I District 62, where souls had begun to vanish, the only way forward was through the eastern gate—Seiryu Gate.
The gatekeeper, Kaiwan, caught Haruki's attention. His soul ability, "Entranced by Illusions", allowed him to hypnotize himself into a trance-like state. Although peculiar, Haruki could see potential uses for such a skill in specific situations.
Another potential ally, he mused.
However, there was no time te friendships now. Ohe Squad passed through Seiryu Gate, they marched swiftly eastward.
...
Traveling from Squad Five's barracks to District 62 was a long trek, ohat couldn't be pleted in a single day. Given the possibility of bat upon arrival, the squad po camp midway.
As twilight fell, the team set up tents in the wilderness. Haruki grew increasingly cautious, recalling how Love Aikawa and his team had once been ambushed under simir circumstances. Could Aizen really orchestrate su eborate plot just tet him?
Surely not? Haruki shook his head at the thought. Even for Aizen, that seemed excessive.
When it was firmed that Haruki aired with Tani Motooru for the night watch, he sighed inwardly. Despite Motooru's high affe for him, the man's soul ability—"Fall Asleep Instantly"—was utterly useless in a crisis. Who needs help falling asleep?
That night, Haruki's priority wasn't improviionships. It was survival.
...
Sitting by the r campfire, Haruki kept a close eye on his surroundings. His Bck Sun had been charging for months, receiving half his spiritual power daily. By now, it had reached signifit destructive potential—though it remained a one-shot ability.
He g the tent where Motooru slept. His affe rating was high, but still shy of the crucial threshold for perma skill acquisition. Without "Destructive Death Beam" as a fallback, Haruki had to rely on Fireball as a backup offensive ability.
As he sidered his options, something unusual caught his attention. Among his soul abilities, "Gaming Prodigy" began to glow faintly. It was active.
Gaming? Haruki frowned. He wasn't pying any games. Why was the ability activating now?
Then it struck him.
This euation—this "mission"—wasn't just a mission. It was a game, orchestrated by Aizen himself.
The rules were clear: as long as the game master (Aizen) and the pyers (the squad) both treated the sario as a game, it became one.
A grin spread across Haruki's face. Perfect.
He activated Gaming Prodigy, and instantly, his perception shifted. Everything around him seemed sharper, more vivid. Haruki sed the camp, his senses heightehe glow of the fire, the rustle of leaves, the faint sn from the tents—it all painted a clearer picture of his surroundings.
His gaze nded on Motooru's tent. Inside, a faint red figure flickered ominously.
...
Haruki stood abruptly.
"Where are you going?" asked Motooru, who was still half-awake.
"Just cheg something," Haruki replied nontly, making his way toward the tent.
Pulling back the fp, Haruki peered inside. Seven ht Shinigami were seated, including Motooru, who looked up in surprise.
Among them was a red-glowing figure—a fellow Shinigami named Kawai, who had joined Squad Five three years earlier. Haruki reized him immediately.
"Kawai…" Haruki began, his tone measured. "Or should I call you something else?"
Motooru frowned. "What are you talking about, Haruki? Kawai's been with us for years—"
Before he could finish, Kawai lunged, drawing his bde in one swift motion.
The strike was aimed directly at Motooru's spiritual , a critical oint. The speed of the attack left Motooru frozen in shock—but Haruki was faster.
In an instant, Haruki appeared between them, his bde already swinging. With a single decisive ssh, he struck Kawai across the throat.
Blood sprayed violently, painting the inside of the tent crimson.
...
Masped, his chest heaving as he stared at Kawai's lifeless body.
"What… what just happened?!"
Ign him, Haruki kept his eyes fixed on Kawai. Something was off.
And then it happened.
Kawai's "corpse" twitched, and a chilling, unnatural smile spread across his face.
