Suddenly, a voice echoed softly, as if it had appeared directly in everyone's ears.
The tone was gentle, almost melodic, belonging to a woman who sounded elegant and refined.
But Shinchira Renzosuke's face turned deathly pale, as though he had just heard a curse from the depths of the abyss.
He whipped his head around, frantically scanning the area.
"Impossible! How are you here?! You were supposed to be in the Soul King Palace! How can you be here?!"
The woman laughed lightly at his panic. "I decided not to go and came back instead."
As her words lingered in the air, a figure descended from the sky, landing gracefully beside Kaelith Yurei.
Kaelith's eyes lit up with admiration as he took in the newcomer.
She had long, flowing pink hair, a tall and striking figure, and an air of elegance.
But what caught the most attention was the… rather prominent "presence" at her chest.
This Shinigami's attire bore some resemblance to Rangiku Matsumoto's, with a loose neckline that revealed a generous portion of her curves.
Kaelith's gaze was inevitably drawn there before he noticed the white haori draped over her shoulders.
Judging by Renzosuke's reaction, this woman didn't seem to be aligned with the rebels.
And from her earlier mention of "gathering at my place," Kaelith quickly deduced her identity.
The Captain of the Twelfth Division, inventor of artificial souls: Hikifune Kirio.
Seeing Kirio, Renzosuke recoiled as if scalded, retreating a considerable distance.
His wide eyes fixated on her, and the hand clutching his Zanpakutō trembled slightly.
Watching Renzosuke's reaction, Kaelith was puzzled.
Both were captains—there might be a gap in strength, but was it enough to warrant such fear?
Even Sajin Komamura, as underwhelming as his combat skills were, never cowered when facing other captains.
And yet, Shinchira Renzosuke seemed more spineless than a dog.
In contrast to Renzosuke's intense apprehension, Hikifune Kirio exuded nothing but ease and calm.
She lowered her gaze and curiously examined Kaelith.
"You're quite something, young one, to be able to spar with Renosuke. What's the matter? Fighting over loot?"
Hearing this, Yoruichi's heart skipped a beat.
If Hikifune Kirio mistook them for enemies, things could spiral out of control.
Admitting that they were there to "steal" would ironically be less troublesome than being viewed as foes.
Before Yoruichi could speak, Kaelith raised his hand and removed his mask.
"Good evening, Captain Hikifune," he said politely. "I'm Kaelith Yurei, a student from Shin'ō Academy."
He then gestured toward Yoruichi, pulling her closer and removing her mask as well.
"And this is Lady Yoruichi Shihōin, head of the Shihōin family."
Hikifune's eyes brightened upon seeing Yoruichi.
"Little Yoruichi! It's been ages! Did you miss your big sister?"
She opened her arms and gave Yoruichi a warm hug.
Yoruichi let out a muffled groan, overwhelmed by the pressure of Kirio's… "presence."
Thankfully, Kirio released her after a brief embrace and turned her attention back to Kaelith.
"So, you're the Kaelith Yurei I've heard about," she mused.
"No wonder Commander Yamamoto has taken an interest in you. At your age, I couldn't even hold my own against a senior officer, let alone spar with a captain."
She sighed wistfully.
Yoruichi blinked, stunned.
Hikifune Kirio… was sparring with officer-level Shinigami during her academy days? Another monster.
Kaelith responded with a modest smile. "It's all thanks to Commander Yamamoto's teachings."
Kirio nodded approvingly, then glanced at the pair with curiosity. "So, what brings the genius of Shin'ō Academy and the Shihōin family heiress here tonight?"
Her gaze sharpened as she looked at Yoruichi.
"You're not here to steal something, are you?"
Yoruichi averted her eyes, remaining silent.
Kaelith cleared his throat and quickly intervened:
"Captain Hikifune, after graduating, I hope to join the Second Division. I requested Lady Yoruichi to teach me covert techniques.
"While practicing in Seireitei, we passed near the Twelfth Division and heard the alarm bell.
"Naturally, we couldn't ignore such a disturbance. Despite knowing we were outmatched, we acted as per a Shinigami's duty and confronted the intruder."
He bowed slightly, adding, "It seems, however, that this was part of a trap you had set. I deeply apologize for our interference."
Yoruichi bit her lip, stifling her laughter.
Kaelith's shamelessly bureaucratic tone was impressive. For someone who grew up as a Rukongai commoner, he handled formalities like a seasoned noble.
Amusing as it was, Yoruichi had to admit that Kaelith's response was perfect.
He preserved the Twelfth Division's dignity while completely clearing their involvement. Even if Kirio later discovered something missing, she'd have no choice but to accept it.
Kirio raised a brow, a flicker of surprise crossing her face.
"Impressive... As expected of Commander Yamamoto's apprentice. Such a strong sense of justice."
"You flatter me," Kaelith replied, clasping his hands.
Their casual conversation was too much for Renzosuke to bear.
Though Kirio's strength and reputation were undeniable, he was still a captain!
How could they act so relaxed in his presence?
Eyes flashing coldly, Renzosuke suddenly used Shunpo to appear behind Kirio, swinging his Zanpakutō at her neck with blinding speed.
The sound of metal rang out.
To his shock, Kirio, still mid-conversation with Kaelith, had effortlessly blocked the attack.
Without even turning to face him, she had drawn her blade, casually positioning it to intercept his strike.
Cold fear seeped into Renzosuke's heart.
She blocked my full power… with her back turned?
Despair filled him as the realization struck—no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't defeat this woman.
Panic overwhelmed him, and he turned to flee.
"Oh? Sneaking into my Twelfth Division and thinking you can escape?"
Kirio extended her hand.
"Bakudō #61: Six Rods Prison of Light!"
Golden rods materialized instantly, locking Renzosuke in place.
"Bakudō won't stop me—ugh!"
Before he could finish, Kirio appeared beside him in a flash and slapped him across the head.
Like an arrow loosed from a bow, Renzosuke shot through the night sky, crashing into Seireitei's ground with a resounding explosion.
The thunderous sound echoed into the night.