User blog:Wesker1984-fduser/Bleach: Can’t Fear Your Own World - Official Light Novel

For any fans who love to visit this awesome wiki i decided to share a summary of the events told in the recently released official light novel of Bleach set between the defeat of Yhwach but before the epilogue of the manga. Answering many questions left behind after the rushed end of our beloved franchise.

EDIT: Chapter 3 and 4 Posted !

Bleach: Can’t Fear Your Own World - Chapter 1

- The introduction takes place just after the war ended - The Soul King's death is kept secret from Soul Society inhabitants and most of the Shinigami soldiers - Ichibe oversees the preparations for the new lynchpin in the Throne Room - Shunsui appears and has a talk with Ichibe - Ichibe's original plan for the "worst case scenario" was to seal Ichigo as the new Soul King - Ichigo being sealed is what Shunsui meant when he told Ichigo's friends he may not be able to return - Ichibe thought Ichigo would definitely lose against Yhwach - There was no need to use Ichigo as the Soul King because Yhwach completely absorbed its powers - Shunsui looks at the "lynchpin" and asks Ichibe whether what he's doing is obeying to the will of the Soul King or the will of the first Heads of the Five Noble Houses - (unsure about this part) Ichibe asks Shunsui if he has the same hostility towards the current Heads, but Shunsui replies he considers them to be his friends and comrades in the Gotei 13, and that they shouldn't hold the burden of their ancestors' sins

- Grimmjow storms into the Throne Room, he's followed by Neliel and Harribel - The Wandenreich building where Harribel was imprisoned was brought to the Soul King Palace when Yhwach remodeled it - Nobody knows why Harribel was captured now that Yhwach is dead - Neliel rescued Harribel - Grimmjow confronts Ichibe because he believes the Shinigami will turn on them now - Ichibe calmly tells him they can go back to Hueco Mundo - Ichibe explains that purifying Hollows and the millions of souls they hold in the present condition would upset the shaky balance of the worlds - Grimmjow still wants to settle things with Ichigo - Harribel looks at the lynchpin preparation and says she can understand why Aizen would hate that - Harribel wants to pay back her debt to the Shinigami (?), but Shunsui replies it's all right as long as they just lay low in Hueco Mundo - The Hollow group leaves - Ichibe leaves the Throne Room to wake up the other Royal Guards - Shunsui questions what he meant by "wake up", as he thought they had been killed by the Schutzstaffel - (really unsure about this part) Ichibe explains that the Royal Guards have had their reiatsu fused with the Soul King Palace, so as long as something remains of the Palace, they'll get revived after hearing their names - Shunsui comments they narrowly escaped death this time, because if Yhwach had survived the battle, the last remnants of the Palace would have been replaced by Wahrwelt

- Oetsu got revived by Ichibe, he is deep under his Phoenix Palace with Mera - A special zanpakuto was sealed in the ocean Ichigo evaporated, but its seal was destroyed and the sword stolen while Oetsu was away - The zanpakuto soldiers who were left to guard it were all defeated, they're being healed by Tokie and Nonomi (Oetsu's zanpakuto assistants) - Oetsu is angered, but it's "different from the time he was facing Yhwach" - The wounds on the zanpakuto guards are strange, some have burns, some have parts of their body frozen, some are paralyzed, poisoned, have holes in their body, or had their limbs crushed - Mera suspects the enemy attacked with large numbers, but one of the guards regains consciousness and corrects her, explaining there was only one attacker - Mera doesn't believe a single person could have so many different abilities, but Oetsu seems to have an idea who the thief could have been - The stolen zanpakuto is named "Ikomiki Domoe" (已己巳己巴) - Oetsu suspects the thief is from one of the Four Noble Houses

- Several days after the end of the war, the remaining Lille birds that fell from the Palace have been eliminated - Orihime has helped the 4th division heal the Shinigami soldiers, even reviving some of them. However, bodies that have been almost completely destroyed or were outright annihilated can't be revived - In the end, despite Orihime's efforts, the Shinigami still suffered many losses - Shunsui talks for a bit with Aizen before sending him to Muken, Shunsui is wary because even Aizen's "words" can be part of a plan - Aizen wished he could have talked more with Ichigo, but Urahara didn't let him - Ichigo should've been the one to seal him, but it was too risky to give Aizen an opportunity to mess with his inner Hollow - Ichigo is currently staying at the Shiba Shrine with Isshin and Orihime - Shunsui sarcastically tells Aizen "Well then, I pray that you'll be an ally of Soul Society after you finish your sentence", but Aizen doubts Soul Society will still be around by then - Aizen asks Shunsui if he saw Soul Society's original sin in the Soul King Palace - Shunsui notices Aizen has the same expression as Harribel, but he doesn't want to answer his question because other Shinigami are present - Aizen mocks Shunsui as he seems to not be comfortable talking about Soul Society's sins, but Hisagi appears and interrupts him - Hisagi had been healed by Orihime, but it took a few days for him to recover his reiatsu, so he had been in a coma since Lille shot him - Kensei still is a zombie, and is currently undergoing treatment in Mayuri's recovery pod - Hisagi rushed to see Aizen after waking up, because he wanted to talk with the man Tosen decided to follow - Hisagi asks Aizen how he could have manipulated Tousen into joining him, but Aizen explains Tousen was working with him since before Hisagi joined the Shinigami - Hisagi is conflicted, he thinks back to Komamura telling him to let go of his revenge, but he can't forgive Aizen

- Hisagi is angered, and tells Aizen that even though he helped out against Yhwach, he'll be his enemy for all eternity as the man who killed Tousen - Aizen smiles and replies "Aren't you talking about eternity too lightly? After all, even Tousen's beliefs weren't eternal." - Hisagi is furious, but Aizen says he seems to be misunderstanding something - He didn't kill Tousen to punish him for being defeated, killing him was "his mercy" - Neither Hisagi, Shunsui, nor the other Shinigami understand what he meant - Hisagi asks him what that "mercy" was, and Aizen explains that if he had let Tousen leave back then, he'd have undoubtedly been healed by Orihime or Unohana. But if Tousen had survived, he'd have fallen into despair and been tormented by his own heart. As such, killing him was an act of mercy for his most loyal subordinate. - Hisagi still doesn't really get what he means, so Aizen tells him the time will come when he will understand everything about the Soul Society and the Shinigami - Shunsui has had enough of Aizen talking and instructs the Shinigami to take him down to Muken - Hisagi requests to be able to ask him more questions, but Soi Fon shunpo's behind him, twists his arm and berates him for disturbing the order - Hisagi realizes she's right, he wouldn't be able to get anything out of Aizen when he got so furious over simple words - Hitsugaya adds that he should be holding his sword out of duty, and not out of hatred - Aizen is taken away, his last words to the Shinigami being "If you want to see the truth, you will have to sacrifice your own blood and soul." - Most of the Shinigami dismiss Aizen's words as nonsense, but the Captains realize he's not the kind of man to say pointless things - Aizen's words are "like loose poison that remains in the mind". But in Hisagi's case, that poison "invited him to a fight". "It was only six months after the end of the war that he would face the reality."

Bleach: Can’t Fear Your Own World - Chapter 2

- The first part of the chapter takes place in Seireitei, hundreds of years ago - Tousen is young and not a Shinigami yet - He pleads guards to let him have an audience with the Central 46, he wants "that man" to be executed - The guards refuse to let him pass and strike at him with their staves - The staves are stopped by a sheathed zanpakuto, the guards are intimidated by the man wielding it - The man tells the guards to keep it down while they're still mourning Ukyo (?) (歌匡) - Ukyo is the name of Tousen's childhood friend - The man recognizes Tousen, he saw him at Ukyo's funeral - Tousen asks him if he knew Ukyo, to which the man says they were comrades as Shinigami. However, he feels like he failed his duty as a Shinigami because he couldn't protect her - The man takes Tousen away so they can talk - Tousen is a Rukongai citizen, so he's not allowed to enter Seireitei freely, however he received a special permission to attend Ukyo's funeral because she would often mention his name - It's customary for enrolling Shinigami to leave a will in advance, because they don't know when they may die in battle - Ukyo's will is to be buried in Rukongai, it seems she wanted to be buried at the foot of the hill where she used to look at the night sky and talk with Tousen - Tousen thinks back to the time Ukyo told him she would become a Shinigami to make the world peaceful - He tells the man he heard Ukyo's killer was her husband, to which the man confirms her husband killed her after she reprimanded him for killing a comrade over a trifle - The man says she was more righteous than anyone, she always kept peace and justice within her heart. Tousen shares that opinion

- Tousen asks the man if she did anything wrong somehow, because her killer won't receive punishment - The man asks Tousen if he knows about the Five Noble Families, Tousen replies he doesn't know their names, but he knows they're the highest-ranked nobles in Seireitei - The man reveals Ukyo's killer is part of the Five Noble Families - Tousen is shocked, he knew she got married to a Shinigami, but he didn't know her husband was a noble - The husband is only from a branch family, so he doesn't have the power to murder other Shinigami with impunity. However, because of his position, him killing Ukyo was treated as if he executed her after she had rebelled - Tousen is outraged, he suspected that possibility when he heard the killer wouldn't be punished, but he refused to believe an organization which calls itself the "Power of Justice" would let something like that happen - Tousen confronts the man about the Shinigami's values - The man has a painful look on his face and tells Tousen he can understand his feelings, but that's how the world is - After making sure there's nobody around, the man quietly asks Tousen if he would want the both of them to take their revenge - Tousen can't see the man's face, but he can feel a murderous intent in the man's voice - Tousen thinks about his friend's words again, and how she would never have wanted him to avenge her - He starts telling the man he doesn't wish for revenge, but the words just won't come out, deep in himself he doesn't care what she would've wanted, he wants to kill "that man" for himself - Tousen is engulfed by his dark emotions, but he knows that if he or someone else were to obey the hatred, it would be as if she died a second time. So he abandons his emotions and tells the man that he would like to value her wish by protecting the peace she wanted

- The man agrees with Tousen, and asks him to live with her wishes in hand, so that blood won't be shed unnecessarily in this world anymore - Tousen isn't fully convinced by the man's words, but he realizes the man is someone who understood Ukyo the same way as he did, and is thankful that he helped him let go of his hatred - He thanks him, to which the man thanks him too, for being someone who will keep Ukyo's wish alive - Tousen replies he isn't qualified to protect her aspirations, because he still holds rage and hatred - The man gently tells him he doesn't need qualifications to inherit someone's will, and says something Ukyo once told Tousen, "My wish isn't a big deal. I just want to protect things that'll keep shining, like the stars in the sky. It's that kind of humble hope." - Tousen realizes that man is someone Ukyo trusted in, because she told him that story. He is relieved there is someone among the Shinigami that understands and respects Ukyo's values - Tousen asks his name, the man calmly replies he is Jinada (?) (時灘), Tsunayoshi Jinada - Tousen is shocked, he recognizes that name, but there has to be some kind of mistake - The man, seeing Tousen's expression, assures him "It is neither a misunderstanding nor a mistake, Tosen Kaname-kun." - Tousen is still confused, but his instinct cries out two contradictory actions: "Kill" or "Run away" - Tousen is taken over by fear and hatred, but the man speaks with a relaxed tone: "Let me say it again. I'm the man who was your best friend's husband... No, I suppose it should be 'your best friend's murderer', now." - Jinada tells Tousen he was relieved to hear he won't try to avenge Ukyo, all the while smiling - Tousen is terrified by Jinada's reiatsu, it's unlike anything he felt from his friend and other Shinigami

- Jinada tells Tousen if he had answered differently to his questions earlier, he would've killed him for being a fool who didn't understand Ukyo. Killing a Rukongai citizen wouldn't even have needed covering up - Tousen doesn't understand the meaning of Jinada's words, nor does he want to. However, the rage he feels from having the man who called himself his best friend's murderer in front of him overpowers his fear, and he attacks him, screaming like a beast - Jinada asks him: "My wife's good friend, why are you so angry?" and beats him down to the ground - Tousen can taste blood in his mouth, his limbs are paralyzed from the pain - Still with a gentle voice, Jinada asks him once more: "My wife... If it's for Ukyo, will you forgive me?" Tousen tries shouting at him, but the blood overflowing from his throat prevents him from speaking clearly - Jinada reminds Tousen he himself said he'd honor Ukyo's desire earlier. He says that if Tousen cared about her, he should forgive him, forget his hatred and live a peaceful life protected by the Shinigami. "My wife would also have wanted you to do so. Please understand, for her sake." - Jinada presses his sheathed zanpakuto against Tosen's throat and crushes it, while reminding him there was no way he would have been able to avenge her to begin with - The guards from earlier appear on the scene, alerted by Tosen's yells - Jinada tells them the Rukongai citizen tried to assault him and to quickly kick him out

- Before Tosen is taken away, Jinada tells him there were no lies at all in anything he told him. He truly thinks it's a strange world in which a man like him wouldn't get punished much. He's sorry he couldn't protect Okyou from the "unreasonable circumstances of the world", but he understands the values she stood for - Tosen tries shouting at him once more, but his throat is crushed - Jinada has a smile of malice and pleasure on his face, and adds that he hates those kinds of values so much that it makes him wants to puke - More than anger for that man, Tosen feels a deep despair towards the world that trampled upon the desires held by his best friend - On that night, the stars she looked at weren't lighting her, she was the one that illuminated the world. Now, that light has been lost forever - The guards strike at Tosen with their staves once again. "This time, nobody stopped them."

- Back in present time, Seireitei - A man awakes on a luxurious chair and thinks to himself he dreamt about something that happened a long time ago - A person with a small body appears in front of him and speaks up: "Wake up! Jinada-sama!" - Jinada comments that it's auspicious to have good dreams like that one, to which the person childishly asks him what the dream was about - Jinada explains it was a nostalgic memory, and how pleasant it is for him to witness the moment someone's heart is filled with despair, even in a dream - The person doesn't understand what he's talking about, Jinada replies it's alright for them not to understand, "You're still young." - The person in front of Jinada is a child wearing black clothes resembling a shihakusho - If human age were applied to them, they would look around 15, their face is beautiful but too androgynous to tell whether they're male of female - Jinada asks the child, Hikone (?) (彦禰), what they were doing and whether they were standing guard there until he woke up - Hikone replies with a smile that they did as they were told and stood there because some people were trying to kill Jinada-sama - Jinada looks around once again, several black-clothed men are collapsed around Hikone, some look like they've had all their bones broken. From their clothes, it can be determined they're hired assassins from the onmitsukido - Jinada stands up from his chair, gently strokes Hikone's hair and congratulates them for their hard work - Hikone is ecstatic to receive praises from Jinada

- Jinada slowly approaches the assassins, stands in front of a conscious one and asks him why they were trying to accomplish their job when all their clients are already dead - While saying that, Jinada looks behind the man towards a long table where several nobles are seated. Their clothes are sewn with the same family crest as Jinada, they're part of the Tsunayashiro family. However, none of them are moving, they're all dead - Jinada says that it would be natural to think that the client that would've requested to assassinate him would be an elder from the same family - He asks the assassin why they didn't abandon their mission when they found the other nobles dead, but the assassin keeps silent, it seems like they won't disclose any information about themselves or their client - Jinada sees his determination and applauds the assassins for trying to complete their mission to the very end, that's something he himself wouldn't be able to do - The assassin still staring silently at him, Jinada says: "Oh, I'll tell you one good thing as a reward. Your client is still alive, your actions weren't in waste." - The assassin doesn't understand, even though they had received their mission by an intermediary, he had guessed the client was from the Tsunayashiro family, as Jinada said - Jinada smiles like a child and says: "It's me." The assassin doesn't understand, so he repeats once more: "It was I myself that requested you to kill me." - Jinada says he'll be the man who caught the assassins that murdered the Tsunayoshi elders, he'll be sure to attract sympathy from the other family members - The assassin doesn't know what to believe, but Jinada tells him it doesn't matter whether he believes him or not, seeing that confused look on his face is fun enough

- Jinada admits to the assassin that it's foolish to reveal his plans like that, when he risks getting heard by someone else. Jinada thinks that maybe that makes him a fool, then - He steps on the assassin's fingers and is delighted to hear the sound of breaking bones and the assassin's cries of pain - He says he can't help it, he wanted to see the utterly confused face of a proud assassin - Jinada keeps slowly crushing the assassin's bones again and again while laughing - He takes out his zanpakuto, and looks at Hikone, who enthusiastically says "That looks like fun, Jinada-sama!" - Jinada returns a smile while slowly stabbing the assassin through his spine and confirms that it really is fun - Jinada finishes off the other assassins and approaches Hikone while wiping the blood on his sword - He tells Hikone to come along, Jinada's going to officially be made the new family head as a substitute for all the murdered elders - Hikone follows him and wonders whether they should refer to Jinada as Family Head from now own, to which Jinada replies he doesn't mind Hikone calling him by his name - Hikone is delighted and smiles innocently among the hundreds of corpses laying around - Jinada strokes Hikone's hair once again and reaffirms he doesn't mind what they call him - "Hikone's going to become the Soul King. So let's have an equal relationship."

Bleach: Can’t Fear Your Own World - Chapter 3 - Full Translation

Several days later - Rukongai.

Hisagi Shūhei is engaged in two different occupations at the same time.

One of those occupations is his professional duties as Squad 9 vice captain, which everyone knows.

The other is being the editor-in-chief of the Seireitei Communication.

Seireitei Communication is a public institution magazine that is occasionally circulated throughout​ Seireitei and as far as some parts of Rukongai, it is basically under the management of the 9th division.

Naturally, it ought to be treated as equal occupations, but because the nature of the work differs too greatly from primary Shinigami duties, it was in effect, perceived by society as something akin to a side job.

As far as several hundred years ago, something known as ‘tile block print’ was used to conveniently issue proclamations to the general public, but from the period when Tōsen Kaname became captain, that format rapidly developed in accordance with printing techniques of the Human World.

Due to Tōsen’s serious disposition, the captain himself began serving as an editor, it was now being spread throughout Seireitei as one large informational magazine, published with many running stories, or essays and novels and so forth, penned by the captains themselves.

After Tōsen left Soul Society, Hisagi, who was his vice captain, became responsible for that role.

Although the original captain Muguruma Kensei had made a come back and was supposed to become editor-in-chief, the man himself entrusted all the decision making up to Hisagi saying “during my time, I left it up to the troops. Frankly, It just doesn’t suit me”, even now, Hisagi had continued editorial duties as the responsible editor.

“So? The Seireitei communication’s editor-in-chief sama has gone to all this trouble, what can he possibly want with me?”

The quizzical voice of a woman resounded from the doorway of a certain residence.

“I’m collecting information for an article of course.”

The other party to whom Hisagi replied to is the pyrotechnician, Shiba Kūkaku, it can be said that she is person of clear influence within the vast expanse of Rukongai.

“What is it? Is it about my new objet d'art? I give up. Jeez, it’s not an exhibition you know.”

With a boastful expression that was contradictory to her words, she shifted her attention to the item of artwork, stone statues holding up a banner which Hisagi had just passed under a moment ago.

Two huge statues imitating stern looking men stood beside each other whilst striking an odd pose, printed on the banner were the words “welcome to Shiba Kūkaku’s residence”.

“No… well, it would certainly become a popular topic of conversation in some places.”

“Then is it about the front cover of the next issue of Seireitei Communication?”

“…uh, I’ve more or less prepared a plan for that already.”

Shūhei had responded with a rather innocuous reply in order to half dodge the real issue at hand which he had to broach.

“I would like Kūkaku san’s cooperation in documenting the memoirs​ of the Protection of the Soul King Great War.”

“Huh? Memoirs…? It’s not yet past half a year since then you know?”

“That’s precisely why, I want to keep accurate records without any delay.”

Shiba Kūkaku is both a pyrotechnist at the surface as well as behind the scenes, all involvement with the zero division was declared 'side jobs’. Therefore, Hisagi the 9th division’s vice captain, approaches on that standpoint, but there is a curious big-shot like air about Kūkaku, the attitude of many of the vice captains was that of respect towards her.

In fact, although they are currently a fallen house, the Shiba clan is a respectable family that once produced a number of seated officers and captain ranks, they were a family of good social standing to the degree that they were named as one of the “Five great Noble clans” alongside the Kuchiki and Shihoin clans.

In other words, Shiba Kūkaku herself who is standing before him, is also a considerably powerful person.

He had heard that she defeated one of the fierce gatekeepers of the Seireitei with Kidō alone, in Hisagi’s eyes, she wasn’t merely a pyrotechnician, he believes Soul Society are seemingly unaware of the extent of her power.

Such a visit to her is for the purpose of collecting information for the Seireitei Communication, exactly as he stated.

Although Seireitei Communication has currently suspended publication due to problems with its publishing systems, a small circulation of a simplified version is being distributed in various places in order to extensively report on the state of postwar reconstruction to the general public. With the target of officially getting it back into print on the first anniversary of the the postwar period, it was gradually gaining a secure foothold.

Then, as hope for the highly anticipated first reissue, he started receiving requests from many readers asking for details regarding the 'Protection of the Soul King Great War’ to be addressed in his own segment called “Teach Me! Shūhei Sensei!!”

“Teach Me! Shūhei Sensei!!” has featured in Seireitei Communication for a long time, it is a page where Shūhei answers the questions of the readers.

However its popularity is shaky, and although​ it may be revived whenever there is demand, it is an unstable project that is often discontinued after only a few runs since its resumption.

Yet the people of the Seireitei still cannot grasp the complete picture of the war, it seems they are either caught up in anxiety over whether the war had truly ended or whether such things would really never happen again, a section in this public magazine 'Seireitei communication’ seeks to dispel those fears.

In truth, although there were many opinions, and an explanation of the whole story of the war was wanted in the magazine itself, not just limited to “Teach Me! Shūhei Sensei!!”, Shūhei decided to treat those all as requests in his own segment.

This is a huge task imposed upon Seireitei Communication. It couldn’t be left entirely up to the ordinary squad members. In accordance with the first reissue of Seireitei Communication, “Teach Me! Shūhei Sensei!!” will make a comeback in the form of a series, it is he who must clutch the reins of information himself.

With such enthusiasm, Hisagi set out every day, running around interviewing the likes of the visuals department, the department of research and development, and the 4th division’s special relief squad, but just as he had expected, he was not gathering enough information.

It seems there was virtually no one amongst those people, who were able to observe the entirety of the war from a bird’s-eye view. Really, how many people’s stories would he have to put together before getting any closer to that domain?

Such misgivings crossed Hisagi’s mind for moment.

The man who had the most extensive view of the battlefield – Yhwach had already been subdued at the hands of Kurosaki Ichigo.

If that’s the case, then he has no choice but to proceed forward on his own feet to pick up and assemble the pieces of war.

If it could be spread far and wide, how the Shinigami battled and triumphed in various places, then it’s bound to become hope for the people who were dealing with the restoration efforts.

Now, Soul Society has stepped into what has become a new battle called post-war recovery.

Because it is such a time, the people can only reassure themselves from seeking 'information’.

“…In other words, from here, it is a battle that only I can describe!”

In response to Hisagi having explained the situation, Kūkaku fired herself up and folded her arms as she replied.

“But I am hardly able to speak of such things you know? Since I merely launched up the zero squad bunch and Ichigo’s group.”

It is the rough tone of voice of​ a strong willed woman, but it is a wondrous voice that penetrates one’s core.

From that alone, Hisagi somehow concluded, “ah, I guess there really isn’t much to talk about here”. Rather than being unwilling to speak of the past, saying “I did what I had to do” only brings about a mood like accepting everything as part of everyday life.

“Well, I guess I’ll just be giving you my greetings for today, I’ll visit another time.”

“It’s nothing but trouble however often you may come here, since I tend to pull a muscle whenever you lot complain to me about your Shinigami squabbles, if you want a story ask my younger brother Ganju. That guy marched up to the Soul King Palace together with Ichigo and his gang, I suppose you can talk to him.”

“! …to the Soul King Palace?”

Speaking of Shiba Ganju, he is the man who once appeared as a Ryoka along with Ichigo and the others during the time of Kuchiki Rukia’s execution scandal. Why did a man from Rukongai go up to the Soul King Palace? Having been decommissioned from the front lines at the final stage of the war, this is the first time Hisagi has heard of this fact.

—- Come to think of it, I still haven’t covered what happened around Kurosaki and his group……

Naturally he should interview Ichigo’s group who were the most deeply involved by the end of the war. However, they are inhabitants of the Human World, not Soul Society. In order to travel expressly to the Human World for interviews, he must obtain the permission of the captain commander.

—- I think I’ll be able to receive the captain commander’s permission, but I wonder if Kurosaki will give his full cooperation…I can’t see that guy talking about himself in much detail at all.

As he considered asking Inoue and Sado, if need be, both of whom apparently reside in Ichigo’s neighbourhood, Hisagi decided to postpone that for the time being in favour of the Shiba household.

“I understand, I will listen to your younger brother’s story first of all.”

“Alright, if you want Ganju, he’s probably mounted on his wild boar, wandering around west Rukongai again. If you look for him correctly I think you can find him right away? He’s a noisy idiot so you should be able to recognise him with a single glance.”

“Right, it’s okay though, I’ve caught sight of his face now and then whenever a disturbance occurs.”

Following the advice on this dynamic manhunt, Hisagi bows to Kūkaku before leaving behind the house with the fireworks launch pad attached to it.

Then, when he came closer​ to his vehicle which was parked a little further up the roadside, Hisagi noticed something.

A few men had gathered around 'that vehicle’, which Hisagi had gone to the trouble of ordering from the Human World 'Reishi-fied’. Those men appeared unlikely to be ordinary citizens of Rukongai, on top of that, the nature of the Reiatsu that dwells within them is different to that of a Shinigami’s or Quincy’s.

“…What? Why is there a Kawasaki Z-II in a place like this?”

At the words of the man who had swept back hair that extended around his shoulders, the tall figure of the young man who was beside him shrugged.

“Who knows?”

Before the men’s eyes, there is a Human World motorbike characterised by its deep crimson paintwork.

They had themselves died and come to Rukongai where they had grown accustomed to the presence of the surrounding standards​ of culture said to range from Heian era to Edo period. Because there was no big cultural reformation in comparison to the Human World, there are many things that make you feel that antiquity from the clothes to the buildings, and since coming to Soul Society, they have never seen this sort of automobile until this very moment.

Then, standing behind them, a gentleman-like fellow with a black eyepatch that covered his right eye, stared at that motorbike with great interest as he opened his mouth to speak.

“Hmm… regardless of whether we are Fullbringers who manipulate the souls of matter, things that can be brought to this place through Konsō are only the clothes and articles that can be said to be part of our person, although… Perhaps there is someone who loved two-wheeled vehicles at a level that can only be described as unity of rider and horse.”

“What about such things as gasoline?”

“It’s said that the Soul Society basically does not produce oil. It seems, most of whatever becomes fuel will instead be sent around to the technological department and nobles of the Seireitei.”

“So does that mean, this motorbike is some noble’s plaything?”

Listening to the young man talk about that aspect of Soul Society, the man with the swept back hair frowned ever so slightly.

From behind him, words that denied such speculation was thrown out to them.

“I saved up my wages to buy that thing. Well, as far as it being a plaything however.”

Turning to look in Hisagi's​ direction - the newcomer that had just appeared - the man with the swept back hair narrowed his eyes in a smiling expression.

“…Oh. If I came to think​ that I had heard the sound of a rare motorbike here, I’d never expect to come face to face with a Shinigami as a result.”

Observing the face of the man who had turned to look at him, Hisagi knit his eyebrows in unease.

That face matched well with the personal description that had circulated amongst ​the Gotei 13 many times prior as a 'dangerous character that kills Shinigami’.

Hisagi had never seen him personally, but his corpse, after being defeated by Ichigo in the Human World, happened to exist in Soul society.

“Ginjō Kūgo…”

The man who was the first substitute Shinigami, then was later estranged, a man who pursued and slaughtered a number of Shinigami.

That corpse was buried in the Human World at the request of Kurosaki Ichigo, but naturally, souls are a different story.

Since they were also human beings who lived in the Human World, their souls which had slipped out of their dead bodies had drifted into Rukongai.

“Oh my, this is an honour. They say a guy who wears a vice captain’s armband is a famous face.”

Hisagi’s Shihakushō is sleeveless, but when going out to a public place, he fastens his armband, putting it on display around his exposed arm.

Ginjō looks at the armband whilst smiling daringly, in response to this, Hisagi speaks in a lowered voice.

“I’ve heard rumours that you didn’t fall into the depths of hell…what are you doing in a place like this?”

“Dear me, you shouldn’t glare like that on our first meeting, don’t you agree? Have I done something to you?”

“Playing dumb all of a sudden…Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten what you did to the Shinigami and Kurosaki.”

As his eyes narrowed, Hisagi fixed a glare at the man who was once a substitute Shinigami.

Then, Ginjō also narrows his eyes once more, smiling fearlessly in Hisagi's​ direction.

“So what? You mean to say I should get down on my knees and apologise? For your information, I have an obligation to Kurosaki Ichigo, but I’ve never planned on becoming a friend of you Shinigami lot, I don’t regret being turned into their enemy.”

“You bastard…what are you planning?”

“Huh. Does it look like I’m planning something? If that’s the case, what are you going to do to me?”

Ginjō laughed scornfully, at the same time, the tall young man who was standing next to him, closed the book he was holding and took out a bookmark from its crevice.

“Stop it, Tsukishima.”

“Are you sure? But he looks like he’s going to stab him any minute now?”

The man called Tsukishima spoke with a cool facial expression.

Hearing that name, Hisagi tightens his guard even more.

“Tsukishima…if I’m not mistaken, you were the asshole that messed up Kurosaki’s past.”

Tsukishima looked at Hisagi, expressing a cynical​ smile.

“That’s a cruel manner of speaking. The past of the person himself hasn’t changed. Yes, the last time, I merely took care of his sword a little.”

“……?”

Unable to comprehend the meaning of Tsukishima’s words, Hisagi looked at him in puzzlement.

The gentleman with the eyepatch who had observed the situation, let out a sigh whilst opening his mouth to speak.

"Ginjō san, it appears he has no knowledge of the fact that you two assisted Kurosaki Ichigo?”

“You assisted?”

—- That reminds me, I get the feeling that Renji said something along the lines of “there was an unexpected helping hand"……

—- Che. Should I have interviewed the others first?

For the past six months, Hisagi had come to work his fingers to the bone as acting captain of the 9th division in exchange for Muguruma who was undergoing medical treatment for his zombified state.

Therefore, until Muguruma returned, he couldn’t get around to conducting detailed interviews.

Ginjō looked bored as he spoke to the gentleman with the eyepatch.

"Assisting him was no big deal. I only paid back a small debt.”

Watching the three people who remained chatting as they displayed placidity, Hisagi thinks.

—- Can I win against these three guys, alone?

—- I don’t know this eyepatch guy, but he’s probably Ginjō’s comrade.

—- I’m not sure about his abilities…although, considering other stories I’ve heard from Madarame and captain Hitsugaya…

He had heard rumours that “Zaraki Kenpachi cut down his opponent with a single strike”, could they possibly be speaking about this man?

Hisagi thought as such, but he is not stupid enough to conclude that this man was weak just because Zaraki Kenpachi defeated him with one blow. Because Hisagi knows well that there is not much difference between a wolf and a puppy in the presence of Kenpachi.

However, what was before his very eyes, is the 'enemy’ who once butchered members of the Gotei 13.

Apparently, Kurosaki Ichigo seems to have forgiven them, but this is a different​ story, as a Shinigami, this is by no means an opponent he can​ overlook.

Having concluded that, Hisagi decided to first of all keep the opponent talking whilst keeping his guard up in order to probe into their intentions.

“The Shinigami…Ukitake san, why did you betray them?”

Then, the darkness that was dwelling at the back of Ginjō’s eyes for a moment, faded away, he opened his mouth to speak as surprise and disgust intermingled on his face.

“…what a surprise. A Shinigami would ask me that now after such a long time?”

“If I remember correctly, I heard that captain Ukitake used a substitute badge to monitor you. Was that alone enough to turn every member of the Gotei 13 into an enemy? Surely unpleasant, but it’s merely a matter of protesting against Ukitake san once you’ve noticed it, huh?”

“…once I’ve noticed it?”

As Ginjō murmured that, he went silent for a short while.

In the next instant, he broke out into a laugh as if he had just witnessed a humourous circus trick.

“Haa…Is that so. I must be a fool for not seeing it. Does that mean, even at vice captain level, your awareness is only to such an extent?”

“What are you talking about?”

“You don’t understand anything at all.”

His smile disappeared and he began fiddling with the cross shaped pendant that was suspended over his chest.

Hisagi sensed​ some unpleasant Reiatsu fluctuating in that pendant, taking a step back, Hisagi reached his hand to his own Zanpakutō.

As they maintained their distance from each other, the air of an explosive situation fills the surroundings ——

In the next moment, that atmosphere was shattered to pieces by the squeals of a beast and the trembling of the ground.

Turning their attention to the squeals, a huge wild boar as big as a Kei car, came careening from the direction of a neighbouring village, and plunging in between Hisagi and Ginjō’s group who were opposite each other.

The wild boar rapidly eased up on its speed in front of them, and as a result, 'he’ who was riding on the back of the boar was thrust headfirst into the grassland between Hisagi and Ginjō.

“Buhhoo-aa…!?”

The man who had crashed into the ground whilst comically shrieking, stood up as he remained unsteady on his feet, he then gave a firm thumbs up towards the boar he was riding, raising his voice at the same time.

“Heh…great! Your​ style was so cool today too Bonnie-chan!”

As if ignoring the man who had just spoken, the wild boar galloped away in the opposite direction with momentum that was as swift as the wind.

With Hisagi watching the sudden comedy exchange in round eyed wonder, the man who had followed the wild boar with his eyes until it was out of sight then turned to face their way and began to speak in a high-spirited voice.

“Hey, hey, hey! What are you guys up to? Trouble?”

“It’s nothing, Ganju. I was just poking a bit of fun at this Shinigami who is ignorant of the ways​ of the world.”

Hisagi Looked at the stern face of the man who Ginjō had called “Ganju”.

“Have you gotten into a dispute with the Shinigami? Jeez, I can understand your poor opinion towards the Shinigami, but you don’t need to raise a riot! Don’t say let bygones be bygones but then suddenly go head on to pick a fight, it’s distasteful!”

Listening to that, the gentleman with the eyepatch inclined his head as he asked a question.

“Really? In Kūkaku dono’s stories, I heard that when you met Kurosaki san, you had a childish fight.”

“Guuhh…! Big sister talks too much!”

As he said that, the man who had the same face as the banner holding statues seen just a short while ago, pulled a wry expression.

It was unmistakably the person himself, the one he was looking for —- facing Shiba Ganju, Hisagi then knit his eyebrows as if he was annoyed.

“Your timing is good and bad…”

“Huuhh!? What's​ that you jerk!? …… Oh you're… if I’m not mistaken… you’re the vice captain of some squad… vice captain…Hi…Hisa…”

“……”

After an awkward silence, Ganju gives a firm nod, he presents Hisagi with a thumbs up and the same smile he had​ given his wild boar earlier.

“Long time no see! Vice captain! Vice captain who is an acquaintance of Kuchiki Rukia!”

“It’s only one more character, come on you can do better! It’s Hisagi! Of the 9th division! Hisagi Shūhei!”

Beside the shouting Hisagi, Ginjō let out a sigh as he released the pendant from the grip of his fingers.

“What's​ this, you guys know each other?”

Having confirmed that the tense atmosphere was now completely demolished, Tsukishima also opens his book once again and turns his attention towards that.

“…Oi, Shiba Ganju, what’s the meaning of this? Do you and Kūkaku san know what kind of people these guys are?”

“Isn’t it obvious? We also know everything, big sis found these guys and took them all in as freeloaders.”

“Freeloaders…?”

Away from Hisagi who was unable to make heads or tails of it, Ginjō and the others were trying to leave this place a step ahead.

However, the sharp sighted Ganju who detected that restrains them with his enigmatic, overbearing attitude.

“Hey wait a minute! Where are you guys going!? I don’t know what happened between you and this vice captain brother here, but while I’m still alive, I will not allow suspicious grudges between the Shinigami and friends of the Shibas to be left behind!”

In contrast with Ginjō’s group turning to look back seemingly troubled, and Hisagi’s befuddled expression, Ganju’s face is brimming with self confidence as he spoke of his bright solution.

“Leave it up to this self proclaimed 'crimson bullet of West Rukongai’, the number one self proclaimed 'person who wants​ to be called​ big brother of West Rukongai’ for 17 consecutive years! And self proclaimed 'former Shinigami hater’, Ganju sama!”

Ganju was raising the tension all by himself.

Unable to comprehend how to respond to he who had just spat out a speech on his puzzling self-introductions, Hisagi whose eyes had managed to stay open only halfway, could barely produce rational words.

“That last one… It’s not particularly necessary to call yourself by that title if it’s 'former’ you know…?”

—- This is bad.

—- I’m not being dragged into some troublesome course of events am I?

A few hours later - Seireitei - 1st Division Barracks.

“This has become troublesome huh, very much so.”

In response to those words issued from the mouth of the captain commander, Kyōraku Shunsui, the two vice captains who were before him – Ise Nanao and Okikiba Genshirō, exchanged a quick glance.

The words Kyōraku had spoken has half become a habitual saying, but from his tone of voice, the vice captains Nanao and Okikiba could sense something​ was up.

Although it is a difference in tone that can only be understood by those who are accustomed to hearing it, the captain commander's​ muttering at present was in a tone of voice that was used only when something truly unpleasant had happened.

“What’s the matter, captain commander?”

At Nanao’s words, Kyōraku releases a heavy sigh.

“Ah, sorry, did I make you anxious? You can jump into my chest if you want to stop your trembling you know?”

“I’m asking you seriously, captain commander.”

“…yes, well then. A while ago, before Nanao chan came, Nayura chan came to me with an escort. There was an official notice and request from Central 46.”

“Amakado Nayura sama, came to you personally?”

Nanao also knows Nayura.

In Soul Society, the highest judicial body that guides the Shinigami as the mouthpiece for the Soul King and occasionally hands down judgement, is the Central 46.

Amakado Nayura is the youngest amongst its constituent members, she is a young girl who only looks around 10 years of age in appearance.

However, her shrewdness which has existed longer than what meets the eye, is acknowledged by both Kyōraku and Nanao, with her as the pivot, the central 46 who prioritised nobility, were gradually changing.

There is a conscious disparity between the status quo of the Shinigami and the Central 46, but that gap is gradually being filled by the pressure and encouragement of both her and Kyōraku. At least Nanao feels as such, although it is a matter of balance, she was hoping that the judiciary would settle things in good form for the current position of the Shinigami and the nobles, or the commoners and all the inhabitants of Rukongai.

From Nanao’s standpoint, she wanted Kyōraku to hold back on referring to a member of the Central 46 with “chan” attached to their name, but since there are many people associating with Nayura who occasionally comes to visit by pretending to be a commoner, she also found herself inadvertently coming close to calling her “Nayura san”.

Kyōraku, who spoke the name of the young girl from Central 46 in such a way, let out a sigh with a look of slight discomfort.

“Not too long ago, a fairly troublesome incident occurred amongst one of the four great noble clans. Although I think you’ve heard about that.”

“Yes. It’s regarding the assassins who invaded​ the Tsunayashiro clan and murdered their family head isn’t it?”

The fact that the head of one of the four great noble clans and their household members had been massacred, is a major incident that sends shockwaves through the Seireitei itself in peacetime. To make matters worse, there is also the fact that the confusion and disorder after the war has not completely settled down, and the official story that was declared took the form of - "their health came to harm out of anxieties during wartime, this epidemic took their lives".

That is why the particulars of the case are only known by a handful of the higher-ups, even amongst the Gotei 13, only a few people including the captain commander Kyōraku and his vice captains, and the commander-in-chief of the Onmitsukidō - Soifon, have a full grasp on the outcome of things.

“Well, I suppose captain Kurotsuchi and Yoruichi chan know through their own independent routes huh. Or rather, after such events, they probably knew things before me.”

“…Does this mean, there is some issue with the subsequent​ succession of the clan head?”

“I heard the general story from Nayura chan, but the disputes between members of nobility is out of our jurisdiction. This is not for the Gotei 13, this falls under the classification of the Kinin* (*Golden seal) Noble Assembly…at least, for now.”

Nanao understood his intentions and narrowed her eyes at the implications behind Kyōraku’s manner of speaking.

“For now? Does that mean the Gotei 13 will become involved in this situation?”

“I hope it doesn’t come to that.”

After Kyōraku replied with a somewhat distressed expression, he looked at the letter from Central 46 whilst continuing to speak.

“Ah, also, won’t you summon Muguruma kun and Hisagi kun for me?”

“Squad 9?”

“It would be fine even if it was just Hisagi kun. But this problem must be carefully judged, so far as it goes, I think it’s better to have the captains grasp the situation too.”

Meanwhile at Shiba Kūkaku’s residence.

“Suddenly, Just as I thought I wouldn’t get get any excitement, that Ichigo asshole, somehow stone statues materialised​ at our backs! Me and Chad were in such high spirits in order to 'prepare the way home for Ichigo!’ and yet everything move down a step ahead to Seireitei on our way back, what’s the meaning of that huh!?”

The guest room in the basement of Kūkaku’s house.

At the centre was the figure of Ganju who was making Hisagi listen to his complaints whilst gulping down his sake.

"Really!? That chad guy was saying ” Ichigo sees nothing but the path ahead" you know!? But I never thought it would make me realise that in such a way, damn it!“

"Yes…I guess, it was difficult huh.”

Midway through his speech, Ganju received a firm kick from behind and was planted face first into the ground.

Kūkaku, the person who had dealt that kick, spoke as she trampled on her fallen brother’s back.

“Don’t yap on so loudly! You’re spirit was practically pathetic wasn’t it!”

“That's​ cruel, it hurts! Big sis!”

“You punk…even though I’ve trained you for several years to be able to fight on the front lines till the bitter end, you managed to lose sight of your companions by losing your way on the road, what’s the meaning of this…?”

“From whom did you hear that I got lost!? Besides, it’s Ichigo that jerk- ow-tetetetete! Will you cut that out big sis!? My spine is turning into sand! It’s turning into sand!”

Ganju whined as Kūkaku continued to relentlessly trample on her brother.

Unable to comprehend how to deal with two such people, Hisagi, as if he was troubled himself, downed his sake.

In the midst of that, Hisagi also shifts his attention towards a seated Ginjō that was at the corner of his eye.

Earlier, Hisagi had been lead to the guest room by forceful invitation of Ganju who said “drinking sake will wash your grudges away”, however, for the time being, he inquired about the relationship between Ginjō’s group and Ganju, before he knew it, he was stuck listening to the idle complaints of Ganju who had gotten tipsy.

Incidentally, Tsukishima did not partake in the drinking party, he was at the corner of the room, leaning against a wall whilst reading his book, en route here, the man with the eyepatch who introduced himself as Kutsuzawa Giriko, sank into the Shiba clan’s kitchen saying “allow me to prepare some snacks.”

“Both Ginjō and Tsukishima are suspicious too you know!? From what I've’ heard they managed to jump straight to Ichigo’s location! Wasn’t that unfair!? It’s unfair isn’t it?!”

Ganju who was released from under his sister’s foot, changed the subject of his complaints to Ginjō.

Dismissing Ganju's​ words with a nonchalant air, Ginjō drinks his sake in a refined manner whilst shrugging his shoulders.

“We traveled there directly with Yukio and Riruka’s abilities.”

“Yukio and Riruka?”

In response to Hisagi’s muttering, Ginjō averts his eyes as he opens his mouth to speak.

“Oh, I used to hang out with those guys in the Human World. Unlike us, they’re not dead, they came all that way to help Ichigo.”

“For Kurosaki…?”

As an editor of Seireitei Communication, he wanted to ask inquisitively about every detail surrounding that subject, but his wariness towards Ginjō did not readily allow that.

“Don’t drink behind such a tightfisted mask. You were told earlier weren’t you? Both me and Ganju have an understanding with those freeloaders. Even if we got cut up from behind, we don’t bear grudges​.”

“But, those guys…”

“Ukitake would understand too.”

“Ehh…?”

Kūkaku continued addressing Hisagi who held back the voice of​ protests at the back of his throat.

“Well, now that things have come to pass, he can’t even attest to that..”

“Wait a moment. So, has Ginjō also met Ukitake San?”

When Hisagi shifts his eyes towards Ginjō, he spoke whilst rolling his empty sake cup in hand.

“I haven’t met him. Honestly, I did not intend to meet him until things became troublesome here.”

“It’s different now?”

“Well. Even if I had met him, he would probably have been​ killed already right?”

“So, why go that far……”

What exactly happened between Ukitake and Ginjō the first substitute Shinigami?

At least, as long as he found it impossible to dispel his vigilance, he would never come to know that.

No, no matter what reason he may have, the fact remains, that the man before his very eyes is the menace that has murdered Shinigami.

“However”, Hisagi thinks with a little doubt —- or possibly fear harbouring in his chest.

Were it possible to think he could kill Ginjō by simply crossing blades with him here, would it be possible to say he had struck down an enemy of the Shinigami out of duty to the Gotei 13? He tried to stop captain Tōsen’s revenge himself, is it not a mistake to rely on emotions to swing one’s blade?

Aizen’s words from six months ago are called back to Hisagi’s mind.

—- “What you’re harbouring is not hatred. It is merely sentimentality for your lost Tōsen Kaname and the impression he left behind.”

That manner of speech may be correct in a sense.

If he was asked whether or not he carried fragments of emotion through his own blade too, he would probably answer 'No’.

However, he couldn’t simply turn a blind eye to Ginjō. Being mislead by the likes of Aizen’s words, and even losing sight of how to use his own blade would be reversing the logical order of things.

Hisagi who realised there was indecision and fear within himself, then quite conversely recovers the composure in his heart.

Erasing the emotion from his face, as a member of the Gotei 13 who must assess threats to the Seireitei, he turned to face the man named Ginjō Kūgo once again.

"……well, I certainly don’t understand anything. For this reason, please enlighten me. What did the Shinigami… what did we do against you the first substitute Shinigami?”

Having observed the situation, Ginjō raises one eyebrow in slight astonishment, he placed his sake cup down on the tabletop and replied.

“Of course, certainly, you’re not seated as vice captain for nothing.”

Although laughing with great interest, Ginjō paused for a short moment before slowly shaking his head left and right.

“…I appreciate you confronting me seriously. But, no matter what comes out of my mouth, isn’t it unthinkable to digest what a 'dangerous character’ says? Why don’t you talk to your captain commander?”

“That in its own way is not fair. The captain commander isn’t a person who would tell lies, but I am a journalist for the time being. I have to listen to both sides of the story for the sake of impartiality​.”

“A journalist’s words have jumped out of a Shinigami’s mouth huh? There are no rules that journalists must be fair in the first place.”

“Fairness is the number one priority, it is a policy I carry on from the former editor-in-chief.”

Hearing those words, Ginjō stifles his laughter.

“You’re a strange guy. At first glance, you look like nothing more than an ordinary Shinigami.”

“I’ll take that latter half as a compliment.”

“And so? What would you do if I was not able to convince you, even after I’ve told you the reason why I betrayed you all?”

“I understand. In that case I’ll —-”

The voice of Kūkaku, who had remained silent up till now, interrupted Hisagi’s speech just as he was about to reply with resolve.

“I don’t mean to interrupt this discord between the Shinigami and the freeloader. But if it comes to crossing swords, do it outside, got it?”

“……Yes.”

“Understood, we won’t cause any trouble for you.”

Hisagi obediently nods, Ginjō accepts whilst shrugging his shoulders.

The tension that was in the air fluctuated, after a few seconds of silence, Ginjō opens his mouth to speak.

“I guess I ended up deceiving Kurosaki Ichigo.”

“? Ah, so they say.”

“I personally made Tsukishima alter my past… In that past, there was a Half-Shinigami who cooperated with us in order to remove the Hollow power from Fullbringers… It was supposed to be the case that the half Shinigami and our former comrades were killed by Tsukishima.”

Something Fullbringers like Ginjō have in common, is that they each have a parent who was attacked by a Hollow.

Therefore, Hisagi had heard that they are born mixed with Hollow powers, and that it manifests as a unique ability called Fullbring.

“So, how was it that the original past was restored…There was no such Half-Shinigami guy similar to Ichigo. It suffices to say that I was the one who was undertaking the role of substitute Shinigami. Well then, who killed the former comrades that were in those memories?”

“…wait, all that was down to Tsukishima’s modified past too…”

“Tsukishima’s ability…"Book of the End” allows Tsukishima to insert himself into another person’s past. Although things such as 'memories’ and 'outcomes’ where Tsukishima was concerned can be inserted, as far as inserting​ people who don’t exist, that’s impossible. By the way, the guy who was thought to be a Half-Shinigami was actually one of the Shinigami I killed in a rage.“

"……No way.”

Getting an unpleasant feeling, Hisagi gulped.

Tsukishima, who was at the corner of the room, lifts his eyes​ up from his book to glance at the scene between Hisagi and Ginjō.

He noticed that Ganju was in no mood to interrupt, silently straining his ears to listen to the conversation of the other two, Kūkaku had an expression as if to say “it’s no concern of mine”, but slightly out of the ordinary, she was quietly gulping down her sake.

An uncomfortable silence dominated Hisagi’s surroundings.

Then, it was the words of a dark eyed Ginjō that killed that silence.

“It’s the Shinigami…who killed the comrades from my past.”

Silence and a chilling air fills the place again.

However, Hisagi who couldn’t stomach that shook his head as he tried to stand up.

“Wait…well then, why did you say it was Ukitake san’s fault!?”

“Come now. I noticed the secret of the substitute badge at the time. I don’t have to tell you the rest for you to understand do I?”

“Uh…”

Hisagi recalled the conversation from a little earlier to mind.

—- “It’s merely a matter of protesting against Ukitake san once you’ve noticed it, huh?”

Although he was unaware of the circumstances, he realised how beside the point his own words were, he was seized with the feeling of shame.

“I see. I couldn’t swallow your story just yet, but…earlier, I was in the wrong.”

“I don’t give a damn. It made me laugh didn’t it.”

After mixing in a bit of playful banter, Ginjō continued talking some more.

“On the day I repaid my debt to Ichigo at the Soul King Palace, I planned to meet Ukitake. I wondered just how far his orders went, in any case, I had no trust in him from the onset, why did my Fullbringer comrades have to be killed? But it’s a funny story. I searched for Ukitake prepared to clash swords with him in the worst case scenario, but he was not in a state where one could talk to him anymore.”

“That's……”

Hisagi tried to say something, but his words wouldn’t come out properly.

In his mind, the scene of the moment Tōsen is killed by Aizen plays back to him.

At that time, Hisagi was certainly able to exchange words with Tōsen in his final moments. However, just before they were about to cross that path together once more, Tōsen was cruelly murdered at the hands of Aizen —- Hisagi too had forever lost that opportunity to exchange words with his opponent.

Seeing the look on Hisagi’s face who had remembered such a thing, Ginjō clicked his tongue as he released a sigh.

“Che… I’ve said more than what’s necessary. I’ve gotten drunk already.”

“Please wait. If that’s true…”

Midway through his sentence, a noise played out from the denreishinki* (*a Shinigami mobile device) that was in his pocket.

When he took it out and checked it, there was a familiar convocation notice there.

“…This isn’t good. It’s a call to a meeting, from the 1st division.”

“You were summoned with this timing, well I never, are you also being monitored from above?”

“Perhaps, if it was captain Kurotsuchi, the captain commander wouldn't… still, I guess it may seem like I’m being monitored, but I am nevertheless, merely fulfilling my duties.”

Hisagi rises from his seat, finally he speaks to Ginjō in a blunt manner.

“It doesn’t necessarily mean that I take you completely at your word. I don’t want to believe that my colleagues carried out such atrocities in the Human World with no motive, but… I will get to the bottom of this story. Because I am a Shinigami, and at the same time, I am editor-in-chief of Seireitei Communication. You can count on me.”

“……”

“Anyway, we’ll talk again soon. And Ganju, please let me know next time. Next time, the sake is on me.”

Lastly, Hisagi bowed to Kūkaku and left the Shiba residence.

Hearing the noise of a bike engine echoing in the distance, Tsukishima who was silent up till then, raised his voice whilst his eyes were turned towards his book.

“That’s rare. For Ginjō to tell that story himself.”

“Yeah. I’ve finally lost my edge haven’t I?”

After talking jokingly, Ginjō stares at the empty space with a serious expression.

“I guess he’s a serious Shinigami. Reminiscent of the Gotei 13 indeed. whether I doubted such a guy would respond to my story with honesty or not… well let’s just say, instead of Ukitake who’s gone now, I probably just wanted someone to vent my frustrations at.”

Then, Giriko appeared holding a plate saying “Oh. Even though I’ve prepared snacks, the Shinigami gentleman has already left?”

“Yeah, I suppose he’s a punctual guy. He was in such a hurry.”

“I see, that is a wonderful thing. Because the flow of time is an absolute law that remains as unchangeable in the Human World​ as it does in Rukongai as well as Seireitei. On any account, if the Shinigami call themselves 'gods’, then it is only a natural matter of course to abide by that rule.”

Elsewhere from the Fullbringers who were having that conversation, Ganju posed a question to his sister who was unusually quiet as she continued to drink.

“Say, big sis, what do you actually think?”

“I don’t know. I told you didn’t I? It’s not something we can poke our nose into when we’re not even Shinigami ourselves.”

“……I wonder if big brother knew something.”

That big brother was Kaien Shiba who served as Ukitake’s lieutenant before the collapse of the Shiba clan –

– Due to his death and the disappearance of Kurosaki Isshin who was a descendant of the main house, their noble status was ousted, however, even now Ganju considered his big brother the pride of the Shiba clan.

Recalling the face of her older brother who was already dead and gone, Kūkaku cast her eyes down to her sake cup whilst forming her words.

“…who knows. The Shinigami are looking away in order to protect Seireitei.”

“As with that Aizen bastard, the Shinigami are probably becoming all kinds of thick-skinned against the scoundrels created by the Seireitei itself.”

One hour later - 1st Division - Head office.

“Ah, you’re late Shūhei. Just how far did you come from?”

“My apologies captain, I went up to Shiba Kūkaku san’s place in West Rukongai to collect information.”

“Kūkaku…? Oh, Kaien’s younger sister…”

When Hisagi enters the office, the captain of the 9th division Muguruma Kensei is already waiting there ready to receive orders, then Kyōraku made an appearance from the opposite side of the door.

“Hello there, it’s wrong of me to ask you here when you’re so busy isn’t it.”

Seeing the captain commander raise one hand in greeting with his usual rhythm, Muguruma spoke up.

“So? What’s going on captain commander? Is there any particular reason why it’s only the 9th division that’s been summoned too?”

“ Ah, well. It’s kind of a matter that involves Seireitei Communication.”

“Huh? If so, then why am I here?”

Muguruma is the captain of the 9th division, but he is not involved in editing of the magazine at all.

Just a few days ago, he was resting in order to treat his zombified flesh, and for a short while he was in a position where he was not even aware of the current state of Seireitei Communication.

“Well in fact. I was told from the higher-ups, that there is something they want you to officially announce directly in Seireitei Communication. Therefore, I think it is better to also pass this onto you, the captain.”

“Official announcement? Is it from the zero division?”

“No, it’s from Central 46. The group of nobles behind the Central 46 to be exact.”

Saying that, Kyōraku turns his eyes to Hisagi for a moment and continues to speak of the matter.

“Actually, it has been decided so that one of the four great Noble clans is to install a new clan head. The matter has already passed through the governmental district and as a formality the new clan head has by now been instated, but very much at the request of that new clan head, it appears that he wants to publicise his own inauguration extensively throughout Soul Society.”

“Damn it, why does it always have to be about self indulgent nobles?” Kensei said looking rather bored.

Although there is the exception known as Shihōin Yoruichi, basically, it is known only too well that the nobles are unable to cooperate with others, Kensei was rapidly losing interest in the matter as the subject also concerned Seireitei Communication. On the other hand, Hisagi continues the conversation with a look that says he’s not quite sure on some aspects.

“Uhh…around how many pages will it take? From the onset, the first reissue is still scheduled several months ahead, and it commences with a special feature that looks back on the Protection​ of the Soul King Great War, so the balance with that will……”

“It seems he wants you to produce an extra special edition. He wants you to distribute it widely, as far as Rukongai.”

“S-special edition! If we are to completely set up the publishing systems right away, the sort of budget required​ for that would be awfully……”

The inauguration of a new clan head from one of the four noble clans is big news in itself. However, because the highest ranking being is the Soul King, it is rare to go as far as issuing extra special editions even in the case of things such as auspicious events and times of mourning related to the four great noble clans.

Of course, unexpected budgets are sometimes required, and if it was being distributed widely up to Rukongai, then there is also the potential for that alone to bypass the annual budget.

Hisagi pondered how he could possibly get by on that budget whilst groaning in frustration, but then, with a plop, Kyōraku placed his hand down on Hisagi’s shoulder as he smiled.

"You can rest assured. Since it appears that the budget will be completely handled by that noble clan.”

“Really!?”

If that’s the case, Hisagi considered it an opportunity to use the special edition and advance notice of the resumption of publishing as a pretext to broaden subscriptions to the usual edition of the magazine, in Hisagi’s mind he began to weigh up the benefits, the implications of which differed from just a moment ago.

However —-

As if to pull him back to reality, Kyōraku’s smiling face then clouded over.

“And, that noble who is the new clan head……”

“? …Is something wrong, captain commander?”

“I’m speaking about the Tsunayashiro clan’s, Tokinada…you understand right?”

The blood vessels in Shūhei’s body pulsated frantically.

“Tsunayashiro……Tokinada.”

Hisagi had already known that name too.

With the objective to bring Tōsen Kaname - who once ran counter to the correct path - back to the other side, and in an attempt to learn even a little more about him, Hisagi closely investigated Tōsen’s past for some time.

The details of the incident in which Tōsen’s close friend was killed was gruesome, her husband at the time considered the idea of imprisonment mere folly, he continued to live his life comfortably without even being sufficiently punished.

“Hold on a moment. Surely that man is supposed to be at the lower end of the branch family.”

“He’s risen to the top. Factors such as the time Aizen massacred the Central 46, and the disorder born out of the last war worked to his advantage no doubt. Furthermore, last week the head of the Tsunayashiro clan and the surrounding family members were murdered by assassins, one by one.”

“Captain.”

Nanao who had remained silent beside him up till then, raises her voice.

After the assassination scandal of the Tsunayashiro clan, martial law was declared, Nanao couldn’t imagine it a good idea to carelessly reveal information to Hisagi even though he held the position of vice captain.

However, holding out a hand to silence Nanao's​ protests, Kyōraku daringly continued to speak.

“I won’t speak from conjecture. Nevertheless, those assassins were completely wiped out by Tsunayashiro Tokinada alone, with that meritorious deed in hand, he was then promoted from the lineage of the branch family. Conveniently enough, no members of the branch family had passed away…that’s what I was told.”

Contrary to Kyōraku’s opening remark, no matter who was listening, it was like they were all hit by a stream of understanding about 'the true culprit behind the assassination scandal and his goals.’ Of course Hisagi was no exception and he gradually raised his eyebrows in discomfort during the course of the conversation.

“I also know about him. I think you understand already, but he is a man who can do those sorts of things without compunction.”

At those words, not only Hisagi but even Nanao and Kensei expressed a little surprise, judging by Okikiba Genshirō who maintained a deep silence, it seemed he agrees with Kyōraku’s words too.

Hisagi and Nanao were surprised because those current words did not seem likely to be the speech and conduct of the usual Kyōraku who seldom speaks poorly of others.

Whether or not he noticed that scene, a self-mocking, wry smile played on Kyōraku’s face as he formed his words.

“I don’t like it, not even I, am a man of noble character. Let’s hope this is only a matter of one or two men who do not see eye to eye.”

Then Kyōraku’s smile disappeared once again, he threw a question at Hisagi with a serious look in his eye.

“To sum it up, you have been instructed to put out a special edition celebrating his… Tsunayashiro Tokinada’s inauguration. Hisagi kun…… can you do it?”

Bleach: Can’t Fear Your Own World - Chapter 4 - Full Translation

An abnormal event was gradually eating away at the world.

Tragedy struck the noble district of Seireitei.

That may be just the beginning.

Strangely, it started from the day Hisagi Shūhei learned that Tsunayashiro Tokinada was to be inaugurated as clan head —-

A budding malice that spreads like leaves and branches, extending its fingertips to the Soul Society, the Human World, and Hueco Mundo.

Seireitei - 4th Division - Squad Barracks.

“……”

In front of the 4th division barracks, there is a timid looking shinigami.

He kept glancing over his shoulder, looking intently in the direction of the main street that merged together with the paths leading to the other squad barracks.

“What’s the matter, 3rd seat Yamada?”

That timid young man who was referred to as “3rd seat Yamada” – Yamada Hanatarō, turns to the members of the 4th division who just had emerged from the squad barracks.

“Huh? Ah…sorry. I’m okay!… probably.”

“Well, on the contrary, there is nothing but anxiety in that answer.”

In response to the voice of seated member Ogidō who had spoken with a calm visage, Hanatarō awkwardly replies.

“A short while ago, vice captain Hisagi was heading towards the 9th division barracks with an awfully grim look on his face, I wonder what happened…”

He replied as if he had become somewhat frightened, the likes of which would only be seen in faint-hearted fresh recruits.

Nevertheless, amidst the 4th division, he is one of the most prominent users of ‘Kaido’ – the healing spiritual arts, despite his timid disposition, his gentle character makes him trustworthy and he was assigned to the position of 3rd seat of squad 4.

However​, the person himself thinks he was able to become 3rd seat because of the fact that Iemura Yasochika, who was originally the 3rd seat, had transferred to another squad, he confronts his personal duties whilst struggling with the pressure of thinking “by all rights, I am not well positioned.”

It was a squad 4 member whose large build contrasted with Hanatarō’s own, that reacted to the name of squad 9’s vice captain.

“Hisagi……?”

"Ah, Aoga san was classmates with vice captain Hisagi right?”

At Ogidō’s query the shinigami called Aoga answered.

“That’s right…we seldom meet​ these days. But around six months ago we met on a visit to our friend’s grave, and the last time I saw him was in a hospital room after the war.”

Although from outward appearances Aoga looks more seasoned than Ogidō, since Ogidō is a seated member, Aoga uses honorific speech when addressing him. Hearing those words, the 4th division members around them begin to stir.

“Aoga san was Hisagi san’s classmate……”

“That’s so awesome, that was a season when many elites were produced right?”

“Yeah, during the several decades since lieutenant Hisagi’s time there, it was a generation were many captain class Shinigami were produced, such as lieutenant Abarai, Lieutenant Hinamori, Lieutenant Kira and above all, captain Hitsugaya. The exceptional speed of their advancement through the ranks was also a topic of conversation even at the Shinō Academy.”

“While we’re on the topic of advancing quickly through the ranks, it’s the same with 3rd seat Yamada right?”

In response to the subject that was suddenly brought up, Hanatarō, despite being 3rd seat, bows his head to the squad members.

“err, umm……I’m sorry.”

“Why are you apologising?”

“Well, compared to Hisagi san and the others, I’m nothing special and I only end up annoying everyone at squad 4…”

Remaining expressionless Ogidō then addresses Hanatarō who had spoken of himself with pessimism in spite of being praised.

“What are you saying, 3rd seat Yamada? You are also an elite amongst the elites which goes hand in hand with your lineage and raw talent, aren’t I right? Isn’t it the case that even Urahara Kisuke san took his hat off to your kaido?”

“I realise that seems awe-inspiring but… what I mean is, saying that I don’t feel like I’m going through a bad experience every time Urahara san is involved, wouldn’t be entirely accurate…”

“By the way, a visitor came by a while ago for 3rd seat Yamada, he’s been waiting more than an hour in the guest room already.”

“Ehhh!? C-can you please tell me about these things earlier!?”

After watching Hanatarō hurriedly dash into the squad barracks until he was out of sight, Ogidō whispered with a nonchalant face.

“My apologies, that was a mistake. He arrived just a moment ago so he hasn’t been waiting around that long.”

One of the soldiers who heard those words then chided Ogidō with an astonished expression.

“You should've​ just said that beforehand no matter what… Your​ personality is as bad as ever, Ogidō san.”

“Come now, if it’s the case that we must not keep visitors waiting, then I spoke shrewdly didn’t I?… Also, if I have a ‘bad personality’, then I think that guest is considerably worse.”

“ ? ”

When Ogidō shrugged his shoulders as he spoke, the soldiers around him tilted their heads in puzzlement.

Meanwhile, Aoga alone gazed in the direction of the main street where Hisagi had traveled down a while ago, with a complex expression he spoke to himself.

“Making a grim face, huh…?”

He remembers the time after the war, when Hisagi was carried into the 4th division, in a serious condition.

Although he was still alive his injuries were inconceivable.

With the help of Inoue Orihime’s powers, he managed to escape death, however it took a considerable amount of time to recover his reiatsu afterwards.

After Hisagi had regained his consciousness, Aoga evasively posed a question to him.

"You still intend to continue the fight?”

That time they reunited in front of the grave of their former classmate Kanisawa, Aoga remarked to Hisagi, who continued to fight whilst often on the verge of death, that “you have pushed aside your fear.”

However, seeing him on the verge of death again, Aoga understood.

No matter how many times one pushes it aside, when Shinigami do battle on the front lines they cannot escape from fear.

He thinks Hisagi’s strength exists in his resolution to continue with his life whilst being at odds with that endless fear.

Therefore, although he had perceived his companion’s reply, he couldn’t help but ask

He only said a few brief words and laughed “Even though they say the war is over, you’re making such a face. Kanisawa would have your hide.”

The next day, he forcibly left the hospital saying he would be witness to Aizen’s imprisonment.

Concerned about the fact that Hisagi hurried off with a grim face, and not being able to do anything about it, Aoga whispered with a voice that seemed regretful of his own helplessness.

“For at least a little longer… until Seireitei is revived, I hope it doesn’t come to something like fighting at the risk of his own life.”

He would confront that battle if something does happen regardless of whatever the state of affairs around him may be.

That’s because Aoga knew Hisagi’s character well.

However, the fate surrounding Hisagi had already crushed Aoga’s hopes.

Squad 4 Barracks - Guest Room

Inside the 4th division barracks, which placed importance on its functionality for the purpose of performing Kaido, there is a room built there which adds just a little emphasis on splendour.

It is a guest room used when the captain commander or noble envoys are invited in.

Nonetheless, the 4th division, whose number one priority was the lives of the soldiers attached to the Gotei 13, opened up that guest room during wartime to serve as a temporary first aid station, even now the faint smell of medicinal odours were still left in the room.

Yamada Hanatarō rushes into that room with footsteps that sound equally as hurried.

As he stumbles over himself into the threshold of that room, with the same momentum, he bowed his head and spoke words of apology.

“Awawa……uh…uhmm…I’m sorry…for keeping you waiting.”

Before even seeing his host’s face, a disheveled looking figure met his eyes, however the visitor couldn’t even blame him for it, he let his witty voice resound within the room.

“As usual, you have a lifeless voice to go with your lifeless appearance. Did you plant a lesion in your heart whilst trying to understand the feelings of your patients? Hanatarō.”

Feeling a sense of nostalgia, he realised it was a voice and manner of speaking he was used to hearing, with eyes wide open Hanatarō lifted his face.

“Eh…ah…S-Seinosuke nii-san!?”

“Oh my, lifeless even up to your face. It’s worrying, whether patients taken care of by you wouldn't​ come to hang themselves from the anxiety.”

Yamada Seinosuke.

He is the older brother of Hanatarō and the man that served as vice captain of squad 4 till a few decades ago.

Currently he is retired from the Gotei 13 with his name withdrawn from the official roster, and even his Zanpakutō is left in the care of the squad barracks.

However, though he is retired from his vice captain’s seat, it's​ not the case that he is without an occupation, in fact he was headhunted to a new workplace which is a special case within a special case. In the Gotei 13, where “military discharge” basically meant being thrown into a special prison called ‘Nest of Maggots’, it was necessary to officially retire in order for him to leave his post.

And because he knows about the new workplace that recruited his brother, Hanatarō inclined his head.

“W…what happened? Is it your day off today from your work over there? I heard that you are kept busy these days.”

“Hn. I guess so. But it’s a job worth doing. After all, In spite of being Shinigami noblemen, the old people who are unwilling to die come to me all the time. It is a pleasant feeling whenever I see a powerful, influential person frightened by old age, the unflattering sight of them struggling to cling on to something.”

“U-uhh… Is that really okay, nii-san? To say such things about the noble people…”

“Of course not. That sort of treachery will probably be punishable by death. Does Hanatarō intend to inform on me, to tell someone what I’ve said? If Hanatarō wants me dead, then that is the request of my precious little brother. I have no choice but to graciously give up my life.”

“Eehh…? I…I would never do such a thing, Seinosuke nii-san…”

After frantically waving his hands, Hanatarō clumsily refuted his brother.

“I-it’s true nii-san is mean, and everyone dislikes that bad personality, but…if we look, there are also good points…probably…besides, I think a person who wants another person dead should not be in the 4th division to begin with!”

“It would be rather hurtful if you had seriously considered that.”

Contrary to his words, a beaming smile was expressed on Seinosuke’s face as he shrugged his shoulders and came clean.

“Well, I’m on a break from work, but I had things to do here, so I thought I’d just come by and take the opportunity to give Hanatarō a little advice.”

“Advice…?”

Then Seinosuke narrows his eyes ever so slightly and the smile disappears from his face as he touches on the real issue at hand.

“Hanatarō. Wouldn’t you like to take time off from squad 4 for a little while​?”

“Ehh?”

“Various rumours have reached my ears, relating to my work.”

The representative of the Seireitei’s central pharmaceutical institution —- or in other words, Seinosuke, who is the chief executive of a specialised relief station for upper class nobility with a focus on the four great noble clans, chuckled as he spoke in response to Hanatarō tilting his head at the sudden proposal.

“With the Quincy threat now gone, there probably won’t be any big wars occurring for some time. However, the Seireitei seems to have fallen into slight crisis instead. This is not such a small course of events that will stop just because someone tries to stop it.”

“If you don’t want to get dragged into this, then separate yourself from a position of responsibility for a while, and cover your eyes and ears.”

Human World - Karakura Town

“Whoaaaaaa! Got dragged into thiiiis! We got dragged into this!”

Evening in Karakura Town.

As he ran through a deserted back alley, Asano Keigo who was fully enjoying his break until just a few minutes ago, was now making his tearful voice ring throughout the surroundings.

Running alongside him was a boy with a solid pokerface – Kojima Mizuiro, who then spoke up.

“Be quiet Keigo. Your stamina will become just as useless as your yelling you know?”

“I’ve thought this for a long time but, why are you always, always so calm in situations like this!?”

“I can’t help whether I’m calm or not.”

Reducing his running speed, Mizuiro shifted his attention, glancing over his shoulder.

“It’s the first time I’ve seen a monster that looks like that, but at least it’s better than that cheating Aizen guy…”

Before his line of sight, there was an enormous and grotesque figure shaped like a crab – a huge Hollow was drawing near, it let out an unpleasant shriek whilst raising its pincers overhead.

Kojima Mizuiro was once pursued by Aizen Sōsuke along with Keigo and Arisawa Tatsuki.

Although this situation isn’t as bad as that time, the fact that their lives were in danger remained unchanged.

However, currently it’s not Mizuiro or Keigo the monster was directly aiming at.

It was the figure of a young boy in a Shihakushō who was running slightly behind the other two that the Hollow was trying to crush with its pincers.

“Uwaaaaaaahh!! D-Danger! It’s dangerous, so leave this up to me now, please escape quickly! But then who will save meeee!? Whoooo!?”

The young Shinigami who appeared to yell with almost the same tearful voice as Keigo, continued to run away from the huge hollow without being given even a bit of leeway to perform Shikai.

Yuki Ryūnosuke - a shinigami in charge of Karakura Town - casually happened to encounter a Hollow that was much stronger than himself, and in the midst of escaping in a panic, he ended up getting Keigo and Mizuiro, who were walking through a back alley, caught up in this situation too.

Keigo and the others have been involved in various events concerning their friend Kurosaki Ichigo, on top of that receiving something​ called 'soul tickets’ from the eyepatch wearing Shinigami also seems to have been a trigger for them to become considerably susceptible to sensing spiritual phenomenon.

They’ve caught glimpses of Yuki’s presence every now and then, and they’ve heard his name from Orihime and the others, but Keigo and Mizuiro didn’t concern themselves with such matters by giving him a level of recognition thinking “they have chosen a successor, that probably means he is much stronger than Af-san”.

It turned out now, that this young Shinigami who showed up in place of Kurumadani Zennosuke – the Shinigami who is his predecessor, referred to as “Af-san*” (*short for Afro-san) by Keigo and “Imoyama san” by Ichigo – is far more unreliable than Keigo and Mizuiro could have imagined.

Watching Ryūnosuke escape whilst drawing out his Zanpakutō in a shaky manner, Keigo screamed loudly, Mizuiro on the other hand calmly thought “at this pace, I wonder if we can escape to Urahara san’s shop…”

Mizuiro had also implicitly asked Ichigo about Urahara Shōten, he was told that he would be safe if he escaped there first of all if they were ever attacked by a Hollow in the event that Ichigo himself was not present.

In the course of handling the aftermath of the Aizen incident, Mizuiro was gathering a certain degree of intelligence, so he understood that the shopkeeper of that Urahara Shōten was on par with the captain ranks, and moreover, he understood that Urahara is a man of great importance.

—- “I think he will try to sell you various items afterwards. But I guess you may as well give in and think of it as a 'thank you’ for receiving his help.”

Since Ichigo said that, Mizuiro has entered the shop a few times, of course there was a variety of suspicious goods stacked alongside each other such as “Anti-spirit serum Katakoran Alpha” and “Spirit Repellent Spray Sekirei X” which were clearly not brand-name goods.

“Oh, that reminds me.”

Remembering something, Mizuiro dexterously began fishing inside his bag whilst running.

“W-w-w-what are you doing, Mizuiro!? Don’t tell me you’re trying to take out some stun gun like thing again!?”

Mizuiro then produced a ball with a strange face drawn on it before the shouting Keigo.

'Electromagnetic​ Capture Sphere - Zeta-ball tan’.

It was the name of that product that Mizuiro had recalled.

When he asked the young girl tending to the store - who looked to be a junior high school student - about how to use the product, the explanation she gave was “uh let’s see…if it is the case that you are being chased by something that defies human understanding, then after twisting this knob, please throw it at the Holl…… at the monster.”

“Well, I might as well give this a try since I have nothing to lose.”

As he muttered that, Mizuiro threw the item he was carrying at the huge crab monster in the way he was instructed to do so.

Then in the next instant – an intense noise along with lightening devoured the surroundings, the monster’s movements were slowed down as its whole body convulsed.

“Wow…how amazing. If I had thrown that at a person I wonder if it would have been fatal…?”

Next to Mizuiro who said that with calmness, Keigo slowed down to walking speed in blank amazement.

“What now!? Stun guns!? Eh?…huh? What do we do now!? stun guns!?”

As soon as he gave up trying to think, Keigo repeats the same line twice in bewilderment.

With a sidelong glance, he expected the boy clothed in black to now move on the offensive, however – the 'key player’ Yuki Ryūnosuke was unable to stay standing due to the surprise of the lightning and thunderous roar from just a moment ago.

“……lets resuming this marathon course again shall we?”

Although its movements were slowed down, it didn’t mean that the Hollow was completely defeated. Because of this situation, Keigo began to consider the idea that he would have to flee whilst carrying Yuki underarm.

However, he was brought to a standstill midway through that thought –

– By the loud voice of an assertive young woman which echoed through the back alley.

“What are you doing!? Ryūnosukeee!”

Watching the silhouette of the young woman – the owner of that voice –jump down from the rooftop of a multi-storey building, Mizuiro confirmed that she was one of the Shinigami that had come to their town together with Yuki.

—- If I remember correctly, it was Madarame Shino san.

As her Shihakushō fluttered matching the force of her drop, with all her might, Shino swung down her Zanpakutō which had transformed into the a Naginata*. (*A pole like weapon with a curved single edged blade on its end - same weapon type as Ikkaku’s Shikai).

The violent impact made the area around the alleyway​ tremble like an earthquake.

The giant crab shaped Hollow is crushed and dissolved into tiny pieces, its Reishi purified by the power of her Zanpakutō.

Keigo’s facial expression was one of amazement towards the Shinigami who had defeated that huge monster with a single strike, Mizuiro took in the situation with a cool composure thinking “ah, at least there is also a competent Shinigami.”

Meanwhile Ryūnosuke who realised that the Hollow had been purified, looked at Shino and spoke words of relief.

“That’s good…you were safe Shino san.”

“That’s my line, this idiot!”

Shino who landed on the ground with her back turned towards Ryūnosuke​, jumps behind him and collides with the top of his shoulder.

Whether by chance or intentional, after she had sent Ryūnosuke tumbling to the ground with a luchador’s 'tope de reversa’ move, she attacked her defeated partner further by using a joint lock technique on his body.

“Pathetic! Why is it that this is a chance in a million and still you are too intimidated to even stay standing yourself!”

“Ai-tatatata! Let go, let go Shino chan! Please let go of my arms neck and back!”

Watching that sort of comedy exchange between the other two, Keigo was finally able to exhale a heavy breath realising they had overcome their predicament.

“Phew… we’re saved. Shino chan was it? Somehow, I feel like I’ve seen you before.”

“…oh? It’s you? So you’re the guy Ikkaku-nii​ took on as an underling in this place…”

“Ikkaku-nii!? And is that the way I’m supposed to be treated!? As an ‘underling’? That baldy was nothing like a leader to me at all you know!?”

Asano Keigo was once threatened by Madarame Ikkaku who had come to the Human World, he ended up being half forced to accommodate Ikkaku. However the fact that Keigo’s sister was so eager was also a major reason why he lent the accommodation.

“Baldy you say… I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that but, if word reaches Ikkaku-nii’s ears, he would kill you.”

Listening to the conversation in a setting that has calmed down, Shino appeared to be either Madarame Ikkaku’s sister or cousin. It seems the family of both her and Ikkaku were being repeatedly involved in violence everyday in Rukongai, before the both of them were old enough to understand the world around them, their parents had died one after the other and they were passed onto their relatives who kept giving them the runaround, as a consequence they also didn’t have have a clear understanding of exactly how they were related.

After Ikkaku had suddenly become a Shinigami, she herself followed by entering the Shinō Academy, however that brother told her directly from his mouth “I think squad 11 is too intense for Shino”, top management also concluded as such, and to this day, she is attached to the 13th division where she was eventually assigned to.

“Good grief, even though you’ve been training continuously all that time since that war with the Quincies ended, you still can’t help but essentially be a good for nothing​ loser!”

“Oof, I’m sorry, Shino san…”

At Shino’s telling off, Ryūnosuke dropped his shoulders despondently.

Unable to just watch without doing anything, Keigo interrupted the lecture in order to divert the conversation.

“I mean, it wasn’t a matter of concern because of Ichigo's​ safe return. But even though the battle ended it didn’t exactly mean that those white monsters decreased​ too did it…?”

Releasing a small sigh, Shino responded to Keigo’s question seeing as how he was a victim who was dragged into this.

“It’s not that we Shinigami and Kurosaki san were waging war with Hollows or something. This region is prone to hollows from the start…”

Listening to Shino’s words, Mizuiro nodded in understanding.

“Ah, it was about that special sacred place wasn’t it? The one that Aizen was aiming for right?”

“…You’re a human, and yet you are well informed huh. I see. For that reason, anything could happen in this locality, so we can’t be off our guard.”

Then, Ryūnosuke opens his mouth to speak with a serious look in his eye.

“But, I think I’m pretty unprepared whenever I’m dispatched!”

“Don’t say that to yourself!”

Ryūnosuke’s scream echoed across the alleyways of Karakura Town as he was subjected to the joint lock technique again.

However, as if drowning out that scream, a voice on a loudspeaker resounded from the direction of the main street.

[“……therefore, it is unacceptable for the world to remain in its present condition, however people do not wish to return to the past, what the Dōshi* seeks is an escape to a new world——” ] (* An officiating monk/priest/guru)

“What’s that?”

When Shino knit her eyebrows together in discomfort at the voice that was streaming out from the propaganda vehicle like thing, Mizuiro answered that question.

“It’s an emerging religious cult that was recently born. Because of the lengthy earthquake we had half a year ago, it sparked a considerable amount of disorder around the world.”

The lengthy earthquake.

This had occurred because of the fact that during the course of the war between the Shinigami​ and the Quincies, the Soul King had perished and as a result the boundaries between Soul Society, the Human World and Hueco Mundo began to collapse.

It was completely different from the geological system so far, due to the extraordinarily long earthquake that occurred for reasons that cannot be explained by science, the world was gradually being wrapped in deep anxiety to no ends.

Many people had premonitions.

One could say they smelled danger.

They wondered if this meant that some mighty force had encircled this world, defying science and conventional common knowledge.

It was dealt with publicly as “a large scale deformation of the Earth’s crust that was not present in our previous data, at present the cause is under investigation”, however that alone was not enough to eliminate the anxiety that was born in people’s minds.

As a result, religious people who sought answers themselves, or those who tried to take advantage of people’s anxieties, founded new religions one after another​, good and evil was jumbled together and chaos had slowly spread throughout the world.

Currently, amongst those religious faiths, there is a particularly influential one, it is the same group that was distributing its doctrine with a propaganda vehicle just a moment ago.

Trying to supplement the subject Mizuiro had brought up, Keigo talks about the information he himself knows with serious eyes.

“They say, the founder of that religious sect can truly make things like miracles happen. And most importantly, it was rumoured that the founder is a sister with a nice body and a considerably beautiful woman! That founding sister came to encourage me directly about how a truly ideal world should be!”

Listening to that, Shino’s eyes became half closed as she asked Mizuiro a question.

“Hey, can I beat this guy up?”

“I think that’s fine.”

Watching as Mizuiro nods, Ryūnosuke also poses a question feeling some doubts himself.

“All that out of the way, what is the name? The name of that new religious group?”

“Right. If I remember correctly, the name of that group was……”

Human World - Inside a certain multi-floor company building - President’s office.

“Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to talk with you this time. President Vorarlberna.”

The woman who is ushered into the simple black themed room respectfully bows her head to the young boy who was seated on a sofa playing on his handheld gaming device.

The woman was wearing a style of suit that gave off a flirtatious impression, and although it had nothing to do with her actual attire, it was her very being that would somehow make any observer sense the mystical seductiveness about her.

However, without even turning his eyes to such a woman, the young boy that was referred to as Vorarlberna, continued to play around with his gaming device whilst crafting his words in an uninterested manner.

“…Enough of your barefaced greetings. What are your objectives​?”

Addressing the boy - Yukio Hans Vorarlberna - who had asked that question, the woman answered courteously.

“Dear me. My one and only purpose here is to meet with president Vorarlberna representative of 'Y. Hans Enterprise’, who is promised to be a victor of the future by fate. Young, talented people like yourself​ have the power to lead everybody into the future. As a guide that will pave the way to a righteous world, I would like to have your allegiance to our creed.”

'Y. Hans Enterprise’.

It is a corporation owned by Yukio and a large company that is currently expanding its business with enough force to knock down birds in flight.

He obtained the company by seizing control of it from his father and thought it was not worth worrying about, but after going through conflict with Kurosaki Ichigo and the Shinigami, it was now one of his objectives in life is to expand that company​. In the future, it is his aim to construct fertile grounds that accepts stray people who are fellow 'Fullbringers’ like himself. Actually, even at this stage, Dokugamine Riruka was part of the company as a cooperative worker, and although it was earlier than planned, it was through her that he was also able to call out to Jackie Tristan.

That young company president that had a hidden identity as a 'Fullbringer’, in a cold manner and for the second time, questioned the woman who was enticed into his multi-floor company building.

“Do I look like the type that would keep company with someone who gives such a farcical response?”

“Would it be better for me to outright tell you that I want a donation as a collateral in exchange for slaving away to expand your business?”

“That is also a farce. That is not your, no, that is not your​ people’s intention now is it?”

Unfazed, and as if reading her like a book, Yukio continued to talk in a manner that was not dissimilar to muttering to himself.

He then parted one hand away from his gaming device, taking his business card out of his pocket and placing it on the the tabletop.

Looking somewhat ill-humoured he opened his mouth to speak to the woman.

“Although it has been on my mind for a while, by you coming here today I was assured…from this point, you will not be given a chance to retry, I think it’s better you answer me honestly.”

Taking it as an opportunity to make an appointment, a single business card was handed over to Yukio. As he glared at the name of the organisation that was written there, Yukio asked her again.

“You people, what are your objectives?”

On that business card, the name of the woman is also written down with monotone characters.

For Yukio, both names could by no means be overlooked.

[Religious corporation - XCUTION representative - Michibane Aura]

I will post the next chapter once released and translated!