"Captain Tokikaze, please follow me."
The leading Soul Reaper walked ahead respectfully, his steps slightly heavy.
The strange sights within the Research and Development Institute were not only characterized by its unique style but also the peculiar attitudes of the Division members. Despite the conspicuous white Captain haori, the members of the Twelfth Division remained immersed in their research and work.
Walking to the northernmost part of the Research and Development Institute and passing through three corridors, they stopped in a dimly lit area.
In front of them, a tightly closed door was covered in intricate Kido spells, emitting a faint red glow, creating an eerie atmosphere akin to being inside a haunted house.
The Division member took a step forward, standing before the door with folded hands as he softly chanted Kido incantations. The Reiatsu changed continuously, forming a unique frequency signal that fell onto the door.
As the incantation concluded, the large door opened, and a viscous white gas seeped out.
"Captain Tokikaze, please enter. Mayuri-sama is inside."
This Division member showed no intention of entering. From his gaze and expression, it was evident that he feared whatever was inside the room.
Realizing that he was about to face someone potentially dangerous, Tokikaze discreetly manipulated his Reiatsu, enveloping it around himself.
Entering the door, the dimly lit space immediately brightened. Dozens of lamps embedded in the walls emitted a radiant white glow.
What met their eyes were various high-precision instruments and stacks of bizarre experimental materials, including large pieces of Hollow limbs and organ-like structures resembling human organs.
A large amount of viscous white gas was continuously exuding from a cylindrical apparatus.
A figure stood fully engrossed in front of the apparatus with long fingers rapidly typed on the keyboard, producing a rapid series of clicking sounds.
"Place the experimental material on the spiritual particle separation turbine."
The figure did not turn around, continuing to speak without acknowledging Tokikaze's presence, "Then you can leave."
At this moment, he was at a crucial stage of the ongoing experiment, completely absorbed and unaware of who had entered.
"Mayuri Kurotsuchi, I'm here to collect the developed spiritual tools entrusted to you by the Tsunayashiro Clan."
Upon hearing the response, the figure involuntarily stiffened, and the typing on the keyboard instantly slowed down.
Soon, the figure turned around, revealing a pale face.
His face was painted entirely white with the inner portion of his face painted black with the exception of his nose. Bizarre golden accessories seemed to be inserted into the ear canals, forming two protruding horns.
Just from this visage, it was clear that Mayuri Kurotsuchi was no ordinary person.
"Oh my, Captain of the Ninth Division graces us with his presence."
Mayuri Kurotsuchi forced a strange smile, and his long fingers spread open, producing a crisp sound of bones colliding, "The spiritual tools are ready."
He retrieved a black box from a nearby counter.
"As per the request, this spiritual tool is modeled after the spiritual-severing rope of the Shihoin Clan. Although its strength is only one-third of the original, it should be sufficient to deal with a Vice Captain-level Soul Reaper."
With Tokikaze checking, Mayuri Kurotsuchi opened the box, revealing layers of thin, thread-like ropes, resembling fishing lines.
After a brief inspection, Tokikaze confirmed that the spiritual-severing rope's strength was within the specified range and proceeded to close the box for departure.
"Please wait a moment, Captain Tokikaze."
Mayuri Kurotsuchi lightly snapped his fingers, and the laboratory door closed with a sound. Yellow-hued pupils stared at Tokikaze as the pale lips, covered in white pigment, stretched to the sides, forming an extremely bizarre smile.
"I have an unpleasant request..."
"Since it's an unpleasant request, there's no need to say it."
Tokikaze, showing no courtesy, calmly stated, "You should know why I came to take the spiritual tools. The rebellion is causing chaos, time is of the essence, and I can't afford to stick around."
Mad scientists like Mayuri Kurotsuchi were not ones Tokikaze wished to engage in extended conversations with. Such people, in pursuit of their goals, often resorted to any means, even if it meant harming their own comrades.
Mayuri Kurotsuchi's smile froze, completely caught off guard by Tokikaze's disposition.
"A few days ago, Captain Tokikaze obtained the corpse of an Adjuchas in Sakahone, which is quite valuable to study."
"Now, the experiment I'm currently conducting is stuck at a crucial point and requires a large amount of data for analysis."
Seemingly concerned that Tokikaze might leave, Mayuri Kurotsuchi spoke faster, diluting some of his own eccentricity.
Tokikaze nodded slightly, finding this within his expectations.
Although Mayuri Kurotsuchi rarely left this place, he was well aware of certain events transpiring in the Soul Society. If Tokikaze remembered correctly, this individual could even infiltrate the Great Archive and extract the information he desired.
But considering the high level of danger, it appeared that Mayuri Kurotsuchi only employed such means in critical situations.
"I already gave the Adjuchas to Yamada Seinosuke."
Tokikaze responded nonchalantly, "In exchange, he promised to help me research Secret Hado."
"Yamada Seinosuke..." Mayuri Kurotsuchi frowned, a thoughtful expression passing through his deep pupils, "The guy that's skilled in Kaido.
"Secret Hado... truly a tempting condition."
"Fortunately, I also have an interesting offer."
He looked at Tokikaze, a mysterious expression flashing in the yellow pupils. The long fingers crossed in front of his chest.
"Captain Tokikaze, what do you think about the technology of Zanpakuto modification?"
At these words, Tokikaze was momentarily taken aback, and then immediately racked his brain.
Mayuri Kurotsuchi, as a being who detested "perfection," approached the evaluation of anything with an exploratory attitude. Even his Zanpakuto, the Ashisogi Jizo, had been modified multiple times, even modifying its Bankai.
He went as far as implanting explosives to prevent his Zanpakuto from betraying him, demonstrating a perfect illustration of madness.
Now, with Mayuri Kurotsuchi bringing up Zanpakuto modification technology, it was evident he had delved deeply into this field.
"Of course, if you have no intention to undergo modification, we can use scientific means to further analyze the hidden powers of the Zanpakuto."
In order to persuade Tokikaze, Mayuri Kurotsuchi spared no effort in promoting his value, "In addition, there is also the Reishi Soul technology, the device conversion technology, and human modification technology..."
In a matter of minutes, he had already listed numerous terms, some familiar and some unfamiliar to Tokikaze.
Compared to Kisuke Urahara, Mayuri Kurotsuchi appeared purer in the scientific field and more insane.
"To be honest, the conditions are quite tempting."
A faint bluish-white light appeared in Tokikaze's eyes. In his gaze, the laboratory air was filled with countless subtle and unique Spirit Particles.
As if some tiny organisms were present in the air...