Bleach [127-128]

Chapter 127: Szayelaporro's Perfect Life Trajectory.

Yoshio was getting a bit anxious. Jūshirō Ukitake's Souls Ability was still very useful—he couldn't just let it vanish, right? No! He couldn't let Ukitake retire just like that! Or rather, he needed to raise Ukitake's favorability to 80 before he retired!

Yoshio checked: Ukitake's favorability toward him was currently 72, not bad at all. But the higher it gets, the harder each point becomes. Among the old fossil, Ukitake was already one of the easier ones to raise. As for Kyōraku Shunsui, that guy was stuck at 59!

Yoshio was speechless about him. Why was it so hard to raise? Shouldn't human relationships at least include some goodwill? They often drank together—shouldn't even casual drinking buddies hit 60? Yet Shunsui's progress bar didn't budge.

Yoshio had basically given up and decided not to care about Shunsui's favorability anymore. But the sunk cost was too high—being just one point shy of 60 made him hesitate. When you've invested too much, it's easy to get trapped.

Compared to Shunsui, Ukitake was much better.

I need a plan!

Whatever he was thinking inside, Yoshio kept a curious expression on his face. He really wanted to see what Ginjō Kūgo's Souls Ability would be. Maybe he could use this to improve Ukitake's favorability via Ginjō.

"Ginjō should arrive around noon," Ukitake said softly. "You haven't come by lately—how are things on Captain Aizen's side?"

"I told Captain Aizen yesterday. He said pushing my morning work to the evening is fine." Yoshio's face showed no frustration—because Hinamori would shoulder his delayed work. After he'd taught Hinamori Bankai for so long, wasn't it only fair she helped with some paperwork?

Ukitake didn't know this and thought Yoshio was a responsible officer, praising him. "Will you really do that postponed work?"

Just then, Hitsugaya appeared at the doorway with a trace of disdain. "Wow, are you just following trends?" Yoshio turned and replied in kind, "Wherever I go, you go too!!"

"Please, look at where we are: this is the Thirteenth Division. I'm the Thirteenth's lieutenant. Me being here is normal. You're the one stalking me." Hitsugaya sighed.

Yoshio raised a brow; it did look that way, but he wasn't going to admit it. He changed the subject, glanced around, and asked again, "Captain Ukitake, are you really planning to pass the captaincy to this kid?"

It hadn't been said aloud, but anyone could tell. Ukitake smiled, "I originally wanted to pass it to Kaien, but he was still a bit green—I planned to wait until he learned Bankai. I didn't expect what happened. Toushirō is a genius. Since he's grasped Bankai, he naturally qualifies as captain. And with my health as it is, retiring early and passing the baton to someone younger is appropriate."

He exhaled slightly. "I can finally enjoy retirement."

His resolve to retire was firm. Ukitake's health was weak; if there'd been someone to succeed him in the original story, they wouldn't have made a chronically ill fighter keep serving as captain. The Gotei 13 was indeed 'short on talent.'

Over the past millennium, nothing major had happened in Soul Society; without the pressure of war, geniuses don't just pop up. Since he couldn't stop Ukitake from retiring, he'd have to consider other options.

Eliminate Tōshirō Hitsugaya! Ahem, kidding. But eliminating him would indeed force Ukitake to remain captain of the Thirteenth.

Yoshio shot a mischievous glance at Hitsugaya, who was reporting to Ukitake. Then Yoshio excused himself. He wasn't returning to the Fifth Division—he loitered near the Thirteenth, waiting for Ginjō.

Ukitake had said noon, but it wasn't that long.

Around 10 a.m., he arrived. Ginjō Kūgo was now recognized by Seireitei as a Shinigami. Wearing a uniform with a Zanpakutō at his waist, he looked sunny and bright.

Yoshio didn't care about his face or identity—he only cared about Ginjō's Souls Ability.

Lesser Auswählen: Can absorb others' power and distribute it to himself or others.

As expected… Ginjō was called "Lesser Yhwach," so his Souls Ability was naturally a lesser Auswählen. In the original, Ginjō absorbed Kurosaki Ichigo's power and distributed it to other Fullbringers—indeed, a sub-Auswählen.

However, he could only take power, not life, and couldn't snatch it by force—either the other party consented, or they had to be beaten into helplessness.

When Yoshio looked over, Ginjō was also looking at him. "Weird—you're not a Thirteenth Division Shinigami, are you?" Ginjō asked curiously. He was still defenseless toward Shinigami.

"How did you tell?"

"I'm pretty sensitive to power," Ginjō scratched his head. "I've seen the Thirteenth's captain, lieutenant, and third seat. You're not them. But your spiritual pressure is strong, so you're probably not from the Thirteenth. Also, Shinigami don't usually carry swords unless they're captain or lieutenant class, right?"

"That's true." Yoshio chuckled. He leaned against the Thirteenth's gate, one foot bent against the wall. "I'm the Fifth Division lieutenant, Yoshio Kamado. I heard about you from Hitsugaya and came to take a look."

"Hello, I'm Ginjō Kūgo." Ginjō approached and extended his hand. Yoshio was a bit surprised—Ginjō being this approachable explained how he became a Substitute Shinigami before Ichigo. They shook hands.

"Go on—Captain Ukitake's waiting."

Ginjō nodded and entered the Thirteenth.

At this time, Ginjō was both famous and not. To lieutenants like Yoshio—everyone knew of Substitute Shinigami Ginjō Kūgo. But among regular Shinigami, few cared who Ginjo was.

Seeing someone in a uniform enter, they assumed he was a Shinigami from another squad seeing Ukitake.

Yoshio had made contact—enough. No need to be too warm; he'd appear when things turned deadly. With that, he returned to the Fifth Division.

…

"Did you see Ginjō Kūgo?" In the captain's office, Aizen asked without looking up from his paperwork.

"Yeah," Yoshio nodded. "Seems interesting."

"A child of a Shinigami and a human. Such a technique… ordinary people can't master it." Aizen set his papers aside, sat upright, and looked at Yoshio.

Yoshio understood. "You mean… Kisuke Urahara?"

"Perhaps," Aizen didn't confirm. He adjusted his glasses. "But don't expect to find Kisuke through him. If that man wants to hide, he's not easy to find."

"True."

"But…" Aizen smirked. "I can confirm he's still in Karakura Town."

"The safest place is often the most dangerous, huh?" Yoshio smiled. "By the way, another powerful Vasto Lorde arrived at Las Noches. Captain Aizen, want to take a look?"

"For that sort of thing…" Aizen said blandly, "You handle it. You're the leader of the Espada."

"Understood."

Yoshio had received word from Roka Paramia: a Vasto Lorde had arrived at Las Noches. He planned to check it out tonight. He wondered if Aizen would use the Hōgyoku to make him an Arrancar. But Aizen—the ruthless man—seemed to have lost interest in Hollows!

Since the Quincy incident, Aizen seldom returned to Hueco Mundo and often stayed in the lab. What was he researching?

If Urahara had figured out how to reach the Wandenreich, Aizen likely had too. And being in Seireitei, Aizen could probably reach it more easily than Urahara in the human world…

Wait. Damn… Could Aizen have already been to the Wandenreich?! If so, what was he researching now… Quincy?

The thought startled Yoshio. He left Aizen's office, still mulling it over. Aizen's main research in the story was Shinigami and Hollow—his future apotheosis also used those powers, just far beyond Visoreds and Arrancar. But if he added Quincy…

If Aizen fully researched it, what would he create next? Yoshio was curious about the future, but he hoped Aizen's Souls Ability wouldn't change because of Yoshio's meddling. No signs yet—but what if? He had coveted Aizen's Souls Ability, Apotheosis, for a long time. Just seeing it, it was clearly among the strongest.

Yoshio sighed, sat in his office, and began a draft. Don't think he wrote for years; his series was monthly—write three months, rest one—so only nine chapters a year. He had just finished Summit War arc. He wrapped up the manuscript by the end of the day.

He rushed out of the Fifth Division, making the squad members awkward. He had plans to drink with Rangiku tonight; Shuhei and Iba would join. Though he'd permanently obtained all four of their Souls Abilities, after seeing that Souls Abilities could change, he was hoping for a surprise from them. Even if there were no changes, pushing favorability to 90 early wouldn't hurt. Besides, Yoshio was a boozehound—he never refused a drinking invite.

While drinking, the topic shifted naturally to the Substitute Shinigami. Shuhei brought news. After a few bottles, flushed and tipsy, Shuhei said, "I went to interview the Tsunayashiro Clan's post-disaster reconstruction today and overheard something. Seems they're quite interested in the Substitute Shinigami."

Yoshio perked up. Rangiku took another sip, cheeks rosy. "You interviewed the Tsunayashiro Clan? That's not like you! Why nobles?"

"Captain's orders," Shuhei grimaced. "Otherwise, you think I'd want to go?"

"Captain Tōsen… why would he have you do that?" Iba—least drunk of the four—asked, surprised.

"Who knows?" Shuhei shook his head.

The three didn't know, but Yoshio could guess some of Tōsen Kaname's thoughts. Tōsen had hated the Tsunayashiro Clan to the bone. Now only a few remained, and a living Tsunayashiro was no good Tsunayashiro. Was Tōsen checking their present state? Whether the family risked a resurgence?

"So what did they say? Why are they interested in the Substitute?" Yoshio asked.

"Normally not much. Even if it's novel in Soul Society, the Tsunayashiro have stood at the top for so long—what haven't they seen? Ginjō Kūgo is just a human who luckily obtained Shinigami power. Why would they care?"

"Who knows?" Shuhei rolled his eyes. "I only overheard them. I can't just walk over and ask, right? That'd be 'gross disrespect.'"

"You're being ridiculous—you know nothing then." Yoshio clicked his tongue. Regardless, it was good: it meant the Tsunayashiro had noticed Ginjō's group in the human world. Once Ginjō gathered enough people, the family would act. Their move should be faster than in the original…

After all, there were only a few left now, their family foundation had been seized by Yoshio, and they were desperate to regain strength. In that case, he'd monitor Ginjō constantly and rush over at the first sign of trouble!

After eating and drinking their fill, they went home.

… 

Back home, Yoshio lay down for a bit, then sat up, rubbed his temples, entered Hollowfication, opened a Garganta, and stepped into Las Noches.

He didn't head out immediately—he went to the lab. Over the years, he'd made some small achievements inspired by Mayuri's biotech, creating surveillance bugs. Less than a centimeter in size, once attached, they transmitted real-time images to a central hub. He planned to plant one on Ginjō.

You couldn't plant such a bug on someone with keen perception or immense pressure—but now, Ginjō's perception and pressure were high. So using this to monitor him was fine. In fact, he was researching a more advanced method: using Roka Paramia's Telaraña to create nano-spirit insects that parasitize the web. Only a few dozen nanometers in size, hidden in Telaraña, they'd never be found. This was inspired by Kenpachi Azashiron's ability.

Kenpachi Azashiron, the Eighth Kenpachi—his Bankai fused with Seireitei's reishi, making almost the entire Seireitei his body. Roka's Telaraña was inspired by Kenpachi Azashiron and modified by Szayelaporro. With proper use, Yoshio could similarly monitor an area unnoticed.

His plan: make a hundred thousand nano-bugs to drift through Karakura Town, forming a vast surveillance network so nothing escapes his eyes. Karakura would be a forward base; he'd expand to surrounding cities, then Soul Society and Hueco Mundo. As for the Wandenreich… better not, for now—he didn't know it well enough.

He called this conceptual network "Skynet."

He took a bug from the bench, wore it, and left. He went next door—on the left, Starrk and Lilynette shared a room; on the right, Dark Rukia's. Dark Rukia hadn't been in Las Noches recently, wandering Hueco Mundo like a true Hollow. But she was struggling to persist. Though the soul body bearing Dark Rukia was post-Bankai and powered by Yoshio's pressure, people couldn't remain as soul bodies indefinitely. At the current rate, Dark Rukia should last at least a year.

He wanted to ask about Rukia's Souls Ability change. He knocked—no response. But the left door opened; Lilynette burst out shouting, "Idiot Yoshio! We're all here!"

"Rukia too?"

"Yes!"

Inside Starrk and Lilynette's room, not only Dark Rukia, but Szayelaporro was present. "Oh, all of you?" Yoshio greeted. "What's up, an event?"

Dark Rukia said coolly, "I guessed you'd come tonight, so Szayelaporro said he had something to tell you."

Yoshio wasn't surprised—they'd guess he'd return to see the new Vasto Lorde Roka had reported. As Espada leader, he had to check. He turned to Szayelaporro, "What is it you want me to do?"

Szayelaporro pushed his glasses and said something shocking: "I want Starrk to kill me."

Yoshio frowned. He knew Szayelaporro had grown weary of life and wanted death. "Go on."

"You know my ability, 'Gabriel,' parasitizes a host, absorbs nutrients, then hatches, granting 'immortality,' right?"

"Of course."

"But as you said, that alone isn't 'perfect.' What is perfection? In your work 'Stone Mask,' the final boss is Kars. In your setting, he's an ancient Vasto Lorde. He used the Ajah Stone and Stone Mask to become the 'ultimate life form,' encompassing all beings and abilities."

"Stone Mask"… that is, JoJo.

Yoshio only wrote up to Part 2, then stopped. After all, it was a dumpling wrapped in Ajah Stone.

At release, the Ōmaeda family piggybacked, launching 'Ajah Stone' and making a fortune. Yoshio and the Ōmaeda family also made bank. He'd even gifted Lilynette a physical copy; no idea if she read it, but Szayelaporro certainly had.

"So you're inspired?"

"Exactly. I improved 'Gabriel.' Besides parasitizing, absorbing nutrients, and hatching for rebirth, it can now absorb the target's ability!"

A fervor came over Szayelaporro's face.

"So if Starrk kills me, I can gain his 'Infinite Cero'!"

Yoshio looked at the expressionless Starrk.

"But you said you'd absorb nutrients and hatch inside the host—that would affect Starrk, right?" Also… honestly, it was disgusting. Parasite and hatch—too twisted!

Szayelaporro nodded.

"That's why I need Rukia's power. Her essence is 'cutting.' When I initiate parasitism, if Rukia can instantly cut me out of Starrk, the impact on him will be minimal."

So that's his plan. Yoshio smiled.

"You want me to bring Rukia's true body?"

Dark Rukia said, "At least, with my current form, I can't do it."

She was just a soul body—no way she could cut something out of a veteran Vasto Lorde like Starrk, even if he lowered his guard.

"Your target isn't just Starrk, is it?"

Yoshio looked back to Szayelaporro. "Of course—all Espada… no, every Hollow in Las Noches is my target!"

A hint of madness flickered, then he calmed it down.

"It won't be quick. Because I'll be separated before absorbing much, I'll have to 'revive' on my own strength and then digest and fuse the extracted alien soul essences. That'll take time. My goal is to fuse the Espada's abilities over the coming decades."

"This was enabled by the Soul Fluid I gave you, wasn't it?" Yoshio had collected the fluid spilled when Aaroniero died and traded some to Szayelaporro, keeping some as prime research material. His devouring method resembled Hollows somewhat.

"Precisely," Szayelaporro said without concealment. "If you need, I can give you the data."

"No problem," Yoshio said. "I don't object—but you cannot force anyone. Make a deal and get consent. If they refuse, you don't do it."

Also, most Espada were men! Were they all going to be "male moms" now?

A chill ran down Yoshio's spine. He looked at Dark Rukia. She snapped, "What are you staring at me for? I didn't say I'd hatch this guy!"

"Good." Yoshio exhaled. "If you did, I couldn't explain it to Rukia."

"Why does it sound like you regret it a little?" Dark Rukia narrowed her eyes.

"Not at all—you're overthinking." Yoshio turned to Starrk. "What did he promise you to make you agree?"

"To help complete his Segunda Etapa." Before Starrk spoke, Szayelaporro cut in, a bit arrogant. "Though Captain Aizen opened the door for Starrk, he's far from completion. And I'm confident I can help him fully achieve it."

"You?" Yoshio eyed him suspiciously. "You haven't even initiated Segunda Etapa—how will you help Starrk?"

"For me, activating Segunda Etapa is trivial," Szayelaporro sneered. "Especially with Miss Rukia cooperating in my research—I've discovered a new possibility for Hollows through her!"

Yoshio glanced at Dark Rukia. Who knew what they'd been working on. As a fellow scientist, he recognized something: Dark Rukia was unique—her very birth was a Hōgyoku miracle. She inherited the essence of Hollow White, a Hollow forged from a Shinigami's soul…

Now, Rukia was Shinigami, and Dark Rukia was a Hollow formed from a Shinigami's soul. So Rukia was her true body—in Resurrection, she would take Rukia's form. They still differed now—mainly hair and eye color. After Resurrection, she'd truly become like Rukia; the colors would return. A Hollow like this was unprecedented.

Though only a soul body was present in Las Noches, it contained infinite mysteries.

"So… what did he offer you?" Yoshio looked oddly at Dark Rukia.

She shrugged. "Haven't decided. I'll say when I do."

"Alright." Yoshio walked up and patted her shoulder seriously. "We'll talk privately later. By the way—the new Vasto Lorde? Where is he? I'll take a look."

"You mean Ulquiorra?" Szayelaporro said coolly. "He's in a special phase."

As expected—Ulquiorra…

"What special phase?"

"When he arrived at Las Noches, he was already 'half-Arrancar,' so I taught him how to complete it."

"Interesting—another Arrancar," Yoshio smiled. "Since meeting you and Starrk, more and more Hollows are self-organizing in Hueco Mundo."

"Only Starrk can complete it alone," Szayelaporro said. "I used the soul crystals you provided, and Ulquiorra had my help. As for Rukia, I don't consider her an Arrancar."

Of course—how could a Hollow who never wore a mask be called an Arrancar?!

"No…" Starrk closed his eyes. "Besides me, there's another Arrancar."

Hearing him mention Angra, Yoshio waved a hand. "I've told Captain Aizen. If you want to see him, go find him—but he's Urahara Kisuke's man, so be careful."

"…Understood," said Starrk.

After the discussion, Yoshio left. He didn't stay long—he'd planned to check on Ulquiorra, but since he was at a critical point in Arrancarization, Yoshio would return later.

He brought a monitor back to Soul Society. He needed to bring Rukia to Hueco Mundo so Dark Rukia, in her original body, could help Szayelaporro with 'Gabriel.' This meant he needed alone time with Rukia.

He didn't know how long Szayelaporro would need. Dark Rukia couldn't just pop out either—like Ichigo's inner Hollow White, even in Hollowfication, White struggled to control Ichigo's body. For Dark Rukia to appear, Hueco Mundo's Hollow factors were best. Certain special conditions might trigger her, but she couldn't come out at will—unless Rukia willingly ceded her body.

But Dark Rukia was a recluse who didn't want to face her original; even Sode no Shirayuki sensing her presence felt like a near-death experience for her.

Yoshio decided on special training for Rukia, as with Renji and others. With Strict Teacher Produces Outstanding Students, it'd be a waste not to use it. Spending more time with Rukia and subtly stimulating her with Hollow factors should make Dark Rukia appear more easily. Yes—that was the plan.

But first, he had to plant a bug on Ginjō Kūgo.

Just then, his avatar discovered something…

…

In the Wandenreich, Baelz—already stationed at the Technology Research Institute—was sorting the director's files when a line of text appeared in blank space: "Apotheosis: You will become a god."

What the hell, Aizen?! Bold much? Wait—Aizen hadn't used Kyōka Suigetsu on Baelz, and most Quincy hadn't seen him release it. How did he get in?!

Yoshio's acting was seasoned. Though he'd noticed Aizen, he showed no abnormality—he just stood to get some hot water. He knew the Quincy habitually monitored Seireitei, so anyone watching Aizen was likely under Kyōka Suigetsu's sway. Maybe anyone who'd watched Aizen's videos had been hypnotized. But these Institute Quincy weren't combatants—no need to watch Aizen's materials, right? Must be one of Aizen's toys—an invisibility cloak?!

But what was Aizen doing here? Yoshio glanced around and spotted Aizen—standing before a computer, lines of data flashing. That was… the director's computer. Did the director's PC have any interesting data?

Baelz sipped his hot water. After a while, the "Apotheosis" text vanished. Baelz didn't check directly; he pulled surveillance footage and enlarged the screen Aizen watched. His pupils dilated—Aizen was looking at… brains in jars?

It's a thought experiment: remove a brain, place it in nutrient fluid, hook it to a computer that feeds it sensory signals. The brain's consciousness experiences a fabricated reality. In the human world, it's hypothetical—but in a reishi world of mind and soul, it's possible. For example… the strongest brain, Gremmy Thoumeaux!

Wait—Gremmy Thoumeaux?! Baelz almost spat water. Was Aizen interested in Gremmy? Or had Aizen already colluded with him? If Aizen and Gremmy teamed up, who could survive?

Baelz lacked clearance for the director-only data. Aizen had somehow brought it up; now it was gone, but the surveillance remained. Aizen wasn't in the camera's frame, but watching the scroll was enough. He scrolled too fast; the image blurred. Yet what Yoshio saw confirmed Baelz's guess: the brain-in-a-jar experiment concerned Gremmy—either as subject or post-ability testing data.

Before the director returned, Yoshio wiped traces of accessing surveillance and organized all data—acting as if nothing happened. Looks like I need to work harder to get promoted—becoming director, or at least deputy, via research prowess. The Quincy database might hold more goodies!

Chapter 128: Soul King Candidate. The Tsunayashiro Clan Moves

Aizen teamed up with Gremmy. Reasonable? Very. It makes perfect sense. Gremmy's personality is tricky, but for Aizen, that's easy prey. With Aizen's honeyed words, he could win over naive Gremmy in a few lines. Aizen, "imprisoned" yet powerful, appearing in any guise, could easily be Gremmy's "light."

Tsk—Aizen must have spent time in the Wandenreich, mapped Quincy relationships, and chose Gremmy as the first breakthrough.

…

Yoshio yawned. He found an excuse to go to the human world, secretly planted the bug on Ginjō, then sought out Rukia. After work, as Rukia walked from the Thirteenth toward the Kuchiki estate, Yoshio greeted her at Damo House.

"Yo, Rukia!" He waved. "Heading home?"

She approached and bowed. "Yes, Lieutenant Yoshio."

"Don't be so formal—you're a great noble." Yoshio stood at the door and asked the proprietor for a wine gourd. "Wanna grab dinner?"

Rukia's eyes widened; she blushed and waved hurriedly. "N-no! I should go home!"

Seeing her fluster, Yoshio was puzzled, then gave a black-humored look. A plain yet confident woman—so foolish!

"I'm not hitting on you. Just a meal. I wanted to talk about Renji."

Renji?

Her steps halted. "Come on, it won't take long."

Yoshio walked straight in. He was a regular; thanks to him, Renji and others often drank here too.

He sat at his usual seat. Rukia hesitated but carefully followed and sat opposite. She wasn't carefree like Rangiku—years under Kuchiki rules left her bound by decorum. She didn't drink; she poured hot tea, holding the cup, speechless.

Seeing her silence, Yoshio leaned closer, chin propped on one hand. Rukia instinctively leaned back. "Um… Lieutenant Yoshio, what did you want to say about Renji?"

"I know about you and Renji," Yoshio said. "I wanted to ask what you think of him."

"Uh… that…" She faltered, then murmured so softly it was barely audible. "A friend who came from Rukongai to Seireitei with me."

"Good." He poured himself a drink, took a sip. "I was with Renji just now."

"Huh?" Rukia was surprised. "Didn't Renji transfer from the Fifth to the Eleventh?"

"Yeah," Yoshio said casually. "But that's because he's going to Hueco Mundo to join dispatch. He came to see me—to learn Bankai."

Bankai?!

Rukia's pupils widened. She exclaimed, drawing attention—Bankai was a heavy word. In their eyes, only captains at the peak of the Gotei 13 mastered it; each was a legend etched in Soul Society's history. Every Shinigami dreamed of mastering it someday.

Yoshio felt awkward.

Lady, could you not be so loud? Rukia realized her lapse and lowered her head. After the room calmed, she whispered, "Sorry, I was too surprised."

"It's fine." Yoshio thought there was no need to hide it like Ikkaku—he too had a "well-known secret." If others knew he had Bankai, so be it.

"Renji's starting Bankai training already?" she asked.

"Being a seated officer isn't enough—at least a lieutenant or captain. Once he's lieutenant, he'll only be one person's lieutenant, then challenge that person," Yoshio said softly. "His words."

Rukia fell silent. She understood who he wanted to become lieutenant to—and who he wanted to challenge. She closed her eyes, breathed, and said, "He must be working very hard."

"It's fine. Once you set a goal, every step toward it feels sweet," Yoshio took another sip. The server brought beef; he dug in. Rukia didn't eat; she looked out the window. Yoshio didn't push—just ate.

After a while, Rukia turned back.

"Lieutenant Yoshio, can you use Bankai?"

Instead of answering directly, Yoshio popped a piece of beef in his mouth. "I'm pretty experienced at teaching Bankai."

Rukia hesitated, then said, "Um, could I…?"

"Of course." He cut her off. "When I teach Renji and the others, we train at night. But if your family worries, come by the Fifth at noon."

"N-no, no," Rukia waved quickly. "I wouldn't dare trouble you to change time. Night is fine. I'll tell my brother; he should agree."

She suddenly asked to learn Bankai because she disliked others working hard while she slacked—especially when others worked hard because of her. How could she enjoy being admired in peace?

She stood, bowed. "Thank you, Lieutenant Yoshio."

"I don't care what you and Renji are," Yoshio accepted the bow with a clear conscience. "Renji is my junior and friend, and you… though not from my squad, I still regard you as an important junior."

"…Lieutenant Yoshio, I also see you as an important senior," Rukia said, still bowing.

"Alright, alright—don't be so serious. Head home before your brother worries," Yoshio laughed.

Rukia took a breath, nodded, and departed. Yoshio remained—task complete. He'd planted the bug on Ginjō and set Rukia's schedule—and Rukia's favorability rose by two. Don't scoff—after 80, each point is tough.

He went home to wait on developments. His daily routine: monitor Ginjō and guide Rukia's training. She said she came to learn Bankai, but her fundamentals lagged far behind Renji and Hinamori. After the plot began, Renji and others had lieutenant-level depth; Rukia was only a high-seated level. And in this world, Renji and the others had been taught by him. The gap was real—Rukia didn't even meet basic reiryoku requirements.

So Yoshio didn't teach Bankai immediately; he started with Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Shunpo, and Kido. But Byakuya set a time limit—Rukia could only stay at Yoshio's place an hour; as a Kuchiki lady, she couldn't frequently spend long hours at a man's home. So it was about once a week, an hour each. Even so, her progress was clear.

Yoshio planned to wait for Ginjō's situation or Dark Rukia's emergence.

…

…

A year passed—no change on either side. Just as boredom set in, Aizen finally had something.

Near day's end, Aizen told Yoshio to meet at the base that night. Yoshio had no plans and followed Aizen there. They arrived early—Ichimaru Gin and Tōsen Kaname hadn't come yet.

"Captain Aizen, is there a new mission?" Yoshio asked, curious. "We'll wait for Gin and Tōsen," Aizen smiled mysteriously.

Yoshio glanced at the computer—Quincy data, but nothing deeper. Aizen wouldn't stop at that. Aizen approached, tapped the keyboard, and a file appeared. Yoshio saw it and was stunned.

"Captain Aizen? This is…?"

Hōgyoku research data?! It should be Aizen's own—why reveal it now?

"This is the Hōgyoku," Aizen said with a calm smile. "Interested in creating one, Yoshio-kun?"

"Me?" Yoshio pointed at himself, surprised.

"Of course," Aizen smiled. "I've seen your technological progress. As your mentor, I'll give you a project."

"That's still too hard for me, isn't it?" Yoshio spread his hands. His research had improved, but he was better at secondary topics; tackling something on par with top scientists was tough. The Hōgyoku was the crystallization of Aizen and Urahara's tech—out of his league for now.

"Of course I won't have you make 'the true Hōgyoku,'" Aizen said. "Back then, whether me or Urahara, perhaps our goal was to break some material limit—but the Hōgyoku we created may possess abilities beyond what we imagined. What you'll make only needs to meet the condition of Shinigami Hollowfication or Hollow Arrancarization."

Excellent… Yoshio thought—if he created something meeting that, he'd get Aizen's Hōgyoku research data. That alone was a huge win. The artifact itself wasn't crucial; the data was. With the data, even if he handed his Hōgyoku to Aizen, he could make another. Urahara could likely create another too. Aizen probably could as well—but mass-producing with the same tech was pointless. Aizen's and Urahara's Hōgyoku fused perfectly because they were made with completely different techniques. They were both called Hōgyoku but could as well be different names. If he made a new Hōgyoku, it would be a third, independent "new tech," right?

Yoshio nodded. "Alright, I'll try."

Studying the Hōgyoku favored him—it was a public cheat device. He was making a fake now, but in the future, he might make a true one. Aizen smiled, satisfied.

Ichimaru Gin and Tōsen Kaname arrived. Gin, eyes narrowed as always, flopped on the sofa. "Captain Aizen, breakthrough lately?"

"Of course," Aizen's mouth curled. "I called you to see our latest work."

He pressed a button; a light curtain fell. A cylindrical screen dropped, and within it, a faint, translucent soul appeared.

"This is…?" Tōsen asked, puzzled.

Yoshio stared—why did it look familiar? Aizen said directly, "I call it a 'Soul King Candidate.'"

Yoshio narrowed his eyes. As expected! Aizen really was doing this. Interesting…

"Soul King candidate?!" Gin and Tōsen were stunned—the name sounded absurd. The Soul King—king of Soul Society. Central 46 ruled in his name, but he resided in a different dimension—the Soul King Palace—overseeing the world.

The Gotei 13?

Merely subordinates of his subordinates. Some in Soul Society worship him as a god. And now Aizen said he would create a candidate?

"Sounds exaggerated," Gin smiled faintly. "How?"

"Soul admixture," Aizen explained. "Aside from Hollow souls not being absolutely necessary, human, Quincy, and Shinigami souls are guided by a power approaching the Soul King's essence, embraced by a flood made from countless souls, birthing a soul with the Soul King's essence. On that basis, I added Hollow essence to further disorder the structure while fusing each race's strengths. In terms of potential, it might even surpass the Soul King."

He was like a teacher. Yoshio, the good student, asked first, "But countless souls can't just blend together easily, right?"

He thought of the Wandenreich data from a year ago: the brain in a jar. Now he understood—Aizen used a 'brain in a jar' from the Wandenreich as the container, like Gremmy's brain. A normal brain couldn't match Gremmy's computing power—even a designed jar-brain wouldn't compare, and Gremmy also had a Schrift from Yhwach. But Aizen's tech could do something similar—with the Hōgyoku.

The Hōgyoku's true ability is reading wishes and realizing them—a small wish-granting machine. If Aizen and the soul essence of the jar-brain wished it to "activate," like Gremmy's, then… the brain would "come alive"! Then Aizen would use it to control the chaotic flood of interwoven souls to create the "Soul King candidate."

Looking closely, this candidate's materials were inferior to Hikone Ubuginu, later made by Tsunayashiro Tokinada. Hikone Ubuginu was also composed of Shinigami, Quincy, human, and Hollow souls. But beyond that, Tokinada included numerous Soul King fragments, while Aizen merely simulated the essence of Soul King's power through technique. Tokinada used Gremmy's actual brain; Aizen used an imitation jar-brain. Tokinada even found the optimal Zanpakutō, Ikomikidomoe, for Hikone Ubuginu. In raw materials, Hikone Ubuginu was superior.

But Tokinada himself was far below Aizen—he grasped no real tech. Despite using top-tier materials from the Three Realms, his fusion was crude. Mayuri would curse; if Hikone Ubuginu were given to him to create, performance would leap. Aizen's tech was at least as strong as Mayuri's now. His technique could bridge material gaps.

Yoshio understood—but others might not. Aizen didn't explain further, only saying, "As the creator, I call her 'Black.'"

The soul's nascent form appeared white. Very Aizen: Hollow White because it looked black; this Soul King candidate was white, so he called it Black.

"Black, huh… sounds cool," Yoshio clapped along. "But, Captain Aizen, why create Black?"

"Perhaps just a small experiment," Aizen said. "Once Black can manifest, I'll arrange for her to stay by your side."

"Me?" Yoshio blinked.

"I need close observation of her growth," Aizen adjusted his glasses. "I'll give her a Kamado family identity—as your cousin."

"…" Yoshio was speechless. His family was dead—where did a distant cousin come from? But if Aizen said so, he'd arrange it. Not again… Wait, what was that?

"Cousin?!" Yoshio blurted. "Captain Aizen, you created a woman?"

Seeing his surprise, Aizen looked puzzled. "You don't like women?"

"How could that be?!" Yoshio waved. "I'm just curious you created a female soul."

"I didn't assign a sex," Aizen said. "She's a mixture of countless souls—initially sexless. She appears feminine only because her outward temperament is gentle. As a born mythic being, she doesn't need sex. But… I won't impede her growth. She can choose male or female later. It won't be hard for her."

"Aren't you deciding her path?"

Yoshio rolled his eyes.

"If she blindly follows my instructions, she's a failure," Aizen replied. Yoshio couldn't out-argue him—fine. His house was big with plenty of empty rooms.

Aizen had called them over for this—or to show off his latest? Black still needed time to gestate, and Yoshio didn't know how long.

He left the lab to head home—then his bug flagged an anomaly. The feed hit his mind: Ginjō Kūgo was being tailed. Are they making a move?!

Yoshio looked up. A stormy night—perfect for arson and murder. The human world should be simultaneous—ideal time to strike. He returned home, opened a Garganta, and went to the human world.

Ginjō was outside Karakura Town—Yoshio relaxed slightly. Not Karakura for once—another city. Naruki City!

In the original, Shiba Isshin met Hollow White here, and Ichigo met Ginjō and the Fullbringers here—two pivotal threads.

This was Ginjō's turf.

Arriving, Yoshio sensed spiritual pressures in the city and flash-stepped. He reached a large European-style villa. He kept his presence hidden—unsure what identity to show: Shinigami or Hollow? Forget it—since he came, he might as well appear as himself.

He waited in a tree, quietly observing. Many pressures gathered inside the villa, including Ginjō. Around the villa, three dozen Shinigami presences hid in the shadows.

These were Shinigami assassins trained by the Tsunayashiro Clan. Would any actual Tsunayashiro show?

Under cover of night, leaves rustled in the wind as the killers moved closer. Inside, people were lost in merriment, unaware of danger approaching.

…

Ginjō was throwing a party for gathered companions. As a Substitute Shinigami, he'd connected with Fullbringers, even awakening his own Fullbring. Learning most Fullbringers hated their powers and wanted normal lives, Ginjō thought to gather them and absorb the powers of those who wanted to be rid of them—returning them to normal.

After much effort, he'd found dozens! They were tormented by their Fullbring and wanted it gone. Hearing he could grant their wish, many came to see him.

"Mr. Tenshiyo, where's your daughter?" Ginjō asked a middle-aged man drinking quietly. Tenshiyo Agata—a Fullbringer, and a rare case where both he and his daughter were Fullbringers. For him, that was likely tragic.

"She's still young," Tenshiyo Agata said after a pause. "Once we succeed here, I'll bring her."

Ginjō smiled bitterly—Tenshiyo Agata still didn't trust him. He'd come despite misgivings because he was desperate to be rid of his power.

Rustle… the wind stirred the trees outside.

Thunder rolled—boom! Foreshadowing an unusual night. Ginjō glanced at the window—rain poured down.

"It's raining again." He touched his hair. "We've had a lot lately."

"Alright!" a female Fullbringer shouted over the noise. "Ginjō, you said you could set us free—how will you do it?!"

"I told you, I'm a Substitute Shinigami. I can absorb your power. People should've confirmed that with you." He pointed his Zanpakutō tip at Tenshiyo Agata; a green light glowed and a light radiated from Tenshiyo Agata—as if something was about to come out.

"Why should we trust you?!" another shouted. "We want to be rid of our power! What if you just use us?!"

"If you think that, I can't help you," Ginjō frowned. "I won't force you if you have misgivings."

"I'll go first," Tenshiyo Agata said. "I've had enough! Take my power!"

"Alright, Mr. Tenshiyo Agata—if you feel any discomfort, say so." Ginjō drew out his Substitute badge and became a Shinigami. He aimed his blade at Tenshiyo Agata—the light began to draw power out.

The assassins slipped in silently. Suddenly, shadows spread from the walls and figures in black surged out—especially behind Ginjō. A Shinigami appeared and, at the instant Ginjō began absorbing, stabbed into his chest!

What?! Ginjō's pupils dilated—searing pain shot through his body.

"Who are you?!"

Fullbringers noticed the intruders and shouted.

"You think mere humans can earn our recognition?" one sneered. Ginjō's soul had been pierced—swift, precise, ruthless. Even if he survived, he'd lose a great deal of power.

The Fullbringers resisted, but were quickly pressed down.

"Orders are to take these Fullbringers. As for this guy…"

The Shinigami looked down on Ginjō.

"He's useless. His biggest use was to lure these rats out."

Ginjō realized he'd been used. He glared, fists clenched.

"How did you find us?!"

"Ha? Idiot question."

A Shinigami stepped on Ginjō's head. "We slapped together a monitoring device and named it a 'Substitute Badge.' You accepted it happily. Naive. Humans are just humans."

Ginjō froze, recalling the badge he always carried—handed to him by the kindly Thirteenth Division captain.

"Jūshirō Ukitake!"

Rage erupted like a volcano. Even with a pierced soul sleep, his pressure surged.

"Don't struggle, human!"

The Shinigami felt him resist and sneered. "The more you struggle, the faster you lose power."

"What? Weren't you humans once? Or descended from humans?"

A discordant voice cut in.

"Who's there?!" The Shinigami were cautious—the voice snapped them to attention. Yoshio walked in the front door.

"Yoshio Kamado?!"

The Shinigami were stunned. Yoshio was a lieutenant who mingled across divisions—his name was more famous than some captains. The one who spoke got tense.

"Who allowed a lieutenant to come to the human world without permission?!"

"That's a problematic question."

Yoshio surveyed the scene. The Fullbringers were restrained but alive. The Tsunayashiro intended to take them home and slowly strip out the Soul King fragments. Extracting foreign essences from souls wasn't something just anyone could do.

Confirming what he wanted was intact, Yoshio said quietly, "I'm a lieutenant with no standing to come alone. Which squad are you? For a deployment this large, I don't recall any squad approving it recently."

"Hmph, this is our squad's mission. If you don't want trouble, get lost!"

"Perfect—I'm on a mission too," Yoshio said coldly. "By the way—where's the Tsunayashiro boss?"

?! The man's pupils shrank. "How did you tell?!"

"Come on—the other Shinigami are professional killers: agile, ruthless, and silent. Not like you—chirping on entry, lingering after the job, and stepping on someone's head to be annoying."

Yoshio shrugged. "Only a stupid family like Tsunayashiro would do that."

"You!" the Tsunayashiro member snapped. "How dare you slander the Tsunayashiro Clan! That's a serious crime!"

"Idiot, you haven't grasped the situation. Haven't you noticed how quiet it is? Don't tell me you think I wouldn't fight you since I showed up?" Yoshio sighed. Only then did the man realize the world seemed to recede—unchanged in appearance, yet infinitely distant from everyone. Even Ginjō underfoot seemed farther away.

This is… Lonely Hell?!

"You… you'd strike your lord?!"

Once, the Kamado family was subordinate to the Tsunayashiro. "Like I said—you Tsunayashiro are unbelievably stupid. Bloodline societies are beyond saving."

Yoshio scratched his head, then his eyes turned cold.

"By the way—not just you. Your whole family's demise was orchestrated by me."

"W-what did you say?"

The man stared in disbelief.

"I said not just you. I killed your parents too." With that, Yoshio vanished from his world entirely.

"Hey?!" The assassin lunged to grab him, but couldn't catch his disappearance.

"What are you idiots doing? Move!" he roared. But his subordinates didn't react—as if they couldn't hear him. He barked orders in each face, even stabbed them—but still no effect.

He was like a lonely spirit unrecognized, unable to affect anything.

"No… no!" he howled. The people around him drifted further away—not only spiritually but physically. He could see them, but no matter how he ran, he couldn't close the distance.

"No! Yoshio Kamado!" he cried in agony. To the outside world, it was only an instant.