[Group Member Aizen Sōsuke has released a new mission]
[Mission Name: Hōgyoku Guardian Plan]
[Mission Introduction: A Transmigrator named Saito Kenji has traveled through time and become the distant cousin of Saito, the original 6th Division captain. He aims to steal the piece of the Hōgyoku hidden within Urahara Kisuke's assistant to enhance his own power and disrupt the plot of the Bleach world.]
[Mission Objective: Stop Saito Kenji's conspiracy. You may act freely outside of this objective during the mission period.]
[Mission Duration: 7 days. You will be forcibly returned after the deadline.]
[Mission Reward 1: Upon mission completion, the group system will evaluate performance and distribute lottery draws. The prize pool includes all specialties from the Bleach world.]
[Mission Reward 2: Any member who kills the Transmigrator and retrieves the body will be allowed to randomly deprive him of an item or ability.]
[Mission Reward 3: A character related to the Transmigrator will be randomly chosen to join the chat group.]
[Mission Participants: 3 (randomly selected from group members)]
[Warning: The Transmigrator possesses Gungnir, the Spear of Destiny wielded by Odin, King of the Norse Gods. Participants should proceed with extreme caution.]
As Aizen released the task, the system notifications rang louder and more frequently than ever.
Uchiha Miyuki: "As expected, he's targeting those two unlucky ones—Urahara Kisuke and Yoruichi Shihouin. And he's after the Hōgyoku fragment hidden with Kisuke's assistant... No wonder Aizen posted the mission instead of that violent goddess of death."
Uchiha Miyuki: "Still, this mission has so many alerts!"
Esdeath: "The rewards are much more generous this time. This is completely different from before."
Eriri Sawamura: "Yeah, not only do we get a shot at the Bleach world prize draw, but killing the Transmigrator can earn you one of his powers or items. And even a related character joins the group?"
Esdeath: "Which means we're getting a new member? Hopefully someone powerful."
Kasumigaoka Utaha: "Stealing a Transmigrator's ability is great and all, but a character related to him? What if it's someone in team with Saito? Are we dragging an enemy into the group?"
Daemon: "Might also be tied to the Gungnir. That thing has too many ties across mythologies. There are countless people and legends connected to it."
Yamamoto Mei: "Furōfushi Saitō? She was captain of the 6th Division in the original Gotei 13. If that's true, then yeah, the Transmigrator probably came with a pre-built identity. Your concern might be legit, Utaha."
Daemon: "It's plausible. Your Old man is still alive. Why wouldn't the original captains be alive too?"
Yamamoto Mei: "…Tch."
Luo Hao: "Forget the rewards for now. Our focus should be this Transmigrator."
Luo Hao: "The chat group says he holds Gungnir? In myths, that's a spear that never misses. Not easy to deal with."
Uchiha Miyuki: "Hey, there are tons of supposedly 'unavoidable' attacks in various worlds. How many actually live up to the hype? Look at that blue spearman spinning around screaming about causality!"
Luo Hao: "So you think it's dodgeable?"
Uchiha Miyuki: "I've got Susanoo! Don't know if I can block it… but you won't know till you try!"
Nakiri Erina: "Isn't Mr. Daemon's God Avoid also a one-hit kill?"
Daemon: "My God Avoid ignores distance, space, time, defense, and evasion. In terms of power and flexibility, it's far above Gungnir."
Daemon: "Can't say how I compare to Odin across all myth-based worlds. In some stories, he's a terrifying demon god. But Gungnir versus God Avoid? That eternal spear's a lower-tier version of mine."
Uchiha Miyuki: "Bang bang bang! That's the boss talking! Odin's signature weapon is just a knock-off of his move!"
Kasumigaoka Utaha: "Arrogant? Sure. But not inaccurate. Luo Hao, wouldn't you agree?"
Luo Hao: "Indeed! Gungnir pales in comparison to God Avoid."
Nakiri Erina: "Maybe for Mr. Daemon… but for us, even a lower-tier god weapon is scary."
Uchiha Miyuki: "Don't be scared, Miss Erina. You've got the Phoenix Fruit! You can't be one-shot!"
Nakiri Erina: "…I still don't want to test how it feels getting skewered by a god's spear."
Kocho Shinobu: "Same here. If I get hit, it's game over for sure."
Aizen Sōsuke: "Haha, relax. Those not suited for battle can stay at the 5th Division barracks in Soul Society."
Aizen Sōsuke: "I'll try to use Kyōka Suigetsu to hypnotize the Transmigrator's senses. No promises—it didn't work on Daemon either."
Daemon: "Don't worry. I can lend out Noble Phantasms via the red envelope system if needed—even if I'm not selected."
Tohsaka Sakura: "Big brother Daemon is so dependable~"
Kocho Shinobu: "Agreed. He's the kind of person you instinctively trust."
Eriri Sawamura: "Boss! Hey, can my system summon characters from other worlds yet?"
Daemon: "…In theory, yes. You'll only know if you try."
[Ding! Drawing members for this mission…]
[Congratulations! The following members have been selected: Nerona Daemon, Kocho Shinobu, and Kasumigaoka Utaha.]
Kocho Shinobu: "Huh? Me?!"
Nakiri Erina: "That's great! If your strength levels up this time, maybe Hephaestus will grant you another forging chance?"
Nakiri Erina: "Last time you gave your turn to Daemon. This time, you should keep it for yourself."
Kocho Shinobu: "Eh? W-Well… probably!"
Uchiha Miyuki: "Tch! I didn't get picked again?! I wanted Bleach powers! Shinigami, Quincy, Hollow—so many cool abilities!"
Luo Hao: "Accept it, brat. As a Reincarnator, your fate isn't equal to us god-slayers. I've already traveled through worlds multiple times!"
Uchiha Miyuki: "Even that crazy Death Goddess got into One Piece and scored an enhanced Thunder Fruit thanks to you! Is the system just allergic to me?"
Yamamoto Mei: "Maybe it's because you're too lazy? Always ogling girls?"
Uchiha Miyuki: "Aaargh! I'll fight you!"
Jibril: "Of the three drawn members, only Mr. Daemon is truly strong, right?"
Kocho Shinobu: "…I won't be much help. I'll be satisfied with just getting the reward draw."
Kasumigaoka Utaha: "Hey! I heard that! I'm not weak anymore, okay?"
Jibril: "Not weak? In the Demon Slayer World, I vaporized all of your twelve Trials in seconds. If group members weren't protected from hurting each other, your little pink dragon head would be mounted on my bookshelf."
Kasumigaoka Utaha: "…"
Daemon: "Uh… Utaha's actually gotten pretty strong. Mythical Zoan Fruit + 5-second Time pause + Twelve Trials + Mangekyo Sharingan—she's top tier in most worlds. But Jibril, you're still a bit too broken."
Jibril: "Aww, is Mr. Daemon complimenting me? I'll take it happily~"
Kasumigaoka Utaha: "Ugh… I will get stronger. Just you wait."
Jibril: "Then I'll be waiting for you!"
Yamamoto Mei: "Ahem! Excuse me, but after traversing countless worlds, I will be the one to welcome you back—to sweep away the dust and carry the wind."
Aizen Sosuke: "Oh? That seems a bit much for the lady of the Yamamoto family, doesn't it? This is my responsibility, after all. Let me handle Daemon's welcome."
Yamamoto Mei: "Tsk—Aizen, why don't we ask Mr. Daemon who he'd rather be greeted by?"
Kocho Shinobu: "I think… Sister Mei would be the better choice."
Kasumigaoka Utaha: "Well, to be fair, even the World Noble said Aizen's more of a dark schemer. Hard to trust a man like that with a warm welcome."
Daemon: "Haha, I'm sorry, Aizen. I'd rather dine with a beautiful lady than a man, any day!"
Aizen Sosuke: "...Fine."
Luo Hao: "But more importantly, isn't hosting a welcome feast a bit reckless? Aren't you afraid it might draw attention from the Transmigrator?"
Aizen Sosuke: "No need to worry. Saito Kenji has already applied to be stationed in the Living World—he's trying to steal Urahara Kisuke's Hōgyoku. I've been keeping close tabs on him. Whatever happens in Soul Society won't reach his ears here."
Yamamoto Mei: "You really are a villain, Aizen. Are you sure you can handle this Transmigrator on your own? Need us to clean up your mess again?"
Aizen Sosuke: "The one he holds—Gungnir, the divine spear of Odin—might have hidden abilities we're not aware of. I'm not arrogant enough to be 100% confident. That's why I'd rather Mr. Daemon handles him. It's safer that way."
Aizen Sosuke (after a pause): "Oh—and once this matter is resolved, Mr. Daemon, I have a gift for you."
Daemon: "Oh? What for?"
Aizen Sosuke: "Just consider it a token of appreciation. That sword of yours reminded me how little this world truly gives back to those who shape it."
The World of the Dead – Soul Society, Seireitei, Fifth Division Headquarters
The courtyard was quiet—too quiet. The rest of the division members had been dismissed. Only three figures remained: Yamamoto Mei, tall and clad in black Shinigami robes; Aizen Sosuke, with his ever-composed demeanor; and the visibly anxious vice-captain, Hinamori Momo.
Aizen stood with his usual gentle smile, a hand tucked into his sleeve. "Wouldn't it be simpler to let me go directly to First Division? That would be more efficient, wouldn't it?"
Yamamoto Mei crossed her arms and shot him a cold glance. "I don't want you anywhere near the First Division's barracks."
Her voice was sharp and unapologetic.
"I'm still watching you, Aizen."
Aizen gave a helpless sigh, unfazed by the hostility in her tone. "I see… once trust breaks, it really is hard to rebuild."
He didn't seem particularly bothered. Given the things he'd done—both in reality and in the memory copy—it made sense. Mei's distrust was justified. If anything, Aizen found it amusing.
The only one who still showed any genuine warmth toward him… was her.
Hinamori Momo.
But admiration from someone so fragile? It meant little to a man like him. Then or now—even after joining the chat group.
"Captain Aizen, Miss Mei… please don't argue," Hinamori said meekly, wringing her hands. Her eyes flicked between them nervously.
She couldn't understand it—why was Miss Mei always so harsh toward someone as kind and gentle as her captain?
"Fufu—"
The small white creature in her arms let out a soft sound. It rubbed against her, sensing her unease. She looked down and smiled. Fufu really was adorable.
"They're here."
Yamamoto Mei's eyes sharpened, her expression turning serious.
Without hesitation, Aizen lifted a hand and cast a barrier, suppressing all traces of spiritual energy in the area.
It wasn't to protect Daemon and his companions.
It was to protect the Soul Society—from them.
He knew Daemon well enough now. The man wasn't some benevolent hero. He was a force of nature.
Aizen wouldn't risk anyone in Seireitei provoking him by mistake.
"Who's coming…?" Momo whispered. She tilted her head curiously. Was the Captain Commander paying a surprise visit?
Then—buzz.
A soft hum resonated as golden light suddenly filled the courtyard. Three silhouettes emerged—one man, two women—stepping gracefully out of the light.
"A day without you feels like three autumns," said the man with a warm, teasing tone.
He walked forward without hesitation and embraced Yamamoto Mei.
Hinamori's eyes went wide.
Not because of the man's sudden boldness.
But because… Yamamoto Mei didn't slap him.
She didn't push him away, didn't scowl or shout.
Instead, a soft blush bloomed on her cheeks, and she stood frozen in his arms like a lovestruck schoolgirl.
What… what in the world?!
That Yamamoto Mei—the infamous hothead of the Soul Society, the one who once fought the Captain Commander himself—was letting a man hold her?
Was she in love?!
And… was he even a Shinigami?
Panic swelled in Hinamori's chest as her mind raced. She had accidentally discovered the deepest, most scandalous secret of her boss! What if Mei tried to silence her to keep it hidden?
She quickly lowered her head, trying to make herself invisible.
Unfortunately, that only made her stand out more.
"Haha…" Daemon tilted his head, watching her with mild amusement. "This girl's pretty cute. Like a nervous little squirrel."
He studied the girl who, in another life, had been ruined by Aizen's manipulations. Sweet, naïve, and far too trusting for her own good.
With a smirk, Daemon turned his gaze back toward Aizen. "So, this is your vice-captain? Hinamori Momo, right?"
His smile widened. "Tell me, Aizen—is she the gift you promised me?"
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