LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 174 – An Abnormal Situation
"All Hollowfied Shinigami shall be treated as Hollows and dealt with accordingly. I found no fault in my actions when encountering the Hollowfied Shinigami in the Rukongai this time."
The captains nodded in agreement as they listened to Kaname Tōsen’s explanation.
Indeed, decades ago during the Hollowfication incident, the nobles of the Central 46 had issued such an order.
At that time, if Yoruichi Shihōin, Captain of the Second Division, hadn't stormed into the Central 46 chambers and the Twelfth Division's research tower, rescuing Kisuke Urahara, Tessai Tsukabishi, and the Hollowfied Shinji Hirako and others, they would have truly been "purified."
"That's enough. This matter ends here."
With a resounding thud of his staff, Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto brought the discussion to a close.
"Dismissed!"
Just as the captains prepared to leave, Ailin stepped forward.
"Wait, Captain-Commander."
"Captain Aizen has only explained why Captain Tōsen attempted to kill the Hollowfied Shinigami, but he hasn't addressed why I witnessed that Shinigami Hollowfy before your very eyes." Ailin's words struck a chord within the captains, sending a wave of unease through the room.
They realized they had overlooked a crucial detail – the origin of the Hollowfied Shinigami. If not for Ailin's reminder, they would have forgotten about it entirely.
This, of course, was due to Aizen's subtle manipulation.
After orchestrating the events and ensuring the captains played their assigned roles, he had used Kyōka Suigetsu to create the illusion of his own injuries, making his accusations against Ailin more believable.
The Hollowfied Shinigami, bound by Ailin's Bakudō, had been witnessed by the captains. However, once it became clear that Haruko Kuchiki's survival wasn't due to Urahara's Hollowfication research, Aizen knew his plan to frame Ailin had failed.
Therefore, he discreetly employed Kyōka Suigetsu to alter the captains' perception of the Hollowfied Shinigami, transforming it into a harmless fly in their eyes.
He believed this would cause them to forget about the Hollowfied Shinigami, and even if they remembered later, it wouldn't raise any suspicions.
After all, who would question a captain over a Hollowfied Shinigami that was destined for purification?
However, Ailin's words forced Aizen to dispel the illusion, revealing the Hollowfied Shinigami to the captains once more.
"Captain Ailin, perhaps you were mistaken?" Aizen countered with a gentle smile, his voice laced with innocence. "When we arrived, the Shinigami was already Hollowfied. Surely you wouldn't accuse me of conducting Hollowfication experiments simply because I caused you some trouble, would you?"
Aizen's demeanor and tone were disarming, making it difficult to believe he was the mastermind behind the inhumane experiments. Even some of the captains found his explanation plausible.
"Whether you are the one behind the Hollowfication experiments is a matter only you know," Ailin replied with an unwavering gaze.
"I simply want to inform you, Captain Aizen, that while I don't consider you a worthy opponent, I have added you to my list of those who must be eliminated.
I will allow you time to grow. When you reach a level that piques my interest, I will personally strike you down.
If you wish to prolong your life, maintain your current facade... But if you seek to challenge me, I wish you luck in your endeavors, Aizen... When you have outlived your usefulness, I will come to claim your life!"
With those words, Ailin, ignoring whether Aizen understood his intentions, turned and left the First Division barracks with Haruko by his side.
As they walked away from the barracks, Haruko's grip on Ailin's hand tightened.
"Ailin-kun..."
"What is it, Haruko?"
"It's my fault... If it weren't for me, with Avalon, your strength would be far greater than it is now, wouldn't it?"
Haruko's voice was laced with guilt, her eyes downcast. Ailin realized she blamed herself for holding him back.
He gently ruffled her hair, transforming her neatly styled locks into a tangled mess.
"Haruko, in this world, I can have many weapons, but I only have one you. Don't dwell on the fact that I used a weapon to stabilize your condition. If I could create more, I would do so without hesitation.
Haruko, you must understand that to me, you are far more important than any powerful weapon.
Besides... If I could forge a weapon that surpasses Ryūjin Jakka, I can surely forge another. Haruko, your guilt suggests you believe I'm only capable of creating one Zanpakutō that surpasses Ryūjin Jakka, doesn't it?"
"No, of course not!" Haruko shook her head vigorously, her eyes meeting Ailin's.
"You are the strongest, Ailin. With your abilities, you can undoubtedly create even more weapons that surpass Ryūjin Jakka!" She clenched her fist and held it before him, as if to bolster his confidence.
"That's the spirit." Ailin smiled, pleased to see her regain her composure. He took her hand, and together they continued their walk home.
…
Following the incident where the three newly appointed captains, led by Sōsuke Aizen of the Fifth Division, attempted to frame Ailin, the captains of the Gotei 13 seemed to naturally divide into smaller factions.
Soi Fon of the Second Division and Byakuya Kuchiki of the Sixth Division held particular disdain for Gin Ichimaru, who had betrayed his former mentor, Ailin. Their animosity often led to heated arguments during captain meetings.
Meanwhile, the trio of Aizen, Gin, and Tōsen appeared to have developed a rift due to Aizen's betrayal of Gin. He had falsely claimed that Gin provided information about Ailin conducting Hollowfication experiments.
This created a sense of distrust between them, with Gin occasionally siding with Soi Fon and Byakuya in their arguments against Aizen.
Despite the intensity of their verbal clashes, the captains refrained from seeking personal vengeance outside the First Division's meeting room.
Firstly, as captains, their every action was scrutinized. If two captains were to engage in combat, it would raise questions about whether their subordinates should intervene in a conflict stemming from personal animosity.
Secondly, Captain-Commander Yamamoto had strictly forbidden the use of Bankai within the Seireitei. Any captain caught releasing their Bankai would face severe consequences, ranging from imprisonment in the underground prison to exile and forced service in the Hollow extermination squad.
Under these circumstances, captain meetings became a stage for bickering and posturing, adding a touch of liveliness to the otherwise mundane gatherings.
As long as the captains fulfilled their duties, maintained order within the Seireitei, and refrained from causing destruction through combat, Yamamoto tolerated their arguments and even their occasional playful banter.
However, the incident with the Hollowfied Shinigami remained a thorn in Yamamoto's side. He frequently questioned Soi Fon and Shunsui Kyoraku about the progress of their investigations into the Hollowfication experiments.
Unfortunately, after Aizen ceased his activities, neither the Second Division nor the Eighth Division's intelligence units could uncover any leads. It was as if the perpetrator had vanished without a trace.
This lack of progress only deepened Yamamoto's concerns. The inability of two divisions specializing in intelligence gathering to find any clues suggested the involvement of powerful individuals, perhaps even those with ties to ancient noble families.
Despite the hidden threat, Yamamoto remained confident in his own strength. He believed that those responsible were hiding in the shadows because they feared his wrath should they be exposed.
Furthermore, he had Ailin by his side.
Yamamoto glanced at Ailin, who was stifling a yawn. The young captain had matured into a formidable force, a valuable ally with no apparent ambition for power.
Boom!
Suddenly, amidst the captains' bickering within the First Division barracks, a surge of powerful reiatsu erupted from the Eleventh Division.
"Hmm?"
"This reiatsu... it's strange?"
"And quite powerful. Which captain has defied the old man's orders and released their Bankai within the Seireitei?"
Shunsui Kyoraku turned to Ailin with a puzzled expression. He directed his question towards Ailin because, aside from the First Division, only the Eleventh Division currently had members capable of achieving Bankai.
Moreover, the source of the reiatsu was clearly the Eleventh Division.
"Don't look at me. I haven't set foot in the Eleventh Division for decades. I have no idea what's going on," Ailin shrugged in response to Kyoraku's inquiry.
"However, this reiatsu doesn't belong to Kiganjō. Could it be that another Shinigami within the Eleventh Division has achieved Bankai?"
As if to answer Ailin's question, a second surge of powerful reiatsu erupted, this time clashing with the first.
It was clear that a battle had commenced.
"Hmph!" Yamamoto, sensing the commotion emanating from the Eleventh Division, let out a grunt of disapproval.
"Captain Ailin, this disturbance originates from your Eleventh Division. I expect you to investigate the matter promptly. And apprehend the individual who dared to release their Bankai within the Seireitei."
"Yes, Captain-Commander."
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