"Captain Aiyan."

"No matter how you deal with it afterwards, we'll accept it. Please."

"Save Captain Kirio and the others."

After learning of Aiyan's silent efforts behind the scenes, Sarugaki Hiyori was so overwhelmed that she fell to her knees the moment she hit the floor.

Upon seeing this, Yadoumaru Lisa and Kuna Mashiro also knelt down beside her.

"Get up."

"Don't be so impulsive next time."

"Fortunately, it didn't lead to a major disaster—one that couldn't be undone."

Aiyan reached out and gently pulled Yadoumaru Lisa and the other two back to their feet:

"We'll talk about punishment later. Right now, the most urgent matter is curing their Hollowfication. Otherwise, even if I return safely, the Central 46 will still uphold Seireitei's sentence and execute Captain Kirio and the others."

"But let me be blunt—what I'm about to use, I've only ever applied on Hollows before. It's explicitly forbidden in Seireitei to conduct Hollowfication experiments on Shinigami. So, no—I've never tested this on any Shinigami."

"In modern terms, this would be Soul Society's first soul-level surgery. If I fail, I can't predict the consequences."

"So now— do you trust me?"

Those words caused hesitation to flicker across Yadoumaru Lisa and Kuna Mashiro's faces.

Especially Sarugaki Hiyori— having once served in the 12th Division, she was well aware that modifying a Shinigami's soul was a thousand times more intricate than human neurosurgery— and a thousand times more dangerous.

One misstep, and the outcome would be worse than death.

"I believe you."

"With your power, Captain Aiyan, you could have forced us into anything. You could've turned us into spiritual particles with a snap of your fingers. But you didn't. You explained—again and again—you gave us chances, again and again."

"The Kuchiki family had nothing to do with you, but you chose to help Byakuya, who even stood against you. Captain Kirio's matter had nothing to do with you either—you could've stood by and done nothing. Yet even knowing we conspired against you, you overlooked it. You went to Hueco Mundo, endured hardship, and found a cure for her Hollowfication."

After a moment's pause, Yadoumaru Lisa looked at Hikifune Kirio and made her decision:

"Whether it was Hirako Shinji, the Kuchiki clan, or even our multiple offenses—each time, you never retaliated. But when we were helpless… you were the first to reach out."

"If we can't trust Captain Aiyan, there's no one in Seireitei left worth trusting."

"I believe Captain Kirio would feel the same. She would willingly place her life in your hands."

Her words shook Sarugaki Hiyori and Kuna Mashiro. Their hesitation vanished.

Yes!

Everything had fallen apart. They had been branded criminals, sentenced to death.

And yet—Aiyan never brought down his blade.

Only an outstretched hand.

"Captain Aiyan, we trust you too."

"No matter how it ends, we'll only ever feel one thing toward you—"

"Gratitude."

Sarugaki Hiyori carefully lifted Hikifune Kirio.

Likewise, Kuna Mashiro carried Shutara Senjumaru in her arms.

…

"I don't believe you."

But just as the two prepared to hand Kirio and Senjumaru over, a sharp, icy voice sliced through the air like a dagger to the eardrum.

Whoosh—

At the same time—

Two golden rings manifested midair like cuffs, snapping around Aiyan's wrists.

A Zanpakutō extended from the void, its tip hovering less than a centimeter from Aiyan's throat.

"Sorry, Aiyan."

"I can't entrust Captain Kirio and Lieutenant Shutara to someone as dangerous as you."

The air shimmered slightly. A piece of invisibility cloth drifted down, revealing—

Urahara Kisuke.

Clad in his black cloak, his right hand clutched his Zanpakutō, blade poised directly at Aiyan's neck.

"Long time no see, Urahara Kisuke."

"Choosing this kind of entrance..."

"Afraid of me?"

Aiyan smiled calmly.

Neither Urahara's sudden reappearance, nor the golden binding Kidō, nor the cold steel against his throat shook his expression in the slightest.

"It has been a while."

"I didn't even expect our next meeting to be like this."

"But there's no other choice. Aiyan, you were right. You're far too terrifying. This is the only way I can face you."

Urahara Kisuke stared into his eyes, voice cold and solemn.

"Urahara Kisuke…"

"You dare to show yourself?!"

"You bastard! I'll kill you!!"

Just as the two squared off, Sarugaki Hiyori, Yadoumaru Lisa, and Kuna Mashiro were instantly enraged at Urahara Kisuke's sudden betrayal— again turning his blade on Aiyan.

Old and new hatred surged together. Without hesitation, all three reached for their Zanpakutō.

"Bakudō No. 61: Rikujokoro."

Urahara Kisuke had clearly anticipated this moment.

The instant their hands brushed their hilts, six beams of golden light slammed down from the air and bound them instantly.

"Forgive me, all three of you."

"This isn't what it looks like."

"I'll explain everything… later."

He hadn't even chanted. A simple flick of his fingers unleashed one of the most advanced Bakudōs—imprisoning three Lieutenants effortlessly.

Such strength far surpassed the realm of an Academy student.

Calling him captain-class wasn't an exaggeration — it was an understatement.

Clearly, he had concealed his true power from the very beginning.

Even in the entrance exam… he was hiding something.

"Aiyan told me."

"He said that once he begins curing Captain Kirio and Lieutenant Shutara… you'd definitely show up."

"Back then, I still trusted you, Kisuke. Even after everything, I told myself there had to be a reason: maybe Kōga threatened you, maybe Hirako manipulated you, maybe it was Kuchiki Ginrei..."

"I hoped that if you just explained, I could still help you."

"But now… you've disappointed me."

Shihouin Yoruichi's voice turned cold as she stared at him.

Urahara Kisuke had been her closest friend since childhood, just like Byakuya.

Even when the Hollowfication incident came to light, she didn't want to believe he was behind it. She searched high and low for evidence to clear his name.

But now—

Watching him hold a blade to Aiyan's throat—

It shattered all hope.

"Put down your sword. Don't force me to fight you."

Every word from her lips struck like a hammer.

"...I'm sorry, Yoruichi."

"I'll grant you anything else—but this, I can't do."

"I carry too much on my back. The weight… is crushing."

"I can't afford to let those who've trusted me be betrayed. I won't let innocents die for the sake of appearances."

Urahara Kisuke's face was filled with pain—but his eyes burned with resolve.

He thought of Hirako Shinji, of Hikifune Kirio, of Shutara Senjumaru.

He thought of Yoruichi, of the entire Gotei being misled by the Sosuke brothers.

And with that—

His resolve only deepened.

"Even if I'm cursed by all the Shinigami of Soul Society—"

"Even if I'm condemned for eternity—"

"I will kill Aiyan."

...

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