Bleach: The Fifth Division Captain

From the beginning of the meeting until now, even after being assigned to the rescue mission, Shinji Hirako hadn't voiced a single complaint.

Yet at this moment, his patience had clearly run thin.

His brows furrowed deeply, and his tone carried none of its usual calmness.

"I already told you—this isn't something a rookie like you can handle."

"You're a hundred years too early to get involved. Focus on learning how we operate first."

"Got it, dumbass? You're not even an official Lieutenant yet."

…Whoa. That was brutal.

Seiya had only asked a simple question, but the response he received was practically a slap in the face.

Caught off guard, he hesitated, unable to immediately find a reply—especially as Yamamoto's gaze swept toward him.

"Seiya Arima, you are to remain in Seireitei and stand by."

That was it.

Not only had his own Captain shot him down, but even the Head Captain had spoken.

There was no more room for negotiation.

Decision made.

As if solidifying the ruling, Yamamoto gave a final addendum after a brief pause.

"For this mission, Vice Kidō Chief Hachigen Ushōda, you will still accompany the task force."

Though Lisa Yadōmaru had been added, Yamamoto seemed to think their team was still too thin on support.

Another adjustment wasn't unexpected.

Hachigen bowed respectfully.

"Understood."

With no further objections, Yamamoto delivered his final judgment.

"Meeting adjourned!"

As the captains dispersed, the Grand Kidō Chief, Tessai Tsukabishi, glanced at Kisuke Urahara's tense face before departing.

…

The Gotei 13 machine roared to life.

Inside the hall, captains moved out. Outside—

Lisa Yadōmaru, standing beside Seiya, smirked playfully before flipping down and landing lightly on her feet.

"You've got a good captain, kid."

Seiya let out a wry chuckle, sighing in mild frustration.

"If I could, I would be on the front lines right now."

"Then hurry up and get stronger. Maybe next time, you'll have a chance."

Despite meeting for the first time, Lisa's attitude toward Seiya was surprisingly friendly.

Perhaps because she was close to Kyōraku?

Though Seiya maintained a reserved demeanor, Lisa was the kind of person who was naturally easygoing.

"Thanks for leading the way today. Next time, drinks on me."

"Haha… I appreciate the thought, but I'm allergic to alcohol."

With a casual wave, the two parted ways.

Seiya watched as Lisa disappeared into the distance, his expression shifting to one of quiet contemplation.

What a frustrating situation.

He had wanted to help.

Wanted to intervene without relying on Aizen.

But in the end, reality hadn't been so kind.

Lisa was only allowed because of the Eighth Division's special circumstances.

Meanwhile, as Shinji had pointed out—

Seiya wasn't even officially a Lieutenant yet.

Under normal procedures, he shouldn't be involved.

Meaning he had no choice but to find another way.

"Being too noticeable is just as troublesome as being ignored."

With that quiet thought, Seiya took a step back, vanishing from sight.

…

Meanwhile, the deployed captains wasted no time heading out.

Leading at the front, Shinji spoke without looking back.

"Give me the exact location and details."

Lisa, in charge of information, responded immediately.

"The shortest route is through the western White Road Gate. From there, it's a thirty-minute run to the site."

"Too slow."

As the designated squad leader, Shinji had full authority.

"Unseal your spiritual pressure and use Shunpo. The old man will cover for us—no one will complain."

Emergency situations called for emergency measures.

Even if they bent some rules, it could be explained later.

He even added,

"If anyone does try to complain, just say it was my idea."

Leadership meant taking responsibility.

Then, his gaze shifted behind him.

"Lisa, using Shunpo drains a lot of energy. You might have trouble keeping up—"

Before he could finish, Rose Ōtoribashi interjected smoothly.

"No problem. I'll assist."

Lisa didn't protest, merely murmuring a polite, "Thanks," as Rose placed a steadying hand on her shoulder.

Smirking, Rose teased,

"You're awfully motivated today."

Love Aikawa, who had been silent, spoke up flatly.

"Of course. It's Kensei we're talking about. And now even Hiyori's caught up in this."

People they needed to protect.

And Shinji still had his unspoken agreement with Urahara.

No way he could ignore this.

They understood his urgency. But there was one more thing on Rose's mind.

Twirling a lock of hair, he mused,

"Still, don't you think you went a bit too hard on Seiya during the meeting?"

Shinji didn't respond.

Love added,

"He's just a kid. You could've eased up a little."

More than anything—

"He just wanted to help."

Seiya wasn't the type to hold grudges.

But even so, the thought of berating someone for their eagerness to assist… felt wrong.

"…"

Shinji remained silent.

And yet—

After a long pause, he exhaled, muttering under his breath,

"I'll apologize when this is over."

Lisa grinned.

"You two are close, huh?"

"Shut it! If something happens to me, that brat's taking over the division! I have to be strict with him!"

Otherwise, what kind of leader would he be?

At the very back, Hachigen Ushōda simply listened with a quiet smile.

As a Kidō Corps officer, he rarely had chances to interact with the Gotei 13 like this.

If Yoruichi were here, maybe he'd have more to contribute…

Regardless, their mission came first.

After regaining his composure, Shinji focused.

"Enough chatter. Pick up the pace!"

They had to move quickly.

"If we can contain this before it spreads—just us will be enough!"

…

Meanwhile—

Returning to the Twelfth Division, Kisuke Urahara sat behind his desk, visibly drained.

Even after Kyōraku's reassurance, he still felt deeply unsettled.

"Uh… Captain?"

His thoughts were interrupted by a hesitant voice.

Blinking, he turned toward one of his subordinates, who was preparing to leave for the night.

With a forced smile, he said,

"Go on. Get some rest."

"You too, sir. Don't overwork yourself."

Watching the last of his staff depart, Urahara was left alone in silence.

One hour had passed since the mission began.

No updates. No information.

Seireitei remained in lockdown.

By all logic—

He should stay put.

After all, he had no authorization to leave.

It was the rational thing to do.

But…

"Now isn't the time for rationality."

Standing abruptly, Urahara's expression hardened.

He was done waiting.

Retrieving a special cloak designed to mask spiritual pressure, he donned it swiftly.

Avoiding patrol routes, he maneuvered toward the exit of the Research Bureau.

A few more steps, and he'd be outside—

"Impressive."

A voice rang out from the shadows.

Emerging from the darkness—

Tessai Tsukabishi.

Holding his staff, his glasses glinting under the dim light.

"So this is the famed technology that completely conceals spiritual energy… I had heard about it before, but witnessing it firsthand is something else."

Adjusting his glasses, he spoke with admiration.

"Truly, science is remarkable."

But.

"You agree, don't you, young man?"

Beside him—

Seiya Arima stepped forward, smiling pleasantly.

His voice was utterly calm.

"Kisuke-taichō, if you please—"

"May I come along?"

…There was no point in arguing.

Urahara knew when he had been caught.

Even if he refused, Seiya's presence here meant his intentions were already obvious.

After a moment of silence, Urahara let out a long sigh.

"Fine…"

He pulled up his hood.

"Then let's go."

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Powerstones?

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