Capítulo 232: Hollowfication Experiments?
That there were things happening in the Seireitei beyond his knowledge was hardly surprising. After all, this was a real world, not a predictable narrative.
"Apologies, Haruko. It seems the old man has summoned the captains for an emergency meeting. Why don't you entertain yourself with the servants for a while? I'll be back soon."
"Alright."
With a quick apology to his wife, Ailin vanished in a flash of Shunpo, heading towards the 1st Division barracks.
"Oh?"
Arriving at the captains' meeting chamber, he couldn't help but be surprised. Besides Head-Captain Yamamoto, another captain was already present: Mayuri Kurotsuchi of the 12th Division.
Ailin didn't believe for a moment that Kurotsuchi could have arrived before him. It could only mean one thing: This meeting had something to do with the captain of the 12th Division.
"Well, well, if it isn't Captain Kurotsuchi. It's been a while."
"Hmph! If it weren't necessary, I wouldn't be caught dead in the same room as you," Kurotsuchi retorted, his tone laced with disdain. While his strength paled in comparison to Ailin's, he wouldn't yield verbally.
"Really? What a pity. It seems I've ruined your day once again."
Ailin shrugged, unfazed by Kurotsuchi's hostility. He had, after all, thoroughly beaten the man once before. It was understandable that Kurotsuchi wouldn't harbor any fondness for him. However, while Kurotsuchi's strength might not be impressive in Ailin's eyes, he wouldn't underestimate the man.
In a sense, Kurotsuchi's combat style resembled the "Data Kendo" he had taught Rukia. Both relied on gathering intelligence to gain an advantage over their opponents. In this aspect, Kurotsuchi was undoubtedly far ahead of Rukia. He had used his scientific expertise to create a vast database of information, allowing him to anticipate and counter his enemies' moves with ruthless efficiency.
However, Kurotsuchi's weakness was also clear. His reliance on science required preparation. If he faced an opponent whose abilities were unknown, his strength would diminish significantly.
Rukia, on the other hand, with her "Data Kendo," could gather information on the fly, analyzing her opponent's every move and adapting her strategy accordingly. From this perspective, the upper limits of "Data Kendo" surpassed Kurotsuchi's "science."
With a shrug, Ailin took his designated position. The remaining captains arrived shortly thereafter, taking their places around the table.
Bang!
As was customary, Head-Captain Yamamoto struck the floor with his staff before addressing the assembled captains.
"I have summoned you all here today to discuss a most disturbing matter. Last night, Third Seat Miyako Shiba of the 13th Division encountered a large Hollow with the spiritual pressure of a Gillian while on patrol."
"What? A Gillian?!"
Several captains exchanged surprised glances.
"Head-Captain," Isshin Shiba, the captain of the 10th Division, spoke up. While he held the title of head of the Shiba Clan's branch family, the decimation of his family during the incident that had forced them to protect the main family meant he now bore the title in name only. He was the sole survivor. As expendable pawns, the branch family hadn't been privy to the main family's secrets. Therefore, despite his years as a captain, there were many things Isshin still didn't understand.
"Head-Captain, a Gillian is typically several dozen meters tall. If one had entered the Seireitei, I would have sensed it."
"Indeed, Head-Captain," Ailin's clone, maintaining his facade as Sōsuke Aizen, added, adjusting his glasses. "We also haven't received any reports of a Gillian appearing last night…"
He turned to Jūshirō Ukitake, the captain of the 13th Division. "Captain Ukitake, I apologize if our rescue efforts were insufficient during your division's encounter last night. I will ensure that the 5th Division increases its patrol frequency and speed to respond to any future incidents more swiftly."
"No, Captain Aizen, this has nothing to do with the rescue squad…"
While the 11th Division had suffered casualties during the previous night's incident, Ukitake wouldn't blame the 5th Division's lack of response. After all, without prior knowledge of the attack, they couldn't have anticipated it.
He shook his head. "Captain Aizen, everyone, last night, my subordinates encountered a Hollow lurking within the Seireitei. As they pursued it, it revealed the spiritual pressure of a Gillian and the ability to nullify Zanpakutō. Furthermore, this Hollow could control Shinigami, turning them into puppets. My subordinates, unaware of its ability, suffered three casualties."
"What? A Hollow with the spiritual pressure of a Gillian? But is it truly a Gillian then?" Isshin Shiba asked, scratching his head.
"Yes, any Hollow possessing the spiritual pressure of a Gillian is classified as such," Yamamoto explained.
"Ah, I see. I was wondering how a creature that large could have infiltrated the Seireitei undetected. So, it wasn't its size that made it a Gillian, but its spiritual pressure…"
"Indeed. After my subordinates managed to slay the Hollow, I immediately notified Captain Kurotsuchi. It seems he has made some… interesting discoveries. Otherwise, Head-Captain Yamamoto wouldn't have summoned us for an emergency meeting."
"This discovery is indeed quite alarming," Yamamoto said, his gaze fixed on Kurotsuchi. "Captain Kurotsuchi, please enlighten us."
Kurotsuchi, his large, bulging eyes darting around as if about to pop from their sockets, shuffled forward, adjusting his lab coat.
"Captains, due to the nature of the attack used to slay the Hollow, its body had already dissolved into ice crystals by the time I arrived. I was only able to collect some of its reishi particles."
"Oh? Ice crystals?" Isshin Shiba glanced at Ukitake, surprised. "Captain Ukitake, do you have someone in your division who uses an ice-type Zanpakutō? My division also has one. Perhaps they could exchange notes."
"I'll be sure to let her know. If she's interested in meeting Toshiro Hitsugaya, I'll let him know," Ukitake replied with a chuckle, understanding that Isshin was showing off his talented subordinate.
Having learned from Miyako that it was Rukia who had slain the Hollow, Ukitake wasn't surprised. After all, she was Ailin's disciple. Despite her age, her strength was undeniable, surpassing many of the seated officers within his division.
Byakuya, out of concern for Rukia's safety, had requested that he treat her as an ordinary Shinigami to minimize her exposure to danger. However, this didn't mean she was weak. It simply meant that Byakuya, in his overprotective nature, had inadvertently downplayed her abilities.
Ukitake couldn't help but wonder what Isshin's reaction would be upon discovering that the wielder of the ice-type Zanpakutō, like Hitsugaya, was also Ailin's disciple.
"Hmph!"
Kurotsuchi, annoyed at being interrupted, let out a grunt. Once the chatter ceased, he continued.
"Captains, I detected Shinigami reiatsu within the Hollow's reishi. I believe this Hollow was the result of an experiment!" Kurotsuchi's words shocked the assembled captains.
Shinigami reiatsu within a Hollow… An experiment…
He was practically accusing someone of conducting "Hollowfication experiments."
Decades ago, the Seireitei had been rocked by a scandal. The former captain of the 12th Division, Kisuke Urahara, had conducted "Shinigami Hollowfication" experiments, using four captains, three lieutenants, and a vice Kidō chief as his subjects. He was caught red-handed. However, before the Central 46 could pass judgment, the former captain of the 2nd Division, Yoruichi Shihōin, had stormed their chambers, rescuing Urahara and Grand Kidō Chief Tessai Tsukabishi. They had fled to the World of the Living, never to return.
Since then, there had been no further evidence of Hollowfication experiments within the Seireitei.
But now, Kurotsuchi had discovered Shinigami reiatsu within a Hollow that had infiltrated their most heavily guarded territory…
Could someone be conducting new Hollowfication experiments in secret?
"Hollowfication experiments…" Shunsui Kyōraku muttered, his gaze fixed on the tabletop. The moment Kurotsuchi had uttered those words, his instincts had drawn his attention to Sōsuke Aizen of the 5th Division and Ailin of the 11th Division.
Aizen maintained his usual affable smile, his expression unchanged despite the shocking revelation.
Suddenly, Shunsui found himself questioning the sincerity of that smile. It felt… artificial.
As for Ailin, his expression had shifted subtly when Kurotsuchi had mentioned the experiments, as if he was recalling something.
Could this incident be connected to Captain Ailin? Did he know something?
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