"That's right. The stage is already set. I originally planned to rest for two days—but you dragged me out," Tsuna said honestly.
"My apologies, Mr. Sawada," Ukitake said. He believed their intrusion into Central 46 had disturbed Tsuna's rest.
"It's fine. Just a small favor," Tsuna replied.
"But… in these two days, will Aizen take further action?" Kyōraku asked, concerned that Aizen might continue manipulating Shinigami to harm others.
"There's nothing to worry about," Tsuna said calmly. "Aizen has already achieved most of his goals. As long as you don't provoke Central 46, he won't make any drastic moves."
"Mr. Sawada, could you help us organize Aizen's entire plan once more?" Ukitake asked.
Tsuna nodded.
"It's not a secret anyway."
"Aizen's ultimate goal is to obtain something Urahara hid inside Rukia. To do that, he needs the power of the Sōkyoku. At the same time, it serves as the stage where he'll reveal himself."
"First, he seized control of Central 46—allowing him to freely alter all assignments within the Seireitei."
Kyōraku and Ukitake clenched their fists.
Aizen had started this long ago… and no one noticed.
"Then, using that authority, he sent Rukia to the Human World—where she would meet us and commit an unforgivable offense."
"Using that as leverage, he escalated her punishment to execution by the Sōkyoku. The delay in execution was to give us time."
"Once we Ryoka entered the Seireitei, he accelerated the execution schedule—forcing chaos. At the same time, he faked his death and moved into the shadows."
"As for why he lured us here… most likely to weaken the Gotei 13."
Tsuna paused, slightly awkward.
"…And, well, we did exactly that."
To be fair, the Seireitei had picked most of those fights—but still.
"In summary: Rukia's execution is set, the Gotei 13 has been severely weakened, and the stage for his grand appearance is complete. I don't see any reason for Aizen to act further. Just wait."
"A grand performance before the masses… what a confident—and arrogant—genius," Ukitake muttered.
The image of the gentle Aizen in his mind had completely shattered.
"Two days… and we still have no way to counter Kyōka Suigetsu…" Kyōraku said quietly.
"Captain Kyōraku," Unohana stepped forward, eyes narrowed. "Surely Mr. Sawada and his group will be present in two days?"
"Aizen's goal is Urahara Kisuke's creation. They won't just stand by and let him succeed… will they, Sawada Tsunayoshi?"
Behind her gentle smile burned an intense fighting spirit.
Tsuna immediately regretted coming to Squad 4.
"…That's right," he said stiffly. "Rukia and Urahara are our friends. We'll be there."
Kyōraku and Ukitake exchanged a glance.
People immune to Kyōka Suigetsu—and each with lieutenant-level strength or higher—
They were crucial.
Both captains bowed deeply.
"We leave it to you, Mr. Sawada Tsunayoshi."
Tsuna was caught off guard.
"Uh… Soul Society is yours to protect," he said awkwardly.
"Don't worry, Tsunayoshi-kun—we'll give it everything we've got," Kyōraku said, returning to his usual laid-back tone.
"Captain Unohana," Ukitake asked, "have the captains' injuries fully recovered?"
"The external injuries have been treated," Unohana replied. "But full recovery will take time. If you want immediate results… I could use my Bank—"
"No need! That's quite enough, Captain Unohana!" Kyōraku interrupted instantly.
Her Bankai, Minazuki, could heal instantly—
But it also awakened her battle instincts.
Using it for healing often caused more damage than it fixed.
"Captain Ukitake," Tsuna said, "could you gather all the injured captains?"
"Do you have something to advise us on?" Ukitake asked.
"No. Most of your injuries were caused by us Ryoka. I want to see if I can… compensate a little. Help speed up your recovery."
"Oh? You're skilled in Kaidō as well?" Kyōraku asked.
"I remember now," Unohana said. "After you and Lieutenant Abarai snuck into the storage room, he recovered quickly. That was your doing, wasn't it?"
"…Captain Unohana, could you phrase that more normally?" Tsuna said helplessly. "That was just treatment."
"I would very much like to see this ability of yours," Unohana smiled. "I'll prepare a quiet room."
"I'll notify the other captains," Kyōraku said. "A simple Tenteikūra will do."
"Wait," Tsuna said quickly. "Don't notify Squad 3 and Squad 9."
"Why?" Ukitake asked.
Kyōraku's expression darkened.
"Squad 3… Squad 9… are they traitors?"
Unohana stopped walking.
Ukitake was shocked.
"Shunsui! That's a serious accusation!"
Kyōraku ignored him and stared at Tsuna.
"…Am I right?"
"Traitor is your word, not mine," Tsuna replied. "I'd say they're still good people—just… temporarily on the wrong path."
In Tsuna's view, the Bleach world didn't have many truly evil people.
As long as someone didn't interfere with his life, he wouldn't interfere with theirs.
Even Aizen—
His goal didn't affect Tsuna's life in the Human World.
So Tsuna had no intention of stopping him prematurely.
The same applied to Ichimaru Gin and Tōsen Kaname.
Gin wanted what Aizen held—part of Rangiku's soul.
Tōsen sought to purge the corruption of Soul Society's nobles.
From Soul Society's perspective, they were undeniably traitors.
But to Tsuna—
They weren't simply "evil."
Kyōraku understood.
Different perspectives.
But regardless—
Squad 3 and Squad 9 could not be informed.
He left with a heavy expression to gather the others.
Ukitake accompanied Tsuna to the prepared room, while Unohana had Hitsugaya and Komamura brought in—both recently awakened.
Ginjō and Tsukishima stayed outside, waiting.
The moment Komamura entered, his anger flared.
Being trapped in an illusion for days was no small ordeal.
"Ryoka! Why are you here? Captain Ukitake, follow the Head Captain's orders and arrest them!"
Seeing Ukitake calmly drinking tea only made him angrier.
"Captain Komamura," Ukitake said gently, "Mr. Sawada is not an enemy. He's here to help heal your injuries."
"Him?" Komamura clearly held a grudge.
After all—he had been knocked out in two encounters.
"Hey now, don't be like that," Tsuna said casually, patting his shoulder. "Things were urgent back then. No hard feelings."
Tsuna genuinely respected people like Komamura—those who embodied loyalty.
"Please… I'm counting on you," Hitsugaya said weakly.
Having fought Tsuna twice, he knew Tsuna bore no ill intent.
Seeing Hitsugaya's attitude—and Tsuna's demeanor—
Komamura finally eased slightly.
He said nothing more and simply sat in a corner, calming his still-aching mind.
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