Yoshio still remembered a movie plot.
Rukia had adopted two Rukongai children who later encountered a "Parasite Hollow." The Hollow infested the two kids and ultimately fused with Rukia's body.
When Rukia, the two children, and the Parasite Hollow merged, Dark Rukia was born.
With slightly more violet—darker eyes—she'd be even closer.
Except…
The movie should be a parallel world. Just as this world lacks Soujirou Kusaka, the two children Rukia adopted shouldn't exist here—let alone Dark Rukia.
Except…
How far has Rukia's transformation gone?
"She looks like…"
Yoshio hesitated. "She actually looks pretty good."
"Don't you find it fascinating that a Shinigami, a Hōgyoku, and Hollow White fusing could produce such a change?" Aizen said softly.
"It is fascinating. Honestly, Rukia wielding a scythe like this looks really Shinigami-like."
Yoshio joked, then sat down in front of Aizen's desk and asked, "How did Rukia become like this?"
"Well, you'll have to find the answer yourself."
Seeing Aizen's expression, Yoshio knew he definitely knew but didn't want to say.
He asked again, "Does the Kuchiki clan know?"
"No."
"How could they not?"
"Even Rukia Kuchiki herself doesn't know."
Aizen was cryptic. Realizing he wouldn't get anything useful out of him, Yoshio pouted and prepared to leave.
But just then Aizen said, "You want to turn the Hollows in Las Noches into Arrancar?"
"Since we already have Arrancar, why not scale up?" Yoshio said. "Otherwise, constantly handling ugly business puts me in a foul mood."
Generally, only Vasto Lorde-class Menos Grande have humanoid forms, and there aren't many Vasto Lorde in Hueco Mundo.
Yoshio discovered that the conditions for generating Souls Abilities among Hollows were far stricter than for Shinigami.
In Hueco Mundo, even ordinary Adjuchas can't generate Souls Abilities!
If power alone were the factor, then theoretically any Gillian in Hueco Mundo should have a Souls Ability, never mind an Adjuchas.
Thus Yoshio hypothesized: the key factor for generating a Souls Ability isn't "spiritual power," but "heart."
Compared to Hollows, Shinigami have clearer, richer inner worlds; powerful Shinigami often possess unyielding wills.
And Hollows? Insects, worms, creeping back and forth in endless despair and malice.
Such beings have no redemption, no heart—thus no Souls Abilities.
Only when they become as strong as Vasto Lorde—gaining human form, high intellect, and reflecting on the hearts they lost—do they gain Souls Abilities.
Therefore, Yoshio needed Aizen to rapidly perform Arrancarization on Menos Grande in Hueco Mundo.
Once Arrancar, Hollows gain greater power and gradually escape their miserable prior state.
Also, Arrancar are easier to interact with—though…
Still far from Shinigami.
But better than before.
This way, Yoshio could acquire more Souls Abilities.
If he was going to be stationed in Hueco Mundo long-term, he had to consider the long game of acquiring Souls Abilities.
Not only would Menos Grande without Souls Abilities benefit, but powerful Hollows who already had them would become easier for Yoshio to harvest via Arrancarization.
Aizen said nothing, so Yoshio took his leave.
After Aizen, he headed to Thirteenth Division.
With such an interesting change in Rukia Kuchiki, how could he not go see?
If Hollow White truly led Rukia to a Dark Rukia form, then…
He wanted to know whether her Souls Ability had changed.
If it was only a cosmetic change, the Souls Ability wouldn't change.
But if her personality had shifted, then all bets were off.
If this Dark Rukia matched his impression, something interesting might happen.
So Yoshio had to see Rukia.
There was some distance from Fifth to Thirteenth Division, but at his speed he arrived quickly.
…
"Lieutenant Yoshio."
Many in Thirteenth knew him; after the Hollow White incident, Yoshio had occasionally visited.
Of course, that was only one reason.
Second, Yoshio's novel "Thousand-Year Blood War" had become a hit. He was a minor celebrity novelist in Seireitei now, and many people he didn't know were fans. That made earning goodwill much easier.
The Lieutenant badge plus bestselling author status quickly endeared him to ordinary Shinigami.
"Is Captain Ukitake resting?"
He casually asked a Shinigami.
"Yes, Lieutenant Yoshio. Do you need Captain Ukitake for something?" the Shinigami asked respectfully.
"No, I'm looking for Rukia. Is Kuchiki here?"
Before he finished, Rukia's voice came from nearby. She seemed back to normal now.
"Lieutenant Yoshio… why are you here?"
"You came looking for me earlier, didn't you? I figured I had nothing pressing, so I came to find you. What's up? Something you need?"
"Yeah… something," Rukia said softly.
Seeing her hesitation, Yoshio said, "Alright then—it's almost lunchtime. I'll take you out for something to eat, and we can talk."
"Uh…" Rukia looked surprised. "It's not time yet."
"It's fine. Captain Ukitake won't mind, and I'm practically dragging you, so don't worry," Yoshio said lightly.
Thirteenth Division wasn't strictly managed—Jūshirō Ukitake was a relatively benevolent superior, at least toward his own squad.
Plus, Yoshio and Ukitake were fairly acquainted.
Had it been another squad, Yoshio wouldn't casually call out someone from another division.
"This… okay."
Rukia hesitated, then followed Yoshio out.