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After hanging up on Urahara Kisuke's call, Aaron did not dwell on any follow-up plans.
After all, regardless of the circumstances, all grievances would have to be settled once he arrived in Hueco Mundo.
Yoruichi and Taotie, who had been at a loss just moments ago, now sat quietly on the sofa, gazing at Aaron with curiosity.
"Tomorrow, I'll visit Urahara first, and then I'll head to Hueco Mundo," Aaron murmured to them, his eyes flickering between the two shadows seated on either side of him.
Although Yoruichi was filled with questions, she refrained from asking. Instead, she observed Aaron in silence, a gentle expression in her eyes. The once battle-hardened warrior now carried a quiet tenderness. She no longer thought of endless battles—she only wished to support him from the shadows.
Taotie, however, upon hearing that they were heading to Hueco Mundo, immediately perked up, excitement brimming in her expression.
"Great! Great! We get to go to Hueco Mundo and have fun!" Taotie cheered enthusiastically.
Aaron smirked slightly. "Alright, enjoy yourself while you can. Once we reach Hueco Mundo, you can play to your heart's content."
Despite his words, Aaron found himself helpless when it came to the girl before him. After all, she was his own Zanpakutō spirit, having accompanied him for millennia.
Hearing this, Taotie pouted in dissatisfaction, stealing a quick glance at Yoruichi before speaking up, "Master~ I'll go back, but I have one condition!"
Aaron had lived through a thousand years of reincarnation, yet this was the first time he had encountered someone daring enough to negotiate with him.
Still, he turned his attention to the spirited girl before him, smiling as he asked, "What's your condition? Let me hear it."
Taotie thought for a moment before responding, "Going back isn't impossible, but…"
Aaron raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "But what?"
"But even if I am your Zanpakutō, the Master still has to think about me too~" Taotie pouted playfully before adding, "Also, just because I'm a Zanpakutō doesn't mean you can just store me in that weird space!"
Her expression was animated, shifting from shyness to a more coquettish demeanor as she spoke.
Yoruichi understood the first part of Taotie's statement but was puzzled by the latter half. However, she remained silent, curious about how Aaron would respond.
Aaron, however, immediately grasped Taotie's meaning. It seemed she wasn't entirely pleased with being stored inside his system's inventory.
Not that it mattered much—he casually agreed.
A brilliant flash of four-colored light flared, and the lively girl transformed instantly into a sleek, black Zanpakutō.
Retrieving the scabbard from his system inventory, Aaron sheathed the blade and set the newly-formed Taotie down on the sofa.
At that moment, Yoruichi cast a lingering gaze at Aaron, her face tinged with a faint blush.
"I'm going to draw a bath."
After a long and tiring day, Aaron stepped into his room, grabbed a bath towel, and headed toward the bathroom without hesitation.
Yoruichi shot him a bashful glance before following.
Meanwhile, in the Seireitei, within the First Division barracks—
Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni sat quietly in a large chair, his eyes closed as if in deep thought.
Standing behind him, Chōjirō Sasakibe maintained a respectful posture, nodding slightly as Unohana Retsu entered the office.
Noticing that the Captain-Commander was resting, Unohana chose to remain silent, waiting patiently.
After a long moment, Yamamoto finally opened his eyes, his deep voice breaking the silence. "Unohana, what brings you before me today?"
Chōjirō also turned his gaze toward Unohana, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
After a brief hesitation, Unohana furrowed her brows slightly, as though finalizing an important decision. With a serious expression, she spoke, "Captain-Commander, I would like to request permission to lead the advance forces into Hueco Mundo in place of Captain Hitsugaya."
Yamamoto's expression remained unreadable as he studied Unohana, his gaze sharp.
After a moment, he finally asked, "Can you explain your reasoning?"
Stepping forward, Unohana bowed slightly before responding, "Captain Hitsugaya is undoubtedly the most talented captain the Gotei 13 has seen in the past century, and he still holds great potential for growth. However, he is still young, and his combat experience remains limited.
Since Aizen's defection, Hueco Mundo has been home to increasingly powerful Arrancar. Given my abilities, I believe I would be better suited to lead this mission."
Yamamoto had not expected such a request from Unohana. He studied her carefully before pressing further, "Is that your only reason?"
Unohana's gaze did not waver. "Although additional captains may be dispatched as reinforcements later, Hueco Mundo remains an unpredictable and treacherous battlefield. Compared to other captains, I possess extensive knowledge of Kaidō. If an emergency arises, I will be able to treat the wounded immediately."
Chōjirō Sasakibe nodded slightly in agreement, acknowledging the logic in her reasoning.
Yamamoto, after a brief moment of contemplation, slowly stood up and declared in a deep voice, "Your reasoning is sound. At tomorrow's captain's meeting, I will announce this decision. However, you will not be replacing Hitsugaya. Instead, he will operate under your command upon arrival in Hueco Mundo.
You have served the Gotei 13 for nearly a millennium, and I trust your judgment."
Having received her answer, Unohana bowed respectfully before turning to leave.
As she exited, Yamamoto walked toward the window, gazing out at the fading sunlight.
"Chōjirō, what are your thoughts on this matter?" Yamamoto asked suddenly.
Chōjirō, deep in thought, responded after a pause, "Captain Unohana's request is logical… yet something about it feels unusual."
Yamamoto nodded slightly, his aged eyes filled with contemplation. "Since joining the Gotei 13, Unohana has risen from a feared warrior of Rukongai to one of the pillars of the Soul Society. I once questioned whether she had truly tamed her old nature, but now, I see her devotion is genuine.
However, she has not actively sought combat since stepping down as the captain of the Eleventh Division to take command of the Fourth. It is rare for her to make such a request.
I wonder what truly motivates her decision.
Regardless, I know her strength well. If she desires to go, I will allow it."
The weight of his years settled on Yamamoto as he turned his gaze back outside.
A gentle breeze stirred his long, white eyebrows, and the golden light of the setting sun cast a solemn glow upon his towering yet aged figure.
A long, heavy sigh escaped his lips. What memories had surfaced to cause such a rare moment of melancholy?
As Unohana stepped away from the First Division barracks, a faint smile graced her lips.
For she had a strong premonition—
That once she arrived in Hueco Mundo, she would see the person who had occupied her thoughts day and night.
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