Chapter 174 – An Abnormal Situation
"All Hollowfied Shinigami shall be treated as Hollows and dealt with accordingly. I found no fault in my actions when encountering the Hollowfied Shinigami in the Rukongai this time."
The captains nodded in agreement as they listened to Kaname Tōsen’s explanation.
Indeed, decades ago during the Hollowfication incident, the nobles of the Central 46 had issued such an order.
At that time, if Yoruichi Shihōin, Captain of the Second Division, hadn't stormed into the Central 46 chambers and the Twelfth Division's research tower, rescuing Kisuke Urahara, Tessai Tsukabishi, and the Hollowfied Shinji Hirako and others, they would have truly been "purified."
"That's enough. This matter ends here."
With a resounding thud of his staff, Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto brought the discussion to a close.
"Dismissed!"
Just as the captains prepared to leave, Ailin stepped forward.
"Wait, Captain-Commander."
"Captain Aizen has only explained why Captain Tōsen attempted to kill the Hollowfied Shinigami, but he hasn't addressed why I witnessed that Shinigami Hollowfy before your very eyes." Ailin's words struck a chord within the captains, sending a wave of unease through the room.
They realized they had overlooked a crucial detail – the origin of the Hollowfied Shinigami. If not for Ailin's reminder, they would have forgotten about it entirely.
This, of course, was due to Aizen's subtle manipulation.
After orchestrating the events and ensuring the captains played their assigned roles, he had used Kyōka Suigetsu to create the illusion of his own injuries, making his accusations against Ailin more believable.
The Hollowfied Shinigami, bound by Ailin's Bakudō, had been witnessed by the captains. However, once it became clear that Haruko Kuchiki's survival wasn't due to Urahara's Hollowfication research, Aizen knew his plan to frame Ailin had failed.
Therefore, he discreetly employed Kyōka Suigetsu to alter the captains' perception of the Hollowfied Shinigami, transforming it into a harmless fly in their eyes.
He believed this would cause them to forget about the Hollowfied Shinigami, and even if they remembered later, it wouldn't raise any suspicions.
After all, who would question a captain over a Hollowfied Shinigami that was destined for purification?
However, Ailin's words forced Aizen to dispel the illusion, revealing the Hollowfied Shinigami to the captains once more.
"Captain Ailin, perhaps you were mistaken?" Aizen countered with a gentle smile, his voice laced with innocence. "When we arrived, the Shinigami was already Hollowfied. Surely you wouldn't accuse me of conducting Hollowfication experiments simply because I caused you some trouble, would you?"
Aizen's demeanor and tone were disarming, making it difficult to believe he was the mastermind behind the inhumane experiments. Even some of the captains found his explanation plausible.
"Whether you are the one behind the Hollowfication experiments is a matter only you know," Ailin replied with an unwavering gaze.
"I simply want to inform you, Captain Aizen, that while I don't consider you a worthy opponent, I have added you to my list of those who must be eliminated.
Under these circumstances, captain meetings became a stage for bickering and posturing, adding a touch of liveliness to the otherwise mundane gatherings.
As long as the captains fulfilled their duties, maintained order within the Seireitei, and refrained from causing destruction through combat, Yamamoto tolerated their arguments and even their occasional playful banter.
However, the incident with the Hollowfied Shinigami remained a thorn in Yamamoto's side. He frequently questioned Soi Fon and Shunsui Kyoraku about the progress of their investigations into the Hollowfication experiments.
Unfortunately, after Aizen ceased his activities, neither the Second Division nor the Eighth Division's intelligence units could uncover any leads. It was as if the perpetrator had vanished without a trace.
This lack of progress only deepened Yamamoto's concerns. The inability of two divisions specializing in intelligence gathering to find any clues suggested the involvement of powerful individuals, perhaps even those with ties to ancient noble families.
Despite the hidden threat, Yamamoto remained confident in his own strength. He believed that those responsible were hiding in the shadows because they feared his wrath should they be exposed.
Furthermore, he had Ailin by his side.
Yamamoto glanced at Ailin, who was stifling a yawn. The young captain had matured into a formidable force, a valuable ally with no apparent ambition for power.
Boom!
Suddenly, amidst the captains' bickering within the First Division barracks, a surge of powerful reiatsu erupted from the Eleventh Division.
"Hmm?"
"This reiatsu... it's strange?"
"And quite powerful. Which captain has defied the old man's orders and released their Bankai within the Seireitei?"
Shunsui Kyoraku turned to Ailin with a puzzled expression. He directed his question towards Ailin because, aside from the First Division, only the Eleventh Division currently had members capable of achieving Bankai.
Moreover, the source of the reiatsu was clearly the Eleventh Division.
"Don't look at me. I haven't set foot in the Eleventh Division for decades. I have no idea what's going on," Ailin shrugged in response to Kyoraku's inquiry.
"However, this reiatsu doesn't belong to Kiganjō. Could it be that another Shinigami within the Eleventh Division has achieved Bankai?"
As if to answer Ailin's question, a second surge of powerful reiatsu erupted, this time clashing with the first.
It was clear that a battle had commenced.
"Hmph!" Yamamoto, sensing the commotion emanating from the Eleventh Division, let out a grunt of disapproval.
"Captain Ailin, this disturbance originates from your Eleventh Division. I expect you to investigate the matter promptly. And apprehend the individual who dared to release their Bankai within the Seireitei."
"Yes, Captain-Commander."
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