"Why so sudden?"

After learning that Shutara Senjumaru wanted to go to the Zero Division, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni raised his eyebrows, his voice showing a trace of surprise.

At that moment, he also felt relieved of his doubts about Aiyan secretly conducting Hollowfication experiments.

Of course, there was no question that the souls and memories of Hikifune Kirio and Shutara Senjumaru had been manipulated, turning them into two completely different people.

Even so, when faced with Shutara Senjumaru's decision to join the Zero Division, he simply felt it was rather sudden.

"I'm not afraid of your jokes, Captain," Shutara said.

"This time, I am truly embarrassed. I was actually plotted against by a kid who hasn't even graduated from the Shin'ō Spiritual Arts Academy."

"I have indeed neglected my training over the years. If I continue to stay in the Gotei 13, I will make little progress. On the contrary, I will only become a laughingstock. I might as well take this opportunity to join the Zero Division for further study and improve myself."

Shutara Senjumaru's dark eyebrows were set with a dangerous sharpness, and a murderous aura radiated from her entire body.

Seeing this, captains like Kyōraku Shunsui, Ukitake Jūshirō, and others understood.

Indeed—

As a veteran Lieutenant and one who had helped shape the history of Soul Society, being plotted against by Urahara Kisuke was hardly a matter of pride. If Aiyan hadn't turned the tide, she would have been executed by Central 46.

"The matter with Urahara Kisuke has also come to an end," Hikifune Kirio said coldly.

"There's no point in me staying in Seireitei."

"Since, as captain of the 12th Division, I served the Seireitei, shed blood, and still was to be sentenced to death, then I will no longer be a captain of the Gotei. It's not bad to simply become a member of the Zero Division. I imagine Central 46 will be lenient, but the Zero Division will still be under their jurisdiction."

Like Shutara Senjumaru, she also planned to join the Zero Division.

It was obvious both of them held deep resentment toward Central 46, and even the captains present didn't know what to say.

Central 46 had long been notorious for its dishonesty and unpopularity—this had been the case for thousands of years.

Even Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni could only remain silent after hearing this.

After all, he himself had just wanted to execute Hikifune Kirio and Shutara Senjumaru moments ago.

A few complaints were only natural—shouldn't others be allowed to voice them?

Even if they weren't allowed, it wouldn't matter. From the moment the two decided to accept the Zero Division's invitation, they were no longer under the command of the Gotei captains, much less under the jurisdiction of Central 46.

Bang!

Bang!

Bang!

Bang!

Suddenly, four loud explosions rang out.

Aiyan, Aizen, Shihōin Yoruichi, and all the captains present turned their heads to see four giant pillars rising from the direction of Seireitei.

"If I'm not mistaken… that place… seems to be Central 46!"

Hikifune Kirio looked closely and confirmed that the area surrounded by the four pillars was indeed Central 46.

Although she didn't know what was happening, her tone was still filled with schadenfreude.

"Captain Aiyan, Captain Yoruichi, please escort the criminal Urahara Kisuke and the group of arrogant fools who dared to storm the court to the Confession Palace," Yamamoto Genryūsai ordered.

"The rest of the captains and Lieutenants—follow me to support Central 46."

Looking at the four pillars surrounding Central 46, he didn't know exactly what was going on, but when it came to that place, even if it were a dragon's den or a tiger's lair, he had to go.

Not only because Central 46 was the highest judicial body in Soul Society, but also because the Great Spirit Book Gallery was directly beneath it.

Secrets involving all of Soul Society naturally had to be guarded carefully.

"Excuse me, Gotei 13… but I don't think you're going anywhere," a voice said.

"And Aiyan—you don't need to go through all that trouble to send me to the Confession Palace. Just have a little chat with me here."

Just as Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni gathered the Gotei 13 to leave for Central 46, a faint voice came from behind.

"Urahara Kisuke… is this your doing?" Kyōraku Shunsui asked.

He reacted quickly—seeing Urahara Kisuke in prison yet still calm and composed, he instinctively linked the incident at Central 46 to him.

"Captain Kyōraku, I don't want to talk to you," Urahara replied, glancing at him and shaking his head.

They were all chess pieces at the mercy of Aiyan. What was there to discuss? Better to speak directly to the true player.

Not to mention Kyōraku Shunsui—even Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni held no interest to him.

Seeing this, everyone became more certain that the four rising pillars were Urahara Kisuke's work.

"Speak, Urahara Kisuke. What do you want to talk about?" Aiyan asked.

He didn't seem surprised. He tossed the already damaged Zanpakutō onto the grass beside Urahara Kisuke and sat down.

To anyone who didn't know, the two might have seemed like old friends casually chatting rather than bitter enemies.

"Captain Aiyan, could you please open this for me?" Urahara asked, glancing down at the prison restraints suppressing his Kidō and reiatsu.

"Absolutely not," Yamamoto cut in before Aiyan could reply.

"A mere prisoner has no qualifications to bargain with the Gotei 13."

With that, Yamamoto Genryūsai slammed Ryūjin Jakka into the ground, the impact sending dust into the air.

Urahara didn't even glance at him—his eyes stayed fixed on Aiyan.

This only irritated Yamamoto further; he nearly blew his beard out in anger.

When did Aiyan's words come to carry more weight than his own? He was the Captain-Commander of the Gotei!

"Mr. Yamamoto, just let them talk," Kyōraku Shunsui said calmly.

"It's about Central 46. You should focus on Ryūjin Jakka."

"Alright, Captain, calm down," Aiyan added.

"Urahara Kisuke just wants to speak with me—why not give him the chance? Surely the noble Captain-Commander can grant even a dying man's last request."

Hearing this, Yamamoto Genryūsai's mood improved greatly.

Now this was how a subordinate should speak—unlike his rebellious student, Kyōraku Shunsui.

"Gotei 13… has Brother Aiyan's influence really reached this point?" Urahara thought.

"Seireitei… is beyond saving."

Except for the Zero Division—wait… the Zero Division.

Seeing the always stubborn Yamamoto immediately sheathe Ryūjin Jakka without protest, Urahara Kisuke didn't feel satisfied. Instead, a heavy sadness filled him.

So this was the strongest Shinigami in a thousand years—reduced to being played without realizing it.

"Is this what's next for you brothers?"

He suddenly shuddered, glancing at Hikifune Kirio and Shutara Senjumaru, both of whom were glaring at him coldly, then at Aiyan close at hand, and Aizen in the distance.

At that moment, he understood.

The Gotei 13—from captain to Lieutenant—had almost entirely fallen into the hands of the Aiyan brothers.

The next step… could only be the legendary Zero Division that formed the foundation of Soul Society.

Perhaps… even the Soul King himself.

...

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