Bleach: The Strongest Shinigami

T/N: I may have made a mistake earlier about them being at the Shinigami Research Institute. Apparently, this story takes place shortly before its creation, since Senjumaru hasn't been promoted yet. I apologize for the translation error.

Anyway, have a good reading!

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What happened?!

Akira's heart raced—had they discovered Aizen's special nature? Had they seen through the evil lurking within this boy? Was he about to be cast into the depths of Hell?

And... Who was this beautiful lady?

"However..." The elegant lady's gaze shifted to Akira, "It seems you're quite special too. Let me introduce myself. I am Senjumaru Shutara, Head of the 12th Division Research Group."

The lady carried herself with grace, her every gesture and smile radiating nobility — quite unlike what one would expect from a researcher.

Upon hearing her introduction, Akira's shock deepened. Though his memories were hazy, certain images remained vivid in his mind.

That woman... Wait!

The elaborate golden hair ornaments, the Zero Division's exclusive white haori, those golden skeletal arms — it all matched perfectly with the image in his memory.

After staring at the lady for nearly a minute, he furrowed his brow.

"Young man, your gaze is quite impolite. Is something amiss with my appearance today?" Senjumaru smiled, her words carrying a hint of reproach but no real blame.

"I just think you look better now." Akira answered honestly, noting that without the elaborate golden ornaments, she seemed more approachable.

Of course, this was only relative. If he remembered correctly, this elegant lady would soon join the Zero Division. Even if she wasn't currently the captain of the 12th Division, her status was equal to any Captain's.

"You're quite the smooth talker, young man. It's a pity I'll be leaving the Seireitei soon, otherwise inviting you to join the 12th Division would have been a nice option."

No matter how many other compliments may fail, sincere praise never misses its mark — no woman can resist it, especially when there's no ill intent behind it.

Senjumaru took a brick-shaped object from the metal counter beside her, silver-white in color and solid in texture.

"This is the Hollow Circuit Detector, used to track the Reiatsu of Hollows that have infiltrated Soul Society. Its use is simple — inject Reiatsu to activate it within the Hollow's range of activity, and it will automatically locate groups of Hollows. Well then, this meeting is concluded."

One moment they were chatting pleasantly, the next she was dismissing them — a classic case of "thanks for coming, now bye bye!"

"Mayuri, see our guests out."

At her words, a figure emerged from the adjacent laboratory, grumbling and cursing. His face, covered in white paint, showed clear anger and dissatisfaction toward his superior.

"Damn it, couldn't you just tell them to get lost? They're disturbing me with such trivial matters when my experiment is at a crucial stage!"

Akira curiously observed the man before him. With his blue pompadour hairstyle, white-painted face, eye patch mask, and ears enclosed in yellow hollow cones — he barely looked human.

Though different from the the weird Shinigami in his memory, his demeanor and appearance already showed glimpses of his future self.

He had thought Kisuke Urahara was Mayuri's senior, but surprisingly, this strange man had been conducting research in the 12th Division even before Kisuke became captain. No wonder he resented him — anyone would be upset having a junior promoted above them.

Seeing the young man standing there lost in thought, Mayuri frowned, his eyes showing a trace of pity. This kid must be an idiot, right?

"Let's go, brat." He said irritably, "How much longer are you planning to stay here? Get out quickly — you're disturbing my research."

At his urging, the two took the Hollow Circuit Detector and left the research facility.

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As they walked along the road to the 32nd District, Akira glanced around to ensure they were alone before whispering.

"Sōsuke, do you think Shutara called you special because she foresaw your betrayal of Soul Society and your descent into evil?"

Aizen gave him a cool glance and replied calmly, "She said the same about you. Perhaps you're destined to walk the same path as me?"

Akira frowned at this, making a "tsk tsk" sound. But he suddenly stopped his brain.

Looking at recent signs... It seemed this possibility couldn't be ruled out!

Could it be... Maybe I should try being a big shot too?

Lost in these troubling thoughts, he continued toward the Rukongai until they reached their destination.

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32nd District, East Rukongai.

Life had returned to normal since the civilian massacre incident. The streets bustled with activity, filled with people going about their daily routines.

Akira and Aizen blended seamlessly into the crowd. In one of the foremost districts, where Shinigami Officers regularly patrolled, two Shin'ō Academy students hardly drew a second glance.

"The target was last seen in the outskirts." Aizen said gravely, "We should spot it after passing through the last street."

Akira took out the brick-shaped Hollow Circuit Detector and injected his Reiatsu. Within moments, red grid lines materialized on its silver surface, displaying a green dot for himself and two red dots marking the Hollows.

He grinned, "This detector works beautifully. Look — it's found them both. Perfect, one Hollow for each of us."

Aizen merely glanced at the device before heading westward, following its guidance.

Since arriving in this district, an unsettling feeling had crept over him. Something lurked on the horizon, something beyond his control. The sensation of fate slipping through his fingers was truly dreadful.

At the outskirts, they found themselves before a dark, deep cave.

"They must be hiding in here." Aizen studied the cave entrance, confirming their location.

"Let's wrap this up and get back for dinner." Though Akira smiled, he wasn't reckless enough to charge straight in.

Instead, he extended his right hand, pointing it toward the cave.

⤫ Bakudō #21: Sekienton ⥤ Red Smoke Escape! ⤬

In an instant, massive amounts of crimson smoke erupted from his palm, billowing into the deep darkness.

⤫ Hadō #?: Akashirai ⥤ Red Cloud of White Lightning ⤬

Through the smoke, crackling electrical arcs danced and leaped, filling the air with piercing screams.

Then, a single spark ignited...

BOOM!!

A deep rumble shook the mountain as intense flames erupted, sending shockwaves through the air with deafening roars. The inferno burst from the narrow cave entrance, scattering into countless droplets of liquid fire that painted the sky in a spectacular display.

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T/N: If you want more chapters like this, check out my Patreon! I'm constantly translating and the difference will keep getting bigger!

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