Discovery  

It was as if Rukia could anticipate their every move, rendering their attacks useless. Eventually, the Shinigami of the 13th Division learned to avoid her. They couldn't help it; Rukia had given them all psychological scars.

Facing her, they forgot how to fight.

The only one who could still spar with Rukia was Kaien Shiba. However, even he was no match for her "Data Kendo" in its base form. He had to release his Zanpakutō, Nejibana, to gain an advantage.

Ironically, Kaien, at this stage, was the perfect opponent for Rukia.

Since she already had a detailed data model for Kaien's base form, even though his spiritual pressure increased fivefold upon releasing his Zanpakutō, she wasn't entirely helpless. With enough time to gather information on his Shikai state, she could use her knowledge of his abilities and weaknesses to keep him at bay.

For Kaien, the benefits were even greater.

Each spar with Rukia exposed his flaws, forcing him to adapt and grow. If he didn't address those weaknesses, he would be thoroughly defeated, his pride shattered.

However, while Kaien's strength increased with each battle, his wife, Miyako Shiba, grew increasingly troubled. The smile on her face faded, replaced by a haunted, distant look.

Perhaps those who had sent her to spy on Kaien had learned of his connection to Ailin's disciple. They were growing impatient.

Miyako glanced at Rukia, her heart heavy with guilt.

"Forgive me, Rukia… I have to be selfish…"

…

"The Hollow entered through the White Road Gate?"

The 2nd Division's Stealth Force was undeniably skilled. They had meticulously analyzed the spiritual traces Soi Fon had discovered, using equipment from the 12th Division to reconstruct the Hollow's movements within the Seireitei.

However, their findings contradicted Mayuri Kurotsuchi's theory that the Hollow was a product of Hollowfication experiments. According to the Central 46's records and the behavior of Shinji Hirako and his comrades after their Hollowfication decades ago, Hollowfied Shinigami were driven by primal instinct, their minds consumed by a ravenous hunger.

While such Hollows were undeniably powerful, they were relatively easy to contain. Even a captain-level Hollowfied Shinigami could be subdued or even slain by two or three captains working together.

But according to the Stealth Force's investigation, this Hollow had been systematically devouring Seireitei residents, assuming their identities for a period before moving on to its next victim.

Unlike the ordinary souls of Rukongai, everyone within the Seireitei possessed spiritual pressure, making them a feast for a Hollow.

This behavior didn't align with that of a Hollowfied Shinigami.

Based on their findings, the Stealth Force concluded that the Hollow wasn't a product of Hollowfication experiments but a Gillian with independent consciousness, one that had somehow infiltrated the Soul Society from Hueco Mundo. They focused their investigation on the four gates connecting Rukongai to the Seireitei, eventually discovering traces of the Hollow's presence near the White Road Gate.

"While we've ruled out the possibility of Hollowfication experiments, we still need to determine how this Hollow infiltrated the Seireitei," Soi Fon said, turning to Ailin as they stood before the gate. "Captain Ailin, would you like to report our findings to Head-Captain Yamamoto, or continue the investigation with us?"

Yamamoto had tasked Ailin with assisting them to apprehend those responsible for the Hollowfication experiments. However, with their current findings suggesting that the Shinigami reiatsu within the Hollow was from the Shinigami it had devoured, Ailin's presence was no longer necessary.

"I wouldn't mind stretching my legs a bit longer. Besides, Captain Kyōraku hasn't contacted us yet. It seems his investigation of Rukongai hasn't yielded any results. Why don't we pay him a visit and see if we can offer any assistance?"

…

"Captain Kyōraku, Soi Fon and I have been working tirelessly day and night. Don't you think it's a bit unfair that you're enjoying yourself while we toil away?"

Finding Kyōraku hadn't taken much effort. Ailin could have used Bakudō #58 Kakushitsuijaku and Soi Fon could have dispatched her Stealth Force. However, they hadn't needed to resort to such measures.

They had encountered an 8th Division Shinigami on their way to Rukongai. After a brief inquiry, the Shinigami had readily revealed Kyōraku's location.

Deliberately providing false information?

Please.

This Shinigami was facing the captain of the 2nd Division and the captain of the 11th Division. How many lives did he have to risk deceiving them?

Of course, this could also be interpreted as the Shinigami's absolute trust in his captain. He believed that Kyōraku, even facing Soi Fon and Ailin, could handle the situation.

With minimal effort, they arrived at Kyōraku's location: a tavern in the 1st District of Rukongai. There they found Kyōraku, surrounded by several scantily clad women, enjoying himself.

"Hahahaha…"

Even Kyōraku, known for his carefree nature, felt a twinge of embarrassment at being caught slacking off.

"Captain Soi Fon, Captain Ailin, I trust you both implicitly. I have no doubt that you'll get to the bottom of this," he chuckled, gesturing for them to join him. "So, what have you found?"

"We've made some progress, but our findings indicate that the Hollow wasn't related to Hollowfication experiments," Ailin said, taking a seat and pouring himself a drink.

"Oh?" Kyōraku's eyes narrowed. That the Hollow itself wouldn't provide any leads was expected. After all, Aizen and Ailin had been meticulous in covering their tracks. If this Hollow was truly a product of their machinations, any evidence would have been erased.

However, Kyōraku hadn't anticipated that the 2nd Division's investigation would conclude that the Hollow wasn't related to Hollowfication experiments.

"How so?"

Soi Fon proceeded to share their findings and conclusions.

"Indeed…"

Kyōraku nodded. Shinigami, after undergoing Hollowfication, lost their reasoning, their souls consumed by the Hollow. They wouldn't retain their intelligence.

But this Hollow, based on its actions, clearly possessed self-awareness. It had the potential to evolve into an Adjuchas.

However, what truly bothered Kyōraku was the memory of Ailin's reaction during the captains' meeting, that brief flicker of recognition.

What connection did Captain Ailin have to this Hollow?

That expression… It suggested that Ailin not only knew about the Hollow, but might even be involved somehow.

This was giving him a headache.

"Captain Kyōraku, that's all we've found within the Seireitei. We followed the Hollow's trail, and it led us here, to Rukongai. Have you made any progress?"

Soi Fon looked at Kyōraku expectantly.

"Well…"

Under Soi Fon's intense gaze, even Kyōraku felt a twinge of shame. Believing that their investigation wouldn't yield any useful results, and fearing the potential consequences if they did uncover something, he had simply delegated the task to his subordinates and spent his days indulging himself. He wasn't even aware of their progress.

As he scrambled for an excuse, an 8th Division Shinigami rushed into the tavern.

"Captain Kyōraku, Jun'ichirō has made a major discovery!"

Kyōraku, with a flicker of Shunpo, brought the Shinigami before Soi Fon and Ailin.

"Tell me, what have you found?"

"Huh? Oh." The Shinigami, momentarily stunned by Kyōraku's sudden appearance, quickly relayed the message.

"Captain Kyōraku, Jun'ichirō said that while tracking the Hollow's spiritual traces, he spotted dozens of suspicious individuals using a Senkaimon to enter Rukongai. They're heading towards the 13th District in West Rukongai."

"Oh?"

Kyōraku's eyes lit up, his expression turning serious. "Captain Soi Fon, Captain Ailin, it seems your arrival was most timely. I suspect these individuals might be connected to the Hollow. Let's head to the 13th District and see what they're up to."

For Kyōraku, regardless of their intentions, he had to investigate. After all, anyone secretly using a Senkaimon to infiltrate Rukongai was undoubtedly up to no good.