"Ahem…"
Kisuke Urahara tried to dodge the topic with a cough.
But under everyone's gaze, his attempt to change the subject proved completely ineffective.
Realizing this, Urahara's expression fell, and he sighed helplessly.
"To be honest… I don't fully understand it either."
"Although I researched the Hōgyoku… it wasn't entirely my creation."
"I only completed half of it."
He spread his hands, looking helpless.
"The other half… was Aizen's research."
"Only when the two Hōgyoku merged did it become complete."
"As for what abilities it gained afterward… I only discovered those later."
The Shinigami didn't seem satisfied with Urahara's explanation.
But there was little they could do.
Through this war, Soul Society had come to recognize the importance of individuals like Urahara.
The Dangai pillars alone had saved millions of lives.
They had also intercepted Aizen's plan midway, buying enough time for Shimo.
However—
Some of Urahara's actions had also contributed to the outbreak of the war itself.
In a sense, his role in this war was somewhat similar to Gin Ichimaru's.
But comparatively, Urahara's situation was far lighter.
During his infiltration, Gin had stained his hands with the blood of many Shinigami—
The Visored incident alone was enough to demonstrate that.
...
"Let's set that matter aside for now."
An aged, heavy voice cut through the noise.
Yamamoto, having recovered some of his spiritual pressure, had regained part of his composure.
"Karakura Town's situation requires immediate attention."
The destruction of the Dangai pillars had caused the Soul Society replica of Karakura Town to appear amid the ruins.
Fortunately, after brief treatment, many Shinigami had recovered somewhat.
With reinforcements arriving, the pressure eased considerably.
Once the lower-ranked Shinigami dispersed—
Only a few captains remained nearby:
Yamamoto Genryūsai.
Shunsui Kyōraku.
Jūshirō Ukitake.
Unohana Retsu.
Kisuke Urahara.
"Captain Shimo… regarding Aizen's condition…"
Ukitake glanced around, noticing Yamamoto's expression before speaking.
"We would like a more detailed explanation."
"After all… this concerns the safety of Soul Society—no, the Three Realms."
Shimo nodded, understanding Ukitake's concern.
He began explaining:
"You can rest assured regarding Aizen's current state."
"He is essentially always under my supervision now. I can sense any change in him."
"Once we return to Soul Society, I will personally send him to Muken."
Hearing this, everyone relaxed slightly.
Yamamoto's eyes flickered, but he said nothing.
This outcome aligned with his expectations.
Once Aizen was placed in Muken, there would be sufficient measures to seal him permanently.
Just as they continued discussing—
A large figure came running from the distance, panting heavily.
Ōmaeda Marechiyo.
Despite his bulky frame, he still lacked the dignity expected of the Second Division's Lieutenant.
"Huff… huff…"
"C-Captains!"
Ōmaeda struggled to catch his breath as he reported urgently.
"We… we discovered several Arrancar at the northern edge of Karakura Town!"
"The strongest among them appears to be… the Third Espada from earlier!"
"Please, Captains… hurry and provide support!"
Shimo's gaze shifted slightly, as if recalling something.
"Understood."
He stepped forward.
"My condition is still fine. I'll handle it."
Ōmaeda's face immediately lit up.
After witnessing the previous battle, no one doubted Shimo's strength anymore.
The scale of that battle was something they would never forget.
In the minds of some Shinigami—
The title of strongest captain in Soul Society had already changed hands.
In Ōmaeda's view, with Captain Shimo involved—
Arrancar were no threat at all.
Seeing Shimo step forward, the other captains remained silent.
They shared similar thoughts.
"Captain Shimo… please allow me to accompany you!"
Tōshirō Hitsugaya suddenly stepped forward, determination on his face.
Shimo looked slightly surprised but didn't refuse.
"Very well. Ōmaeda, lead the way."
"Y-Yes! Of course!"
Ōmaeda snapped back to attention, stammering slightly.
After witnessing the earlier battle, he seemed noticeably more restrained around Shimo.
Under Ōmaeda's lead, the group headed toward the edge of Karakura Town.
Although Hitsugaya's condition wasn't ideal, he gritted his teeth and followed closely.
"Still unwilling to accept your defeat?"
Shimo placed his hand on Hitsugaya's head, taking advantage of his height.
Green light flowed from his palm, instantly enveloping Hitsugaya.
For a moment, Hitsugaya looked like he'd been turned into a glowing green plant.
However, Shimo's healing abilities were undeniable.
Soon, Hitsugaya returned to normal.
Although full combat remained difficult, basic movement like Shunpo no longer posed a burden.
Hearing Shimo's words, Hitsugaya's expression darkened.
After a long pause, he spoke reluctantly:
"As a captain… I couldn't even injure my opponent."
"That kind of result… is unacceptable."
Shimo understood.
So the young captain wanted to see his opponent defeated.
Despite his youthful appearance—
He still had a competitive streak.
Shimo didn't comment further.
After the Hōgyoku's secondary enhancement, the Espada's power had surpassed most captains.
Someone like Hitsugaya, who hadn't fully mastered his Bankai—was naturally no match for the higher Espada.
...
They continued forward.
After only a short time—
They reached the outskirts of Karakura Town.
What came into view...
Was a standoff between two groups.
On the Hueco Mundo side—
Tier Harribel, the Third Espada, along with several of her Fracción, stood waiting.
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