Shinigami: Medicine Can't Save The Soul Reaper Society

The ensuing captain's meeting focused on the intricate details of assembling the expeditionary force

—determining the number of personnel drawn from each division, logistical provisions, and the overarching military objectives.

Mobilizing over a thousand Shinigami was no trivial matter for the entire Gotei 13; it was a large-scale operation that required meticulous planning.

By the time the meeting concluded, the sky had already darkened completely.

---

As they walked away from the meeting hall, Kyōraku and Ukitake listened to the murmurs of surrounding Shinigami discussing the recent incidents—the colossal Buddha and the nuclear explosion.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Kyōraku let out a sigh and remarked with a hint of relief.

"Well, aren't I lucky this time? The old man actually spared me from leading the expeditionary force. Looks like he has quite a bit of confidence in Captain Aizen."

Hearing this, Ukitake responded thoughtfully,

"Captain Aizen has built a solid reputation. Besides, given the circumstances, this arrangement is quite reasonable. Both Captain Aizen and Captain Tōsen possess Zanpakutō abilities that are exceptionally suited for large-scale combat."

"Not to mention," he continued,

"Captain Ichimaru's Zanpakutō is devastating in precision strikes. Additionally, with Vice-Captain Chōjirō Sasakibe and Senju Makoto among the vice-captains, the expeditionary force has no real weaknesses in terms of combat strength."

"That's true," Kyōraku acknowledged, stroking his stubbled chin.

"And with Captain Aizen, Captain Tōsen, and Captain Ichimaru—each of them possessing an elusive nature—they can keep each other in check, preventing any... unfortunate developments."

Ukitake sighed, shaking his head.

"Shunsui, you always take such a cynical approach to things. Instead of constantly worrying about power balances, maybe you should learn to trust your fellow captains a bit more."

Kyōraku simply shrugged, his expression shifting into something more playful.

He turned towards Ise Nanao, his vice-captain, who was trailing behind them, and exaggeratedly lamented,

"Oh, Nanao-chan, just thinking about you leaving the Seireitei for Hueco Mundo breaks my heart! Without you, I have no idea how I'll get through my days~~"

Despite her composed and intellectual demeanor, Nanao remained utterly unmoved.

In a deadpan tone, she curtly responded,

"Captain, please act appropriately."

"What?! Nanao-chan, you're so heartless! I'm genuinely worried about your safety! Without me there to protect you, what if you get hurt?" Kyōraku whined dramatically.

Nanao's voice remained calm and firm.

"That is unnecessary. The expeditionary force consists of three captains. Furthermore, as someone without a Zanpakutō, I won't be on the front lines. My role will primarily involve leading the Kidō Corps in maintaining barriers and support structures."

Kyōraku sighed theatrically.

"Even so, I can't help but worry about my dear Nanao-chan. Hueco Mundo is an extremely dangerous place…"

His voice trailed off for a moment before he suddenly turned serious, his usually carefree tone shifting into something more sincere.

"If anything happens, Nanao-chan, try to stay close to Vice-Captain Senju. That man is more reliable than most captains."

Nanao was momentarily taken aback by Kyōraku's unusual seriousness. She cast him a glance before nodding slightly to indicate she understood.

However, Kyōraku's solemn mood only lasted a fleeting moment before he grimaced and added,

"But, Nanao-chan, you must also be careful of Vice-Captain Senju. Don't be fooled by his gentle and kind appearance. I happened to run into him at a sake house the other day, and—"

"Wait a minute!"

Nanao's usual composed expression darkened slightly.

"Captain, since when have you been going to sake houses again?"

"Uh… Ah?" Kyōraku suddenly realized he had inadvertently exposed himself.

In the next instant, he practically vanished, dashing away at lightning speed while shouting over his shoulder,

"Nanao-chan, you must have misheard! I just remembered—I have some urgent squad duties to attend to~"

Watching his embarrassing retreat, Nanao gritted her teeth in mild exasperation, her frustration evident.

After offering a polite bow to Ukitake, she swiftly chased after Kyōraku.

Ukitake chuckled at the familiar sight before shifting his gaze towards his own Vice-captain, Shiba Kaien.

He offered a word of advice.

"Kaien, despite Shunsui's usual antics, his warning isn't unfounded. If the expeditionary force encounters any serious trouble, Vice-Captain Sasakibe and Vice-Captain Senju are among the most reliable people you can depend on."

Kaien nodded firmly.

"I understand, Captain Ukitake."

---

Meanwhile…

When Makoto learned from Unohana that he had been assigned to the expeditionary force and was expected to lead the medical unit, he wasn't particularly surprised—but that didn't mean he was pleased about it.

As the Fourth Division's Vice-Captain, he knew there was little chance of avoiding the role.

More importantly, in the cyclical realm of the Human World, Soul Society, and Hueco Mundo, Hueco Mundo was the only place he had never truly visited.

Thus, in a way, he was genuinely curious about the domain of the Hollows.

But now, thanks to the expedition, he had the "perfectly safe"—who was he kidding?—absolutely nightmarish opportunity to go there.

The moment he realized that Aizen had been appointed as the expeditionary force commander, flanked by Tōsen and Gin, Makoto felt a chill run down his spine.

Within the Seireitei, things were still somewhat stable.

But once they reached Hueco Mundo…

With Aizen's cunning mind and abilities, if he truly wanted any Shinigami dead, he wouldn't even need to lift a finger—the Hollows could do the dirty work for him in mere moments.

Yet, there was a larger implication to this entire expedition.

Makoto was now almost certain: this was Aizen's opportunity to solidify his control over Hueco Mundo.

What a terrifying strategy, Aizen…

Makoto silently analyzed the situation.

So… the unusual surge in Adjuchas-class Hollows… was just an illusion created by Kyōka Suigetsu?

The purpose was to justify assembling this expeditionary force?

And now, by leveraging the force, Aizen can systematically weaken the forces of the Las Noches current ruler—the God-King of Hueco Mundo, Baraggan Luisenbarn, while simultaneously laying the foundation for his future rule?

Even more chilling—how many of the elite Shinigami in this expedition will end up as test subjects for Aizen's 'Hollowfication Experiment'?

Makoto's eyes narrowed slightly as his thoughts reached a grim conclusion.

If Aizen's Hollowfication experiments had progressed to this stage, it meant that the next phase of his plan was imminent.

I suppose I should start making some contingency plans of my own. If Aizen decides to make his move against me… Well, he might just find himself rather surprised by the outcome.

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