Shimo ultimately decided to keep one part of his Shikai ability hidden.
Thankfully, the space-freezing effect helped mask the truth—otherwise, he really didn't know how he'd explain it away.
"A space-type Zanpakutō?"
Captain-Commander Yamamoto's eyelids lifted slightly, a flicker of surprise flashing in his eyes.
Space-type Zanpakutōs were extremely rare, even across the entirety of Soul Society.
"I can demonstrate it right here."
Kyoraku Shunsui and Soi Fon exchanged a glance before rising to their feet. As they stood, Kidō spells and chants flowed from their hands, gradually enveloping the entire room in layers of protection.
"It's done. This barrier can withstand a captain-class attack without issue."
Shunsui's proficiency in Kidō was not to be underestimated.
Shimo slowly drew the Zanpakutō at his waist. A low and resonant voice echoed through the room:
"Suspend the space... Akatsuki!"
The moment the words fell, the three captains and Chōjirō Sasakibe simultaneously sensed a disturbance in the surrounding space.
The spirit particles that had been flowing freely through the air suddenly became heavily obstructed—
As if someone sprinting on land had been thrown into a swamp.
Everything around them now seemed to impede movement.
All three captains tried using their spiritual pressure to break through the space suspension.
Shimo could feel three powerful forces surging into the area he controlled. He gave a bitter smile. As he realized how rapidly his own spiritual pressure was being consumed, he immediately released the Shikai state.
"Captains… your spiritual pressure is a bit much."
While his initial Shikai ability was strong, that didn't mean he could suppress more than three captain-level individuals simultaneously—
Especially when one of them was the strongest Shinigami in all of Soul Society.
"A fine Shikai," Yamamoto remarked, a trace of admiration flashing in his half-closed eyes.
Few Zanpakutō abilities could catch his attention—but Shimo's had clearly made the cut.
"If this spatial suspension can be applied skillfully," he continued, "it has tremendous potential."
"Given your current level of spiritual pressure," Yamamoto added, "eliminating formidable foes from Hueco Mundo isn't outside the realm of possibility."
"And with Kyoraku's endorsement, you are no longer under suspicion."
Shimo blinked in confusion.
"Suspicion? I've always followed the rules... haven't I?"
Shunsui took over and explained,
"There are several suspicious points surrounding the recent rescue operation in Hueco Mundo."
"For example, the ambush in the Forest of Menos involved Gillians and Adjuchas on par with captain-level strength."
"Although Fourth Division sustained no losses, Eleventh Division lost four seated officers."
Shimo said nothing, quietly listening from the side.
"If the mission hadn't been led by you but by another lieutenant—or worse, handled solely by Third Seat Ikkaku—"
Shunsui's usual laziness belied the depth of his strategic mind.
"There might have been no survivors from the rescue team."
The sharp edge in Soi Fon's gaze intensified as she added:
"That's why we suspect there's a traitor in Seireitei."
"A spy for Hueco Mundo."
At that moment, Shimo finally understood the real reason Yamamoto had summoned him.
As one of the oldest living Shinigami, Yamamoto's seemingly rigid exterior hid a sharp and perceptive mind—
Even if that mind was occasionally clouded by rigidity.
With a slow, steady tone, Yamamoto elaborated,
"To clear your name, and to flush out the mole… we've decided to detain you temporarily in the Nest of Maggots and send another Shinigami squad into Hueco Mundo."
"This squad will serve as bait."
It seemed Yamamoto wanted to put Shimo at ease, for he laid out the plan in full.
"Before you arrived, only the four of us were aware of this operation."
"So even if the bait encounters an ambush—it has nothing to do with you."
Shimo frowned. "But if they're really ambushed, wouldn't the squad be...?"
Yamamoto's eyes shone with approval at the question and explained:
"They won't be real Shinigami, but new experimental mod souls developed by the Technological Development Department."
"As for the technical details, I won't go into them here."
Shimo nodded in understanding.
"For the peace of Seireitei, I'm willing to go to the Nest of Maggots."
In truth, Yamamoto's plan perfectly aligned with Shimo's own intentions.
If it could pull him out of this political quagmire—what was a little time in the Nest of Maggots?
Besides, the next system checkpoint happened to be in the Nest anyway.
As for any danger it might pose… Shimo simply brushed that concern aside.
Because Shinigami detained in the Nest of Maggots weren't allowed to bring their Zanpakutō, Shimo entrusted his to the person he trusted most—Kyoraku Shunsui.
Afterward, under the escort of Soi Fon, he entered the territory of Second Division.
The atmosphere was solemn and tense—very different from the laid-back vibe of Fourth Division.
Clad in full black garb that revealed only her eyes—Soi Fon's signature look—she led the way.
"You don't have to be so tense, Captain Soi Fon," Shimo said casually from ahead.
But the voice behind him made him freeze for a second.
"Shut up, you shameless seducer of Lady Yoruichi!"
Soi Fon bit out her words, almost grinding her teeth.
"If not for the Captain-Commander's orders—"
The implication was clear—if she had her way, she'd tear Shimo to pieces.
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