Chapter 148 – The Burden

Chapter 148 – The Burden

Generally, every squad would dispatch some members to stand guard duty at night. But the number of Shinigami on night watch was never very high.

One night, including himself, one hundred and twenty-five Shinigami witnessed Vice-Captain Aizen. Just how many places did this man go that night?

There were too many doubts. But even if they knew Aizen was up to no good, what could they do?

They were well aware Aizen had deliberately appeared before them, manufacturing an alibi for his absence elsewhere.

Yet with so many witnessing Aizen, it also meant he truly didn't appear where Kisuke Urahara claimed.

"It's impossible for one person to be in two places simultaneously. If Captain Urahara and the others weren't lying about what they saw, then either the Aizen they encountered or the one we saw must have been an imposter.

However, over these years, Aizen's deeds have earned respect from most Shinigami across the Gotei 13 squads. Without evidence, recklessly investigating the Vice-Captain could cause strife, with some of my own 9th Division subordinates disbelieving the claims... What a predicament..." Even the sagacious Shunsui Kyoraku found this troubling.

"Haha, it certainly isn't easy," Ailin agreed with a nod. "But Kyoraku, I thought you'd doubt everything I told you."

"Logically, I should remain skeptical of the information you provided. Yet emotionally, I find myself trusting you."

Indeed, Shunsui had personally witnessed members of the Stealth Force uncover evidence of Hollowfication research from Urahara's lab. Seeing is believing, after all.

Under such circumstances, Shunsui could hardly credit Urahara’s words over the facts before his eyes. But on an emotional level, he hoped everything Ailin said was true. Because then, Lisa might still be alive.

"Oh right, Captain Ailin, you mentioned making contact with Captain Urahara’s group. What of Lieutenant Hirako and the others?"

"Yeah, they've all been resolved. Including Lisa, eight individuals have completely overcome Hollowfication's influence and even gained greater power.

It’s just that as you know, Central 46 has already ruled to treat them as Hollows due to their transformations. Disillusioned with the Gotei 13, they've decided to join Yoruichi and Urahara in the World of the Living."

"I see..." Seated beside Ailin in the courtyard, Shunsui rested his chin on interlocked hands, exhaling slowly. Regardless, as long as Lisa was safe, that was enough.

Shunsui and Ailin discussed the disappearing souls case at length before the former stretched lazily.Thê source of this content n/o/v/(el)bi((n))

"I believe I understand the situation now. Captain Ailin, although I've received much unverified information from you, I still must thank you... Oh right, tomorrow I'll continue recommending Aizen as the 5th Division Captain candidate to the old man."

"I see."

"Eh? You're not surprised?" Seeing Ailin merely nod at his words, Shunsui queried, "Captain Ailin, from our previous conversation, I sensed you leaned more towards Yoruichi and Urahara’s side. So why aren't you trying to stop me this time?"

But with Shunsui monitoring him so intently, how much time would Aizen truly have for those activities in Hueco Mundo?

How intriguing indeed...

***

"3rd Division Vice-Captain Gin Ichimaru, for your Captaincy Proficiency Test, will you choose to challenge and defeat a captain to gain the approval of those present? Or will you opt to demonstrate your Bankai release?"

In the 1st Division's training grounds, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto addressed Gin Ichimaru in a solemn tone.

Currently, due to the disappearing souls incident, the Gotei 13 had lost six captains - the greatest loss suffered in a millennium.

With so many captains missing, most affairs in Seireitei faced delays in processing speed and results, eroding the Shinigami's sense of security and causing some unrest.

To promptly restore stability, filling the vacant captaincies became the top priority. Of course, no matter how dire the lack of captains, Yamamoto would never appoint anyone lacking sufficient strength to the position.

Just like the case of 2nd Division Vice-Captain Soi Fon - despite Yoruichi Shihōin personally pleading with Yamamoto, he only acknowledged Soi Fon as the division's "acting captain" rather than the true captain.

Only once Soi Fon achieved Bankai would Yamamoto officially install her as the 2nd Division Captain with all its privileges and obligations.

In Yamamoto's view, with the talent throughout the Gotei 13, filling those six vacant captaincies would happen soon enough.

Currently, 12th Division Vice-Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi had already demonstrated his Bankai when Captain Ailin was apprehending the former 12th Division Captain Kisuke Urahara, proving himself worthy of leading the 12th Division.

In the 11th Division, the Vice-Captain Zaraki and Kiganjo, both possessed captain-level strength.

Even Yamamoto's own 1st Division Vice-Captain Chōjirō Sasakibe could temporarily serve as acting captain if urgently required.

With Gin Ichimaru potentially filling the 3rd Division role, only one vacancy would remain or perhaps none at all.

Yamamoto suddenly recalled this morning when his disciple Shunsui Kyoraku recommended 5th Division Vice-Captain Sōsuke Aizen as the next 5th Division Captain candidate. Knowing his disciple would hardly propose someone lacking the requisite strength and wisdom. So did that mean all the vacant captain positions had been filled?

Gin Ichimaru remained oblivious to Yamamoto's passing thoughts in that moment. He glanced at the line of captains before him - besides the Captain-Commander, there was 4th Division Captain Retsu Unohana, 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki, 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyoraku, 10th Division Captain Isshin Shiba, and 11th Division Captain Ailin Kenpachi.

"Well, since you esteemed captains all have centuries of renown, this novice dares not sully the occasion by challenging any seniors."

Gin smiled genially as he spoke. He then clapped his hands together and bowed. "I shall demonstrate my Bankai release instead."

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