"This is the information we have. The report that has been gathered by us, the royal guards in the last hundred and ten years…" She started.
"Chotto matte, we have been being spied for the last hundred and ten years and we don't know anything of it? Naze? I thought the royal grounds are separate from Seireitei. That is, each side shouldn't intervene with each other unless permitted." Ukitake asked.
"Iie, Jyusanbantai-taichou we weren't spying on you for a hundred and ten years. We started it only fifty years ago. That is why we need your confirmation if it's a hundred percent true." Ichiban-keishu answered.
"But still –" Ukitake was cut off by the Sou-taichou.
"Ukitake-taichou, let us hear the whole report first before you complain. My apologies for the interruption."
"Iie, it is of no problem. Now, please let us first finish then after that we will try to answer all of your questions. Yonban-keishu, continue." Ichiban-keishu answered.
"Please tell us, if this series of events really did happen or were you aware that it happened. Please answer truthfully." She said and then continued with the first event.
"A hundred and ten years ago, a rumor reached the royal grounds that souls have been mysteriously disappearing in Rukongai. It started with a few scattered cases but soon it started to escalate to several souls in one place as far as a district was suddenly wiped out. Is this true or not?" She said.
Everyone who was present at that century was shocked the rumor that reached the royal ground was accurate.
"My my, this isn't good; the royal grounds have known our incompetence for a long time." Kurotsuchi said.
The Sou-taichou only nod at the royal guards signaling that it was true. She continued.
"A hundred and eight years ago, six months before Kirio Hikifune was promoted to the royal guards, the current Jyubantai-taichou of that time, Shin Aisora met an untimely demise in the hands of a 'hollow attack on Seireitei' as the reports said. Is that right?"
"Hai, that kid would've been a very powerful shinigami if he wasn't killed by a hollow attack by that time." Kyoraku answered.
"A kid?"Toshirou asked.
"Ah yeah, I forgot to tell ya kid. My taichou was also a child prodigy. Well, I think he was the one who started that trend. Every a hundred years a child prodigy comes. He was the one at that time and you're the one this century. If you know what I mean." Isshin answered.
Toshirou was startled. The taichou of the tenth division before him was Isshin but he never asked who was before him.
"Were you a hundred percent sure that he was killed by a hollow or is there no trace of something different on his 'recovered body'?" the Ichiban-keishu asked.
"When his body was recovered, he was sent to my division. I performed some diagnostics and confirmed that it was his body and he was killed by a strong attack of a hollow claw piercing from his back and going out to his chest. Though, I felt that something was wrong with his body but I can't pinpoint. In the end, the central 46 ordered that he was to be engulfed with the Sou-taichou's flames. To eliminate what danger his body may contain" Unohana answered.
"I see. Because a taichou was killed the royal guards heightened the caution and security of the royal grounds and we were asked to take as many rumors or news as we could about what has been happening everywhere. Yonban-keishu, please continue." The Ichiban-keishu said.
"A hundred years ago, we sent some royal guards to Seireitei to scout for a new taichou to be promoted to the zero division. Of course, the Sou-taichou has been notified."
The Sou-taichou only nods.
"But, the Sou-taichou kindly turned us down because he said that he was currently low on taichou and fuku-taichou level shinigamis. We asked for the reason and he only said that some of them were banished or hunted down as per order of the central 46. He never told us why as it is not our duty but he gave us the names. These are the names and positions at that time:
Jyunibantai-taichou Urahara Kisuke
Jyunibantai-fuku-taichou Sarugaki Hiyori
Kyubantai-taichou Muguruma Kensei
Kyubantai-fuku-taichou Kuna Mashiro
Hachibantai-fuku-taichou Yadomaru Lisa
Nanabantai-taichou Aikawa Love
Gobantai-taichou Hirako Shinji
Sanbantai-taichou Otoribashi Rojuro
Nibantai-taichou Shihoin Yoruichi
Dai Kidocho Tsukabishi Tessai
Fuku Kidocho Ushoda Hachigen
Are the listed names correct?"
"Hai, the listed names are correct." Urahara answered.
"Could you tell us the reason, if it's not intruding? The royal grounds have been baffled by this news for a hundred years now." The Ichiban-keishu asked.
Almost all of the shinigamis were silent. None want to reveal what happened but Hirako Shinji spoke.
"Hollowification." He said.
"Hollowification? Care to explain more?" The Yonban-keishu asked.
"A hundred and one years ago, we received a report that some shinigamis mysteriously disappeared leaving only their clothes…" Shinji was cut off by Urahara hand on his shoulder.
"Hirako-san, are you sure?" Urahara asked.
"Hai, it's a lot better if this comes out. It could help us against Aizen or prepare for what he will do." Shinji answered. Urahara moved took his hand off from Shinji and just stayed quiet.
"Because of the incident the current Kyubantai-taichou of that time Kensei and a few squad members including his fuku-taichou Mashiro set out to camp and investigate but, they also disappeared that night." Shinji continued.
He looked at the royal guards. They were quiet signaling that they were listening and had no questions.
"Sou-taichou sent a group of shinigamis composing of me, Lisa, Hachi, Love and Rose were sent to know what happened. Unfortunately, that night Hiyori was also sent by his taichou to gather information. When we arrived, we found Kensei but he changed. His capabilities upped by a notch but he no longer recognize us. We tried stopping his rampage but Mashiro also appeared and was in the same state. We battled and we were able to subdue both of them but Hiyori suddenly transformed like them and attacked me. Then everything went dark and I heard the others groan in pain. When the darkness fades we saw Kaname Tousen. Then Aizen came and told us that he was the one responsible for this betrayal. He was about to kill me when Kisuke came and saved us. They tried to catch Aizen, Tousen and Ichimaru but they were able to escape. Tessai used two forbidden techniques to stop our hollowification and teleport us to the twelfth division. Kisuke used the Hogyouku to save us but he failed. The next day we were all caught by the central 46. Yoruichi saved us and then from then on we hid on the living world in a quarantine gigais." Shinji finished.
"I presume Urahara-san found a solution?" The Yonban-keishu asked.
"Not entirely. We aren't norma shinigamis now. We are still part hollows. I think I can best describe it like this…" Shinji said as he placed his hand on his face and a hollow mask formed.
The current shinigamis of the gotei jyusantai looked astonished by the mask. Shinji dispersed the mask.
"Soudesuka, arigatou for the information. Now, let us continue." The Ichiban-keishu said but Shinji interrupted.
"Both of you don't look like you were surprised. Aren't you even going to ask us if we have attacked any souls or find a slight distrust in us?"
"Believe me, once we have finish this report, your revelation just one of a few interesting facts that have been happening. We don't judge others by what they are or who they are though. Unless you had tried attacking the royal grounds or trying to destroy the peace. I don't think we have the right to charge you or brand you of anything, right?" The Ichiban-keishu said.
"You only say that because you didn't meet us at our state a hundred years ago." Hiyori scoffed.
"Nope, I'm pretty sure I would and the royal guards would. I know that for a fact." The Ichiban-keishu with a soft voice unlike his serious demeanor earlier answered.
"I shall continue with the report. Now please answer us, did you know that fifty years ago someone from Seireitei tried to open the royal gate from the outside forcefully using his reiatsu?" The Yonban-keishu said.
Everyone gasped in surprise. Even the Sou-taichou wasn't able to hide his surprise.
"Judging from your reactions, I presume not and that means it was unauthorized by the Sou-taichou but that was already understood as if he was authorized, he would have used the royal key." The Ichiban-keishu said.
"What was the royal family's reaction to that? Were they able to reach inside?" The Sou-taichou asked while trying to hide his nervousness. His punishment from the royal family will be very dear because of what has been happening and without him knowing.
"Iie, they weren't able to open the gate. Fortunately, because of what has been happening to Seireitei, our security was tight and the royal gate was heavily guarded. We were able to counter the reiatsu to keep the gate closed but of course the royal family wasn't happy." The Ichiban-keishu answered.
"Oh no, now we really are in trouble." Renji said.
"Don't worry, if the royal family wished to punish you, it would have been done fifty years ago. But because of that incident, the exception on the treaty between the royal grounds and the Seireitei has been activated. That is, the side which was offended could send its shinigamis to the other to investigate. And that is when our information on Seireitei, Hueco Mundo and Living world became first hand and not just reports, news or rumors. Because we don't know if the offender was really a shinigami, a human or a hollow, three groups were sent, one group for each world." The Yonban-keishu said.
"Whew, it's good to hear that we won't be punished." Matsumoto exclaimed.
"Iie, I don't think you will escape punishment though." The Ichiban-keishu said.
"But you just said that we won't be punished." Matsumoto answered.
"By the royal grounds yes, but by the Sou-taichou who by now from the looks of it is very displeased by the fact that none from Seireitei were able to know this, even him. I can see it coming. Double training and harder training for everyone including the taichous, I'm just glad I'm not part of the gotei jyusantai now. I shudder at the thought of what he may put everyone through." Shinji said.
Everyone looked at Shinji and then to Yamamoto who was clearly displeased and all of the Gotei Jyusantai sweat heavily from a small reiatsu released by the Sou-taichou directed at them.
"Now, now Yamamoto-dono, don't kill them just yet. We still have many things to report, things that you may not know. Shall we continue? " the Ichiban-keishu asked. The Sou-taichou nods.
"Thirty years ago, Isshin Kurosaki. The current Jyubantai-taichou of that time mysteriously lost his shinigami powers. Because of this he was exiled to the living world. Is this true?" The Yonban-Keishu asked.
"Hai, I was on a mission and then suddenly this adjuchas came and attacked me. I was surprised to see an adjuchas in the living world so I engaged it in battle. Needless to say I was able to defeat him but I didn't go unscathed as my limiter wasn't removed due to the fact that my communication device was cut off. But then, I felt like my world is rotating and then I lost consciousness. When I opened my eyes, I was already in the fourth division. They said that I was dropped off in front of the division door by a hooded figure. After that day, I was never able to access my powers anymore. I tried to find out who saved me as he may know how I lost my powers but the central 46 gave their judgment. Because I lost my powers, I couldn't be a shinigami anymore. So, they exiled me. While I was at the living world I found Kisuke and we came to a conclusion that it was a royal guard who saved me that day. A royal guard came to my doorstep a week ago and told me that if I want answers to my questions then agree with my coming visitors then he disappeared. Care to answer my questions now, Ichiban-keishu?" Isshin said.
"Very well, you may ask." He answered.
"So, that's who you were calling a friendly visitor, and I thought I was your only friend." Urahara said comically faking that he was hurt.
"Were you the one who found me that day? And do you know anything as to how I lost my powers?" Isshin asked seriously.
"Yes, I was the one who found you. I don't know though how you lost your powers but I think I know who was responsible." He answered.
"It's his fault that I lost my powers doesn't he… Sosuke Aizen." Isshin asked.
"I am not a hundred percent sure but we have information though that leads to that suspicion." He answered.
"Could you tell us in details, the evidence that it was Aizen? I am starting to get irritated that Aizen was able to fool every single one of us and kept us in the dark while the royal grounds were able to keep track on his exploits." Soifon said clearly irritated that even her onmitsukido failed.
The Sou-taichou nods, he also doesn't want to stay in the dark of things.
"Thirty-five years ago our intel saw Aizen going inside the central 46. Since then, I was asked to personally track him down. After tracking him for five years, I find it kind of suspicious. He visits the Central 46 every quarter of a year. That is kind of unusual as taichou weren't suppose to be visiting it on regular basis." The Ichiban-keishu started.
"Chotto matte, Aizen said he killed the central 46 just months ago and not years ago." Renji butt in.
"Hai, but if he could manipulate the whole of Seireitei, how hard was it to manipulate central 46?" He answered.
"That bastard." Renji fumed.
"Kurosaki-san, your orders to go on that mission came from not the reports of the shinigamis scouting the area right? It was an order direct from the central 46, right?" Ichiban-keishu asked.
"Hai, I was also surprised when the Sou-taichou said that my mission was passed down directly from the central 46… What the hell don't tell me that the one who gave me that mission was Aizen?" Isshin asked realizing where that was going.
"But why would Aizen want to eliminate Kurosaki-taichou?" Hitsugaya asked.
"That's an interesting question, why would he want to eliminate you?" The Ichiban-keishu asked.
"Heh, I guess he saw me as a threat. Frankly, whenever I was at the living world I always try to find Urahara because I don't feel good when I'm near Aizen and I want answers. I guess curiosity killed the cat." Isshin said.
"Kurosaki-san, your powers if I am correct are slowly going back. Isn't it?" The Yonban-keishu asked.
"How did you know?" Isshin asked.
"Because you were not the very first 'specimen' for that experiment of Aizen." She answered.
"Fifty years ago when the group of royal guards were sent here, they mingled and posed as ordinary souls in Rukongai. They reported that every day, they sense less and less souls with strong reiatsu in the area. They investigated by watching souls with strong reiatsus. To their surprise, one soul that they were watching suddenly disappeared for a week and when he came back, his strong reiatsu was gone. He suddenly became a normal soul. We put him to sleep and then put a tracker on his soul so we could monitor him even if we were not following him. For some years, we forgot about him until one day the tracker suddenly goes to life meaning it sensed strong reiatsu in where it was put. Looks like Aizen, experiment has one flaw and he didn't know it. It basically seals the reiatsu of the user for a certain period of time and then they slowly gain it back. That was his miscalculation; he thought that you're as good as dead because you lost your reiatsu. So, he let you roam to the living world as you please." The Ichiban-keishu finished.
"Ha, he will regret that." Isshin proclaimed.
"Shall we continue then?" The Yonban-keishu asked.
Everyone nods.
"Ten years ago, Kurosaki-san you fought an unusual hollow right? Could you describe to us what it looked like?" Yonban-keishu asked.
"It was a hollow with a half mask. I dunno what type of hollow that is but it is more powerful than a normal hollow. Urahara and I called it Arrancar." Isshin answered.
"Urahara-san, your hogyouku is said to be able to let shinigami have hollow powers right? Do you think it could do the other way around? Letting hollows acquire shinigami powers?" The Ichiban-keichu asked.
"I am not sure but I think it can… You don't think that, Aizen will try that right?" Urahara asked in realization of what the royal guard was implying.
"I'm afraid he might. You see ten years ago, our intel from Huceo Mundo alerted us of the hollows gathering on a single place. It consists of many hollows from normal hollow to Vasto Lordes." Ichiban-keishu said.
"Naze?" Hisagi asked.
"That was also our question. We captured one Adjuchas and interrogated him. The only information we got is, three shinigamis in white robes came to their King and offered that if they followed him, they will help them become more powerful. Most likely, the one Kurosaki-san fought ten years ago was a test or a prototype. But now that he has the hogyouku, I don't know what he could do to help them." The Ichiban-keishu asked.
"Why weren't we informed of this?" Soifon asked clearly irritated that the royal grounds never shared any information.
"Nibantai-taichou, the traitors are from Seireitei. Who knows as to how many were with him. If we shared any information with you, there is the danger that he will also know. Then, we won't be able to freely get much needed information. And I don't think it was our duty to inform you any of this, you should have known that this was happening. Afterall, it wasn't our job to keep the balance of the three worlds but yours." The Yonban-Keishu said clearly irritated at how Soifon demanded for them to spill their information.
"But—" Soifon was cut off by the Sou-taichou.
"Nibantai-taichou, stand down. Know your place. What they said is true we should have been the one who knew this the most."
At the same time, the Ichiban-keishu put a hand on the Yonban-keishu's shoulder.
"Calm down, we didn't come here to argue. There is something bigger happening so we should set aside our personal quarrels." The Ichiban-keishu calmly said after.
"Sumimasen." Both Soifon and the Yonban-keishu said to everyone.
"But this is really irritating huh? We should have been the one knowing these facts and yet we knew nothing about it. The royal grounds must have been very disappointed while our enemies are laughing at us." Kyoraku said.
"Please continue with the report now." The Sou-taichou said.
"Five years ago, we received reports that the number of Vasto Lordes and Adjuchas increased in an alarming rate. Ten years ago, there was only two known Vasto Lordes, the one they call the King and the other they call the Immortal. But after just five years there were already twelve of them." Yonban-keishu said.
"Oh my, that would mean trouble. I can't imagine twelve Vasto Lordes with shinigami powers." Yoruichi said.
"Wait wait what are these Vasto Lordes, I'm not getting it." Ichigo asked.
"Ichigo, remember the one you fought? The one I called a Menos Grande." Urahara asked.
"Yeah, that's a Vasto Lorde? Then what's the problem with that? I was able to beat it, I'm pretty sure the captains could also beat it." Ichigo answered.
"No, that's only a Gillian. You see, Menos grande have three classifications. The gillians are the weakest, multiply the gillians power more than a hundred times and you get an Adjuchas then multiply the power again by more than a hundred and you get a Vasto Lordes. You see Ichigo, fighting a Vasto Lorde is like fighting a Gillian that is atleast a thousand times more powerful and when I say atleast it means that they could be more powerful than that. Simply put it this way a normal Vasto Lorde is at a taichou level shinigami but there are some Vasto Lordes who are more powerful than a taichou. Together with hundreds of Adjuchas who were easily fuku-taichou level to taichou level. Do you understand now what would happen if each of them would also able to attain shinigami powers?" Urahara finished.
"We're doomed." was all he could say.
"You got that right, and don't forget they got three taichou level shinigamis with them who might also want to get hollow powers. Equate that all and you should know that were doomed." Isshin said.
"You did take steps of action about this right?" Renji asked the royal guards.
"Are you asking them, if they did something that the ones from Seireitei should have done? Well, no wonder that Aizen was able to manipulate all of you. Some of you are just blockheads." Hiyori said.
"What did you say blonde midget?" Renji exclaimed.
"Just as what I meant, some of you are blockheads including you baldy." Hiyori countered.
"I'm not bald."
"You will be in a couple of years; look how high is your hairline." Hiyori said.
"Abarai-fuku-taichou, stop you're bickering before you humiliate our division more." Byakuya said in a monotone.
"Shut it Hiyori, we didn't come here to argue." Shinji said.
"About your question, yes we did took some steps to lessen the threat." The Ichiban-keishu said.
Komamura could only shake his head. "This is getting more and more embarrassing. The Royal grounds we're basically doing the things that we should have been doing and we were just leisurely living here in Seireitei not knowing that an impending danger was coming. Our deepest apologies for everything." Komamura said while bowing.
"Don't worry about it, Nanabantai-taichou. We didn't want to take your duties away from you but it was also our duty to protect the three worlds because if the three worlds got destroyed, so will the royal grounds." The Ichiban-keishu said.
"A group of Royal guards were sent to assassinate the Vasto Lordes and some of the Adjuchas before they become too powerful. I guess we failed in that mission though. We were only able to kill half of the Vasto Lordes and several Adjuchas. Before we could kill the others, we were too late. It looks like the hollows caught on the news that Vasto Lordes and Adjuchas were being hunted by an unknown group and so they started to stay close to each other or find ways to hide themselves. We were forced to retreat as they started to hunt us also." The Ichiban-keishu said.
"Failed? You basically halved the Vasto Lordes and decreased the Adjuchas and you said you failed? You have a very high standard for a success." Omaeda exclaimed.
"Well not really, but we wanted to decrease the Vasto Lordes to atleast only three left so that if anything happens it could have been more manageable and that was five years ago. Ever since then we weren't able to track inside Hueco Mundo again as they are also on high alert. We don't know, maybe the Vasto Lordes increased in numbers again. That's why we said that we failed." The Yonban-keishu said.
Everyone realized what she said and looked down. They were able to half the Vasto Lordes but in a span of five years ten Vasto Lordes appeared, so in the last five years that the royal guards weren't able to hunt them or track them, they could have a count of sixteen now. If that happens they really are in trouble.
"I shall continue with the report. A year ago, he tried to access the royal gate again but this time we have witnesses that it was him who was trying because he was being tracked down by the Ichiban-keishu." The Yonban-keishu said.
"Why does Aizen want to go to the royal grounds? I don't get it." Ukitake asked.
"I'm afraid that is something even we don't know." The Yonban-keishu answered.
"Two attempt of the opening of the royal gate huh. Aizen sure is one hell of a manipulator and a stubborn one." Kyoraku said.
"Three months ago, we received a disturbing report. The central 46 sentenced Kuchiki Rukia of execution by the Sokyoku because of giving her shinigami powers to a human. We find it very odd; giving your powers to a human would entitle you to a punishment yes, but execution through Sokyoku? If our records our correct, the Sokyoku is only used in killing very dangerous shinigamis that have openly betrayed Seireitei, example Aizen. But Kuchiki Rukia by that time has little to no shinigami powers and she didn't openly betrayed Seireitei, so we were sent to investigate." The Yonban-keishu said.
When no one spoke, she continued.
"A little more than a week ago we received disturbing news. Sosuke Aizen was killed during the invasion of the Ryokas. We didn't believe it. There must be something behind it."
"I was immediately sent to investigate. My partner was stationed in the royal grounds and through a communicator I could request for back up of confirm things to the royal grounds immediately. When I came, I saw shinigamis running everywhere chasing Ryokas. I saw the Central 46 heavily guarded. The next day, I saw the central 46 gate destroyed so I proceed inside. I saw all of the central 46 dead. I walked further in; I saw the Yonbantai-taichou and Aizen speaking. I heard everything they said and I immediately report it to the royal grounds through the communicator. Yonban-keishu reported it to the King and he gave out the order. And the rest as they say is history." The Ichiban-keishu finished.
"Is there any questions? If there is none, we shall proceed to the orders of the king." The Yonban-keishu asked.
No one said anything and so, she nods to the Ichiban-keishu to read the blue scroll.
"Here are the King's orders.
First, all that was banished or exiled whose names were written on the red scroll, if proven not guilty or dangerous are to be bailed from their exile or banishment. That is, they are allowed to step again to the grounds of Seireitei, have a permission to communicate freely with the Gotei Jyusantai and they could also join the ranks if they wished to or if there is any opening for them.
Second, Because of the repeated attempts to open the Royal gate, the royal key is to be heavily guarded by the most trusted and loyal taichous or shinigamis.
Third, Make sure that every shinigami are to be prepared for the inevitable upcoming war with the hollows.
Fourth, No mercy for the traitors. Sosuke Aizen together with the other traitors is to be killed on sight."
Some shinigamis from Gotei Jyusantai frowned and looked sad by that order. The Ichiban-keishu continued.
"Fifth, a special army that will be under the Ichibantai will be formed. Since the Ichibantai doesn't have any squad members but only the taichou and fuku-taichou, this shall be the division's squad. In this division all shinigamis that had special powers or are in special cases are placed. This is to prevent Seireitei from doing another mistake again such as what they had done a hundred years ago. In this division, they will be trained. Member of this division should be treated with respect just like how you respect a normal shinigami. They are included in the punishment for disrespecting fellow shinigami. The Sou-taichou is the one who reigns over this division, so the special squad shall only have orders directly from him.
Sixth, the royal guards shall stop the intel and focus on defending the royal grounds. Since the Gotei Jyusantai is now informed, the rest of keeping the balance shall be entrusted upon them. In this case we are suggesting a reformation of the divisions for better efficiency. That is, each division shall have its specialty or responsibility.
This is only a suggestion; you may or may not do this but assure us that things that have happened in the last fifty years will not happened again without Seireitei knowing.
Reformation of the central 46 is within the Sou-taichou and the taichous discretion as you all have known that the central 46 was easily manipulated so, it may or may not be formed again. If the central 46 is not to be formed again, the power over Seireitei goes to the hands of the taichous and the Sou-taichou the head of power.
Seventh, under this order, only the Sou-taichou may know. He may or may not accept this seventh order."
The Ichiban-keishu finished. He then gave the scroll to the Sou-taichou to read it by himself.
"Man, that was one long report. I almost fell asleep. Good thing it was finish now" Isshin said.
Suddenly Ichigo's foot landed on Isshin's face.
"Why did you hide everything from me,Yuzu and Karin?" Ichigo asked.
"Is that how you speak to your dad who only wants his family to be safe and not worried?" Isshin said as he retaliated with a flying kick on Ichigo. The two again started to bicker. Everyone looked at them amused.
The two royal guards looked at the Sou-taichou for a moment as if waiting for him to answer the last order. The Sou-taichou only nods signaling that he accepts. Then they watch the little show put up by a bickering father and son.
Soon both the royal guards were stifling a laugh at how stupid those two looked. Hiyori got caught in the crossfire as Isshin was sent flying in her direction via Ichigo kick.
"Oi, what's the big idea baldy? You almost crushed me with this baka." Hiyori shouted pointing to Isshin.
"I'm not bald. See, I have a hair in my head." Ichigo said pointing to his head.
"I'm not referring to that." Everyone sweat dropped at that.
The Yonban-keishu couldn't hold it any longer and laugh. Everyone looked at her and she said.
"Hiyori-chan, you never changed."
"Huh? Who are you?" HIyori asked.
"My my, Hiyori-chan and I thought you treat me as your mother but only a hundred years and you had completely forgotten my voice. I'm hurt…" The Yonban-keishu said as she took off her mask her hood.
"Hikifune-taichou… I can't believe it, is that really you?" Hiyori asked stunned.
"Hai, Hiyori-chan." She said cheerfully.
"Oi oi Kirio, aren't royal guards prohibited from showing their identities?" Kyoraku asked.
"Let's just say we're a special case." She answered.
"Soudesuka, now I know why I felt that your behavior is a little familiar. Ha, no wonder you were called granny." Shinji said who, was struck by a porcelain mask that she threw.
"The Seventh order was, the two royal guards that were sent shall be staying at Seireitei. With my permission, they shall be on a special mission in which they would act as an addition to our man power and they will also act as a link between Seireitei and the royal grounds. Their benefit from this mission has already been agreed between them and the King. I agreed." The Sou-taichou said.
"So, that means Hikifune-taichou will be staying here?" Hiyori asked.
"Hai, Me and Ichiban-keishu shall be stationed here as long as Sosuke's betrayal isn't finished." She answered.
"So, Ichiban-keishu, if that was the orders why are you still not taking off your mask and hood? Unless, you have a very ugly face." Isshin asked while making faces, clearly interested on who was the royal guard who saved him.
"Hey, if I take out my mask let's have a bet. I can surprise you. If I win you will do as I say. Deal?" Ichiban-keishu said.
"Sure, ha! Nothing could surprise me." Isshin boasts. Hikifune only shook her head.
"Jeez, Isshin-san still wearing a stupid face all the time for comic relief. You'll never change." Ichiban-keishu said while taking off his mask and hood.
Most of the shinigamis held their breath at who they saw.
"It--it can't be. You--died; I saw it with--my own eyes. You died a hundred and---eight years ago. It can't be you, Shin Aisora taichou…" Isshin stuttered.
Translations:
Naze – why
Soudesuka – I see
Chotto Matte – wait a minute
