"In the Western Branch, the damage incidents caused by Disguised Dragons are far more numerous than those caused by other dragon species. Furthermore, due to the unique nature of dragons themselves, humans who spend too much time around them will turn into 'Dragonclad,' gaining some additional powers, but this power is harmful to the human body itself."
Jeanne looked at Suzuki Makoto with a serious expression.
"Therefore, considering that Miss Jeanne's behavior, and the fact that travel between the World of the Living is far simpler and faster than the transit between the Eastern Branch and Western Branch of the Soul Society, I suspect that your companion is very likely a Disguised Dragon that has invaded my corpse."
When she spoke the words "my corpse," her expression was calm, and her emotions showed no fluctuation whatsoever. Obviously, she did not harbor much resistance or sentiment regarding this matter, just like...
Just like that Jeanne d'Arc who, after suffering the stake and discovering that her former companions had inflicted suffering upon France, still chose to save the French people.
Suzuki Makoto lowered his gaze.
"I don't think that is the case with her, Miss Jeanne. Moreover, if she really were just a thing desecrating the body of the deceased, I would absolutely not allow such a thing to live for a second longer."
"The abilities of a Disguised Dragon are very peculiar. Many people, even those who grew up together, are unable to realize their best friend has long been replaced until the moment they are devoured—I know you must have deep feelings for that Miss Jeanne, but please, you must believe my words."
"I believe your words. I am merely expressing my viewpoint. And in any case, since the Western Branch has already allowed you to come here, if you don't see her face-to-face, you probably wouldn't give up, right?"
Jeanne froze for a moment, then nodded.
Suzuki Makoto turned around and bowed slightly to the Captain-Commander.
"Captain-Commander, since that is the case, then I think letting the two Miss Jeannes meet should be enough to clarify the matter—I can take this Miss Jeanne to the Rukongai, or I can write a letter and have my friend come to the Seireitei. All of this depends on your will."
The young girl's expression was slightly surprised; she seemed not to have expected Suzuki Makoto to be so easy to talk to. After all, even if many people believed her words, they would still harbor luck-based hopes, or even cover their ears and resist further confrontation, as if doing so would allow them to continue their past lives.
"Since that is the case, you shall write a letter."
Originally, before this, the result of the discussion between the Gotei 13 and Jeanne was that if Suzuki Makoto was unwilling, Shunsui Kyoraku, who had once met Black Jeanne, would take Jeanne to negotiate with the Yellow Turbans and find an opportunity to meet Black Jeanne through official channels. The result was unexpected; Suzuki Makoto was actually so understanding. Not only was he willing to appraise the situation, but he even indicated that he could let the other party enter the Seireitei.
Old Man Yamamoto, hearing that Suzuki Makoto was willing to let Black Jeanne come to the Seireitei, naturally agreed immediately. He was naturally interested in taking the young girl, whom Shunsui Kyoraku described as also being young and possessing Captain-level combat power, as a disciple.
He glanced at Shunsui Kyoraku. This intelligence chief immediately understood the Captain-Commander's meaning, smiled, stood up, and guided Suzuki Makoto to write the letter.
"Lord Captain-Commander, please trouble the Eastern Branch to help prepare a venue just in case. After all, if it really is a Disguised Dragon, the commotion and danger caused will be quite significant."
"Rest assured, this is the proper duty of the Eastern Branch. This old man will also hold the line for you."
*
"Eh? I can come in to find you and play so soon? Didn't you say it would take a while longer?"
Black Jeanne's voice sounded pleasantly surprised, laced with a trace of sweetness. Clearly, she felt very happy that Suzuki Makoto had taken her request so to heart.
"Someone from the Western Branch has arrived. It is the 'you' of this world, which is to say, Jeanne d'Arc. Although her appearance is different from yours and that Jeanne's, judging from her temperament and personality, she seems to be Jeanne undoubtedly—she wants to meet you."
"Western Branch? Jeanne? Meet me?"
Suzuki Makoto's single sentence almost fried the CPU of the village girl who was currently studying for a junior high school diploma. She was dazed for a while before she could straighten out the matter.
"So there is a Jeanne in this world too? And she came here wanting to meet me?"
"Yes, so I directly submitted an application, saying that I would bring you into the Seireitei to meet. Since you wanted to come in and play anyway, after everyone meets, I'll take you around the Seireitei."
"That works too. I am indeed actually quite curious about what the 'me' of this world is like."
Black Jeanne was also somewhat interested in this. After all, she had met White Jeanne, so what would the 'self' of this world be like?
"Actually, she's about the same as the other woman. Perhaps Saints who save their countries are all the same."
"No spoilers allowed!"
"Alright, alright. When my letter arrives, just come back with the person delivering it. It's someone you've met before, the young girl who came to negotiate earlier named Nanao Ise. She will bring you back to the Seireitei together."
After Suzuki Makoto finished speaking, the two chatted idly for a while longer before hanging up the communication.
Moments later, Aizen arrived as agreed.
"Suzuki-kun, sending someone to call for me, is there something the matter?"
Because Suzuki Makoto would be going to Captain-Commander Genryusai's place to study in the next few days, he would no longer be going to Hueco Mundo. This was to clear away the aura on his body a bit; otherwise, if Shigekuni Yamamoto asked why Suzuki Makoto carried the scent of Hollows while inside the Seireitei, it would really be a bit difficult to explain away.
"You know the news about the person coming from the Western Branch, right?"
"I know. She came for that companion of yours. But didn't you say you had already agreed to the other party's request? You came to find me because you want me to help cover things up? No problem, though I heard the Captain-Commander will also be present, so some preparations need to be made in advance."
Aizen Sosuke thought it over and over, and this was likely the only possibility. Using his Kyōka Suigetsu to fool people was truly simple, and Suzuki Makoto likely wanted insurance to prevent any mishaps for his friend.
"Oh, that isn't necessary. Whether Jeanne is a Disguised Dragon or not, I am naturally the most clear. I just wanted to say, in case any accident happens in the midst of this, I hope you temporarily do not intervene and continue to lurk within the Seireitei. After I fight my way out with Jeanne, come find me in the Rukongai."
Suzuki Makoto's words left the man somewhat unable to make heads or tails of it. He wasn't quite clear on what Suzuki Makoto's objective actually was. Wasn't this just an on-site screening event? You already said that girl isn't a Disguised Dragon, so why is there still a possibility of conflict breaking out? To the point of having to 'fight' his way out of the Seireitei?
He gazed at Suzuki Makoto, his expression becoming somewhat subtle.
"That Miss Jeanne, exactly 'what' is she?"
____
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