XX-level Hokage

After thinking for a moment, Mashiro revised her statement. "Then let's go find Nemuru, she'll handle it."

"Lord Mashiro, I heard you wanted to see me."

A moment later, in place of Ise Nanao, came to Mashiro a woman of similarly slender figure, wearing the 12th Division crest on her left sleeve.

She is Nemu Kurotsuchi, the vice-captain of the 12th Division. Nemu Kurotsuchi's original name was Sleep No. 7.

The true form is the "daughter" created by Keiri Kurotsuchi by combining the essence of artificial body technology and artificial soul technology. It is Keiri Kurotsuchi's "greatest masterpiece".

It was also a prize won during a bet between Mashiro and Mayuri Kurotsuchi—though Mashiro had completely forgotten exactly when it happened—and was part of their winnings.

Of course, due to various considerations, Mashiro ultimately decided to let her stay with Mayuri Kurotsuchi. In a way, she was like a daughter being fostered by Mayuri, or perhaps an adopted daughter? A "god-daughter"?

Meanwhile, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, Nemu's "biological father," becomes Mashiro's adoptive father (?), who doesn't even pay child support and honestly works for her to raise his daughter. In short, all the relationships related to Mashiro are quite complicated.

Because of this connection, Nemuru was not surprised by Mashiro's sudden appearance.

Chapter 111: Sleep No. 7

When Mashiro first met Nemuru, Nemuru was a newly created being, certain to be able to live independently in a normal environment.

An individual, a child who is ignorant and naive.

Now, in the blink of an eye, during her absence, Nemuru has grown into a graceful young woman and has also become the vice-captain of the 12th Division.

Time is truly merciless; it never stops for anyone.

Originally, Mayuri Kurotsuchi also called her Nemuro No. 7, but at some point he started calling her Nemuro and publicly declared it that way.

Of course, when referring to it as Yinmeng, the surname Nie was subtly added, it is unclear whether this was simply to indicate the manufacturer or if there was some other intention.

Mashiro ignored him.

However, although he had never asked Mashiro to do so, and he had no right to ask.

But Mashiro readily complied and changed her form of address, also thinking that the name "Nine" sounded better. "Oh, Neon, you're here. You're pretty quick."

"Because it was your order, Lord Mashiro, I came immediately."

Mashiro put down the investigation report that Ise Nanao had given her, which she was reading, and looked at Nemu Kurotsuchi.

She had straight bangs, which were slightly split in the middle of her forehead. Her long hair was tied up, and she wore a red bow around her neck.

The Shinigami outfit resembles a short-skirted kimono, complete with a white obi (sash) and matching white fingerless gloves. Unusually, it doesn't feature straw sandals, but rather thick-soled wooden clogs.

Mayuri Kurotsuchi is known for his bizarre, almost inhuman, artist-like demeanor. Despite this, his natural appearance is undeniably handsome.

Fortunately, this hobby did not extend to Nemu. It is unknown whether Nemu's outfit was arranged by Mayuri Kurotsuchi or reflected her own aesthetic sense.

If it's the former, then it only means that Mayuri Kurotsuchi's aesthetic sense isn't the problem; he simply has a problem with his brain.

If it's the latter, then it means Nemu's aesthetic sense is fine, and actually quite good. If she didn't inherit a flawed aesthetic sense, then it can only mean that Mayuri has a problem with his brain.

"Did you receive the report submitted by the Eighth Division?" Mashiro said, handing the paper in her hand to Nemu.

Nie Yinmeng took the paper with both hands, read it carefully from beginning to end, and then handed it back before replying, "The Technology Development Bureau has received the same report."

"Then why didn't Ren give a response?"

Even Nie Yinmeng paused for a rare moment before answering with a slightly subtle expression.

"Lord Mayuri said he wasn't interested in bombs that were obviously simple and lacked any technological sophistication. He saw something during the battle with the Quincy that wasn't mentioned in the previous intelligence, so he's now focusing more on that."

"The Quincy's final form, right?"

Mashiro couldn't help but think of a thousand years ago, and of Yhwach. Nemuru nodded.

I've heard of that thing; it's literally the strongest power for a Fire Mage.

Judging from the medical report from the Fourth Division, it seems to be a forbidden technique used at the cost of losing all abilities. With such a high level of sacrifice, it doesn't seem unreasonable that it could have the power to defeat the captain.

This power was known only to the Grim Reaper who participated in the great war a thousand years ago; others had only heard of it through rumors. And since that great war, information related to the Fire Masters had been strictly sealed off, or even erased.

Even if the Technology Development Bureau and the Film and Television Administration are exchanging pleasantries, they might not necessarily disclose such detailed classified information (outdated and useless information).

Su Niejianli.

Mayuri Kurotsuchi, having heard that he had secretly done something to the remaining Quincy, supposedly had completely learned all the secrets of the Quincy, and seemed quite arrogant.

Now that they've been slapped in the face, even if the other side paid the price of losing all their abilities, the important thing isn't the battle power argument, but rather that Mayuri Kurotsuchi's public claim that "the Quincy have no secrets from me" has been shattered.

That was enough to make Mashiro feel helpless. Sure enough, the old man's information blockade was not a good thing.

Furthermore, Mayuri Kurotsuchi's recovery isn't physical; it's mental that hasn't recovered. "What about the others?"

"Most people are very interested in the new type of special prosthetic body that Kuchiki Rukia used during her time in the present world, and they are currently doing their best to analyze it." Even Nemu Kurotsuchi knew about the relationship between Kuchiki Rukia and Mashiro, and also knew that Kuchiki Rukia had disappeared.

Finally, even though she herself was unaware of it, it is said that the artificial body used by Rukia Kuchiki uses the technology of Kisuke Urahara, the former director of the Technology Development Bureau.

Urahara Kisuke also has a relationship with Mashiro. So she hesitated whether to tell her the truth.

But as always, she answered all of Mashiro's questions truthfully. Mashiro raised an eyebrow slightly.

However, what reassured Nemu somewhat was that although Mashiro's expression changed slightly, she didn't seem inclined to elaborate on the matter. "What about the remaining small group?"

It would have been better if she hadn't said anything, because once she did, Nemure's expression became even more subtle.

"Those people are studying the sand left at the scene of the Fourth Division's barracks invasion."

This part of the description is incomprehensible to most people at first glance, and even after careful consideration, it remains incomprehensible.

Compared to the previous items—bombs, new types of prosthetics—sand is a completely less technologically advanced technology. No wonder only a small number of people are involved in developing it.

But while a bunch of Shiro knew what they should and shouldn't know, they also knew how the sand appeared...

In other words, these bastards at the Technology Development Bureau have noticed and started researching the Shiba family's secret techniques.

That's why technical researchers are sometimes disliked—it's precisely in these kinds of situations. If you reveal someone's family secret techniques, won't they fight you to the death?

Even Mashiro felt a headache coming on when she thought about this, and pressed her temples.

She raised her hand, as if pointing at some researchers who weren't currently present. Despite not being part of the 12th Division and having no connection to the Technology Development Bureau, she said directly and arbitrarily, "Then let this small group handle it. Let them defuse the bomb. The 8th Division is terrified. Also, tell them to stop their current research and not continue it. Just say it's the Captain-Commander's order, and don't reveal my presence for now."

"I understand."

Instead of giving a detailed account of the current situation within the Technology Development Bureau, he gave a very straightforward and efficient response.

Indeed, Shiro is not a member of the 12th Division and has no connection with the Technology Development Bureau, but isn't Nemu Kurotsuchi in front of him related? She is the vice-captain of the 12th Division and Mayuri Kurotsuchi's daughter.

Mashiro's orders only needed to be relayed and carried out by her. As for Mayuri Kurotsuchi, the head of the Technology Development Bureau, he usually wouldn't interfere in such situations!

On one hand, he wasn't very confident speaking to Mashiro in any sense. On the other hand, Mayuri Kurotsuchi's biggest taboo was an amateur directing an expert, and Mashiro was not an amateur.

He rarely interfered in the affairs of the Technology Development Bureau. In other words, if he was ever heard to be interfering, it meant that someone in the Technology Development Bureau had reached out and was giving him a warning.

From this perspective, it's actually reducing the trouble for him.

Chapter 112: The Beginning

Fourth Division Barracks, General Medical Center. "Thank you for your hard work, Third Seat Iemura." "Third Seat Iemura, thank you for your hard work."

"You've all worked hard. Now take a good rest; there are still many patients to treat." "Yes, sir!"

"We understand!"

With golden hair and wearing glasses, the third seat of the Fourth Division is named Iemura Yachika.

After another busy morning of work, as lunch break arrived, he greeted the other members of the Fourth Division. "Whew—"

He let out a soft sigh of relief, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and muttered to himself with a mix of emotion and complaint.

"When will this kind of life ever end? We're already so busy, and now they're just adding to our troubles. Wouldn't it be better if those traveling criminals were caught sooner rather than later? The Seireitei is still closed off, and the supplies being prepared in Rukongai can't be transported into the Seireitei."

Only a few invading hordes have been involved, although there are now rumors that a mysterious force is operating in the shadows.

However, considering the actual situation, the battles and destruction that have taken place are actually insignificant compared to the entire Gotei 13 and Seireitei.

The most serious situation so far is probably that a few high-ranking figures at the captain level are seriously injured, but that is not to the point of being life-threatening and irreversible.

In other words, objectively speaking, it was all talk and no action.

Especially now that the Travelling Scouts seem to be hiding and not showing themselves, and are even imposing a blockade on the Seireitei, it makes one wonder if they're making a mountain out of a molehill. However, that's a decision from above, even a judgment made by the First Division, which supposedly has also consolidated authority over the Central 46.

No one dared to object to the plan.

Not to mention that Iemura Yachika was only a minor third seat in the Fourth Division. However, while he dared not voice his opinions, he could still grumble a little.

I don't know how busy the other squads are, but at least the Fourth Squad is really busy.

Some people directly stepped on a landmine in front of Ie-mura Yachichiwa, questioning the Fourth Division's claim that there were only a few battles and a few wounded, asking if it was really okay for the Fourth Division to act so busy. Were they just putting on an act?

At that time, it was rare for Iemura Yachika to be so furious on the spot. Kanji retorted, "You are making judgments without understanding the Fourth Division!!" Strictly speaking, the Fourth Division has never been busy until now, but has always been busy!

There is indeed a Zhenyang Medical Clinic for nobles, but it is a treatment center exclusively for upper-class nobles. It is very high-end, and middle-class nobles need to have connections to get treatment there.

The remaining cases, from nobles to the Gotei 13, and even the common people within the Seireitei suffering from illnesses that ordinary clinics couldn't handle, were all handled by the Fourth Division. From this perspective, there's no doubt that the Fourth Division is one of the most important parts of the Seireitei's logistics.

It would be strange if the Fourth Division wasn't busy normally. But now, due to wartime orders, even without any actual incidents or wounded soldiers being brought in, they must be prepared at all times so that they can react immediately should anything happen.

Moreover, this is not a case of doing something in vain.

This made the already extremely busy work even more difficult.

This situation suggests that the troublemakers won't end until the Seireitei's blockade is lifted. This is also why Itemura Yachika complains about why the troublemakers weren't caught sooner and the matter wasn't resolved quickly enough.

Compared to this, the fact that all channels to the Soul Society are completely blocked, and that external resources cannot be temporarily supplied to the Soul Society, is a minor matter.

Just as Izumi Yachika and others were quietly complaining, thinking that no one was around, they suddenly noticed a nurse who seemed to have just finished work and was coming out of a ward. They trembled slightly.

I think I heard him muttering a complaint.

This made him a little embarrassed. Although everyone thought the same thing, it was still somewhat inappropriate to say it aloud and have someone overhear it. Not to mention that he was someone who would write a treatment diary in his spare time.

But as the saying goes, no decent person keeps a diary, so usually they'll erase their true feelings in the end and write down their blessings for the people they dislike.

In other words, it was indeed somewhat embarrassing for a respectable person to be caught red-handed. "Ahem."

With a forced, serious cough, Iemura Yachika greeted the nurse. "Kyoko, are you only just finishing work?"

"Um...it's like this, because this patient's condition was a bit complicated, it took a little longer." The pretty young girl looked somewhat frightened as she answered Iemura Yachika's question with timidity.

Perhaps it was because he was afraid of being targeted by Iemura Yachichi. This left Iemura Yachichi somewhat helpless.

However, he also knew that it should be unrelated to this matter. He had some impression of this new nurse; she seemed to be from the 14th Senior First Aid Team, Yamada Hanataro's team.

He was in charge of the first superior medical team. Although the two teams interacted on a regular basis, it was mainly the squad leader and deputy squad leader who communicated more, and they didn't have a deep impression of the ordinary members.

The reason I remember her is because she also wears glasses! That's right, she's a glasses wearer!