The spatial transference induced a slight feeling of dizziness.
Naruto shook his head and looked forward.
Those he had sealed and suppressed, along with the land beneath them and the time frozen solid, had returned.
Urahara Kisuke removed his cloak and explained to the two, "Hollowfication."
"It was a result I obtained in the process of researching the strengthening of Shinigami souls."
"I created something that can destroy the boundary between Shinigami and Hollows."
He extended his hand and retrieved a resplendent gem from his laboratory, radiating a blue-black light.
"I originally thought I was the only one researching this."
"I didn't expect that in the Soul Society, others were also experimenting."
"And they even used ordinary souls and captains as test subjects."
"Mr. Tessai, please assist me. I need to use this to treat Hirako and the others."
Urahara Kisuke looked up at Naruto.
"Naruto, be careful."
"Go find the Head Captain, report what's happening, it's safest near him."
"The target of that invisible figure might be me."
"Or it might be you."
Naruto responded, glancing once more at those who lay frozen in time, unconscious, and nodded heavily.
He returned to the First Division barracks.
He reported the situation to the Head Captain.
He discussed the situation of the 'invisible enemy.'
Of course, he didn't mention the phenomenon of 'Hollowfication,' only that several captains were poisoned and injured, and he had sent them to the Twelfth Division for treatment.
"Is that so?" The Head Captain Yamamoto's face revealed no change in emotion.
He permitted Naruto's request to stay for the time being.
The First Squad dormitory.
It's a world entirely different from the Thirteenth Squad's quarters.
Naruto couldn't sleep, sitting on the veranda, staring at the lifeless dry landscape under the moonlight.
"Kyuubi, why did you suddenly warn me?" he thought of something and began a mental conversation with the fox inside him.
They've been together for almost ten years.
Their relationship, man and fox, had indeed improved somewhat.
But there remained a certain barrier.
Naruto couldn't let go of his "parents."
As for the Kyuubi, it had an extreme dislike for sealing techniques, especially over the past year, having cursed Urahara Kisuke countless times.
"Do I need a reason to warn you?" Kyuubi bared its teeth, its tone irritated, "I just feel that thing might affect me too."
"A truly ominous power indeed."
It paused for a moment, lazily adding, "Consider it a reward for you trying to please me."
"Leaving Konoha with that group was a good choice."
"But if it were I,"
"I would surely destroy Konoha and kill them all!"
Naruto remained silent, unspeaking. He drew out the "Asura" blade, placing it upon his knee. "Kyuubi. You don't seem to be as you usually appear."
Kyuubi was taken aback, its body stiffening, its fur standing on end. "You brat!"
"Are you questioning my resolve?"
Naruto shook his head, his hand resting on the sword's sheath. "Just a gut feeling that you're not."
"The Asura blade seems to bring me more than just power."
"And also,"
"A very strange feeling, as if something inside me has awakened."
"Allowing me to faintly sense your emotions."
He had attempted to communicate with the blade just moments ago.
Naruto waited, but there was no response.
It wasn't like the Nine-Tails, who sometimes resisted engaging in conversation.
Instead, it was a peculiar state.
The powerful force called "Asura" remained silent, while a more familiar, weaker voice was enveloped by Asura's overwhelming power, seemingly lulled into slumber.
It felt almost like a well-fed baby, content and asleep without a fuss.
"Brat!" The Nine-Tails was touched upon a nerve, its tone turning slightly indignant and embarrassed.
Naruto smiled.
"The power of Asura is beyond what you imagine," the Nine-Tails spoke softly, "though I still can't quite grasp the reason."
"But treat this power with respect."
Naruto was surprised and asked, "You know a lot about Asura's power?"
"Asura is your ancestor."
Ancestor?
Naruto's hand paused mid-stroke along the handle of the sword.
In his inner world.
The Nine-Tails curled into a ball, resting its head upon its tail.
Like a true fox.
It remained puzzled.
Why had Asura's power manifested in this brat?
Upon deeper thought
this boy named Naruto Uzumaki did share some resemblance with Asura.
"Naruto Uzumaki," the Nine-Tails murmured the name, recalling the man with similar golden hair.
These father and son.
They seemed not so bad after all.
It awkwardly tilted its head.
But just like that, you want to know my name.
Naruto hadn't slept all night.
Every time he felt a little drowsy, the image of Hirako and the others being corrupted by their masks would invade his mind.
He wondered whether Urahara Kisuke could save them.
The next morning, Naruto hastily left the First Division quarters.
When he arrived at the entrance of the Twelfth Division quarters, he found his path blocked.
The area was heavily guarded by the Punishment Force.
Hundreds of masked Soul Reapers in form-fitting outfits stood on guard.
"Naruto."
Someone called his name.
Naruto looked over and saw that it was Shihouin Yoruichi, donned in her captain's haori, her expression unusually stern.
"Yoruichi-sister."
He was about to ask what had happened when
Yoruichi shook her head, "Not here. Follow me."
She led Naruto to a high tower beside the quarters.
"Why is the Punishment Force here?" Naruto asked impatiently.
Yoruichi whispered, "Orders from Central 46."
"Under charges of persecuting a captain, Captain Urahara Kisuke of the Twelfth Division and the Grand Kido Chief, Hachigen Ushoda, are to be arrested."
Naruto's eyes widened.
Central 46 was the highest judicial authority in the Soul Society.
Any sins committed by a Soul Reaper were judged and dealt with by them.
But... this charge.
Persecuting a captain?
"Arrest?"
He felt something press against his head.
"I never told the Head Captain about Captain Kisuke's matter," Naruto said, taking a deep breath. "I only mentioned that Captain Hirako and the others were poisoned and that I sent them to the 12th Division for treatment."
Yoruichi forced a smile, giving Naruto's shoulder a reassuring pat. "I don't blame you."
"I also believe it wasn't you."
"But that night at the scene—"
"Besides you all, there was also an invisible enemy."
Naruto clenched his fist. "Was that person the one who reported it to Central 46?"
Yoruichi nodded slightly. "At least we have a glimmer of hope; that invisible enemy is also a Soul Reaper, and is among the Gotei 13."
Naruto fell silent, lowering his head.
After a long pause, he looked up again. "What will happen to Captain Kisuke and the others at the hands of Central 46?"
Yoruichi gazed into the distance, her tone heavy. "What I'm about to tell you is the worst-case scenario."
"Naruto."
She lifted her hand from his shoulder and placed it on his head. "Be careful."
"Kisuke said that you and he pose the greatest threat to that invisible enemy."
"He has been disposed of, but you have not."
"That invisible enemy must have other plans for you."
"From now on, be extremely cautious."
Naruto looked into Yoruichi's golden eyes, feeling a heaviness in his heart.
He was initially concerned about Urahara Kisuke and the others.
Why did the conversation shift to his own safety?
What is Sister Yoruichi's intention?
In the dimly lit room of the shop, an air of tension was palpable. Yoruichi sat across from Naruto, her piercing gaze focused intently on him.
"Naruto," she began, a note of urgency in her voice. "You must understand the gravity of our situation. The enemy we face is not only within, but is also manipulating those in power."
Naruto furrowed his brows, absorbing every word. "You're talking about someone tipping off Central 46?"
Yoruichi nodded solemnly. "Yes. And whoever they are, they see you and Urahara as obstacles that need to be removed."
The weight of her words settled heavily upon Naruto's shoulders. He glanced towards the shop's entrance, picturing his dear friends whose lives might now be at risk.
"What should I do?" he asked quietly, his resolve evident despite the fear shadowing his eyes.
"Stay vigilant," Yoruichi advised. "And trust no one but whom you must."
The sound of footsteps interrupted their tense discussion, and the door creaked open to reveal Urahara Kisuke, a thoughtful frown upon his face. "I see the meeting has started without me," he remarked lightly, though his eyes were sharp and assessing.
"Just in time," Yoruichi replied, giving him a slight nod. "We've been discussing the... issues at hand."
Urahara's expression turned serious. "Then we have no time to lose. We need a plan. And it must start with identifying who within the Gotei 13 is playing against us."
Naruto and Yoruichi exchanged a glance, their silent agreement solidifying their uncertain path forward.
(End of Chapter)