"I need your help."
Shigure spoke in a grave tone.
His decision to reveal these plans to Unohana Retsu wasn't solely because she had detected his unusual behavior. More importantly, he needed to ensure his actions wouldn't be hindered.
He knew Yamamoto Genryūsai truly valued him greatly. However, if he were to cross boundaries in ways the old man couldn't comprehend—such as destroying the Sōkyoku—the Captain-Commander would still strike without hesitation.
Therefore, Shigure needed someone who could serve as his backing, someone to buffer the relationship between himself and the Captain-Commander.
Unohana Retsu was the perfect choice.
She had served alongside Yamamoto Genryūsai in the Gotei 13 for over a thousand years, possessing unparalleled seniority. Moreover, her loyalty to Seireitei was absolute.
With her intervention, Yamamoto Genryūsai would likely examine Shigure's actions more carefully rather than reacting immediately. This would prevent excessive restrictions from being placed on him.
After all, before Aizen fled to Hueco Mundo, Shigure still had scores to settle with him.
Unohana Retsu, having heard Shigure's words, was already震惊 beyond measure. Her shock exceeded even what she'd felt upon learning Aizen wasn't dead.
"You... you want to destroy the Sōkyoku?"
Unohana Retsu asked, her voice filled with disbelief.
"That's correct." Shigure nodded, his response calm and measured.
Hearing Shigure confirm this again, an even more bewildered expression crossed Unohana Retsu's features.
Shigure claimed to have his own plan... but what could it be?
Why would this plan require destroying the Sōkyoku?
How did he know Aizen was manipulating Central 46?
These questions, one after another, clouded Unohana Retsu's mind. She had believed she'd already seen through Shigure. But now she realized the mysteries surrounding him were only multiplying.
After a prolonged silence, Unohana Retsu raised her head again, her expression stern:
"Segawa, can you guarantee that your plan will absolutely not harm Seireitei's interests?"
Her eyes bore into Shigure, her gaze sharp as a blade. She sought to test his sincerity through this direct confrontation.
If Shigure's eyes showed any sign of evasion or concealment, then...
"I can guarantee it."
Even as Unohana Retsu was still contemplating, Shigure provided his answer without hesitation.
Unohana Retsu started. "What?"
Shigure's expression remained unchanged as he spoke with quiet conviction:
"Apart from whatever losses destroying the Sōkyoku might cause..."
"I can guarantee that all my plans serve one purpose: defeating Aizen and protecting Seireitei."
Shigure met Unohana Retsu's gaze directly, his eyes unwavering, his words ringing with absolute certainty.
The moment his declaration ended, Unohana Retsu felt her heart skip a beat.
Under the moonlight, they stared at each other for what felt like an eternity.
A cool breeze swept through, lifting Unohana Retsu's hair.
She slowly lowered her head, that gentle, serene smile returning to her lips.
Half to herself, half in confession, she murmured:
"How terrible of me... just now, I actually began to doubt your motives, Segawa..."
From their first meeting during the squad entrance examination, through the special interrogation and sword training sessions, up to this very moment—her impression of Shigure had been constantly evolving.
But always for the better.
Shigure smiled softly. "It seems you're willing to help me."
Unohana Retsu looked up, her eyes crinkling with warmth.
"No matter what, I will help you. Please, tell me what you need."
...
Meanwhile, in a hidden valley on Seireitei's outskirts.
Yoruichi Shihōin had already returned to her human form, standing with arms crossed.
Before her, Ichigo Kurosaki was deep in his Bankai training.
Suddenly, she sensed a spiritual pressure rapidly approaching from beyond the valley.
A moment later, a figure plummeted from the sky.
BOOM!!
The impact sent stones and dust flying.
Yoruichi's eyes immediately sharpened, while Ichigo broke from his training to look over.
When he recognized the distinctive red hair, Ichigo's pupils contracted sharply.
"I remember... you're... Rukia's friend..."
"...Renji?!"
During his aerial assault on Seireitei, Ichigo had first battled Ikkaku Madarame. After his victory, he'd encountered this man who called himself Abarai Renji.
Through their fight, Renji had learned of Ichigo's identity and his mission to save Rukia.
"Hey... why are you staring at me like that?"
Abarai Renji's voice carried an edge.
Ichigo immediately demanded: "Why are you here?"
Renji straightened, his expression grave as he faced Ichigo.
"I didn't come here to make small talk."
"You probably don't know..."
"Central 46 just announced they've moved up the execution."
?!
"Wh-what?!" Ichigo's body went rigid.
Yoruichi frowned sharply. "When?"
Renji turned back, his face grim as he spoke:
"Ten hours from now."
!!
Both of them went pale at his words.
"That can't be... why..." Yoruichi whispered, almost to herself.
Ichigo felt his heart lurch.
But then he suddenly grinned fiercely, gripping his blade tighter.
Sweat beaded on his forehead as he looked at Yoruichi, his voice determined:
"If that's how it is... then we'll just have to find a way within these ten hours to—"
"Impossible!!"
Yoruichi cut him off harshly, her expression fierce: "Ten hours to master Bankai?! It's absolutely impossible!!"
"So what—you're telling me to just give up?!!!"
"How will we know unless we try?!!"
Ichigo shouted back, his voice bordering on hysteria.
The air around them seemed to freeze.
"..."
Renji bit his lip, watching them.
"This isn't the time to argue! Shouldn't we be figuring out how to stop the execution?!"
At his words, both Yoruichi and Ichigo fell silent, their gazes dropping.
After a moment, Yoruichi turned away from them both, her voice soft:
"Ichigo, I understand your desperation, but this won't solve anything."
"Mastering Bankai in ten hours is pure fantasy."
"But I know... even if I say this, you won't give up, will you?"
"Then continue your training here."
"I'm going to find the one person who might be able to stop this."
With that, Yoruichi vanished in a burst of high-speed Shunpo.
In her heart, only one name remained:
Segawa Shigure.
Especially... someone who wouldn't be stopped by Yamamoto Genryūsai.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
The story isn't over...
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