Makoto ran his hand through Harribel's soft, golden hair, as fine as velvet, while his gaze drifted to the group behind her.
Calling it a "formation" was generous, it was more a chaotic cluster.
Towering Adjuchas, each at least six or seven meters tall, varied wildly in appearance. Some resembled animals, others were grotesque masses, and many bore humanoid torsos with extra limbs, arms, eyes, tails, or stranger appendages.
Though they maintained a semblance of respect, some grew restless, their tails twitching as their reiatsu pulsed impatiently.
Parallel to them, high-ranking Shinigami officers watched with wary eyes, hands resting on Zanpakuto hilts, openly distrusting their "allies."
If not for the black chain collars around the Adjuchas' necks, these "comrades" would likely have torn each other apart.
And it wasn't just the Adjuchas.
Makoto's gaze swept over Harribel's slender neck, where a dark red collar gleamed.
The Hollow Restrictor?
Though it had been a while since he'd visited Hueco Mundo, Makoto, with his extensive connections in the Twelfth Division, was no stranger to such innovations.
After the Soul Society approved the Special Hollow Division, the need to ensure the expedition force's safety and control the Hollow members had been paramount.
The Hollow Restrictor was one result.
Despite its name, it was less a limiter and more the Twelfth Division's pinnacle of miniaturized spiritual weaponry.
A single collar could obliterate an Adjuchas in an instant.
This was a key reason the Special Hollow Division policy endured.
Unfortunately, against Vasto Lordes, it could only inflict severe injury, requiring other means of loyalty.
Makoto's thoughts lingered as his hand slid from Harribel's hair, grazing the smooth white bone mask along her face, then settling on the collar. His fingers slipped between the delicate skin of her neck and the device, tugging lightly, tightening her throat just enough to hint at suffocation.
Harribel's respectful posture stiffened for a fleeting moment, her pupils trembling.
This unfamiliar sensation, fear, or perhaps excitement?
Her breathing, muffled by the bone mask, grew heavier.
Her head bowed lower, her submission unmistakable.
"You're exemplary, Harribel." Makoto said, his tone warm.
Satisfied, he released her. "Let's head to headquarters to discuss the investigation."
His gentle words eased Harribel's tension, though a flicker of irritation at herself stirred within.
Katori's gaze flicked to Harribel, her fingers adjusting her thick glasses. A subtle smile curved her lips, catching the emotional undercurrent.
Thanks to Kurikara, she was keenly attuned to others' feelings.
"Yes." Kotetsu Shuichi and the others responded.
...
Back at the camp, Kotetsu activated a table-mounted sand model, briefing the newcomers on the expedition's status, enemy movements, and training conditions.
"Currently, our Hueco Mundo Expedition Force's First, Sixth, and Tenth Units are stationed at Palace Hill, Dune Flow, and Guardian Pillar, forming a triangular defensive network." Kotetsu explained. "Years of sweeps have cleared these areas of Menos, designating them safe zones."
"Following orders, the First Unit at Palace Hill has sent search teams to the Forest of Menos, alongside a detachment of the Special Hollow Division. No results yet, and nearby Hollow forces show no unusual activity."
"The only concern is the disappearance of exploration teams."
Senior shinigami, vice-captain level and above, gathered around the three-dimensional map displaying Hueco Mundo's layered terrain, listening as Kotetsu outlined the situation.
Though Kotetsu's strength was only top-tier vice-captain level, his operational expertise surpassed the captains present. His clear, concise briefing detailed the expedition's challenges and the needs for a large-scale investigation.
At his final remark, Tenjiro, who'd been chewing grass and picking his ear, frowned. "They're heading into the Forest of Menos. They'd be ready to die, right? What's surprising about that?"
Kotetsu leaned on the table, his expression grave. "No, it's not that simple."
"Since Makoto-sama established the Special Hollow Division, their vanguard role and standardized search tactics have reduced the danger in the Forest of Menos over the past three centuries. But about thirty or forty years ago, the loss rate of exploration teams began rising again."
"From one in eight a century ago, it's now one in three. Entire teams vanish, including our Hollow allies. This isn't normal."
The room fell silent.
Many cast subtle glances at the lone Vasto Lorde in the tent.
Harribel, unfazed, sat with legs crossed and arms folded, ignoring the stares.
In the Forest of Menos, Adjuchas guides were invaluable for navigation.
But when things went wrong, they were the first suspects.
The Shinigami-Hollow divide wasn't ideological, it was primal, a cycle of predator and prey.
Like humans working with cannibals, distrust was expected.
Kotetsu seemed about to speak, but his gaze met Harribel's crushing reiatsu, and he swallowed his words. He acknowledged the Special Hollow Division's value, but fear of the uncontrollable was universal.
Shinigami were, after all, just another kind of human.
Katori's eyes, behind her thick glasses, scanned the room, her lips twitching with barely contained delight.
Fear, suspicion, resistance, so many intricate emotions.
For someone like her, stripped of fear and pity by Kurikara, this was a feast of feelings.
Her gaze settled on Makoto, pausing briefly.
"If that's the case, our timing is perfect." Makoto said calmly, seemingly oblivious to the wary glances cast at Harribel. His warm tone carried authority. "Acting Captain Kotetsu, holding the line with the expedition's current strength has been no small feat."
"I'm unworthy of such praise." Kotetsu Shuichi replied, bowing quickly, a hint of unease in his humbled demeanor.
Given Makoto's storied record and his clear superiority among the captains, leaving a poor impression could spell trouble for Kotetsu's future.
Ignoring the modesty, Makoto pointed to the sand model, addressing the group. "Based on where the scouting teams' signals vanished, we can draw a perimeter between Menos Settlements 61 through 64 in the Forest of Menos. That's our breakthrough point."
His logic was clear: with no direct leads on Szayelaporro, they'd tackle the immediate issue of the missing teams, extracting answers from Adjuchas captives to uncover Hueco Mundo's current state.
Having clashed with Baraggan before, Makoto knew the top-tier forces in Hueco Mundo and brimmed with confidence.
"To uncover the true cause of the teams' losses, I propose each unit select elite operatives to form multiple bait squads." He continued. "Captains Katori, Tenjiro, Harribel, and I will form the rear core, trailing at a distance to support the squads and capture any enemies."
A straightforward fishing tactic, built on the captains' overwhelming strength and mobility.
Makoto's sharp mind urged him to leverage his unmatched prowess.
"Any suggestions?" He asked, turning to the group.
"Captain Makoto." Kotetsu ventured, glancing sheepishly at Tenjiro. "During our last operation, we still have wounded awaiting transfer back to the Soul Society."
"Then you stay behind, Tenjiro." Makoto said, unfazed.
"What?!" Tenjiro's eyes bulged. "More work?!"
He'd hoped Hueco Mundo would offer a chance to bash some Hollows and unwind.
[If only we could build a women's bathhouse here!]
His Zanpakuto chimed in eagerly.
[Don't forget a secret door for me!]
"Nonsense." Makoto snapped, smacking the scabbard. "Tenjiro's not the type to open a shady bathhouse."
The tent fell silent.
All eyes turned to Makoto, their gazes laced with curiosity.
Tenjiro flipped him a bold middle finger.
Harribel's eyes flicked silently to Makoto's scabbard, as if recalling some mortifying memory.
Makoto-sama hasn't changed one bit, has he?
...
"Fifth Seat of the Ninth Division, Sōsuke Aizen, reporting."
The small figure appeared, now clad in a well-fitted black shihakusho, an Asauchi at his waist. The scabbard, slightly too long, required him to hold it occasionally. His brown hair was neatly combed, and despite his youth, he exuded competence.
Spotting familiar faces, Sōsuke flashed a sunny smile. "Vice-Captain Kuruyashiki! Jūshirō-senpai!"
Ryoma grinned broadly, ruffling Sōsuke's hair. "Looking sharp, Sōsuke! Makoto-san really trusts you, tossing you into this mess."
Jūshirō smiled warmly, offering a gentle reminder. "Stay close behind us when we move out. Don't fall behind."
"Yes, sir!" Sōsuke replied, brimming with energy.
It wasn't just them.
Following headquarters' orders, the three units assembled elite operatives, blending with Makoto's reinforcements to form four ten-man scouting squads.
Unlike past missions, these forty were all at least seated officer level, led by vice-captain-tier powerhouses, boasting unprecedented strength and mobility.
Backing them was the core support group: Makoto, Katori, and Harribel.
Clearly, Makoto had no intention of letting the issue fester.
Hiss!
As the squads familiarized themselves, a jarring chuckle broke the air.
A serpentine hiss slithered past their ears.
Turning, they saw a white snake, thick as a barrel and dozens of meters long, coiled high, its masked gaze peering down. A soft, feminine voice drawled lazily, "Quite the fuss. Planning to raze the Forest of Menos, Shinigami? All this over a few fools getting lost? Did a captain die in there or something?"
Its tone carried a mix of complaint and subtle probing, yawning wide with a lazy air.
For these Shinigami-aligned Hollows, life was eat or sleep. The expedition force was a restrictive but safe haven, a rare luxury for Adjuchas.
Still, that didn't stop them from grumbling when sent on dangerous missions.
"You there, just follow orders and cooperate." Ryoma shot back, his tone icy, a stark contrast to his usual joviality.
Beyond Harribel, the other Adjuchas received only directives to assist.
He wasn't about to say more.
Sōsuke, however, looked up, his seemingly innocent eyes glinting with curiosity.
Hiss!
Catching his gaze, the snake lashed its tongue menacingly at him.
Clang!
Hands flew to Zanpakuto hilts, faces tense.
An Adjuchas-level Hollow typically required a captain to handle, and they weren't taking chances.
Only Ryoma stood firm, eyes narrowing at the creature.
"Hahaha!" The snake's laughter rang out, amused by the Shinigami's nerves. "My name's Cyan Sung-Sun, not 'you there.' Remember it!"
***
Bonus Chapter:
100 Power Stones = 1 BC
300 Power Stones = 2 BC
500 Power Stones = 3 BC
700 Power Stones = 4 BC
1000 Power Stones = 5 BC
***
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