Beneath the night sky, frigid winds howled with desolate intensity.
The patrol guards within Seireitei's inner sanctum couldn't suppress their involuntary shivers.
"Tonight's particularly bitter."
While muttering such observations, they passed directly by Sosuke Aizen, completely oblivious to his presence.
Aizen, concealed beneath the Spirit Concealment Cloak, remained utterly imperceptible to their senses.
He proceeded with measured steps, hands clasped serenely behind his back.
His current destination: the underground assembly chamber at Seireitei's very heart.
The seat of Central 46.
"Throughout this period, though an unpredictable variable has emerged, it hasn't significantly impacted our objectives."
"Therefore... let us accelerate the plan's timeline somewhat."
Aizen's countenance bore a subtle, knowing smile.
After effortlessly circumventing the assembly hall's protective barriers, he penetrated directly into its interior sanctum.
Though he considered this approach somewhat elaborate for the plan's requirements, absolute situational control justified such measures.
Upon entering the assembly chamber, he raised his hand deliberately, slowly drawing back his hood to reveal his form.
When the Central 46 members observed a black-robed figure materializing below their elevated positions, immediate shock seized them.
"Who dares?! Why do you violate the sacred assembly hall!"
"You... you are... Fifth Division Captain Sosuke Aizen?"
"What brings you here at this hour?"
"Have you forgotten Seireitei's inviolable laws? Insolent wretch!"
"Withdraw immediately before our wrath ignites!"
Their overlapping outcries reverberated throughout the chamber.
Aizen merely inclined his head slightly, that enigmatic smile never wavering.
Upon entry, he had already employed Kyoka Suigetsu to manipulate the external guards' perceptions completely.
Consequently, regardless of Central 46's vehement protests, their cries would achieve absolutely nothing.
"You insolent cur... did our words not reach your ears?!"
Observing Aizen's continued silence and immobility, one judge erupted in furious condemnation.
At this juncture, Aizen lifted his gaze marginally, his smile deepening:
"Were you addressing me?"
His response left the judge momentarily speechless, rage subsequently contorting his features.
"A mere Fifth Division Captain dares display such brazen arrogance!"
Aizen's expression remained utterly unchanged upon hearing this accusation.
However, at that precise instant, a razor-sharp gleam erupted from his vicinity, streaking directly toward the offending judge.
The protective screen before him disintegrated instantaneously!
In the following heartbeat, that lethal arc severed his throat.
The glacial sensation persisted for mere milliseconds before crimson erupted forth.
His form crumpled lifelessly.
Instantaneous death!
"Impossible?!"
"Judge Akimoto-sama!!"
"You... you murdered a judge?! Sosuke Aizen, do you dare commit treason?!!"
"Guards! Where are our protectors!!"
One sage screamed desperately into the communication apparatus.
Beyond the assembly hall, several guards maintained blank expressions.
Despite the communication device's clearly audible transmissions, they remained completely oblivious.
Aizen raised his hand with deliberate grace, fingers settling upon his zanpakuto's hilt.
Witnessing this gesture, every remaining sage and judge erupted in absolute panic!
"Aizen! Cease immediately! What further atrocities do you contemplate?!"
"This is the Central Assembly Hall! You wouldn't dare unsheathe your blade in this sacred space?!"
Terror had completely obliterated their rational faculties.
Aizen had just executed a judge, yet they seemed to dismiss this reality entirely.
They desperately attempted to halt Aizen's actions through such hollow, cowardly bravado.
These pathetic sounds, however, registered in Aizen's consciousness as nothing more than insect chittering.
He withdrew his blade from its sheath with fluid precision.
Only then did he allow his gaze to sweep across every Central 46 screen, that cold smile persisting:
"Though I harbor no desire for you decrepit parasites to perish in bewilderment..."
"Providing adequate explanation would constitute mere breath wasted."
"Your feeble intellects could never comprehend such concepts regardless."
Aizen elevated his hand gracefully, raising the blade to its apex.
Beneath the chamber's illumination, the steel reflected menacing radiance!
"Halt this madness immediately!!"
"Desist, you treacherous demon!!"
"Where stand the Gotei 13 captains?! Why does none come to ensure our protection?!!"
They shrieked with voices raw from terror, faces grotesquely distorted. Several attempted to flee their positions.
At that moment, however, Aizen's blade descended in a single, effortless sweep.
Instantaneously, the cacophonous Central 46 chamber fell into absolute, deathly silence.
Every cry, every plea—silenced forever.
In the subsequent heartbeat, all forty-five souls ceased to exist.
Their forms bore profound, fatal lacerations from that singular stroke.
Metallic crimson permeated the atmosphere as Central 46 members collapsed across their respective conference surfaces.
They never perceived death's arrival.
This represented absolute annihilation.
Aizen displayed a satisfied smile, standing triumphant at the assembly hall's center.
"How serene the world becomes once vermin are exterminated."
...
Simultaneously, within the Thirteenth Division barracks.
Shigure sat within his quarters, contemplating with intense focus.
"Given the Gillian's confirmed manifestation, approximately two days remain before Rukia Kuchiki's capture and return."
"Which signifies..."
"Aizen may have... already commenced preparations for Central 46's elimination."
Shigure's eyes gleamed with apprehension.
Suddenly, urgent knocking erupted beyond his chamber door.
"Lieutenant! Lieutenant!"
Shigure arched an eyebrow—Third Seat Kiyone Kotetsu's voice.
Rising to his feet, he approached and opened the door. Kiyone Kotetsu's expression radiated excitement.
"What's the matter, Kiyone?" Shigure inquired with surprise.
Kiyone Kotetsu spoke rapidly: "The Department of Research and Development... appears to have discovered intelligence regarding Rukia!"
"What?" Shigure momentarily froze.
Kiyone Kotetsu elaborated: "Though I lack specific details... I've heard they've apparently located Rukia's position! She's in the World of the Living!"
"..."
Shigure's expression grew gravely serious.
Discovered this very evening...
These developments were accelerating beyond expectations...
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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