The somber group – Kisaragi, Yoruichi, Kensei, Rojuro, and Marenoshin – arrived at the imposing First Division barracks. The usual bustling energy of the headquarters seemed muted, replaced by an air of anticipation and gravity that had spread with the urgent news. They were immediately ushered into Captain-Commander Yamamoto's office, the aged Shinigami standing with his usual formidable presence behind his desk, his eyes sharp despite his years.
"Report," Yamamoto reiterated, his voice resonating with authority, brooking no delay.
Yoruichi stepped forward, her usual playful demeanor replaced by a serious focus. She recounted the events in the ravaged Rukon village, detailing the unusual strength and resilience of the white, humanoid Hollow, the swift and silent disintegration of its body, and the unsettling appearance and equally silent retreat of the two hooded figures.
Kensei and Rojuro corroborated her account, their descriptions emphasizing the unnatural reiatsu concealment of the cloaked individuals and the disturbing similarities to the unsolved attack on the Third Seat of the Seventh Division years prior. Marenoshin stood respectfully behind Yoruichi, his own unease evident in his stoic expression.
Finally, Captain-Commander Yamamoto turned his piercing gaze towards Kisaragi, who had remained silently observant. "Shiba-iinchō," he began, his voice carrying a particular weight, "you were the first to engage this… anomaly. What is your assessment of the situation?"
Kisaragi met the Captain-Commander's gaze directly, his own hidden behind the black blindfold. "Captain-Commander," he stated calmly, his voice measured, "the Hollow possessed a level of power that warranted the 'potential Vasto Lorde' designation I relayed. However, its swift and complete disintegration suggests an external influence, a deliberate act to eliminate any trace."
He paused for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "Furthermore, the appearance and subsequent silent withdrawal of the two hooded figures bear a striking resemblance to the circumstances surrounding the attack on the Third Seat of the Seventh Division some years ago. The complete suppression of their spiritual energy… it indicates a deliberate and highly skilled concealment."
Kisaragi deliberately avoided mentioning Aizen's name. He had no concrete evidence, only the ominous patterns he recognized from his past life. Prematurely revealing his suspicions without proof could be dismissed or, worse, manipulated. For now, planting the seed of a connection between the two incidents was the most prudent course of action.
Yamamoto's brow furrowed slightly, his gaze intensifying. "You believe these two incidents are linked?"
"The similarities are… significant, Captain-Commander," Kisaragi replied, his tone carefully neutral. "The unusual nature of the threat, followed by a complete and untraceable disappearance in one instance and a similar level of spiritual concealment in the other… it suggests a consistent methodology."
Yamamoto absorbed Kisaragi's words, his gaze thoughtful. After a moment of heavy silence, he addressed the group. "The implications of this are… troubling. Individuals capable of wielding such power and concealing their presence so completely represent a significant threat to the stability of the Soul Society."
He rose from his desk, his ancient frame radiating an unwavering resolve. "I will convene a meeting of the Captains to discuss these developments. In the meantime, Captain Shihōin, your Onmitsukido will dedicate all necessary resources to identifying these individuals. Captain Muguruma, Captain Otoribashi, maintain heightened vigilance within your divisions."
Turning back to Kisaragi, his gaze held a hint of respect. "Shiba-iinchō, your prompt action and insightful observations have been invaluable. You are dismissed."
With a final, authoritative nod, Captain-Commander Yamamoto adjourned the meeting. The tension in the room remained palpable as the group filed out of the office.
Outside the First Division barracks, Kensei clapped Kisaragi on the shoulder, a rare hint of camaraderie in his gruff demeanor. "You handled that well, Fifth Seat. Didn't back down even in front of the Old Man. And you're sharp – that connection to the Seventh Division incident… I hadn't fully considered it."
Rojuro, ever the more expressive of the two, placed a hand on Kisaragi's other shoulder, his flamboyant smile genuine. "Indeed! You have a keen eye, Shiba-iinchō. You might be a Fifth Seat now, but I wouldn't be surprised to see you climbing the ranks quickly."
Kisaragi offered a curt nod to both Captains. "Thank you, Captains."
Kensei and Rojuro exchanged a look before nodding in acknowledgment. "We'll see you around, Shiba." With that, the Captains of the Ninth and Third Divisions turned and headed in their separate directions.
Yoruichi stepped closer to Kisaragi, her golden eyes holding a mixture of pride and concern.
"You were impressive in there, Kisaragi. You spoke your mind clearly, even to the Old Man."
Marenoshin, walking beside Yoruichi, offered a rare, small smile and a nod of approval to Kisaragi.
Kisaragi simply replied, his voice as even as always, "The situation warranted a direct assessment."
Yoruichi chuckled softly, a hint of her usual playfulness returning. "Always so pragmatic. Come on, let's head back to the Second Division. I have a feeling this isn't the last we'll hear of those shadowy figures."
With Yoruichi leading the way and Marenoshin walking beside them, Kisaragi followed, his mind already sifting through the implications of their encounter and the Captain-Commander's response. The pieces of the puzzle were slowly coming together, and the image they formed was increasingly unsettling.