You are very strong, but my painting style is better than yours!

If the feasibility and security of this technology are verified, it is indeed better to keep it in our own hands before it is mastered by others.

Some covet it, some oppose it, and some are indifferent—this is the turbulent undercurrent.

Saito's immortality and "retirement" were seen by the higher-ups as a gesture of goodwill. Since she had left the Gotei 13, even if problems arose with her Hollowfication, it couldn't be considered an internal scandal, and it would be easy to distance herself from the situation.

If everything goes well, everyone can turn a blind eye and treat it as Iori's hobby experiment.

However, during such a sensitive period of captain replacement, the Rukongai was hit by incidents of missing souls and Hollowfication—it was like an elephant walking in with great fanfare, attracting everyone's attention.

Was it Aizen Iori's mistake? Or was it a conspiracy secretly orchestrated by someone?

Is it to seize the ethereal technology? To shut down the ethereal experiment? Or to prevent Iori from taking power?

It's hard to say.

Therefore, Yamamoto did not entrust the matter to Iori to avoid giving others cause for criticism, but at the same time he attached great importance to it and sent the two most technically skilled captains to the task. These two were also very capable and would be able to handle any situation properly.

—No matter what, we must not affect Iori's succession, as this is related to the stability of Soul Society for the next thousand years.

"and many more!"

Kenpachi Zaraki suddenly spoke, his single eye beneath his eyepatch flashing with fighting spirit, "Wouldn't it be faster to send me? We can just cut down the culprit!"

The crowd fell silent for a moment, but no one wanted to explain to him how complicated the situation was.

"Captain Zaraki."

Yamamoto's spiritual pressure trembled slightly, and the air in the entire council hall seemed to freeze for a moment. "The focus of this mission is investigation, not annihilation. Besides..."

The captain glanced meaningfully out the window: "They might not be the kind of opponent you're thinking of, and they probably won't be able to experience the joy of battle from them."

"...Then forget it."

Zaraki pursed his lips.

He still respected the old man quite a bit, and he was also keenly aware of the complex emotions of everyone, realizing that this was exactly the kind of situation he hated the most—that the root of the problem could not be cut off by swords alone.

After the meeting, Ukitake caught up with the boat that was about to leave: "Captain of the boat, please wait."

As Yuzuru turned around, he asked with a smile, "Does Captain Ukitake have any further guidance?"

"Regarding the investigation team, if our 13th Division were to send half of its members..."

The two finalized a general action plan in a few words. Kiryu glanced at Iori, who was talking to Yoruichi behind them, his gaze narrowing slightly as he pondered for a moment.

"That's settled then. Our Technology Development Bureau will do its utmost, Captain Ukitake, please rest assured."

Her departing figure cast a long shadow down the corridor: "Oh right, this time in the squad... I'll be bringing Mayuri Kurotsuchi along."

"As it should be."

Ukitake watched her departing figure, then looked back at Iori and his mischievous friend, his mind filled with many thoughts but no clear direction.

It shouldn't be Iori's problem. My task is to investigate the truth and extricate him from the conspiracy—Ukitake ultimately still believes in Iori.

Perhaps this boy (by Shinigami's age) would break the ironclad rules of the Thirteenth Division for his lover, but it's hard to imagine... that he would reveal such a huge flaw.

If something happens to him, he should be absolutely capable of handling the aftermath without leaving any loose ends.

Therefore, it's highly likely that this really has nothing to do with Iori!

Having figured this out, Ukitake felt much relieved and began to seriously consider which personnel to allocate to handle this matter.

Yes... as expected, Vice-Captain Aizen (Yuuki) is the most suitable!

She is both technically skilled and shrewd, and has connections in both the 13th and 12th Divisions. Most importantly, she is definitely very dedicated to the mission, since it involves her beloved younger brother!

Ukitake nodded in satisfaction, feeling he had found the perfect candidate.

Three days later, the investigation team completely lost contact with Seireitei.

……

The morning bell of Seireitei had just rung seven times when a somber atmosphere filled the First Division barracks.

"Four hundred and fifty residents of Rukongai, twenty-six Shinigami, including two captains."

Yamamoto slammed his cane heavily on the ground, causing the wooden floor to crack in a spiderweb pattern. "This is practically a provocation against the Seireitei!"

The meeting room was completely silent. Kyoraku Shunsui was unusually not wearing a straw hat, and Ukitake Jushiro's usual spot was empty—not a single Hell Butterfly had returned since Ukitake led his team into the 78th ward of Rukongai three days ago.

"Captain."

Yoruichi Shihouin presented the Covert Force's investigation report on the incident—they operated independently of Ukitake's squad.

The Shihōin has its own intelligence system, and it collects information on various events even without orders. As the saying goes, "a leaf can block out Mount Tai," meaning that if a group's information channels are too limited, it's easy to make wrong judgments. The Shihōin (Sidewalk) serves as a covert safeguard.

Originally, the Tsunayo clan was responsible for a deeper level of secrecy, but now that has been largely abandoned, making Shihouin's intelligence all the more precious and important.

Yamamoto had already read the report, and that was the reason for his anger: "How could such a thing happen? There wasn't even a trace of battle. The entire squad seemed to have vanished into thin air... From now on, Seireitei is on high alert, and the alert level 'Shutara' is raised to the highest level!"

"Kyoraku Shunsui will lead a new investigation and purge team, with Unohana Retsu and Shihouin Yoruichi each drawing seats, to go to Rukongai to uncover the truth and eliminate all threats!"

"clear."

Spring waters rarely possess a serious demeanor.

"I--"

"The rest of you stay put for now."

Yamamoto glanced at Iori, who had been interrupted, and said, "Your family members are among the missing. Don't let this affect your judgment. We'll wait for Shunsui to give us the results."

"...I believe in the abilities of the band leader of the Kyoto Opera."

After a moment of silence, Iori could only nod slowly.

The situation has escalated... A sense of impending crisis permeates the entire Seireitei, and even the captains here are quite worried, because they really can't figure out what kind of power could make two captains disappear.

Defeating or even killing Kiryu Hikifune and Jushiro Ukitake might not be difficult, but to say there wasn't even a trace of battle left...

"It's alright, Iori."

On the way back, Shunsui comforted Iori. Although he was also uneasy about his best friend's disappearance, he was generally quite rational.

“There are many possibilities, but I don’t think they could have been killed so quietly. It’s more likely they were held up by something. And your sister, she’s a smart and wise person, she wouldn’t—”

Suddenly, Shunsui sensed a change in the atmosphere. Everyone stopped moving, including Iori beside him, and everyone's eyes turned to the same spot, their expressions filled with utter disbelief.

"Well……"

Trembling—Harumi was astonished to find that Iori was trembling.

When he followed the gaze, he felt his mind go completely blank for a moment:

On the pure white high wall, a vibrant poppy blooms, its dripping dew reflecting a crimson hue in the sunlight—

Aizen Sōyūhime, dressed in Shinigami robes, was pinned to the wall with her Zanpakutō pierced through the chest, looking like a teru teru bozu (a Japanese doll).

Chapter 579 Why are you wearing a mask?

Hey!

At first, only a few raindrops fell silently onto the bluestone pavement of Seireitei, splashing up tiny droplets. The air was filled with the damp scent of earth, and even the wind seemed to grow heavy.

The Grim Reapers stationed throughout Seireitei initially paid no attention, until the raindrops gradually intensified, striking the eaves of the barracks with a soft tapping sound, at which point they hurriedly sought shelter from the rain.

The sky began to darken, and thick, dark clouds gathered from all directions, like a giant black curtain slowly covering the entire world.

The sunlight was completely swallowed up, and the surrounding light quickly dimmed, as if daylight had suddenly turned into dusk. The outlines of distant buildings gradually blurred, leaving only gray silhouettes.

Then, the rain intensified suddenly!

A torrential downpour poured down, the rain curtain obscuring the view like a waterfall, and the whole world seemed to be submerged in the roar of water.

Rainwater washed over the walls and the ground, even shattering the poppy blooming on the high wall, which, mixed with blood, silently slid down.

Occasionally, a blinding flash of lightning would rip across the sky, illuminating the Seireitei in a ghastly white light. In this fleeting glimmer, the expressions of the Grim Reapers beneath the pale walls were reflected one by one.

Most of them had constricted pupils and pale faces. Rainwater streamed down their bodies and hair, but none of them flinched, as if they had turned into wood or stone.

Kyoraku Shunsui subconsciously pinched the red knot on his belt, his brows furrowed, and his gaze revealed an unusual seriousness.

Kenpachi Zaraki stood in the rain, looking up at the sky. His fearsome face was expressionless, but Yachiru on his shoulder had her eyes wide open.

Retsu Unohana stood quietly, her long hair soaked by the rain, her eyes deep and cold, as if she were pondering something.

Rumble…

Thunder rumbled, like the roar of the heavens, adding a chilling atmosphere to the sudden downpour. Seireitei was shrouded in a hazy mist and darkness, with only occasional flashes of lightning illuminating the frozen figures.

The sound of rain drowned out the whispers, but it couldn't mask the oppressive atmosphere and unease that permeated the air.

No one spoke, but everyone knew that this rain might just be the beginning.

so cold...

Chunshui's eyes flickered slightly as she stole a glance at the young man being judged.

He didn't shed a tear, nor did his face show any sadness. However, Shunsui knew why the rain was falling, and he also knew that Seireitei was facing a great danger no less than that of Ryujin Jakka's Bankai.

Fortunately, Iori didn't lose his mind, so Shunsui didn't have to stop him.

The boy stepped into the torrential rain, the icy rain instantly soaking through his shihaka armor, clinging tightly to his skin. The biting cold, however, could not freeze the surging spiritual pressure on his body, which rose like mist, distorting the surrounding light and shadow.

Finally, he stood in front of Yuuki.

Her body was pierced by the Zanpakuto and pinned to the wall, like a butterfly that had been nailed to its death.

Rain soaked her long hair, and a faint smile still lingered on her pale face, as if death were merely a cruel joke. Iori reached out, his fingertips touching her cold cheek. In that instant, his shoulder twitched slightly, as if pierced by some invisible blade.

He suddenly pulled out the knife that was pinning her down, the sound of the blade scraping against her bones was particularly jarring in the downpour.

Clang!

She drew her Zanpakuto, and her body, now without support, slumped onto his shoulder, where he lifted her up by her legs.

Blood gushed from her chest, flowing down his arm and leaving a long trail on the ground, like a scarlet river.

One step, two steps—his steps were heavy and slow, as if he were being dragged by some invisible force. Rain washed away the bloodstains on the high wall, and the crimson liquid meandered down the wall, mingling with the puddles on the ground to form a winding river of blood.

The Grim Reapers around them stood frozen in place, none daring to step forward.

Everyone felt it—the almost tangible spiritual pressure emanating from Iori was rising wildly amidst the torrential rain, as if it would crush the entire Seireitei in the next second.

"Ah……"

Iori suddenly chuckled softly, his voice hoarse as if it had been ground by sand and gravel. He stroked Yuuki's pale but cold face one last time, then slowly raised his head, his eyes reflecting the gray sky, rain dripping down his chin.

They appeared frozen in place, but everyone's heart skipped a beat simultaneously—

Is he crying?

"At least get her to a clean place, no matter what."

Undeterred by the wind and rain, Chunshui walked to Yizhi's side: "You must have many things you want to do and many things you want to say, but the most important thing now is to let her sleep peacefully."

"...Thank you, Chunshui."

Iori pursed his lips and turned his head slightly. Shunsui couldn't see his expression, but he couldn't help but sigh at Iori's sadness and stubbornness.

"Even a man sometimes needs someone to rely on."

"yes……"

Iori seemed to finally lose control; her shoulders trembled, and she covered her mouth with her hand.

"I'm sorry, I've already..."

"Yes, it must be very uncomfortable."

No, I can't laugh now... But, but... how can I hold it in!

……

In the ruins of Rukongai's 78th ward, the torrential rain continued unabated. The bad weather seemed to reflect everyone's mood, but the higher-ranking Shinigami all knew that it was Iori's unconscious spiritual pressure affecting the weather.

No one expected that the impact would be so widespread and profound.

Retsu Unohana stood before a charred remnant of spiritual pressure, her fingertips lightly brushing the ground. Rain washed away the gruesome marks, but could not erase the spiritual information contained within. Her brows furrowed slightly, a hint of seriousness flashing in her eyes.

"team leader!"

A member of the Fourth Division came running up, his voice muffled by the rain, "The eastern area seems to be affected by some kind of powerful demonic force..."

Before Unohana could respond, a dark shadow suddenly swept across the rain, and Yoruichi Shihouin landed lightly beside her, her golden cat eyes gleaming sharply in the rain.