Chapter 114: Pursuit
Caution prevents great errors.
Facts proved Suoh's speculation correct.
One month later in the afternoon, sunlight was blocked by heavy cloud layers.
This cast a somewhat gray tone over the Thirteenth Division office.
Suoh sat at his position. Before him lay the latest data charts he'd compiled combining information provided by Eighth and Tenth Divisions.
One month's calm hadn't relaxed his vigilance.
Casualty rate curves trending upward from time to time, plus daily casual conversations with Hitsugaya—both corroborated his judgment.
He raised an already cold teacup, taking a sip, gaze shifting from charts.
BEEP BEEP—
His communication device's incoming message alert sounded from within his clothes.
Inside the office, others originally attending their respective duties. Simultaneously their gazes were briefly drawn by this sound.
Suoh retrieved the device from his clothes, gaze falling on the illuminated screen.
However, merely one glance—his originally calm expression instantly turned grave.
This expression proved too obvious. Others seeing this surrounded him one after another.
Shiba Miyako, closest, detected something wrong first. Setting down her documents, she asked with gentle concern.
"Tsukasa, what's wrong? Your expression suddenly looks terrible."
"A small Tenth Division advance team was completely wiped out..."
Suoh's expression turned heavy as he responded.
"...!?"
Others were also shocked by this news. Mission fatalities proved normal, but complete annihilation occurred extremely rarely.
Meaning squad members encountered force during missions far exceeding Research Department estimates.
"Communication devices can transmit limited messages. I'm worried about Hitsugaya's situation."
"Kaien-niisan, I'm heading over."
No excess time for explanations. Suoh picked up his zanpakuto, directly standing.
The mouse he'd awaited so long had finally shown itself. All previous preparations led to precisely this moment.
The instant he turned, flames of battle intent suddenly ignited deep within Suoh's eyes, expression calm.
Form flickering, shunpo already activated, leaping out through the window.
"Wait for me!"
Shiba Kaien moved extremely quickly, immediately turning to grab his own zanpakuto from his position, feet following.
Both moved extremely fast. Their figures dragged two instantly vanishing afterimages beneath gray skies.
Several people remaining in the office exchanged glances.
"Miyako-neesan, this..."
Kotetsu Kiyone looked toward Shiba Miyako beside her, face carrying worry and hesitation.
Seireitei had its regulations. Behavior like Suoh and the other arbitrarily attacking to interfere with other division affairs violated rules.
Without formal procedures, without captain's orders, afterward might bring unnecessary trouble.
"No problem. I'll report the situation to the captain."
"With Kaien accompanying Tsukasa, there should be no issues."
Shiba Miyako looked toward the direction where both vanished, patting Kotetsu Kiyone's hand, speaking warmly.
She understood Suoh, knowing he wasn't someone with rash personality. Current actions necessarily represented choices made after assessing circumstances.
What she needed doing was ensuring their actions held no concerns from the rear.
She looked back toward others present, speaking steadily.
"Hiko, transmit messages to other team leaders executing external missions. Raise alert levels."
"Sentaro, you and Kiyone maintain readiness for external support at any moment."
"Yes!"
Inside the office, under Shiba Miyako's coordination, order quickly restored from initial shock.
The other side, Suoh and Shiba Kaien's figures like two sharp arrows, cut across Seireitei's skies.
"You kid moved really fast. Before I reacted, you'd already gone out. Nearly couldn't keep up with you."
Shiba Kaien rushed alongside Suoh in parallel. Wind howled past his ears. He turned his head, glancing at Suoh beside him, praising.
"Just somewhat impulsive!"
"Yes, I know."
"Advance team complete annihilation means this Tenth Division advance team encountered Hollows possessing means to evade Research Department detection, plus overwhelmingly powerful strength."
"Currently enemy strength and abilities unknown. Hitsugaya lacks experience. I'm worried he might encounter problems."
Suoh's footsteps didn't stop, voice exceptionally calm, explaining.
"I understand. I support you."
Shiba Kaien spoke in low voice.
Already understanding Suoh worried not just about this unique case.
More worried about dangers Hitsugaya might face under other emotional influences.
Familiar spiritual pressure fluctuations entered spiritual perception range. The towering White Road Gate also drew near.
Both steadily landed on open ground before the White Road Gate.
"Tsukasa, Kaien-fukutaichou, why are you here?"
Matsumoto Rangiku stood beside Hitsugaya, having just handed documents to gate guards.
She detected people approaching from behind. Turning to look, her face showed complete surprise, speaking with astonishment.
"Could it be Thirteenth Division people also...?"
Expression darkening, she spoke with shock.
Usual languid charm had completely vanished. Hair somewhat disheveled, expression solemnly tense.
Made it.
Suoh saw both familiar figures, expression relaxing.
Stepping forward, approaching her side, softly explaining.
"Hitsugaya transmitted a message to me via communication device. I worried the situation was serious, so came together with Kaien-niisan."
"Just came hastily without formal documents. Rangiku, first take us out. We'll explain details later."
"Alright."
Hearing this, Matsumoto Rangiku hesitated, glancing at Shiba Kaien beside her.
Seeing his affirmative nod, she no longer hesitated, turning.
"Thirteenth Division Lieutenant Shiba Kaien carrying 3rd Seat Suoh Tsukasa, participating in this emergency situation investigation. Please grant passage."
"Please proceed!"
Gate guards held some impression of Suoh who frequently passed through the White Road Gate. Glancing at the two newcomers.
Though feeling procedures seemed somewhat irregular, documents from Tenth Division were in hand.
After hesitating briefly, he retreated half a step, gesturing sideways.
"Thank you."
Matsumoto Rangiku nodded in acknowledgment, taking the lead.
The group quickly passed through the White Road Gate.
Proceeding outside the gate, Suoh briefly explained his speculation and intentions to Matsumoto Rangiku.
"This Hollow's behavior proves abnormal. Strength capable of evading Research Department detection—extremely formidable."
"I worry this Tenth Division incident represents merely the beginning. The scene might still have other ambushes, so I came."
"So that's it. Tsukasa, Kaien-fukutaichou, your coming truly brings thanks."
"Honestly, events occurred too suddenly. I hadn't carefully considered this level."
Matsumoto Rangiku, born in Rukongai, held no rigid adherence to Shinigami dignity and honor, acting more practically and valuing loyalty.
Instead she greatly appreciated both's support, quite frankly accepting this intention, expressing gratitude.
"Don't mention it!"
"Let's depart. Where did the squad last disappear?"
Shiba Kaien's eyes sharpened, already fully entering combat readiness.
Hearing this, Matsumoto Rangiku reined in emotions, speaking gravely.
"According to received reports, the squad disappeared in mountain forest areas at West District Fifty-Nine's edge."
"Currently enemy numbers, appearance, abilities unknown. Everyone be careful during this operation!"
***
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