Soul Society.
Jūshirō Ukitake was stunned for a long time after learning what Yoriichi had brought back from Hell.
The Soul King's Lung?
The Soul King's Foot?
Putting aside the latter, the former particularly concerned Jūshirō Ukitake.
Because this organ was too special, he immediately wanted to ask Mimihagi.
But after a period of worship, Lord Mimihagi did not respond to him.
It was as if it was saying, "You decide for yourself."
"…"
Mimihagi's reaction plunged Jūshirō Ukitake into a long silence.
Finally, he sighed heavily, his heart filled with emotion.
This incident happened too suddenly.
Even his mind, which had weathered hundreds of years of storms, could not regain its calm at this moment.
He understood Yoriichi's intention, and he also knew Mimihagi's thoughts…
From the day he gained Mimihagi's power, he knew deeply.
What was borrowed would one day have to be returned.
If life was borrowed, then life would naturally be returned.
But with the Soul King's Lung, it was entirely different.
The Soul King's Lung was forcibly taken back by Yoriichi; in a sense, this was not borrowing, but seizing.
Considering that the Soul King himself had been reduced to a mere torso, and those organs were scattered and masterless, the term "seizing" naturally became difficult to establish.
If the Soul King's Hand could only lend the power of stillness to him, what about the Soul King's Lung?
Thinking of this, Jūshirō Ukitake, who was kneeling in the shrine, fell into contemplation once more.
After a long time, two sudden, violent coughs jolted him from his thoughts.
"Cough cough…" His breathing became particularly weak; seemingly having grasped some crucial points, he spoke to the empty air:
"Kaien, go tell Yoriichi that I will arrive on time."
…
…
"Unbelievable, Yoriichi, this Soul King's Lung actually has consciousness! No wonder it actively repels others from approaching."
Inside a special laboratory in the Twelfth Division, Kisuke Urahara's face was filled with surprise.
Just moments ago, he had felt the summons of the Soul King's Lung.
It was a consciousness that infiltrated his spiritual world through the air.
Fortunately, as a researcher, he often set up several layers of protection on himself.
As a result, that consciousness was eliminated before it could deeply invade.
But even so, this matter was enough to keep him researching for a long time.
Yoriichi stood by, nodding slightly:
"Don't mind it, Kisuke. Can you tell me if a Shinigami's body can accept the power of the Soul King's Lung?"
"Transplantation probably won't work. This is something from a million years ago."
"If there are no surprises, its usage should be similar to Mimihagi."
"It's just, time loop…"
"Yoriichi, you're asking if the time loop will break the time-stasis state within Captain Ukitake's body, right?"
Kisuke Urahara tilted his head slightly and said,
"This is indeed a very worthwhile question to explore, but unfortunately, without direct contact, I can't give you a definite answer."
"All I can tell you is that the two are both conflicting and not entirely conflicting."
"It is known that Mimihagi has its own consciousness, but it is currently unclear for what reason it bestowed the power of stillness upon Jūshirō Ukitake."
"But if the power of stillness can be actively withdrawn by it, and then Jūshirō Ukitake controls the power of the loop,"
"Then his organs or body could revert to the time of his birth."
"At that time, he was not ill, and precisely because of this, he could recover his health."
"Of course, all of this is predicated on Mimihagi actively retracting its power."
"We cannot contact it, so we can only rely on Captain Ukitake himself."
He sighed, then raised his eyes and said, "Yoriichi, you've already told him about this, right?"
"If you've told him, then we can only wait for his own response. We cannot interfere too much."
Knowing this principle well, Yoriichi said no more.
Ultimately, they could only offer Jūshirō Ukitake advice, but they couldn't force him to make a decision.
Just as Kisuke Urahara was about to fully immerse himself in the research of the Soul King's Lung,
Suddenly, there was a gentle knock on the laboratory door.
Hiyori Sarugaki's voice came from outside the door, saying that Shiba Kaien had come to visit and wanted to see Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
…
…
Shiba Kaien's arrival clarified Jūshirō Ukitake's stance to Yoriichi Tsugikuni and Kisuke Urahara.
From him, they learned that Mimihagi had neither agreed nor objected, likely wanting to observe for a while longer.
The time was set for a few days later, and the location was the shrine in Gyokotsu where Mimihagi was worshipped.
The intention behind this action was quite clear.
Under Mimihagi's supervision, even if something unexpected occurred, it could be dealt with promptly.
Additionally, Jūshirō Ukitake also wanted to see the difference between the Soul King's Lung and the Soul King's Hand.
When it came to his own life, he had to be extra cautious.
Shiba Kaien spoke slowly, a hint of respect in his expression: "Captain Tsugikuni, our Captain is immensely grateful to you."
"After all, you risked such great danger to retrieve the Soul King's Lung from Hell."
"Although we know that your actions were not solely for our Captain's sake,"
"Everyone's dedication to the Soul Society is the same."
"In the Gyokotsu District three days from now, we await your arrival."
"And Captain Urahara, please also accompany Captain Tsugikuni."
Shiba Kaien slowly turned his gaze to Kisuke Urahara, praising him,
"You are one of the few highly intelligent talents in the Gotei 13; you absolutely cannot be absent from this matter."
"Haha, not at all." Kisuke Urahara scratched the back of his head, showing a slightly embarrassed smile.
Being praised directly like that truly made it hard for him to refuse.
Actually, even if Shiba Kaien hadn't said anything, he would have arrived on time.
Because he was also very curious about whether the Soul King's Lung and the Soul King's Hand could fuse.
Of course, the Soul King's Foot was out of the question; it had no consciousness and could only be used as a weapon.
And considering that time reversal was too dangerous, this research plan could only be put on hold for now.
Outside the door, the conversation of the few people was overheard by Mayuri Kurotsuchi, who happened to pass by.
Shiba Kaien's words made him frown involuntarily.
Then, he suddenly pushed the door open.
Bang!
He shouted loudly: "Wait, count me in too! My research capabilities are no worse than Kisuke Urahara's."
"Why can he go and I can't?"
"This is discrimination!"
Mayuri Kurotsuchi's appearance made Kisuke Urahara's smile instantly freeze on his face.
Directly opposite.
Shiba Kaien looked at Mayuri Kurotsuchi, then showed a puzzled expression to Kisuke Urahara: "Who is this?"
He truly didn't know Mayuri Kurotsuchi.
But listening to that confident tone…
Kisuke Urahara coughed twice: "Apologies, this is Mayuri Kurotsuchi, the Third Seat of my Twelfth Division and the Vice-Director of the Department of Research and Development."
"Ah, so it's the Vice-Director, no wonder." Shiba Kaien showed a look of sudden realization. Since ancient times, countless Shinigami have tried to usurp their superiors.
Researchers, like scholars, find it difficult to determine who is truly the best.
Therefore, these actions were not surprising.
Mayuri Kurotsuchi wanted to surpass Kisuke Urahara…
No, he wanted to replace Kisuke Urahara.
To take charge of the project himself.
…
Shiba Kaien left, and before he departed, he included Mayuri Kurotsuchi in the plan.
Whatever ambitions Mayuri Kurotsuchi harbored, it had little to do with him.
He only knew that the more researchers involved, the more beneficial it would be for the Captain's safety.
A problem that Kisuke Urahara couldn't detect, Mayuri Kurotsuchi might be able to discern.
If the Captain could recover his health, that would be a joyous outcome for everyone.
A healthy Ukitake… To be honest, he hadn't been in the Thirteenth Division for many years, but he had some understanding.
Many in the current Thirteenth Division felt that once the Captain recovered his health, his strength would undoubtedly reach a new level.
Jūshirō Ukitake's current physical condition made even performing his Shikai extremely difficult.
Yet, despite this, he still firmly held his position as Captain; this situation alone was enough to explain everything.
His base spiritual pressure far exceeded that of many Captains.
Perhaps this was bestowed upon him by the Soul King's Right Hand.
But even if he lost his Right Hand, now there was the Soul King's Lung.
Gently exhaling a turbid breath, Shiba Kaien couldn't help but look forward to the future after the Captain recovered his health.
Next to the gate of the Twelfth Division, Yoriichi Tsugikuni followed behind Shiba Kaien, leaving the place together.
Since the time was already set for three days later, he didn't need to stay here for a long time during these three days.
Most of the troubles in Hell had been resolved; what remained was to re-terraform the Seventh Layer of Hell.
He had already decided earlier that the Thunderstorm Hell would be most suitable.
And Kibutsuji Muzan was also in it.
However, before that, he had to go to the Eleventh Division.
…
…
Not long ago, in the Eleventh Division, the appearance of Kenpachi Kuruyashiki greatly astonished the Shinigami squad members.
Although the Eleventh Division traditionally had the highest casualty rate, this primarily applied to newly graduated Shinigami.
Strong individuals, such as Seat Officers, often remained in their positions for hundreds of years before being replaced.
Precisely because of this.
Many in the current Eleventh Division recognized Kenpachi Kuruyashiki.
When they first saw him, they thought they were seeing things.
Some even thought they were dreaming.
But then, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki's hearty and familiar laughter rang out, and only then did they realize that everything before their eyes was real.
Their Captain, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki, was back!
That's right.
No matter how many Kenpachi the Eleventh Division had replaced, their Captain had always been Kuruyashiki.
He was the most prestigious Captain throughout the years.
Precisely because of this.
As soon as Kuruyashiki appeared, the Eleventh Division, led by Komamura Sajin, instantly split into two factions.
On one side were the Shinigami who had newly joined the Eleventh Division; they didn't know Kuruyashiki and firmly believed that Kenpachi Komamura was the strongest.
On the other side were the veteran Seat Officers; they knew that Komamura Sajin's strength was not top-tier.
It was only due to Zaraki Kenpachi's departure, which led to a vacancy in the Captain position, that Komamura Sajin happened to seize the opportunity and become Kenpachi.
According to the theory that Kenpachi should be the strongest in the division, they naturally gravitated towards Kenpachi Kuruyashiki.
Normally, such a split in the Eleventh Division should have led to a weakening of the overall strength of the squad.
But the actual situation was not like that.
Kuruyashiki was well aware of what had happened years ago.
Therefore, even when he appeared, he did not act like he was trying to usurp power, precisely to avoid affecting the unity of the squad members.
He wanted to make amends for the mistakes he had made back then, so he completely followed Komamura Sajin's orders.
In his opinion, this was an extremely normal action.
He neither seized the current Kenpachi's authority, nor did his appearance significantly boost the Eleventh Division's combat power, and casualties clearly decreased.
And under his appeasement, although those Seat Officers harbored dissatisfaction, they ultimately suppressed their discontent due to the rules.
However, this situation, in Komamura Sajin's eyes, made him feel extremely uncomfortable.
This day.
He found Kuruyashiki, explained the situation, and then stated directly:
"I am very sorry, Senior Kuruyashiki, but I'm afraid this old man is no longer capable of holding the Kenpachi position."
"You are far stronger than I am. Why should you obey my orders?"
"I know you are accommodating me."
"For the sake of the Eleventh Division, for the safety of the Soul Society, you are willing to remain anonymous, not seeking any position…"
"But this old man's pride will never allow me to ignore this matter."
"You are the true Kenpachi."
"This old man has decided to resign from the Captain's duty."
His voice was incredibly firm, and upon hearing it, Kuruyashiki's smile gradually faded.
He frowned. "Kenpachi Komamura, you don't have to do this. This is my sin, and I am willing to bear it."
"When Yoriichi pulled me out of hell and revived me, I knew that all of this was something I had to experience."
"There's never a 'must'." Sajin's voice was resolute.
"I understand your past, but so many years have passed, and that incident wasn't entirely your fault."
"Your returning to lead them is already an atonement."
"Also, you don't need to use honorifics."
"I am deeply ashamed."
Kuruyashiki sighed deeply. With the conversation at this point, he understood that Sajin had made up his mind and was difficult to persuade.
Almost every Shinigami possesses their own pride.
He had considered these circumstances when he appeared.
But he hadn't expected Sajin to be so decisive, to give up the Captain position just like that.
Kuruyashiki slowly raised his eyes. "Then, after giving up the Captain position, where will you go?"
"Will you continue to stay in the Eleventh Division?"
"No." After a moment of thought, Sajin shook his head.
"While the Eleventh Division suits me, I wish to repay the Captain-Commander for his kindness to me back then."
"It would be difficult to achieve this plan by staying here."
"Only by becoming stronger can I better accomplish these things."
"While you are powerful, my goal is not you."
"Then who is it?"
As the two conversed, they suddenly sensed something amiss and looked outside the room together.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni was standing there quietly.
The moment he saw him, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki understood who Sajin's target was.
…
"No regrets?"
"Komamura."
On the way from the Eleventh Division back to the Ninth Division, Yoriichi Tsugikuni looked at Sajin beside him and asked casually,
"Resigning from your Captain duties and coming to my Ninth Division… In my Ninth Division, even with Bankai, you would likely only be able to hold the Third Seat position."
"It's fine!" Sajin said indifferently.
"Status is but an empty title. As long as I can repay the Captain-Commander and enhance my strength, what's wrong with starting over as a regular Shinigami?"
"Captain Tsugikuni, please guide me in the future. I've heard that everyone in your Ninth Division is a master."
"So, when you are not around, sparring with them should also allow me to grow."
"Perhaps." Sajin's Bankai is purely power-type.
No complex swordsmanship is needed; as long as he's fast enough, one strike can kill an opponent before they even have time to unleash their techniques.
At the same time, given that the damage from Bankai is synchronously reflected back to him…
Sparring might not increase the power of Bankai, but it can enhance his strength in his normal state.
However, this is enough, as Bankai cannot be released at will.
Zaraki Kenpachi is still very strong even without releasing his Zanpakuto.
…
…
"Oh, welcome, welcome!"
Inside the Ninth Division, when Yoriichi Tsugikuni formally introduced Sajin to everyone, they were all surprised by his arrival and gave him a warm welcome.
They were well-versed in the identity and names of every Captain.
They hadn't expected Captain Yoriichi to go out and actually bring back the Captain of the Eleventh Division.
If they remembered correctly, this was already the second one!
It was simply incredible.
However, Zaraki Kenpachi couldn't help but snort at this:
"Don't think that just because you're also a Kenpachi, you can rest easy."
"Big Brother acknowledges you, but that doesn't mean I do. Third Seat, huh…"
Zaraki Kenpachi couldn't help but think of Kusajishi Yachiru.
Due to recent examinations, Yachiru frequently traveled between the Ninth Division and the Twelfth Division, so she was often not around.
The Third Seat position was practically vacant, and having a Shinigami who could use Bankai take it wouldn't tarnish the Ninth Division's reputation.
Thinking of this, Zaraki Kenpachi scoffed:
"Forget it. I hope you don't let Big Brother down, Sajin. I remember you. Ikkaku, when you have time, spar with him."
He turned his gaze to Ikkaku, who was momentarily stunned.
Me, fight a Kenpachi? Is this for real?
Ikkaku frowned and said, "Boss Kenpachi, isn't this a bit much? He's a Captain, after all…"
"Nonsense." Zaraki Kenpachi interrupted impatiently, "Did everything you learned before go to waste? Have you forgotten Big Brother's guidance to you?
"Your strength is already far beyond what it once was."
"It's a good chance for me to see if you can defeat this guy in a head-on confrontation after learning the Breathing Technique."
"Then what about you, Boss Karakura?"
As soon as these words left his mouth, Ikkaku realized he had spoken too much.
Zaraki Kenpachi's current strength could easily defeat even veteran Captains, let alone Sajin, a Shinigami who hadn't been a Captain for long.
Sighing lightly, Ikkaku said knowingly, "Understood."
He looked at Sajin, his tone serious, "Then, Third Seat Komamura, please guide me in the future. My name is Ikkaku Madarame, the Seventh Seat of the Ninth Division."
"Are you interested in sparring with me?"
Ikkaku's self-introduction made Sajin instantly realize that the Ninth Division was indeed a place of hidden talents; a Seventh Seat actually had the confidence to defeat him…
If he could succeed, did it mean that…
The six people above him all possessed Captain-level combat power?
If things continued like this, it would eventually become a small Gotei 13…
His heart couldn't help but stir. Coming back to his senses, Sajin said in a muffled voice:
"My apologies, Seventh Seat Madarame. I have no objections to sparring, as for Shinigami, strength naturally speaks for itself."
"But please allow me to ask one question: What is the Breathing Technique?"
"Is it a special combat technique of the Ninth Division?"
"Something like that." Ikkaku briefly explained these concepts.
When Sajin understood, beneath his mask, he frowned slightly, suddenly finding it utterly absurd.
Improving physical abilities by relying on breathing?
Was this an ability humans could learn?
If Ikkaku hadn't spoken with such conviction, he would have thought these people were joking.
One must know that even their wolf-human tribe, with their powerful physical attributes, couldn't achieve such a feat, so how could humans possibly do it?
He instinctively wanted to refute the unscientific aspects of it, when Ikkaku suddenly spoke:
"Third Seat Komamura, I know you're new here and it's hard to believe this easily, but the facts are right before you."
"How about this?"
"Before our formal spar, how about we have a strength contest first?"
"I see you're tall and should be very strong, right?"
"Average." Sajin said flatly, "Normally, I can only lift things weighing ten tons."
"Seventh Seat Madarame, do you truly wish to compete in strength with me?"
To be honest, the size difference between them was quite significant.
He was nearly three meters tall, while Ikkaku was only 1.8 meters. Standing in front of him, it was as if a human was looking down on a monkey.
However, Ikkaku seemed to have completely ignored Sajin's latter sentence and said to himself:
"Ten tons? That's pretty good for a Shinigami who hasn't trained, but if that's all, you might not be my match."
"Come on, while everyone is here, Third Seat Komamura, I might as well show you what we are training."
Ikkaku found a stone chair in the courtyard and sat down, placing his hand on the table, indicating that Sajin didn't need to hold back.
This demeanor made Sajin raise an eyebrow. He was too arrogant, both in his actions and words.
Anyone unaware would think their wolf-human tribe had become a disadvantaged group in terms of physical attributes.
He wanted to see what this so-called Breathing Technique was all about.
Theoretically, it was quite unreasonable, training the body in an unreasonable way…
Surely, even the increased strength wouldn't be unreasonable, would it?
…
Facts proved.
Sajin's guess was correct.
With a bang.
He was completely crushed by Ikkaku. Without warning, his palm directly shattered the tabletop.
That subtle pain, though hard to detect, plunged him into a prolonged silence.
Was something wrong here?
However, the bursts of noise from the surroundings made him realize.
The situation before him was quite normal.
"Seventh Seat Madarame is still ridiculously strong, as expected of the man who trained his Breathing Technique to the third stage of constant release."
"I heard he could already push a fifty-ton sealed stone half a month ago."
"You know, even Vice-Captain Karakura can only push eighty tons."
Fifty tons? Eighty tons?
"Only"? "Just"?
Sajin's eyelids twitched violently.
This is bad.
Did his ears malfunction?
What kind of crazy numbers were these?
Was he hearing things?
He knew every single word, but why, when put together, did he completely fail to understand?
Even the strongest beast in Soul Society didn't have such strength!
How was this done?
Breathing Technique?
That's right, if they weren't joking, then this could only be the result.
It had to be admitted, even though Sajin had made ample mental preparations beforehand.
But upon hearing these numbers, his expression still subtly changed involuntarily.
The facts were laid bare. Recalling that the Breathing Technique was developed by Yoriichi Tsugikuni, he slowly turned his gaze to Yoriichi not far away.
After a moment of silence,
A resolute, worshipful mindset slowly grew and fermented within his chest.
Even though Sajin always regarded himself as human, his beastly instincts led him to revere strength.
He felt that leaving the Eleventh Division was the most correct decision he had ever made in his life.
After all, he was instantly defeated by someone he had never heard of.
So, how powerful was Yoriichi Tsugikuni now?
…
Three days later.
In the Reverse Bone Zone.
"Modifying Bankai? Eliminating weaknesses? Synchronizing with normal state strength?"
Kisuke Urahara, after hearing about Sajin's situation, pondered for a moment before speaking:
"Difficult, Yoriichi. You know that Bankai is the ultimate form of a Zanpakuto."
"Although it can be fine-tuned in effect by changing the user's personality, it ultimately remains fundamentally the same."
"Just like the Captain-Commander's Bankai."
"Whether a thousand years ago or a thousand years later, its ability is to release flames."
"It's just that one releases and burns outwards, while the other converges and explodes inwards."
"Sajin's, a pure power type… Even if I were to modify it, I can't think of a modification plan."
"You can't just turn his sword into a hammer, can you?"
"As for the damage feedback… that's also impossible. Ultimately, no matter how powerful a Bankai is, it has weaknesses."
"To eliminate weaknesses is tantamount to re-forging a Zanpakuto, which is already beyond our capabilities."
"I think only those above might have a way to do it."
Kisuke Urahara pointed to the sky, his meaning self-evident.
Upon hearing this, Yoriichi had not yet spoken again.
Not far away, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, who was monitoring everyone and installing machinery, once again "accidentally" overheard their conversation.
He immediately sneered, humming.
Then he turned around, his face full of smugness:
"Kisuke Urahara, Kisuke Urahara, I didn't expect you to have this day. Modifying a Zanpakuto is a small matter."
"Captain Tsugikuni, would you like to hear my thoughts on this?"
His tone was incredibly self-satisfied, practically saying that Kisuke Urahara's technology was too poor and that he, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, was number one.
Yoriichi instinctively looked at him: "How so?"
Yoriichi knew that the two of them specialized in different technologies.
Kisuke leaned towards machine research, while Mayuri Kurotsuchi focused on biological research.
And a Zanpakuto was neither a machine nor a living organism.
It was more like an existence between the two.
Given Mayuri Kurotsuchi's personality, he might have indeed discovered something.
Mayuri Kurotsuchi cleared his throat, a smug smile still on his face: "Through your conversation just now, I already understand the situation."
"Captain Tsugikuni, you want to improve the Bankai of a direct attack-type Zanpakuto that can amplify strength, right?"
"Its weakness lies in the user's own defense. Even a slight attack, like a mosquito bite, will simultaneously affect the user."
"Then the problem is simple: why let the Bankai suffer an attack?"
"Why not absorb or deflect an attack before it reaches it?"
"Here, I solemnly introduce to you my latest developed technology."
"With my touch, even the gender of a Zanpakuto's spirit can be changed."
"Just adding some small tricks to the Bankai."
"It's a small matter."
"How about it, Captain Tsugikuni, would you like to consider it?"
"As long as you admit that I am slightly better than Kisuke Urahara, I will modify it for you for free."
Typically, what is free is often the most expensive.
In Mayuri's view, a little money was nothing compared to others' praise of him.
He had finally found an area where he could completely crush Kisuke Urahara.
How could he not vigorously promote it?
But in Yoriichi's eyes, this was just a simple statement, not a big deal at all.
Yoriichi even thought Kisuke Urahara probably didn't care, so he naturally let Mayuri show off.
After a moment of contemplation, Yoriichi said something lightly, and Mayuri was overjoyed.
He immediately stated that he would go all out.
However…
"Is it really okay not to pay?"
"Pay? Pay what? You have already paid, Captain Tsugikuni, your recognition of me is the most precious wealth."
"If you have other friends who also have such needs, they can also come to me, for example, if they are dissatisfied with the appearance and ability of their Zanpakuto and want to enhance or change them."
"Also…"
Mayuri suddenly remembered something,
"Regarding Kusajishi Yachiru in your division, I have also made some progress in analyzing her physical condition recently."
"If you have time, I hope you can come to me for a chat after this incident ends."
Hearing Mayuri mention Yachiru, Yoriichi focused his attention slightly.
However, before he could open his mouth to ask, a cough suddenly sounded from not far away.
Jūshirō Ukitake, supported by Shiba Kaien, slowly walked into the shrine.
He looked at the machines in the shrine, although he did not understand their purpose.
But seeing the expressions of Yoriichi Tsugikuni and Kisuke Urahara, he could guess that they were things beneficial to him.
He nodded to the two of them, first worshipping Mimihagi according to his usual habit.
Immediately after, he knelt in front of Mimihagi and re-engaged in communication with it.
Asking about his own condition, and the condition of the Soul King's lung.
This time, Mimihagi gave him a very clear response.
In the vast white spiritual world, Jūshirō Ukitake saw a huge single eye slowly opening on the back of the upright right hand in front of him.
Immediately, a strange sensation rose from his chest.
Jūshirō Ukitake subconsciously opened his mouth, as if a force was about to rush out of his oral cavity.
Having dealt with the Soul King's right hand countless times, he immediately understood what that power was…
The Power of Stillness…
…
Outside, the machine emitted a piercing buzzing sound.
Detecting the appearance of the Soul King's power, Kisuke Urahara immediately took out the Soul King's lung and foot and placed them in front of Mimihagi.
The moment he placed them, Kisuke Urahara vaguely saw the Soul King's right hand opening its eye.
In an instant, a surging, tide-like sense of shocking crisis rose abruptly and without warning from deep within his chest.
It was as if an invisible large hand was tightly clutching his heart, making his breathing halt.
However, he then discovered that the eye was not looking at him.
Before he could determine the reason for this change.
Splash.
Suddenly, in a trance, his mind was pulled back to reality.
When he looked at the Soul King's right hand again.
That eye was tightly closed.
As if everything he had just seen was an illusion.
Kisuke Urahara fell silent about this.
A moment later, he slightly averted his gaze.
If he hadn't misjudged just now, that eye was looking at…
Yoriichi…
…
The Soul King, hailed as a truly omniscient and omnipotent being.
Kisuke Urahara at present did not yet understand this.
But the scene where the Soul King's right hand gazed at Yoriichi Tsugikuni just now made him feel an indescribable sense of horror and bewilderment.
Why did such a change occur?
What did that gaze signify?
Is the Soul King's right hand truly the Soul King?
Every question churned and fermented in Kisuke Urahara's mind. As a researcher, he eagerly yearned to solve every problem.
However, the current situation was clearly beyond his scope of intervention.
As time slowly passed, Jūshirō Ukitake's body also began to change little by little.
No one knew what he had encountered in the spiritual world.
However, through his external manifestations, it was still possible to perceive that his figure was gradually shrinking.
It seemed that the Power of Stillness had been withdrawn.
"Incredible."
Mayuri uttered a heartfelt sigh, the mighty power of time working before him.
It made him suddenly feel that all the things he had studied in the past were like garbage.
Hollowfied Shinigami? That's not even worth mentioning; even the strongest Shinigami cannot contend with the Soul King's power.
And at this moment, the Soul King's power was truly manifesting before his eyes, and the Soul King's genes also awaited analysis…
After things here were concluded, he would, by hook or by crook, incorporate these contents into his research.
He wanted to create an artificial Soul King!
The fire of ambition burned fiercely in his eyes, and Mayuri's mood at this moment became increasingly excited and surging.
This scene fully registered in Yoriichi Tsugikuni's eyes, but he merely pondered the deep meaning contained in that glance, remaining silent.
When the Soul King's right hand looked at him just now, he also felt that gaze.
Unlike Kisuke Urahara, he clearly knew why it was looking at him.
Before this, he had already communicated with Jūshirō Ukitake and understood that the life granted to him by the right hand needed to be repaid.
And precisely because of this.
If no accidents occurred, there would definitely be a crucial moment in the future when Jūshirō Ukitake would need to sacrifice himself and use the Power of Stillness.
But now, due to his appearance, this predetermined future had been interfered with.
The reason it had not been observed before was perhaps because the lung and foot were located in Hell.
The Soul King's limbs are ultimately not equivalent to the Soul King, and the Soul King himself cannot interfere with Hell, so the future can be changed.
As long as a variable appears—Hell is that crucial variable.
His thoughts spread freely.
At this moment, Jūshirō Ukitake's physical condition regressed to his childhood.
His hair constantly alternated between black and white, and his lung disease caused him to cough repeatedly.
…
…
Spiritual World.
Jūshirō Ukitake looked at the three differently shaped creatures in front of him, his mouth twitching slightly.
Just now, he had originally thought that extracting the Power of Stillness from his body would mean the end.
After all, there were only two possibilities for the Soul King's right hand to retract its power: one, it no longer needed him; two, he no longer needed it.
From the current situation, it was likely the latter.
The future can change, but the ultimate future will not change, just like taking a car to a certain destination.
No matter what mode of transport is used for transfers along the way, the final destination always remains the same.
The appearance of other limbs brought him choices, probably like changes in modes of transport.
Foot, Hand, Lung…
Regression, Stillness, Circulation…
A difficult choice lay before him.
Jūshirō Ukitake fell into a long silence.
However, he then discovered that he was not limited to a single choice.
He could feel that among the three creatures, two of them radiated goodwill towards him.
Standing silently in thought for a while, after some time, he raised his eyes and firmed his resolve.
Immediately after.
Slowly stepping forward…
…
Soon after.
In the shrine, Jūshirō Ukitake gradually awoke.
He opened his eyes and first examined his body…
His palms were broad, in their adult form.
It seemed the Power of Circulation had worked.
Before he could determine if the plan had succeeded, Yoriichi Tsugikuni's words suddenly brought him back to his senses:
"Brother Ukitake, what did you see?"
Jūshirō Ukitake turned around, facing Yoriichi Tsugikuni with a faint smile:
"I saw Lord Mimihagi."
Saying that, he took a slight breath, and did not feel the expected pain, which made him pause for a second.
The next moment, an unprecedented joy surged in his chest, and he continued:
"Yoriichi, your plan should have succeeded."
"The Power of Regression brought my body back to its unailing state, the Power of Stillness froze my unailing internal organs, and the Power of Circulation returned my body to adulthood…"
"I am healthier than ever before."
"My spiritual pressure seems to have increased a bit too."
"…"
Upon hearing this, Yoriichi noticed something amiss: "Did Mimihagi not take back the Power of Stillness?"
"It actually did take it back," Jūshirō Ukitake, fully aware of Yoriichi's confusion, quickly explained,
"But you know my physical condition. Although I don't know why my childhood self was chosen by Mimihagi."
"But clearly, it wants me to do something for it, it's just not the right time yet."
"It cannot affect the entire world, only me."
"In other words, these powers are changing my future."
"The reason the Power of Stillness was taken back and then re-granted, in my opinion, is to prevent the future of the world from changing due to my passing."
"It's probably a precaution, even though the things it wants me to do may no longer happen."
"Kyōraku previously consulted the Great Spirit Book Corridor, and the records there are very clear."
"The reason Mimihagi has not shown any power for millions of years… is probably waiting for the appearance of a 'fated person'."
"And this fated person…"
Jūshirō Ukitake sighed, "is probably me."
According to the predetermined historical trajectory.
Jūshirō Ukitake would, a hundred years later,
sacrifice himself to stabilize the Three Realms using the Soul King's right hand within him, due to Yhwach manipulating Kurosaki ichigo to kill the Soul King, causing the destruction of the Three Realms.
To call him a "fated person" was, in reality, merely to call him a chess piece.
And the fate of a chess piece is only one of two outcomes.
One is destruction.
The other is survival.
Without the influence of other powers, Jūshirō Ukitake would 100% be the former.
Because the Soul King foresaw the future millions of years later, he chose Jūshirō Ukitake.
But again, the future is not unchangeable.
The only thing that can change the future foreseen by the Soul King is the Soul King's own power.
Namely, the lung and foot.
Jūshirō Ukitake is still the fated person, but the fated person's future is no longer destined for destruction.
From his few words, Yoriichi roughly understood the meaning, and so he nodded slightly:
"Is that so? Well, in any case, Brother Ukitake, congratulations on regaining your health."