his head and turned toward Yamamoto.
He understood Soi Fon's reasoning.
But this mission wasn't suited to her strength.
Objectively speaking, among captains, Soi Fon ranked near the bottom.
Her Suzumebachi was essentially a siege weapon.
In single combat, it was nearly useless.
Its weight alone severely limited mobility—an enormous flaw.
Arrancar Sonído was no weaker than Shinigami Shunpo, and often even faster.
Soi Fon's greatest strength—speed—was thus crippled.
After weighing everything, Shimo had already made his decision.
—
"Captain Soi Fon," Yamamoto finally spoke.
"Based on practical considerations, your abilities are better suited to guarding the Inner Court."
After long hesitation, Hitsugaya tried to speak—
"Captain-Commande—"
But Yamamoto raised his hand.
"This matter is fully entrusted to Captain Shimo."
"I believe his judgment is sound."
Hitsugaya could only swallow his words.
He glanced at Shimo—and met an icy gaze.
…Alright. I'm not going.
He sighed internally.
Against Aizen, his hatred was deep—but reality was cruel.
"The team is decided."
Shimo exhaled, straightening his expression.
"The defense of Seireitei is in your hands."
Yamamoto nodded.
"The meeting is adjourned."
"In three days—locate Hueco Mundo."
---
After the meeting, Shimo and Yoruichi departed together.
Strangely, Soi Fon didn't follow.
But Shimo knew—
She wasn't the type to give up.
Yoruichi smirked.
"Little Shimo, you'd better brace yourself."
"Soi Fon won't let this go easily."
Shimo nodded.
He was prepared.
---
The next day, Shimo headed toward the Research and Development Institute to check on the construction of a targeted Garganta.
But before he reached it—
The surrounding spiritual pressure shifted.
Daylight vanished.
Darkness swallowed everything.
Shadows crept like living things, devouring all light.
Shimo immediately thought of Kaname Tōsen's Bankai—
Suzumushi Tsuishiki: Enma Kōrogi.
But this darkness was weaker—mere suppression of visibility.
Clang.
A Zanpakutō was drawn behind him.
Shimo sighed.
"Wouldn't it be better to be a little less stubborn?"
He turned—
Black eyes met his.
"I need to prove my strength."
"This is a sacred artifact of the Fon clan—Hachimitsu no Yoru!"
Soi Fon bit her lip, her resolve unshaken.
"This artifact draws the enemy into darkness, greatly enhancing the Fon clan's assassination techniques!"
A cold glint flashed.
"Nigeki Kessatsu… Suzumebachi!"
Her figure vanished into the darkness.
Clink.
The blade stopped—against Shimo's fingertip.
Soi Fon froze.
She had violated every assassination principle.
Miss once—retreat.
But it was too late.
She vanished again.
Yet Shimo's eyes gleamed like stars.
Shared Soul Barrier—activate.
The darkness meant nothing to him.
Hachimitsu no Yoru was powerful—
But it was still just a spiritual tool.
Even the Shihōin clan's sacred tools worked on similar principles.
Soi Fon was hiding less than three meters away.
"Unfortunately," Shimo said calmly.
"It's not enough."
Clink.
Same sound. Same place.
Suzumebachi struck his fingertip again.
The Hornet Crest bloomed like a black tattoo.
It pulsed.
Soi Fon panicked and withdrew her arm.
"I—I…"
She clasped his finger, trying to suppress the effect with her own spiritual pressure.
Shimo sighed and released his pressure.
The crest vanished instantly.
He gently took her hands.
"That's enough."
"I know you want to go."
"But I can't allow it—for your safety."
Soi Fon lowered her gaze.
"…Am I really that useless?"
Shimo paused.
Then he spoke gently.
"If you want to help…"
"There is something I need you to do."
Her eyes lifted—hope returning.
"At the Shin'ō Academy, there's a third-year student named Akago."
"She may be connected to a conspiracy threatening Seireitei."
"I want you to investigate her."
"Soi Fon."
Warmth flowed through her heart.
She nodded.
Her faint blush shone beautifully beneath the night sky.
---------------------------------///
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