Yhwach scoffed, his deep red cloak billowing in the wind atop the wall. "Don't lump us with those lucky ones who happened to obtain fragments of the Soul King, Shinigami."
"We are called—Quincy."
"We exist to fulfill the Soul King's duty, eradicating the Hollows of this world."
"Also..."
Yhwach turned, suddenly drawing his Quincy cross and slashing toward Kotsuzui Talz.
A fierce Reishi current erupted, engulfing dozens of meters in an instant, drawing a long line from Yhwach's position.
Kotsuzui Talz's frail, emaciated figure was instantly swallowed by the fierce Reishi current.
He exploded into a pile of shattered insect remains.
Yhwach slowly sheathed his blade, continuing: "...Don't stand before me with that disgusting body."
"Shinigami."
"Heh heh heh——"
The grating laughter still lingered, but Kotsuzui Talz, having gauged Yhwach's true strength, did not reappear to probe further.
Standing countless miles away, Kotsuzui Talz closed his eyes, gazing at the towering figure still standing atop the wall, and sighed.
"Another big problem, huh."
...
In the living world, the first encounter between the Wandenreich and Seireitei had not yet concluded.
The Hueco Mundo Expeditionary Force, which had begun long-term garrison and cleanup operations in Hueco Mundo, started sending back its first batch of lightly and moderately wounded soldiers on the 65th day of the 'Hueco Mundo Conquest War.'
Among them was Fujimiya Makoto's name.
"Um, Vice-Captain Fujimiya..." Kutsuyashiki Ryoma followed cautiously in the wounded squad—mainly sticking close to Fujimiya Makoto, whispering, "Is this really okay? Me coming back with the wounded squad... This seems like an abuse of power, right?"
"What are you afraid of? Taketsuru and Captain Saito weren't injured, but they still came back together."
Fujimiya Makoto didn't care about such rules.
Soul Society's social Darwinism was so blatant it wasn't even hidden. Rules were made for the weak, while the strong were the ones making the rules.
Though, upon closer thought, there was nothing surprising about it.
After all, this was truly a world where might made right.
For a long time, Fujimiya Makoto had wondered how Yama-jii had managed to extricate himself from the temptations of 'I don't eat beef' and 'Soul Society's homeland.'
"It's different! Captain Saito and the others came back to report."
"And anyway, after repelling the Wandenreich's forces from Las Noches last time, there's no need to keep so many people in Hueco Mundo, right?"
Kutsuyashiki Ryoma still muttered softly.
But what he said was true.
Even if Bailergang's strength leaned toward rule-based abilities, he couldn't match three First Division captains and one First Division vice-captain.
If not for Genryusai Shigekuni, to maintain the balance of spiritual pressure in the Three Realms, choosing to settle matters peacefully despite opposition, Fujimiya Makoto estimated Bailergang had an 80% chance of dying on the spot.
In the end, under the dual pressure of strength and persuasion, both sides reached the 'Soul-Hollow Non-Aggression Pact.'
Bailergang's only request was to stop killing his Vasto Lorde-level Hollows.
Lazy as Genryusai Shigekuni was, he naturally agreed.
Seeing that this grand 'Hueco Mundo Conquest War' was turning into small skirmishes with Adjuchas and below, Saito and Taketsuru, who couldn't stay idle, immediately returned home on the first shuttle.
Leaving only Captain Genryusai alone in Hueco Mundo, eating sand.
Truly pathetic.
Fujimiya Makoto thought with a smirk.
After passing through the long, stable Dangai passage, the group finally crossed the Senkaimon, returning to the skies of Soul Society.
"Ah——"
Just stepping out of the Senkaimon, Fujimiya Makoto couldn't help stretching lazily.
"It's been a while, sunlight."
Not just Fujimiya Makoto, but many of the wounded behind him couldn't help sighing.
They hadn't felt much upon first entering Hueco Mundo, but after spending time in that eternal night, they all felt gloomier and more furtive.
Now, suddenly seeing sunlight, it felt like a rebirth.
However, the first voice they heard upon returning to Soul Society immediately cast a thin shadow over this 'rebirth.'
"Welcome back, Vice-Captain Fujimiya."
"The squad escorted by Captain Saito and Captain Taketsuru has already arrived and is resting at the Lingyang Bureau ahead."
Hearing this familiar voice, Fujimiya Makoto subconsciously turned.
Kuchiki Ginrei's figure remained unchanged, his features carrying a somewhat feminine softness, his neck adorned with thick silver-white windflower纱. Unlike his clan, he didn't wear a star-tied headband, but instead combed his hair neatly back, revealing his entire smooth forehead.
Having faced him directly at the negotiation table, Fujimiya Makoto naturally had no good impression of this 'remnant of the noble family,' frowning instinctively:
"Why is it Kuchiki-dono handling the reception?"
"Where are the Fifth Division members?"
Kuchiki Ginrei maintained a mask-like smile, speaking softly: "A month ago, Captain-General Urahara specially approved me as the Sixth Seat Officer of the Fifth Division."
"In the future, I ask for Vice-Captain Fujimiya's guidance."
His words fell, and he bowed deeply.
He had made his stance clear.
But just as he showed his utmost sincerity, a childish yet excited voice suddenly rang in his ears.
"Fujimiya! Kick him!"
"Little Nan is already raised, what are you waiting for?!"
Kuchiki Ginrei felt a chill in his rear, instinctively clenching his hips, his eyes widening in shock at the man before him.
This notorious pervert of Soul Society, had he finally crossed this line?!
But when he looked up, he saw Fujimiya Makoto fiercely pointing at his Zanpakutō.
"Go, shut up!"
"What nonsense are you spouting? Do you understand manners?!"
Turning back, seeing Kuchiki Ginrei's uncertain expression, Fujimiya Makoto chuckled awkwardly:
"My apologies, I've embarrassed Kuchiki-dono."
"My Zanpakutō is young and doesn't understand, mistaking 'pseudo-girl' for 'trap.'"
"My deepest apologies."
Kuchiki Ginrei didn't say much, just smiled awkwardly, his left hand still covering his hips, watching Fujimiya Makoto leave.
Fujimiya Makoto didn't say anything more, striding away.
A barking dog doesn't bite.
He knew this simple truth well.
But, a member of the Kuchiki family joining the Gotei 13...
This wasn't a good sign.
How could Yama-jii allow this?
From this detail, Fujimiya Makoto vaguely sensed—in the two months he'd been away, subtle changes had occurred in Seireitei.
These changes were not a good omen.