One year went by after Kisuke decided to focus on his research and during that time, only a few notable things happened, surprisingly. Due to how explosive the inhabitants of Hell were when they attacked the Human World, Kisuke thought that they'd do more things. But contrary to those expectations, after the 'Nine Gates' incident, nothing else came up from their side and even after asking the [Unchained] what those who are [Chained] are up to, their area of activity was too far from them.
They tried using Yamamoto's aide, Choujirou Sasakibe to infiltrate their ranks but Szayelaporro Granz already discovered them secretly sneaking in the Human World without his knowledge and put a bounty on their heads.
Nevertheless, the attacks of the Beasts of Hell never stopped with a few Gates opening here and there throughout the whole world, making the Seireitei and even the Wing Bind busy with their random attacks.
Another thing to note is that the first Kenpachi, Unohana, and the former Captain of the 13th Division, Juushirou Ukitake, were still missing, and seemingly have disappeared from the world.
As for Yamamoto himself, he could maintain his current state even with the difficulties he was facing.
On the Eastern Soul Society's side, however, there was a big change as the Seireitei's personnel started training within the Human World a few months ago to learn more about Magic. Since Soul Society is technically devoid of any Magic Power and the Magic Power present in the Human World is brimming more than ever because each time the Gates open, a stream of it also rushes in.
Of course, the nobles of the Sereitei couldn't let their forces be left behind and coerced the Central 46 to allow their personnel to travel to the Human World.
As of this moment, most of the Shinigamis who came to train already knew how to detect Magic Power, but in terms of utilizing it even for a bit, only a very select few were capable of it.
"It became very busy around these parts, huh?" Serafall, in disguise, muttered while licking her ice cream and watching the Shinigamis running around in the sky.
"It can't be helped. They have to understand the power that Hell uses and discoveries are being made each passing day." Kisuke, also in disguise, replied while licking his ice cream.
Right now, they are in a park to rest after Serafall dragged Kisuke out to play around, "But a few of them aren't being careful. Many strange reports are coming out in the Human World, you know? Sooner or later, specially gifted Humans will be able to feel these fluctuations of Magic Power and some of them might even be able to use it instinctively."
Kisuke looked at Serafall in surprise and asked, "Is that how it goes?"
"Yes. Never underestimate normal people because you don't know what they are capable of once they discover their talent. It's also because of this that Mephisto-chan decided to help Humans form a Magic system because he's afraid that these few individuals destroy themselves and those around them by playing with fire. Well, it was also because of his personal interest."
At that moment, both of their phones rang and when they opened it, they saw what seemed to be a burnt cake with the caption [Kunou doesn't know when to stop burning things. (≧▽≦)]
They both received the message from Claire within the messaging app that Kisuke developed.
One of the biggest changes during this past year is that Claire, Kunou, and Tanis have already graduated high school and entered a higher level of education.
Kisuke thought that they'd be going to a single university but was pleasantly surprised that they opted for universities that specialized in their choice of course.
Claire went for an engineering degree, while Kunou went for an arts degree, and finally, Tanis decided to go to a medical school.
"It seems that they went to Ku-chan, Lanna-chan's place." Serafall commented and turned her head to Kisuke, "It's been a while since we've all been together. Shall we go?"
Kisuke nodded, "Alright. Soifon is also coming today for her regular check-up so I'll ask her to bring Ophis and Lilith with her."
"By the way, I heard they got a promotion. How did it go?"
"They took the 3rd and 4th seats respectively. Though that's probably as high as they could go for now since they can't call the names of their Zanpakuto."
"It's still amazing that they could get as high as that when it's only been half a year since they entered the 2nd Division."
While tapping on his phone, Kisuke answered, "Well, despite not being able to release their Zanpakuto and the occasional failed Kidou, their basic specs are still at least on Captain-level so slaying a bunch of Hollows and Beasts of Hell is pretty easy for them. On top of that, their stealth technique is topnotch which gives them even more achievement points for the 2nd Division. And if you're surprised to see them rise in such a short amount of time, don't be. While the Seireitei is very rigid, they won't stop someone's promotion just because they are 'young'. As long as they have what it takes, they'll give them a proper position."
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Later that day, Soifon came with Ophis and Lilith as planned.
"Thanks for bringing them out. They must have been troublesome." Kisuke said while patting the heads of Ophis and Lilith who were wearing their Shinigami uniforms and had ran towards him and Serafall.
Soifon shook her head and said, "It's not that troublesome. As long as someone proves that they can learn Magic, it's easy to get permission these days."
Kisuke asked Ophis and Lilith to go with Serafall first and took out several syringes, a knife, and multiple test tubes to take some blood and flesh samples from Soifon.
Thanks to Soifon's very stable condition, all the in-depth check-ups only happen once a month now and Kisuke only requires some samples weekly.
And while sealing the samples, Kisuke asked, "How long can they be absent?"
"I can cover their communications for up to a month. If you want it extended, just give me a heads up and I'll do something about it."
Kisuke couldn't help but smile at her answer, "I never thought that the Captain of the 2nd Division would allow something like this. If Captain Commander Kyouraku hears about this, he'd be very proud~!"
Soifon immediately scowled at him and said, "Don't compare me to that lazy bum." She then turned around and started walking away.
"You're leaving already? You're not going to force me to treat you to a very expensive dinner?"
"As much as I want to do it, Central 46 and the 5 Great Noble Houses are strangely wary of my position and activities so I can't risk prolonged contact with you." Soifon waved her hand at them and disappeared among the passing crowds.
The group stared in the direction she disappeared to for a bit before leaving. As soon as they left the narrow alley, Serafall turned to Kisuke and asked, "Are you not going to address that strange man staring?"
Kisuke's expression didn't change and kept his walking pace, "Not yet. Let him do it for a while. He probably thought that he's hidden from our senses so he'll approach us on his own once he's done observing."
Ophis and Lilith's situation was never exposed to the Seireitei after all this time so Serafall also doesn't mind the stare, but she's wondering who that guy is and why Kisuke is ignoring him.