"I was indeed affected by Kyoka Suigetsu's ability before. However, when my strength broke through over two years ago, I awakened a new ability called Dragon's True Eye."
"The Dragon's True Eye can see through all falsehoods, discern the truth and falsehood of all things. So now, Aizen's Kyoka Suigetsu can no longer affect me."
"When Aizen faked his death earlier, I always felt something odd about his 'corpse'. After using the Dragon's True Eye, I discovered 'Aizen's corpse' was completely fake."
"But besides me, no one else noticed. So, I began investigating secretly and finally uncovered the truth."
Toshiro explained to Yamamoto.
Of course, this was just a story Toshiro fabricated for Yamamoto. He couldn't very well say he was a Transmigrator who knew the plot.
Yamamoto had some doubts about Toshiro's explanation, as Toshiro didn't specify how he investigated and uncovered the truth. However, seeing Toshiro unwilling to elaborate, Yamamoto didn't press further.
"So, what is Aizen's purpose behind all this?" Yamamoto asked.
After all, Aizen was a Gotei 13's Captain, at the top of the pyramid in the Soul Society, holding significant power and status. Yet now, instead of being a proper Captain, he chose to betray the Soul Society, faking his death to stir trouble in the shadows. Yamamoto found this rather incomprehensible.
"Aizen's goal is the Hogyoku," Toshiro said.
Yamamoto: "Hogyoku? What's that?"
Hearing Yamamoto's question, Toshiro pulled out a bluish-black orb from his robes.
"This is the Hogyoku Aizen wants. The Hogyoku was accidentally invented by the former 12th Division's Captain, Urahara Kisuke. Because it was too dangerous, Urahara Kisuke hid the Hogyoku within Kuchiki Rukia's soul."
"The reason the Central 46 wanted to execute Kuchiki Rukia using the Sokyoku was to extract the Hogyoku. After checking some materials Urahara left in the Great Spirit Book Archive, I found a method to extract the Hogyoku without harming the soul itself. Then, I found an opportunity to extract the Hogyoku from Rukia's soul."
"Aizen wants the Hogyoku because it can break the limits of a Shinigami, allowing one to evolve to a higher state."
Hearing Toshiro's explanation, Yamamoto couldn't help but look at the Hogyoku in Toshiro's hand with awe.
"So, this is the Hogyoku? To think it can break a Shinigami's limits and allow evolution to a higher state... truly incredible!"
Yamamoto had trained for an unknown number of years yet remained unable to break the Shinigami's limits and reach a higher state. Now, Toshiro told him a so-called Hogyoku could achieve this, leaving Yamamoto with mixed feelings.
"Of course, there isn't just one Hogyoku. Besides this one created by Urahara Kisuke, Aizen also has one he created himself. A single Hogyoku isn't that miraculous. Only when two Hogyoku merge to form a complete Hogyoku can it help a Shinigami break their limits and evolve to a higher level."
"However, even if one gathers two Hogyoku, it's best not to use them. The Hogyoku is too dangerous. Using it to break through could lead to serious consequences." Toshiro's tone carried a hint of regret.
"No need to tell me. I wouldn't seek power through the Hogyoku like Aizen," Yamamoto shook his head.
"Alright. Since you've obtained the Hogyoku, keep it with you for now," Yamamoto said.
Though the Hogyoku's power was miraculous, Yamamoto harbored no covetous thoughts.
Hearing Yamamoto's words, Toshiro put the Hogyoku away again.
After discussing the Hogyoku, Yamamoto said to Toshiro, "Well, since we know Aizen is the mastermind behind all this, let's not waste time. Arrest Aizen immediately, Toshiro."
Since almost everyone in the Soul Society was affected by Kyoka Suigetsu's Complete Hypnosis, Yamamoto could only assign the task of capturing Aizen to Toshiro.
"No, it's not as simple as you think, Genryusai-sensei," Toshiro couldn't help but give a bitter smile.
"Hmm? Didn't you say you awakened a new ability and aren't affected by Kyoka Suigetsu's Complete Hypnosis? Since you're unaffected, with your strength, defeating Aizen and arresting him shouldn't be difficult, right?" Yamamoto asked, puzzled.
"Heh, Genryusai-sensei, you underestimate Aizen's strength. Didn't I tell you earlier? Aizen wants the Hogyoku to break the Shinigami's limits and reach a higher state."
"Breaking the Shinigami's limits... is that something an ordinary Captain-level would consider? Only those like you, and me Genryusai-sensei… whose strength stands at the Shinigami's peak, unable to progress much further through training, would consider such things, right?" Toshiro said wryly.
Yamamoto's expression turned grave. "You're saying Aizen..."
Toshiro nodded. "Yes, that's right. Aizen's strength is on the same level as ours. Perhaps among the three of us, one is slightly stronger, another slightly weaker, but overall, we're on the same level. Defeating him won't be easy."
"Although Kyoka Suigetsu's Complete Hypnosis no longer affects me, and I'm confident I could defeat Aizen in a direct confrontation if I went all out... you should understand the kind of damage a full-power battle between beings of our level would inflict on the Seireitei."
Hearing this, Yamamoto frowned, recalling his battle with Yhwach a thousand years ago.
That battle took place within the Soul Society. The two fought fiercely at full strength. Although Yamamoto ultimately won, the Soul Society suffered severe damage, with countless deaths.
A significant portion died from the aftermath of their battle, which once filled Yamamoto with deep remorse.
"So, I don't intend to fight Aizen at full strength within the Seireitei. Even if I confront him, I plan to launch a surprise attack when he least expects it, aiming for a one-hit kill," Toshiro stated.
"Mhm, that seems wise. Then, tell me your specific plan, Toshiro," Yamamoto agreed.
"My plan is..."