[Bleach: The Invincible Slacker] Chapter 31 - 35

Chapter 31: The Second Division Establishes Its Authority, the Fall of the Onmitsukidō

The entire Onmitsukidō was divided into five units, each with distinct responsibilities.

The First Division, known simply as the Kaigun[Punishment Force], was the elite combat force. Its members specialized in infiltration, assassination, and intelligence gathering. They occasionally appeared on the front lines of battles against Hollows.

Traditionally, the Commander of the Onmitsukidō was also the Commander of the Kaigun, similar to how Yamamoto Shigekuni led the First Division while also serving as Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13.

However, the power dynamics within the Onmitsukidō were anything but simple.

Much like a joint-stock company, its control was divided among the Gotei 13 and the four noble houses, with the Shihōin family holding the largest share.

But with Suì-Fēng now leading the Second Division and the Onmitsukidō, the Gotei 13 had essentially absorbed the Shihōin family's authority over the Secret Mobile Team, significantly increasing their control.

Thus, Uehara Shiroha’s role as an inspector remained crucial.

The Second Division of the Onmitsukidō was the Kairatai [Patrol Corps], responsible for monitoring and arresting Shinigami, including those within the Gotei 13.

The Third Division served as the Kanritai [Detention Unit], guarding prisoners within the Maggot’s Nest.

Ironically, this was the division previously commanded by Urahara Kisuke, former Captain of the Twelfth Division. During his tenure, he had even released Kurotsuchi Mayuri from the Maggot’s Nest, elevating him to Deputy Director of the Shinigami Research and Development Institute.

The Fourth Division was a private armed force utilized by the noble families, composed of mercenaries, assassins, and former Onmitsukidō operatives who had retired but remained under noble influence.

The Fifth Division, the Riteitai [Secret Remote Unit], was responsible for delivering Level-One Prohibition Orders and official reports from two or more captains, acting with far greater speed and efficiency than the Hell Butterflies.

Yet, regardless of these other divisions, the Kaigun remained the backbone of the Secret Mobile Team.

Their combat prowess and authority far exceeded that of the other squads.

After hearing Suì-Fēng’s detailed report, Uehara Shiroha nodded and said flatly, “Then summon the Onmitsukidō elite. They’ve had it easy for far too long—it’s time they started paying for it.”

The Onmitsukidō functioned much like the the Military Intelligence Division of the modern era.

They held classified information, possessed higher jurisdiction than most divisions, and had even dared to surveil him—a seated officer of the First Division.

Had it not been for orders from Central 46 and Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, there was no way Suì-Fēng would have submitted to him so begrudgingly.

Though she followed orders to the letter, she had conveniently omitted key details from her report.

But Uehara Shiroha wasn’t concerned.

Eventually, Suì-Fēng reluctantly summoned the elite forces of the Onmitsukidō.

The Training Grounds

Half a day later…

Uehara Shiroha surveyed the group of Onmitsukidō elites sprawled across the ground, struggling to move.

With a raised eyebrow, he muttered, “That’s it? This is the famous Onmitsukidō, feared across Seireitei as the ‘Street-Cleansing Tigers’? The same ones who had the audacity to follow me not too long ago?”

His gaze swept over them before landing—intentionally—on Suì-Fēng.

Her fists clenched, but she remained silent.

A few days ago, she had threatened him with the might of the Onmitsukidō.

Now, standing at the very heart of their headquarters, she was powerless to refute him.

It was a humiliating experience.

At that moment, even the pain of Yoruichi’s betrayal paled in comparison.

Yet, despite everything, she could not attack Uehara Shiroha—not without directly disobeying the Captain-Commander and Central 46.

Meanwhile, the Onmitsukidō elites, who had initially harbored resentment, now lowered their heads in quiet defeat.

There was no point resisting—not when the power gap was so clear.

In the Onmitsukidō, strength ruled above all else.

And today, they had been utterly crushed.

Seeing their reaction, Uehara Shiroha smirked.

“At least you all know your place. You still have some potential, unlike your captain.”

He turned back to Suì-Fēng and added, “Captain Suì-Fēng, don’t just stand there. Your subordinates are injured—call the Fourth Division already.”

His tone was mockingly concerned.

“As a leader, you should show more compassion.”

Suì-Fēng almost snapped.

Her fists trembled, and she barely resisted the urge to strike him.

She suddenly understood Yoruichi’s past frustrations.

Unbeknownst to Uehara Shiroha, both women had started keeping private records of his offenses.

One day, they would collect their debt—with interest.

The First Division Barracks

Back at the barracks, Uehara Shiroha stood before Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, delivering his assessment of the Onmitsukidō.

“I think the Onmitsukidō is quite impressive,” he said with a straight face. “They’re talented, disciplined, and speak well.”

“…?”

Suì-Fēng, standing to the side, frowned in confusion.

Didn’t he just wipe the floor with the Onmitsukidō?

What was he playing at?

Yamamoto gave Uehara a pointed look and tapped his cane against the floor.

“Get to the point.”

The old man wasn’t one for pointless chatter.

Sensing his gaze, Uehara quickly straightened.

“In truth, I believe their skills are being wasted,” he said.

He paused before delivering his real proposal.

“The Soul Society needs manpower. I suggest that we form a specialized elite force from the Onmitsukidō to serve as the vanguard for our upcoming expedition to Hueco Mundo.”

A glint of amusement flickered in his eyes.

There were some truly skilled fighters among the Onmitsukidō.

But there were also minions and noble spies—the type who looked down on him for being a Shinigami from Rukongai.

Since he wasn’t the type to slaughter them on the spot, why not send them to Hueco Mundo instead?

It was a perfect solution.

“…Are you a demon?” Suì-Fēng suddenly snapped. “Do you think they’ll even survive Hueco Mundo?!”

After spending so much time dealing with him, she had finally figured him out.

She had wondered why he hadn’t immediately retaliated against the arrogant noble-born Shinigami.

Now, she understood.

He had been waiting—luring them into a trap.

This was his revenge.

He held no sense of duty to the Gotei 13. No loyalty, no honor.

But as much as she wanted to stop him, she couldn’t.

And, deep down, she knew…

If those noble lackeys were gone, controlling the Onmitsukidō would become much easier.

“Then it’s settled,” Yamamoto announced. “You two, along with Kyoraku, will draft the list.”

Suì-Fēng fell silent.

For the stability of Soul Society, Yamamoto had no need for useless parasites.

And with that, the fate of many Onmitsukidō members was sealed.

Chapter 32: Uehara Sensei

At noon the next day, Uehara Shiroha arrived at the 8th Division’s cafeteria. Most of the Shinigami gathered here were ordinary soldiers, sitting in groups of twos and threes, chatting happily as they ate. The atmosphere was lively and relaxed.

It was a stark contrast to Hueco Mundo, where Hollows had to devour their own kind to evolve constantly. Before reaching the Vasto Lorde stage, failure meant degenerating into mindless beasts. Even after becoming a Vasto Lorde, their immense spiritual pressure made it impossible for lesser Hollows to approach, leaving them in isolation.

The Quincy didn’t have it much better. With Yhwach—the King of Loan Sharks who valued money more than life itself—breathing down their necks, every Quincy was under immense pressure. No wonder their mental state was in shambles during the Thousand-Year Blood War.

Of course, Uehara Shiroha wouldn’t normally eat in the division’s cafeteria. While the food here was free and unlimited, the taste was average at best. Today, however, he had a special reason for coming—to accompany Ise Nanao.

The truth was, he valued Ise Nanao greatly—the "little red hand" of good fortune—and needed to strengthen their bond.

As Uehara Shiroha took his seat, he felt the envious and curious gazes of the other Shinigami around him. Ise Nanao had already prepared a meal for him and sat down beside him.

"Sit across from me. You're a grown woman now, keep a little distance," Uehara Shiroha said, adopting the demeanor of a "Sigma male."

It wasn’t that he was afraid of [Bankai: Hata Kyokotsu Karamatsu Shinshin] or anything—it was just that he wanted to maintain their proper teacher-student relationship. If that relationship was going to change, it certainly wouldn’t be in public. The thrill was in secrecy.

Ise Nanao’s face flushed red before she quickly realized what he meant. Embarrassed, she got up and moved to sit across from him.

Watching this somewhat clumsy side of Ise Nanao, Uehara Shiroha shook his head. Compared to the usually serious and composed vice-captain of the 8th Division, this "little Nanao" was far less mature—but undeniably cuter.

As they ate, Ise Nanao carefully peeled shrimp for him, her delicate fingers deftly picking out fish bones before placing the fillets on his plate.

If Kyoraku Shunsui saw this, he’d probably be jealous to the point of tears.

His dear uncle had never once received such treatment from her—and at this rate, he probably never would.

Meanwhile, the other 8th Division Shinigami looked on with undisguised envy. The male officers' eyes turned red with jealousy, practically evolving into Sharingan, while the female Shinigami glared daggers at Ise Nanao.

True suffering is watching someone else enjoy what you can’t have.

To Uehara Shiroha’s surprise, the meal was far more enjoyable than he had expected.

Earlier that morning, he had discussed matters regarding the Onmitsukidō with Kyoraku Shunsui. Kyoraku, ever decisive, had waved his hand and put all the useless deadweight and arrogant freeloaders on the expedition list.

Having those people serve as cannon fodder would significantly reduce the Gotei 13's overall losses.

Even Yamamoto Genryūsai and Kyoraku Shunsui agreed that Uehara Shiroha’s proposal was excellent.

Even Suì-Fēng, who was known for her stubborn pride, hadn’t objected to it.

With the list quickly approved, those individuals were now officially part of the Hueco Mundo expeditionary force.

Uehara Shiroha could only hope they would uphold their so-called dignity and die gloriously.

Ise Nanao seemed to have caught wind of something. She hesitated before asking, "Mr. Uehara, the war is about to begin, isn’t it?"

Uehara Shiroha raised an eyebrow. "Why? Are you thinking about joining? Aren't you afraid?"

He knew that Kyoraku Shunsui didn’t want Ise Nanao to take unnecessary risks.

In Bleach, Kyoraku had protected her too well—largely because he still had PTSD from Lisa’s disappearance.

As a result, Ise Nanao had almost no real combat experience. She never overcame her fear of swords, and in the end, she couldn’t even wield a blade properly.

"I'm scared," Ise Nanao admitted, but then her gaze turned firm. "But I still want to participate—because I am a Shinigami of the 8th Division. But Captain Kyoraku..."

She wanted to prove herself, yet she also didn't want to worry her uncle.

"If your Kidō proficiency reaches the vice-captain level, I might consider pleading on your behalf," Uehara Shiroha replied.

He felt that Ise Nanao was worth training.

A loyal, capable, and dedicated disciple wasn’t easy to find.

Moreover, only by strengthening herself could she truly wield the Eight Mirror Sword to its full potential.

Most importantly, Uehara Shiroha was confident in his ability to protect her.

In that case, why not push her forward a little?

After all, pleading was one thing—whether it would succeed was another.

"Really? Thank you, Mr. Uehara! I'll work even harder!" Ise Nanao's eyes sparkled with excitement.

Not that she saw it as a condition—becoming stronger was already her goal.

To her, Mr. Uehara was merely helping her in his own unique way.

How foolish!

After dinner, while there was still time, Uehara Shiroha and Ise Nanao headed to the training grounds once again.

While Ise Nanao focused on honing her Kidō, Uehara Shiroha worked on refining his combat techniques.

Just as there were no useless Stands—only useless Stand users—except for Hermit Purple, there were no useless abilities, only those who didn’t know how to use them.

From time to time, Uehara Shiroha needed to experiment with different ability combinations and their applications in real combat.

At his secret training ground, a "sparring NPC" was always available for refresh.

With that, theory and practice could merge, allowing him to rapidly master his abilities.

At the moment, he was focused on enhancing his Hakuda and Shunpo techniques.

The previous Onmitsukidō had been useless—collapsing before he could even fight back—so Uehara Shiroha never got the chance to fully test the advanced Hakuda techniques he had copied from Yoruichi.

In addition, spending the past few days teaching Kidō to Ise Nanao had, in turn, strengthened his own proficiency in the art.

Now, he had a deeper understanding of the three fundamental Shinigami combat skills: Hakuda, Shunpo, and Kidō.

The next step was to integrate them into his fighting style and develop his own signature technique.

As for Zanjutsu, Uehara Shiroha glanced at the [Breath of the Sun] ability on his system panel.

A sword technique capable of slaying demons?

It would definitely look spectacular when cutting down Hollows.

Every slash burning like a brilliant flame.

Chapter 33: Special Mission Completed, Universal Barrier

Over the next few days, Uehara Shiroha’s schedule remained fixed.

During the day, he guided Ise Nanao in her Kidō training while also refining his own unique techniques. At night, he strolled through the flower streets to unwind.

Whenever he had free time, he would stop by to see if Shihoin Yoruichi had "refreshed."

If he encountered her, he’d farm some experience points.

Yoruichi, at first annoyed, gradually got used to his persistence.

Besides that, Uehara Shiroha also spent time infusing large amounts of spiritual pressure into the [Death Gloves]—integrating the magical weapon Yoruichi had provided.

After all, it was only a D-rank item. To make it stronger, a considerable investment of resources and energy was required.

However, Uehara Shiroha wasn’t in a rush. Instead, he treated it as a special form of spiritual pressure training.

Having multiple trump cards was always an advantage. And if it didn’t work out? No big deal—he had plenty of other means.

Time passed in the blink of an eye.

More than ten days later, Uehara Shiroha once again stood across from Ise Nanao, instructing her to unleash her strongest Kidō.

This type of training had become a daily routine.

Each time, Uehara Shiroha would point out her shortcomings, helping her improve little by little.

As before, Ise Nanao cast her most proficient spell—[Hadō #58: Tenran]—without incantation.

This was something Uehara Shiroha had specifically instructed her to master.

Since Ise Nanao couldn't rely on her Zanpakutō and lacked fast defensive or close-combat techniques, she had to compensate by striking first.

This time, as Ise Nanao released her Kidō, Uehara Shiroha’s gaze softened in approval.

Unlike before, the Reishi within the hurricane was more condensed, more destructive, and significantly faster.

This was a Kidō technique truly valuable for actual combat.

At last, Ise Nanao’s spiritual pressure no longer felt light and fleeting—it now carried weight.

Of course, to Uehara Shiroha, that weight was still insignificant.

Facing the incoming hurricane, he calmly extended a single finger.

"Shatterpoint."

This was an advanced Hakuda technique—one that could not only inject Kidō energy into an opponent’s body but also dismantle an already-formed Kidō attack.

With just a touch, a terrifying surge of spiritual pressure erupted, instantly collapsing the hurricane into nothingness.

"Again?!"

Ise Nanao’s shoulders slumped in frustration.

"Teacher Uehara, I’m sorry…," she muttered, disheartened.

She had felt better than ever this time. It was as if, for a moment, she had grasped the "spirit" that Uehara Shiroha always emphasized.

But even then, she still felt so weak, so powerless.

Doubt began to creep into her mind—was she even talented enough for Kidō?

However, Uehara Shiroha simply smiled.

"No, you did well. I could feel your determination and conviction in Kidō," he said, his tone genuinely encouraging.

"You’ve become stronger, Nanao. Your Kidō level has officially reached vice-captain rank!"

Ise Nanao’s eyes widened in disbelief.

To reach vice-captain level in Kidō in such a short time—it felt like a dream.

Uehara Shiroha, however, wasn’t surprised in the slightest.

He had always believed in Ise Nanao’s Kidō potential.

To achieve this level so quickly? Her talent far surpassed that of most captains.

She truly lived up to her lineage as the eldest daughter of the Shinto family!

Seeing her trembling with excitement, Uehara Shiroha’s tone turned calm again.

"Take a moment to stabilize your spiritual pressure," he advised. "Remember this feeling—engrave it into your mind."

Ise Nanao took a deep breath, forcing herself to settle down.

Then, she began practicing again, meticulously following Uehara Shiroha’s guidance.

She wanted to etch this moment into her soul and blood.

A System Notification Appears

At that moment, a familiar "Ding!" echoed in Uehara Shiroha’s mind.

【Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing Special Mission (8) - "Helping the Needy, Supporting the Girl." Reward: S-Rank Ability - Universal Barrier!】

[Universal Barrier]

• Rank: S

• Proficiency: Entry

• Type: Angel Power

• Effect: A fusion of multiple defensive barriers, providing absolute and multi-layered protection against all forms of attack, including spatial, spiritual, temporal, causal, and conceptual damage.

• Introduction:

  • The ultimate defense of the "Cute King Slime", one of the abilities of the King of Oaths (Uriel).

  • Obtained after completing [Special Mission 8: Helping the Needy, Supporting the Girl].

  • Defending against everything is equivalent to defending against nothing.

As soon as he saw the ability, Uehara Shiroha felt a deep sense of relief.

With this… there was really nothing to fear anymore.

While the ability had been mocked in the "Cute King Slime" series for being an absolute defense that sometimes failed, that was only because the enemies in that world were too ridiculously overpowered.

Besides, this power had the potential to evolve even further—eventually transforming into [Absolute Severance].

However, what Uehara Shiroha valued most about [Universal Barrier] was its all-encompassing protection.

Defending Against Bleach’s Broken Abilities

Bleach was full of scheming old foxes and overpowered abilities with ridiculous mechanics.

Even though Uehara Shiroha had the Horse Talisman, which could expel abnormal conditions, it wasn’t completely reliable.

Some abilities were simply too disgusting.

For example:

• Tsukishima’s [Book of the End]

  • Could rewrite memories and even alter past events in the timeline.

• Yhwach’s [The Almighty]

  • Could foresee the future and erase people from existence by changing future events.

  • The damage it caused was so absolute that even Inoue Orihime—the "god-tier healer"—couldn’t reverse it.

• Ichibei’s [Shirafude Ichimonji]

  • "Erases a name but not the flesh."

  • Could remove a person’s power entirely simply by changing their name.

• His "clairvoyance" ability

  • Allowed him to peer into the spiritual world of others.

All of these were abilities that couldn’t be countered through brute force alone.

Just thinking about them gave Uehara Shiroha a headache.

But now…

With [Universal Barrier], things were different.

Even if it couldn’t fully block [The Almighty], it would at least offer some defense against it.

More importantly, it would protect him from:

·         Mind-reading techniques

·         Spiritual tracking

·         Time-based attacks

At his current power level, Uehara Shiroha wasn’t worried.

But once his strength became exposed, the [Universal Barrier] would become his greatest safeguard—his ultimate insurance.

And this was just the entry-level version.

Once he mastered it, and combined it with his Shunkyō, he would become truly untouchable.

Uehara Shiroha grinned in satisfaction.

This [Universal Barrier] was top-tier among S-rank abilities.

Ise Nanao really did have the potential to become a "Little Red Hand of Fortune."

Chapter 34: Death is also God, the secret of power

In the First Division’s barracks, Uehara Shiroha sat cross-legged, meticulously testing the capabilities of his newly acquired ability—[Universal Barrier].

It had to be said that this was a formidable defensive technique, only a step away from reaching SR-level proficiency. No matter the attack—be it Kido, Hakuda, Zanjutsu, or even space-based abilities—none could penetrate the absolute defense of [Universal Barrier]. At least, not at the current level of a captain’s strike.

However, the ability had one glaring flaw—the duration of its activation was far too short in its entry-level state.

Uehara Shiroha sighed, feeling that his Shadow Clone Technique was gradually becoming insufficient. The more abilities he acquired, the more he realized just how much work was required to refine and master them.

The answer? More BUG-level training plug-ins like shadow clones.

After all, the higher the proficiency of an ability, the greater its power. When a technique reached mastery, not only did its strength increase significantly, but its activation would become instinctive—an indispensable advantage in battle.

Upon achieving great mastery, abilities often underwent a qualitative transformation, much like his Shadow Clone Technique, which had plateaued in progress after reaching that stage.

Still, despite its slow improvement, Shadow Clone Technique was a skill Uehara Shiroha relied on daily.

"I’m close," he muttered to himself.

Once his shadow clones reached perfect mastery, the speed at which he grew stronger would skyrocket.

Without further hesitation, he summoned two shadow clones to begin grinding proficiency in [Universal Barrier], just as he had spent countless hours refining [White Album].

For an S-level ability, no amount of effort was excessive.

Inside his quarters, Uehara Shiroha focused entirely on analyzing the various properties of [Universal Barrier].

Unlike conventional Kido or sword techniques, [Universal Barrier] belonged to the category of power-type abilities—akin to an innate talent or divine blessing. Such abilities often carried hidden insights that only their wielder could comprehend.

Through this unique form of mystical intuition, Uehara Shiroha gleaned a crucial truth—[Universal Barrier] wasn’t just influenced by proficiency; its strength was also affected by spiritual power and faith.

Fortunately, Uehara Shiroha was no mere mortal—he was a Shinigami.

Though Shinigami in Soul Society often resembled "melee mages," their essence contained traces of divine power—a fragment of the Soul King’s authority.

The perfect Soul King was undoubtedly the pinnacle of Shinigami battle power, akin to a God of Creation. This divine energy ran through all Shinigami, yet most failed to reach its true potential.

The reason?

The Zero Division monopolized too much of this power.

For example, Hyōsube Ichibei, a member of the Royal Guard, wielded the Power of Names, an ability that dictated the very nature of existence.

Simply put, the potential of a Shinigami was immense, but very few could tap into it. The only known method to surpass conventional limits was through the ōken—a key to the Soul King’s Palace, created from an immense concentration of spiritual pressure.

Uehara Shiroha’s gaze sharpened.

"This trip to Hueco Mundo… I have to make the most of it."

Purifying Hollows wasn’t just a duty of the Shinigami.

It was an opportunity.

By purging Hollow souls and performing Konso, he could strengthen his connection to the divine power of the Shinigami, thereby increasing the strength of [Universal Barrier].

The potential for growth was vast.

He had countless ideas for developing this ability, but he understood the truth of long-term cultivation—rushing would only hinder progress.

"Abilities at the S-rank level are like a Shinigami’s Bankai… True mastery can take centuries."

Meanwhile…

On the training grounds of the Eighth Division, Ise Nanao stood with her arms crossed, her expression cool as she released a powerful Kido blast.

The explosion obliterated the high-level training targets, leaving only smoldering remains in its wake.

A short distance away, Kyoraku Shunsui narrowed his eyes, momentarily taken aback by the sheer force of the spell.

"...Well, that’s unexpected," he muttered before breaking into a smile.

With this level of strength, Nanao had gained the ability to protect herself in battle.

That was a relief.

It had always been a concern weighing on his mind—whether his Vice-Captain, who had a natural talent for Kido but lacked brute strength, would be safe in combat.

But now?

Now, she was capable.

In his heart, Kyoraku Shunsui was already contemplating how to thank Uehara Shiroha. Should he book all the oiran in the best districts of Rukongai? Or perhaps share his prized collection of vintage sake over a drink?

...Why not both?

Just as he was reveling in his thoughts, Ise Nanao approached him with a determined look.

"Captain," she said, adjusting her glasses. "I have a request."

Kyoraku Shunsui raised an eyebrow, already sensing where this was going.

"Let me participate in the Hueco Mundo operation," she said firmly. "I want to protect the Soul Society—with Mr. Uehara!"

There was a moment of silence.

Then—

"Ahaha… Let’s talk about that later!" Kyoraku Shunsui laughed, swiftly dodging her expectant gaze.

Before she could press further, he promptly turned on his heel and ran off toward First Division’s barracks.

Today called for celebration.

He’d deal with the serious stuff tomorrow.

As the Hueco Mundo expedition loomed closer, Uehara Shiroha continued his relentless training.

Through rigorous testing, he confirmed a critical fact—only real combat could increase the divine power of a Shinigami.

Theoretical knowledge and training dummies weren’t enough.

If he wanted to strengthen [Universal Barrier], he needed to kill Hollows, perform Konso, and complete soul burials.

There were no shortcuts.

Fortunately, his efforts had not been in vain.

After days of constant training, [Universal Barrier] had already advanced to the Proficient Level.

It now lasted for a full minute—a significant improvement.

Of course, it still had its drawbacks.

The ability’s spiritual pressure consumption was massive.

Even with his current captain-level reserves, maintaining [Universal Barrier] in prolonged combat would drain him too quickly.

"If I want to use this freely… I need at least high-tier Captain-class spiritual power."

At present, his power was still insufficient.

But he wasn’t worried.

His daily missions ensured a steady increase in strength. There was no need to rush.

Finally, after weeks of preparation, the pre-war logistics for the Hueco Mundo expedition were completed.

Despite only a few hundred elite Shinigami being selected, the scale of the operation was enormous.

Shinigami weren’t immune to exhaustion—they still needed food, water, and supplies. If logistics failed, even the strongest Shinigamis could starve in an unfamiliar realm.

And so, the captains and high-ranking officers of Soul Society were summoned for the final briefing.

Standing amidst the crowd, Uehara Shiroha recognized many familiar faces.

Every single person present was a big shot.

Even the "perpetually sick" Captain of the Thirteenth Division, Ukitake Jūshirō, had shown up for the occasion.

At the front, the Commander-General of the Gotei 13, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, struck the ground with his cane.

Boom!

A wave of silence swept through the gathering.

"As Commander-General, I now give the order!" Yamamoto’s voice thundered.

"The captains and vice-captains of the 2nd, 8th, and 11th Divisions, along with selected elite Shinigami, will form the Hueco Mundo advance force!"

"The 12th Division and Technology Development Bureau will oversee logistical and technical support."

"The 4th Division will handle medical treatment."

"The 5th Division will be responsible for emergency rescue."

"And lastly…" Yamamoto’s gaze hardened.

"Kyoraku Shunsui, Captain of the 8th Division, will serve as Commander of the Expeditionary Force."

"And as for the Deputy Commander…" Yamamoto paused briefly before announcing—

"Uehara Shiroha, 7th Seat of the First Division!"

Silence.

Shock rippled through the crowd.

A mere 7th Seat—tasked with such a crucial role?

For a moment, the captains and vice-captains could only stare in disbelief.

Chapter 35: The Hueco Mundo Expedition Begins

The captains and vice-captains gathered at the meeting were no strangers to the name Uehara Shiroha.

His unorthodox style, striking appearance, and elegant demeanor made him impossible to ignore. Even if one disregarded his abilities, his presence alone was enough to leave an impression.

But the real reason his name was known throughout the ranks was simple—Uehara Shiroha was a genius.

However, in this room filled with captains and vice-captains, the word "genius" meant little.

Everyone here was a genius.

No one doubted that Uehara Shiroha was talented, but just how strong could a Seventh Seat truly be? He had been a Shinigami for less than twenty years—barely a blink in the lifespan of Soul Society’s elite Shinigamis.

Could someone so young truly handle such an important role?

Doubt flickered through the eyes of many present, but no one voiced their concerns aloud.

After all, questioning Captain-General Yamamoto’s orders on such an occasion was unthinkable.

At that moment, Kyoraku Shunsui waved at Uehara Shiroha.

Without hesitation, Uehara stepped forward, appearing at Kyoraku’s side in an instant.

Despite standing before some of the strongest Shinigami in Soul Society, his expression remained completely relaxed—even leisurely.

It was as if their silent skepticism didn’t concern him in the slightest.

As Uehara Shiroha stood before the gathered Shinigami, several captains reacted differently to his presence.

The bloodthirsty smile of Kenpachi Zaraki stretched wider, his battle-hungry aura flaring wildly. His mere presence radiated a murderous intent so dense that lower-ranking officers instinctively backed away—none daring to stand within a hundred meters of him.

Meanwhile, the cold and calculating Captain of the Second Division, Suì-Fēng, narrowed her eyes. A shadow flickered across her face, as if recalling an unpleasant memory tied to Uehara Shiroha.

At the same time, the ever-smiling Aizen Sōsuke, Captain of the Fifth Division, cast a brief but piercing glance at Uehara. His usual warm and gentle eyes flashed with something indescribable—a sharp glint that disappeared just as quickly as it came.

Each captain had their own thoughts, but Uehara Shiroha ignored them all.

He had nothing to prove.

Stepping forward, Kyoraku Shunsui, now officially the General Commander of the Hueco Mundo Expeditionary Force, raised his voice.

He spoke with the weight of tradition, reciting the long-standing pre-war oath:

"We now march toward the battlefield!
Believe it! Our blades shall never break!
Believe it! Our hearts shall never waver!
Even if we are apart, our will remains unshaken!
Swear upon this! Even if the earth crumbles beneath our feet, we shall return alive!"

A wave of energy rippled through the assembled forces.

Shinigami throughout the ranks clenched their fists, eyes burning with determination. Their anticipation for the coming battle surged.

Standing beside them, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni—the ancient and revered Captain-Commander—slowly opened his eyes just a fraction.

The moment his gaze shifted, an invisible pressure filled the air.

A weight heavier than a mountain crashed down upon the entire venue. The sheer density of his Reiatsu was suffocating, carrying with it a heat that seemed to burn through reality itself.

Even captains felt their breath hitch.

The sheer authority of the oldest Shinigami commanded absolute respect.

His voice, though simple and calm, resonated like a hammer striking iron.

"Good luck to all. Let’s go."

Those words alone sent the entire army into motion.

Before Kyoraku Shunsui could even give the order, Kenpachi Zaraki let out a booming, arrogant laugh.

"All the prey inside is mine! If anyone dares to take ‘em from me—I'll cut them down!"

Without another word, he leapt into the gate, his ragged haori billowing behind him.

Following his lead, the Shinigamis of the 11th Division—rowdy, battle-crazed, and grinning with bloodlust—charged forward after their captain, disappearing into the swirling vortex.

Kyoraku sighed, rubbing the back of his head.

"Ahh… there’s really no stopping that guy."

Reluctantly, he followed into the Hueco Mundo Gate.

Ise Nanao, ever the diligent Vice-Captain, clutched a book tightly to her chest, preparing to step forward.

But before she could move, a hand gently pulled her back.

Uehara Shiroha.

Unlike the others who rushed forward, Uehara stood completely at ease, seemingly in no hurry.

Instead, he turned to the frail yet ever-dignified Ukitake Jūshirō and struck up a casual conversation.

"I didn’t expect you to attend this ceremony, Captain Ukitake. How’s your health?"

Ukitake gave a small smile, though his usual persistent cough soon followed.

"Ahh, I’m fine... cough... cough... I wouldn’t miss a day like this... cough..." He barely managed to finish the sentence before the fits continued.

Shinigami around them shot confused glances, unsure whether they should be impressed or concerned.

Meanwhile, Ise Nanao was left speechless.

Was it really okay to be so laid-back when an expedition to Hueco Mundo was already underway?

Seemingly ignoring the tension, Uehara Shiroha casually glanced at Captain-Commander Yamamoto, who had returned to his meditative state.

"...Not much of a talker, huh?" Uehara muttered, receiving zero response.

Finally, as the last of the forces disappeared into the gate, Uehara stretched lazily.

"Alright, rearguard duty successfully completed. Time to go."

Ise Nanao stared at him, then at the other captains who had already left.

"...Was that even necessary?" she mumbled.

Ignoring her skepticism, Uehara strolled toward the Hueco Mundo Gate.

As they stepped forward, a towering black vortex swallowed them whole.

The world shifted.

Inside, the passage was endlessly dark, stretching forward like an infinite tunnel.

This was the [Dangai]—the interdimensional corridor connecting realms.

Hueco Mundo, Soul Society, and the Human World all drifted within the vast, chaotic expanse known as the [Black Cavity].

The Dangai served as the stable bridge between them, an artificial construct that prevented the dimensions from colliding.

In contrast, the Hollows’ method of travel—the [Garganta]—was crude, unstable, and inherently chaotic.

As they walked, several red Hell Butterflies fluttered ahead, guiding the way.

Ise Nanao followed quietly, but a strange sensation crept into her heart.

Here, in this void-like passage, the very concept of time felt distorted.

A strange unease stirred within her.

But then, she looked ahead.

There, walking confidently and without hesitation, was Uehara Shiroha.

Seeing his unshaken composure, a surprising sense of calm washed over her.

Her thoughts settled.

Focusing once more, she quickened her pace.

Suddenly—

The darkness shattered.

Stepping forward, Uehara Shiroha emerged into an endless desert.

The air was cold, the land barren.

Above them, an eternal crescent moon hung in the sky, casting a ghostly silver glow over the lifeless dunes.

In the distance, the assembled Shinigami forces stood solemnly, their presence alone filling the desolate land with an air of tension.

Behind him, Ise Nanao took in the eerie scenery.

"So… this is Hueco Mundo," she murmured. "It’s… so empty."

She had read countless descriptions of this realm in textbooks.

But seeing it with her own eyes was something else entirely.

A small smirk tugged at Uehara Shiroha’s lips.

Gazing at the moonlit wasteland, his voice carried a chilling excitement.

"Such a vast canvas…" he mused.

"Tonight, I’ll paint with blood and fire."