Back at the Seireitei, both Yamahiko and Miyako Shiba reached the Thirteenth Division and reported what had happened.
"You're saying they're all dead?" Kaien Shiba widened his eyes, looking at Miyako, asking.
Miyako nodded, saying, "Yes, it's my fault for not protecting them."
Ukitake Juushirou, who was nearby, said, "Your Zanpakuto was ineffective, and you were also injured. It looks like you're hurt as well. Don't be too hard on yourself."
Miyako Shiba was wounded during her battle with Metastacia, with visible injuries on her body. However, she didn't show any pain or discomfort throughout the journey, earning Yamahiko's admiration for her strong will.
Miyako looked at Yamahiko and said, "If it weren't for your help, Yamahiko, I might have died there."
Yamahiko replied, "I just happened to be passing by."
Kaien Shiba said, "Don't be too modest. After all this is over, I'll thank you properly. But what should we do now, Captain?"
Kaien Shiba's last question was directed at Ukitake Jushirou, who replied, "You should take Miyako back first."
Miyako asked, "What about the dead Shinigami?"
Ukitake Juushirou replied, "I will personally handle and investigate that."
"Then I'll leave it to you, Captain."
Kaien Shiba walked up to Miyako, wrapped his arms around her, and she blushed, saying, "You don't have to hug me."
Kaien Shiba smiled and said, "You're injured, so I'll carry you."
Miyako leaned against Kaien Shiba's shoulder with a red face, and he carried her away from the Thirteenth Division barracks.
Later, Ukitake Jushirou looked at Yamahiko and said, "Please take me to see it."
"Sure."
Yamahiko led Ukitake Jushirou out of the room and went to the location where they had encountered Metastacia. They examined the scene of the battle to confirm the accuracy of Miyako and Yamahiko's accounts.
This was the main purpose of their visit - to see if the descriptions of the two were accurate. Despite the lack of personal connection, the lives of several Shinigami were lost, and a careful investigation was necessary.
"Alright, let's head back now."
After Ukitake Jushirou and Yamahiko completed their investigation, they returned to the Seireitei. Ukitake Jushirou once again expressed his gratitude, and Yamahiko parted ways with him, returning to his barrack. It was already evening.
As soon as Yamahiko entered the Second Division barracks, a figure appeared in front of him and said, "Why did it take you so long to come back?"
The person in front of Yamahiko was Sui-Feng, and her expression was not friendly, making Yamahiko a bit uneasy.
Yamahiko didn't know if Sui-Feng had questioned the members of the Onmitsukido, which would reveal that he had investigated Shiba Miyako. He needed to come up with a perfect reason if she asked.
Yamahiko hesitated, and Sui-Feng said with a cold expression, "Come inside quickly."
Yamahiko followed Sui-Feng into her office. After they entered, Sui-Feng sat down and looked at Yamahiko, asking, "After you left, we received a report about the Thirteenth Division being attacked, with everyone except Miyako Shiba dead. What were you doing?"
Yamahiko didn't know on how extent Sui-Feng was aware of his actions. So he hurriedly said, "I'm not responsible for the deaths in the Thirteenth Division."
"Of course not," Sui-Feng replied, "How could it be your doing? I'm just asking what you were investigating."
Yamahiko looked at Sui-Feng and asked, "Captain Sui-Feng, didn't you ask the members of the investigation squad?"
Sui-Feng frowned and said, "The squad is under your command, and I won't interfere with their work. But this is a significant matter, and I want to ask you about it."
Yamahiko felt relieved when he heard this. As long as she didn't know, it was good. It seemed like Sui-Feng had a lot of trust in him.
However, he still needed to deflect the situation. He said, "I wasn't investigating Miyako; I was investigating the Thirteenth Division."
"Investigating the Thirteenth Division?" Sui-Feng looked at Yamahiko with some curiosity.
Yamahiko explained, "It's mainly because of that Hollow. A few days ago, I received a report that a Hollow appeared in Rukongai that could nullify Zanpakuto abilities. It attacked many people and even killed Shinigami. This kind of ability has never been seen before, and I found it interesting. But I couldn't intervene directly. So I had someone watch the Thirteenth Division, and when I saw Miyako-senpai leaving, I went to investigate."
Sui-Feng nodded and said, "I see. A Hollow that can nullify Zanpakuto abilities is a significant threat, especially to the Seireitei."
Yamahiko scratched his head and said, "I told the members of the Thirteenth Division that I wanted to visit the Inuzuri District, and it happened to be on the way. I didn't want them to know that I was investigating based on what we discovered."
Sui-Feng agreed, saying, "That's not important. What you did was good this time. You saved Miyako and killed a Hollow."
Yamahiko smiled and said, "As long as you don't question my use of the Onmitsukido."
Sui-Feng looked at Yamahiko and said, "As long as it's not a danger to the Seireitei. It's not a problem. You did well this time. You can continue in the future."
Yamahiko, hearing Sui-Feng's praise, said with a smile, "I will continue to work hard."
Then she leaned back, looking at Yamahiko, and asked, "You're not injured, are you?"
"No," Yamahiko replied. "It was just dealing with a single Hollow. It was a piece of cake."
"Just when I praised you, you have no sense of proportion," Sui-Feng scolded. "You can't be careless. If there's a Hollow that can nullify Zanpakuto abilities, there might be other types of Hollows. You need to be careful."
Yamahiko immediately lowered his head and said, "I understand."
Sui-Feng waved her hand and said, "Alright, you can go now."
Yamahiko turned and left the room, letting out a sigh of relief. He had successfully deflected the situation.
Yamahiko couldn't reveal the truth, even if his relationship with Sui-Feng had become closer. In her heart, her top priorities were Yoruichi and her duties.
She could trust someone to the extent possible within the scope of her duties, but she wouldn't put others above her responsibilities. Even if Yamahiko could replace Yoruichi in her heart, he wouldn't reveal the truth. These matters were too heavy but he have to bear it alone.
Yamahiko thought as he returned to his room, ensuring that there were no significant discrepancies in his actions and that he hadn't raised any suspicion with Aizen. He could finally relax.
Aizen was too powerful, and because of his Zanpakuto. His Zanpakuto's abilities could manipulate others, making him incredible manipulator. However, Yamahiko had never witnessed Aizen's Zanpakuto abilities, and the Second Division's location was a forbidden area.
However, Aizen's reiryoku and proficiency in Kido remained formidable. He could stop a Bankai strike from Ichigo with just one finger, effortlessly dispatch the Sajin Komamura with his Kido, and single-handedly face the other captains. His strength was truly despair-inducing.
If he were discovered, there would be no way out.
Therefore, Yamahiko had to be cautious. He had already alerted Aizen, and for the time being, he needed to remain low-key.
...
The next day at noon, Yamahiko looked at the figure that appeared in front of him and asked, "Are you inviting me to your home?"
~End of the Chapter~
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