Deep into the night in Seireitei.
Hinamori Momo's severe injuries had mostly healed under Unohana Retsu'sKaidō. However, the soul damage caused by her Zanpakutō's fracture required time to recover, leaving her temporarily unconscious.
After parting with Shigure, Unohana Retsu had brought her back to the 4th Division barracks.
Shigure, meanwhile, returned directly to the 13th Division quarters.
His Resonance Vision quickly expanded, identifying the owner of that approaching spiritual pressure.
When he saw clearly who it was, Shigure couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
Yoruichi Shihōin.
She was no longer in her cat form, having taken on her human appearance.
Shigure felt a flicker of surprise.
Logically, she should be outside training Ichigo Kurosaki'sBankai. Why would she suddenly appear here?
Nevertheless, Shigure didn't pause, continuing into his room.
He deliberately left the door open.
With Yoruichi'sShunpo speed, she reached the entrance within moments.
Upon arrival, she saw Shigure walking inside with his back turned.
Just as she was about to speak, Shigure spoke first.
"The wind is rather strong tonight, Miss Yoruichi. Please close the door once you're inside."
His tone was perfectly calm, as if they were facing each other directly.
Yoruichi started, then broke into a soft smile. "You're as peculiar as always."
She stepped inside, the door closing automatically behind her.
Shigure removed several items from his person, placing them on the table before turning to face Yoruichi.
He wore a gentle smile as he observed:
"Miss Yoruichi, judging by your expression... you've encountered some trouble?"
At his words, Yoruichi's gaze sharpened, and she smiled:
"Exactly, Vice-Captain Segawa. We're no longer enemies now."
She had spoken those very words when they'd previously met while she was in her black cat form.
Her coming to him actively meant she faced problems beyond her ability to solve alone.
Shigure settled onto the cushion beside the tea table. "Please, Miss Yoruichi, have a seat."
"Mm."
Since she was here seeking assistance, Yoruichi somewhat tempered her usually bold demeanor.
Once she was seated, Shigure smiled knowingly:
"Let me venture a guess..."
"Miss Yoruichi, you're here because of the advancement of Rukia Kuchiki's execution, aren't you?"
"?!"
Yoruichi's heart skipped as she looked up. "That's correct."
"I had originally planned to train Ichigo Kurosaki to master his Bankai, then mount a rescue operation for Rukia."
"But I never anticipated Central 46 would suddenly make such a drastic decision."
She spoke with a troubled frown.
Shigure tapped the table before him. "Central 46?"
"This kind of decision... Miss Yoruichi, do you truly believe it originated from Central 46?"
"Or are you deliberately avoiding that person's name because you don't trust me?"
Under the lamp's soft glow, Shigure spoke with a knowing smile.
Yoruichi's eyes immediately narrowed, then she released a long sigh.
"Ah, Kisuke was right about you."
"You really do know everything, just as he said."
"You're correct. The moment I heard that news, I knew who truly issued that order..."
"Aizen Sōsuke."
Yoruichi lowered her voice as she spoke.
Through Urahara Kisuke, she had long since learned everything he knew about Aizen.
She and Kisuke had also come to understand Aizen's true purpose this time.
Shigure smiled lightly:
"So, Miss Yoruichi, you've come here hoping I'll help stop the execution, haven't you?"
Shigure's directness caught Yoruichi somewhat off guard.
Still, she nodded: "That's right. At this point, perhaps only you can... or rather, only you would be willing to take such action."
Shigure raised an eyebrow. "What makes you so certain?"
"Because you don't want Aizen's conspiracy to succeed either, do you?" Yoruichi's expression grew grave. "Kisuke told me you're like him—you refuse to lose to Aizen."
Shigure studied Yoruichi's face without immediately responding.
In truth, even without Yoruichi's request, he would still destroy the Sōkyoku to prevent the execution.
After all, this was already part of his sign-in mission plan.
But there was no need to reveal that. Better to use this opportunity to earn their gratitude.
With this thought, Shigure smiled and nodded. "I agree. I'll help you stop the execution."
Yoruichi's eyes widened slightly, surprised by Shigure's immediate acceptance.
Before coming, she'd expected to spend considerable effort persuading him and had prepared numerous arguments.
Now they were all unnecessary.
She chuckled softly at the realization.
"Though I came seeking your help, don't worry—we'll provide assistance from our end as well."
"After all, exposing Aizen Sōsuke's conspiracy... it all comes down to this moment."
With that, Yoruichi rose and moved toward the door.
"Well then... until tomorrow."
Shigure remained seated, offering a slight nod with his smile: "Until tomorrow."
The moment his words faded, Yoruichi's figure vanished from the doorway.
Outside, only moonlight remained.
Rukia Kuchiki's execution was scheduled for tomorrow morning.
Less than nine hours remained.
Shigure had already shared his detailed plan with Unohana Retsu—naturally omitting the parts about his sign-in mission.
Unohana Retsu had agreed to help deflect the Captain-Commander's attention when Shigure made his move tomorrow.
Returning to the barracks, he noticed most areas remained brightly illuminated.
This made perfect sense—with three Ryoka still at large, the squad members' all-night patrols were inevitable.
Shigure headed directly to his room.
But the moment he pushed open the door, he immediately sensed a spiritual pressure rapidly approaching.
With a focused thought, he activated his Resonance Eyes.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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