Seiya's condition, the subsequent commotion, and the many expressions of concern—those could be set aside for now.
After all, following the uproar caused by his sudden weakness, it had even reached the point where Yamamoto himself had to intervene.
—How he got injured was irrelevant for now.
The most important thing was rest and recovery.
For that reason, Seiya was finally allowed to escape the overwhelming concern and return to his own quarters.
But it seemed his troubles weren't over yet.
The endless cycle of visits and inquiries had become exhausting.
For nearly half a month, the Fifth Division had essentially become a high-level gathering place.
With Captains and other important figures constantly visiting, it was undoubtedly an immense burden on the division itself.
Yet, surprisingly, no one complained—something Seiya greatly appreciated.
This continued for some time, and just when he thought things might finally settle down—
An internal conflict arose within the division.
Listening to the gathered Fifth Division officers, Seiya slumped in his chair, his expression filled with confusion.
"Uh… what you guys are saying is kinda complicated, so let me sum it up."
"If I miss anything, you can fill in the gaps."
Raising a hand to rub his temples, Seiya took a moment to process their words.
"So, according to you all… from now on, the division's daily operations will be handled entirely by you?"
From the Lieutenant down to the lowest-seated officers—
Every core member of the Fifth Division was present.
"Exactly!" xN
Seiya tilted his head in even greater confusion.
"Then… doesn't that mean I don't have to do anything?"
"Yes!" xN
The Fifth Division Captain's expression became even more puzzled.
"Then wouldn't it be easier if I just resigned?"
"ABSOLUTELY NOT!" xN
Hinamori immediately stepped forward, her expression more determined and resolute than Seiya had ever seen.
"This decision was made after careful discussion among all of us!"
"Seiya-taichō's health is far too poor right now! If we let you keep pushing yourself, it won't just fail to help you recover, but it could make things even worse!"
"For that reason, we believe you must stop handling division matters entirely and focus solely on recovering!"
It was touching, to say the least.
But this raised an even bigger problem.
Seiya sighed, raising a finger to point at his own face.
"If I can't do anything, then why am I still holding this position?"
Unlike the rigid traditions of the Seireitei, the Gotei 13 was a practical organization.
It had no room for sentimental rules.
It was a system based on merit—power determined one's rank.
Even the esteemed Sixth Division, which had historically inherited its leadership, required the strength to maintain its authority.
With a wry smile, Seiya mocked himself.
"At this rate… even you could probably defeat me, Hinamori."
It was a ridiculous statement.
But considering their current spiritual pressure levels, it wasn't entirely untrue.
However—
Unlike before, Hinamori did not react with embarrassment.
Instead, she shook her head firmly and responded with absolute conviction.
"The entire Fifth Division has already agreed on this!"
"If Seiya-taichō isn't leading us, then this division loses its soul!"
"If you're gone—"
She hesitated, her voice softening.
"Then… then we really won't know what to do…"
"So, please… even if we have to beg you—"
Hinamori's emotions were complicated.
She was burdened by guilt, feeling that she failed to protect Seiya.
As his Lieutenant, she felt responsible for what had happened.
Even though, strictly speaking, none of it was her fault.
But Hinamori had always been the type to overthink.
On top of that, with so many Captains visiting Seiya during his recovery, it must have only added to her stress.
And now—
Tears had already started welling up in her eyes.
"Please don't say something so irresponsible…"
The entire division—
Was now looking at him with the same desperate expression.
…
Oh, come on.
How was he supposed to reject them now?
Seiya sighed in defeat.
"Alright, alright… I get it. I'll stay."
His expression softened.
To say he wasn't moved by their loyalty—
Would be a lie.
If nothing else—
It meant his efforts hadn't been in vain.
Unlike some other Captains, Seiya had always made it a point to nurture relationships within his division.
Perhaps…
This was simply the result of that effort.
As Hinamori wiped her tears, her usual energy returned.
And with renewed enthusiasm, she began outlining her plans.
"Wait… you want to remodel the office?"
"You want to install medical facilities in case of emergencies?"
"Hold on—changes to the barracks require permission. There's no way—"
"WHAT? First Division already approved it?!"
"AND Fourth Division agreed to station a medical unit here?!"
Why don't you use this level of efficiency for something else?!
—
Time passed quickly amid the commotion.
And after endless discussions, Seiya finally had a moment alone—
…
Or so he thought.
Because soon enough—
The door opened again.
And in walked Tōsen Kaname, carrying a fruit basket.
Seiya sighed.
"…Would it kill you to knock?"
Without even looking up, Tōsen stepped aside, allowing others to enter.
"I've visited so many times already—does it really matter?"
Right behind him, Ichimaru Gin stepped through, lazily raising a bag of oden.
"It's getting cold. Want some?"
Last to enter was Aizen Sōsuke.
Ever composed, ever unreadable—his voice carried a faint hint of amusement.
"Seiya, you seem to be quite popular lately."
"No need for Kyōka Suigetsu when you can just walk in freely, huh?"
Seiya coughed lightly, attempting to stand up—
But Gin beat him to it, stepping in front of him and opening the bag.
A warm aroma filled the room.
From his higher vantage point, Gin peered down at him, smirking.
"How 'bout an egg, Seiya-taichō?"
What kind of power move is this?!
Laughing helplessly, Seiya shook his head.
"Give me two radish pieces instead… I need some fiber."
—
Of course, this gathering wasn't just casual.
Tōsen, now leaning against the window, spoke first.
"Has your condition… improved?"
Seiya took a sip of broth, savoring the taste before answering.
"A little… just a little."
Unohana's treatment plan was effective—
But it was only a temporary fix.
Gin suddenly interjected.
"If you retrieved your Yaksha fragment from those guys in the World of the Living… would you recover?"
It made sense.
After all, if his soul was incomplete, the logical solution was to reclaim the missing piece.
However—
Seiya calmly swallowed his food, then replied.
"That used to be the case."
"But now… it's too late."
Because that missing fragment—
Was no longer inside a Hollow's body.
Instead—
It had fully merged with Masaki Kurosaki.
At the same time, in Urahara's underground training hall—
The atmosphere was tense.
"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN?!"
Hiyori's furious voice echoed.
"YOU SAID WE COULD BRING HIM BACK!"
"SO WHY THE HELL ARE YOU SAYING IT'S IMPOSSIBLE NOW?!"
The truth was inescapable.
As Urahara Kisuke silently watched the remains of the Yaksha fragment, now lying motionless, he exhaled deeply.
"Because it's already begun."
"Seiya… is no longer whole."
And even if they wanted to bring him back—
It was already too late.
Ashes to ashes.
Dust to dust.
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Powerstones?
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