The abrupt system check-in mission caused Shimo to freeze for a moment.
"The Nest of Maggots?"
A puzzled look appeared on his face.
"Isn't that the place used to imprison dangerous individuals?"
"Why would the system suddenly issue a check-in task related to the Nest of Maggots?"
After completing many such missions, Shimo had gradually come to understand some of the system's logic.
The missions it released were often connected to events he was about to encounter.
Shimo rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Could it be related to today's visit to First Division?"
Time passed swiftly. The next morning arrived.
Because he had to report to the First Division today, Shimo made sure to get up early.
The air outside Fourth Division's barracks was especially crisp and fresh, thanks in no small part to the environment maintained by the squad itself.
Before Shimo could head to the captain's office, he saw a stranger walking toward him.
The man wore an outfit distinct from regular Shinigami. Draped over his back was a blue canvas cloak that hung down to his waist, embroidered with a blooming chrysanthemum.
First Division's official flower—symbolizing loyalty and purity.
Though Shimo had never met this person before, he instantly recognized his identity.
He was an officer of First Division, and judging by his arrival, he was clearly here to escort him to Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni.
"Good morning, Lieutenant Kyōraku Shimo," the man greeted with a respectful bow.
"I'm a member of First Division, sent by the Head-Captain to escort you to the First Division barracks for a meeting."
Shimo smiled and nodded.
"Thanks for coming. Please, lead the way."
The officer turned and motioned for Shimo to follow.
The two walked in tandem toward the barracks of First Division.
The Seireitei was vast, and Fourth Division was located in a relatively quiet, out-of-the-way sector, so their journey took some time.
By the time they arrived at First Division's barracks, it was already quite late in the morning.
Led by the officer, Shimo passed through the central courtyard and proceeded toward the back of the complex.
After weaving through more than a dozen corridors, they finally stopped in front of a room.
A black curtain marked the entrance, upon which a single, bold character—"Forbidden (禁)"—was written in orange ink.
The escort stopped just before the curtain and announced in a deep voice:
"Reporting to the Head-Captain: Lieutenant Shimo has arrived."
As soon as he finished speaking, the officer turned and left without waiting for a reply from inside.
"Come in, Lieutenant Shimo."
A steady voice responded from within—surprisingly youthful and without the hoarseness expected of an elderly man. It didn't seem to belong to the Captain-Commander.
Shimo lifted the curtain and stepped inside.
What he saw took him by surprise.
He had thought this meeting with the Captain-Commander would be a simple questioning session.
But aside from Chōjirō Sasakibe, the ever-present aide of Yamamoto, several others were present.
Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni
Second Division Captain Soi Fon
Eight Division Captain Kyōraku Shunsui
"Well, you're finally here," Shunsui greeted casually.
"We've already had to swap out a pot of tea while waiting."
The three were seated around a dark red tea table, with empty teacups in front of them. Clearly, they'd been waiting for quite a while.
Shimo froze for a moment, then quickly bowed and greeted each of them in turn.
"Head-Captain. Captain Soi Fon. Captain Kyōraku."
Shunsui waved his hand and chuckled.
"Ah, no need to be so formal. We're not interrogating a criminal here."
At his lighthearted reassurance, Shimo gradually relaxed.
"Come on, have a seat."
Kyōraku Shunsui always took good care of his juniors.
Meanwhile, Soi Fon stood with arms crossed, her piercing gaze almost giving off a murderous aura.
Shimo wasn't sure who she was targeting, but he didn't sense any direct hostility aimed at himself.
As for Captain-Commander Yamamoto, he sat solemnly to the side, his staff resting at arm's reach.
Even without releasing his spiritual pressure, the weight of his presence was overwhelming—like a towering mountain silently pressing down.
Shimo knelt on the last unoccupied cushion and waited silently.
At last, the aged voice echoed through the room.
Yamamoto Genryūsai fixed a steady gaze on him and said:
"Your display of strength in Hueco Mundo has piqued our curiosity regarding the nature of your Zanpakutō."
"Would you be willing to demonstrate your Shikai here?"
Though old, the Captain-Commander's voice was powerful and commanding, suffused with authority and pressure.
Shimo understood clearly—his recent show of strength had finally drawn the attention of Yamamoto.
In truth, Yamamoto had already taken note of him back when he was a student at the Shin'ō Academy.
But at the time, Kyōraku Shunsui had shielded him from scrutiny.
Now, Shimo's growth had reached a point where he could no longer be ignored.
A proper inquiry would also help maintain stability within the Soul Society.
Shimo glanced toward Shunsui, who gave him a small, encouraging nod.
After a moment's hesitation, Shimo finally spoke.
"My Zanpakutō is of the space-type. When released, it can suspend space."
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