Mayuri's Bankai, Konjiki Ashisogi Jizo, was severed.
The huge corpse laid on the cluttered floor, as cracks covered the entire laboratory.
Such a remarkable disturbance naturally alarmed the personnel in the Research and Development Institute. Following their curiosity-driven scientific mindset, these individuals ran toward the corridor fearlessly.
Head after head crowded together, eagerly peeking into the laboratory.
Initially thought to be a laboratory accident, the suffocating scene glimpsed through the shattered doors and walls hinted otherwise.
Faint remnants of lightning zapped on the instruments from time to time, and the sinister and terrifying aura emanated from Konjiki Ashisogi Jizo.
Although the vast amount of poison was mostly neutralized by the lightning, there was still a small amount remaining.
Tokikaze controlled the wind, gathering all the toxins in the laboratory.
With Mayuri's research level, even a tiny amount of poison could wipe out the entire Research and Development Institute.
Even Tokikaze didn't want to touch any of it.
From the beginning of the battle, he had blown wind around him.
"Cough!"
Mayuri suddenly knelt on the ground, clutching his throat with both hands, coughing up a large amount of blood and organ fragments, looking as if he was on the verge of death.
Obviously, he hadn't anticipated that his Bankai would be severed.
The collapse of Golden Ashisogi Jizo had some impact on Mayuri.
Under these circumstances, just coughing up some blood and organs was a light injury for him.
Wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, Mayuri staggered to his feet with his bizarre smile reappearing on his face.
"I underestimated you, Captain Tokikaze."
Soi-Fon stood in the distance, holding her Zanpakuto in her hand, her petite face filled with confusion.
Who am I? Where am I? What happened?
She looked blankly at the two maniacs in the field with mixed feelings.
"Golden Ashisogi Jizo still has room for improvement."
Mayuri wasn't angry because Tokikaze defeated his Bankai. "But I've used up the Vasto Lorde's sample. I need more samples."
"We'll talk about it later." Tokikaze casually sheathed his Zanpakuto. "I don't want to run into that guy now."
"He's just like you, a maniac."
Regarding the danger assessment of Mayuri, it was hastily concluded due to the defeat of Golden Ashisogi Jizo.
Soi-Fon didn't even know what kind of assessment to give. After some thought, she also gave it a level five.
In her opinion, Tokikaze was obviously higher.
If he weren't a noble, he should be on the observation list of the Second Division now.
The both then left with Mayuri.
Because Mayuri used Bankai without authorization, he was directly arrested by Tokikaze for endangering security.
Although he protested and gave appropriate reasons for it, Tokikaze didn't care. Mayuri had already used Bankai without permission.
If it weren't for the adequate protective measures in the laboratory, the current Research and Development Institute would probably have been decimated.
Under Mayuri's protest, Tokikaze directly imprisoned him in the Ninth Division's prison.
Until the order from the First Division was issued, he'd sleep there.
And Tokikaze also gained Bakudo #62, as well as a slight improvement in physical strength as a reward.
In short, this trip to the Research and Development Institute was quite profitable.
...
At the same time, in 3rd District West Rukongai.
Ise Nanao, having completed her paperwork, was invited by Matsumoto Rangiku to the bustling shopping street for some shopping.
Although she was deducted half of her tea fees by Tokikaze due to the drugging incident, the remaining money was quite a lot for her.
"So, this is your new plan?"
Ise Nanao's gaze, tinged with some admiration, said, "If the Captain really falls for it, then maybe we should consider changing Captains."
"Well, don't worry about those details!"
Matsumoto Rangiku took the headdress from the clerk's hand and handed it to Ise Nanao, placing it on her head.
The sparkling pendant swayed gently, adding to her beauty.
"Not bad, not bad, I'll take it!"
Matsumoto Rangiku, being generous with her money, waved her hand and had the clerk wrap up everything immediately.
However, at that moment, a dazzling light burst from her waist, accompanied by a strong Reiatsu.
When the light subsided, a figure, somewhat familiar yet unfamiliar, appeared before the two of them.
A young girl with wheat-colored skin, deep red short hair, emerald eyes, and a pair of cat ears on her head that matched her hair color. Her well-proportioned figure exuded a mature charm, and a pink cat tail swayed gently behind her.
"Nice to meet you. Let me introduce myself."
"I'm Haineko..."
The deep red cat ears twitched, and a playful expression appeared on the girl's face. "It's a bit unfair to gang up on me two against one."
"Well, then I'll have to defeat you next time!"
In the shocked gazes of Ise Nanao and Matsumoto Rangiku, Haineko bowed, made a self-introduction to the two of them, and then disappeared with a flash.
When they came to their senses, there was no trace of her.
"This is bad," Matsumoto Rangiku realized that she couldn't sense her Zanpakuto anymore, "what she said was true."
"Haineko and I have lost connection."
Taking a deep breath, Ise Nanao calmed herself down. "Let's return to Seireitei first and report this to the Captain."
...
Ninth Division barracks, Captain's office.
Matsumoto Rangiku burst into the room in a hurry and recounted the strange events that had just occurred at the fastest speed.
"Haineko has betrayed us?"
Tokikaze was astonished, "Just now?"
Ise Nanao nodded and added, "There were no signs at all. A woman claiming to be Haineko appeared before us after a flash of light."
"And after she escaped, Rangiku lost connection with her Zanpakuto."
At this, Tokikaze set down his teacup and tapped the table rhythmically with his knuckles.
"This is really troublesome."
As he finished speaking, a net-like Reiatsu instantly covered the entire Ninth Division barracks.
Bakudo #77: Tenteikura.
"Emergency! I request all Captains to gather in the Captain's Assembly Room of the First Division Barracks."
The voice of Chojiro Sasakibe resounded through the Reiatsu, "I repeat, emergency..."
The others exchanged glances, all seeing surprise on each other's faces.
This time, things were really serious.