Since Yoriichi Tsugikuni had gone to Squad Zero and had not yet returned, the trial of Kenpachi Gojoshibe naturally could not begin.
This both slightly comforted Kenpachi Kuruyashiki and made him deeply worried.
After all, Gojoshibe had falsely claimed Yoriichi Tsugikuni's credit; although it was only verbal deception, his act of faking his death was truly despicable.
If he could know Yoriichi's attitude towards this matter, he would understand what punishment Gojoshibe would ultimately receive.
The current situation was like a prisoner who had drunk an unknown poison; no one knew how potent the poison was, nor when its effects would manifest.
Gojoshibe was thus imprisoned in the Ninth Division, and it just so happened that Yoriichi Tsugikuni was the captain of the Ninth Division...
If Komamura Sajin hadn't stopped Kenpachi, Kenpachi Gojoshibe would probably have been beaten black and blue, bruised all over...
But unfortunately, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki had no way to intervene in this matter...
Time thus slowly passed.
After Ashido returned to his division, out of gratitude to Yoriichi Tsugikuni, he frequently visited the Ninth Division.
Although he was taciturn, he consequently interacted with some people and made friends.
Especially when Komamura Sajin learned that Ashido had fought bravely in the Forest of Menos for over a hundred years to uphold the will of his fallen comrades, he couldn't help but deeply admire him.
This was an act of loyalty and righteousness; this was the proper demeanor a Shinigami should possess.
In contrast, that Kenpachi Gojoshibe appeared exceptionally contemptible.
One could say he was the weakest of all the Kenpachi throughout history.
If Komamura Sajin hadn't insisted on handling matters officially, perhaps directly killing such a person would have been the best way to deal with it.
However, as Shinigami, they were ultimately not barbarians.
Komamura Sajin held a teacup and sighed:
"Such a cowardly nature; it truly disgraces the name of Kenpachi. I was once a Kenpachi, and I am truly ashamed to be associated with him."
Thud.
The teacup was set down heavily, and the green tea inside sloshed, creating slight ripples.
Across from him, Ashido nodded in agreement upon hearing these words.
He was about to ask when Yoriichi Tsugikuni would return when, suddenly, he looked up at the sky and saw the distant clouds being violently torn open.
A cylindrical object pierced through the clouds, falling vertically, and due to its excessive speed, flames even ignited beneath it.
Because of the great distance, he did not hear the sound of it streaking across the sky.
But when it crashed to the ground, a thunderous roar immediately echoed in his ears.
The ground trembled a few times, and the tea spilled out.
Ashido was puzzled, his pupils slightly dilated.
He felt like he was seeing an illusion; it wasn't actually a cylinder, but a meteor...
Otherwise, how could such a thing fall from the sky?
However, Komamura Sajin was accustomed to this:
"No need to be surprised; it seems Captain and the others have returned."
"Ashido, come with me. I wonder what Captain and the others encountered in Squad Zero..."
Komamura Sajin slowly stood up, his tall figure completely blocking the sunlight in front of Ashido.
His sharp gaze looked towards where the Tenchūren had landed, his mind filled with thoughts.
Ashido's lips parted slightly: "Squad Zero?"
"What is that?"
Squad Zero was a confidential matter among lower-ranking members; very few people knew about it, and even in textbooks, it was only collectively referred to as the Royal Guard.
Ashido had inquired about Yoriichi Tsugikuni's whereabouts, and Komamura Sajin had told him that he had gone to perform a secret mission...
This was truly secret; he had lived for so many years and had never heard of the existence of Squad Zero...
Komamura Sajin turned his head and glanced at Ashido:
"I don't know exactly what Squad Zero is, but I do know that their status is extremely high; even Captain-Commander Yamamoto is beneath them."
"I remember that your current Captain, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki, also had contact with them."
This was yet another thing Ashido did not know.
He couldn't help but fall into contemplation.
Immediately after,
He saw Komamura Sajin step forward, walking out of the division:
"If you're interested, come along. Captain is very happy to welcome loyal and righteous individuals like you."
"You've come back and forth to the Ninth Division so many times... I suppose you also have something you want to say to him, don't you?"
Indeed, Ashido quickly stood up and followed Komamura Sajin.
Thanking Yoriichi Tsugikuni was one aspect; the main reason was that Yoriichi had created too many legends within the Seireitei.
He didn't know it when he was in Hueco Mundo, but once he returned...
Those achievements seemed fake.
The fastest Shinigami to become a Captain in a thousand years, the strongest Shinigami in a thousand years.
The only Shinigami in a thousand years who, as a Rukongai resident, rose to the ranks of a high-ranking noble by his own efforts in a very short time... These were just the visible ones.
Who knew how many more were hidden in secret.
Such as the rumored Lord of Hell, the savior of the Three Realms...
Although the latter sounded a bit exaggerated, according to some informed sources, if it weren't for him, the Seireitei would have been annihilated years ago.
Once the Seireitei was destroyed and the Shinigami were completely wiped out, the Soul Society would naturally cease to exist.
Such a remarkable feat was the first of its kind in ten thousand years; the last time was when Nimaiya Ōetsu invented the Zanpakuto.
Even though Ashido did not understand the details, he was drawn to these deeds.
He eagerly wanted to see what kind of Captain Yoriichi Tsugikuni truly was.
His legendary aura was simply too strong.
He had reason to believe that thousands of years later, Yoriichi Tsugikuni's name would resound throughout the Three Realms.
If he didn't meet him now, he would surely regret it for the rest of his life.
...
At the same time, on the other side.
Outside the Soul Society.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni and Uta, returning on the Tenchūren, looked at the familiar scenery outside, a sense of emotion welling up in their hearts.
This trip had lasted several weeks, and the reason for this was that Nimaiya Ōetsu had appeared a bit late.
As the creator of Zanpakuto, Nimaiya Ōetsu was quite interested in the sword in Yoriichi's hand.
Although he was the Sword God, and although he knew the locations of all asauchi.
But regarding the abilities of the asauchi, before they met their owners, he knew nothing at all.
He had never expected that an asauchi forged by himself could awaken the ability to control Hell; this was simply utterly bizarre.
Because even he himself did not possess such an ability.
This seemed like a slightly self-satisfied statement, but it was not.
It was like he could forge all magical treasures, but one day, a magical treasure appeared with an ability that even he himself could not create.
Then the question arose: where did this ability come from?
It was obvious.
It appeared due to the influence of others; in the current situation, it was because of Yoriichi Tsugikuni's uniqueness that the Zanpakuto could control Hell.
Why was he unique?
The reason was also simple: it was very likely that before entering the Soul Society, Yoriichi Tsugikuni had unconsciously reached Hell.
Even Yoriichi himself did not know what had happened in the period between his death and his arrival in the Soul Society.
Due to the inability to trace back, Nimaiya Ōetsu could only give up on researching these matters.
After he left, the two of them were finally able to return.
Because they had stayed in the Ōtō-den for a relatively long time, Uta's spiritual pressure gradually increased to Second Class under the influence of subsequent meals.
One could say that, if one ignored Zanjutsu and Hakuda and other combat techniques, Uta was now also a seasoned Captain.
As long as she learned offensive Kido, killing an Adjuchas would be easy.
This was probably the greatest gain the two of them had obtained during their time in Squad Zero.
...
"You two must get along well."
Hikifune Kirio's words echoed in his ears. Yoriichi watched her departing back, then slowly led Uta towards the area outside the Shiba Clan's territory.
Beside Shiba Kaien, Shiba Miyako noticed a significant increase in Uta's spiritual pressure and couldn't help but frown slightly.
Immediately after, a heartfelt sigh welled up in her heart.
What was meant by 'when one person achieves enlightenment, even their chickens and dogs ascend to heaven'? This was exactly that.
Just a few weeks ago, Uta's spiritual pressure was so faint it was almost imperceptible.
But now, merely by getting close, one could feel that immense, almost suffocating pressure.
Shiba Miyako did not know what Uta had experienced in the Soul King Palace.
But clearly, whatever she encountered, it was all related to Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
It was too outrageous.
Even if one took a spiritual elixir, it probably wouldn't result in such an astonishing rate of improvement...
Amidst her envy and congratulations, her heart couldn't help but feel a little sour.
This was the so-called sense of disparity.
Even a billionaire, upon seeing a poor young man acquire more wealth than himself overnight, would find it difficult to remain calm.
Thinking of this, she slightly clenched her hands, and an unspeakable emotion quietly grew in her heart.
Shiba Kaien keenly noticed these circumstances.
But unfortunately, Yoriichi Tsugikuni's experience could not be replicated, and the Shiba Clan was in decline, having lost some of its rights as a high-ranking noble.
Even as the head of the family, he couldn't make Shiba Miyako experience these things...
Alas...
He sighed softly, merely acknowledging that life was unpredictable, and every era would always have a group of Shinigami as brilliant as stars.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni was probably the most dazzling among them.
—Cannot compare!
In every aspect.
...
After leaving the Shiba Clan's territory, Yoriichi and Uta strolled through the Rukongai.
Due to the series of events that had occurred previously, the two had not acted like this for a long time.
One had to admit that, compared to the neatness and quietness within the Seireitei, the hustle and bustle of the Rukongai also had a unique charm.
It felt like returning to the Human World period.
On the street, Uta tried her best to control her spiritual pressure, intending not to affect others.
After a short while, the emanating pressure was completely retracted, and at this moment, two people approached from the end of the road.
It was Komamura Sajin and Ashido.
As soon as Komamura Sajin's tall figure and unique face appeared, they attracted the attention of many Rukongai residents.
Although some Rukongai residents wanted to drive him away out of fear, they saw that he was wearing a Shinigami uniform.
Even if they had already stretched out their hands, they dared not make the slightest movement, freezing in mid-air.
Finally, Komamura Sajin gave them an almost imperceptible glare.
Instantly.
Those Rukongai residents felt as if they were facing a cliff; their hair stood on end, they swallowed twice, and then frantically fled the area.
They didn't even have time to put on their shoes that had fallen off.
This scene made Komamura Sajin feel both amused and somewhat sad.
No matter what opinions those Shinigami within the Seireitei held of him.
The attitude of these Rukongai residents would always remain unchanged.
But fortunately, he was no longer the person he used to be...
Thump.
Heavy footsteps followed as Komamura Sajin collected his thoughts, stopping in front of Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
He lowered his gaze slightly and spoke solemnly:
"Captain, welcome back."
"During the few weeks you were away, the Ninth Division remained orderly, but there is one matter that urgently requires your decision."
"What is it?"
It seemed the matter was quite urgent; if it weren't, Komamura Sajin wouldn't have specifically come here.
Komamura Sajin first introduced Ashido, who was beside him, then said: "Do you still remember Kenpachi Gojoshibe?"
"Kenpachi Kuruyashiki found him a few days ago."
"We thought it would be a joyous occasion, but we didn't expect that fellow to try to escape the position of Kenpachi by faking his death."
"This already constitutes the crime of dereliction of duty."
"I believe he is not fit to be a Shinigami, but due to the lack of witnesses, the trial cannot proceed."
"You are the person involved; now everyone wants to hear your opinion."
"..."
Kenpachi Gojoshibe?
Dereliction of duty?
This matter was quite peculiar. Yoriichi remembered that when he saved him, he seemed quite upright...
Faking death to escape, a cicada shedding its shell... That's right.
If he truly didn't want to be a Kenpachi, then using that opportunity to hand over the Kenpachi position to him would be a natural progression.
No wonder even the Transparent World at the time couldn't detect any trace of acting; it turned out to be his genuine feelings...
Yoriichi nodded slightly, "Is that so...? I think I understand, but let's wait until I return to discuss everything."
"Whether it's a trial or imprisonment, it's difficult to determine the true course of events based solely on others' narratives..."
At this point, Yoriichi slowly turned his gaze towards Ashido:
"Your name is Ashido, right? Very good, I heard Kenpachi Kuruyashiki mention you."
"I understand your concerns, after all, Kenpachi Gojoshibe made a mistake that many Shinigami have made before."
"However, to conclude that he is unworthy of being a Shinigami based solely on this, that judgment is indeed a bit hasty."
"Where is Kenpachi Gojoshibe now?"
Komamura Sajin wanted to retort, because in his opinion, a disloyal and unrighteous person was inherently unworthy of being a Shinigami.
If one doesn't even have the resolve to sacrifice themselves, and only thinks about surviving in times of crisis,
Then the Shinigami would probably have been wiped out by the Menos Grande long ago.
But then he reconsidered and felt that Yoriichi was right, because Shinigami are also people.
It doesn't mean that becoming a Captain automatically makes one superior.
Ashido, as a Seat Officer from a hundred years ago, his determination and will far surpassed some Captains...
It couldn't be said that those Captains were inferior to Ashido.
A slight contradiction appeared in his thoughts, but there was one thing Komamura Sajin always firmly believed: Kenpachi Gojoshibe committed the crime of dereliction of duty.
Thinking of this, Komamura Sajin steadied himself and spoke:
"Currently, Kenpachi Gojoshibe is being held in the Ninth Division, awaiting your return so he can be sent to the Forty-Six Chambers for trial."
"Mmm." Yoriichi nodded, indicating he understood.
Immediately after, as the group returned to Seireitei.
From afar, Yoriichi saw Kenpachi Kuruyashiki rushing over.
Even before Kenpachi Kuruyashiki approached, Yoriichi knew what he was going to say.
After all, combining it with what he said earlier in Hell, one could infer his intentions.
The relationship between him and Kenpachi Gojoshibe was not simply that of superior and subordinate.
Sure enough, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki's purpose for this trip was to plead for Kenpachi Gojoshibe. He claimed that Kenpachi Gojoshibe had recognized his mistake and reformed.
Although there was some dereliction of duty, it didn't actually affect anyone.
Whether he was there or not, Kiganjo would eventually die, killed by Kenpachi Zaraki's sword.
In consideration of Kenpachi Gojoshibe protecting the Shinigami who entered Hueco Mundo, he hoped Yoriichi would handle the matter with discretion...
Discretion... this word was used very cleverly.
As if there was a hidden truth within it.
Yoriichi went to see Kenpachi Gojoshibe, and then heard what Kenpachi Gojoshibe believed to be the course of events.
...
Actually, there wasn't much to say.
Kenpachi Gojoshibe did protect those Shinigami, but his attempt to use this mission to escape the Kenpachi position was also undeniable and indisputable.
It can only be said that compared to other Captains, he acted more on emotion.
He did whatever he thought of, completely disregarding the consequences of his actions.
At first glance, he and Kenpachi Zaraki seemed quite similar, but there was a very significant difference between the two.
That is, Kenpachi Zaraki was passionate about fighting, while Kenpachi Gojoshibe only wanted to save his own life and survive.
And it was precisely for this reason that no matter how Kenpachi Gojoshibe defended himself, as long as the purpose of his actions in this incident was still to survive,
Then being imprisoned in the Underground Great Prison was destined to be the final outcome.
Only the length of the sentence would differ.
"Captain Tsugikuni, you must believe me!"
Yoriichi sighed softly, and as he turned, Kenpachi Gojoshibe's cries continued to echo.
"If I hadn't been so cautious, my squad members and I probably wouldn't have survived. Even if there's no merit, there should be some effort!"
"Captain Tsugikuni, I heard you are the most sagacious, I believe you will surely understand my difficulties."
Although he said so, these excuses were ultimately not enough.
If it were the previous Forty-Six Chambers, they would probably have thrown him into Muken without distinguishing right from wrong, as he was a Captain and highly threatening.
Even though it was much fairer now, Kenpachi Gojoshibe's actions were still a first in recent years.
Let's first see what others think.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni left the area, and a few days later, the trial of Kenpachi Gojoshibe officially began.
Given that the offender this time was a Captain, and his actions were quite complex,
And also involved another Captain.
Many Shinigami knew that Yoriichi Tsugikuni was currently the top figure in Seireitei.
And it was precisely for this reason that they paid special attention to Kenpachi Gojoshibe's case, wanting to see what kind of punishment he would receive.
Being found guilty was inevitable.
After all, if even this could be considered innocent, then future Captains could all make the same moves as Kenpachi Gojoshibe to evade responsibility.
If they didn't want to be Captains, they could feign death. In that case, wouldn't the Captain position become a joke?
Even if other Captains could tolerate it, Yamamoto Genryusai couldn't.
The initial verdict was to imprison him in the Maggot's Nest for fifteen hundred years.
Only because many Shinigami pleaded for him.
However.
Kenpachi Gojoshibe was extremely dissatisfied with this verdict.
You know, that was fifteen hundred years!
He was only a little over three hundred years old this year.
This was equivalent to being imprisoned at twenty and only getting out at one hundred... The maximum lifespan of a third-grade spiritual power was around two thousand years.
This was worse than a direct death sentence!
So he protested.
Finally.
Under his strong arguments, the fifteen-hundred-year sentence was completely waived.
It was commuted to serving a thousand years in the Underground Great Prison.
Released after a thousand years, although he wouldn't die, it's just...
He didn't know if this was a loss or a gain.
Kenpachi Gojoshibe himself couldn't tell.
He just assumed he had gained.
After all, fifteen hundred is clearly larger than one thousand.
However, some Shinigami, seeing this, showed helpless expressions in their eyes.
Kenpachi Gojoshibe didn't know, but they understood in their hearts.
The Maggot's Nest was similar to a detention center.
Once inside, if the storm passed, a Captain could bail out the person inside at any time by vouching for them with their own identity.
Just like Mayuri Kurotsuchi, who had once participated in the rebellion.
But... the Underground Great Prison was different.
He didn't know what Kenpachi Gojoshibe was thinking, it was clear someone wanted to help him, but he stubbornly protested and ruined it...
No wonder he looked somewhat unintelligent.
Forget it.
What is destined will be, what is not, cannot be forced.
He didn't seize the opportunity, so he couldn't blame others.
...
...
Hueco Mundo.
Las Noches.
In a laboratory, Aizen listened to recent news from Soul Society. When he heard about Yoriichi Tsugikuni's deeds, the corners of his mouth curved slightly, revealing a hint of a smile:
"Resurrection?"
"How interesting, to be able to pull Shinigami who have been dead for hundreds or thousands of years out of Hell..."
"I wonder if this ability of his has any limitations..."
"Gin, what do you think I should do to deal with him next?"
These seemingly ordinary words reached Ichimaru Gin's ears.
Unlike before, this time Ichimaru Gin faintly sensed some pressure, which made him frown slightly.
However, because his back was turned to Aizen, his expression was not seen by Aizen.
The slight frown appeared for a moment and then vanished without a trace, Ichimaru Gin returned to his usual smile:
"How do you want to deal with him?"
"Using the Hōgyoku?"
"Aizen, with all due respect, I don't think you will succeed."
"Baraggan is already dead, that happened a year ago."
"A year later..."
"To what extent do you think his strength has improved?"
"You and I both know that his rate of improvement cannot be judged from a Shinigami's perspective."
"Even if you have already surpassed Shinigami..."
"You and I may seem free, but in reality, we have become trapped..."
"Heh." Ichimaru Gin's blunt words caused a clear ripple in Aizen's composure.
Trapped, what a ridiculous term, yet Aizen had no way to refute it.
After all, he could indeed only cower in Hueco Mundo.
Hell was Yoriichi Tsugikuni's territory.
Soul Society, in a sense, was also Yoriichi Tsugikuni's territory.
The Human World... going there would be a dead end. Hueco Mundo is boundless, but that doesn't mean the Human World is boundless.
Being in Hueco Mundo, when Yoriichi Tsugikuni attacked, he could at least use the environment to contend with him.
Overall, from any angle of analysis, the situation was as Ichimaru Gin described.
He, Aizen, had no room left for counterattack.
No... there were still some opportunities, which was to equip himself with the Hōgyoku and reach the transcendent state Ichimaru Gin described.
But the problem was that two fists are no match for four hands.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni controlled Hell.
This meant he possessed an infinite supply of troops that could be expended; even if they died, they could be resurrected in Hell and then re-enter the battle.
And he, Aizen, had nothing but the Hōgyoku.
Adjuchas?
They were just useless trash.
There were a few Vasto Lorde before, but they were all killed by Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
There were some outside Las Noches, but Aizen wasn't confident; he clearly knew that this was bait set by Yoriichi Tsugikuni and others.
It would be foolish for him, Aizen, to take the bait.
But if he didn't take the bait...
A faint glimmer flashed in his eyes, Aizen placed his hands on the table in front of the monitor.
He recalled various past events, his gaze fixed on his chest, and his words suddenly became decisive:
"Enough, Gin, give the order. Have all movable Arrancar quickly assemble, bring the Hōgyoku, I want to personally speak with Yoriichi Tsugikuni."
...
Remaining stagnant was undoubtedly a slow death, Aizen firmly believed this.
He seemed to always be moving forward, but compared to Yoriichi Tsugikuni, he was actually constantly retreating.
But he simply couldn't change this situation.
Only because before this, he had never expected the situation to change so quickly.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni now even possessed the great power of resurrection...
This was definitely not within the scope of a Shinigami's abilities!
Hearing this.
Ichimaru Gin couldn't help but be stunned and asked, "Are you going to wage a decisive battle with Soul Society?"
Aizen exhaled and looked back at Ichimaru Gin:
"No, I am just doing what I believe is right at the moment. Our power is far inferior to Soul Society's."
"Even if we include the billions of Hollows in Hueco Mundo, their number is still far less than those Sinners in Hell..."
These words made Ichimaru Gin subtly frown. Why did it sound like Aizen was going to surrender?
It must be a misconception.
After all, Aizen wasn't that kind of person.
However, Aizen was right about one thing: Hell, as an existence even older than Hueco Mundo, was indeed superior to Hueco Mundo in terms of foundation and power.
Although there was a title like King of Hueco Mundo, in reality, whether it was Baraggan or anyone else, it was merely self-proclaimed.
To this, Ichimaru Gin asked again:
"Then are you going to negotiate with Yoriichi Tsugikuni? What will be the content of the negotiations? Will they agree?"
Ichimaru Gin didn't think so, after all, in the eyes of Soul Society's high-ranking officials, Aizen was already infamous.
He almost destroyed Seireitei by using Hollowfication, and also killed all the members of the Forty-Six Chambers.
Having mocked them so openly, if those nobles had any backbone, they couldn't possibly tolerate it.
"They don't need to agree, just do as I say, Gin."
Aizen said unhurriedly,
"The adult world is not as simple as black and white."
"For the Three Realms, I believe they will make the right choice."
Aizen still didn't mention the content of the negotiations, and it was precisely for this reason that Ichimaru Gin always felt something was off.
But as a'subordinate,' he couldn't defy Aizen's orders, so he could only turn and leave the laboratory to try and gather those Arrancar Menos Grande.
After Ichimaru Gin left, Aizen expressionlessly turned around and stared at the several Vasto Lorde on the monitor screen.
He briefly glanced at them.
Immediately after, a Black Cavity opened, and Aizen's figure vanished into it.
...
Inside the Dangai.
Ryūdōji Genryū looked at Aizen, who had suddenly appeared directly opposite him, his expression becoming stern. He cautiously asked,
"Who are you?"
This guy's appearance was too sudden, and he even immediately revealed his identity...
Although their Ryūdōji Clan was also noble, they had disappeared from Soul Society's history for over a thousand years.
Normally, even those veteran Shinigami Captains might not know who he was.
But this young man in front of him knew...
This made Ryūdōji Genryū extremely uneasy.
After all.
His goal was to destroy Soul Society...
This feeling of being seen through and monitored was truly unpleasant.
"You don't need to know who I am. You only need to know that our goals are exactly the same."
Aizen spoke slowly, and under the influence of Kyōka Suigetsu, a different voice entered the ears of others.
"Ryūdōji Genryū, I can give you the opportunity to reclaim Soul Society. Life wandering in the Dangai must have been miserable, right?"
It was fine until he said that. As soon as he did, Ryūdōji Genryū became furious.
He gritted his teeth tightly: "Shinigami, who do you think is to blame for all this?"
"If my grandfather hadn't been ambushed and framed back then, he wouldn't have been exiled by the Forty-Six Chambers."
"Is it not too late to talk about these things now?"
"As long as you're not dead, it's not too late."
Aizen knew that Ryūdōji Genryū wasn't very intelligent. Any family isolated from the world for a thousand years would experience some decline in intelligence.
Precisely because of this, he calmed Ryūdōji Genryū's anger with just a few words.
Aizen continued to speak:
"I know about your research and I am aware of the existence of the soul candy."
"Tell me, where is it?"
Upon hearing the words "soul candy," Ryūdōji Genryū's expression instantly changed:
"How do you know about it? Shinigami, who exactly are you?"
"I already said who I am isn't important."
Aizen casually interrupted his words,
"I heard that the soul candy possesses the power to destroy the Three Realms. If that's the case, it naturally needs to be utilized."
"Also, you haven't answered my question yet."
"Ryūdōji Genryū, do you want to reclaim Soul Society?"
...
Not long after.
"Can this thing really enhance my power?"
Ryūdōji Genryū looked at the Hōgyoku in Aizen's hand, his expression hesitant.
After all, he had been disconnected from the Three Realms for too long, living in the Dangai, his thoughts still stuck a thousand years ago.
Aizen quietly glanced at him:
"You can give up, I understand. After all, this is our first meeting."
"Furthermore, it's not stable, and accidents are inevitable. I can't guarantee that everyone has the determination to fight to the death."
The way he said it made it sound like he was afraid. Ryūdōji Genryū gritted his teeth:
"What a joke! How could I give up? Who do you think I am? I am the patriarch of the Ryūdōji Clan!"
"Even if not for myself, for my clansmen, I must take revenge on Soul Society!"
"My Dark Clan will bathe the Seireitei in blood!"
His spirited voice echoed all around.
"Very good."
Ryūdōji Genryū's resolve greatly satisfied Aizen.
While exploring the Dangai earlier, Aizen had accidentally discovered this group of people.
As one of the few living beings in the Dangai, he had kept them in mind ever since.
After a period of observation, Aizen learned that the power they wielded was different from that of Shinigami.
Precisely because of this.
It held infinite possibilities.
The process of the Hōgyoku bestowing power was very smooth. Ryūdōji Genryū instantly gained ten times his previous strength.
If he was just an ordinary Captain before, he had now barely reached the peak of a Shinigami.
This level of strength might have been sufficient in the past.
But now, it was clearly not enough.
However, combined with the soul candy, it was enough.
Considering troop strength, Aizen also helped the remaining Dark Clan members break through their limits one by one.
Their numbers weren't large, about a hundred. After they gained power, some of them clearly developed ambitions.
Subconsciously, they cast their gaze towards Aizen... and the Hōgyoku in his hand.
Seeing this, Aizen smiled faintly. Then, a massive spiritual pressure enveloped them.
Thud!
Like Mountain pressing down, some instantly turned pale and knelt on the ground.
The ambition in their hearts was like a doused flame, instantly dissipating without a trace.
Aizen looked down at them from above: "Are you all satisfied with your current strength?"
"If you are, then go and bring back the soul candy."
...
The soul candy is the collective memory of all lost souls.
Lost souls refer to those souls lost in the Dangai, including both Shinigami and humans.
Generally, the formation of a soul candy takes a certain amount of time. According to the normal plot development, it would only appear a hundred years later.
After all, it is similar to a Menos Grande; a dominant consciousness must emerge from countless memories for it to gain awareness.
In the plot, the origin of the consciousness named Akane Shizuku is not clear.
However, its power source comes from a Shinigami who wielded the Zanpakuto Mirokumaru a hundred years ago.
That Shinigami got lost in the Dangai, and after his death, his power and memories were acquired by Akane Shizuku.
And now, it is precisely a hundred years before that.
In other words.
The current soul candy has roughly formed, so it is understandable for Aizen to say these words.
Although Ryūdōji Genryū was quite displeased with Aizen's condescending tone, to achieve his own goals, he could only swallow his anger and agree.
Not long after, they found the soul candy in the Dangai.
However, their sudden appearance startled it.
Furthermore, the formation of the Valley of Screams caused unknown effects in the Dangai, leading to some areas connecting with the Human World.
Thus, the soul candy escaped into the Human World.
Considering that the Dark Clan could not openly appear, as the Human World contained Shinigami and Quincy.
Once their existence was detected, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Therefore, after they returned, they embellished the details of the mission and reported it to Aizen.
And claimed that it was truly a crime not due to battle.
The changes in the Dangai were beyond their prediction.
Upon hearing this, Aizen suddenly felt that these guys were truly good for nothing.
Even with their power boosted by the Hōgyoku, they were still so incompetent.
A group of Gillians would be more useful than them.
Although he wanted to scold them severely, Aizen was ultimately not that kind of person. He merely cursed them as useless in his heart and ordered some of the Dark Clan to infiltrate the Human World to search.
The soul candy couldn't escape.
...
...
After Aizen returned to Hueco Mundo, he began to integrate the Arrancar Menos Grande.
He understood that relying solely on these Hollows was far from enough to negotiate with Soul Society.
Precisely because of this, he would utilize the soul candy, attempting to exchange the destruction of the Three Realms for a slim chance of survival.
Staying in Hueco Mundo was tantamount to a slow death. Soul Society's current inaction was probably to ascertain his forces, so as to eliminate him with the lowest possible cost.
Sending those Vasto Lorde to blockade the area around Las Noches was probably also aimed at preventing him from recruiting subordinates.
Aizen's eyes lowered. Thinking of this, he unconsciously clenched his fists slightly. This was the first time in his life he had felt pressure.
Pressure on the grand scheme of things.
On one hand, his own power was far inferior to Yoriichi Tsugikuni; on the other hand, the power of Las Noches was also far behind that of Soul Society.
Having the Hōgyoku but no one to bestow power upon was like guarding a mountain of gold but having nowhere to spend it...
No matter from what angle one analyzed it, Aizen's ultimate fate seemed to be a dead end.
"Three years..."
Aizen muttered to himself,
"From the plan encountering problems to the plan completely collapsing, it only took three years..."
"Could that kid truly be my nemesis?"
This made Aizen truly hard to believe, because three years was simply too short.
Shinigami's concept of time is often measured in decades.
Suddenly shifting from a Shinigami's time perception to a human's...
It was as if one was still very young, but after a single night's sleep, they died of old age.
It was too sudden, he couldn't accept it.
In fact, it wasn't just Aizen who found it hard to accept; Ichimaru Gin also found it hard to accept.
In his opinion, ever since he parted ways with Yoriichi Tsugikuni last time, he had expected to endure decades of undercover life before this mission would end.
For this, he had even prepared himself mentally to be beaten up by Matsumoto Rangiku when he saw her again.
Because decades of unannounced departure were truly a bit much.
And by then, Rangiku would have grown, so being beaten by her wouldn't be a big deal.
But... only a little over a year had passed, and the mission was about to end.
He was certain that if Aizen reached Soul Society, he would inevitably meet a destructive end.
Thinking of this, Ichimaru Gin didn't know what to say. He was both anticipating and worried.
If Aizen was destroyed, would the Shinigami be willing to accept him as an undercover agent when he returned to Soul Society?
The time was too short, the previous rumors hadn't died down yet, and he hadn't played a significant role in this incident either.
Without any merits, this undercover work was truly meaningless...
"Gin."
Just then, Aizen's voice rang in his ear.
Ichimaru Gin snapped back to reality and asked, looking sideways, "What is it?"
As soon as he finished speaking, a letter flew from afar.
Ichimaru Gin reached out and caught it, but hadn't had time to open it yet.
Aizen said again:
"Take this letter to Soul Society. From now on, you are one of them."
"?"
These words made Ichimaru Gin slightly stunned.
He had a bad feeling.
Sure enough.
Aizen briefly explained, and only then did he understand that he was supposed to take this letter to "betray" Aizen.
Ichimaru Gin wasn't sure what was written in the letter, but based on Aizen's words, it was probably something about pledging allegiance...
"You are still young, and I believe the Soul Society will not make things too difficult for you."
"I need you to integrate with them and report some intelligence from the Seireitei to me when appropriate."
"..."
Ichimaru Gin was extremely depressed.
No...
How did I become a spy within a spy?
He needs intelligence from the Seireitei.
What is Aizen trying to do?
Didn't he say he wanted to negotiate?
Also...
Las Noches already doesn't have much power. At this time, instead of recruiting his own people, he's pushing them away... What kind of logic is this?
After his confusion, Ichimaru Gin slightly narrowed his eyes. He always felt that Aizen's action was not simply for developing an inside man.
He couldn't have figured out his true intentions, could he...?
Taking a slight breath, Ichimaru Gin feigned composure and asked:
"Aizen, do you truly think they will accept me?"
"I am a traitor, after all..."