In the First Division's barracks, Uehara Shiroha sat cross-legged, meticulously testing the capabilities of his newly acquired ability—[Universal Barrier].
It had to be said that this was a formidable defensive technique, only a step away from reaching SR-level proficiency. No matter the attack—be it Kido, Hakuda, Zanjutsu, or even space-based abilities—none could penetrate the absolute defense of [Universal Barrier]. At least, not at the current level of a captain's strike.
However, the ability had one glaring flaw—the duration of its activation was far too short in its entry-level state.
Uehara Shiroha sighed, feeling that his Shadow Clone Technique was gradually becoming insufficient. The more abilities he acquired, the more he realized just how much work was required to refine and master them.
The answer? More BUG-level training plug-ins like shadow clones.
After all, the higher the proficiency of an ability, the greater its power. When a technique reached mastery, not only did its strength increase significantly, but its activation would become instinctive—an indispensable advantage in battle.
Upon achieving great mastery, abilities often underwent a qualitative transformation, much like his Shadow Clone Technique, which had plateaued in progress after reaching that stage.
Still, despite its slow improvement, Shadow Clone Technique was a skill Uehara Shiroha relied on daily.
"I'm close," he muttered to himself.
Once his shadow clones reached perfect mastery, the speed at which he grew stronger would skyrocket.
Without further hesitation, he summoned two shadow clones to begin grinding proficiency in [Universal Barrier], just as he had spent countless hours refining [White Album].
For an S-level ability, no amount of effort was excessive.
Inside his quarters, Uehara Shiroha focused entirely on analyzing the various properties of [Universal Barrier].
Unlike conventional Kido or sword techniques, [Universal Barrier] belonged to the category of power-type abilities—akin to an innate talent or divine blessing. Such abilities often carried hidden insights that only their wielder could comprehend.
Through this unique form of mystical intuition, Uehara Shiroha gleaned a crucial truth—[Universal Barrier] wasn't just influenced by proficiency; its strength was also affected by spiritual power and faith.
Fortunately, Uehara Shiroha was no mere mortal—he was a Shinigami.
Though Shinigami in Soul Society often resembled "melee mages," their essence contained traces of divine power—a fragment of the Soul King's authority.
The perfect Soul King was undoubtedly the pinnacle of Shinigami battle power, akin to a God of Creation. This divine energy ran through all Shinigami, yet most failed to reach its true potential.
The reason?
The Zero Division monopolized too much of this power.
For example, Hyōsube Ichibei, a member of the Royal Guard, wielded the Power of Names, an ability that dictated the very nature of existence.
Simply put, the potential of a Shinigami was immense, but very few could tap into it. The only known method to surpass conventional limits was through the ōken—a key to the Soul King's Palace, created from an immense concentration of spiritual pressure.
Uehara Shiroha's gaze sharpened.
"This trip to Hueco Mundo… I have to make the most of it."
Purifying Hollows wasn't just a duty of the Shinigami.
It was an opportunity.
By purging Hollow souls and performing Konso, he could strengthen his connection to the divine power of the Shinigami, thereby increasing the strength of [Universal Barrier].
The potential for growth was vast.
He had countless ideas for developing this ability, but he understood the truth of long-term cultivation—rushing would only hinder progress.
"Abilities at the S-rank level are like a Shinigami's Bankai… True mastery can take centuries."
Meanwhile…
On the training grounds of the Eighth Division, Ise Nanao stood with her arms crossed, her expression cool as she released a powerful Kido blast.
The explosion obliterated the high-level training targets, leaving only smoldering remains in its wake.
A short distance away, Kyoraku Shunsui narrowed his eyes, momentarily taken aback by the sheer force of the spell.
"...Well, that's unexpected," he muttered before breaking into a smile.
With this level of strength, Nanao had gained the ability to protect herself in battle.
That was a relief.
It had always been a concern weighing on his mind—whether his Vice-Captain, who had a natural talent for Kido but lacked brute strength, would be safe in combat.
But now?
Now, she was capable.
In his heart, Kyoraku Shunsui was already contemplating how to thank Uehara Shiroha. Should he book all the oiran in the best districts of Rukongai? Or perhaps share his prized collection of vintage sake over a drink?
...Why not both?
Just as he was reveling in his thoughts, Ise Nanao approached him with a determined look.
"Captain," she said, adjusting her glasses. "I have a request."
Kyoraku Shunsui raised an eyebrow, already sensing where this was going.
"Let me participate in the Hueco Mundo operation," she said firmly. "I want to protect the Soul Society—with Mr. Uehara!"
There was a moment of silence.
Then—
"Ahaha… Let's talk about that later!" Kyoraku Shunsui laughed, swiftly dodging her expectant gaze.
Before she could press further, he promptly turned on his heel and ran off toward First Division's barracks.
Today called for celebration.
He'd deal with the serious stuff tomorrow.
As the Hueco Mundo expedition loomed closer, Uehara Shiroha continued his relentless training.
Through rigorous testing, he confirmed a critical fact—only real combat could increase the divine power of a Shinigami.
Theoretical knowledge and training dummies weren't enough.
If he wanted to strengthen [Universal Barrier], he needed to kill Hollows, perform Konso, and complete soul burials.
There were no shortcuts.
Fortunately, his efforts had not been in vain.
After days of constant training, [Universal Barrier] had already advanced to the Proficient Level.
It now lasted for a full minute—a significant improvement.
Of course, it still had its drawbacks.
The ability's spiritual pressure consumption was massive.
Even with his current captain-level reserves, maintaining [Universal Barrier] in prolonged combat would drain him too quickly.
"If I want to use this freely… I need at least high-tier Captain-class spiritual power."
At present, his power was still insufficient.
But he wasn't worried.
His daily missions ensured a steady increase in strength. There was no need to rush.
Finally, after weeks of preparation, the pre-war logistics for the Hueco Mundo expedition were completed.
Despite only a few hundred elite Shinigami being selected, the scale of the operation was enormous.
Shinigami weren't immune to exhaustion—they still needed food, water, and supplies. If logistics failed, even the strongest Shinigamis could starve in an unfamiliar realm.
And so, the captains and high-ranking officers of Soul Society were summoned for the final briefing.
Standing amidst the crowd, Uehara Shiroha recognized many familiar faces.
Every single person present was a big shot.
Even the "perpetually sick" Captain of the Thirteenth Division, Ukitake Jūshirō, had shown up for the occasion.
At the front, the Commander-General of the Gotei 13, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, struck the ground with his cane.
Boom!
A wave of silence swept through the gathering.
"As Commander-General, I now give the order!" Yamamoto's voice thundered.
"The captains and vice-captains of the 2nd, 8th, and 11th Divisions, along with selected elite Shinigami, will form the Hueco Mundo advance force!"
"The 12th Division and Technology Development Bureau will oversee logistical and technical support."
"The 4th Division will handle medical treatment."
"The 5th Division will be responsible for emergency rescue."
"And lastly…" Yamamoto's gaze hardened.
"Kyoraku Shunsui, Captain of the 8th Division, will serve as Commander of the Expeditionary Force."
"And as for the Deputy Commander…" Yamamoto paused briefly before announcing—
"Uehara Shiroha, 7th Seat of the First Division!"
Silence.
Shock rippled through the crowd.
A mere 7th Seat—tasked with such a crucial role?
For a moment, the captains and vice-captains could only stare in disbelief.
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