XX-level Hokage

After revealing the person's identity, the reporter added a sentence.

"The reason for the conflict is unclear." "What?!"

The news was so shocking that even Tosen Kaname was momentarily stunned. But after a moment, he immediately asked, "Where's Ichimaru Ginto?"

"His whereabouts are unknown, and the members of the 10th Division have no way to track down Captain Ichimaru."

This means that the difference in Shunpo skill between ordinary squad members and even board officers and captain Gin Ichimaru is too great. If Gin Ichimaru were to get serious, at least at that time, no one around the 10th Division would be able to track him.

"Ichimaru Gin?"

Repeating Ichimaru Gin's name, Tosen Kaname slammed his fist against the railing in front of him, roaring in frustration and anger, "What on earth does that guy want to do?! Is all of this related to him? Does he want to betray the Seireitei?!"

Gin Ichimaru is the captain of the Third Division. To say that he has rebelled without any other information is a bit too arbitrary, and it could even be said that it is somewhat emotional.

Strangely enough, when the idea of ​​Gin Ichimaru rebelling came to mind, I didn't feel anything was wrong. It was as if Gin Ichimaru was actually capable of doing such a thing.

The fact that Gin Ichimaru attacked the 10th Division is right before our eyes. Putting aside everything else, the situation of the 7th Division can be explained. As for the 9th Division, we can also try to investigate whether there is any trace of Gin Ichimaru. As for the disappearance of Izuru Kira and Momo Hinamori, there is even less to say.

Kira Izuru is Gin Ichimaru's own vice-captain, and he undoubtedly trusts Gin completely. It would be incredibly easy for Gin to harm him. Mori Momo, while a member of the Fifth Division, was a classmate of Kira Izuru at the Shinigami Academy. If she were to use Kira Izuru as an excuse to claim she discovered something...

If you need to discuss intelligence with her, it's easy to arrange a meeting with her.

As for why the two disappeared, there's no need to dwell on that anymore. But why?

Kira Izuru can be understood as someone who, as the vice-captain, had to constantly monitor the captain's movements in order to provide immediate assistance, and found it troublesome, hence the need to remove him.

What about the others?

He deliberately traveled between different squads to assassinate them one by one, until he was finally exposed. What was his reason? "Report: The Third Squad Captain, Gin Ichimaru, has been spotted. He is heading towards the Twelfth Squad." Just as Tosen was frantically thinking, another report came in.

Although orders to monitor Gin Ichimaru haven't been officially issued yet, there have been previous reports of him being suspicious, coupled with the current report from the 10th Division. There's no need for such a delayed order; upon receiving the report from the 10th Division, even though Gin Ichimaru is the captain, he was immediately marked in red and ordered to immediately...

They began searching for its whereabouts.

While Gin Ichimaru could use Shunpo to escape from the Tenth Division members, he couldn't use Shunpo continuously. Even if he did, he would need to stop and catch his breath.

With strengthened surveillance and control measures in place, catching Gin Ichimaru's trail was not difficult.

However, Gin Ichimaru's next move is puzzling. What is Gin Ichimaru going to the 12th Division for?

"Yes, think back, Gin Ichimaru mentioned before that he was going to the 12th Division."

Just then, Unohana's voice appeared, giving Tosen a direction to consider: "!!"

Tosen was slightly taken aback, because he had a very bad impression of Ichimaru Gin, since he had been there the whole time and Ichimaru Gin hadn't said much or done much.

He immediately recalled why Gin Ichimaru had last mentioned the 12th Division.

The spirit bomb discovered by the Eighth Division? Considering the current situation...

What if Gin Ichimaru wasn't just using that as an excuse?

The report submitted by the 12th Division stated that once the spirit bomb exploded, its power would be enough to wipe out a division's base.

It's not nice to put it this way, but it's the truth. If that spirit bomb had been maliciously detonated, it would have caused enormous destruction and casualties. However, an explosion in the Eighth Division is different from one in the Twelfth Division.

The explosion at the Eighth Division would at most directly destroy a division, a single force, and cause some functional impairment to the Seireitei. However, while considering the aforementioned risks, the Twelfth Division should not forget...

That place is also the headquarters of the Technology Development Bureau. Heaven knows how many secrets are hidden in the Technology Development Bureau, and how many shady technologies and drugs have been sealed away before they could be used.

Just how terrifying the Technology Development Bureau is can be seen from the horrifying things that Mayuri Kurotsuchi, who is in charge of the Technology Development Bureau, can pull out from time to time.

If that spirit bomb had detonated at the location of the Technology Development Bureau... would those things have spread throughout the entire Seireitei with the explosion?

Beyond the simple destruction caused by the explosion, what kind of terrifying and difficult-to-handle pollution has been inflicted on the entire Seireitei? "Immediately notify the 12th Division—no, the Research and Development Bureau! Prevent Gin Ichimaru from entering the Research and Development Bureau at all costs!!"

Chapter 130: Luring the Tiger Away from the Mountain

"We've notified the Technology Development Bureau, but we haven't been able to contact Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi of the 12th Division yet." "...That guy Mayuri Kurotsuchi!"

Unable to contain himself, Tosen Kaname slammed his fist on the railing again. Tosen Kaname was usually very calm and rarely showed any emotional fluctuations.

Unfortunately, both Gin Ichimaru and Mayuri Kurotsuchi are among the very few who can raise his blood pressure. Now that the two of them are together, it's an even bigger deal.

"Was his mentality completely shattered during the battle with the Quincy?!" It was the same when we were analyzing the spirit bomb; we couldn't find anyone to talk to.

If it weren't for Unohana speaking up, we wouldn't even have been able to get a team from them to do the analysis.

The Technology Development Bureau and Mayuri Kurotsuchi became quite eccentric. When they showed off their individuality, everyone just laughed it off, joking that those who do research are just naturally individualistic.

At times like these, if they don't follow the big picture and instead cause trouble, then people have to think about giving them a talking-to.

Especially Mayuri Kurotsuchi, who has been missing ever since the defeat. "Go contact the 12th Division Lieutenant, Nemu Kurotsuchi, and let her handle it."

"We've already made contact with the 12th Division Vice-Captain, Nemu Kurotsuchi. They've reportedly started setting up defensive fortifications over there."

Therefore, in this 12th Division, the one who is truly in charge is Nemu. Going to Neri is useless; that guy is of no use except for lowering your blood pressure.

"However, relying solely on the defenses of the Technology Development Bureau shouldn't be enough to stop Gin Ichimaru. Even if we can't contact Mayuri Kurotsuchi, Nemu Kurotsuchi will suffice."

Therefore, Tosen Kaname's emotions gradually stabilized. After changing his mood, he frowned slightly and said with some worry, "The Technology and Concurrency Bureau has indeed produced a lot of useful technologies and medicines, and is now the research base of the Soul World."

Mayuri Kurotsuchi also possesses various bizarre technological advancements that compensate for his personal combat deficiencies, allowing them to play unexpected roles in battle.

Conversely, if Mayuri Kurotsuchi possessed the raw strength to defeat everything without relying on those things, then he wouldn't need to use them to compensate. Purely in terms of raw strength, it wouldn't be surprising if Mayuri Kurotsuchi were at the bottom of the captains' rankings.

Even Mayuri Kurotsuchi, the team leader, is like this, let alone the researchers at the Technology Development Bureau. Could you count all the researchers at the entire Technology Development Bureau and find ten who possess a Zanpakuto?

Perhaps the Technology Development Bureau also has its own fortifications and traps. But the thought of facing them, and that the person who will break in is Gin Ichimaru, fills me with apprehension.

Is Gin Ichimaru such a fox who would fall into a trap so easily?

Even now, the purpose of Gin Ichimaru's sudden action remains unclear.

Although I had considered him as the mastermind behind everything, even if I put him in that position, there were many situations that didn't fit or that presented logical contradictions.

Therefore, it might be more appropriate to consider it as one of the reasons that made the situation even more chaotic.

Alternatively, it could be argued that Gin Ichimaru had long harbored ill intentions towards the Seireitei, but had been unable to find an opportunity to act. Now that the Captain-Commander is away in seclusion and the situation is quite chaotic, he has finally found an opportunity to make his move. This explanation might be simpler and easier to understand.

Regardless of the circumstances, Gin Ichimaru is weakening the Gotei 13's fighting force, or rather, the forces that threaten him, and he wants to do something at the Technology Development Bureau. This is a situation that must be stopped.

As for other things, we can talk about them after we've subdued him. "Oh dear, he really can't hide anything~"

Just then, a clear female voice came from not far away from Tosen Kaname. Upon hearing this extremely familiar voice, Tosen Kaname froze instantly.

"Are you back? Captain Mashiro?"

A moment later, Tosen turned to look in the direction from which the voice came and said.

Mashiro nodded slightly, her index finger tapping lightly on the armrest of the chair, making a soft thumping sound. Then she gave instructions to the reporter who was waiting there for orders.

"Go and inform the Second Division Vice-Captain, Ōmaeda Kichiyo, to immediately lead a team to the Twelfth Division to assist in the defense and buy time. Inform the Fifth Division Captain, Kuchiki Hibiki, to go and provide support. Hmm, just say it's the Commander-in-Chief's order."

"...Yes! Master Mashiro...

The reporter recounted the story with alarm and nervousness, then hurriedly left.

"Although Yuki Chiyo Omae looks stupid at first glance and is lazy, her Shunpo skills are actually among the top in the Seireitei. Even if she were to face Gin Ichimaru head-on, she would not be defeated immediately."

"As long as he doesn't insist on a head-on confrontation with Ichimaru Gin, he can still buy time and hold out until Kuchiki Hibiki gets there," Mashiro explained softly to Tosen.

"Reporting to Captain Tosen, Captain Zhihua... Captain Mashiro?!"

Another reporter who came to report showed a rather surprised expression, then quickly regained his composure and said respectfully, "What's wrong?"

"Reporting to Captain Mashiro, the Captain-Commander has just given the order for Soi Fon, the third seat of the team, to go and provide support. Soi Fon's team should already be halfway there."

The thumping sound from tapping the handrail disappeared.

Mashiro slowly sat up straight, the smile on her face gradually fading. "...Who gave the order? How interesting."

The reporter dared not answer, but simply lowered his head deeply.

"It seems someone forged the order. Was it Gin Ichimaru? No, he wouldn't do that. That means it must have been that mysterious third party who made the move."

This time, it was Tousen Kaname who came to his rescue. His voice also carried a chilling undertone.

"They were just following orders, so we can't blame them." "The question is, what do we do now?"

From a purely combat strength perspective, Soi Fon, who is currently in charge of the Central 46 Chambers, will be transferred to the 12th Division.

It could even save the need for Kuchiki Hibiki's technical support. In fact, not sending her would be a waste.

The problem isn't the force composition, but rather that this order definitely wasn't issued by the Commander-in-Chief, since the Commander-in-Chief is currently in seclusion.

In other words, someone wants Soi Fon to pass. Someone wants Soi Fon to pass.

What will happen after Soi Fon passes by?

That's the problem we're facing. "I'll go."

Tosen let out a soft sigh. He turned and headed towards the direction where the First Division barracks were located. However, just as he turned around, a hand landed on his shoulder.

"Yes, you stay here. This place is in your hands." "But..."

"No, I'm just curious, what if I'm here, and what if I'm not...? Retsu, come with me." Afterwards, Mashiro left the First Division barracks, and Unohana followed.

The First Squadron's barracks remained unchanged amidst the hustle and bustle. Below, the comprehensive processing center, which received, processed, and transmitted various information and intelligence, was bustling with activity.

It continues to operate in an orderly manner.

However, the original positions where Mashiro and Unohana were have been taken by different people.

Tosen stood in front of the spot where Unohana had originally been sitting, right next to the railing. Anyone who didn't know the situation would surely think he was looking down at the busy Gotei 15 soldiers.

In fact, the busy Gotei 15 members below could also see Tosen Kaname if they simply looked up.

However, as is well known, Tosen is blind and cannot see everything that ordinary people can see with his simple vision.

The reason he can move freely now is simply because, having gained power, he can utilize spiritual senses that go beyond the five senses. He stood there, silent and motionless, like a statue.

Outside the First Squad barracks, Mashiro and Unohana walked side by side. "Have we been discovered?" Unohana asked.

“We’ve been discovered.” Mashiro replied with a light laugh. “He’s quite the clever fellow.” “A diversionary tactic.” Unohana had already guessed the reason.

“Yes, if I don’t leave, things will probably get more and more complicated, and I might even have to abandon my tail and run away. So, let’s see what he plans to do next.” Mashiro smiled.

Chapter 131: Appearance

A while has passed since Mashiro left the First Division. At her speed, she should have reached the Twelfth Division by now.

The moment Mashiro set off, Gin Ichimaru was no longer a problem. All I can hope is that Gin Ichimaru will survive.

It's important to understand that even among captains, there are differences between them.

Yamamoto Genryu, Shigekuni, and Mashiro alone could defeat the combined fighting power of the remaining Gotei 13. This is a common understanding held by discerning individuals.