Hearing Aizen talk about the nobles' extermination, Shin kept a poker face. "Oh? Why do you say that?"
"Tōsen Kaname."
Aizen stated the name, and then continued, "Kaname has never once defied my orders, yet this time he made the unusual request to remain in Hueco Mundo."
"Furthermore, I am well aware that his purpose in following me is solely to avenge his friend."
"If anything could cause him to defy me, that would be it."
"This is undoubtedly a good opportunity. Soul Society's top combat forces are scattered between Hueco Mundo and the Human world, leaving the internal defenses of Seireitei vulnerable."
Shin couldn't help but admire Aizen's ability to infer the whole from a small detail, as well as the high degree of control he maintained over those around him.
Including Gin, Aizen was equally clear about his intentions.
"In that case, most of Soul Society's authority will fall upon the Gotei 13."
"Why not eliminate Yamamoto?"
In Aizen's view, Yamamoto, loyal to the Royal Family, was undoubtedly an obstacle.
Shin said, "As for Captain Commander Yamamoto, he is old, it's time for him to retire."
Although Yamamoto is always relentlessly targeted by opponents and thus unable to fully unleash his true strength in every major battle, this precisely illustrates the deterrent power of his title as the 'Strongest Shinigami.'
"Shin, you are truly merciful."
"However, merely defeating Yamamoto using this opportunistic method is not enough to completely destroy the prestige he has built up over a thousand years."
Aizen had used Wonderweiss to seal Ryūjin Jakka this time, rather than defeating him in a direct confrontation.
Shin gave an ambiguous smile. "If once isn't enough, then we'll do it a few more times."
Aizen said, "It seems you already have a complete plan."
"So, who do you think will become the next Captain Commander?"
Without waiting for Shin to answer, Aizen continued, "Hitsugaya Tōshirō?"
"His Zanpakutō is the strongest ice type, which corresponds to the Captain-Commander, who possesses the strongest fire type Zanpakutō. He has the potential to become Captain Commander."
"However, he is too young, his experience is insufficient, and he acts too impulsively. His judgment is easily swayed by emotions, and he is far from ready to shoulder such a great responsibility."
Shin nodded.
Aizen's evaluation of Tōshirō was pertinent.
In the original timeline, Tōshirō was miserably tormented by Aizen—the poor boy.
"Ukitake Jūshirō?"
"His experience is sufficient, and he is a disciple of Yamamoto. However, his health has been poor year-round, his strength is insufficient, and even his divisional affairs are managed by his subordinates."
Because Jūshirō possesses the 'Right Arm of the Soul King,' he always appears sickly. This definitely won't do.
"Unohana Retsu?"
"She is one of the longest-serving captains, her experience is more than sufficient, and she acts with composure and calmness, capable of making accurate judgments."
"As the First Kenpachi, her strength is also considerable. However, she herself is a dangerous and uncontrollable factor."
"Furthermore, most Shinigami are currently unaware of her true strength, so she is not yet capable of commanding the full respect of the masses."
"Kyōraku Shunsui?"
"Like Ukitake Jūshirō, he is a disciple of Yamamoto. Although he appears frivolous and lazy, he is actually meticulous and thoughtful, and his power far exceeds that of an average captain. He acts boldly and is not constrained by rules."
"He is probably the most likely candidate for the next Captain Commander."
Shin had to admit that Aizen was quite accurate in his assessment of people. In the original timeline, Shunsui had indeed succeeded to the position of Captain Commander.
"However, having Shunsui as Captain Commander probably doesn't align well with your goals."
"Someone is coming." Shin interrupted Aizen, having sensed the Reiatsu of Kisuke and others approaching.
Domain Expansion: Malevolent Shrine!
Shin immediately activated his Domain, covering both himself and Aizen, which was enough to isolate them from external prying.
Aizen glanced around. "This isn't a barrier, is it?"
Shin nodded. "That's right. It does not restrict movement in or out."
Even so, every opponent Shin had faced thus far had never considered leaving the Domain, choosing instead to fight him head-on inside it.
"In this game, you have already won half."
Aizen's sudden shift caught Shin off guard.
"You united Soul Society to attack Hueco Mundo, shortening the awakening time of the Hōgyoku and forcing me to initiate the Ōken plan prematurely."
"During this period, you used Kaname to eliminate Soul Society's traditional noble classes."
"Then, all you need to do is defeat me, resolve the Captain Commander issue, and you can slowly establish a new order."
Shin looked at Aizen's relaxed and carefree appearance. It sounded as if 'defeating him' was a simple matter.
After fusing with the Hōgyoku, Aizen was an immortal and indestructible existence.
"However, you must know about the Royal Guard, the Zero Division, right?"
"The Zero Division stands above the Gotei 13, responsible for guarding the Royal Palace and the Soul King. They will not easily descend unless the stability of the three worlds is threatened."
"But that is merely the surface explanation. The Zero Division watches over the Soul King, they do not guard him."
"The Soul King is merely a puppet, a tool used by the great noble clans to maintain their rule."
"The Soul King is the source of all power, yet he was mutilated and turned into a limbless torso by the Five Great Noble Clans. It is ridiculous that the Shinigami claim to follow the Soul King's will, they are merely tools for the nobles."
Aizen had always assumed Shin was unaware of the truth about the Soul King, so he revealed what he knew.
Shin's gaze was sharp. "The Soul King? Even if he possesses his own will, I will only act according to my own heart."
Aizen revealed a look of understanding. He had always been searching for someone who could truly understand him.
"Shin, what do you think understanding is?"
"Understanding?"
Shin said, "Understanding encompasses many aspects: ideology, way of thinking, perception, and so on."
"In my view, understanding is built upon the foundation of equal communication, and to achieve equal communication, one must first possess the corresponding strength."
"An ant and a giant elephant cannot truly understand each other."
"Secondly, one must possess corresponding perception. If the height of one's standing point is different, the perspective on issues will be different, and naturally, what can be understood will also differ."
Clap... Clap...
Aizen began to clap. "Shin, you are absolutely right. Strength is the prerequisite for understanding, and perception is the key."
Then, Aizen chuckled softly. "I wonder what your current strength is like?"
The last time Aizen fought Shin in Soul Society, he had sustained slight injuries. Now, having merged with the Hōgyoku, he had evolved to a higher dimension, transcending Shinigami.
Upon hearing Aizen's words, Shin didn't hesitate, immediately launching an attack with a raised hand.
Dismantle!
Endless slashes assaulted Aizen, but shattered before they could even touch his body.
Cleave!
Net-like slashes, expanded to the maximum reach of the Domain, enveloped Aizen, and his body was instantly sliced into pieces. But the next moment, the sliced body cracked inch by inch and then vanished.
Seeing this, Shin immediately realized the situation was dire.
Judgment!
A massive flaming eye appeared above his head. At this moment, he discovered the location of Aizen's true body.
(End of Chapter)
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