WhenHigashi Shuuichireturned to the Soul Society, it just so happened to be the day after five Captains had departed en masse to launch an assault on Hueco Mundo.

Upon hearing the news, Higashi offered a silent three-second eulogy forBaraggan Louisenbairnin his heart.

It was obvious—Aizenhad no intention of aiding Baraggan. In fact, it was certain that all his top-tier Arrancar, includingStarrkand the research freakSzayelaporro, had already been ordered to withdraw into the Forest of Menos beneath Las Noches to avoid the heat.

Just imagining Baraggan standing alone against five Captains... what a beautiful image.

As for the question of whether Baraggan would pull a Starrk and try to run?

Higashi could only shrug.If Baraggan were the type to run, he wouldn't be Baraggan.

In a way, Baraggan really was an honorable brute to the bitter end.

But frankly, that had little to do with Higashi. Whether Baraggan lived or died—it didn't matter.

Alive, he might be marginally useful. Dead, all the better.

The real shock came when Higashi had barely stepped back into the Soul Society—and someone completely unexpected found him.

"Yo-ho~ Shuuichi-kun! You're finally back from the Human World!"

"...Yoruichi-taichō?!"

Higashi stared, stunned, at the dusky-skinned beauty who had appeared before him like a gust of wind. His words tripped over themselves in disbelief.

He immediately regretted not checking the spiritual calendar before taking time off. Why did the unexpected keep slapping him in the face?

And seriously... he was going to have words with his boss.

"Come on, you've been embedded in the Gotei 13 for over seventy years. Could you maybe showYoruichi Shihōinyour damn Zanpakutō already? For someone with such grand ambitions, maybe stop obsessing over your weird science projects and set a small goal—like putting every Captain and Vice-Captain underKyōka Suigetsufirst?"

Of course, that was all internal screaming. He'd never dare actually say that toAizen.

Still, it was undeniable: something had slipped through the cracks in Aizen's plan.

So, the first thing Higashi did was use their secret communication channel to contact Aizen—who, as expected, became a silent observer of the situation.

"What? Are you that surprised to see me?"Yoruichi had clearly picked up on the brief pulse of Reiatsu that escaped Higashi's usually impeccable control, but she assumed it was just a reflexive reaction.

"How could Inotbe surprised?" Higashi clutched his chest dramatically. "I'm just an ordinary Shinigami, suddenly being greeted by someone of your stature—waiting right here for me to return from leave, no less? I'm honored... and stunned."

The line was meant for both Yoruichi and Aizen.

Because Higashi knew Aizen was undoubtedly syncingKyōka Suigetsu's illusions as they spoke. If any other Shinigami happened to bump into "Higashi Shuuichi" at the wrong place or time, Aizen would need to adjust his manipulations immediately to preserve the cover.

"Wait for you? Don't flatter yourself." Yoruichi waved a hand dismissively, grinning. "I just happened to be visitingUkitakeand heard from him that you'd be returning from the Human World today."

Uh-huh.Sure you did.

"And so... Yoruichi-taichō, you came to find me because...?"

Higashi wasn't about to expose the lie of a Captain, especially not theHead of the Shihōin Clan.

Besides, the only real contact he'd had with Yoruichi up to now was that one mission during the last Hollow purge—when he'd stepped in as her support and rescued a youngSoi Fon. At the time, he'd done it with the intention of getting closer to Yoruichi.

But this? This was a littletoostraightforward.

"Yup! I want you tojoin my Second Division!"

Yoruichi slapped a hand on his shoulder and flashed a blinding grin.

"Taichō... I was just doing what any Shinigami should..."

Higashi immediately launched into his pre-prepared script.

And then stopped.

Wait, what? Join the Second Division?!

This plotline feels... off.

"Pfft! What, were you expecting something else?"

Yoruichi chuckled at the dumb look on his face.

"Heh... just caught off guard. But if I may ask, Yoruichi-taichō, what made you suddenly think of inviting me into the Second Division?"

Higashi tried to maintain his composure.

Truth be told, he had no strong attachment to the Fourth Division. He'd originally joined because it made it easier to extract spiritual samples for Aizen. It was all about proving his value.

But now that he no longer had to do that grunt work—and with Aizen apparently viewing him more favorably than ever—maybe switching squads wasn't such a bad idea.

Still, he couldn't just agree outright.

First, it would make him look eager to jump ship—not a good look for any employee.Second, he still needed to know what Aizen thought. BecauseAizenwas the real boss.

He could afford to disappoint anyone else.Disappointing Aizen? That was an express ticket to getting both his soul and ashes obliterated.

"What other reason could there be?" Yoruichi threw an arm around his shoulder. "You know what the Second Division excels at:HakudaandShunpo. You're a beast at both—it'd be a shame to leave that potential wasted."

With her arm still draped over him, Higashi could feel a certain... firm softness pressing into his arm. He mentally screamed for help.

"Urahara Kisuke, your girlfriend is currently weaponizing her assets—can you please do something?!"

Still, Higashi held firm.

"Even if I wanted to join, Yoruichi-taichō, proper procedure still requires approval from my current Captain. Without that, it's simply not possible."

He usedUnohana Retsuas a human shield while waiting for Aizen's reply, which couldn't come just yet with Yoruichi this close.

"Oh, her? Don't worry!" Yoruichi grinned proudly. "She said if you want to leave, she won't stop you!"

...Higashi's heart skipped a beat.

Something about that line feltoff.

"Captain Yoruichi, what exactly did Captain Unohana say?"

"Just what I told you! If you want to leave the Fourth Division, she won't get in your way. Why? Problem?"

That chill down Higashi's spine told him all he needed to know.

"Then I'm very sorry, Yoruichi-taichō," he said with a deep breath. "If Captain Unohana is being that gracious, I must repay her properly—by staying in the Fourth Division."

No more hesitation.

Decision made.

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