Bleach: Sea of butterflies

The morning sun barely peeked over the horizon, casting soft orange hues over the Seireitei. The gentle breeze carried the faint sound of footsteps echoing against the stone pathways. In front of Captain Ginrei Kuchiki's office, two figures stood at attention—Musashi and Arasaka.

Ginrei's sharp gaze moved between them, his fingers lightly tapping on the scroll he held in his hands. "There's been another influx of hollows in Rukongai," he announced, his deep voice steady but firm. "Musashi, you will lead a team to address it."

"So, like usual," Arasaka said, stretching his arms behind his head in an exaggerated yawn. "Got it, Captain."

Musashi nodded with a simple, "Yes, Captain."

The two exited the office, the heavy wooden door sliding shut behind them. The quiet of the hall was broken by Arasaka's groan. "Ugh, why do we have to do this again and again? It's always 'hollow this' or 'hollow that.'"

Musashi glanced at him, his sharp eyes narrowing.

"Don't look at me with those creepy eyes of yours, Musashi," Arasaka said, attempting to sound playful but his voice cracked slightly. "It's weird."

Musashi's hand slowly moved to the hilt of his sword, his expression blank. The other squad members walking nearby immediately took notice.

"Ah, Lieutenant is at it again with Arasaka-san," one Shinigami muttered, eyes filled with mild amusement.

"Yep, he's gonna chase him," another said, nudging his companion.

As expected, Musashi drew his blade halfway from its sheath and took a deliberate step toward Arasaka. Arasaka's eyes widened in mock panic, and he bolted down the pathway.

"Lieutenant's chasing Arasaka again!" someone called out, and more Shinigami gathered to watch the spectacle.

After a brief chase around the barracks, Musashi stood in front of the gathered Shinigami, his sword sheathed once more. Next to him, Arasaka's face was covered in light bruises, his hands on his knees as he caught his breath.

"Everyone, listen," Musashi's voice rang out with authority. The crowd's murmurs ceased. "We've received orders to handle an influx of hollows in Rukongai. We're to deploy immediately."

The Shinigami straightened up, their expressions hardening with focus. They nodded in unison, their movements sharp and disciplined as they fell in line behind Musashi.

---

The journey to Rukongai was quiet save for the rhythmic pounding of feet against dirt and stone. The air grew heavier as they neared the forested outskirts. The quiet here was unnatural—no birds, no insects. Musashi's eyes narrowed as he scanned the area.

"What's wrong?" Arasaka asked, stepping up beside him.

"It's too quiet," Musashi muttered, his eyes fixed on the treeline ahead. "The hollows have been appearing more frequently lately. It's not normal."

"Well, seems like we're about to get our answer," Arasaka said, pointing toward the clearing ahead. Emerging from the foggy treeline were four massive silhouettes. Their white masks and towering forms were unmistakable—Gillian-class Menos Grande.

The other Shinigami caught up, their eyes widening in shock. "Lieutenant, those… those are Gillian! We should retreat and alert the Captain!" one of them said, his voice tinged with fear.

"There's no time," Musashi's voice was cold but decisive. "If we retreat, they'll rampage through Rukongai. If one of them evolves into an Adjuchas, it'll be even worse." He turned to his team, his gaze fierce. "Here's the plan. All of you will handle that one." He pointed to the Gillian farthest from the group. "Arasaka, you'll take the one on the left. I'll handle the two in the middle."

"Two at once? That's reckless!" one Shinigami protested.

"You're wasting time," Arasaka shot back, his grin sharp. "Musashi's more than enough for two slow giants."

"Spread out!" Musashi's command sent them all into action.

Arasaka faced his opponent, rolling his shoulders. "Let's see how fast you drop," he said, his eyes gleaming with mischief. He raised his hands, palms together as he chanted,

"Ye lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! On the wall of blue flame, inscribe a twin lotus. In the abyss of conflagration, wait at the far heavens."

"Hado #73, Sōren Sōkatsui!" Arasaka's hands thrust forward, unleashing twin blasts of blue energy. The Gillian's mask shattered in an instant, its massive body disintegrating into nothingness.

The other Shinigami watched, awe-struck. "He… he destroyed it in one shot?" one muttered.

Meanwhile, Musashi's form flickered as he used Shunpo, appearing a meter away from one of the Gillian's masks. The creature's mouth opened, gathering red energy for a Cero. But before it could fire, Musashi's blade flashed, a horizontal cut splitting its mask cleanly in two. He did not stop, vanishing again with Shunpo and reappearing before the second Gillian. One swift, powerful strike later, it too began to dissolve.

With his targets down, Musashi turned his gaze toward his team. The Shinigami's Gillian roared, charging a Cero from its mouth. One Shinigami froze in panic, eyes squeezed shut as the red energy surged toward him.

But it never hit.

When he opened his eyes, he realized he was no longer in the same spot. He was hanging over Musashi's shoulder like a sack of rice.

Musashi's voice was calm but firm. "Are you alright?"

"Y-yes, Lieutenant. Thank you for saving me."

The final Gillian's massive form crashed to the ground. Cheers erupted from the Shinigami as they gathered, talking about their teamwork and how they'd overcome the odds. It was a chance for Squad 6 to bond, and Musashi silently watched from a distance, his arms folded.

---

Back in Captain Ginrei's office, Musashi and Arasaka stood before him. Ginrei's eyes scanned the report on his desk.

"I see," he said, setting the report down. "Good work. Both of you."

Musashi's eyes narrowed. "Captain, these hollow attacks aren't normal."

Ginrei's gaze grew serious, his brow furrowed. "Yes… Something is happening in Hueco Mundo."

(End of a chapter)