Three minutes ago.
Technology Development Bureau.
"Report! Spatial fluctuations detected in Area 136, southern Rukongai! Unknown cause!"
"A target has appeared. Judging by the Reiatsu..."
"It's fake! That's a Menos Grande! Hueco Mundo has breached the boundary!"
"What?! Are you certain? How many have come through?"
"So far, only one observed! But the spatial rift hasn't stabilized—further incursions can't be ruled out!"
"Alert all personnel—wartime status, now!"
Wooooooo!!
An emergency siren ripped through the sky.
Central 46 immediately issued orders, recalling all squad members on external duty—including the new recruits scheduled for internships.
The appearance of a Menos Grande within Soul Society is a major emergency.
All squadrons rushed toward the designated assembly zone.
Su Li and Matsumoto Rangiku didn't waste a word. The moment the broadcast echoed through Seireitei, they took off.
The broadcast alone made it clear to everyone what was happening.
"I can't believe this is happening now..."
In the crowd, Su Li and Rangiku flickered forward in shunpo.
Her brows furrowed, Rangiku's face turned grave.
Though rare, Menos Grande incursions weren't unheard of.
Every single intrusion had resulted in significant destruction—and often, casualties.
Central 46 had long classified Menos Grande invasions as First-Level Sequence Events, equal in threat to a "travel disaster" or coordinated enemy raid.
For that reason alone, Rangiku's tension was more than justified.
"Mr. Su Li, per protocol, you're required to be there too, right?"
"Yes," Su Li replied calmly.
First-level sequence incidents were handled by high-ranking officers only—captains down to seated officers ranked 1st to 30th.
Those below 30th seat were considered too weak to face such threats and would remain in reserve.
Although Su Li was still a trainee vice-captain of the Second Division, his attendance was mandatory.
Soon after, Su Li and Rangiku reached the meeting site.
It was already packed.
Nearly 300 Shinigami had gathered—leaders and seated officers from each division.
The captains stood in front, faces grim, tension crackling in the air.
"Mr. Su Li, be careful out there," Rangiku said, her tone solemn.
"You too."
With a slight nod, they split toward their respective teams.
Su Li soon located the Second Division and stood quietly at the back.
From the high platform, Sui-Feng caught sight of him. Her displeasure was instant.
"What are you doing hiding back there? Get up front—now!"
Her arms crossed and face stern, she shouted with puffed cheeks.
Su Li's expression twitched. Slightly embarrassed, he stepped forward toward the front.
"Oho~ My vice-captain! What an honor to see you again!"
Third seat Omaeda Marechiyo instantly changed tone, fawning shamelessly.
Beside him, Qingshui Jian bowed repeatedly, eyes shining with subservience.
Su Li was speechless.
Was the Second Division made from the same ridiculous mold?
How could someone as cold and upright as Sui-Feng end up with subordinates this... obsequious?
The contrast was staggering.
What Su Li didn't realize was that after everything he'd done these past days, the entire Second Division revered him.
The other divisions constantly whispered about him. And each time, Second Division members swelled with pride.
He was their vice-captain.
That's why they fawned so much now.
He was already unofficially recognized as their leader.
"Hmph. So slow now. You sure weren't that slow when you were dueling me," Sui-Feng muttered with a glare.
Su Li raised a brow, lips twitching faintly.
This woman was still holding a grudge over the graduation duel?
She really was petty.
"Well, if you move too fast, you might slip and hit the ground. Better to slow down."
He gave her a calm, teasing smile.
"You—!!"
Sui-Feng's face flushed instantly.
She clearly remembered how Su Li had humiliated her during their duel, sending her flying with a flick of his fingers, breaking her instant shunko release.
"...Hmph!"
Embarrassed, she turned away and ignored him.
Moments later, the form of Captain-Commander Yamamoto appeared on the platform.
Leaning on his cane, his presence silenced the crowd. His haori flapped even without wind.
"All units, hear me."
"Proceed immediately to Area 136 in southern Rukongai. Eliminate the Menos Grande that has breached Soul Society!"
No elaborate speech.
Just an order.
Immediately, over 300 elite Shinigami surged out, crossing through the Seireitei Gates toward Rukongai's southern district.
Each team had its own thoughts.
Squad 11, under Kenpachi Zaraki, looked wild with excitement. Their eyes gleamed with bloodlust, eager for battle.
Squad 4, the medical corps, appeared anxious, worried about casualties.
The other divisions maintained calm composure.
Though terrifying, Menos Grande were not invincible. Even an average Gillian-class could rival seated officers in strength. Some were said to be captain-level threats.
But this time, only one had appeared.
With their overwhelming numbers, it would be obliterated easily.
Some even hoped to get there first—whoever landed the final blow might earn a major promotion.
In a time of relative peace, this was one of the few real chances to prove their worth.
The mood was a strange blend of caution and excitement.
---
Rukongai District 136 – Southern Edge
The advance unit of the Thirteenth Division had already arrived.
As the designated purification team, Division 13 received the alert earlier than most and dispatched operatives at once.
"Shh—don't engage yet. Wait for the others to arrive."
Rukia Kuchiki, leader of the advance team, remained composed.
"Relay this to Seireitei. The invading Hollow is confirmed: one Gillian-class Menos Grande."
Rukia's commands were crisp.
Her teammates followed orders without hesitation.
In the distance, the towering black figure of a Gillian wandered slowly.
Its massive frame was like a mountain moving through the mist.
Behind it, spatial fractures flickered like sparks, unstable and shifting.
Suddenly, the Gillian halted—and turned.
Its head snapped in the direction of Rukia and her team.
At the same moment, the space behind it split open further, revealing a yawning black crack.
From within, dozens—no, hundreds—of heads began emerging.
More Gillians. Densely packed. Endless.
Rukia's eyes widened.
Everyone around her froze in disbelief.
Then the first Gillian slowly opened its maw.
A blood-red glow began to form within.
Cero.
Its target: Rukia and her squad.
"Scatter!!" Rukia shouted, face paling.
A crimson beam tore through the sky.