Chapter 22 – A Little Something to Keep You Busy
With a carefree smile, Tachibana Kyūjō pressed a concentrated stream of high-density Reiatsu directly into Urahara Kisuke's mouth—then pulled him aside for a private talk.
— — —
From a distance, it looked like the two were whispering intimately with arms wrapped around each other.
Yoruichi Shihōin and the others stared at them, equal parts confused and suspicious.
But in truth, they were completely mistaken.
All Kyūjō had done was pull Urahara aside to discuss… science. Specifically, experimental theory.
The other captains weren't research types. They wouldn't understand a word of what Kyūjō was about to bring up—so what was the point in explaining it out loud?
In fact, the topic Kyūjō wanted to discuss wasn't something he wanted them to overhear anyway.
He was asking about Hollowfication experiments on Shinigami, and the reverse—Shinigamification of Hollows. How to perform the process effectively. What went wrong. What could go right.
At first, Kisuke was evasive—understandably reluctant to give away dangerous information.
But that changed the moment Kyūjō dropped one particular keyword:
The Hōgyoku.
"Come on, Kisuke," Kyūjō said with a knowing grin. "There's no need to play coy with me. If I really wanted the Hōgyoku, I wouldn't have traveled all the way to Hueco Mundo. I'd have just stolen the one you made back in Soul Society."
"I'm not asking you to help for free either. From now on, in all Three Worlds, I'll have your back. If one day you can't stay in Soul Society any longer—come to Hueco Mundo. You'll always have a place with me."
He smiled again—a quiet, enigmatic smile that sent a chill down Kisuke's spine.
For a second, the man felt like he'd been sized up by something beyond even his calculations.
But after thinking it through, Kisuke relaxed.
They'd known each other for decades. He knew Kyūjō wasn't the kind of man to act out of blind ambition or cruelty.
Once they were finished exchanging secrets, Kyūjō brought him back to the others.
"Well then," he said brightly, "I'd say this little scuffle's over. I hope you—and Old Man Yamamoto—can accept that. Please don't bother me again. I'm just a handsome man trying to live a peaceful life in Hueco Mundo."
He paused, flashing a mischievous grin.
"Oh, and by the way... if you'd like, I can even help manage Hueco Mundo for you."
Everyone: "..."
Sasakibe Chōjirō exhaled a long, weary sigh. "I'll report your words to Captain-Commander Yamamoto. But how he chooses to respond... is beyond my authority."
Kyūjō raised an eyebrow slightly.
Was that supposed to scare him?
Very well.
If they wanted something to keep them busy...
He'd give them something.
"Then please deliver a few extra messages to the old man for me."
"First—there are two major forces plotting to seize control of the Three Worlds and overthrow Soul Society. And just so it's clear: I'm not one of them."
"Second—both of those forces are hiding right under your noses. And believe me… they're far more terrifying than anything you're imagining."
"Whether you believe me or not is up to you."
At that, Chōjirō's expression twisted into a deep frown.
Even if Kyūjō had defected from Soul Society, he'd never done anything truly villainous or destructive.
So while his warning couldn't be taken at face value… it couldn't be dismissed either.
Before Chōjirō could respond, Kyūjō was already gone—vanishing into the distance, leaving the six captains to silently stare at each other.
Would Gotei 13 actually discover the truth about Aizen Sōsuke's schemes… or the shadowy existence of Wandenreich and Yhwach?
Either way, it was no longer Kyūjō's concern.
— — —
"Alright, let's go, Elsa." Kyūjō's voice turned soft as he settled back on the dragon's back. "That strange sensation you felt earlier… it's gone now, right?"
Elsa nodded gently, then lifted him effortlessly and resumed their journey.
Honestly, with this ability of Elsa's, as long as he stayed on her back, even that old fossil Yamamoto—or someone from the Zero Division—wouldn't be able to detect Kyūjō's presence.
Three days later, after arriving at their next destination, Kyūjō encountered another Adjuchas-class Hollow.
This time, it took the form of a massive bear.
Its Reiatsu was actually a bit stronger than Elsa's had been.
Unfortunately, its intelligence was almost nonexistent. The moment it spotted them, it let out a single roar… and charged.
It didn't even last ten seconds.
It died with a thud—reduced to lunch. Its Hollow mask shattered, its body absorbed by Elsa, who added the bear's power to her own.
Kyūjō, meanwhile, continued absorbing spirit particles. He spent three more days in that area, then climbed back on Elsa and flew onward.
He wasn't wasting a single second.
If anything, he was working harder than he ever had as a former office employee.
— — —
But while Kyūjō was busy quietly leveling up in Hueco Mundo...
Back in Soul Society, the tides were shifting.
Though his warning—delivered via Sasakibe Chōjirō—hadn't directly exposed Aizen's grand plans or Wandenreich's existence, it had still done enough to put Captain-Commander Yamamoto on high alert.
As a result, all of Gotei 13 initiated an intensive internal inspection.
The consequence?
Aizen's Hōgyoku experiments became riskier. Harder to hide. Slower to progress.
And each time Aizen sat alone in thought, he found himself gritting his teeth in frustration.
Not just because Kyūjō had nearly blown his cover...
But because Kyūjō had completely taken over the "escape route" Aizen had meticulously prepared:
Hueco Mundo.
The place that was supposed to be his fallback.
Now ruled by a man whose power was nearly unmatchable.
Aizen had no good options left.
Even after fusing with the Hōgyoku, he'd have to choose:
1. Retreat to the Human World, rebuild from the shadows, and accelerate the fusion process.
2. Or stick to his original plan—enter Hueco Mundo… and risk everything by challenging Tachibana Kyūjō.
But after witnessing Kyūjō's true strength?
Aizen wasn't so sure he could win anymore.
His Zanpakutō, Kyōka Suigetsu, had no effect.
Even his Bankai could be copied.
The only hope now... was for the Hōgyoku to fully awaken and push his Reiatsu beyond Shinigami limits.
Only then could he hope to defeat Kyūjō head-on.
As for sharing power?
The idea of ruling together with someone?
Forget it.
In Aizen's mind, such a concept had never existed.
From the very beginning, he had always believed—only one person was meant to sit on the throne of heaven.
And that person... was him.
— — —
Meanwhile, in the wake of Kyūjō's departure, Soul Society resumed its original storyline.
Kotetsu Isane returned to her role as Lieutenant of Squad 4.
Over in Squad 12, Captain Urahara Kisuke released Kurotsuchi Mayuri from the Maggot's Nest and reinstated him as the Head Researcher of the Development Institute.
At the same time, Shin'ō Academy welcomed a new student into its prestigious halls.
A so-called genius, whose talent was said to rival that of Kyūjō's during his academy days.
His name?
Hitsugaya Tōshirō.
Known to some as "Little White."
(Should we call him Shiro-chan? Then what about Byakuya… Bai-chan?)
Yet, even with all the fanfare, not a single person believed Hitsugaya would ever truly rival Tachibana Kyūjō.
Not even close.
Matching Kyūjō's current level was already a near-impossible dream.
Let alone surpassing it.
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