The moment Ichimaru Gin spoke, every gaze in the hall shifted toward him.
Eyes moved back and forth between Ichimaru Gin and Ryūjin Uchiha. It was obvious to everyone that Captain Ichimaru Gin was deliberately targeting Captain Uchiha Ryūjin.
A brief silence passed before realization dawned on them one after another.
There had been rumors that on the day Ichimaru Gin lost his arm, Ryūjin had visited the Third Division, and the two seemed to have clashed.
Could it be that Ichimaru Gin's arm had been severed by Ryūjin?
If that were true, then his current provocation made perfect sense.
However, Ryūjin himself saw things differently.
Ichimaru Gin was not the type to act on impulse. This was clearly a calculated move, likely directed by Aizen, meant to provoke him into accepting the mission.
Still, Ryūjin did not care.
Even without the provocation, he had already planned to head to The Void Land. There might be something worth signing in for there. Ichimaru Gin's scheme was unnecessary.
"Captain Ichimaru Gin, do you really need to stick your nose into my business?"
Ryūjin turned his head slightly, his tone sharp and dismissive.
"Did losing an arm mess with your head too?"
The tension in the room spiked instantly.
The captains exchanged glances. It seemed increasingly likely that something serious had happened between the two.
"My mistake," Ichimaru Gin replied lightly, then said nothing more.
"Captain Commander, Captain Ichimaru Gin actually has a point."
Ryūjin shifted his attention forward.
"Thanks to your decision, I joined the Eleventh Division, but I haven't done much for the Seireitei so far."
"This is a good chance to contribute. And…"
A faint grin appeared on his face.
"If Vice-Captain Kenpachi finds out I skipped a mission like this, he might tear the Eleventh Division apart."
A low ripple of laughter spread through the room. Everyone knew exactly what kind of person Kenpachi Zaraki was.
That was not an exaggeration. It was entirely within his nature.
"Ukitake, your intentions are understood, but your physical condition is not suitable for this mission."
Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni spoke steadily.
"You will not participate. Now then, aside from Captain Hitsugaya and Captain Ryūjin, who else is willing to go?"
"Captain Commander, I will go as well."
A calm and gentle voice cut in.
Aizen stepped forward.
Surprise flickered across several faces. His participation was unexpected.
It was not a question of loyalty. Every division had its role.
The Tenth Division handled patrol and security. The Eleventh Division specialized in combat. It made sense for them to take on this mission.
But the Fifth Division was a support unit. They handled recovery and post-battle operations, rarely engaging directly in combat.
Much like the Fourth Division under Unohana Retsu, whose role was medical support.
Even during major conflicts, they remained behind the lines.
For a mission like this, divisions such as the Second, Third, Sixth, or Eighth would have been more suitable.
"Captain Commander, the situation in The Void Land is unusual this time. The number of Hollows is quite high."
Aizen adjusted his glasses slightly.
"My ability is well suited for dealing with large groups. That is why I request to participate."
His explanation was reasonable.
Yamamoto and the other captains quickly accepted it without doubt.
Aizen's zanpakutō allowed him to manipulate perception through reflections, using mist and water particles to confuse enemies and even turn them against each other.
In an environment like The Void Land, where dense fog lingered constantly, his ability would be especially effective.
At that moment, Ryūjin understood.
So this was Aizen's real objective.
Aizen did not care about the fate of the Soul Society. Even if countless Hollows flooded it, he would not blink.
First, Ichimaru Gin provoked him to ensure his participation. Then Aizen volunteered as well.
The intention was obvious.
He wanted Ryūjin to witness his Shikai.
Everyone in the Seireitei had already seen Aizen's Shikai, meaning they were all vulnerable to his hypnosis.
That was why Ichigo Kurosaki had been their only hope in the past. He was the only one who had not seen it.
Now, Ryūjin was in the same position.
Given his strength, Aizen would never allow such an exception to remain.
Of course, that was only part of the plan.
The other objective was to obtain Ryūjin's blood.
"Captain Hitsugaya, Captain Ryūjin, and Captain Aizen, I leave this mission to the three of you."
Yamamoto made the decision without hesitation.
With that, the matter was settled.
After the meeting, the captains dispersed. At the entrance of the First Division barracks, Hitsugaya, Ryūjin, and Aizen paused briefly to coordinate.
"Captain Hitsugaya, Captain Ryūjin, both of you are among the finest talents in the Soul Society."
Aizen spoke smoothly.
"My Kyōka Suigetsu is primarily supportive, and the Fifth Division is not suited for direct combat. Once we arrive, the main fighting will fall to your divisions."
"My role will be to support you and create the best possible conditions. What do you think?"
Hitsugaya nodded without hesitation. To him, this was only logical.
The Fifth Division would only hinder them in direct combat.
Aizen seemed fully aware of his place.
Ryūjin, however, sneered inwardly.
This was nothing more than preparation. A setup to use his Shikai in front of him later.
Still, Ryūjin did not care.
If seeing it made Aizen lower his guard, then so be it.
Kyōka Suigetsu controlled the five senses.
But Ryūjin had more than that.
Observation Haki alone would make it difficult for Aizen's illusions to affect him.
And beyond that, his Eternal Mangekyo and Rinnegan might be immune altogether.
"Captain Aizen, just don't get in the Eleventh Division's way when the fighting starts."
Ryūjin's tone was blunt and dismissive.
That was enough.
With their roles agreed upon, the three returned to their respective divisions and prepared to depart.
"A Hollow outbreak? Finally."
Kenpachi Zaraki's grin stretched wide as soon as he heard.
"After all this time, I can finally cut loose again."
He gripped his zanpakutō tightly, excitement radiating from him.
The Eleventh Division responded in kind. Their energy surged, eager for battle.
Only Yumichika Ayasegawa looked mildly exasperated.
Before long, Ryūjin led his division to the Black Gate.
Hitsugaya and Aizen arrived shortly after with their own forces.
"Three divisions? What a joke."
Kenpachi scoffed the moment he saw them.
"Captain Hitsugaya, Captain Aizen, just go back. We can handle this alone."
He clearly did not want to share the battlefield.
Hitsugaya ignored him completely.
"Vice-Captain Kenpachi, the Fifth Division is here only for support," Aizen said calmly.
"We will not interfere with your fighting."
"Then keep your people out of our way," Kenpachi replied with open disdain.
"A bunch of dead weight."
The Fifth Division members bristled but held their tongues.
"By order of the Captain Commander, open the Black Gate."
Hitsugaya addressed the guard.
Recognizing the urgency, Danzōmaru immediately complied.
The gate opened.
The three divisions moved out together, heading through North Rukongai until they reached a desolate wasteland.
The area was even more barren than District 80.
Spiritual pressure fluctuated wildly, creating an oppressive atmosphere.
Ahead, dense fog filled the landscape, limiting visibility.
This was The Void Land.
Without needing orders, the Shinigami became alert.
They advanced carefully, scanning their surroundings.
After eight kilometers, they found signs of battle.
The ground bore scars of combat, and scattered droplets of blood remained.
The scale of the earlier fight had been significant.
"These are Hollow traces. More than one."
Hitsugaya's expression hardened.
"Not just ordinary Hollows either."
Aizen adjusted his glasses as he added his observation.
Suddenly, a faint scream echoed through the fog, then vanished.
Everyone tensed.
A blur shot forward.
Kenpachi Zaraki had already rushed in, disappearing into the mist with his zanpakutō in hand.
Completely reckless, exactly as expected.
"Everyone, maintain first-level alert."
Hitsugaya issued orders immediately.
"Third Seat Shion, continue scouting with the others. The lieutenant and I will investigate."
Before they could move, another scream rang out.
Different from the first.
Hitsugaya and Matsumoto exchanged a glance.
Without hesitation, both used Shunpo and rushed toward the source.
===
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