According to Plan

"Captains of the Gotei 13, I have summoned you all today for a reason. We have discovered what the traitor Kosuke Aizen has been planning."

"We have received updates of Arrancar activity in the real world since summer. Captain Ukitake and the 13th Squad have been hard at work investigating Aizen's activities before he left. It seems he spent much time researching classified documents. We have traced his access of files on the King's Key."

"We know that Aizen intends to sit on the throne of heaven. There is no way he can reach the King – the only way to the Royal Family is via the King's Key, and the location of the Key is kept a secret from generation to generation, passed down from Captain Commander to Captain Commander."

"However, Aizen has also discovered information on the creation of the King's Key. We believe he intends to forge another one by unleashing a wave of reiatsu – by destroying with 100,000 souls and a plot of spirit-enriched land with a radius of half a spirit-mile."

"The location of this place will vary over time. Come this winter, the Hogyoku will awaken. If Aizen is to launch his attack then, his target will be this special place – Karakura Town. And we must be ready…"

"You will also know that I have sent Captain Hitsugaya and an advance guard into Karakura Town, and they have intercepted a group of Espada. Judging by Ukitake's reports, I am of the opinion that Inoue Orihime, who was recently training in Soul Society, has either been murdered by these Espada or has betrayed us and followed them to Hueco Mundo, even as we speak." The assembled captains gasped. Captain Yamamoto opened his eyes, enforcing the gravity of the situation before them.

"But this is not the time for us to go after her, if she is still alive. Captain Kuchiki Byakuya and Zaraki Kenpachi. You are to go to the real world and retrieve the advance guard there. Soul Society must be at full strength for our preparations. I am due to confer with Captain Hitsugaya Toshiro, and will have spoken to him by the time you arrive. He and his advance guard will return with you. Your orders are to bring them back. That is all."

"Captain Mayuri. I believe you and Urahara Kisuke have been in discussion for some time. The 12th Squad and the Research Institute must now focus fully on the task, so that we will be ready before winter."

"The rest of us are to stay on high alert. Captain Ukitake – your unit will continue to update us on Arrancar activity in the real world. Aizen may try to amass his forces over time, and we must be ready to battle Arrancar or even Espada as and when they come. Meanwhile, proceed with the transmission to Captain Hitsugaya. I will join you in a bit."

"Second Squad Captain, stay behind for further instructions. Captains, dismissed."

Byakuya and Kenpachi headed to a waiting Senkaimon while Mayuri shuffled to his research lab. Unohana, Komamura and Shunsui held a little conference at the side before leaving. Ukitake returned to the 13th Squad's headquarters. Soifon remained at attention, awaiting her orders.

"Soifon taichou. Follow me." Yamamoto beckoned towards the inner chambers. "The walls have ears."

They walked through a number of corridors and arrived at Yamamoto's personal study. "Chojiro. Is everything ready?"

"Yes, taichou. Ukitake's team has managed to clear the spectral interference, and he is getting ready to speak to Captain Hitsugaya."

"Good. You may leave us now." The Vice-Captain bowed and closed the door behind Soifon and Yamamoto. "Soifon, I will head over to the 13th Squad's headquarters. Please stay and watch this." She nodded and Yamamoto disappeared in a flash. A large screen lit up the room and after a few flickers, Ukitake appeared on the left side of the screen, while Hitsugaya and Matsumoto appeared on the right screen.

The next few moments were a whirl on the flickering screen. Ukitake repeated Yamamoto's opinion that Inoue had either been murdered by the Espada or had followed them into Hueco Mundo as a traitor. She saw the look of disbelief on everyone's faces, most of all Ichigo, who insisted that Inoue had healed him just a few hours ago. Ukitake appeared to be shocked by this news. Perhaps this Inoue is still alive! She had to be alive! – she could see that sentiment on the faces of those assembled in the real world. Kuchiki Rukia and Abarai Renji pleaded to be allowed to go into Hueco Mundo to retrieve Orihime Inoue but were flatly denied permission. Yamamoto suddenly appeared next to Ukitake and ordered the advance guard to return and a chorus of dissent roused up. Soifon thought Matsumoto, Ikakku and Yumichika looked distinctly rebellious as well. A senkaimon appeared and Byakuya and Kenpachi materialized, ushering the defeated-looking shinigami back to Soul Society. The Substitute Shinigami was extremely overwrought and pleaded with Yamamoto for permission to enter Hueco Mundo, but to no avail. The transmission ended.

As the image of Ichigo faded from the screen, Soifon felt a familiar renching pain in her heart. I never thought I would say this, but I understand how you feel, Substitute Shinigami. It is death, to be told your friend is a betrayer, and it is a fate worse than death, to be unable to help the friend you have sworn to protect.

Yamamoto's voice suddenly came from below. "Step forward, both of you."

Both of us… but who else… Soifon stepped out of the shadows and someone flash-stepped in next to her.

"Hello, Soifon," came the all too familiar voice.