Bleach: I'm picking up attributes in Seireitei

Chapter 242

As the morning light faded, the guard of the maggot's nest, who had been on duty all night, yawned slightly.

The atmosphere in Seireitei has been exceptionally tense these past two days, causing their emotions to fluctuate accordingly.

The captain went into Hollowfication, declared war on the Quincy, and wanted posters were plastered all over the main streets of Seireitei and Rukongai.

The maggot's nest was actually much quieter.

Not many people came to Shinseki, just one, Retsu Unohana.

This is the first time a captain-level figure has come in.

Fortunately, the person stayed quietly in the cell, without making a fuss, ate on time every day, and closed their eyes to rest after eating, so they didn't cause them much trouble.

The guard on duty today leaned against a hidden spot at the entrance, observing the surrounding activity.

Not long ago, a strange man with blue hair came by. He was said to be a researcher newly assigned to the 12th Division, who came to pick up a few people to assist him in his experiments.

His paperwork was complete, and after the guards checked it, they naturally let him pass.

However, as the guy left, he was still muttering to himself, saying things like, "The position of the first director is mine now," which left him somewhat confused.

As he was lost in thought, footsteps sounded again.

The guard looked up at the end of the corridor, unconsciously straightened his posture, and even his breathing became cautious.

Yamamoto Shigekuni, the captain-commander of the Gotei 13, was standing at the entrance to the maggot's nest.

Chojiro Sasaki stood half a step behind him, his expression serious.

At the signal from the Sparrow Division, the guard emerged from the shadows and knelt on one knee to bow to the two men.

"Which room is Retsu Unohana locked up in?"

"In the deepest room, after entering the maggot's nest, go straight down the corridor and turn right at the third iron gate."

Yamamoto nodded and walked away, with Sasakibe following closely behind.

The guard stood frozen in place, watching the two walk into the maggot's nest, with only one thought in his mind.

What could possibly warrant the Captain-General personally making a trip to the Maggot's Nest?

In the deepest part of the prison, Unohana heard the sound of a cane and opened her eyes.

Yamamoto stood in front of the iron fence.

Separated by a row of iron bars as thick as a wrist, and by the faint light of the sealing spell, two people who had known each other for a thousand years stared at each other for a moment.

"What brings you here, Captain?"

Unohana spoke first, showing some curiosity about Yamamoto's purpose in coming.

"Wang Xun defeated Oni Yancheng and became the new Kenpachi."

Yamamoto got straight to the point, and his words caused Unohana's fingers to twitch involuntarily.

Her eyes widened, her lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but nothing came out.

Several seconds passed before she spoke, her voice slightly softer than before.

"Really? That's quite unexpected... What exactly happened?"

"Wang Xun defeated Oni Yancheng in Bankai head-on with his sword technique. The entire Eleventh Division and several captains witnessed this firsthand. He is indeed stronger than Oni Yancheng."

"The position of Kenpachi has been passed to him, and Captain Hagoromo will be ready soon."

Yamamoto paused.

"You've nurtured a promising talent."

Unohana did not respond.

She lowered her eyes, as if recalling something, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of her mouth.

Yamamoto noticed Unohana's expression; she seemed satisfied.

"There's another matter. Mayuri Kurotsuchi has already located the Quincy's hideout and will soon be able to open the entrance to the Shadow Realm."

"Wang Xun has been transferred to the position of Kenpachi. The Fourth Division is lacking a leader. With a major battle imminent, the Gotei 13 needs someone who can hold down the fort."

Yamamoto raised his cane and gently tapped the lock on the iron fence.

"Unohana, the Seireitei needs you now."

"Captain, have you cleared me of suspicion?"

"Just go through the motions, I know your character. Don't worry about Room 46, business is more important."

Yamamoto raised his hand, exerted a little force, and crushed the lock with his bare hands.

The iron gate creaked open.

Seeing this, Unohana said nothing more, but stood up from the stone bed, straightened her clothes, and stepped out of the prison.

Wang Xun really gave her a pleasant surprise.

On that day, a meeting was held in the headquarters conference room to discuss the Gotei 13's all-out operation against the Quincy Division.

All current and acting captains are required to attend.

This day came quickly.

Yamamoto Shigekuni sat upright in the main seat, his hands folded as he leaned on his cane.

The acting captains and vice-captains of each squad lined up in order, but the space seemed much emptier at this moment.

Wang Xun, wearing a newly made captain's haori, stood in the captain's seat of the 11th Division; the seat for the 4th Division was empty.

Mayuri Kurotsuchi, as a special personnel, stood behind Kiryu Hikifune, his face somber.

Soon, the crucial moment of the meeting arrived, and Mayuri Kurotsuchi took the stage to give his report.

He unfolded a spell projection in the center of the headquarters' conference room, which marked the calculated coordinates of the entrance to the Shadow Realm.

"The coordinates of the entrance to the Shadow Realm have been locked. The spell adjustment is expected to be completed within three days, at which time the passage can be opened and the duration will be sufficient for the main force to complete the breakthrough."

After finishing his explanation, he turned off the projector and returned to his seat.

Yamamoto's gaze swept over everyone, and he spoke in a deep voice.

"The captains of the Third Division, Fifth Division, Seventh Division, and Ninth Division have all become Hollowfied, and the captain of the Second Division has defected. Less than half of the captains are still capable of fighting."

"This is the most serious personnel shortage since the establishment of the Gotei 13. With the great battle imminent, Retsu Unohana is hereby reinstated as the captain of the 4th Division, effective immediately."

As Yamamoto's voice faded, Unohana walked in from outside, dressed in a neat captain's haori, her Zanpakuto once again hanging at her waist.

She walked among the captains, and Kyoraku and Ukitake both nodded slightly to her. Kiryuki gave her a rare smile.

Wang Xun stood in the eleventh squad's position, looking at her. As Unohana brushed past him, her gaze lingered on his face for a moment.

Their eyes met, and then Unohana walked to the fourth division's seats and stood there.

"Unohana is back in her place," Yamamoto continued.

"The war against the Quincy is imminent, but we are short of captain-level combatants."

"Therefore, the First Division will issue a recruitment notice in Seireitei. Anyone with ability who is recommended by the captain and passes the assessment can fill the vacant captain position."

"above."

After the meeting, Unohana and Wang Xun bumped into each other in the corridor outside the headquarters' meeting room.

The two walked side by side along the long stone path, neither of them speaking first.

"Your clothes fit you well."

"Yes."

Unohana turned around and looked at Wang Xun, sizing him up from head to toe.

He then raised his hand and straightened the collar of the haori on his shoulder.

"Well done, it's just a pity that I have to find a new vice-captain again."

After a moment's thought, Wang Xun decided to give his assistant a push.

"Kotetsu Isane, who often assists me, is quite good. With a little training, she could be of great responsibility. Captain, you might want to consider her."

Unohana nodded and said nothing more.

The inner courtyard of the Fourth Division was the same as when they left. Several young members were stunned when they saw Unohana and Wang Xun walk in.

It's not just because of Unohana's return, but also because of the captain's haori on Wang Xun's body.

After all, Wang Xun's defeat of Kenpachi was too unbelievable, and it caused a huge uproar within the team.

Having seen it now, I have no choice but to believe it.

Upon hearing the news, Sanxi Yijiangcun rushed out of the clinic, still clutching a medicine grinder he hadn't had time to put down.

Upon seeing Wang Xun and Unohana, his lips trembled for a while before he finally greeted them.

Unohana nodded and went into the captain's room.

Wang Xun followed behind her and closed the door.

After all, Wang Xun had transferred teams, and the two still had many things to hand over.

The sky was getting dark.

Shiba Kaien walked through the stone-paved streets of Rukongai and stopped in front of an old house.

The mansion wasn't large, but it was kept fairly clean.

There were several crooked persimmon trees in the yard, and under the trees was a large water vat that was never used.

This is the residence of his uncle, Shiba Isshin.

Haiyan followed his own wishes, entered the Spirit Arts Academy, joined the Thirteenth Guard of the Imperial Guard, and is now a high-ranking official.

Over the years, he had visited Zhibo Yixin many times, and he would mention it every time they drank together.

Shiba Isshin clearly has captain-level strength, so why doesn't he become a captain?

Shiba Isshin always reacted the same way, laughing and saying that since the Shiba family chose to move out of Seireitei and now wants to go back, they're afraid they won't be well-received there.

Haiyan would always refute him, but Zhibo would just laugh it off, leaving Haiyan feeling rather helpless.

This time, Haiyan stood at the door, clutching the captain's recruitment notice that she had just torn from the First Division's bulletin board. She took a deep breath and pushed the door open.

Shiba Isshin was sitting under the veranda enjoying the cool air when he saw Kaien come in and sighed helplessly.

"Hey kid, what brings you here again..."

"Uncle, this time is different."

Haiyan laid out the conscription order in front of Yixin.

"The chief commander personally ordered the recruitment of captains, regardless of background or seniority; anyone who can pass the assessment can become a captain."

"Uncle, as you've heard, the captain has been Hollowfied, and the Quincy have returned. The Seireitei is desperately short of manpower. You shouldn't continue to hide."

Haiyan stood up and looked into Yixin's eyes.

"Step forward."

Zhibo kept his eyes fixed on Haiyan.

He picked up the conscription order, looked at it over and over again, and finally sighed and put it in his pocket.

"Seriously, I can't win against you, kid..."

Seeing Yixin's performance, Haiyan's eyes lit up.

"Uncle, you've agreed?"

Yi Xin scratched his head, feeling rather helpless.

"Otherwise, let's go and meet the captain you mentioned."

The process was quick, and through Kaien's introduction, Shiba Isshin met with Ukitake Jushiro.

Afterwards, Jushiro Ukitake recommended Isshin Shiba to the First Division.

The assessment was conducted at the brigade's training ground.

Yamamoto was the chief judge, with Unohana and Kyoraku as assistant judges.

Shiba Isshin stood in the center of the training field, his straw sandals crunching on the gravel, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and a Zanpakuto wrapped in a strip of cloth hanging at his waist.

His posture was casual, even somewhat slouching.

However, Shiba Isshin's strength earned the recognition of the three and he successfully passed all the tests.

With Ukitake's endorsement and the Shiba family's past background, Yamamoto Shigekuni, after careful consideration, assigned Shiba Isshin the captain's position and informed the entire Seireitei.

"From today onwards, Shiba Ichishin will serve as the captain of the 10th Division."

Zhibo bowed deeply in respect.

Haiyan clenched her fists by the training field, finally letting out the breath she had been holding for so long.

Once he successfully masters Bankai, he will assume the position of captain.

From then on, the Shiba family had two supreme rulers!

The great cause of rejuvenation is just around the corner.

The next day, news spread throughout Seireitei that the first person to successfully pass the special recruitment and become a captain.

Everyone knows about this.

Meanwhile, inside the Second Division.

Soi Fon was training alone in the training field.

Her breathing was heavy, and the spiritual pressure on her shoulders and back was still burning hot.

She had practiced that set of instant combos more than a hundred times. She stood in the center of the empty training field, panting heavily.

After finishing practice, she would always subconsciously glance at the edge of the field.

Sometimes, Yoruichi would lean against the crooked fence, a blade of grass between her teeth, and occasionally offer a few pointers.

After Yoruichi left, the area around the fence remained empty.

However, there is another figure that often appears in her mind now.

Just then, she heard footsteps.

Wang Xun walked over from the stone path outside the training ground, watching Soi Fon practice diligently.

"Why have you been working so hard lately?"

Soi Fon wiped the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand, took a breath, and then spoke.

She remained silent for a moment, as if considering whether to say her next sentence.

Then he looked up at Wang Xun, his eyes filled with a stubbornness.

"With Yoruichi gone, I have to step in. The Second Division... can't be without its captain."

Upon hearing this, Wang Xun clapped his hands.

"That's ambitious! Do you also want to become a captain through special recruitment?"

Soi Fon pursed her lips, but then seemed to deflate, her expression losing its confidence.

"But I don't know Bankai yet."

"Bankai..."

Wang Xun clicked his tongue, and then a crooked idea popped into his head.

"Want Bankai? I have a way."

"Are you brave?"

Soi Fon's eyebrows twitched.

"You underestimate me?"

Soi Fon's voice immediately hardened.

"Tell me, what's your plan?"

Wang Xun's lips curled slightly.

A moment later, two dark figures landed outside the west wall of the Shihōin family head's residence.

The two were dressed in dark, tight-fitting bodysuits for nighttime travel, with their hair completely hidden under their hoods, only their eyes shining brightly in the darkness.

Soi Fon's voice trembled slightly.

"Wang Xun, do you know what you're doing right now?"

"The Shihōin family is one of the five great noble families. Our current actions constitute trespassing on a noble family's private residence and stealing sealed items from the Heavenly Gift Armor Division."

"If you get caught, you'll be reporting to the Central Prison before you've even warmed your seat as Kenpachi."

"I must be crazy to believe your nonsense..."

Her voice was very low, but her speech was getting faster and faster, clearly she was extremely nervous.

"It's not too late to turn back now. We can pretend nothing happened. You go back to your Eleventh Division, I'll go back to my Second Division, and we..."

"If you're scared, go back. I'm about to take action."

Wang Xun reached out and patted her bottom before flipping over the wall.

Soi Fon squatted against the wall, stunned for a moment, then reached out and touched the burning pain on her buttocks before she came to her senses.

She was both ashamed and angry, her teeth practically grinding together, but she finally took a deep breath and followed after them.

The covert task force is already adept at stealth, and they are even more at home in such infiltration missions.

She lightly pushed off the eaves with her toes, her body flipped in the air in a tiny arc, and landed silently on the branch of an old pine tree in the courtyard.

Crouching on the branch and looking down, I saw Wang Xun hiding underneath.

After Soi Fon landed, she leaned close to his ear and whispered in a voice lower than a mosquito's buzz.

"But how do you know where that thing called the Transformation Body is?"

"Let's search it. After all, it's a treasure. Search all the places with the most guards and vigilance."

As he spoke, Wang Xun looked at Soi Fon.

"I remember you were part of Yoruichi's direct unit, so you should have participated in the security arrangements for the Shihouin family, right?"

"I suppose you have some understanding of the layout of the Shihouin family. Is there anything worth noting?"

Upon hearing this, Soi Fon's expression twisted a few times in the darkness.

Why are you asking her now?

Soi Fon subconsciously recalled and actually came up with a few places that matched the description.

"It seems so..."