The Universal Villain

Within the temporary HQ deep within the Seireitei, almost every captain available not including Mayuri was present at the current meeting. "We can't just sit here ideally and ignore this. Even if those things have received, it doesn't mean a threat is gone." Soi Fon was speaking to the other captains as they tried to think of their next plan of action. Listening to Soi Fon Captain, Ukitake replied.

"We can't rush into this. We are already in bad condition just from Retsu's report. We are in no condition to give chase." Soi Fon had been pushing the argument that they needed to track Shen down quickly ever since he recalled his Void creatures however, no one could agree. "Every second we stay here, he could be getting stronger. We don't have time to wait!"

As they continued to argue amongst one another, a few captains like Shunsui and Retsu remained silent. Finally, an oppresive voice ended the dispute. "That is enough. You are arguing like children. Each of you has valid points we can not allow the enemy to get stronger however, fighting them prem.a.t.u.r.ely will only worsen the situation."

Speaking, Yamamoto continued by saying. "If we can not allow the enemy to rest and we can not rush our own forces than we shal-" Before Yamamoto finished what he was saying, all of the captains present felt something as they looked towards the entrance of the tent. In those moments of silence, the captains felt Byakuya's spiritual pressure disappear entirely.

"That can't be possible. He was fighting against Rukia." They had left Byakuya alone due to his own wishes. He wanted to fight Rukia alone, keeping the internal problems of the Kuchiki family private. However, they never would have guessed that Rukia would actually beat him. Speaking in a rough voice, Captain Komamura spoke. "Leaving him alone with Rukia was a mistake. I found it hard to believe she was a traitor, to begin with, but now the situation has gotten worse."

"Well, she might not have been by herself. It is quite possible she received help from the Ryoka, although we wouldn't be able to tell anyway." Mayuri's voice echoed into everyone's ears as the entrance of the tent opened, allowing Mayuri to walk in. "You! Its bad enough three captains didnt even show up. You have some nerve not replying to an urgent meeting." Glaring at Mayuri Soi Fon began to crack down on Mayuri however he ignored her, not even bothering to make eye contact.

"For your information, I was researching something the Head Captain gave authorization for. You see, unlike you pions, I have been unraveling the secrets of our enemy and have created a device that will assist with our problem." Snapping his unevenly cut fingers, Nemu entered the tent with a bow. Pulling a metallic cart, many different electronics could be seen buzzing leading up to one central monitor sitting on top of it all.

"And what in the hell is that thing." Lifting his hat slightly, Shinsui leaned out slightly, looking at the strange device. Hearing Shinsui, Mayuri replied. "Hmph, since I was in a rush, I didnt have time to compress it down. In any case, this device is built off of our Reiatsu detecting devices, as well as the devices I created to detect the NRB orbs previously. Modifying those devices with the new research I have conducted on the recently melted creatures, and this device can track the person behind all of this."

As Mayuri flashed a grin, all the captain's attention spiked the moment Shen was brought into the equation. "Wait, you mean this thing can track his position?" The mention of tracking Shen got Kenpachi involved as he looked strangely as the machine in front of them. "Yes, but due to how complex it all is, I'll dumb it down so your brain can comprehend it."

Activating the machine, Mayuri began to input commands as lines of code flowed on the screen. "With a push of a button, this machine will scan the Soul Society for his exact energy signature that he naturally gives off when using his power." Pushing the final key, the energy in the machine revved as an invisible pulse extended outwards, quickly covering miles and miles of ground.

As the machine began to narrow down on Shen's exact location, Mayuri made a humming sound as if he was thinking. "Well, isn't that interesting." Mayuri's attracted interest, as Soi Fon asked. "What what is it?" Taking a glance at Soi Fon, Mayuri spoke. "Compared to the most recent samples we have, his NRB levels are a lot of denser." Listening to Mayuri Soi, Fon's face turned slightly worried as she asked in a hurry. "Does that mean he has gotten stronger?"

Hearing Soi Fon's worry, the other captains made the same conclusion as they waited for Mayuri's response. "No. Although his NRB output is indeed higher, it isn't by much. The Density means he's using his powers as we speak, but levels like these can only be matched with the ones he reaches during an attack." It was this sentence alone that caused Shinsui's eyes to widen as he looked towards the entrance of the tent.

Far in the distance, Shen was still out of view of the captains however, as he flew closer to their location, a crimson ball of compressed energy could be seen in his hand. Pulling back that hand, which was still gathering Ki, Shen didnt stop moving forward as he fired a beam of Ki ahead that caused the world around him to flash red for a moment.

Near the temporary Headquarters, the two Soul Reapers that listened in on Soi Fon's report before could be seen talking one with their back turned to the HQ far in the distance. "Now that those creatures are gone, there is a big weight off our backs. Not to mention having all the captains and lieutenants here doesn't hurt." As the Soul Reaper with their back turned spoke, the other Soul Reaper replied. "Ya, it really does give a sense of comfort." With smiles on their faces, the Soul Reaper, who was turned around, didnt notice a red flash fly towards the HQ in the distance.

The next second, a massive explosion rung out, shaking the ground to where they stood. "Eh!" Feeling the intense shockwave sweep across their bodies, they quickly turned their heads. As the fire reflected itself in their eyes, they both saw the HQ, and the entire location around it was up in flames as a cloud rose into the sky. Looking in the distance, Shen smiled to himself, seeing his attack hit its target.

"Bullseye."