Capítulo 40: Chapter 40: Urgency
Without another word, Unohana turned her attention away from Makoto, instead directing her inquiry toward the Fifth Rescue Unit, who were present in the room, about the tasks for the day.
At first, Makoto, who had been focused on his meal, paid little mind. However, as the details of the task were revealed, his eyes subtly narrowed.
In Rukongai, strange occurrences had been reported: some residents were experiencing a mysterious loss of their souls.
This time, the responsibility of patrol duty had fallen to the Tenth Division's Vice Captain, who had requested the Fourth Division to dispatch the Fifth Rescue Unit to assist in investigating the phenomenon, to determine the cause of the missing souls.
Unohana, stationed in the Fourth Division, was intrigued by the report. Taking the opportunity to treat the exhausted Fifth Rescue Unit to a meal, she also aimed to learn more about the specifics of the soul disappearance incident.
In response to her inquiries, Aoki Chiyoko of the Fifth Squad provided a detailed account of the event.
The phenomenon of missing souls was occurring in a particularly impoverished and remote area of Rukongai, which was why the Tenth Division, responsible for patrols, had only recently discovered the issue. Initial estimates indicated that over a hundred residents had lost their souls, though many more were still unaccounted for.
Unohana frowned. "This can't be a simple disease, can it?"
Chiyoko shook her head solemnly. "No, Captain. I led the Fifth Squad to carefully examine all the affected residents. While the loss of soul energy has led to irreversible depletion of their spiritual essence, a drastic decrease in their lifespan, and a loss of certain emotions, there is no consistent pattern among the missing souls. It does not appear to be a disease or any known condition."
Unohana nodded thoughtfully. "In that case, the possibilities are many. It could be the work of a high-intelligence Hollow able to conceal its spiritual pressure, or perhaps some unknown creature from the Soul Society, or even the result of a Zanpakutō's ability…"
Hearing this last suggestion, the Fifth Rescue Unit couldn't help but shudder slightly.
"No… surely not, Captain," Chiyoko said incredulously. "Could a Zanpakutō really have an ability that requires it to devour souls? And why would a Shinigami be involved in such dark deeds?"
"Who knows?" Unohana replied noncommittally, before adding, "In any case, you've all worked hard today. Please, get some rest."
"Thank you, Captain," the squad responded in unison.
As the banquet came to a close, Unohana led the now-stuffed Makoto away, heading toward the garden.
"Makoto, your expression seemed a little off when we were discussing the soul disappearance. Do you have any thoughts on the matter?"
Suddenly, Unohana spoke, looking at him.
Makoto shook his head. "No… this is the first time I've heard of something like this. It's just… shocking."
"Mm..." Unohana nodded. "When we investigated the residents with missing souls, Chiyoko overlooked something. I intend to personally confirm it tomorrow. You should come with me."
Makoto paused for a moment, then nodded in agreement.
Perhaps, he thought, he hadn't really considered rejecting her invitation.
"As for the position, i will just notify you."
"Rest well. After you wake up tomorrow, we'll set off..."
Within Unohana's gentle farewell, Makoto returned to his room, his eyes heavy with an air of solemnity and gloom.
A small-scale soul... is missing?!
Makoto was no longer an inexperienced Shinigami. His mastery of medical techniques made it clear that this was no simple matter. It seemed that Unohana had also recognized the problem, which was likely why she had decided to personally visit the Rukongai tomorrow.
Normally, there were no known diseases that could cause the loss of a small portion of a soul. If this was the work of a Hollow, however, it would be illogical, since Hollows typically devour entire souls, not just parts of them.
Besides that, the only other possibilities were an unknown creature, or the ability of a Zanpakuto.
The former could pose a significant threat to the Soul Society, while the latter suggested something disturbingly sinister.
At that moment, Makoto couldn't help but think of one person—Aizen Sosuke—and his recent mention of the technique to strip a Shinigami of their powers!
Could it be that Aizen has already begun conducting experiments in the Rukongai?
Using Shinigamis as test subjects would be too easy for the Seireitei to detect, so he might have chosen the Rukongai as his target instead.
Or maybe Aizen has started manufacturing the Hogyoku?
For a brief moment, Makoto was overwhelmed by an intense sense of crisis and urgency, realizing that the approaching catastrophe would be far beyond his current capabilities.
Although, after his recent encounter with Aizen, Makoto had chosen to have Unohana Retsu refuse further contact with Aizen under the guise of the Fourth Division, he hoped that this would not arouse Aizen's suspicion or hostility...
But still, it was hard to say whether Aizen might include an innocent person like him in his experiments. A single misshap could be catastrophic.
After a moment of contemplation, Makoto pushed aside his mounting concerns and resolved to follow Unohana to the Rukongai tomorrow to investigate the situation.
Then, he placed his Zanpakuto between his legs and began his training for the day.
His eyes darkened...
The next moment, Makoto found himself once again in the familiar blue sky and grassy plains, instinctively preparing for an attack.
Ever since six months ago, when Makoto had proactively requested to train in Bankai with Shinro Bansho, the latter had become increasingly ruthless.
At first, Shinro Bansho had been reluctant to cause harm to Makoto, but once the training began in earnest, the spirit seemed to delight in brutally and creatively killing Makoto over and over again. Now, it had escalated to the point where Shinro Bansho would begin torturing him with various baseless accusations, just to amuse itself.
For example: "Despicable, vile, shameless, loathsome perverted master... all kinds of slanders!"
This constant torment was starting to push Makoto to the edge, to the point where he feared the next encounter would be yet another "punishment."
However, unexpectedly, Shinro Bansho appeared in front of him today, its expression inexplicably sorrowful and silent.
Tensing up, Makoto warily asked, "Shinro Bansho? What's wrong?"
"Master..."
Shinro Bansho floated up to Makoto and looked at him with concern, replying, "This should be a question for me to ask you, Master-chan."
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