DxD: Trait Plunderer

"Over here."

A calm voice sounded from behind.

Rangiku was stunned for a moment and turned to look.

She saw that Tatsuma, who had just been happily 'fishing' on the training ground, was now leisurely leaning on a lounge chair, drinking and admiring the moon.

Beside him sat a red-haired woman, who seemed to be chatting with him.

Seeing Rangiku arrive, Rias looked at her thoughtfully for a moment, then got up from the lounge chair.

"I'll go prepare some late-night snacks."

"Then I'll trouble you."

Tatsuma waved his hand in response, then looked at the somewhat nervous Rangiku.

"Speak, what do you need from me?"

"Captain Commander, I would like to request entry into the Nest of Maggots to see the former Captain of the Third Division, Ichimaru."

Rangiku took a deep breath and slowly stated the purpose of her visit.

The Nest of Maggots is the prison of the Second Division, specifically for detaining Shinigami who pose a threat to the Soul Society.

Because he surrendered immediately after Aizen's death and showed no resistance, having a good attitude, Ichimaru was not imprisoned in Mūken like Kaname.

However, as a prison second only to the Mūken, the Nest of Maggots is not a place where ordinary Shinigami can enter.

Unless they obtain permission from the Captain of the Second Division or the Captain Commander of the Gotei 13, approaching the Nest of Maggots without permission will be considered an accomplice to the criminals and result in arrest.

Rangiku had privately sought out Soi Fon before, but was ruthlessly rejected by her. In desperation, she could only come to Tatsuma, seeking one last chance.

Tatsuma took a sip of the fine wine in his cup and said, "You want to see Ichimaru? Give me a reason."

"I am from the Rukongai. I have known Ichimaru since childhood and we were close companions."

Rangiku hesitated for a moment, then truthfully stated her thoughts.

"To be honest, I still can't understand why he did those things. This time I am applying to enter the Nest of Maggots because I want to see him in person and find out the truth."

"Perhaps… there is some misunderstanding."

Tatsuma chuckled and counter-asked, "Misunderstanding? What do you mean?"

"You're not going to say that Ichimaru was just deceived by Aizen and didn't participate in the assassination of the Central 46, are you?"

Rangiku quickly shook her head. "Captain Commander, you misunderstood, I didn't mean that."

"I just want to see Ichimaru and understand why he was involved with Aizen."

"A reason of this level is not enough to enter the Nest of Maggots."

Rangiku sighed, "As expected, it's not possible."

In fact, she was not surprised by this outcome.

The Nest of Maggots is a prison for serious offenders, and you must have a valid reason to enter. Simply wanting to meet a criminal to find out the truth is too simplistic a reason.

If she hadn't heard from Rukia not long ago that Tatsuma had a gentle and approachable personality, she wouldn't have even considered trying to find Tatsuma before today.

However, Rangiku didn't want to give up just like that.

"Captain Commander, Captain Soi Fon said before that as long as I make a significant enough contribution to the Soul Society, I can enter the Nest of Maggots. Is that true?"

Tatsuma nodded. "Of course it's true. After all, it's just visiting a criminal in prison, the conditions won't be too strict."

"I understand."

Rangiku's expression became serious.

Although she didn't know what the standard for 'significant enough' was, Shinigami had no shortage of time.

As the Lieutenant of the Tenth Division, as long as she worked hard and completed her missions, she would definitely be able to meet the conditions in the future.

"Captain Commander, I have finished asking my questions. I apologize for disturbing your rest, I will leave now."

Rangiku said goodbye to Tatsuma and turned to walk out of the courtyard.

But just then, Tatsuma's voice sounded again. "Where are you going? This isn't the Soul Society."

"Huh?"

Rangiku was stunned for a moment, blinking with a confused expression.

"Not the Soul Society?"

"That's right, this is the Underworld." Rias walked over carrying a plate.

"Welcome to the Gremory Main Estate, Matsumoto-san."

"I am Rias Gremory. I think you should have heard my name."

"I have heard of it."

As Tatsuma's strength gradually increased, more and more people began to pay attention to him.

And as the place where Tatsuma rose to prominence, Rias and the Gremory were also given special attention.

Having often heard various gossip in her daily life, Rangiku had heard some rumors about Rias.

"Rias-san, I heard that in order to pursue you, Tatsuma, in a fit of rage, killed the heir of the Phenex clan and fought his way to the Underworld, forcing the Phenex clan to beg for mercy. Is this true?"

Rias's expression was a bit subtle as she said, "It's not that exaggerated. There was just some conflict during the annulment of the engagement, and Tatsuma stepped in to help me stop the bet."

"As for killing the heir of the Phenex clan, that is completely untrue."

Rangiku said, "Then fighting his way to the Underworld and making the Phenex clan beg for mercy…"

"That is also false. At that time, Tatsuma had just become a Devil and didn't have such great power yet." Rias became a little nostalgic.

Although not much time had passed since then, Tatsuma's strength at that time was only slightly greater than hers. During their daily training, Tatsuma would even seek her out to gain practical combat experience, and their fights were back and forth.

In the blink of an eye, several months had passed. Her strength had only broken through from High-Class Devil to Ultimate-Class Devil.

And Tatsuma had continuously evolved, his strength breaking through to an unknown level, surpassing Ophis.

"So the Captain Commander really did grow so much in just a few months. I always thought it was fake." Rangiku's eyes widened in surprise.

"It's normal that you don't believe it. Unless you see something like this with your own eyes, no one would believe it."

Rias shrugged, placed the plate in her hand on the table, and invited Rangiku to sit down with her.

"Since you've come all the way to the Underworld, stay here tonight. I'll show you around tomorrow."

"Huh? Is that okay?"

"Of course."

"Cough… then I won't be polite."

The Underworld is the base of Devils and Fallen Angels, while the lower level, Hell, has the function of receiving souls.

Soul Society is also an alternate dimension that receives souls, so to a certain extent, it can be considered a competitor to the Underworld.

Even Rangiku cannot freely enter and exit the Underworld without permission. Therefore, this is her first time visiting the Underworld.

It's a rare opportunity, and since Rias is willing to host, she naturally wants to have a good look around.

"Speaking of which, Matsumoto-san, did you encounter some trouble that led you to look for Tatsuma?"

"Yes, I want to see someone."

Rangiku briefly recounted the matter of Ichimaru.

After listening, Rias was a little curious. "Is that man named Ichimaru someone you like?"

"No, he's just a very good friend, which is why I don't understand why things turned out this way."

Rangiku picked up the wine bottle on the table and gulped down a large mouthful.

"Phew... This tastes really good. Is it a specialty of your clan, Rias?"

Rias shook her head. "No, it's something Yahweh recently researched. It's said to be a divine wine that can even get gods drunk."

"Huh? Is it that amazing?"

Rangiku blinked in confusion and took another large gulp.

"It feels just average, though. By the way, Rias, why have you turned into two?"

"...You're drunk."

"No, no, I'm just getting started."