Capítulo 120: Chapter 121: Empathy and Trust
At this moment, Makoto made a conscious effort to immerse himself in sorrow, hoping to resonate with Azashiro on a deeper level.
In just a few breaths, Makoto replayed his interactions with Kujo Taimei countless times, seeking to uncover the goodness and beauty in Kujo and to draw forth his own sorrow.
Finally, the tears began to overflow—unstoppably.
"For hollows, whether it stems from a Shinigami's duty or personal emotion, I too feel an extreme hatred!"
As he uttered these words, Makoto's tears fell even more freely.
But these words… were false.
As a Shinigami, it was true that Makoto harbored hostility towards most hollows. Yet when it came to Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck, a hollow whose beauty ranged from adorable to regal, he found himself utterly incapable of hatred.
Don't ask why Makoto could remember the full name of a hollow—it was purely out of personal interest.
Listening to these words, Azashiro, who had been trudging alone in the darkness of rejection by the world, suddenly felt as if he'd found a kindred spirit—someone who could understand him, even just a little.
As someone who could monitor all of Seireitei, Azashiro was well aware of Makoto's recent attack in Rukongai, even down to the finest details in the reports.
"Makoto… Makoto-kun…" Azashiro murmured.
But before he could break free from the atmosphere Makoto had painstakingly crafted, the latter, eyes brimming with tears yet radiating warmth and resolve, spoke gently.
"Azashiro-kun, while I may not share your extreme perspective, I too, as a pacifist, have often pondered how to fundamentally end the senseless conflict and slaughter between Shinigami and hollows."
"My research into spiritual bodies and spiritual particles has always been driven by the unique abilities of my zanpakuto. If you trust me, I might one day create something that exists independently of hollows, something that can entirely replace their role."
"When that day comes, the hollows will lose all relevance to the world, and that will mark their complete disappearance from history. Until then, I ask you to be patient."
Azashiro's eyes lit up with renewed hope, his expression shifting between awe and gratitude.
In some profound way, Azashiro felt the vast difference in their ideological heights.
Though he was much older than Makoto, at this moment, a strange sense of deja vu washed over him—a memory of his late sister whispering softly:
"Soya, give me some time. I'll fix everything for you. I'll protect you, no matter what…"
But his past weakness and helplessness had left him only with the haunting memory of watching his sister perish at the hands of hollows.
Compared to his extreme desire to annihilate all hollows, Makoto's plans and ideas were undoubtedly far more ingenious.
Yet, entrusting the complete eradication of hollows to Makoto alone felt almost… unfair.
"No!"
Azashiro's single word startled Makoto, whose heart tightened, fearing that his carefully constructed argument had failed.
However, Azashiro, regaining his usual rationality and composure, said firmly, "Makoto-kun, if there's anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to command me. You mustn't bear this burden alone."
Makoto was stunned.
This shift in Azashiro's attitude was undoubtedly a tremendous surprise.
Even though Makoto didn't know how long this persuasion would hold sway over Soya, gaining his strength in this critical moment would make many things far easier.
Without hesitation, Makoto resumed his swift movement towards Fourth Division's barracks, asking Azashiro about Aizen's specific "hollowfication" plans.
Within Seireitei, Azashiro could perceive nearly everything.
Previously, Makoto hadn't fully trusted Urozakuro, and their exchanges of information had been more for amusement than genuine collaboration.
Now, having briefly won over Azashiro, Makoto didn't hesitate to seek his insight.
"Makoto-kun, let Urozakuro assist you from here. Under the seal of Muken, my ability to use my zanpakuto is greatly diminished. Maintaining this projection is almost at its limit," Azashiro said, his spiritual image trailing alongside Makoto.
"Although Aizen Sosuke seems to harbor no overt malice towards you, he is undoubtedly a dangerous man."
With these final words, Azashiro's projection vanished, leaving only Urozakuro in her spectral form.
Oddly, Urozakuro seemed amused and relieved that Azashiro had been persuaded, as she began detailing Aizen's entire hollowfication plan to Makoto.
---
Guided by Urozakuro, Makoto soon located Aizen and Tosen.
"As you can see, Makoto-kun, I've been waiting for you," Aizen said, his warm smile disarmingly sincere, as if greeting a dear friend.
"As expected, you're extraordinarily dangerous. Tell me, was this all your doing?" Makoto asked, pointing his reconstituted zanpakuto at Aizen, his voice sharp and accusatory.
Aizen adjusted his thick, black-framed glasses, his smile unwavering.
Listening to Urozakuro's whispers describing Aizen's subtle reactions, Makoto hesitated momentarily. Then, leveling his blade at Aizen, he demanded, "Why? Why are you doing this?"
Though Makoto's eyes, influenced by Kyoka Suigetsu, saw nothing but empty space, he maintained his composure. Every gesture and expression became a performance, a challenge to his acting skills.
Feeling Unohana's spiritual pressure still steady nearby, Makoto was unhurried. He realized this was the perfect opportunity to stall Aizen—and perhaps even unravel Kyoka Suigetsu's power.
This had always been part of Makoto's plan.
Rather than risking unforeseen deceptions from Kyoka Suigetsu during a critical moment, Makoto had chosen to confront Aizen proactively. By leveraging the element of surprise and exploiting the gaps in knowledge, he aimed to uncover a way to counter this hypnotic zanpakuto.
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