Shigure Segawa felt a subtle shift in his heart, a faint yet imperceptible smile flickering in his eyes.
He suddenly realized that he had indeed underestimated these millennia-old captains.
Even though they were unaware of Aizen's schemes, they had decisively discerned the underlying threats.
At this moment, Yamamoto Genryūsai continued, "This 'hidden hand' was behind the events of 'soul disappearances' and 'captain hollowfication' a century ago. And now..."
"Its claws have reached out to you," Yamamoto stated gravely.
Shigure lowered his head slightly, "What do you mean?"
Yamamoto leaned back ever so slightly. "The strength you displayed during the recruitment assessment the other day undoubtedly left a strong impression on every captain present. However... that was far from the true power of your zanpakutō, was it?"
Hearing Yamamoto's words, Shigure was momentarily taken aback before smiling. "Your insight is indeed razor-sharp."
From the side, Shunsui Kyōraku chuckled and added, "Haha, honestly, when Old Man Yama mentioned this earlier, I was genuinely surprised. I could tell you were suppressing your spiritual pressure, but I didn't expect... even your zanpakutō wasn't fully released."
Shigure inclined his head slightly. "It's a habit of mine to withhold some strength after demonstrating sufficient capability. I hope you understand."
Retsu Unohana smiled gently. "No need to apologize. The Commander-General and Captain Kyōraku placing such high trust and expectations on you naturally means they hope for you to become as strong as possible."
Shigure lowered his head modestly, choosing not to respond.
After a brief silence, Yamamoto spoke again, "When your power was revealed, it wasn't just me who noticed your strength—so did that hidden hand in the shadows."
"If they were to attack you directly, with your acute spiritual sensitivity, you'd likely survive and uncover their spiritual pressure and true identity. That's why they orchestrated this 'coincidence' to ruin your future within the Gotei 13."
"But such actions are something I will never permit," Yamamoto declared firmly.
Upon hearing this, Shigure finally understood the intent behind Yamamoto and the others' words.
Yamamoto continued in his steady tone, "Although Captain Kyōraku and Captain Unohana hold differing opinions regarding the betrayal of Kisuke Urahara and Tessai Tsukabishi, the fact remains—they have concealed their whereabouts."
"Regardless of their reasons, they cannot be dismissed lightly."
"Perhaps they are the hidden hand..."
"Or perhaps they fear the power of the hidden hand so much that they dare not appear to explain themselves..."
"At this moment, everything remains a mystery, and I have no intention of speculating."
"However, your power... has the potential to surpass mine in the future."
"Exile would be a waste of your talents."
Yamamoto gazed at Shigure intently as he spoke.
Shigure smiled humbly and replied, "Thank you for your praise."
Yamamoto nodded. "Revealing these secrets to you is to remind you to always be vigilant against the unknown. Never forget."
"Understood," Shigure replied earnestly, bowing slightly.
There was no denying that Yamamoto and the others had done Shigure a great favor this time.
If he had truly been sentenced to exile, things would have taken a dire turn.
"Very well, with that settled, the interrogation is concluded."
"Captain Unohana, I'll leave it to you to relay this matter to the rest of Seireitei."
"Understood, Commander-General," Unohana replied with a gentle smile and a nod.
Yamamoto rose to his feet, prompting the three others to stand as well. He turned and began walking out, his voice trailing behind him.
"Segawa, I look forward to seeing you rejoin the ranks in one week."
"Yes," Shigure replied with a deep bow.
This close interaction had completely changed Shigure's perception of the millennia-old Commander-General.
Unohana followed after bidding a brief farewell.
As she left, Shunsui Kyōraku suddenly approached Shigure with a grin. "You know, Old Man Yama rarely holds someone in such high regard... Even the prodigious Captain Hitsugaya is merely deemed 'still growing' by him."
Shigure smiled faintly. "I imagine you've also spoken quite favorably of me to the Commander-General, haven't you?"
"Haha, I merely reported the truth... But as for the upcoming Black Corrosion Hell trial, we won't be able to help you. You'll have to rely on yourself."
"I understand," Shigure nodded with a smile.
"Well then, I'd better head back to the division quarters... If I keep chatting here, little Nanao will start nagging me again."
Kyōraku chuckled sheepishly, clearly having left without informing Nanao Ise.
"Heh, please go ahead," Shigure said with a slight bow.
Kyōraku strolled leisurely out of the room.
Shigure stood in the interrogation chamber, exhaling softly before heading out himself.
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