บท 335: Chapter 335: Old Man's Plans
In the Third Division's captain's office, Rōjūrō Otoribashi held a sheet of music, humming a hauntingly beautiful melody. As the ominous aura of Hell descended, his expression changed slightly. He set down the sheet music and quickly walked out of the office, looking up into the distance with a slight catch in his breath.
"The Gate of Hell… that direction, it's the Shin'o Academy. Is it H'el?" Rōjūrō lightly placed his hand on the hilt of his zanpakutō. With graceful steps, he ascended into the sky, leaving behind an order for his squad to be on full alert and prepare to support as he flash-stepped toward the sky above the Shin'o Academy.
In the Fourth Division, the gentle and calm-looking Retsu Unohana, with her black hair parted and braided down the front, raised her head, frowning slightly at the appearance of the Gate of Hell.
She had already sensed the spiritual pressures of many captains, all moving toward the Shin'o Academy.
"Captain, it seems something is very wrong over there," said Kiyone Kotetsu, her face gaunt, as she hurried up behind Unohana.
"Prepare for medical treatment. I'll go see what's happening."
After giving the order, Unohana's captain's haori fluttered as she flash-stepped into the sky, joining the other captains heading toward the Shin'o Academy.
Inside the Fifth Division's barracks.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, this isn't something for you to get involved in." said Shinji Hirako, tilting his head back, glancing behind him with a wide grin, his serrated teeth showing, speaking with a tone full of meaning.
"This definitely looks unusual, so you better stay in the barracks and wait for my return."
Although Shinji was smiling, there was an odd edge to his demeanor, both wary and mocking toward the person behind him.
"I overstepped, Captain Hirako." Aizen, wearing black-framed glasses, smiled calmly, the sunlight reflecting off his lenses.
Facing Shinji's harsh words, Aizen maintained his composed, slightly apologetic smile as he continued, "I'll stay in the Fifth Division and coordinate the rescue efforts as needed."
Hearing Aizen's response, Shinji's eyes hesitated for a moment before narrowing slightly. Ultimately, confident in his ability to see through all of Aizen's deceptions, he laughed, "There's nothing you need to do. Just stay in the barracks."
With that, Shinji grabbed his zanpakutō and leaped into the sky, heading toward the Shin'o Academy.
Aizen, still bowing slightly in apology, lifted his head, his gaze following Shinji's retreating figure through the lenses of his glasses.
"Aizen, it seems Captain Hirako doesn't like you much," said Gin Ichimaru, appearing from around the corner, his eyes narrowed in a teasing smile.
A few days earlier, Gin had already joined the Fifth Division, handing over the book H'el had entrusted to him. And now, he was witnessing the unfolding confrontation within the Seireitei.
The appearance of the Gate of Hell clearly indicated that H'el was going all out. It was hard not to suspect that Aizen had orchestrated this.
Aizen smiled warmly, looking up at the sky where the Gate of Hell had appeared. He said, "I helped H'el place those ancient texts in the Great Spirit Book Gallery because I valued him. If anyone thinks I used underhanded tricks to cause all this, they underestimate both him and me."
In truth, Aizen had not schemed to orchestrate H'el's encounter with Tokida, nor had he any need to.
That the Gate of Hell had appeared could only mean that the Tsunayashiro family, who controlled the Great Spirit Book Gallery, had acted too arrogantly, provoking H'el to unleash his power, forcing that Family to reconsider their stance.
"I never said that," Gin replied, his smile unchanged. "And besides, he's not someone who would cause worry."
Even if he had released his shikai, Gin never intended to test himself against H'el. He knew that H'el's power was beyond his ability to gauge, and there was no need to try. He also understood that if H'el were serious, killing him would be as easy as turning a hand.
Such a person was beyond concern.
Aizen chuckled, "That's true. Let's go, then. Our job in the Fifth Division is to provide rescue. Let's get ready to assist those poor captains."
In the Sixth Division.
The Sixth Division is the noble guard, representing the interests and etiquette of the nobility, and upholding the order and rules of the Soul Society. The current captain is Ginrei Kuchiki, with his long silver hair and thick beard, exuding the dignity and seriousness of nobility.
From his vantage point in a tall building in the noble district of the Sixth Sector, he was the first to notice the abnormal situation at the Shin'o Academy, sensing the ominous aura of the Gate of Hell. His stern face remained composed, his eyes cautiously fixed on the appearance of the Gate of Hell.
"The Gate of Hell… why has it appeared above the Seireitei?" Ginrei's heart tightened with a sense of foreboding, though his expression remained unchanged as he watched the captains of the various divisions move toward the Shin'o Academy.
In the First Division.
The First Division's headquarters, embedded within the rocky mountain and overlooking much of the Seireitei, was where the Captain-Commander's office resided.
Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto sat, appearing like a dozing old man. His Captain-Commander's haori draped over him, he seemed slightly hunched, his heavy eyelids drooping. His hands rested on his wooden staff, his long white beard bound with a purple string, giving the impression of someone nearing the end of their life.
"It seems, young one, that you are dissatisfied with my arrangements." Yamamoto said, his eyelids heavy as he gazed in the direction of the Shin'o Academy.
Yamamoto's original intention was for H'el to attend the Shin'o Academy, to quietly learn while also forming bonds with peers and making friends. In doing so, he hoped H'el would understand some of the rules of the Seireitei. This way, by the time he graduated and joined a division, he would gradually become integrated into the Seireitei, forming attachments that would be hard to break.
Naturally, once H'el had these bonds, it would be difficult for him to abandon the Seireitei.
That way, he would control his power, preventing the Gate of Hell from appearing and potentially destroying those bonds and emotions—even sacrificing himself for the Seireitei wouldn't be out of the question.
But now, it was clear that H'el wasn't following the path Yamamoto had laid out.
"It seems I've grown old and too lenient with the younger generation." Yamamoto sighed, shaking his head with a bitter smile.
As he shook his head and smiled, the air in the entire office seemed to become still, as if an immense pressure was weighing down, stifling the very flow of the atmosphere.
°°°
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