Bleach [118-119] (Patreon)

Chapter 118: The Wise and the Foolish

"Kisuke Urahara, that guy... he's really cautious."

He knows Hueco Mundo is Aizen's territory, so he'd rather escalate friction with the Gotei 13 than come to Hueco Mundo.

The Human World is Kisuke Urahara's turf, the territory he's operated in for a long time, and it's their main battlefield.

But in Hueco Mundo, this is an away game.

For a scientist, an away game is a major taboo because you can't make preparations in advance, and you don't know what arrangements the opponent has made.

So, in this situation, you can't follow the opponent's script.

Aizen wants Kisuke Urahara to come to Hueco Mundo, so he won't come; He'll force you to come to the Human World, to his home turf!

This idea isn't wrong, but doing so won't disadvantage Aizen.

Aizen never intended to use this to do anything to Kisuke Urahara, nor did he think such a petty trick could kill him.

Actually, this incident was purely caused by Yoshio transforming into Yoruichi Shihōin.

Yoshio wanted to put some pressure on Kisuke Urahara, after all, without pressure, there won't be change, and without change, where would he find benefits?

Aizen was just going with the flow, wanting to create some trouble for Kisuke Urahara.

Kisuke Urahara's actions are a public attack on Gotei 13 members, what does that represent?

It means he's confirmed the crimes Aizen accused him of!

"But wouldn't a smart person notice this?"

Because of what happened, Yoshio left his room and came to Aizen's side.

He couldn't help but say: "After all, Hirako Shinji and the others appeared in two different places almost simultaneously, which is bound to expose some issues."

Yes, Aizen used Kyōka Suigetsu to make the Espada look like Visoreds. The original plan was to replace the Espada and confront the captains after Kisuke Urahara and the others arrived.

But Kisuke Urahara didn't come to Hueco Mundo; instead, he acted directly in the Human World, leading to two groups of Visoreds appearing almost at the same time.

One fighting the captains in Hueco Mundo, the other fighting the captains in the Human World!

How could the same faction appear in two places at once?

There are smart people in Soul Society too, and they're bound to spot some flaws.

But Aizen's face showed no sign of panic, or rather, at this stage, before fusing with the Hōgyoku and his intelligence declining, Aizen's face almost never showed panic.

Even if something unexpected happened, he would only appear excited.

Aizen calmly said: "You're right, Yoshio-kun."

"There are indeed smart people in Soul Society."

At this moment, Aizen revealed a slightly contemptuous smile and said:

"But you should also know one thing: most people in the world, especially those in high positions, are foolish."

"As long as they're there, smart people are useless because the foolish will make decisions for the smart, and the wise, due to their status, can only obey the foolish."

"This world is unreasonable; smart people often have to listen to the opinions of the ignorant, even letting the ignorant's opinions sway their own judgments—that's one of the unreasonable points."

Yoshio nodded; he understood Aizen's meaning.

Even if smart people suspect there's a mastermind behind this, so what? Would Central 46 suspect it?

The foolish Central 46 won't think that much; they'll only believe the solid evidence, believing this was done by Kisuke Urahara!

When Soul Society's highest judicial body, Central 46, believes this, then the Gotei 13 can only act in that direction.

Central 46 is not only foolish but also stubborn; the captains' opinions are insignificant before them.

Has Aizen caused so much trouble over the years without any flaws?

Of course there are, like during the Hollowfication incident, Kyōraku Shunsui suspected Aizen, and even earlier, Hirako Shinji suspected Aizen.

It's just that Aizen's Kyōka Suigetsu is an ability that's nearly impossible to counter; even if others suspect him, under Kyōka Suigetsu's deception, they can't find evidence of his wrongdoing, and Central 46 is like puppets manipulated by Aizen.

In this situation, Kyōraku Shunsui dispelled his suspicions of Aizen, while Hirako Shinji was directly driven out of Soul Society, forced to live a life of hiding in the Human World.

In other words, Aizen doesn't care if smart people suspect him, because as long as Central 46 doesn't suspect, that's enough.

Speaking of which, Soul Society's political system is really convenient; almost all Gotei 13 members are indirectly under Aizen's control.

Moreover, no matter how you look at it, Kisuke Urahara leading the Visoreds against the Gotei 13 is the most obvious fact, and that alone is enough.

That alone is sufficient for Central 46 to convict Kisuke Urahara!

Most captains won't oppose it.

"Let's go."

Aizen said to Yoshio: "Since Kisuke Urahara wants to see us, how can we let him get nothing out of it?"

With that, he stood up from his throne.

A Garganta opened, and Aizen slowly walked in.

Yoshio followed him in.

The two appeared in the Human World, and the stand-ins who had been impersonating them reverted to their true forms.

Then, Aizen looked up at the familiar figure appearing in the sky and said: "Long time no see, Captain Hirako."

That's right, the one standing in the air was the former Fifth Division Captain, Hirako Shinji!

However, he was no longer a Shinigami; he wasn't wearing a shinigami uniform but had changed into modern Human World attire. Seeing Aizen emerge from the Garganta, he couldn't help but say: "It's really been a long time, Sōsuke. What, have you changed subordinates now?"

In his era, Aizen's subordinate was Ichimaru Gin.

"You mean Ichimaru? Now please call him Captain Ichimaru."

Aizen said indifferently: "After leaving Soul Society, you surely haven't forgotten the rules."

"The word 'rules' coming from Aizen Sōsuke's mouth really surprises me."

Hirako Shinji said this, unintentionally leaking killing intent. Just moments ago he seemed to be joking, but now he said with a serious face:

"That doesn't sound like something the most rule-breaking person in the Gotei 13 would say."

"You baldhead!"

However, he was serious for only two seconds before a slipper smacked him on the head. A figure with blonde hair tied in two small braids, freckles on her face, and a childlike appearance appeared beside him.

She couldn't help but say: "Why are you talking so much to this guy?!"

"Hiyori, you idiot! You hit me right in front of Aizen!" Hirako Shinji immediately started arguing with Hiyori.

Yoshio watched from the side with a smile.

He saw that Hirako Shinji's Soul Ability was 'Reversal', and Hiyori's Soul Ability was 'You Baldhead'.

"Reversal: Causes the properties of something to reverse."

For example, fire is hot; reversed, it becomes cold fire.

So... what if a soul has Hollow properties?

If a soul with Hollow properties is reversed, would it become a living being's soul?

If an Arrancar's soul properties are reversed, would it become a Visored?

Yoshio was very interested in this ability, but since he hadn't obtained it yet, he couldn't know its specific uses.

However, he guessed that this ability definitely couldn't be used without limits, otherwise it would be too powerful.

Though he had already seen many overpowered abilities.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but think of the Hōgyoku again.

The Hōgyoku's trait is to read the desires in others' hearts and realize them.

So, if the reversal ability can't be used on living beings and only on objects, could it be used on the Hōgyoku?

If the Hōgyoku's nature is inverted, what phenomenon would occur?

Giving your own desires to others, then having others help you realize them?

Thinking of this, Yoshio felt like laughing.

In any case, he was still very interested in Hirako's ability; if he could obtain it, that would be ideal.

As for Hiyori's ability, it was quite ordinary.

"You Baldhead: Attacks cause the opponent to gradually go bald."

What a crappy ability!

Although Hiyori's catchphrase is "you baldhead," the "baldhead" in her mouth isn't literal baldness!

How did her Soul Ability develop in this direction?

Although in the manga, it's often joked that longer hair means higher combat power—at least Aizen and Kurosaki Ichigo are like that, and their evolution process involves hair getting longer.

But that's just a joke; whose combat power is tied to hair length!

Even if you cut off all of Ichigo's hair, he'd still have that much power!

So, Yoshio wasn't that interested in this ability.

Of course, if he could collect it, it could serve as a prank ability.

As for now...

In his current identity, he naturally couldn't approach Hirako Shinji and the others, after all, his current identity was as someone by Aizen's side; in their eyes, he must be Aizen's minion.

"Looking closely, Mr. Urahara is really meticulous. Has this space been frozen?"

Yoshio shifted his gaze from the two and noticed the abnormality in Karakura Town.

The entire Karakura Town—no, even including several cities around Karakura Town—had its space solidified.

This freezing wasn't the kind of space freezing in fantasy novels, but freezing the fluctuations and reishi in the space, so that even high-intensity Captain-class battles wouldn't affect the space in the Human World's Karakura Town.

If no measures were taken, battles between so many Captain-class Shinigami could easily destroy Karakura Town.

Hearing Yoshio's words, Hirako Shinji and Hiyori stopped arguing, both looking seriously at Aizen and Yoshio.

Playtime is playtime, but they were well aware of Aizen's terror.

Under normal circumstances, if it were just the two of them, they wouldn't easily appear before Aizen.

But this time, Kisuke Urahara told them Aizen wouldn't make a move against them.

Because Aizen's current persona is just an ordinary Gotei 13 captain; if he killed those two, his persona would collapse.

According to Kisuke Urahara, simply put, Aizen wouldn't let his persona crumble.

"Kisuke Urahara and Yoruichi Shihōin's spiritual pressures are also here."

Aizen said slowly: "Although you brought me back to the Human World, your fundamental goal is actually to rescue the captains in Hueco Mundo, right?"

"But now, Kisuke Urahara, Yoruichi Shihōin, and you eight Visoreds' spiritual pressures are all in the Human World. So... who is going to Hueco Mundo to carry out the task Kisuke Urahara assigned?"

Aizen seemed to be asking, but on the surface, it looked like he had already guessed who it was.

At this point, Yoshio had basically guessed who it was too.

In the end, Kisuke Urahara's allies are just those few people.

Besides the Visoreds, there's only... Yoruichi Shihōin's connections.

The Onmitsukidō originally managed by the Shihōin Clan, although it was handed over to Suì-Fēng due to Yoruichi's defection, the Shihōin Clan is still one of the Five Great Noble Families.

And in terms of military strength, among the Five Great Noble Families, it's still one of the top.

Even though Yoruichi defected, she still has strong influence in the family, especially since the current family head, Shihōin Yūshirō, is her younger brother.

If Yoruichi makes a move, she should be able to convince Shihōin Yūshirō and Shiba Kūkaku.

These two, or one of them, should be active in Hueco Mundo.

In the end, Kisuke Urahara pulling Aizen out wasn't to fight Aizen, but just to rescue the captains in Hueco Mundo.

"As expected, I can't hide anything from you, Mr. Aizen."

At that moment, Kisuke Urahara suddenly appeared on a building rooftop. He stood atop the high building, looking down at Aizen and Yoshio, and slowly said:

"It's not yet time for us to go to war, Captain Aizen? Aren't you being a bit too hasty?"

"It's just a casual little game," Aizen said. "If you don't like it, I can cancel it anytime."

It sounded like the two were good friends, Yoshio thought with a smack of his tongue.

"Things have developed to this point; indeed, it's time to cancel it." Kisuke Urahara sighed. "Your goal has been achieved, hasn't it?"

"It seems the battles are about to end," Aizen said nonchalantly. "Whether it's the battles in the Human World or in Hueco Mundo..."

From the spiritual pressures, the battles between the Visoreds and the Human World captains had entered their final stages; Kisuke Urahara must have already designed escape routes for them.

Facing such an unpredictable opponent, things ended so abruptly.

Kisuke Urahara suddenly said: "Speaking of which, I want to ask one thing."

He looked at Aizen and asked: "Mr. Aizen, do you know where Suì-Fēng's imaginary body went?"

Chapter 119: Imaginary Body Fusion

"Where do you think they went?" Aizen asked indifferently.

Urahara covered half his face with his fan and said in a low voice: "Later, I checked the place where Miss Yoruichi and Miss Suì-Fēng fought and found traces of 'shadows'."

"I see." Although he said that, Aizen should have already noticed.

Looking at Aizen's expression, Kisuke Urahara said: "I think it's not just Suì-Fēng who disappeared, right?"

Now it was Yoshio's turn to speak. He said: "As expected of Mr. Urahara. How did you determine their locations?"

"Don't forget, the Tenshintai is a tool I developed," Kisuke Urahara replied. "So, naturally, I have ways to track the imaginary bodies' spiritual pressures transmitted through the Tenshintai."

Kisuke Urahara was right, but strictly speaking, this wasn't disappearance.

Yoshio watched as those two went to a place that Roka Paramia couldn't observe.

Wandenreich!

And the two who disappeared were Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto and Komamura Sajin!

In fact, at this moment, Yoshio had already guessed the dominant thoughts in the Gotei 13 captains' imaginary bodies.

Suì-Fēng's primary thought was her resentment toward Yoruichi for abandoning her, so she went to deal with Yoruichi and Kisuke Urahara.

Retsu Unohana's dominant thought was her resentment from centuries ago when facing Zaraki Kenpachi, resentment toward her own incompetence, so she faced her own body.

Kuchiki Byakuya's dominant thought might be a cold apology to Rukia, or more precisely, an apology to Hisana, because he chose rules over Rukia and the rules themselves. Thus, he decided to head to Hueco Mundo to kill the Bull-Head Hollow that brought pain to Rukia.

Kyōraku Shunsui's dominant thought was regret over the Hollowfication incident involving Yadōmaru Lisa. Therefore, he wanted to see Lisa again.

Tōsen Kaname's dominant thought was naturally resentment toward the Tsunayashiro Clan; once the Tsunayashiro Clan was destroyed by Yoshio, he could dissipate peacefully.

Shiba Isshin's dominant thought was likely avenging his nephew, so on this point, he teamed up with 'Kuchiki Byakuya' and was discovered by Mayuri Kurotsuchi, becoming the current reinforcement for the Hueco Mundo captains.

Zaraki Kenpachi... Yoshio wasn't sure, because after Zaraki Kenpachi appeared, he got lost in Rukongai and still hadn't come out.

As for Mayuri Kurotsuchi, perhaps it was his obsession with scientific research that made him unhesitatingly approach his own body.

As for Jūshirō Ukitake, it might also be an obsession with the Hollow White.

So, what about the remaining Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto and Komamura Sajin?

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's imaginary body's dominant thought was the regret from a thousand years ago of not killing Yhwach, the Quincy King, in battle!

So, after he appeared, he had been searching for Yhwach's whereabouts.

And Komamura Sajin, whether the original or the imaginary body, strictly followed Yamamoto's orders.

Under Yoshio's surveillance, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto and Komamura Sajin successfully 'found' the entrance to Wandenreich.

Speaking of which, Wandenreich actually let them in on purpose!

After entering Wandenreich, Roka Paramia completely lost contact with them.

Yoshio believed that Yamamoto's imaginary body was no match for Wandenreich.

Because imaginary bodies have limits too.

Although the Tenshintai was created by Kisuke Urahara to allow humans to progress further, it can't create infinitely powerful beings.

In fact, at Retsu Unohana's level, the imaginary body created by the Tenshintai couldn't possibly be stronger than the original body.

Let alone Yamamoto, the Captain-Commander.

In other words, Yamamoto's imaginary body wasn't actually that strong.

Even if he teamed up with Komamura Sajin, entering Wandenreich was a suicide mission.

Yet Kisuke Urahara had discovered this. This guy is really...

Cheating!

"Mr. Aizen, it seems you already know everything I'm about to say."

Kisuke Urahara placed his hand on his hat, and the next moment, he disappeared.

In the end, only one sentence remained here.

"Before we go to war, it's best to clear out the remaining threats first, isn't it?"

After leaving those words, Hirako Shinji also turned away.

"Let's go, Hiyori!"

Hiyori looked at Aizen unwillingly, but she knew her strength was far inferior to Aizen's. Although the anger and reluctance in her heart made her want to tear Aizen to shreds, at this moment, she could only leave.

"You're just letting them go like that?"

Yoshio asked.

"It's not time yet," Aizen said indifferently.

He hadn't fused with the Hōgyoku yet; fighting now would be meaningless.

Why did he cause all this?

Simply to evolve to a higher dimension.

And now, even if he killed them, he couldn't complete the evolution, so there was no need.

Aizen is a person with very clear goals; for him, the purpose of this operation had been achieved.

Further dividing Soul Society and Kisuke Urahara's group!

Initially...

It was just to give Kisuke Urahara something to do.

"Tell the Espada to stop as well."

Aizen raised his hand, pushed his glasses with two fingers, and said in a low voice: "And by the way, clear out the shadows in Las Noches."

Yoshio nodded slightly.

He knew that although Aizen said nothing on the surface, he was paying attention to Wandenreich in his heart.

Although he and Kisuke Urahara might not yet know of Wandenreich's existence, after this incident, they must have realized that the Quincies from back then weren't exterminated but had gathered in the world's shadows, forming an even more terrifying group.

What couldn't be confirmed was Wandenreich's exact location!

Of course, if given time, realizing that Wandenreich is in Seireitei's shadow shouldn't be difficult.

At least they have two options: either in Karakura Town's shadow or in Seireitei's shadow.

At that moment, a thought suddenly popped into Yoshio's mind.

Aizen...

Would he shift his target to the Quincies?

After learning of Wandenreich's existence, would Aizen still declare war on Soul Society as easily as in the original story?

Would it become a three-way standoff, or would Aizen confidently continue declaring war on Soul Society, using their resistance to complete his own evolution, then wait for the Quincies' attack?

Yoshio felt that from this moment on, the future plot might be a bit different.

......

Soul Society, within the shadows of Seireitei, the location of Wandenreich.

Haschwalth looked at the unconscious 'Suì-Fēng' before him.

On either side of "Suì-Fēng," there were two small, skull-like objects.

"Tenshintai..."

Haschwalth said slowly: "As per His Majesty's orders, successfully acquired."

The sleeping Quincy King took nine hundred years to regain his heartbeat, ninety years to regain reason and wisdom, and nine years to regain power.

Now, it was already the ninety years of 'regaining reason and wisdom.'

However, before these ninety years passed, Yhwach wasn't completely without reason and wisdom.

Just like the nine years of regaining power, Yhwach still possessed a certain level of authority.

It was a gradual process; from the ninety years onward, Yhwach's heartbeat had fully recovered, meaning his physical body had successfully restored.

And in the remaining ninety years, he would gradually recover reason and wisdom, not spending the entire ninety years in a state of irrationality and lack of wisdom, nor suddenly recovering all reason and wisdom after ninety years.

This time limit was indeed important, but not everything.

For example, now, although there were still ninety years until regaining "wisdom and reason," Yhwach had already recovered a certain degree of self-awareness.

Although...

His voice was still a bit weak.

He sat on his throne, eyes closed.

And his successor, the next emperor of Wandenreich, Haschwalth, stood respectfully before him.

Hearing Haschwalth's words, Yhwach didn't respond, just faintly raised a finger. The next moment, a beam of light shot out and entered 'Suì-Fēng's body.

Immediately, a suction force emanated from 'Suì-Fēng,' drawing the two skull-like objects beside her into her body.

These two objects were the Tenshintai that had fallen from Yamamoto Genryūsai and Komamura Sajin's imaginary bodies.

Luring the two into Wandenreich was also Yhwach's command.

However, even Haschwalth didn't know Yhwach's intentions.

When Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's imaginary body discovered Wandenreich, he immediately caused massive destruction there, wanting to completely eliminate Yhwach.

But Wandenreich had many experts; after a struggle, he was successfully defeated.

These two Tenshintai also fell from their bodies.

And at that moment, Yhwach used his power to fuse these two Tenshintai into 'Suì-Fēng's body.

In an instant, "Suì-Fēng's" body swelled up. Her "shinigami uniform" and captain's haori seemed unable to withstand her expanding body and finally shattered.

However, when the shinigami uniform and captain's haori disappeared, the fabric fused again, turning into a Sternritter uniform.

At this point, "Suì-Fēng's" body had fully matured, like a child turning into an adult. Although her face still showed traces of the former "Suì-Fēng," her figure was more mature and tall.

Previously, 'Suì-Fēng' was only 1.5 meters tall, but now this woman was at least 1.75 meters.

"What..." Yhwach finally spoke, asking in a deep voice: "What is your name?"

The woman slowly opened her eyes, stood up, glanced at Yhwach, then knelt on the ground.

"Surtur."

"Become my arm," Yhwach said again.

Haschwalth then presented Surtur with a small dish.

Surtur drank it with a somewhat dazed expression, immediately feeling a shock through her body.

"I grant you the 'S' Schrift 'Surtalogi'. Now, display your power before me."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Surtur stood up, opened her palm, and the next moment, a flaming longsword appeared in her hand.

The sword tip resembled Suzumebachi, the blade somewhat like Tenken, and the guard shaped like Ryūjin Jakka.

The sword was surrounded by roaring flames, but the fire didn't burn; it was like static flames attached to the blade.

The next moment, a halo appeared above Surtur's head, and light wings emerged from her back!

Haschwalth looked at Surtur in some surprise; he knew this was the Quincy Vollständig.

He hadn't expected His Majesty to grant Surtur this power as well.

Surtur's predecessor was a Shinigami; it was already surprising that His Majesty granted her Quincy powers, but even more unexpected that he would grant her a Schrift and Vollständig.

What exactly was Surtur's purpose for His Majesty?

Haschwalth knew that the current Yhwach would never do something useless, meaning he had 'seen' Surtur's utility.

From what he could see now, "Surtur's" abilities seemed to fuse certain traits of "Suzumebachi," "Ryūjin Jakka," and "Tenken"?

While Haschwalth pondered deeply, Surtur's Vollständig completed.

Her body grew even larger, emanating flames all over, like a fire giant from mythology!

The flaming longsword in her hand radiated powerful divine might.

In legend, Surtur is the demon that ends Norse mythology, an important part of Götterdämmerung!

Now, it was as if the Surtur from Norse mythology had truly appeared again.

The next moment, the flames vanished, and the giant returned to her original form. Surtur canceled her Vollständig.

Yhwach made no comment on the power she had just displayed, simply sitting on his throne with eyes closed.

Haschwalth understood Yhwach's meaning and had Surtur withdraw.

Surtur was completely a newborn, her eyes somewhat vacant, but her gaze around her held a hint of curiosity and exploration.

"His Majesty has granted you a Schrift. From now on, you are a member of the Sternritter."

Haschwalth said indifferently: "I will take you to the Sternritter and hand you over to Quilge; he will teach you Quincy's combat methods."

Quilge is also a Sternritter member, holding the letter "J," and he is the Sternritter's combat instructor, someone who has trained Quincy's basic abilities to the extreme.

Currently, some members of the Sternritter are his students.

Although Surtur was directly granted considerable power by Yhwach, and her own composition is quite strong, she is essentially a Shinigami who has been granted Quincy powers, a Schrift, and a Vollständig.

So, before making her a Sternritter, she needs to train her Quincy powers first.

"...Yes."

Surtur said softly.