Return of the Wolf
Harry stood at the edge of the Rukongai district, staring at the towering walls of the Seireitei in the distance.
It had been months since he had first met Shinji Hirako and the Visoreds. Since then, he had undergone the most grueling training of his life—facing his Hollow, mastering his mask, and learning to control his new power.
Now, he was finally ready to return.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward, walking toward the gates of the Soul Society as if nothing had changed.
Because, to everyone else—nothing had.
The Lieutenant’s Welcome
When Harry stepped back into Squad 11’s barracks, he was greeted by the usual chaos—sparring matches, drinking, and reckless laughter filling the air.
“Oi, look who finally decided to show up!” one of the seated officers called. “You take a holiday or something, Potter?”
Harry smirked, crossing his arms. “Just needed a little break.”
A loud crash echoed across the yard as a massive figure stomped toward him.
Kenpachi Zaraki.
His towering form loomed over Harry, his single visible eye burning with excitement. “Tch, figured you were off training,” he grinned. “Got any stronger?”
Harry met his gaze without flinching. “You tell me.”
For a moment, the air between them grew tense. Zaraki grinned wider, sensing something different about Harry—but he didn’t question it.
Instead, he turned and waved him off. “Hah! Whatever. Just don’t get rusty. I’d hate to kill my Lieutenant too soon.”
Harry chuckled, shaking his head. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
He had returned, stronger than ever. And no one suspected a thing.
A Meeting of Captains
A week later, Harry found himself standing outside Squad 1’s headquarters, summoned for a Lieutenant meeting with the Captains.
Inside, Captain-Commander Yamamoto stood at the head of the room, his eyes scanning the gathered officers. Harry stood beside Ikkaku Madarame and other Lieutenants, while Kenpachi leaned lazily against a wall.
"The balance of the Soul Society remains stable," Yamamoto declared. "However, threats still exist. We must be prepared."
Harry listened carefully, his arms folded. He had spent so much time with Squad 11 that he rarely interacted with the other divisions. But today was different.
Because for the first time, he locked eyes with Captain Hirako Shinji.
The former exile—now reinstated as the Captain of Squad 5—gave Harry a knowing smirk but said nothing. No one in this room had any idea that Harry was now one of them.
And Harry planned to keep it that way.
Power in Secret
Days turned into weeks. Harry continued his duties as Lieutenant of Squad 11, joining missions, fighting Hollows, and keeping up appearances.
But in the dead of night, when no one was watching, he trained in secret.
He perfected his Hollow mask, learning how to extend the time he could use it. He experimented with his spiritual energy, finding new ways to fuse Shinigami techniques with Hollow power.
Each time he donned the mask, his power skyrocketed—speed, strength, reflexes, all enhanced beyond anything a normal Shinigami could achieve.
But he couldn’t let anyone know.
Not yet.
A Friendly Warning
One evening, as Harry was heading back to his barracks, he felt a familiar presence approach.
“Oi, Potter.”
Harry turned to see Shinji leaning against a wall, arms crossed.
“You’re doin’ a real good job actin’ normal,” Shinji said, smirking. “Almost fooled me, too.”
Harry smirked back. “I am normal.”
Shinji raised an eyebrow. “Sure, sure. But you and I both know that mask of yours won’t stay hidden forever.” He leaned in slightly, his voice lowering. “So what’s your plan? You waitin’ for the right moment to come clean?”
Harry’s smile faded slightly. “I don’t know yet.”
Shinji studied him for a moment before sighing. “Just be careful, kid. The Soul Society ain’t exactly forgiving when it comes to people like us.”
Harry nodded, his expression unreadable. “I can handle it.”
Shinji chuckled, shaking his head. “Yeah… I bet you can.”
As the former exile walked away, Harry stood in the moonlight, his Hollow mask glinting in his palm.
For now, his secret was safe.
But deep down, he knew—it wouldn’t stay that way forever.
To be continued…