First, there were changes in her personality. Rukia didn't know why, but she would occasionally become unusually irritable, which was completely unlike her usual self.
Although it only happened in fleeting moments, it still left Rukia feeling a cold sweat down her back.
Second, there were changes in her combat abilities. Rukia felt that her fighting skills were improving rapidly.
Previously, she hadn't been particularly skilled in swordsmanship, relying more on her proficiency in Kidō. But now, her swordsmanship was advancing quickly, and during training, she instinctively knew how to wield her sword.
These changes weren't drastic, but over time, Rukia began to notice them.
So, she had been carrying this question in her heart...
Did White really leave back then?
Could it be...
That he had escaped somewhere, somewhere... close to her, but where she could never find him?
The mere thought of this possibility filled Rukia with unease, along with a sense of guilt for doubting Haruki, her savior.
It wasn't until now that she finally mustered the courage to bring this up with Haruki.
Seeing Rukia's serious expression, Haruki was about to speak when a Hell Butterfly floated in from outside.
The Hell Butterfly flew to Haruki, and he extended his hand, allowing it to land on his finger.
In the next moment, a stream of information flowed into Haruki's mind.
Haruki sent the Hell Butterfly back and looked at Rukia, who was both serious and confused. "You want to know the answer to this question, don't you?"
"Well, the news I just received should clear up your doubts."
"Huh? What...?" Rukia looked at Haruki in confusion.
Haruki's expression turned grave as he said, "The Hueco Mundo expedition team encountered the bull-headed Hollow from before, and then..."
"They were wiped out."
What?!
"What?!" Rukia shot to her feet, her eyes filled with unconcealed shock!
"Renji, he..."
"Don't panic just yet," Haruki also stood up. At this point, he no longer had the appetite to eat. "The specifics will be discussed later. A captain's summons has just been issued. All captains and vice-captains of the Gotei 13 are to report to the 1st Division for a meeting."
"I know you're worried, but there's nothing you can do by rushing. Wait for my news. Don't worry, Renji is also my subordinate and an important junior to me. I won't stand by and let anything happen to him."
"But..." Rukia said anxiously, "Vice-Captain Haruki, can I go with you? I won't interfere with the meeting. I'll just wait outside!"
Although they hadn't been in contact for years, her relationship with Renji was indeed special, not to mention that he had gone to Hueco Mundo for her sake.
Now that the expedition team had been wiped out, how could she possibly go back and wait calmly for news?
Her earlier question had also been answered.
She had just asked Haruki if White had truly escaped to Hueco Mundo, and now she had her answer.
Of course, White had gone to Hueco Mundo. Otherwise, how could he have appeared before the expedition team and wiped them out?
Rukia was filled with shame. Haruki had saved her, yet she had doubted his words, and her doubts had been immediately proven wrong.
On top of that, with the news about Renji, Rukia was completely thrown into a panic.
"..." Haruki was silent for a moment, then said, "That's your choice, but the situation is urgent. I won't wait for you."
With that, he paid the bill and left, immediately using Shunpo to move quickly.
Rukia hurried to follow.
In the past, Rukia would never have been able to keep up with Haruki's speed, but after that battle, her spiritual power had been steadily increasing, and her basic abilities had been improving steadily.
She had found this phenomenon strange, and coupled with the occasional strange voices she heard and the strange dreams she had, it felt as though White was always by her side, which was why she had been suspicious.
But now...
It seemed like she might have been overthinking it.
Still, no matter what, she could only keep up with Haruki for a short while before falling behind.
By the time Haruki arrived at the 1st Division, Rukia was already lagging far behind.
Haruki quickly entered the 2nd Side Chamber of the 1st Division, the usual gathering place for vice-captains during captain meetings.
Haruki was quite familiar with this place.
"You're a bit late this time, Haruki," Rangiku, who had already arrived, said as she sat next to Shūhei.
"I was delayed by some matters, and the Hell Butterfly arrived when I wasn't at the 5th Division," Haruki replied, taking a seat. "What's going on? The Hueco Mundo expedition team was wiped out?"
"You'll have to ask Isane about that. The only survivor is currently at the 4th Division," Rangiku said, and both she and Haruki turned to look at Isane Kotetsu.
Not just the two of them, but everyone else did the same.
After all, the Hueco Mundo expedition team was composed of the elite of the Gotei 13. Aside from the thirteen captains at the top, everyone in the team was a top-tier fighter.
Isane felt a bit nervous under everyone's gaze, but she still said, "Actually, it wasn't a complete wipeout. There was one person who returned."
"It's the 9th Seat of the 11th Division, Tadakichi Kijō. According to what he said before losing consciousness, after the bull-headed Hollow appeared, they engaged in battle, but during the fight, other Menos Grande were drawn to the scene."
"These Menos Grande attacked both the Shinigami and the bull-headed Hollow, resulting in a three-way battle. The expedition team was scattered, and all communication was lost."
"During the battle, Vice-Captain Shiba opened a portal back to the Soul Society, but for some reason, it seems only Kijō made it back."
"So it seems Kijō won't be able to remain a Shinigami in the 11th Division, right?" Haruki glanced at Tetsuzaemon Iba and then at Yachiru.
Tetsuzaemon had previously been a Shinigami in the 11th Division, and Yachiru was the current vice-captain of the 11th Division.
Sure enough, Yachiru said in a flat tone, "That's right. The 11th Division has no use for a Shinigami who runs away from battle."
"See, I told you," Rangiku said with a smirk. "The 11th Division would never return without completing their mission."
Yes, for the battle-loving 11th Division, a Shinigami who fled from battle was a disgrace.
Although Tadakichi Kijō had returned alive, he likely wouldn't be able to stay in the 11th Division.
"So, the Hueco Mundo expedition team is currently scattered, and even the 12th Division can't locate them?"
Nemu Kurotsuchi, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "Don't underestimate the 12th Division's technology. If the captain wishes, locating them would be a simple matter."
...
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