Sasakibe Chojiro's transmission concluded, the spiritual pressure fluctuations dissipating.
Shigure immediately pivoted toward Kotsubaki Sentaro.
"I've received an emergency directive from 1st Division Vice-Captain Sasakibe. I must report to 1st Division headquarters immediately."
"Third Seat Kotsubaki, I'm entrusting the remaining patrol to your command. Can you handle it?"
Kotsubaki Sentaro initially appeared startled, then responded with crisp formality: "Yes, sir!"
Shigure typically maintained casual rapport with his subordinates, rarely invoking formal rank distinctions.
His current formality clearly conveyed the situation's gravity.
Shigure nodded curtly, then vanished via Shunpo.
The surrounding squad members recoiled in shock.
Two months of peaceful routine had provided no opportunities to witness Shigure in action.
This Shunpo—executed without detectable spiritual pressure fluctuations—left them utterly astounded.
"Truly worthy of... Vice-Captain Segawa..." Kotsubaki Sentaro murmured with profound admiration.
Clearing his throat, he commanded: "Move out! Resume patrol!"
"Yes, sir!"
...
Departing the patrol sector, Shigure bypassed Ukitake Jushiro's quarters entirely.
His captain would have received identical notification.
Given Ukitake's deteriorating condition, disturbing him served no purpose.
Shigure proceeded directly to 1st Division headquarters.
Upon reaching the barracks perimeter via Shunpo, Shigure immediately ceased his technique and entered at measured pace.
The moment he touched ground, familiar spiritual pressure registered from nearby.
A poised figure materialized.
2nd Division Captain Soi Fon.
Shigure turned with a respectful smile. "Captain Soi Fon."
Soi Fon acknowledged him with subtle warmth. "Quite prompt, Acting Captain Segawa."
Shigure chuckled softly. "I simply departed early."
Soi Fon advanced alongside him, observing:
"Your solo arrival confirms Captain Ukitake remains unable to attend this assembly?"
"Correct. Captain Ukitake's health prevents participation." Shigure matched her stride.
A languid, theatrical voice drifted from behind.
"My, my... what unfortunate circumstances..."
Shigure glanced back with practiced courtesy as Kyoraku Shunsui approached with characteristic nonchalance.
"This marks our first captain assembly since the Shinigami council meeting. I had anticipated a complete gathering of fourteen captains... apparently not to be."
He joined their formation, creating a three-person procession.
Under normal circumstances, Shigure's vice-captain rank would prohibit such equality with captain-level officers.
However, this meeting had fundamentally altered his status.
He now functioned as the concealed fourteenth captain.
Despite the "Acting" designation, Yamamoto Genryusai's authorization granted him complete captain-level authority, eliminating subordinate protocol requirements.
The trio entered the barracks as equals.
Upon reaching the central courtyard, 1st Division Third Seat Ikkanzaka Jirobo offered respectful acknowledgment.
"Captain Kyoraku, Captain Soi Fon, Acting Captain Segawa. The Captain-Commander awaits in the assembly hall."
They redirected toward the meeting chamber.
Massive doors parted, admitting the three officers.
Four captains had already assembled within.
Unohana Retsu, Aizen Sosuke, Komamura Sajin, Tosen Kaname.
Yamamoto Genryusai occupied the elevated position, eyes closed in meditation.
Following Shigure's group's arrival, approximately two minutes elapsed before the remaining captains appeared.
Excluding Ukitake's illness-related absence, only Ichimaru Gin remained unaccounted for.
Yamamoto Genryusai opened his eyes fractionally.
"With all available captains present, this assembly commences—"
"3rd Division Captain, Ichimaru Gin."
As his declaration concluded, the chamber's primary entrance reopened.
Ichimaru Gin emerged, trademark smile intact.
His demeanor suggested prior arrival and deliberate timing.
He approached with unhurried steps, radiating casual amusement.
"Oh my... quite the impressive gathering..."
"Such extensive mobilization for little old me seems rather excessive, wouldn't you agree?"
His expression maintained its characteristic inscrutability as he positioned himself between the assembled rows.
His attention shifted toward Shigure, accompanied by a casual wave.
"Well hello there, Vice-Captain Segawa—pardon me, Acting Captain Segawa... Captain Ukitake couldn't attend today either?"
His conversational tone suggested casual social interaction.
He appeared completely oblivious to the chamber's oppressive atmosphere.
Before Shigure could respond, Zaraki Kenpachi interjected with icy hostility.
"What's with the innocent act, you snake?"
"You don't seriously think we assembled here for pleasant conversation, do you?"
Zaraki advanced menacingly, glowering down at Ichimaru Gin.
"You went solo to West Rukongai's gate to engage the Ryoka, correct?"
"And failed to eliminate them completely. Care to explain that?"
"With your capabilities, ten Ryoka shouldn't pose any challenge whatsoever."
Zaraki Kenpachi's tone dripped with suspicion and irritation.
He had originally intended personal involvement, but news of Ichimaru Gin's Ryoka engagement reached him first.
This development had already frustrated him considerably—Ichimaru's failure to achieve complete elimination only intensified his displeasure.
Ichimaru Gin responded with apparent surprise.
"Oh dear... they actually survived, that youngster..."
"What?"
Ichimaru Gin scratched his head with feigned bewilderment.
"My goodness, I was absolutely certain he'd perished. Have my perceptions grown so unreliable?"
"Cut the crap, you bastard..."
Mayuri Kurotsuchi from the left formation suddenly raised his head with derisive laughter.
"Captain-level spiritual awareness failing to detect an opponent's life force?"
"Or perhaps... you lacked the ability, hence this convenient excuse?"
Mayuri Kurotsuchi's gaze pierced Ichimaru Gin with surgical precision.
Ichimaru Gin maintained his smile. "My, Captain Mayuri's words suggest you suspect deliberate Ryoka release..."
"Precisely my implication." Mayuri Kurotsuchi responded without hesitation.
This exchange captured Hitsugaya Toshiro's attention despite his initial disinterest.
His scrutiny swept across Ichimaru Gin before settling on Shigure across the chamber.
Shigure appeared lost in contemplation, head slightly bowed, seemingly disconnected from the proceedings.
Yamamoto Genryusai suddenly struck his wooden staff against the floor.
BANG!
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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