Soon after, Unohana Retsu submitted the report. It was written exactly as Araki had instructed, and its contents mirrored what he had just declared.

"Approved."

Araki glanced at it briefly and approved it without hesitation.

According to the regulations of the Gotei 13, the captain of the 11th Division—Araki in this case—was to submit the report to the Captain-Commander. The Captain-Commander would then forward it to the Zero Division, who would evaluate it and decide whether to dispatch a trooper to the World of the Living for investigation.

But since Araki was a member of the Zero Division, all those steps could be… omitted.

"Approved!"

Yes. After reviewing the report as the 11th Division Captain, Araki reviewed it again as the Royal Agent of the Zero Division, and immediately issued the following decree:

"Given that the Eye Monk, Hyōsubu Ichibei, is currently attending to His Majesty in the Soul King's Palace, and the 'Sword God', Nimaiya Ōetsu, is occupied forging Zanpakutō in the Phoenix Palace and cannot leave—

The Zero Division has officially decided to dispatch Araki, newly appointed to the Zero Division, to Seireitei to investigate the incident of Hollow intrusion and the massacre of the Central 46."

To prevent any bureaucratic challenge, Araki drafted an official Letter of Appointment for himself—formally assigning himself the duty of investigating the deaths within the Central 46.

Then, without delay, he issued his conclusion.

"Following my investigation into the sudden deaths of the Central 46, I, Araki of the Zero Squad, have determined that all victims were killed by a Hollow.

The suspect is believed to be the Hollow Jijiba, who once repelled Gotei 13 Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni himself and even managed to break into the Heavens.

After escaping the Soul King Palace, this Hollow returned to exact vengeance by slaughtering the Central 46—the highest judicial body in Soul Society. Fortunately, I engaged the Hollow and mitigated the damage through direct combat.

The Hollow Jijiba is of terrifying strength and possesses a keen instinct for survival. After sustaining damage during the encounter, he fled Soul Society, escaping via the Black Chamber into Hueco Mundo."

"In order to preserve the dignity of His Majesty and the rule of Soul Society, I, Captain Araki, have resolved to personally pursue this Hollow into Hueco Mundo. Thus, I shall organize the Hueco Mundo Suppression Task Force, consisting of selected forces from the Gotei 13."

"Accordingly, I am exercising my authority as Royal Agent to requisition the full forces of the 11th Division, as well as:

Captain Shihōin Chihiro of the 2nd Division

Captain Iwahara Kinraku of the 3rd Division

Captain Obana Danjirō of the 5th Division

Captain Kadori Takeunsai of the 8th Division

Captain Odokkae Amaeki of the 10th Division

Alongside:

Vice-Captain Unohana Retsu (11th Division)

Third Seat Saitō Furobushi (11th Division)

These units are hereby ordered to proceed to Hueco Mundo to subdue and annihilate the Great Hollow and restore order to Soul Society."

In the 1st Division Barracks, Vice-Captain Chōjirō Sasakibe lowered the report with trembling hands. Leaving aside the Captain-Commander's personal feelings, even he felt like his head might explode.

Still, Chōjirō couldn't help but feel a kind of admiration. Araki had casually done what even he didn't dare to dream of—what even Genryūsai-sama had long desired to do, yet was constrained from attempting due to his status.

"Genryūsai-sama… this is Araki's official report," Chōjirō said quietly after reading the document.

"Hmph…"

Genryūsai exhaled heavily. Though he had already received a private communiqué detailing Araki's actions and was somewhat prepared, hearing the official version sent a chill through his heart.

"That brat… he dares to order me around under the name of royal agent?"

His teeth clenched in anger. The report was impeccable—flawless even—but only under the premise that Araki truly was a member of the Zero Division and a legitimate royal envoy.

"Genryūsai-sama… how will you handle this matter? Assuming the title of royal agent is a grave crime…"

Chōjirō wiped the sweat from his brow with a handkerchief, his concern for Araki genuine.

"Chōjirō… you misspoke," Genryūsai corrected him calmly.

"Huh?"

Chōjirō looked up, confused.

"Araki came from the Soul King Palace, didn't he?"

"Well… that's true."

Chōjirō nodded. Araki had indeed returned from the Soul King's Palace—a matter that had stirred quite a bit of commotion in the Gotei 13 at the time.

"If he returned from the Soul King Palace… and His Majesty did not deny it when Araki donned the Zero Squad uniform and claimed the title of 'royal agent'... then—"

"Araki is a member of the Zero Division."

Genryūsai's eyes narrowed. His tone left no room for argument.

"I… I see! I'm enlightened!"

Chōjirō's eyes widened in realization. He never imagined such a logic could be used to authorize Araki's authority.

"And the report?"

He hesitated again, holding up the scroll.

"…Of course it's approved."

"Just as Araki requested, dispatch Captain Shijima Chigiri of the Fourth Division, Captain Kono Taketsuna of the Seventh Division, Captain Kumen Kamoi Tetsu of the Ninth Division, Captain Zenjoji Arihime of the Twelfth Division, and Captain Nikotsu Saizo of the Thirteenth Division. Five captains in total, along with all members of the 11th Division, will fully cooperate with Araki, a member of the Zero Division, in Hueco Mundo…"

Genryūsai pondered for a moment before making his decision.

"Uh…"

"Genryūsai, the captains Araki actually requested to accompany him were the ones from the Second, Third, Fifth, Eighth, and Tenth Divisions…" Sasakibe gently reminded him after hearing the order.

"Is that so? Chojiro, I urge you to reconsider…"

Genryūsai smiled faintly at Sasakibe—a smile laced with unmistakable menace.

"…"

Sasakibe fell silent at once.

"Oh! Lord Genryūsai, I apologize! My vision must have been blurry just now—I misread the report. You're absolutely right. Araki did indeed request the captains of the Fourth, Seventh, Ninth, Twelfth, and Thirteenth Divisions. Ah, these aging eyes of mine…" Sasakibe said with exaggerated remorse, rubbing his eyes theatrically before showing a look of belated clarity.

"Haha, Chojiro, it seems you really do need more rest." Genryūsai's expression softened into a mockingly instructional tone. "When Araki returned to our division the other day, didn't he mention a boy named Okiya? Said he was quite promising. Perhaps you should start delegating some of your duties to him—test his abilities."

"Okiya Genshiro," Sasakibe corrected gently. Then he nodded. "He truly is a capable young man. I've already promoted him from a foot soldier to the position of chief officer. I believe that with time, he will grow into a worthy asset to Lord Genryūsai."

"Good. Make the arrangements," Genryūsai replied with a satisfied nod.

"Very well. I'll take my leave then."

Genryūsai waved him off but suddenly stopped him as Sasakibe turned around.

"Oh, and one more thing. Make sure to relay this message to that foolish disciple of Araki's…"

Sasakibe turned back and bowed. "Yes, sir. What shall I tell him?"

"Tell him: I'm still the one in charge of the Gotei 13. It's not his place to meddle in personnel affairs. If he wants that authority, he should surpass me—become the strongest in the world. Then, and only then, can he remove me from the position of Captain-Commander!"

With that, Genryūsai strode off, not looking back.

"Y-yes, sir…"

Sweat streamed down Sasakibe's face. For someone his age… Genryūsai can be quite childish. Still, it was an order—and it had to be carried out.

And so…

Before the massive gate connecting Soul Society to Hueco Mundo, the first official expeditionary force to that realm since Yhwach's invasion was assembled under Araki's command.

"Ugh, seriously? Why am I still working in this condition?"

Shijima Chigiri, former 4th Division Captain and now Captain of the 1st Squad of the Hueco Mundo Expeditionary Force, stared lazily at the scorching sky, radiating a deep sense of lethargy and discontent.

"Hahaha! I didn't expect Captain Araki to call on me for something like this. You're more sentimental than you let on!"

Otono Taketsuna, former 7th Division Captain and now heading the 2nd Squad, grinned as he rested his Zanpakutō on his shoulder.

"Hehehe… I can't wait to smash some Hollow skulls!"

Zenjoji Arihime, once the 12th Division Captain and now leader of the 3rd Squad, cracked her knuckles with delight.

"Imagine, an old relic like me still finding a use. Not bad… Not bad at all…"

Nikotsu, the Captain of the 4th Squad and once of the 13th Division, nodded warmly at Araki.

"What perfect weather! So, when do we leave?"

Hisamen Jingyantetsu, former 9th Division Captain and now commanding the 5th Squad, beamed with eager anticipation.

"Hmmm…"

Araki stood silently in front of the gathered 11th Division troops, observing the unfamiliar captains. His brow furrowed as he slowly thought to himself:

"…Who the hell are you people?"

But before he could voice that thought, Sasakibe approached.

"Captain Araki, I have a message from Lord Genryūsai," he said solemnly.

Araki turned his gaze to him without speaking.

Sasakibe took a breath and relayed the words:

"Lord Genryūsai said… If you want his power, then go and take it. He's placed everything you desire right before you. If you truly want it… defeat him."

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