"The general situation is roughly like this..."
Soul Society, Seireitei, Captain's meeting room.
Under the intense gaze of numerous Captains, Kisuke helplessly explained.
"Holy crap, what an old schemer!"
"This is the shopkeeper? A real thousand-layer cake!"
"Terrifying, truly terrifying. 'Planning strategies from a thousand miles away without leaving the house' probably refers to people like the shopkeeper!"
"Yeah, although the Bounts' methods are also strong, the shopkeeper has already obtained crucial intelligence!"
"Truly terrifying, this person. So intelligent it's almost demonic!"
Following Ichigo and watching the entire process of the shopkeeper's explanation, the audience in Ichigo's live stream exclaimed in amazement.
They hadn't expected that as soon as this event started, the intelligence would become transparent.
With just one 'bait and switch', Kisuke had thoroughly probed the Bounts' thoughts!
In the Captain's meeting room, hearing Kisuke's words, Yamamoto's expression gradually softened.
"Alright, kid. Then we won't pursue your issues this time!" Yamamoto said.
Hearing his words, Kisuke's lips twitched, but in the end, he didn't say anything.
You're strong, so you're right. He didn't really have any blame in this matter anyway...
"Yes, thank you for your understanding, Captain-Commander!" Kisuke said helplessly.
Seeing this, Ichigo also secretly laughed, 'So the omnipotent Urahara Kisuke also had someone he feared.'
But the next moment, Yamamoto's gaze fell on Ichigo.
Feeling the weight of that gaze, Ichigo's expression stiffened.
But unlike Kisuke, this time Ichigo received praise.
"Lieutenant Kurosaki, your reaction this time was very swift, reducing enormous losses for the Soul Society. It is worthy of praise."
"I know the conditions Ukitake promised you. But since those enemies will come again, would you be willing to stay in the Soul Society for a while longer?"
Hearing Yamamoto's questioning tone, Ichigo nodded. "Of course. It's just that..."
"Just what?" Yamamoto gave Ichigo a surprised look, his expression also becoming a bit strange.
If Ichigo was going to make conditions over just this, then he would have to reexamine Ichigo.
"Karakura Town is large. Handling all the Hollows by myself is too troublesome. I request that after this mission, two Shinigami be assigned to Karakura Town to carry out Hollow-extermination duties!"
"No problem!" Yamamoto nodded. At the same time, he scolded Ukitake with an annoyed look:
"Ukitake, although Lieutenant Kurosaki hasn't officially assumed his duties yet, assigning Shinigami to the Living World is originally the 13th Division's own affair, which can be handled internally. Didn't you brief him on this?"
"Apologies, Captain-Commander! It was my failure in duty!" Ukitake decisively bowed to accept the punishment.
This was indeed his fault.
Thus, permission to mobilize Shinigami was agreed to by the Seireitei. And whom to mobilize, Ichigo already had ideas.
And so, after waiting in the Soul Society for a week.
[Ding! All players, the second round of the Bount event officially begins!]
[Please eliminate the various Ryoka attacking the Seireitei!]
"All units, attention! Ryoka invasion!"
"Members of all divisions, please proceed to defend the four main gates!"
The game's announcement arrived together with the Soul Society's warning again!
Because Ukitake's illness relapsed, Ichigo, acting on behalf of Ukitake in executing 13th Division's duties, led the 13th Division's members to the White Road Gate to organize defense.
Looking at Kotetsu Kiyone and Kotsubaki Sentaro commanding the members ahead, and Rukia beside him ready at all times to obey his orders, Ichigo found it both funny and ironic.
"Before, I tried every way to get in from outside that gate."
"I never thought in such a short time, I'd be trying every way to keep people outside from getting in!"
Hearing Ichigo's words, Rukia was startled, then revealed a sweet smile:
"It really is like that. But those people outside cannot be compared to you, Ichigo."
"They are evildoers who feed on souls, terrorists who kill Rukongai residents indiscriminately. You came in only..."
The final 'for me' remained unspoken as Rukia blushed with shyness.
A faint warmth welled up in her heart.
For a moment, the scene of Ichigo and Rukia looking at each other was extremely beautiful.
Happening to look back and see this scene, Kiyone also felt they're a cute couple.
And sharing the same feeling were the live stream viewers.
"Damn, this guy is force-feeding me PDA again!"
"Hic...hahaha, not full, not full at all. Mere PDA, watch me eat it all... Ugh!"
"Previous commenter, told you not to force it. Now you can't swallow it, right?"
"But to be honest, Ichigo's rise is really fast! He's already a Lieutenant now, guarding the place he once invaded... Uh, that sounds a bit strange."
"Previous commenter, no need to doubt. On behalf of all Ryoka, I want to condemn Ichigo for using public office for private ends."
"Hahaha amazing, what talent! You can even drive on this broken road!"
"I'm really impressed by you drivers..."
After a brief exchange, Ichigo turned his gaze back to the front.
There, the huge White Road Gate was slowly opening!
To the side, Sister Mei, who had been assigned here, or rather had applied to be transferred here, approached.
"Ichigo, what do you say? While the gate isn't fully open, we strike them while they are half-crossing?"
"No, no rush!" Ichigo shook his head.
His gaze looked behind Sister Mei.
Xin Na and Jing Bing, who had just graduated and joined the 13th Division, Wang Zongchao and Chu An who returned from Hueco Mundo, and the players originally from the 11th Division.
Apart from those who unexpectedly died in the first wave of attacks, one could say all the elite players currently in the Soul Society had gathered here!
These four hundred Shinigami were crucial.
Currently, Ichigo was not only the 13th Division's Lieutenant but also effectively the captain of the players hidden within the Soul Society!
The 14th Division - the Player Division!
As the fastest-growing player in strength, Ichigo had to consider these compatriots.
He wasn't a harming others without benefiting oneself person like Lan Da. Whether Dongguo or Xiguo players, there would be no suppression here, only cooperation and mutual benefit.
"Wait a little longer! Striking while they are half-crossing is the most profitable tactic, but not the safest."
Ichigo said slowly: "The safest tactic, and the one with the highest benefit for us, should be for me to defeat their leader, then cripple the enemy, and let you mop up!"
Hearing Ichigo's words, Sister Mei was greatly moved.
It's different. It's really different.
Having Ichigo lead the players in the Soul Society was completely different from the previous era of Lan Da's dark oppression!
Ichigo had a sense of responsibility, had strength, and was willing to help all players grow!
Then naturally, he could not let down Ichigo!