บท 145: Blades Cleaving the Black Coffin
The truth was, it wasn't that Kisuke Urahara couldn't undo Shinji Hirako and the others' Hollowfication. Rather, Urahara had read Hirako's inner heart and simply stabilized their condition instead of reversing the Hollowfication process.
Although the Hogyoku was created by Kisuke Urahara himself, the current Urahara had no understanding of its true capabilities. He had always assumed the Hogyoku he created could only break the limit of a Shinigami's reiryoku, allowing Hollowfication and mastery over Hollow powers.
Additionally, as a researcher, Urahara likely conducted Hollowfication experiments on some Shinigami prisoners from the Second Division's jail when creating the Hogyoku.
However, he certainly didn't use vice-captain or captain-level combatants as test subjects. In Aizen's eyes, the four captains and four lieutenants were "extremely precious experimental materials." He even thanked Hirako and the others for "providing more research data."
Urahara couldn't deceive himself by claiming disinterest in further studying their condition. Especially when removing the Hogyoku, he admitted having only a "20% chance of healing everyone."
For eight individuals, a 20% chance was surely an understatement from Urahara's cautious personality. He likely had at least a 30-40% chance of reversing their Hollowfication.
Yet the final result was a complete 0% success rate - an utter failure that Ailin refused to believe occurred without the Hogyoku's interference.
Now, Urahara and Yoruichi Shihoin resorted to more extreme methods to help Hirako's group overcome their inner Hollows, allowing normal usage of both Shinigami and Hollow abilities in combat.
"Argh..."
Hiyori Sarugaki, face obscured by a single-horned Hollow mask, let out a roar as immense reiatsu gathered into a red sphere in her mouth.
This was the Cero - an ability only Gillian-class Hollows and above could use as a long-range attack by highly condensing and firing their reiryoku.
Unlike Shinigami who could learn Kido skills, Hollows only gained ranged attacks upon reaching Gillian level and higher by intensely focusing their reiatsu into a blast.
Yet this technique was essential for Hollow survival, no weaker than a Shinigami's Kido.
Moreover, as a Hollow's reiatsu grew stronger, their Cero's speed and power would become truly terrifying.
Boom!
The crimson Cero hurtled swiftly towards Urahara.
"Awaken - Benihime!" Urahara murmured, his Zanpakuto instantly transforming into a sleek crimson blade.
Then he called out its full name, "Sing, Benihime!"
A torrent of crimson reiatsu erupted from Urahara's sword. With a sweep of his arm, a blood-red arc of energy slashed out, bifurcating Hiyori's Cero in two.
Rumble rumble...
The divided Cero blasted past Urahara's sides, carving deep trenches into the ground before detonating against Tessai's defensive barrier with thunderous force.
"Subdue them, Benihime!"
Crimson nets of reiatsu flew from Urahara's swinging blade, swiftly binding the rampaging Hiyori. Not pausing, the nets extended to ensnare the Hollowfied Love Aikawa on the other side.
Yoruichi flickered behind Love, shattering his mask with a single punch to the head.
Boom...
Losing the mask, the redness faded from Love's eyes as his reasoning returned.
"My apologies Yoruichi, I couldn't hold out any longer."
Meanwhile, Urahara stepped up and shattered Hiyori's white mask with the pommel of Benihime.
Crack, crack...
Like Love, Hiyori's sanity was restored.
Witnessing this, Shinji Hirako leaned against a boulder, scoffing, "Well, who was just saying they'd definitely master their Hollow powers this time? So that's how you 'mastered' it, Hiyori..."
"Shut up baldy!"
"Hey, who're you calling baldy? Don't you see how long my hair is now?" Hirako gripped his luxurious locks defiantly as he yelled back.
Indeed, Hirako's silky mane was the envy of many female Shinigami in Soul Society. Some had even put out a bounty to obtain strands of the 5th Division Captain's luscious hair.
Afterwards, Hirako's lieutenant Aizen Sōsuke had snipped off all of Hirako's hair while he slept, claiming that bounty and leaving his captain bald for some time.
Hmm, that was likely Aizen's retaliation after Hirako started trusting Ailin's advice by keeping Aizen by his side during the day.
"Ah, I'm relieved to see you're all doing well."
Just as Hirako and the others were chatting, a voice reached their ears. Everyone turned towards the source to see Ailin's figure gradually materializing before them.
"Captain Ailin Kenpachi of the 11th Division!"
Seeing Ailin, Tessai's mind raced. The fighting within the barrier had temporarily ceased. But if Captain Ailin spread word of their whereabouts, it would bode ill for them all.
After all, at the Central 46 Compound, Tessai had overheard the nobles' judgement against them.
Without hesitation, Tessai dropped the barrier containing Hirako's group and raised his right index finger skyward.
"Bakudō #90 - Kurohitsugi!"
An expanse of blackness rose like a curtain beside Ailin, instantly forming a 7-8 meter tall, 3 meter wide black cubic prism surrounding him.
"Wait, Tessai-san..." It was only then that Urahara's voice reached Tessai's ears.
"Captain Urahara, for everyone's safety, I cannot gamble on Captain Ailin believing us. My apologies."
Tessai continued chanting the Kidō incantation: "Seething cloud, boiling sea... Treacherous currents, sleepless tumults... Iron princess of wrath unparalled, chaos enveloping all. Gather brethren, repel the profane, let the fazeless wither in anguish!"
This was the continuation of a high-level Bakudō incantation!
At advanced levels of Kidō mastery, one could initially release without full incantation. But by not severing the connection and continuing the chant later, the already-cast Kidō could reach its full incantated power.
This technique was often used for high-level Bakudō spells rather than the offensive Hadō. After all, chanting for Hadō would give the enemy too much time to counterattack or evade.
However, the #90 Bakudō Kurohitsugi was an exception.
As long as the target remained trapped without immediately escaping, the caster could complete the full incantation in time, unleashing Kurohitsugi's utmost might.
"Hadō #90 - Kurohitsugi!"
Boom!
As Tessai finished the incantation, the black cubic prism surrounding Ailin pulsed with overwhelming force, causing the surrounding ground to crater inwards from the immense pressure.
Shhhhhh...
Countless cruciform energy blades materialized within the coffin, shredding the space inside into oblivion. Some lances even pierced through the Kurohitsugi's walls.
Facing these blackened blades intent on tearing him apart, Ailin drew his Zanpakutō and swung it forward.
Boom!
...
"How troubling." Kisuke Urahara's heart sank. He never expected Tessai to act so swiftly.
The #90 Kurohitsugi's full power was formidable, yet Urahara had no confidence it could defeat Ailin.
Though wary of Aizen Sōsuke's abilities after tonight, Urahara sensed unfathomable depths to Ailin after their long acquaintance.
Hirako and the others gravely gathered beside Tessai, eyes locked on the ebon prism.
"Be careful everyone, Captain Ailin's power far exceeds your imaginations," warned Kensei gravely, hand on his Zanpakutō. "I once partnered with the captain on a mission where he singlehandedly held off four foes stronger than myself before defeating them all unscathed. Though it diminishes my pride to say so, if we don't steel ourselves before Ailin, he could slay us in an instant."
"Ah? This guy's that strong?" Hiyori scoffed, under the impression Shunsui Kyōraku was the strongest. But even the elder captain likely couldn't instantly defeat them all.
"Don't underestimate him, Hiyori."
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บท 146: The Lesson
Yoruichi Shihōin stood beside Kisuke Urahara, her usual smile fading.
"Don't forget, when Kirio Hikifune was promoted to the Zero Squad, that Zero Squad member who came down from the Soul Palace mentioned they had extended an invitation to Captain Ailin, which he refused."
Hearing Yoruichi's words, Hiyori Sarugaki suddenly recalled the incident.
The mohawked figure who had come to escort Captain Hikifune only spoke with Captain Unohana of the 4th Division, Captain Ailin of the 11th, and Commander-General Yamamoto.
Even Hikifune, who had just passed the Zero Squad's examination, wasn't given much attention by that punk. It was as if the other captains weren't even worth that guy's consideration.
As much as Hiyori didn't want to admit it, she knew Captain Ailin's strength far surpassed Hikifune's substantial power.
Kensei Muguruma glanced at Mashiro Kuna. Without her presence, he couldn't muster the resolve to face Ailin. But for Mashiro's sake... Even against Ailin, he wouldn't cower!
...
"Tch!"
Under everyone's watchful gaze, a Zanpakutō blade pierced through the Black Coffin's wall, then slashed horizontally.
In the next instant, a white flash glinted in their eyes as the top half of the coffin's lid they'd pinned such high hopes on slanted downward from where the brilliance appeared.
Crackle crackle…
Before the coffin's body could fully slide to the ground, it shattered into black fragments.
Boom!
The shockwave from the destruction of the #90 Bakudō swept across the ground, kicking up a layer of debris.
The powerful gale forced Urahara and the others to raise their hands, shielding their eyes from the swirling yellow dust and grit.
"Captain Yoruichi, I know it's been a long time since we last met, but giving me such a grand welcome right after our reunion? I almost couldn't handle it," Ailin said once the dust settled, his robes spotless.
Everyone's grave expressions held tinges of fear upon seeing the unfazed Ailin.
What a terrifying man.
Bakudō above #90 were among the highest-level Kidō spells. More destructive than the Bankai releases of many captains' Zanpakutō. After all, some Zanpakutō specialized in unique abilities rather than sheer destructive force.
While they guessed the #90 Kurohitsugi likely couldn't fatally injure Ailin, to slice through it with a single sword strike was still excessively overpowered.
Keep in mind, this Bakudō utilized a post-incantation chant by the Grand Kidō Chief himself. Could even the Commander-General manage that?
Unbidden, the Shinigami present found themselves comparing Ailin to the "most powerful Shinigami in a millennium" - Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto.
In their hearts, they had already placed Ailin on par with the Commander-General.
"Who are you kidding? 'Almost couldn't handle it' after cleaving the Black Coffin in one strike?" Yoruichi scoffed.
"Heheh, that's why I said 'almost'," Ailin replied, raising his left hand in a 'mini universe' gesture.
"Captain Ailin, did you come here for a specific purpose?" Urahara stepped forward amid the tense atmosphere.
Yoruichi inwardly regretted her actions. When relocating Mashiro and the others earlier, she instinctively brought them to Urahara's underground base, forgetting it was known to Ailin and Byakuya Kuchiki besides just herself and Urahara.
"Well, I saw you folks were in a spot of trouble, so I came to ask if you wanted to call in the favor I owe you?"
Urahara's expression darkened slightly. This guy Ailin... "Very well, I'll cash in one favor to have Ailin keep our presence here secret for a time. How's that?"
"Urahara, you're really underestimating me." Ailin stroked his chin. "But oh well, if you're willing to spend a favor, I'll oblige. Since we're all gathered, let me update you on the current situation."
Ailin then recounted the events from today's captains' meeting to those present.
"Damn it!" Kensei punched a nearby boulder, shattering it into shards.
They never imagined that after centuries of guarding Soul Society, those nobles of Central 46 would sentence them to outright extermination just for being manipulated into their current state.
What did they mean by 'dealing with them as they would Hollows?'
Growing angrier by the second, Kensei let out a furious roar as swaths of white substance emerged across his body.
The turmoil of emotion caused the inner Hollow to overwhelm Kensei's psyche, instantly Hollowfying him.
Shht shht shht...
With blistering speed, Shinji Hirako, Urahara and Yoruichi flickered to Kensei's side, restraining the Hollowfied captain.
Whump!
Yoruichi shattered Kensei's mask with a single punch, the redness fading from his eyes as reason returned.
"Calm down, Kensei," Shinji Hirako said. "In our current state, strong emotions risk our inner Hollows taking over, transforming us into rampaging monsters that could bring disaster to Soul Society..."
As much as he wanted to deny it, he couldn't accept this either... Sensing the turmoil within, Shinji Hirako took several deep breaths to steady his emotions.
Seeing their plight, Ailin spoke somberly, "Urahara, in your condition, it's only a matter of time before you're captured as long as you remain in Soul Society. The Gotei 13 already has four squads searching. This place is hidden but not suited for you to linger. Your best refuge is the World of the Living."
"Yes, we understand that," Urahara replied after the exchange with Ailin convinced the group of his trustworthiness, putting them more at ease.
"But..." Urahara looked at Hirako and the others. "Their situation isn't very optimistic. On one hand, I need to help stabilize their condition, allowing them to overcome their inner Hollows so the Hollowfication side-effects no longer affect them.
On the other, I still need to construct Gigais capable of suppressing their reiatsu, so everyone can hide in the World of the Living undetected from Soul Society."
Urahara sighed. "Juggling both means we need at least twenty days to complete everything before escaping to the Living World. However... Ailin, I need your assistance. Will you help me?"
"Haha..." Ailin walked over and patted Urahara's shoulder. "Urahara, what did you think I came here for? I've been waiting for you to ask. Otherwise, just keeping your hideout secret in exchange for one favor would leave me a bit embarrassed."
In the time that followed, Urahara devoted himself fully to constructing the prototype Gigai. Fortunately, his previous experience creating Haruko's perfectly harmonized soul body helped immensely, allowing rapid progress on the reiatsu-suppressing Gigais.
Meanwhile, Yoruichi became more of a spectator as Ailin took charge.
Once the barrier was established, even if all eight of Shinji Hirako's group Hollowfied simultaneously, Ailin alone could subdue them.
If any showed signs of completely losing control, Ailin would instantly shatter their mask, restoring rationality.
After a few such instances where Hirako's group realized Ailin posed no risk of them going berserk, their worries and fears faded as they focused inwardly on battling their Hollows.
Under these conditions, they steadily gained mastery over Hollowfication.
The first to overcome her inner Hollow, fully commanding the "Hollowfication" ability, was 9th Division Lieutenant Mashiro Kuna!
Successfully harnessing Hollowfication boosted Mashiro's strength considerably. While not yet at captain level, she surpassed many veteran lieutenants.
Moreover, after initially mastering her Hollow powers, Mashiro could maintain Hollowfied state for twenty-four hours - astounding endurance that shocked even Urahara.
Following Mashiro were Shinji Hirako, Kensei Muguruma, Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi, Love Aikawai, Hachigen Ushōda, Lisa Yadomaru and finally Hiyori Sarugaki, each overcoming their inner Hollow to command Hollowfication.
Unfortunately, despite resolving their inner conflicts, Urahara had yet to complete the Gigai, forcing them to wait a few more days before fleeing to the Living World.
"Captain Ailin, what's the situation outside been like recently?" Hirako asked. Free from imminent Hollowfication, their priority became getting payback against Sōsuke Aizen.
"Well, apart from the 8th, 10th, 11th and 13th Division members still searching for you, the biggest hubbub in Soul Society is the captains' selections for the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 12th Divisions.
As you likely know, with only seven captains remaining in the Gotei 13, any lieutenant aspiring to promotion must be recommended by three existing captains and pass the Captain's Proficiency Test witnessed by the Commander-General.
Currently, the 2nd Division's candidate is Vice-Captain Soi Fon. However, since she hasn't achieved Bankai yet, she serves as acting captain until then, whereupon she'll officially become the 2nd Division captain.
Oh, and Yoruichi, Soi Fon's recommendation to become captain didn't come from us, but rather your father, the former 2nd Division Captain, proposed it directly to Commander Yamamoto."
"Soi Fon, huh..." A faint smile crossed Yoruichi's lips at the mention of the girl who shadowed her for so many years. "Soi Fon does deserve to lead the 2nd Division. She's essentially handled its duties for years. Father approving her is only natural. It's just a pity. If I hadn't foisted the division's affairs onto Soi Fon, her talent would have surely allowed Bankai long ago."
A tinge of regret tinged Yoruichi's words. She used to think with her shielding Soi Fon, the latter's strength mattered little.
Who could have foreseen these few days leading to herself and Urahara becoming fugitives from Central 46?
The pressure on Soi Fon would be immense in the coming days.
Yoruichi opened her mouth, as if to ask Ailin to look after the 2nd Division, but knowing Soi Fon's prickly pride, having Ailin 'assist' would only make her bristle at the perceived insult.
"For the 3rd Division captain, I recommended the vice-captain, Gin Ichimaru."
"What? Gin Ichimaru?"
Hearing this, the former captains were shocked.
Hiyori Sarugaki rushed up, jabbing a finger at Ailin. "Captain Ailin, why would you recommend that guy Gin Ichimaru as the 3rd Division captain? You know he's already defected to Aizen - that night, he attacked us alongside Aizen, leaving us in our current state! Why would you still recommend him for captain?"
As Hiyori Sarugaki accusingly pointed at him, the slight smile on Ailin's face vanished.
"Oh no..." Sensing the change in Ailin's demeanor, Yoruichi inwardly cursed.
Sure enough...
Rumble!
An immense spiritual pressure erupted from Ailin, the weight threatening to crush Hiyori Sarugaki where she stood into an abyss. That colossal force felt like shouldering a mountain, her very bones and muscles straining against its inexorable press.
Whump!
In an instant, Hiyori Sarugaki crumpled to her knees before Ailin, the surrounding ground cratering from the intense pressure.
"Captain Ailin, please show restraint!" Shinji Hirako reacted swiftly, interposing himself between the two. But standing before Ailin's overwhelming presence made Hirako understand his true menace.
Pressing his left hand on his face, white substance gathered over his left hand, which he swiftly pulled down to manifest a bone-white mask across his face.
Rumble!
Donning the Hollow mask, Shinji Hirako's spiritual pressure shifted dramatically.
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