[In the projection, facing Kyoraku Shunsui's probing words, only suffocating silence emanated from the depths of Muken. The darkness seemed to swallow sound itself, leaving only the faint echo of the Head Captain's breathing in the oppressive void.
Kyoraku Shunsui's usual carefree demeanor cracked slightly, replaced by a wry smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Why... don't you answer me?" he called out, his voice carrying a hint of genuine curiosity mixed with wariness.
"Don't you want to speak without using your spiritual pressure?"
The silence stretched on, heavy and unnerving. Kyoraku's hand moved to the small ornate box at his side—the key container he'd been forced to requisition from Central 46 for this unprecedented visit.
"It seems... the only thing I can do is remove one of your seals," he mused aloud, his tone taking on a more serious edge. "Or is it that even in your current state, you physically cannot speak without the use of your mouth?"
Even faced with such provocative words, designed to elicit some reaction, Aizen remained utterly silent. The darkness seemed to mock Kyoraku's attempts at communication.
With deliberate movements, Kyoraku withdrew a specialized key from the container—one of only three he'd been authorized to use. The metal gleamed dully in the dim light as he approached the intricate seal formation on the ground.
"Even I can only use three of these," he explained, perhaps more to himself than to his silent audience. "First, let's unlock the seal on your mouth."
The key slid into the corresponding lock mechanism with a soft click. Through this single opening in the vast sealing network, he could lift the restriction on Aizen's speech.
"There. Now you should be able to speak without using spiritual pressure, and you can move your mouth freely, correct?" Kyoraku said, stepping back slightly. "For ordinary people, after being sealed for two years, they might not be able to speak immediately due to disuse."
A pause, then his voice carried an almost admiring undertone that seemed out of place in the circumstances.
"But you definitely won't have such a problem, will you?"
At this moment, Kyoraku Shunsui seemed less like a cautious Head Captain and more like someone who genuinely recognized and respected the terrifying capabilities of the man before him. He knew all too well just how monstrous Aizen's power truly was.
But in the next instant, Kyoraku's expression froze completely.
His eyes widened in shock as he heard something that should have been impossible—the distinct sound of footsteps echoing through Muken's depths.
Tap... tap... tap...
The rhythmic sound sent chills down his spine. How could this be? He had only lifted one seal—the one binding Aizen's mouth. The seals restraining his movement should still be completely intact.
What was happening?
Then, as if sensing Kyoraku's growing alarm, that unmistakable voice cut through the darkness like a blade through silk.
"What's wrong? Are you frightened?"
The voice was exactly as Kyoraku remembered—calm, cultured, and carrying that insufferable note of supreme confidence that made it clear the speaker viewed everyone else as insects beneath his notice.
And then, emerging from the shadows like a specter, Aizen's figure became visible. Even bound and sealed, he carried himself with the bearing of a god looking down upon mortals. His eyes held that same terrifying composure, that same absolute certainty in his own superiority that had made him so dangerous before.
The sight sent ice through the veins of every observer.]
At this moment, every spectator watching the projection—along with Kyoraku Shunsui himself—felt their scalps prickling with dread.
[Unohana Retsu]: What... what is happening? How is Aizen able to move freely already?
[Byakuya Kuchiki]: This defies all logic! Our Soul Society's sealing methods should be absolute! How could such a critical flaw exist in our security measures? What exactly is his current condition? This is truly incomprehensible...
[Rukia Kuchiki]: Oh no... is this going to give Aizen another opportunity to demonstrate his superiority?
[Ulquiorra]: As expected. I knew from the beginning that you Shinigami could never truly contain Aizen-sama. Perhaps he has already taken action, and you simply remain unaware of it.
[Tosen Kaname]: Captain Kyoraku must be absolutely terrified right now, wouldn't you agree?
[Gerard]: Hmph! Look how pathetic you Shinigami are. Just one man—Aizen—has reduced you all to this sorry state of panic!
[Lille Barro]: He is merely Aizen. His presence won't significantly impact the war's outcome. I have complete faith that His Majesty will deal with him effortlessly in the end.
The Shinigami of Soul Society couldn't begin to imagine what catastrophe might unfold next!
Head Captain Yamamoto found himself in an exceptionally foul mood at this revelation. Though he remained silent, endless fury radiated from his very being, causing the spiritual pressure around him to fluctuate dangerously.
Whoooosh...
The oppressive aura made every Shinigami in the vicinity acutely aware of just how enraged the old man had become.
How frustrating, Yamamoto thought bitterly. To be rendered so powerless... to watch as Yhwach, Aizen, and others treat Soul Society like their personal playground, coming and going as they please.
The thought filled him with volcanic rage. The Soul Society he had protected for over a millennium was being treated as someone else's property. How could he possibly tolerate such humiliation?
And still, he remained ignorant of the circumstances surrounding his own death. The uncertainty gnawed at him like a persistent wound.
Should I blame Aizen? Or Yhwach? The Head Captain's thoughts churned with frustration and wounded pride.
Though no one spoke of it directly, Yamamoto could read between the lines. His fate in the future was already sealed. Among the Gotei 13, only he possessed the strength necessary to confront someone of Aizen's caliber in direct combat.
Yet he was absent from these future scenes.
The implication was clear—he must have already fallen in battle, leaving Kyoraku Shunsui to inherit his position as Head Captain.
So Kyoraku has become the new Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13?
The realization filled Yamamoto with indignation and a deep sense of inadequacy.
While the Shinigami had begun to reconsider their view of Aizen—recognizing him as a Soul Society native who would fight desperately against foreign invaders—and acknowledging that he might be their only hope of defeating Yhwach, the situation still left a bitter taste.
Aizen possessed the power to stand against the Quincy King. He was one of the precious few top-tier combatants Soul Society could rely upon in this crisis.
But that knowledge only made Yamamoto's frustration burn hotter.
The Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, unable to protect his own Soul Society, forced to rely on Aizen—the former traitor, the very villain who betrayed us all.
Anyone would feel aggrieved by such circumstances!
While the captains and other Shinigami seethed with anger and helplessness, the Quincy responded with mocking laughter.
[Gerard]: Pathetic! You Shinigami can't even properly guard a single sealed prisoner.
[Lille Barro]: So Aizen will break free completely and become His Majesty's opponent? Excellent. His Majesty will undoubtedly crush him and demonstrate the vast gulf between their respective powers.
[Pernida]: When that time comes, I will personally obliterate your final hope, Shinigami.
[Jugram Haschwalth]: I suspect only Ichigo Kurosaki might provide a modicum of challenge. The rest of you Shinigami are beneath consideration.
The other Shinigami found themselves at a loss for words. They could only offer reluctant support for their former enemy.
[Hitsugaya Toshiro]: Don't get too cocky! Remember that Aizen is still one of our fellow Shinigami. He's definitely not someone you should underestimate.
[Unohana Retsu]: When the time comes, you Wandenreich will pay dearly for your arrogance.
[Byakuya Kuchiki]: Of course, Aizen shouldn't become overconfident either. I believe Soul Society can still contain you if necessary. At most, we'll assist you in defeating Yhwach, but we cannot simply allow you to walk away free afterward. If you can defeat the Quincy King, it can serve as atonement for your past crimes.
[Aizen Sosuke]: Such stubborn words from you Shinigami! But I find your attitudes... amusing.
[Aizen Sosuke]: Don't concern yourselves with my situation. Simply observe what unfolds next.
[Aizen Sosuke]: I will ensure they understand the heavy price that must be paid for daring to invade my Soul Society.