Infinite: Start as a ghost

"Hyōrinmaru is the best evidence!"

"His goal is to obtain the two Hyōrinmaru swords, which he definitely intends to use to counter my fire-type Zanpakutō!"

Chapter 143 Yamamoto's Request

Several more days passed, and Soul Society still hadn't found anything.

Kisuke Urahara didn't know much about the Royal Seal either. The nobles only knew the function of the Royal Seal, but they couldn't provide any useful information to the Technology Development Bureau for research.

Therefore, they could only put the matter out of their minds for the time being.

With the day of the decisive battle against Hueco Mundo drawing ever closer, Yamamoto, no matter how angry or furious he was, could only suppress his temper and put the matter aside for the time being.

Although the captain's murder is a serious matter, ensuring the stability of the Three Realms is the most important thing.

Kyoraku had discussed the matter with Ukitake privately several times, but he still felt that something was amiss.

Ukitake can't think of anything suspicious right now. He agrees with Yamamoto's decision this time, but also supports Kyoraku in investigating the matter.

Currently, apart from a few duty officers, there are no death gods of vice-captain level or above guarding the mortal realm.

It's a good thing that Kyoraku is going to investigate this matter on his own, so he can investigate the doubts in his mind while observing the situation in the world.

Kyoraku Shunsui had a question in his heart that he never voiced.

The valley where Toshiro's body was found is roughly the size of the entire Seireitei. It's impossible for the power of two Hyōrinmaru swords to freeze the entire valley.

If I had four or five Hyōrinmaru, that would be about right.

If Kusakabe Sojiro could indeed do this using the power of the Royal Seal, then if he could do it, he wouldn't need to secretly kidnap Toshiro while a group of people were fighting.

Because that level of power could freeze everyone present; there was no need for underhanded tactics.

Dozens of frozen Kyrians and two ice sculptures of Adjuchas prove this point.

Moreover, since he wanted to take revenge on the Soul Society, he could have easily killed so many Soul Society experts at once to seize the perfect opportunity. Why didn't he do that?

Therefore, Kyoraku believes that his kidnapping of Toshiro was likely not just about killing him.

He believed that Kisuke Urahara and Mayuri Kurotsuchi, those two clever guys, must have thought of this as well.

However, most people shared Yamamoto's thoughts, so he could only remain silent and seek Urahara's help.

It's still the main hall of the main squad.

This time, there were only four people in the hall.

Ryosuke Kanai, Byakuya Kuchiki, Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto, and Chojiro Sasakibe.

Ryosuke Kanai approached Yamamoto: "Captain-Commander, what brings you here?"

Although Yamamoto is the captain-commander of the Gotei 13 and holds a high position of power, his actual position is similar to that of Kanai Ryosuke, and he is not higher than Kanai Ryosuke.

However, given their seniority, as the captain of the Seireitei Royal Guard, he had to be addressed with respect.

"Kanei, you've arrived," Yamamoto said. "The Gotei 13 is currently at its most vacant position in history, and I hope you can temporarily fill one of the captain positions."

Ryosuke Kanai said, "I know the situation is serious, and I will do my best to fulfill your request, but I need the approval of the nobles."

Kuchiki Byakuya said, "That's why I'm here too. As the head of the Kuchiki clan, I'll handle this matter."

Ryosuke Kanai nodded: "I also hope I can be of help to everyone."

“That would be perfect,” Yamamoto said. “I don’t want to make things too difficult for you. Once this storm has passed, I will let you return to your original position.”

Ryosuke Kanai said, "But who will replace me?"

“Let Yamada Sugenoshi temporarily take your place,” Kuchiki Byakuya said. “I will convene a council of nobles in the name of one of the four great noble families, and he will not be able to refuse.”

“Okay.” Ryosuke Kanai agreed readily: “Now I only have one request left.”

Yamamoto: "Say it..."

Ryosuke Kanai suddenly grinned obsequiously: "Captain-Commander, I heard that you have a batch of wine that's been stored for over three hundred years in your private stash..."

Yamamoto: "..."

"It's not that I'm stingy," Yamamoto said with a wry smile. "I was still saving the last bottle two months ago."

"I've been busy lately, and I was hoping to have a good drink late at night, but that kid Kyoraku stole it from me."

"What?" Ryosuke Kanai exclaimed in anguish.

Upon seeing Byakuya, Kanai's expression immediately lit up again: "Captain Kuchiki, as one of the four noble families, you must have some fine wine hidden away, right?"

Byakuya Kuchiki: "..."

“I am not good at drinking and have no collection.”

Kanai was disappointed once again.

"But my ancestors might have it; I can go and ask them."

Yamamoto nodded repeatedly: "When Ginryo was in power, he also extorted a lot of good wine from me. He must have a good collection."

"Jin Jing, get me a couple more bottles too."

Kuchiki: "..."

"Captain, why didn't you discuss this with me?"

"Cough...cough...Alright, it's decided then, Kuchiki, I'm counting on you for this."

In the present world, at night.

Kyoraku Shunsui was discussing his views at Urahara Store.

“Hmm…that certainly raises suspicion,” Kisuke Urahara said. “What role do Mr. Oni and the others play in all of this?”

Kyoraku agreed, saying, "I think this is a breakthrough point."

Kisuke Urahara said, "I've already asked a master sorcerer to investigate their background. Just wait for news."

Kyoraku said, "I'm going to go back to the scene of the incident again."

Chapter 144 Who are you?

Kisuke Urahara said, "If all else fails, we still have... Isshin Kurosaki?"

"Huh? Why did I think of him?" Kisuke Urahara asked, puzzled. "I was thinking of someone else."

"Eh?"

Who is it?

"It seems to be someone who has a close relationship with Mr. Kurosaki Isshin. Who is it again?"

Kyoraku Shunsui asked in surprise, "Who are you talking about?"

"Oh, right." Kisuke Urahara punched the palm of his other hand. "Is it Substitute Shinigami... Kūgo Ginjō... sir?"

"Huh??"

"That's strange. Why did I think of Substitute Shinigami? Why did I think of Mr. Ginjou Kūgo?"

The Masked Legion Base.

After recovering from his injuries, Ichigo Kurosaki returned here to train in the power of the Visored.

But today, he was suddenly surrounded by the Masked Legion.

Sarugaki Hiichi, holding his Zanpakuto and wearing a Hollow mask, asked, "Who are you? How do you know about our base?"

Ichigo Kurosaki: "What are you talking about, Hiyori? Why did you suddenly draw your sword at me?"

Aikawa Raibu and Fengqiao Loujuro stood in the doorway in perfect unison.

Hirako Shinji looked at the stranger in front of him, not making any rash moves, as if he was deep in thought.

Risa Yadomaru released her Zanpakuto and stood by as if watching from the sidelines.

Kensei Muguruma: "Although I don't know who you are, you can leave your last words and tell me how you want to die."

Jiu Nanbai: "Huh? Huh? Where did this toy come from?"

Yuzhaoda Hachigen was kind-hearted and honest. He looked at Kurosaki Ichigo with some bewilderment: "Why was this young man able to easily penetrate the barrier I set up?"

"You, everyone, what's wrong with you all?" Kurosaki Ichigo asked anxiously, "Why don't you recognize me all of a sudden? I'm Kurosaki Ichigo!"

"What black stuff are you talking about?" Ri Shili roared, "I don't care where you're black, just go to hell!"

"Is this your last words?" Kensei Muguruma said. "Since you cannot choose the path of death, let me make the choice for you."

"Sever him, kill the giant serpent..."

"May you vanish into nothingness, Earth-Shattering Wind!"

"Wait...wait a minute!" Kurosaki Ichigo cried out anxiously, his forehead covered in cold sweat.

"Stop." Shinji Hirako stopped the two from going berserk. He approached Ichigo Kurosaki and asked, "Do you recognize us, young man?"

"Why don't you even recognize me anymore, Mako?" Kurosaki Ichigo said, sounding a little aggrieved.

"Oh?" Hirako Shinji was somewhat surprised: "It seems you do know us, you even know my name."

Nichiri: "Shinko, get out of my way, don't let this kid fool you."

Kensei Muguruma also said, "This guy of unknown origin should be executed now."

"Well... well, don't rush," Hirako Shinji reassured the two. "Let's hear what this young man has to say first."

Ichigo Kurosaki told everyone he knew.

"So, you started practicing the Mask Transformation method with us a week ago?" Hirako Shinji asked Kurosaki Ichigo for confirmation.

"Yeah, why don't any of you recognize me?" Kurosaki Ichigo asked, puzzled.

Shinji Hirako glanced indifferently at the people around him: "What are your memories of the past week?"

"What else can we do?" Nichiri said impatiently, "The same as usual, of course!"

“Tell me in detail,” Hirako Shinji said seriously, then he called over Yushōda Hachigen: “Take a look and see if there are any traces of demonic arts on this child.”

After examining it, Hachigen Yuzaki shook his head: "There are no traces left by any means."