"It should be the incubation period."

"Captain Unohana just said Urahara Kisuke's Kidō can merge with Shinigami Reiatsu to the point of being irremovable. That process takes time."

"If my judgment is correct, the stronger a Shinigami's Reiatsu is, the longer the fusion process will take. During that period, if it's activated prematurely, it may not function at full strength. For Urahara Kisuke, acting without perfect preparation would only waste a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Aizen suddenly spoke up.

"That's right."

Unohana Retsu nodded in agreement, affirming Aizen's reasoning.

"That would explain it."

"Why Urahara Kisuke didn't choose to activate the trap during Aiyan's battle against Muguruma Kensei and the others—and instead chose to appear in person for a sneak attack."

"First, the Soul King–infused Kidō hadn't yet fully merged with Aiyan's Reiatsu. Second, he feared delays might lead to detection—and protection from Aiyan's allies."

Kyoraku Shunsui glanced toward Urahara Kisuke.

"What a terrifying guy."

"This generation of Shin'ō Academy students is incredible. Not only are there monstrous talents like Aiyan and Aizen, but also brilliant schemers like Urahara Kisuke."

"Fortunately, we chose Aiyan. A hexagonal Shinigami like him—had it been any other captain, facing someone like Urahara Kisuke, even Old Man Yama might not have escaped the trap!"

His words carried admiration for Aiyan's impeccable strength, but also genuine wariness toward Urahara Kisuke's cunning.

"It's an honor to be praised like that by Captain Kyōraku."

Urahara Kisuke's lips curled into a faint smile as he gracefully accepted Kyoraku's backhanded compliment.

In doing so, he also subtly admitted what was said.

If he wished—he was confident he could even assassinate Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni.

"Is there truly no way?"

Shihōin Yoruichi turned to Unohana Retsu with pleading eyes.

"This Kidō interferes with Reiatsu… and even the soul."

"You know as well as I do—the source of all power for Quincy, Shinigami, and Fullbringers… is the Soul King."

"And I'm just a Shinigami."

Unohana Yachiru slowly shook her head. Her voice held a complex blend of emotions.

There was resignation toward the reality of Urahara Kisuke's Kidō—but also a deeply buried resentment.

He was the only man who had ever intrigued her.

Now he wasn't dead— he was still alive— but because of a seemingly minor betrayal, he'd sealed away his own chance to fight her again at full power.

She had looked forward to their battle, hoping to cast everything aside and duel him without reservation.

Now that opportunity is gone forever.

How could she not feel hatred?

"Damn it…"

Shihōin Yoruichi's slender frame trembled. It was as if she had been struck by lightning.

She had thought the crisis was over— only to now learn of this cruel aftermath.

"You know what the Second Division does, don't you?"

"Urahara Kisuke..."

"Don't push me to that point."

She exhaled softly, then slowly walked toward Urahara Kisuke.

"So, Aiyan."

"My dear, I didn't disappoint you… did I?"

Urahara Kisuke ignored Shihōin Yoruichi—or rather, didn't dare face her—and turned to look at Aiyan instead.

"Impressive."

"Among our class, aside from my brother Aizen, you're the only other Shinigami who made me take a second look."

"You didn't disappoint me at all."

Even though he had lost his ability to use Reiatsu, Aiyan didn't show the slightest anger in response to Urahara Kisuke's provocation. Instead, he remained calm.

"My opponent is the strongest genius in a millennium. Just as Kyōraku said—a hexagonal Shinigami."

"And with Aizen by your side… even I—someone most proud of his intellect—can't guarantee I outmatch you two brothers in wits."

"Fortunately, I'm someone who prepares a thousand strategies for every outcome. Since I chose to appear personally and confront you face-to-face, I had already accounted for the possibility of failure."

Urahara Kisuke's voice carried genuine admiration for Aiyan— but also no small amount of pride in his own planning:

"If I could've killed you with my own hands, that would've been ideal. Even if I failed—"

"To leave you with a Reiatsu you can never use, one forever locked away—that's not a bad ending."

He gave a bitter laugh.

After all his schemes, sacrifices, and betrayals—even giving up his century-old friendship with Yoruichi—he hadn't succeeded in killing Aiyan.

Only in sealing his Reiatsu.

To Urahara Kisuke, this ending could only be called "not bad."

But that was all.

"At least I beat you, Aiyan."

Urahara Kisuke whispered the words.

Hirako Shinji.

Your half-brother and my half-brother together make one complete child.

Thinking of that, he felt satisfied.

"One child?"

"What a shame."

"You're only half a child, Urahara Kisuke."

Aiyan's eyes glinted as he stared at Urahara, then suddenly chuckled.

"What do you mean?"

Urahara Kisuke—now being lifted to his feet by members of the Onmitsukido—felt a chill run down his spine at those words.

"You didn't really think I never noticed the Kidō you planted on Yoruichi's Zanpakutō and her captain's haori, did you?"

Aiyan gave him a half-smile. He didn't wait for a reply before continuing:

"Urahara Kisuke—what's your opinion of my Kidō talent?"

That single question...

Even though Urahara didn't understand why Aiyan was asking, he didn't hesitate in answering.

"Unparalleled—past or present."

"And not just Kidō. Your Reiatsu, Zanpakutō, Zanjutsu, Kidō, Shunpo, and Hakuda—every aspect is unmatched."

It was praise no ordinary captain would ever receive.

But after hearing that evaluation from Urahara Kisuke, none of the present Shinigami seemed surprised.

Clearly, they all believed Aiyan truly deserved Soul Society's highest recognition.

"Compared to you?"

Aiyan nodded modestly.

"Zanjutsu and Kidō."

"Aiyan—"

"If I could best you in any one category, I wouldn't have gone to such lengths to set a trap for you."

But as soon as Urahara Kisuke said it, his expression shifted.

He seemed to realize something.

"If you already acknowledged that I'm superior to you in every field—"

"Then why would you think your Kidō could surpass mine?"

"No—that's what I should be asking you."

"Urahara Kisuke—when did you start believing my intellect was inferior to yours?"

As he finished speaking, Aiyan's eyes sparkled with green light.

He spread his fingers, his palm facing the wrist of his left arm.

Accompanied by a flash of faint green light, an unbelievable sight unfolded under Urahara Kisuke's stunned gaze:

Tiny flecks of spiritual material—glowing with a soft, blue hue—were slowly being drawn out from Aiyan's wrist.

"Kaidō · Minor Extraction."

...

If you enjoyed this book, don't forget to vote with a Power Stone and take a few seconds to leave a review

Join my P@treon for advance chapters and special content!

[email protected]/Ren_Saga