Bleach: Gazing Mirage

As Captain Yoruichi Shihōin led Mayuri Kurotsuchi through the halls of the 12th Division towards the exit, the atmosphere crackled with tension. The Onmitsukidō troops, under the command of Suì-Fēng, maintained a vigilant presence, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of resistance.

As they approached the exit, Yoruichi's keen senses detected the approach of another individual. The door slid open, revealing Hiyori Sarugaki, the fiery lieutenant of the 12th Division. Hiyori's expression was a mixture of surprise and anger, her usual scowl deepening as she took in the scene.

"What the hell is going on here?" Hiyori demanded, her voice cutting through the air like a razor. "Why are you dragging Mayuri and the others out like prisoners, Yoruichi?"

“You dare call Lady Yoruichi without any honorifics! ” yelled Suì-Fēng as she reached for her zanpakutō but was stopped by Yoruichi.

Yoruichi paused, meeting Hiyori's gaze with a measured look. "Lieutenant Sarugaki, I'm here under orders from the Head Captain. We've received reports of unauthorized activities within the 12th Division, and Mayuri Kurotsuchi along with the other researchers will be brought in for questioning."

Hiyori's eyes narrowed, her anger unabated. "Unauthorized activities? What nonsense are you spouting, Yoruichi? And where's Captain Urahara? If there's a problem in the 12th Division, I'm the commanding officer in his absence, and you should have informed me."

Yoruichi's expression remained impassive. "Captain Urahara is currently unavailable, and the orders came directly from the Head Captain. This is not the time for protocol debates, Hiyori. We're here to ensure compliance and investigation."

Hiyori clenched her fists, frustration evident on her face. "I don't care about your orders. This is my division, and I won't allow you to just waltz in and take members away without informing me. That's not how we do things here."

Mayuri, who had been observing the exchange with detached interest, interjected with a sardonic grin. "Ah, the chaos unfolds. How delightful. Perhaps I should conduct an experiment on protocol breaches and their effects on the indignant lieutenant."

Hiyori shot Mayuri a venomous glare to shut him up and redirected her attention back to Yoruichi. "Yoruichi, you know as well as I do that protocol matters. If Captain Urahara is not here, then I'm in charge. I demand an explanation and the courtesy of being informed before you disrupt my division."

Yoruichi, recognizing the validity of Hiyori's concerns, sighed and unfolded her arms. " Lieutenant Sarugaki… Hiyori, I understand your frustration, but these orders come directly from the Head Captain Yamamoto. We're here to follow through with the investigation, and any concerns can be addressed through the proper channels afterward."

The tension in the air lingered, and Hiyori, though seething with anger, reluctantly stepped aside. "This better not be some kind of setup, Yoruichi. If anything happens to the members of the 12th Division, you'll have to answer to me."

Yoruichi sighed before nodding in acknowledgment of Hiyori's authority while maintaining the necessity of the orders. "We're not here to cause harm, Hiyori. Our priority is to ensure the safety and integrity of the Soul Society. Mayuri, let's go."

As Yoruichi and Mayuri exited the 12th Division with the Onmitsukidō troops followed by the researchers in tow, Hiyori seethed with frustration. The unexpected intrusion and the disregard for protocol left her grappling with a sense of powerlessness. She vowed to get to the bottom of the situation and ensure that the integrity of the 12th Division was upheld. For now, all she could do was follow behind the group.

The procession led by Yoruichi continued through the corridors of the Soul Society, accompanied by Mayuri Kurotsuchi and the researchers from the 12th Division. The Onmitsukidō troops under the command of Suì-Fēng followed closely, maintaining a stern and watchful presence. The air crackled with tension as they approached the holding cells designated for the questioning and investigation.

Once inside, Mayuri and the researchers were incarcerated in separate cells, each waiting their turn for questioning. The dimly lit, sterile environment only added to the uneasy atmosphere that permeated the detention area.

Yoruichi, with an aura of authority, directed the Onmitsukidō troops to conduct a thorough search of the 12th Division's research laboratory. The researchers, now confined, exchanged anxious glances as they heard their workspaces would be scrutinized for any evidence related to the unauthorized tampering with the Senkaimon gateway.

Meanwhile, Mayuri reclined on the cold, unforgiving surface of his cell, his gaze fixated on the ceiling. His twisted grin hinted at a level of amusement derived from the events that had unfolded. The researchers, held in adjacent cells, shared uncertain glances, unsure of the fate that awaited them.

As the investigators meticulously combed through the laboratory, Hiyori Sarugaki followed the Onmitsukidō and stood in the background, observing the proceedings with a mix of anger and concern. The sense of betrayal lingered in the air, and she couldn't shake the feeling that her division had been violated.

Yoruichi, after overseeing the initial stages of the search, approached the cells. The bars cast shadows across Mayuri's face as he looked up, meeting her gaze with a hint of defiance.

"Member of 12^th Divison, you will be questioned. We need answers regarding the incident with the Senkaimon," Yoruichi declared, her voice unwavering.

Mayuri chuckled, the sound echoing through the detention area. "By all means, Captain Shihōin. Ask away. I'm sure you'll find the truth to be as elusive as a butterfly."

The questioning began with the researchers, each subjected to a thorough interrogation about their involvement or knowledge of the events leading to the incident. The investigators sought to unravel the mystery of the malfunctioning Senkaimon and the subsequent chaos that unfolded in Hueco Mundo.

One by one, the researchers maintained their innocence, professing ignorance to any wrongdoing. The atmosphere in the detention area remained tense as the search of the laboratory yielded no concrete evidence pointing to the culprit behind the tampering.

As Mayuri's turn approached, Hiyori couldn't contain her frustration. She approached Yoruichi, her eyes narrowing with a fierce determination.

"Yoruichi, this is ridiculous. Mayuri is eccentric, but I won't believe he'd jeopardize the entire division and its members intentionally. There has to be a mistake," Hiyori argued, her voice resolute.

Yoruichi, maintaining her composure, responded, "We're following orders, Hiyori. The Head Captain deems this investigation necessary so we’ll be thorough. We can't afford to overlook any possibility."

As Mayuri was escorted to the questioning room, Hiyori seethed with frustration. The uncertainty surrounding the incident gnawed at her, and she couldn't shake the feeling that the idiot Mayuri might have actually done what they thought.

In the questioning room, Yoruichi faced Mayuri with a stern expression. "Kurotsuchi, we need answers. What happened with the Senkaimon, and who is responsible?"

Mayuri, reclining in his seat, met Yoruichi's gaze with a cryptic smile. "Ah, the intrigue deepens. But you'll find, Captain Shihōin, that the truth is often a malleable concept."