บท 185: From Today Onwards, I Am Aizen!
Ailin, with his Zanpakutō secured at his waist, settled before his desk. He rested his hand on the hilt, his eyes fluttering closed as he began the synchronization.
"Synchronization, commence—"
Blue reiatsu tendrils snaked from his clone's hand, reaching towards the Zanpakutō at his waist. Within a few breaths, Ailin and the Zanpakutō became one.
"Sharing growth experiences..."
A whisper escaped his lips as the memories held within the Zanpakutō flooded his mind. This was not a mere replica forged within Unlimited Blade Works, but the genuine Kyōka Suigetsu, once wielded by Sōsuke Aizen himself.
In Unlimited Blade Works, after defeated Aizen and sealed him on the sword hill, Ailin had retrieved his Zanpakutō and entrusted it to his clone. Now, he immersed himself in the memories it contained, absorbing and digesting them until he finally opened his eyes.
"So, that's how far Aizen has gone..."
Kyōka Suigetsu's memories revealed the extent of Aizen's schemes within Hueco Mundo. Despite his reiatsu reaching the limits of a Shinigami thanks to the Hōgyoku, Aizen felt his creation was incomplete. He had successfully achieved "Hollowfication of Shinigami," but the reverse, "Shinigami Hollowfication," remained elusive. This incompleteness, he believed, could potentially hinder his future growth if he were to break through the Shinigami limit with the current Hōgyoku.
Therefore, Aizen had shifted his focus to the Shinigami Hollowfication experiments. Over the years, he had dispatched nearly a hundred Gillian-class Menos Grande with self-awareness into Soul Society, instructing them to attack Shinigami and possess their bodies, hoping to unravel the secrets of Shinigami Hollowfication.
Among these Hollows was a familiar name from Ailin's memory – the 9th Espada, Aaroniero Arruruerie.
However, the results of these experiments had been disappointing. This was the reason Aizen had sought to eliminate Ailin – to remove any obstacles and conduct his experiments on a larger scale.
Kyōka Suigetsu's memories also revealed Aizen's elaborate scheme to frame Ailin. Had everything gone according to plan, Ailin might have been forced to leave the Seireitei, no longer interfering with Aizen's experiments.
But Aizen had overestimated himself and underestimated Ailin.
Ailin's Bankai, Unlimited Blade Works, had transported Aizen to a separate dimension, their battle hidden from the outside world. All of Aizen's carefully laid plans had become useless.
With Kyōka Suigetsu's memories and his own knowledge of the future, Ailin released his grip on the Zanpakutō, a satisfied smile gracing his lips.
From this moment onwards, he was the true mastermind, the enigmatic and charismatic villain, Sōsuke Aizen!
He turned his attention to the intelligence reports on his desk, effortlessly extracting the hidden messages within. These reports were provided by Shinigami who secretly served Aizen, their loyalty the foundation of his plan to hypnotize the entire Gotei 13.
"Oh?"
A report from a noble family's illegitimate child caught Ailin's attention and his eyebrows raised in surprise.
It detailed a group of high-ranking nobles plotting to seize the Shiba clan's ancestral "treasure." They had sent nearly a hundred young women to enroll in the Shin'ō Academy alongside Kaien Shiba, hoping to determine whether he was from the main or branch family.
If Kaien was from a branch family like Isshin Shiba, unaware of the treasure, they would consider it an early investment. Perhaps, in a few centuries, their family would gain a captain-level powerhouse.
However, if Kaien was from the main family, they would locate his residence and eliminate him before he grew too powerful. Then, they would seize the Shiba clan's treasure and establish themselves as the new "Great Noble House."
The report in Ailin's hand revealed that their plan was showing results.
A woman disguised as a Rukongai resident had spent six years studying at the Shin'ō Academy and several more years deliberately getting close to Kaien Shiba after joining the Thirteenth Division. She had successfully established a romantic relationship with him.
Her name was – Miyako.
"Interesting."
Ailin smiled.
From Kyōka Suigetsu's memories, Ailin knew that Aizen, while harboring the ambition to replace the Soul King and secretly accessing the Great Spirit Book Gallery for forbidden knowledge, was primarily interested in the Shiba clan's "Fireworks Cannon" capable of transporting individuals directly to the Soul King Palace.
Ailin suspected that Aizen, having confirmed Kaien's lineage as a member of the main Shiba family, had received information from Miyako about her plan to betray Kaien. He had then dispatched Aaroniero Arruruerie to attack Miyako, hoping to win Kaien's favor.
Aizen would then personally intervene and manipulate Kaien, potentially recruiting him as a powerful subordinate.
However, Aizen might have underestimated Kaien's feelings for Miyako and overestimated his strength after losing control, leading to Kaien's demise at the hands of Aaroniero Arruruerie.
Perhaps it was Kaien's death that caused Aizen to abandon the idea of using the Fireworks Cannon and instead research a method to create the "Royal Key" within the lower realm.
"Miyako, a pawn of the nobles... I'll need to keep an eye on her. Kaien came to the Seireitei and became a Shinigami because of my suggestion. If I have the opportunity, I should warn him.
But if I remember correctly, it was several years after Miyako and Kaien married that Aaroniero Arruruerie attacked. Did Miyako truly fall in love with Kaien and lie about his lineage to protect him...
Or did Kaien hide his true identity from Miyako until years after their marriage? I need to investigate this thoroughly.
After all, the truth will determine how I deal with both Kaien and Miyako... Hmm, according to my conversation with the Soul King's will, I need to create a candidate capable of killing him...
As the creator of the three realms, betrayed by his subordinates and willingly becoming the lynchpin to stabilize the world, suicide is not an option for him. And to kill the Soul King, one needs an existence of equal stature.
Yhwach, with only the power of the Quincy, can destroy parts of the Soul King's body, but he cannot kill him completely.
Only Ichigo Kurosaki, wielding the combined power of Quincy, Fullbring, Hollow, and Shinigami, can truly kill the Soul King.
In other words, the Hollowfication experiments must continue. At the very least, I need to cultivate the 'Vasto Lorde'."
Shaking his head, Ailin contemplated his future plans, solidifying his course of action. Suddenly, he closed the intelligence report and turned his gaze towards the shadows.
"Tōsen, what brings you here?"
The figure kneeling in the shadows was none other than Kaname Tōsen, captain of the Ninth Division.
"Captain Aizen, as you instructed, I have dispatched fourteen Shinigami to remain hidden between the Fifth Division and the Kuchiki Manor. Once the Captain of the Eleventh Division makes his move, we can quickly escalate the situation..."
"Stop it, Tōsen."
"Captain Aizen, why?" Tōsen was confused.
"Are you questioning me, Tōsen?"
"I wouldn't dare."
Tōsen's forehead beaded with cold sweat as he lowered his head in submission. Ailin nodded in satisfaction.
His clone had successfully replaced Aizen. Under the influence of Kyōka Suigetsu, no one would suspect a thing.
However, Tōsen was different. His loyalty to Aizen was genuine.
Therefore, Ailin had to ensure that his reiatsu matched Aizen's perfectly, his tone, actions, and demeanor flawless. Otherwise, Tōsen would instantly realize he was not the man he served.
This, however, posed no challenge for Ailin.
He suppressed his own reiatsu and opened a miniature spatial channel, allowing Aizen's reiatsu to flow from Unlimited Blade Works. Tōsen, unable to see, couldn't distinguish between the real Aizen and the clone.
Or rather, Tōsen would sooner doubt himself than Aizen.
"Tōsen, you must understand that our ambitions extend far beyond the Seireitei. Just now, I reached an understanding with Captain Ailin of the Eleventh Division. We will avoid the Eleventh Division and the Kuchiki family.
In return for our sincerity, Captain Ailin has agreed to turn a blind eye to our actions, as long as we fulfill those two conditions."
"Lord Aizen, could this be a trap?" Tōsen questioned, then quickly apologized for his transgression. "I apologize, Lord Aizen. I overstepped my boundaries."
"No, Tōsen, your suspicions are reasonable. But... this is the way of the nobles, is it not?"
Ailin's words silenced Tōsen. He thought of his friend, her life unjustly taken.
Yes, this was the way of the nobles. They could commit heinous crimes and face no consequences.
The "justice" of the Seireitei had long been tarnished by the influence of the nobles. If not for this injustice, would he have followed Aizen in pursuit of true justice?
"Yes, this is... the way of the nobles..."
"You may leave, Tōsen. Those arrangements can be canceled."
"Yes, Lord Aizen."
"Oh, and one more thing. Please arrange for more 'casualties' among the Shinigami. My experiments have reached a critical stage, and I require more test subjects."
"Yes, Lord Aizen."
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บท 186: Hisana's Sorrow
With the aid of Kyōka Suigetsu, Ailin's clone seamlessly assumed the role of Captain Aizen, his true identity remaining a secret within the Fifth Division.
Meanwhile, the real Ailin found himself in a rather perplexing situation.
"Haruko, I'm fine. It's just an arm, not a big deal," Ailin reassured his wife.
His left arm, now transformed into the clone impersonating Aizen, was irretrievable until the "Sōsuke Aizen" storyline had run its course. This was his agreement with the Soul King.
To maintain appearances, Ailin altered the way he wore his captain's haori, draping it over his shoulders like a cape, similar to Captain-Commander Yamamoto's style. This effectively concealed the absence of his arm from others.
However, as his wife, Haruko Kuchiki could not be deceived.
"How can you be fine when you've lost an arm?" Haruko asked, tearfully. "Ailin-kun, I finally understand... I'm nothing but a burden to you. If you hadn't given me Avalon, you wouldn't have lost your arm."
"Haruko, I haven't lost my arm," Ailin sighed, deciding to reveal a portion of the truth to ease her worries.
"I have merely gambled this left arm on the future. If all goes well, it will return within a hundred years."
Kaien Shiba had joined the Thirteenth Division, his strength and charisma earning him the position of vice-captain. If everything proceeded as expected, he would marry Miyako within a few years.
That meant, in roughly seventy years, Ichigo Kurosaki, the protagonist of the Shinigami world, would arrive in the Seireitei.
However, this future hinged on Ailin's ability to create the "Vasto Lorde" within fifty years.
If he failed, Masaki Kurosaki would never be infected by the Vasto Lorde, Isshin Shiba would not abandon his Shinigami powers, and the storyline of Bleach would crumble.
Ailin had given himself thirty years.
If he couldn't create the Vasto Lorde within that timeframe, he would consider negotiating with Aizen, allowing him to create it while Ailin maintained a non-interference agreement, similar to his arrangement with Tōsen.
But whether Aizen would accept such an offer remained uncertain.
It took Ailin a considerable amount of time to finally comfort Haruko.
However, his statement about "gambling his left arm on the future" spread through the Shinigami Women's Association.
Ordinary Shinigami couldn't fathom how Captain Ailin had lost his arm.
But the captains knew. They remembered the night when the world seemed on the brink of destruction, the night when Captain Ailin unleashed his reiatsu.
Afterward, the crisis subsided, and Captain Ailin emerged with a missing arm.
They speculated that perhaps, on that fateful night, Captain Ailin had sacrificed his left arm to prevent the world's demise.
This realization seemed to bring about a subtle change in the way the other captains regarded Ailin, a newfound respect evident in their interactions.
...
"Ah, ahhhhh..."
Before Ailin, a Shinigami clutched his throat, his body convulsing as a white substance oozed from his mouth, eyes, and nose.
His eyes transformed into black voids, two crimson dots replacing his pupils.
With a guttural roar, the Hollowfied Shinigami lunged towards Ailin.
"Hmm?"
Ailin's eyes gleamed with interest as he observed the Hollow's movements.
He recalled Isshin Shiba's words during his battle with the Vasto Lorde – it felt less like fighting a Hollow and more like battling a Shinigami.
The Hollow before him displayed a rudimentary understanding of swordsmanship.
Could this be the initial form of the "Vasto Lorde"?
Was he truly this talented in research?
However, as Ailin glanced at the incomplete Hōgyoku in his hand, realization dawned.
The Hōgyoku's ability was to manifest the "desires" of those around it.
After defeating Aizen, Ailin had claimed this half-formed Hōgyoku as a trophy.
And naturally, as Ailin frequently carried it, the Hōgyoku had primarily absorbed his desires.
Under the influence of the Hōgyoku's power, the initial form of the Vasto Lorde had been successfully created.
Now, all that remained was to allow the Vasto Lorde to devour more Shinigami, instill within it the "combat instincts" of a Shinigami, and gradually nurture it to reach the level of a Vasto Lorde.
"Heh, what a pleasant surprise."
Ailin effortlessly dispatched the Hollowfied Shinigami, carefully collecting the Vasto Lorde's reishi before departing.
The greatest hurdle had been overcome. Now, it was time for Aizen's performance!
...
"Cough, cough..."
Within the Kuchiki Manor, Byakuya Kuchiki had been absent from the Sixth Division for an extended period.
It was the twelfth year of his marriage to Hisana Kuchiki, and her soul was nearing its end.
Hisana was so frail that even walking a few steps required Byakuya's support. Her coughs were frequent, and the white cloth covering her mouth was stained with blood.
"Hisana, how are you feeling?" Byakuya's face was etched with worry during this period. He now understood why his uncle Ailin had chosen to leave the family.
The conflicting desires to be with his loved one while also distancing himself for her sake were agonizing.
"Byakuya-sama, I'm sorry... It seems I cannot accompany you any longer," Hisana said, offering him a weak smile.
"No, Hisana," Byakuya shook his head.
"Wait here, I'll go find Uncle Ailin."
"With Uncle Ailin here, you'll be alright."
Byakuya helped Hisana to a pavilion in the courtyard, intending to seek Ailin's assistance. However, as he turned to leave, Hisana grabbed his hand.
"There's no need, Byakuya," Hisana shook her head with a smile. "Don't trouble Uncle Ailin. If not for his help all these years, I would have perished four years ago. I am content with the extra four years I've had with you, Byakuya-sama. But please forgive my selfishness. Even with so little time remaining, I wish to have you all to myself..."
"No, Hisana, it is I who have been selfish," Byakuya embraced Hisana and closed his eyes.
Hisana's condition had deteriorated to the point where she could pass away at any moment.
Uncle Ailin had warned him of the consequences of staying with Hisana, yet he had selfishly kept her by his side. Perhaps this was his punishment.
"By the way, Byakuya-sama..."
"I..."
"Fall in love – Void Bandage."
A white bandage materialized between Byakuya and Hisana. A green light enveloped Hisana, her body rapidly healing.
However, as the green light dimmed, Hisana's condition continued to worsen.
Seeing this situation, Ailin maintained the release of Void Bandage.
"Uncle Ailin."
Seeing Ailin, Byakuya felt a surge of hope.
"Byakuya, you see Hisana's condition. Go and prepare what needs to be prepared. I will stabilize her condition and have a few words with her."
"But..."
Byakuya glanced at Hisana, suspended in mid-air and enveloped by the white bandage.
"Go, Byakuya-sama," Hisana said. "With Uncle Ailin here, I will be fine for now."
"Alright, Hisana. Wait for me."
Byakuya nodded at Hisana and left to make arrangements for her funeral.
"Uncle Ailin," Hisana greeted him. "Please forgive me. In my current state, I cannot properly show my respect."
"No need for formalities," Ailin waved his hand dismissively. "In all your years in the Kuchiki family, have you ever seen me care for such meaningless customs?"
"Haha, as Byakuya-sama's wife, my every action reflects upon him. You may not care, Uncle Ailin, but I must not disgrace Byakuya-sama by neglecting proper etiquette."
Ailin nodded slightly. Hisana was right.
Byakuya, as the head of the Kuchiki clan, was a role model for all nobles within the Seireitei, embodying the rules of nobility. Any lapse in etiquette on Hisana's part would indeed tarnish Byakuya's reputation.
"Hisana, I must admit, Byakuya is fortunate to have you as his wife. You have fulfilled your duties as the mistress of the Kuchiki family admirably."
Hisana smiled, a sense of relief washing over her. She had always sensed Ailin's subtle disapproval of her. But to receive his acknowledgment before her death eased a burden from her heart.
"By the way, Hisana," Ailin continued. "This year, a new student named Rukia enrolled in the Shin'ō Academy."
Seeing Hisana's current state, Ailin sighed and decided to share the news.
"What? Rukia?"
As expected, Hisana's expression changed drastically upon hearing the name.
"Uncle Ailin, this Rukia..."
"Yes, she bears a striking resemblance to you," Ailin confirmed.
"I intend to visit the Shin'ō Academy tomorrow and take this child named Rukia as my disciple. I will bring her to live in the Kuchiki family. What do you think?"
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