"knock knock."
Hirako Shinji knocked on the door a few times before walking in with several papers in his hands, to which Muyang respond by raising his head from the pile of documents in front of him: "Several Hollows are sighted at West Rukongai District 68, requesting orders."
"West Rukongai District 64 is indeed under our Division's jurisdiction, but you should be able to handle something like this on your own, right? Why bother reporting it to me?"
Muyang said as he waved his hand as if telling Shinji to go away. Even though it was indeed not that far, usually the Hollow that wandered to Soul Society wasn't a strong one, so Shinji should be able to handle it by himself without bothering for every little thing.
"Well, you're right about that, but the problem is we're currently shorthanded to deal with this matter. Most Seated Officers basically had their hands full with other tasks."
"We've been too busy recently!" Muyang sighed as he didn't expect that they'd be shorthanded, "Which Seated Officers are available right now?"
"Only 9th Seat Suzuki Kusu and 14th Seat Morikawa Nomi can sortie right away at the moment."
"Are they the only ones left?" Muyang tapped the table lightly with his finger. This was kind of upsetting. How did other Seated Officers happen to be busy at a time like this?
"What did the 12th Division's report say?" Muyang suddenly asked as he raised his head.
"Judging from the Reiatsu, it is just a small fry, and the general Seated Officer should be able to deal with it."
"In that case..." Muyang fixed his sitting posture: "Have the 9th Seat Suzuki Kusu and 14th Seat Morikawa Nomi lead the team to deal with the Hollow."
"Understood." Shinji nodded and conveyed Muyang's order to the said Division Members.
Although Suzuki Kusu was inexperienced because she has only joined the team for a relatively short period of time, her skill was the real deal. Although she was currently serving as the 9th Seat, she was as skilled as the 6th Seat. Besides, Morikawa, who was more experienced, would accompany her, so they should have no problem finishing this task.
Muyang made sure to think his decision through before burying himself in the pile of books before him. He has been immersed in reading books ever since Hikifune Kirio mentioned 'Artificial Soul.' Now that their 10th Division was on the right track, he could spend his time on the so-called 'Artifical Soul'.
--------------------------
A hell butterfly suddenly flew in front of Shinji. Shinji, who was gazing at the scenery with his usual bored-looking face, reached out to receive the information from the hell butterfly. His bored-looking face was suddenly replaced into a serious one before he hurried to the Captain's Office.
"dam dam dam dam~"
Shinji could hear that the 1st Division was in commotion as he made his way back. The look on his face became more serious as he realized and the expression on his face became a little more solemn. The situation this time really was dire if even the 1st Division was alarmed.
"Kimura! West Rukongai..."
"I know!" Muyang immediately put on his Captain Haori and fixed the Zanpakuto around his waist before looking at Hirako Shinji. "I will head out."
"Attention to all Captain: please head to the 1st Division immediately as an emergency Captain's Meeting will be held; Attention to all Captain: please head to the 1st Division immediately as an emergency Captain's Meeting will be held."
"A Captain's Meeting at a time like this...?" Hirako Shinji hesitantly said.
"Shinji, go in my place and tell Captain-Commander about the situation. I can't leave my men in danger." Muyang smiled and patted Shinji's shoulder.
"Shua~"
Shinji was speechless for a moment after Muyang disappeared, but he immediately came back to his senses and rushed toward the 1st Division. As a Captain, Muyang rushed to his men's rescue, so he must complete the task that Captain entrusted to him as a Lieutenant.
--------------------------
"dong!"
"Captain's Meeting now begins," Yamamoto Genryūsai said as he glanced at the Captain one by one. "According to the 12th Division's report, an extremely powerful Reiatsu reaction was detected in West Rukongai District 64. Judging from the Reiatsu's property, it's safe to say that it belongs to Menos, and judging from the Reiatsu's intensity, it may be an Adjuchas or even Vasto Lorde!"
"Oho?" Kyōraku Shunsui habitually pressed his bamboo hat down. Even Adjuchas rarely made their way to Soul Society, yet this time it might be a Vasto Lorde! What made him even more concerned was that West Rukongai District 64 fell under the 10th Division's jurisdiction.
Kyōraku Shunsui glanced at the empty spot beside him, and his eyes happened to meet Hikifune Kirio's. As both their eyes met, they both caught onto the worries in their eyes.
"Dong dong dong ~"
Yamamoto Genryūsai looked towards the door and said solemnly: "Come in!"
As the gate opened, Hirako Shinji came in, panting, and immediately kneeled before saying, "Captain-Commander!"
"Hm?" Yamamoto Genryūsai glanced downwards, "I didn't remember letting a Lieutenant participate in Captain's Meeting."
Chōjirō Sasakibe immediately explained: "I'm sorry Captain-Commander, Lieutenant Hirako said that he has an important report to make, so I let him in."
"Hm." Yamamoto Genryūsai nodded before asking Hirako Shinji solemnly: "10th Division Lieutenant Hirako Shinji, what pressing matter do you have to report to barge into a Captain's Meeting?..." Yamamoto Genryūsai noticed that Kyōraku Shunsui and Hikifune Kirio were looking at one empty spot, "Can you explain why Captain Kimura did not attend this Captain's Meeting?"
Even someone like Shinji felt the pressure after Yamamoto asked a question. However, he immediately took a deep breath to calm himself down and made his report: "I received a report from the 12th Division that a Hollow was sighted at West Rukonai District 64 this morning. According to the report, it's just a weak hollow, so I sent our 9th and 14th Seat to deal with the Hollow. However, just now, I received the information that it turns out to be a Menos, and Captain Kimura already head to the scene because he's worried about our 9th and 14th Seat.
After listening to Shinji's report, Yamamoto Genryūsai's eyes were slightly opened, and he slammed down his crutch: "Nonsense! He went by himself without an order. He'll be held accountable after we resolve this problem."
"I will now send a Captain and two Lieutenants to West Rukongai District 64 to join Captain Kimura and deal with this matter."
"8th Division Captain Kyōraku Shunsui, 2nd Division Lieutenant Shihōin Yoruichi, 10th Division Lieutenant Hirako Shinji, the three people above are to cooperate with Captain Muyang to defeat the Menos Grande in West Rukongai District 64 and investigate the reason behind its sudden emergence in Soul Society!"
"As for the rest of the Captains, return to your posts. Don't let your guard down, and be ready for further orders! Dismiss!"
"Shua~"
The Assembly Hall was suddenly empty as everyone returned to their post with a grim look on their face. It couldn't be helped considering the circumstances. It certainly was not something unheard of for a Hollow to wander into Soul Society, but for it to be an Adjuchas or Vasto Lorde was certainly unprecedented. Although Shinigami has fought Hollow for as long as they could remember, they barely knew anything about Hollow. Could this commotion be some sort of a sign?
"Captain-Commander even send Captain Kyōraku to help Li'l Yangyang... Is he merely worried about Li'l Yangyang, or is there something more to this?
Hikifune Kirio contemplated Yamamoto Genryūsai's decision. Kyōraku Shunsui, after all, was Yamamoto Genryūsai's disciple and one of the Captains who had served the longest. Hence, his skill was undeniable, and since Yamamoto Genryūsai sent him personally, he must have another reason.
----------------
"Captain Kyōraku, shouldn't we wait for Lieutenant Shihōin?"
Shinji couldn't help but ask Kyōraku Shunsui this question because he just rushed towards West Rukongai District 64 without waiting for Yoruichi.
"Who are you waiting for again?"
This voice is...
Hirako Shinji turned around in surprise, only to find Yoruichi was already beside him before he knew it, "Lieutenant Shihōin, since when did you?"
"Hmph," Yoruichi replied with a smug. "I won't fall behind to anyone when it comes to Shunpo."
"Now that Lieutenant Shihōin has caught up, let's pick up the pace. This is a dire situation, after all. One second can decide everything."
"Mhm!" Hirako Shinji and Shihōin Yoruichi nodded, then the three of them picked up their pace and quickly rushed to West Rukongai District 64.
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"The first group will be attacking head-on, the second group from the flank, the third group from the rear, while the fourth group remains on standby in case any problem arises."
Suzuki Kusu commanded the Division Members she brought and waved her hands as the sign to begin the operation. Although she has only joined the Division recently, it wasn't a problem for her to deal with a Hollow like the one before her with her skill.
After everyone commenced the battle with the Hollow, Suzuki Kusu sighed in relief as she saw the Division Members fought the Hollow organizedly. Even though she was the one who came up with the plan, it couldn't be helped if she was nervous as this was her first time taking command in a fight.
"Awesome! Well done, 9th Seat Suzuki." Morikawa Nomi said as she walked toward Suzuki Kusu. This girl that joined her Division recently was truly worth praising. She immediately secured a Seated Officer position with her skill right after joining. Moreover, she was also good at formulating tactics and handling other matters. The most important thing was that she was very humble and close with other Division Members. Almost all Division Members adored this girl.
"It's all thanks to your help, Senpai." Suzuki Kusu looked at Morikawa Nomi said with a smile.
"You are the 9th Seat now. There's no need to call me Senpai anymore."
Suzuki Kusu smiled bashfully: "There's no way I can do that. I won't be where I am now without your help, Senpai."
Morikawa Nomi just smiled helplessly. Even after becoming the 9th Seat, this girl named Suzuki Kusu was as humble as ever. She might remain unchanged even if she became a Captain. Then again, becoming a Captain was nothing but a pipe dream for ordinary people like them.
"We've dealt with the Hollow, 9th Seat Suzuki. Should we head back now?" One of the Division Members ran over to ask for further orders. The Division Members already finished off the Hollow while the two of them were talking.
"Good work, everyone! You all must be tired, so let's take a quick break." Suzuki Kusu said out of consideration after seeing the Division Members panting.
Even though they were non-rank Officers, they managed to defeat the Hollow with excellent teamwork. Fortunately, there was no casualty even though some of them did get injured.
"Awesome! Captain will definitely reward you once we return." Morikawa Nomi praised Suzuki Kusu's leadership which allowed them to survive with no casualties.
"Captain Kimura?" Suzuki Kusu suddenly got bashful when she thought of Muyang.
"Aaaah!"
"What is it!"
"Damn it! Get in formation, everyone!"
There was a commotion among the Division Members that have been resting, which drew Suzuki Kusu's attention, and that was when she saw a scene that shocked her. A figure scuttled across the Division Members, followed by screams and blood spurting all over the place. By the time Suzuki Kusu and Morokawa Nomi saw what happened, everyone else was already dead.
"This is...!"
Suzuki Kusu slumped weakly to the ground when she realized everyone else that was still laughing a second ago now died, and she couldn't even react until they all died. Despite how skilled she was, she was just a newbie not long ago, so it couldn't be helped if she was traumatized after witnessing such a thing with her own eyes.
"That's pretty good~" A hoarse voice broke the silence. Even though the rest of the Division Members were already dead, Morikawa Nomi was unshaken and watched the figure earlier vigilantly. After all, Shinigami was the closest being to death, and she has been one for so long.
"This is... Hollow!!!"
Seeing the white mask on the creature's face, Morikawa Nomi shouted in response, and her complexion immediately changed.
"Shinigami is as delicious as usual!" the Hollow that popped out of nowhere maniacally said as he stuck out his long tongue and licked the remaining blood on the corner of his mouth.
"Using some Low-Level Hollow as a bait turns out to be a pretty good idea!"
"What!? Bait!?"
Hearing this Hollow's words, Morikawa Nomi's pupils dilated. To think that the Hollow before her actually used Low-Level Hollow as bait to lure Shinigami!
"Suzuki!"
"Everyone's..." Suzuki Kusu was trembling and her eyes were filled with panic and fear.
"Suzuki!!" Morikawa Nomi yelled to snap Suzuki Kusu back to her senses: "You are 10th Division 9th Seat! Get yourself together already!"
"But...everyone is..."
"Yeah, but there's nothing we can do about it now." Morikawa Nomi said as she turned her back at Suzuki Kusu. "We are Shinigami, the ones that dealt with death and closest being to death itself. It's exactly because everyone has died now that we must live stronger for their sake!"
"Don't forget that you are the 9th Seat of the 10th Division!"
"Yes!"
The look on Suzuki Kusu's eyes finally changed. She was the 9th Seat of the 10th Division. Even if she did go down here, she didn't want to tarnish the 10th Division's name! She had decided to fight until the last moment. This may be her last fight, and maybe she will die here today, but even if she did die, she had no intention to throw away her pride as a Shinigami, much less her pride as the 10th Division's 9th Seat!
"Suzuki, I will hold this Hollow off. So take this opportunity to escape as far as possible."
"Senpai!"
"This Hollow is not something we can handle. You are young and talented. Live!"
"No! there's no way I can escape on my own while you're here fighting the Hollow!"
"Suzuki!" Morikawa Nomi shouted and turned her head towards Suzuki Kusu, "This is probably the last thing I can teach you as a Senpai. When facing the worst situation possible, we must give hope to the young ones so that our soul and pride will live on inside them!"
"Senpai!" Suzuki Kusu looked at Morikawa Nomi with complex eyes.
"Shinigami, are you done with your little chat?" The Hollow before them said mockingly, "Those Shinigami is pretty delicious, but I'm sure they're not as good as you two. It seems that you are the so-called Seated Officer. I wonder how you will amuse me!"
"Crush, Ryuuho!"
Morikawa Nomi used Shikai right off the bat. She wouldn't last a second if she hesitated to use a Shikai against an enemy of this level.
"Waterfall impact!"
As Morikawa Nomi waved Zanpakuto in his hand, a stream of water immediately entangled the Hollow, restricting its movement.
"Run, Suzuki!" Morikawa Nomi immediately yelled at Suzuki Kusu after keeping the Hollow down.
"I···"
Seeing Suzuki Kusu still hesitated to escape on her own that Morikawa Nomi couldn't help but shout out of frustration: "What are you waiting for? Run! Don't let my sacrifice go to waste! "
Seeing the Morikawa Nomi's face, Suzuki Kusu gritted her teeth and ran away with tears dripping from her eyes. If only she were strong enough, everyone would not have to die like this. If only she were strong enough, Morikawa senpai didn't have to sacrifice herself to let her escape. If only she were strong enough...
Then use my power!
An obscene voice called out from the depth of Suzuki Kusu's heart.
Suzuki Kusu's vision gradually blurred, and a silhouette that screamed red when it came to appearance, suddenly popped out in front of Suzuki Kusu. The figure wore red clothes with red hair and a pair of demonic red eyes. The figure was shrouded by smoke, making it hard to completely distinguish its appearance, but its pair of red eyes were like the eyes that saw through everything.
"Why didn't you use my power? If you use my power, you can still easily escape even if you can't defeat that enemy!"
The red silhouette whispered teasingly in Suzuki Kusu's ear.
"No! No! No!" Suzuki Kusu shook his head desperately, "I won't use that despicable ability!"
"Then you insist on not using my power and just let your comrade sacrifice herself? I never thought you're that heartless."
"Huh?" Suzuki Kusu suddenly stopped in her tracks, and the figure's words kept looping in her mind.
"Aaaaah!!!" Suzuki Kusu's body shook when she heard the scream. She turned around only to find Morikawa Nomi's body was pierced by the Hollow's claw.
Suzuki Kusu saw Morikawa Nomi said something, although she couldn't hear it. However, Suzuki Kusu was well aware that the word her Senpai just uttered in her last moment was "Live!"
"Psskkk" The Hollow pulled out the claw that he rammed into Morikawa Nomi's body and licked the blood smeared in its claw and looked towards Suzuki Kusu: "Delicious! You are the last one, Shinigami. I hope you can entertain me better. This Shinigami was just so boring."
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