"Whoosh!"
Right after Tōsen Kaname issued the order to hunt down Fūjin Taichi, Itō Jungo immediately performed a spirit incantation, drawing black runes across both arms. He then spread his palms forward and began chanting:
"Silken net of black and white! Twenty-two bridges, sixty-six crowning sash; footprints, distant thunder, pointed peaks, revolving grounds, nightly prostrations, sea of clouds, the pale ranks of troops, complete the grand circle and surpass the heavens!
Bakudō #77 — Tenteikūra!!"
At once, strands of blue spiritual energy shot from his fingertips, rapidly weaving together in midair into a net-like reiatsu that spread outward. In an instant, it was captured by Shinigami stationed throughout Seireitei.
"Transmission… successful. Next—"
Blue light shimmered in Itō Jungo's eyes as he clearly and firmly relayed Tōsen's order:
"Captains, Vice-Captains, and Acting Vice-Captains of the Gotei Thirteen — this is Ninth Division Third Seat Itō Jungo!
Urgent intelligence from Captain Tōsen Kaname: Former First Division Vice-Captain Fūjin Taichi is confirmed to have privately assisted the Ryoka in invading Soul Society.
All divisions are hereby ordered to immediately commence a manhunt!"
"..."
Seeing he could not change Tōsen's resolve, Hisagi Shūhei sighed quietly and continued verifying the identities of First Division members.
Meanwhile, as Itō's message reached the ears of every captain and vice-captain, it sent shockwaves through them.
...
"What?! Fūjin Taichi?! There must be some misunderstanding! No — I have to go to the Head Captain!"
Despite being ill and recuperating, Ukitake Jūshirō hastily put on his captain's haori and headed toward the First Division headquarters.
...
Tenth Division Barracks
"Damn it! What happened? Why is Taichi suddenly being hunted?!"
Shiba Kaien frowned deeply, staring toward the First Division barracks in troubled silence.
...
Western District of Seireitei – An Unknown Street
"Tch. Boring."
While sprinting forward, Zaraki Kenpachi snorted and asked the pink-haired girl on his shoulder:
"You're sure the strongest Ryoka ran this way, Yachiru?"
"Yup yup! My sixth sense is the strongest in Soul Society, Ken-chan! Hurry up!"
Kusajishi Yachiru giggled, pointing toward a nearby alley.
"..."
Madarame Ikkaku and Ayasegawa Yumichika glanced at the obvious dead end, exchanged a knowing look, and wisely kept their mouths shut as they followed Kenpachi at full speed.
...
Twelfth Division – Underground Research and Development Bureau
"Keh heh heh… I've finally waited for this day, Fūjin Taichi."
Kurotsuchi Mayuri grinned hideously.
"Last time in the Human World you ruined my experiment… This time I can dissect you openly and properly! Nemu — bring him to me alive."
"Yes."
Nemu knew he was referring to the incident years ago when Fūjin Taichi saved the Quincy Ishida Sōken and others from being devoured by five Menos Grande.
Mayuri, obsessed with researching Quincies, had held a grudge ever since — always intending to someday carve Taichi apart for "academic purposes."
...
Eighth Division – Newly Restored Barracks
"My my… Fūjin really is a hard man to figure out."
Kyōraku Shunsui sighed, lowering his face beneath his straw hat.
"Third Seat Tsunayashiro — I'll leave this matter to you."
"Yes, Captain! Thank you for granting me the opportunity."
Tsunayashiro Tokio's lips curled into a sinister smile.
Damn you, Taichi… Finally I get the chance to properly deal with you.
...
Second Division – Corridor
"Go, Ōmaeda. Don't disappoint me — or I won't hesitate to kill you."
The petite Soi Fon spoke coldly to the bulky Ōmaeda Marechiyo.
"Just watch, Captain! I'll end that man's crimes with my ultimate technique!"
Beaming with confidence, Ōmaeda thumped his chest and departed.
...
Fourth Division Barracks
Kotetsu Isane, who had been drying medicinal herbs, set down her tool and looked toward Unohana Retsu.
"Captain, should I—"
"Isane. Focus on your work."
Without turning around, Unohana Retsu said calmly:
"Until the truth is clear, do not make hasty decisions."
"…Yes. I understand."
Isane nodded and returned to drying herbs, setting aside thoughts of the manhunt.
...
Kuchiki Estate – Outer Hall
Kuchiki Rukia knelt respectfully outside the room and spoke to the figure within.
"Brother, I would like—"
"No."
Kuchiki Byakuya's calm gaze drifted past the eaves of the doorway and settled upon the rows of cherry blossom trees in the courtyard. He spoke slowly:
"No matter what it is you wish to do, my answer is only one — 'No.'"
"But, Brother! Taichi needs my help right now!!"
Kuchiki Rukia said urgently,
"The entire Soul Society now sees him as an enemy… If I don't help him—"
"I have already said this, Rukia."
Byakuya withdrew his gaze and looked at her directly.
"The noble houses have their own laws and their own rules. You… must abandon this thought."
...
On the stone-paved road leading to the Third Division barracks—
"Captain…" Kira Izuru called hesitantly as he followed behind Ichimaru Gin.
"Oh? Kira…"
Gin glanced back at him slightly.
"If there's something you want to do, then go do it.
Whether you kill him or save him, do as you please. I'll pretend I know nothing."
..
Eastern District of Seireitei — Inside the Shiba Clan Dojo at the outer edge of Batsuran Street—
"Mother… what's wrong?"
A five- or six-year-old boy stopped mid-swing and asked Shiba Miyako.
"It's nothing…"
Miyako came back to herself and smiled gently at the child.
"Shinta, this Heaven's No-Mind Style swordsmanship was derived from your Teacher Fūjin's Wind-Controlling Sword Style.
Its essence lies in perseverance — and decisive killing intent.
So… do not stop. Continue swinging your sword."
...
Inside the Genryū Hall, Division 1:
"Hmm…"
Yamamoto Genryūsai stared silently at the tea tray before him for a long moment before speaking in a deep voice to Sasakibe Chōjirō behind him:
"Chōjirō. Immediately summon all vice-captains to pursue Fūjin Taichi. If he resists, execute him on the spot."
"I understand!"
Sasakibe straightened sharply, bowed to Yamamoto, and hurried toward the Second Auxiliary Chamber.
Due to the "Ryoka invasion," only four vice-captains were present in the chamber at this time: Kasumioji Hoku, Matsumoto Rangiku, Abarai Renji, and Iba Tetsuzaemon.
"That concludes the Captain-Commander's order."
After relaying Yamamoto's command, Sasakibe solemnly emphasized:
"All vice-captains are hereby ordered to immediately pursue the criminal Fūjin Taichi. If attacked, you are authorized to execute the criminal on the spot.
Furthermore, no one is permitted to show favoritism toward the criminal. Any such conduct will be treated as complicity and punished accordingly."