I will traverse countless worlds and become a god entirely on my own!

"How about we let Yuune go with us? I feel it would be safer if the two of them attacked together. Of course, if you, Hana-nee, also come, I think this mission is absolutely a sure thing. Hey Hana-nee!! Don't walk so fast!! Why are you even using Instant Step?!"

Byakuya raised his hand and waved, shouting ahead. In just a few breaths, Unohana Retsu's figure was no longer visible.

He just wanted to play it safe. With Retsu Unohana by his side, it was naturally not his turn to take action. Surely Aizen wouldn't have to do it himself?

"Vice Captain Byakuya, I heard that you and Captain Unohana strongly requested that I go with you?"

On the day of the gathering, Kotetsu Isane's face was flushed as she looked excitedly at Byakuya. She never expected that Byakuya would insist that she come along.

It feels like this happiness came rather suddenly.

This is Bai Ye's first mission. Although there is another Grim Reaper with him, it feels great to be valued!

"Well, I originally wanted Sister Hua to come along, but she absolutely refused to go!"

Bai Ye nodded, looking somewhat regretful. He felt like he had practically worn his lips out trying to persuade Unohana Retsu to agree to let Kotetsu Isane go along.

But no matter what he said, Retsu Unohana refused to go with him, and Byakuya had no choice but to give up, which was the most regrettable thing for Byakuya.

The reason for having Kotetsu Isane go along was also because of Kuchiki Rukia.

Although she was adopted, she was indeed a member of the Kuchiki family, one of the four great noble families. She knew Byakuya's personality; if she didn't have to do it herself, she would definitely leave it to Kuchiki Rukia.

Despite her considerable strength, she was constantly worried about something, which also made Retsu Unohana somewhat concerned. After much deliberation, and considering that Byakuya had repeatedly suggested sending more people, she felt that sending Isane Kotetsu would indeed be safer.

Ultimately, she arranged for Kotetsu Isane to come over.

"The vice-captain invited the captain?"

Kotetsu Isane was startled. He had heard Unohana Retsu mention that there were only a few Gillian. Could there be other Hollows, or even Vastodes?

They actually want the vice-captain and the captain to act together.

The vice-captain was once rumored to be a once-in-a-millennium grim reaper!

In Kotetsu Isane's view, although Byakuya had never made a move, his strength was definitely very strong, at least much stronger than hers. Yet, such a strong vice-captain was inviting an even more powerful captain to carry out the mission together.

Could there really be a Vasto Lorde?

"I was invited, but the captain seemed a little reluctant, so I gave up."

"Vice-Captain, is our mission objective this time Vastod?"

Kotetsu Isane felt it would be better to ask Byakuya, since she was about to carry out a mission and needed to have some information, at least knowing what killed her before she died.

"No."

She said!

Hearing Byakuya's words, Kotetsu Isane patted his chest, looking relieved.

If it's not Vastod, then it must be Adjuchas?

"Although the three of us would have a hard time dealing with Adjuchas, we should still give it a try, right?"

With Vice Captain Bai Ye here, the three of them should have no problem dealing with Adjuchas.

Although she was still unsure, she felt at least that she could do it and wouldn't be as desperate as Vastod.

"No, we're dealing with Kylian."

Although we don't yet know what Aizen is planning to do to test me.

But it's definitely not as simple as Kylian. There might be some other weird stuff coming up, but right now it's just Kylian. I can't just reveal all of this, can I?

"what?"

Kotetsu Isane stared wide-eyed at Byakuya in disbelief. Just now, she thought that Unohana Retsu was trying to toughen them up, which was why she decided not to go.

But now she finally understands why Retsu Unohana refused outright.

Why should several Gillian be dealt with by Unohana Retsu?

I'm afraid I'll be laughed at to death for this!

Although their Fourth Division is not good at fighting, they are not so bad as to be unable to deal with Killian, right?

Isn't the vice-captain being a little too cautious?

Do we need Captain Unohana's intervention to deal with Kylian?

"Yune, don't underestimate Kylian!"

With a grave expression, Bai Ye looked at Kotetsu Isane and reminded him, "When facing an enemy, you either confuse them or go all out!"

"Yes, the vice-captain is right."

Although it was a bit of an exaggeration, Kotetsu Isane still felt that Byakuya made a lot of sense.

What happened to Kylian?

Isn't Gillian a Hollow?

Don't underestimate Gillian!

"Yongyin, this is your first mission. Bring all of these with you."

"Vice Captain, do we need to bring all of these medicines? Are we sure we can use them all?"

Kotetsu Isane watched as Byakuya packed various medicines and other items into large and small bags.

She suddenly fell into deep thought.

My own vice-captain is being overly cautious; I always feel like he's aiming for a tank.

If you bring all these medications, you might be able to stand still and let Kylie punch you for a long time, right?

"Yongyin, have you forgotten everything I just said?"

"No! I'll remember the vice-captain's words!"

"Okay, let's leave after we finish packing these up!"

He took everything he should take, and also collected what he shouldn't, thinking that he might need it later.

After the two left, looking at the empty medicine room, Kotetsu Isane wanted to say something, but in the end she swallowed her words.

It seems there's no need to say anything more.

To avoid being caught later, Kotetsu Isane quickly ran after Byakuya. As she ran, she subconsciously pulled her shihaka (a type of Japanese martial arts uniform) to cover her face, as she was somewhat embarrassed.

Wait until the two of them leave.

Inside the medicine room, Yamada Hanatarou's mournful voice echoed throughout the Fourth Division's barracks: "Which bastard took all of our Fourth Division's medicines!"

Upon hearing the commotion, Retsu Unohana was stunned when she saw the empty medicine room. She couldn't help but think of Byakuya. Could he have really taken everything away?

It seems like he really could have made it, right?

Thinking of this, Unohana Retsu gave a bitter smile. Sure enough, this guy was just as cautious as she had thought!

"It was stolen?"

"Captain Aizen?"

Retsu Unohana turned to look at the newcomers. Besides Aizen, Gin Ichimaru was also there. Following Retsu Unohana's gaze, Gin Ichimaru nodded as a greeting.

Upon hearing the two's sudden arrival, Retsu Unohana's face flashed with apology as she said, "I'm sorry, there was no theft involved."

"Okay, since there's nothing else, we'll be going now."

Aizen smiled gently, then adjusted his glasses and turned to leave.

As he left, he pondered to himself that Bai Ye had taken the medicinal herbs with him. Bai Ye's personality was as cautious as he had estimated. So, when he exposed his abilities last time, was it intentional or did he genuinely reveal his abilities?

This doesn't seem to fit his personality at all.

However, the next task will be a good test to see if he is truly cautious or just all talk and no action.

Please don't let me down.

Aizen had a newfound expectation for Byakuya. How lonely it would be to be on the path to the top without any enemies! He wanted to become the king of the sky, but he also needed one or two rivals to keep him entertained along the way!

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 168 White Night: I'm pretending, Urahara, do you want some fried dough?

"Vice Captain Bai Ye, I'll need your help with the missions from now on."

Rukia Kuchiki, who had gathered with Byakuya and was preparing to depart for the mortal world, bowed solemnly to Byakuya.

Although she had never seen Byakuya make a move, rumors about him had been circulating in Soul Society. Even though it was rumored that he wasn't actually very strong, Rukia still didn't think she could underestimate him.

Especially since Byakuya was leading the team this time, and given Byakuya's usually gentle personality, he's very popular throughout Soul Society. I wonder which guy spread these rumors.

Rukia thought to herself, feeling a bit contempt for this kind of person. The Fourth Division wasn't good at fighting anyway, so even if Byakuya wasn't good at fighting, there was no need to keep harping on it, right?

"Rukia, it's been a long time."

As the medical team, the Fourth Division has basically dealt with all the Shinigami in Soul Society. Even the captain occasionally gets injured. Some don't come to treat him, while others come to get some medicine.

After graduating from school, Rukia carried out many missions and was injured several times. Byakuya treated her a few times, so the two actually knew each other.

"Yes, I never expected to be able to carry out a mission with you, Vice Captain Bai Ye, this time."

"Just call me by my name, no need to be so formal. Let's go, Rukia, Isane."

Since the three of them knew each other, there was no need to be so formal. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Bai Ye led the two of them to the mortal world.

"This mission is to take care of a few Hollows. I'm leaving the rest to you two!"

"Eh!?"

Rukia stared wide-eyed at Byakuya in disbelief.

What do you mean by asking them for help?

Shouldn't Bai Ye be leading the team in this matter?

I have a feeling that this team is somewhat unusual.

"Ahem, the vice-captain probably wants us to go all out; he's being too cautious."

Kotetsu Isane, who was standing nearby, pulled Rukia aside and whispered something in her ear.

After hearing her explanation, Rukia's eyes flashed with understanding. So that's what she meant. She nodded repeatedly and said, "Don't worry, Byakuya, I will definitely do my best!"