Chapter 171: Eve
Several years passed in a flash.
Eight years had elapsed since Suoh became a Shinigami.
For Shinigami with their extended lifespans, this amount of time proved merely a blink of an eye.
But for Suoh currently in a high-speed growth phase, these eight years represented a transformative metamorphosis period.
The base beneath Sokyoku Hill had changed beyond recognition, yet many things remained unchanged, still preserving their initial warm core.
The medicinal field's cultivation scale had expanded several times compared to the past.
The hot spring pool's water vapor still rose in mist, white fog wreathing the verdant bamboo forest along the shore.
Flower beds bloomed brilliantly, becoming the base's most magnificent sight.
In the training ground, Suoh and Hitsugaya Toshiro simultaneously retreated, blade bodies dragging afterimages through the air.
Both breathed steadily, their exchange's aftershocks causing surrounding air to tremble slightly.
Bell sounds rang out.
"That's enough."
Golden radiance faded from Kikou as Suoh sheathed his blade.
Toshiro nodded. The instant his blade returned to its sheath, the cold permeating the training ground also quietly dispersed.
"You're both departing tomorrow yet refuse to rest even one day."
"Can't you give me, the observer, some peace of mind?"
Rangiku helped deliver towels and tea to both, speaking with mock reproach.
A waterfall of wavy golden hair cascaded to her waist, ends slightly curled.
Even merely handing over items, her every movement naturally formed a beautiful scene.
"Force of habit."
Suoh accepted, tone gentle.
Over eight years of time together, he and Rangiku had long surpassed ordinary friendship—subtle yet intimate.
Just constrained by certain people's existence and bonds, both tacitly refrained from easily taking that next step forward.
However, Suoh treasured their current state, feeling no rush to change it.
Several years had changed much, also settling much.
Toshiro's height had achieved a breakthrough. Though still far from matching Suoh's, advancing the second digit from 1.3 to 1.4 meters represented an epic victory.
Rangiku hadn't changed much, still loving beauty and fun. Aside from adjusting makeup and hairstyle according to Living World fashion trends, she remained that bright, dazzling Tenth Division Vice-Captain.
As for Suoh himself, after his spiritual power reached Third-Class, he'd quickly mastered Bankai as well.
He'd possessed qualifications to compete for the long-vacant Third Division Captain position, but ultimately proved one step too slow.
Ichimaru Gin had claimed that position before him.
In the Gotei 13, only three methods existed for becoming Captain.
First, when a division's Captain position stood vacant, passing the Captain's examination witnessed jointly by three or more Captains including the Captain-Commander.
Second, obtaining recommendations from six or more Captains plus recognition from three additional Captains.
Third, defeating the current Captain in single combat witnessed by two hundred or more division members.
However, only successive Eleventh Division Captains were decided through single combat—the third method didn't apply to other divisions.
Regardless which path one chose, mastering Bankai represented an almost unwritten prerequisite.
After all, Captains could basically all deploy Bankai—the combat power increase Bankai brought proved enormous.
Facing this outcome, Suoh hadn't minded excessively.
On the chessboard's vacant space, Aizen had long since placed his piece.
In his plans, Ichimaru Gin assuming Third Division Captain represented part of the scheme, carrying considerable significance.
And Suoh's objectives had never been a single division's authority.
Seated Officer or Captain.
Becoming Captain would actually prove less beneficial to his own progress—becoming one of the thirteen at the pinnacle attracted too much attention.
Third Seat status already sufficed for him to navigate Seireitei with ease.
Convenient for traveling between Seireitei and Rukongai, transporting supplies.
Convenient for utilizing Special Relief Team authority to request instruction from Unohana Retsu.
Convenient for avoiding certain overly blatant surveillance.
One hour later.
"Everyone, good night."
Raising his hand, stars and moon flowed and transformed across the ceiling, light gradually dimming as Suoh waved, indicating both should prepare for rest.
Past illusions had now become the base's fixed nightly rest ritual.
Over the long term, they'd grown thoroughly accustomed to living according to certain stable rhythms under Suoh's arrangements—this habit could be said to be ingrained in their bones.
"Good night."
Rangiku's face bore a facial mask as she looked up at the starry sky, revealing a satisfied smile before slipping back into her own room.
Before entering, Toshiro lifted his eyes toward Suoh, speaking solemnly.
"Tsukasa, the expedition mission cycle requires at least two months. Hueco Mundo's environment is complex—you must be especially careful."
"Mm, I know. I'm leaving the base in your hands. Wait for my return."
Suoh walked to Toshiro's side, patting his shoulder that had broadened somewhat compared to the past, lips carrying a reassuring smile.
"I will. Good night."
Toshiro nodded in response, turning to enter his own room.
Moments later, Suoh returned to his room, placing departure preparations into specially crafted military packs.
Completing all preparations, he changed into loose sleepwear, quietly lying into the bedding.
Light projecting through the window appeared hazy and dim.
Not yet asleep.
A black cat carrying a bundle in its mouth crossed the window, dropping onto Suoh's bedside without hesitation.
"Not asleep yet—were you waiting for me?"
The black cat form of Yoruichi Shihoin set down her burden, waving a small paw in greeting.
Suoh turned on his side, arm supporting his head as he looked toward her.
"Thought you'd cut it close, not coming to find me until tomorrow morning."
"There were quite a few items—finding what you wanted cost me considerable effort."
Yoruichi flicked her ears, tone unclear whether complaining or boasting.
"What a luxurious problem to have."
Suoh smiled lightly.
Regarding escape and survival methods, he considered himself possessing some insights.
Though this marked his first Hueco Mundo expedition, he didn't feel particularly nervous.
But he wasn't acting alone.
This expedition placed his entire team's safety on his shoulders.
The squad members' abilities differed vastly from his own. Hueco Mundo was territory Aizen had managed for many years—too many variables existed.
No helping it.
Since he normally accepted team members' trust and respect, he had to take responsibility for their lives.
He wasn't, after all, a person without feelings.
Following prudent principles, Suoh had contacted Yoruichi Shihoin in advance, hoping to obtain an additional layer of insurance through her.
Hueco Mundo was Aizen's backyard cultivated over many years. Suoh didn't know how much it would cost to lead his team through the mission and return safely.
As one of the four great noble families, the Shihoin house possessed not only distinguished status and power but also treasuries collecting Soul Society's numerous functionally miraculous artifacts, controlling various unconventional powers.
The title 'Tenshiheisōban' came from exactly this.
Suoh simply hoped these items could play their role at critical moments—ideally returning them intact without incident.
Yoruichi pushed the bundle toward him with her paw.
"Items delivered. Where are the things I want?"
Suoh had prepared early, rising to retrieve a stack of oil-paper packages tied together from the cabinet.
Yoruichi leaned close to sniff, quite satisfied with the quality inside.
"Not opening to check?"
"Don't I trust you? I'm leaving."
Her golden eyes glanced at him as she flicked her tail with a 'what unnecessary fuss' expression.
Words falling, she grabbed the binding string in her mouth, figure melting into the night beyond the window.