In the past, Yoruichi only felt truly safe when she was with Uehara Shiroha. Now, everyone was on edge because of Aizen's threat. His pressure was overwhelming, and they struggled to find a solution. What made matters worse was that Aizen now possessed the Hōgyoku—a weapon of unimaginable power.
Because of this, she, Urahara Kisuke, and many captains were anxious. Unlike ordinary people who might give up when faced with such pressure, they would persevere and even exceed their normal capabilities. But their determination still couldn't compare to Uehara Shiroha's absolute confidence that everything was under control.
"It doesn't matter. You'll take action anyway," Uehara Shiroha remarked with casual confidence, leaning back with an almost bored expression on his face.
He wasn't concerned. Not only did he have exceptional talents like Kurosaki Ichigo and Urahara Kisuke fighting on his side, but with his Infinite Shunkyō, even Aizen after fusing with the Hōgyoku wouldn't pose a serious threat.
To others, Aizen after hollowfication was a world-ending boss—unstoppable and invincible. In Uehara Shiroha's eyes, Hōgyoku Aizen was still a boss-level entity, but more like the kind of boss that "drops legendary gear when defeated." Of course he wasn't worried; he actually welcomed the challenge.
For Uehara Shiroha, everything remained firmly under control.
Looking at the confident light in Uehara Shiroha's dark eyes, Shihōin Yoruichi felt her heart stir. Such a man was undeniably charming. What had conquered her wasn't only Uehara Shiroha's overwhelming strength, but also his unshakable confidence that seemed to bend reality itself to his will.
After a moment, Yoruichi changed the subject: "How do you plan to deal with those who've opposed you?" Her golden eyes studied him carefully, trying to read beyond his composed exterior.
Before all this, she and Urahara had suspected that Uehara Shiroha was hiding an extremely powerful trump card. That would explain his fearlessness in the face of every challenge.
Although the power Uehara Shiroha had displayed was already terrifying—making them feel inferior and leaving them in disbelief—they suspected there was more to it. Considering his character, the strength he'd shown might be merely the tip of the iceberg.
This suspicion seemed incredible, almost unbelievable. But it was likely true; nothing else could explain why someone as intelligent as Uehara Shiroha would allow Aizen to continue his plans. He couldn't have been unaware of how dangerous Aizen would become after obtaining the Hōgyoku.
At the time, Uehara Shiroha had the ability to prevent Aizen from getting the Hōgyoku, yet he did nothing. This could only mean that the strongest genius in Soul Society's history had unparalleled confidence and hidden abilities.
Now, seeing Uehara Shiroha's calm demeanor, Shihōin Yoruichi was certain he was concealing something powerful. It seemed unbelievable that his god-like powers weren't even his full strength.
She was curious about what kind of trump card would make him so confident. In the face of war, what ability could make someone feel so invincible? However, Yoruichi only probed lightly and didn't push the issue further.
She was more concerned about Uehara Shiroha's attitude toward the nobles. To some extent, this also related to the direction of the current conflict.
"Urahara Kisuke even thought of this? Impressive," Uehara Shiroha mused, surprised that with the situation so tense, Urahara Kisuke still had time to worry about those useless nobles. He wasn't sure whether to call it naivety or wisdom.
Perhaps Urahara feared he would become a rebel like Aizen. He had many concerns, but they were pointless. No matter how much Urahara Kisuke worried, it wouldn't change anything. When those foolish nobles chose to become his enemies, their fate was sealed.
Shihōin Yoruichi sighed helplessly: "I admit those people are foolish. However, they pose no real threat to you. You don't need to eliminate them all." Her voice carried a hint of pleading, though she knew how stubborn he could be once his mind was set.
If possible, she really didn't want to concern herself with the lives of the nobles. It was just that over thousands of years, the Shihōin family and other noble houses had formed a unified aristocracy. All noble families were interconnected to some degree.
It would be one thing if Uehara Shiroha dealt with just one or two families. But he obviously wasn't willing to show leniency, and many families would suffer the consequences. Many noble members were Yoruichi's relatives.
Besides, the lives of nobles were still lives. Therefore, she felt compelled to speak up for them, even though they had expelled her from their ranks.
On his throne of ice, Uehara Shiroha stood resolute, spiritual pressure radiating from him in cold waves: "Their fate is not decided by you, nor by themselves... I have the final say." His voice, though quiet, carried a weight that made the very air tremble.
He had already made arrangements for those nobles. Simply put, Soul Society didn't need so many undisciplined and idle parasites. No one except him had the right to enjoy such privilege.
"Why do you hate these nobles so intensely? They've behaved this way for thousands of years," Yoruichi asked, genuinely puzzled, a frown creasing her brow.
Besides traditional nobles, high-ranking Shinigami were also nobility. Uehara Shiroha's strength and status fully qualified him to join the ruling class of Soul Society. It seemed counterproductive for him to eliminate them all—essentially opposing his own position.
Uehara Shiroha replied calmly: "I never forgive, and I never forget. Don't forget how these people plotted against me before. For thousands of years, the nobles' rule has indeed been deeply entrenched. But they have no real power—what maintains their rule is bloodline. Ability and strength are secondary. Is this normal? No, it's not. Is the sword in your hand fake? Even if yours is, mine certainly isn't."
The reckoning must come, and no one would escape it. When those nobles had relied on their status to give him orders and tried to seize power from him, they should have anticipated this day.
Urahara Kisuke and Shihōin Yoruichi feared sacrifice and bloodshed, but he did not. Even if it created a river of blood, he wouldn't hesitate.
Shihōin Yoruichi said resignedly: "Urahara knows you won't let them go. He just doesn't know how you plan to deal with them, and I'm curious about that as well." She crossed her arms, preparing herself for whatever ruthless plan he might reveal.
She was certain Uehara Shiroha wouldn't conduct any massive purges. If that had been his intention, he would have done it long ago. Those who had directly offended him were already dead; those remaining had committed lesser offenses. But even so, these people would not escape punishment.
"I will send them where they belong," Uehara Shiroha stated, having already made arrangements. "Exile to Hueco Mundo is the fate awaiting them. Garbage should be thrown into the garbage dump. Purifying Soul Society is everyone's responsibility. Don't they enjoy fighting for power and killing innocent people?"
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