Chapter 172: Departure
The following morning, Seireitei's Senkaimon plaza.
Dawn light awakened. The towering Senkaimon stood quietly above the plaza.
The massive doorframe flowed with dull luster under morning light.
The plaza before the gate had already gathered dozens of Shinigami clothed in shihakusho, solemn atmosphere carrying hints of restlessness.
Suoh stood at the formation's front, shihakusho covered by a gray cloak.
"Reporting to Third Seat Suoh!"
"Expedition advance team should have twenty-eight members, actual count twenty-eight."
"Preparations complete. After Senkaimon coordination concludes, we can depart at any time."
Current Thirteenth Division Eighteenth Seat Konoe Shuzo stepped forward quickly, reporting in low tones.
"Thank you for your efforts."
Suoh nodded, subsequently lifting his steps toward the formation's front.
All squad members' gazes converged accordingly.
Over these years, he'd long accumulated considerable prestige and trust within Thirteenth Division.
Not only because of strength, but more because missions he led still maintained a zero fatality rate record.
The people before his eyes represented not only outstanding individuals among Thirteenth Division's unseated members, but also the foundation he'd invested effort cultivating.
"Everyone."
Suoh spoke, voice not raised yet clearly reaching every ear.
"Hueco Mundo differs from both Seireitei and the Living World. That place's environment proves desolate with Hollow hordes rampant. Our mission is clearing designated quantities of Hollows while collecting Hueco Mundo intelligence data."
"I don't have many requirements—only that you absolutely follow orders."
"During missions, operate in small squad units. Unauthorized penetration of unexplored areas is forbidden. Should you encounter unmanageable enemies, prioritize self-preservation and transmitting distress signals. This is an order!"
"Yes!"
Neat, unified responses rang across the plaza.
"Now, final equipment check. Subsequently wait in place for Senkaimon activation."
Hidden breathing sounds emerged from the formation as tense atmosphere relaxed several degrees from these pragmatically conservative familiar orders.
Squad members answered in unison, beginning final inspections.
Suoh turned to walk aside where Captain Ukitake Jushiro and the Shiba couple among others waited.
"Tsukasa, everything prepared?"
Ukitake Jushiro stepped forward, gentle voice carrying obvious concern.
"Yes, Captain."
Suoh nodded.
Ukitake Jushiro looked at his calm face, speaking warmly.
"Good. With your abilities, completing this mission shouldn't prove difficult."
"But after all, this is your first expedition. My heart still carries some worry."
Speaking thus, he produced a palm-sized wooden tablet from inside his clothing, passing it over.
Suoh accepted.
The tablet bore minimal decoration, only the Thirteenth Division crest—a Shirayuki grass pattern—carved at center with interlaced lines forming a mysterious emblem.
"This is an emergency communication talisman. Though probability proves slim, should you truly encounter Adjuchas or even Vasto Lorde-class Menos Grande, don't force confrontation—retreat promptly."
"Regardless when you inject spiritual pressure, you can directly contact me. I'll immediately coordinate support forces for you."
"Keep it safe."
Ukitake Jushiro earnestly instructed.
"Mm, I'll be careful."
Suoh placed the tablet inside his clothing.
More safeguards always proved beneficial.
Over these years, this gentle Captain had consistently watched over him like a mentor—this bond always accompanied his progress.
According to Suoh's memory, during this period Hueco Mundo's Adjuchas-level Menos Grande shouldn't exceed roughly a dozen, while Vasto Lordes numbered fewer than one hand's fingers.
Both proved extremely scarce quantities within Hueco Mundo.
Among Menos Grande, Gillians represented merely the beginning.
Most Gillians possessed universally identical appearances—extremely massive black bodies with white long-nosed masks on their faces.
Above them existed two more levels: Adjuchas and Vasto Lorde.
After evolving upward from Gillian, Menos Grande returned to simplicity—higher levels approached closer to original beast forms or humanoid shapes, and power grew stronger.
Menos Grande advancement followed rules of Hollows devouring same-level beings.
Generally, Adjuchas represented Menos Grande's apex. Only extremely few exceptionally gifted Adjuchas could break through constraints to successfully evolve into Vasto Lordes.
Adjuchas universally possessed Captain-level abilities, while Vasto Lordes wielded power surpassing Shinigami Captain-class.
Spiritual power ratings likewise ranged between First through Third-Class, but total spiritual pressure volumes didn't exist on the same level.
At this time, Aizen hadn't yet possessed complete Hogyoku to conduct full Arrancar experiments on Hollows—Menos Grande's power suppression against Shinigami remained far from reaching later-period degrees.
During this period, as long as Suoh didn't prove extremely unlucky and lead his team into encountering Vasto Lorde-class Menos Grande, he could completely safeguard the entire formation.
Everything hadn't truly begun yet.
"Tsukasa!"
"Don't show off in Hueco Mundo—that zero fatality record of yours can't break!"
Nearby Shiba Kaien patted his shoulder, cheerful smile carrying several degrees of seriousness.
"Kaien-niisan, you understand me. I know my limits."
Suoh smiled freely, tone confident.
Shiba Miyako stood aside, cloth bundle in hand, passing it over with gentle expression.
"This contains some food I prepared. While caring for team members, don't forget yourself. We'll wait in the division for your return."
"Miyako-neesan, don't worry."
Suoh accepted the bundle, warmth transmitting through his fingertips, heart full of warmth.
"Regarding Rukia's situation, I must trouble you to offer extra consolation. Not being able to join this expedition—whenever I've encountered her recently, her emotions seem somewhat off."
He suddenly recalled how Kuchiki Rukia had gathered courage to submit an application some days prior.
Suoh had already prepared to agree, but since she became a seated officer, attention and pressure from her brother Kuchiki Byakuya had invisibly increased considerably.
Within two days, she'd proactively sought him out again, full of apologies while withdrawing that application.
The reasons within—Suoh understood clearly.
"Don't worry, I will."
Hearing this, Shiba Miyako smiled understandingly, nodding knowingly.
Kotetsu Kiyone stepped forward quickly, tone lighthearted.
"Tsukasa, smooth journey! When you return victorious, drinks are on me!"
"You're our Thirteenth Division's face—better come back whole and intact. Even one hair missing, I'll have to properly nag you on everyone's behalf!"
Kotsubaki Sentaro scratched his head, face carrying a forthright smile, voice booming as he added.
Mitaka Hiko still stood slightly behind everyone, expression steady as he supplemented.
"We're on standby in the division at all times. Whatever situation arises, I'll transmit messages immediately. Rest assured."
"I know."
Brief small talk diluted some of the heavy atmosphere before parting.
Hum—
Just then, deep prolonged humming came from the Senkaimon's direction.
Spirit particle radiance lit within the doorframe, beginning slow operation.
"Third Seat Suoh, Senkaimon coordination complete. Technology Development Bureau personnel have completed final confirmation and locked coordinates to Hueco Mundo's designated landing point. You may depart."
Konoe Shuzo walked over quickly, bowing to report.
"I'm leaving."
Suoh lifted his eyes, glancing at the entrance leading to Hueco Mundo before turning to face those seeing him off.
His face bore its usual composed smile as two fingers formed a sword, confidently and crisply waving farewell.
Words falling, he immediately turned, gaze sweeping across the entire formation as he commanded in low tones.
"Depart!"
Taking the lead, his figure vanished into that expanse of azure light vortex.
Behind him, twenty-eight team members followed in sequence, steps firm, swiftly swallowed completely by the Senkaimon's churning radiance.
Ukitake Jushiro and others remained in place, watching the massive gate whose radiance intensified then gradually calmed, until the plaza returned to silence.
The expedition had begun its journey.
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