"Thirteenth Division's Third Seat?"
Shimo's expression froze in surprise—this was sothing he had not expected. Compared to Tokinada Tsunayashiro's death, this news carried far greater weight.
If he recalled correctly, the Third Seat of the Thirteenth Division was a woman nad Miyako Shiba—Kaien Shiba's wife. Her death was bound to trigger events of deep consequence.
Shimo felt he had to go to the Thirteenth Division.
As for the Central 46's investigation, Byakuya Kuchiki was holding that burden. It wasn't a pressing problem. Shimo knew Tokinada's death had nothing to do with him. More likely, Tokinada had used his Zanpakutō's ability to disguise his suicide. After Shimo tore open his secrets, Tokinada could no longer live in peace within his own house.
Had Shimo exposed everything from the past, even as clan head, Tokinada would have faced judgnt in the Senzaikyū. Hiding from the world was perhaps his only escape.
Leaving the Kuchiki estate, Shimo headed straight for the Thirteenth Division.
Because of the bond between Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake, Shimo had long been a familiar guest of the division. Ukitake had even once invited him to join the Thirteenth, though Shimo, devoted to Fourth Division, had politely refused. Ukitake regretted it for so ti, convinced that Shimo's temperant would have brought vitality to his division.
---
At the Thirteenth Division Quarters.
When Shimo arrived at the division's central hall, heated voices and violent coughing echoed from within.
"We don't even know the enemy's na, appearance, or abilities. Cough, cough. You will remain here, and the strike squad will handle it!"
Ukitake's voice, frail and broken by coughing fits, nonetheless carried a weight that could not be defied. His compassion for subordinates was renowned, but when it ca to their safety, his word was law.
Kaien Shiba's fists trembled, grief spilling from him. "But—!"
Ukitake sighed softly. "There are only two things we know. First, the Hollow that attacked the reconnaissance squad is not migratory, but nests—remaining in one place to feed. Second, we know the location of its lair."
At that mont, the sliding door opened. A familiar figure entered.
"Captain Ukitake."
All eyes turned to Shimo.
"Shimo?!" Ukitake and Rukia said in unison, surprise evident in their voices. Rukia quickly realized the mood was too grim to indulge her shock, and forced herself calm.
"Cough, cough… Why have you suddenly co to the Thirteenth Division?" Ukitake asked, pale-faced, each word punctuated by coughs.
Shimo's gaze swept the room. Alongside Ukitake, Kaien, and Rukia stood Kotetsu Isane and Kotsubaki Sentarō. Grief marked all their faces.
In the center lay a bed, a white cloth draped over a body. It could only be Miyako Shiba, Thirteenth Division's Third Seat.
Shimo's voice carried quiet weight. "I heard from Captain Kuchiki about Third Seat Shiba's death, so I ca."
The air grew colder still.
Ukitake exhaled heavily. "We have confird the Hollow's lair. We are preparing to hunt it down. You should co with us."
Kaien's eyes had not moved from the covered body. His pain was palpable. Shimo didn't attempt to console him. He knew only vengeance could ease this grief.
And yet, witnessing the scene struck a chord within him. To live again was to regain people and things he cherished. In a world so dangerous, without sufficient strength, he might one day find himself in Kaien's place.
...
Despite his illness, Ukitake insisted on leading the strike squad, and Kaien silently vowed to rember that kindness. Rukia and Shimo joined as well.
Shimo had often crossed paths with Miyako before—she was upright and kind. He had even hinted at knowledge of her tragic fate, hoping to change it. But she hadn't taken it to heart. And now, the tragedy had co to pass.
Guided by Hell Butterfly ssages, they reached District 72 of West Rukongai, deep in the forest. The Hollow's spiritual pressure was palpable. Pushing through the trees, they erged before a towering mountain, at whose base yawned a massive cavern. Foul spiritual pressure and the stench of death seeped from within.
"This is the lair?" Kaien asked, his grief hardening into resolve.
"Yes." Ukitake's words were short, to spare himself from coughing.
From within ca a grotesque voice. "The scent of food… unbearable!"
A massive Hollow crawled out—crablike, with blood-red tendrils sprouting from its head. Crimson markings ringed its mask around the eyes, four sharp horns curled upward from its chin, and six insectoid limbs extended from its body.
"Heh… fresh souls!" it cackled.
It was no ordinary Hollow—it had self-awareness.
Rukia's hand went to her Zanpakutō. "I'll scout ahead—"
Shimo stopped her with a hand on her shoulder. "No. This is Kaien's fight. A battle tied to his pride and dignity. We're only here to watch."
Rukia looked at him, confused, but his firm tone reassured her.
Kaien's eyes softened briefly in gratitude before he turned to Ukitake. "Captain, allow to fight alone."
Ukitake saw the resolute fire in Kaien's gaze, and after a long pause, sighed. "…Permission granted."
As Kaien prepared to leap down, Shimo called out: "I've read records of this Hollow in the Departnt of Research and Developnt. Its na is tastacia. Its ability erases a Shinigami's Zanpakutō, then fuses with and dominates the victim's body and mind. Be careful."
Kaien froze, then smiled with newfound confidence. "Thank you. I understand."
He dropped from the branches, facing his enemy.
"Decided who's going to die first, brat?" tastacia sneered.
Kaien's fury cooled into a deadly calm. "Before we begin, answer —how many Shinigami's souls have you devoured?"
tastacia tilted its head arrogantly. "What a foolish question. I don't bother counting my als."
Kaien's eyes darkened. "And you've never regretted it?"
The Hollow laughed madly. "Regret? Oh, I regret not eating that woman from the top half down!"
Kaien's rage broke free. With a roar, he drew his Zanpakutō and slashed, tearing flesh. tastacia howled, blood spraying from its tendrils.
In a blur of shunpo, Kaien appeared above its head, seizing a tendril, blade raised.
"Nejibana, surge—!"
But tastacia sneered. "Your Zanpakutō can't harm ."
At once, Kaien's blade dissolved into spirit particles.
"Hadō #63: Raikōhō! (Thunder Roar Sear)"
Even without his Zanpakutō, Kaien had prepared. Lightning burst from his palms, engulfing the Hollow. The sky split with thunder.
"Sprinkled on the bones of the beast! Sharp tower, red crystal, steel ring. Move and beco the wind, stop and beco the calm. The sound of warring spears fills the empty castle!!"
The extended incantation strengthened the spell. Mastery of such techniques required high expertise in Kidō, and Kaien unleashed it with precision.
Electricity seared tastacia's body, fire consuming it. At last, the Hollow disintegrated into spirit particles, its cries silenced.
Kaien fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face. Ukitake laid a hand on his shoulder. "Do not grieve too deeply."
From afar, Shimo watched quietly, his thoughts heavy. This ti, Kaien's life was saved. The tragedy has been changed.
"Shimo…"
Rukia stood beside him, tilting her face up to et his eyes.
"What is it?" Shimo asked, puzzled.
Her gaze wavered. "Do you think… sothing like this could happen to us one day?"
For a mont Shimo was stunned. Then he smiled, pulling her gently into his arms. "I promise you—it never will."
And in his heart, he swore silently:
In the na of ti itself.
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