Chapter 125 – 125 ⥤ The Culprit is Him!

Looking at Akira’s expression of disappointment, Aizen couldn’t fathom this guy’s train of thought.

Shouldn’t any normal person be concerned about seeing their fellow beings’ corpses floating in liquid?

Why were his concerns so completely different from everyone else’s?!

Aizen rubbed his throbbing temples vigorously, his thoughts dissolving into a helpless sigh.

Yet compared to his confusion, Akira’s sighs were even heavier. As he surveyed the laboratory, his expression had moved beyond mere disappointment.

His mood had turned to pure melancholy.

It was like having a son with the talent to breeze into Harvard or Stanford, who instead chose to race motorcycles and stir up trouble in the streets — refusing the proper path for crooked roads.

No wonder Aizen’s displayed strength had never matched his potential — he’d been wasting all his time on this.

The signs had been there. Even before graduating from the Shin’ō Academy, Akira had caught Aizen sneaking out at night, using Bakudō to create a fake body as cover.

Back then, he hadn’t worried much. Everyone has secrets, and growing children need their privacy.

But he’d never imagined that Aizen would abandon proper training and cultivation to pursue scientific research.

Had he not seen what happened to Soul Society’s researchers?

The 12th Division Captain Kirio Hikifune had transformed from a voluptuous beauty into a musclebound warrior with arms thick as a waist.

Senjumaru Shutara had become a shameless voyeur, a delinquent who forced people to strip just to fit their Shihakushō.

And Mayuri Kurotsuchi was the worst — his scientific pursuits had left him barely recognizable as human…

As a close friend, Akira couldn’t stand idle while Aizen strayed down this dangerous path. He had to set him straight.

“Ouch—A sneak attack?!” While lost in thought, Aizen had applied the ointment to his body, causing a burning sensation.

Aizen gestured at the various corpses in the laboratory and asked seriously, determined to prevent any deflection.

“Akira, aren’t you curious about my research? Especially with these corpses…”

Without hesitation, Akira shook his head and grinned.

“Since you’re asking me directly — nope, not even slightly curious!”

Aizen: “…”

Truth be told, the ointment he developed was quite effective, capable of healing even Spiritual Bodies of his high intensity. Combined with his own Kaidō, the recovery speed was remarkable.

During their conversation, some of the smaller wounds had already started healing.

“Why?” Curiosity drove Aizen to press for answers.

Akira maintained his smile, speaking as if discussing something entirely unrelated to himself.

“Why do we need so many reasons in life? Isn’t it enough to trust your feelings? Or are you suggesting I should sympathize with these evil rebels?”

Hearing this, Aizen’s gaze flickered with surprise.

“Old man Yama always says I’m stupid, but actually I’m quite clever.” Akira grinned, pointing at the Shinigami corpses submerged in liquid, “No division badges, no insignia — what else could they be besides rebels?”

He had noticed these details the moment he entered the laboratory.

That Gillian was specifically requested from Genryūsai. From this perspective, he was quite pleased.

In his memory, the original Aizen had never cared about the identity of his test subjects, later even experimenting on his own colleagues to complete his research. He had created the Visored army and those hybrid anomalies.

But now he was using only rebel Shinigami as test subjects.

Could this be considered redemption? They say redemption makes you three times weaker, while turning evil makes you ten times stronger.

Could Aizen’s weakness be connected to this?

Akira fell into contemplation.

Watching him think, Aizen also began to ponder.

What exactly was going through this guy’s mind?

Wait… did anything go through his mind at all?

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A major incident had occurred.

3rd Division Captain Takeda Chishi had died in the line of duty.

When the investigation team returned to the Seireitei, this news spread through the entire court like wildfire.

The upper echelons of the Gotei 13 were especially thrown into turmoil when they learned from Rōjūrō that Akira was likely the one who had fought with Takeda.

They couldn’t fathom what could have happened in the Rukongai to make two colleagues turn their swords against each other, leading to one’s death. Wild speculations began circulating.

And they grew increasingly far-fetched.

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Upon receiving this intelligence, Genryūsai immediately summoned everyone to the 1st Division for questioning.

The Shinigami revealed everything they knew without hesitation. Though innocent bystanders in this affair, they found themselves being questioned like suspects.

The investigation team had split into three groups, led by Takeda Chishi, Akira, and Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi respectively.

Takeda’s squad had been first to discover the culprit’s traces and engage in battle. Rōjūrō, sensing the battle’s Reiatsu, had followed the trail and joined the combat.

When Rōjūrō quoted the phrase “Such despicable actions cannot be ignored”, Genryūsai’s forehead throbbed with visible veins.

No one understood Akira better than him — that phrase was unmistakably something that fool would say.

Despite the gravity of the situation, he forcefully suppressed his anger, deciding to settle accounts later.

If Akira had truly rebelled and violated Soul Society’s laws… No, he couldn’t finish that thought.

The boy couldn’t be that foolish. There had to be other reasons.

While Genryūsai pondered this, Rōjūrō described how the culprit had deceived his senses with illusions, leading to his defeat and loss of consciousness.

Upon awakening, he’d seen Akira dragging a wounded leg, glaring with such a demonic expression that the shocking sight, combined with his injuries, had caused him to black out again.

Hearing this, Genryūsai’s mouth twitched as he struggled to maintain composure.

As if his foolish disciple could manage such theatrics.

Yet when he considered that fool’s typical behavior, his worries began to fade.

His disciple might be reckless and dim-witted, but his heart was true. Genryūsai believed Akira must have had his reasons — though whether those reasons would satisfy everyone present remained to be seen.

“Your turn, Kisaragi. Is Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi’s account accurate? If so… this old man demands to know your reasons!”

As these words rang out, countless complex gazes — filled with awe, hatred, resignation, and shock — landed on the young man standing before them.

Yet Akira stood completely composed, showing not a hint of guilt.

“Of course it’s because… Takeda Chishi was a rebel who deserved death!”

With these words, everyone was in an uproar.

“Impossible!” Rōjūrō leapt to his feet in opposition, “Captain Takeda couldn’t have been a rebel. Don’t slander him just because he’s dead and can’t defend himself!”

Hearing this, Akira looked at him with pity and shook his head.

“Let’s review your testimony. We split into three groups, with three Shinigami squads total. How many survived? Two-thirds! The squads under your command and mine suffered no casualties. Yet Takeda Chishi’s squad was completely wiped out.”

Rōjūrō opened his mouth to object, but Akira cut him off.

“And don’t suggest someone else killed them. Everyone knows Takeda Chishi’s Zanpakutō abilities — and that squad lies buried in East Rukongai’s 78th District.”

Rōjūrō fell silent.

There was no point denying something so easily verified.

The surviving Shinigami drew sharp breaths as realization struck — avoiding Takeda’s squad had saved their lives.

“Moreover, I have concrete evidence of his betrayal.” Akira’s final revelation instantly commanded everyone’s attention.

Genryūsai extended his hand, “The evidence?”

With a grin, the youth produced documents Aizen had prepared — records from the 12th Division showing Takeda’s repeated visits to crucial research facilities.

Though significantly aged, Genryūsai’s mind remained sharp. These records illuminated the full picture: Takeda had stolen the 12th Division’s secrets while Okama targeted the Artificial Soul technology — both serving Ansai Tsunayashiro.

The Onmitsukidō’s return from the battle scene brought confirmation. Their findings matched Akira’s account perfectly — they discovered evidence of earth displacement and division members’ bodies buried underground.

These two crimes — murdering fellow Officers and conspiring with rebels — were enough to warrant execution at Sōkyoku Hill.

As the Onmitsukidō delivered their report, cold sweat broke out among the survivors. They gazed at the smugly satisfied Akira with grateful eyes.

Even Rōjūrō’s expression transformed — doubt, guilt, apology, and regret washing over his features.

Silence gripped the room until Genryūsai spoke.

“This matter remains pending. We will discuss details at a future Captains’ Meeting. You may all rest now.”

Rōjūrō, his face ashen, bowed and departed the 1st Division’s barracks with support from other Officers. His injuries were severe — without immediate treatment upon his return, he wouldn’t have endured this questioning. Today’s revelations had shaken him deeply. Recovery would take time.

As the group dispersed, Genryūsai’s voice rang out, “Kisaragi, remain here.”

Once again, someone was being detained after class.

Soon, only master and disciple occupied the room.

“I won’t press for specifics.”

Genryūsai’s uncharacteristic statement caught Akira off guard.

“I’d noticed peculiarities in Takeda Chishi’s behavior before now. This incident confirms his connection to Ansai Tsunayashiro. However, this evidence alone won’t secure a conviction. The Onmitsukidō must gather more proof.”

He paused, brow furrowing.

“Given what I know of your abilities, you shouldn’t be capable of defeating Chishi. Tell me truthfully — have you achieved Shikai?”

Akira’s expression froze. He hadn’t expected Genryūsai to prioritize this question over the culprit’s identity or other details.

Unexpectedly, Genryūsai’s first concern was for his disciple’s wellbeing.

Akira admitted, “Master’s eyes are sharp indeed — nothing escapes your notice. I have achieved Shikai, and I’d like to ask for your help with something.”

Hearing this, Genryūsai nodded slightly.

He had sensed something different about his student at first glance. This question now confirmed his suspicions.

His primary worry centered on his disciple’s unusual Zanpakutō situation.

Unlike other Shinigami, Akira had never successfully completed a Jinzen — even the Genryū Jinzen he created proved ineffective.

Most peculiar was his method of communicating with his Zanpakutō through ritual offerings. Genryūsai wondered if such an unconventional connection would result in a Shikai different from normal Zanpakutō.

Under Genryūsai’s watchful eye, Akira drew his Zanpakutō and released it.

A black-glowing chain materialized between them.

The old man studied it with interest, yet found nothing outwardly remarkable. He had encountered many Zanpakutō, some with similar forms.

“Its name is Kūkan Mukai, and I’ve discovered two abilities.” Akira explained, “First is self-enhancement — when it wraps around or merges with the body, it strengthens both Reiatsu and Spiritual Body. This ability allowed me to defeat Takeda Chishi.”

Genryūsai nodded approvingly — a Zanpakutō that could both transform and manifest additional powers was impressive indeed.

“Second is unlimited extension — with sufficient Reiatsu, it could encompass the entire Soul Society.”

The old man’s brow furrowed at this.

While powerful Zanpakutō existed in abundance, they all had limitations. He had never encountered one this boundless. Perhaps this explained the “Kūkan” (unbounded) in its name.

“Impressive abilities.” Genryūsai acknowledged, “Tell me, what help do you need from me?”

Akira extended the chain, his expression serious, “I sense there are still undiscovered abilities, but I cannot get a response when communicating with the Zanpakutō. I’d like your help researching it — to explore how we might develop it further.”

The old man took the black chain with curiosity, examining it closely. Intricate links wrapped in faint Reiatsu gave off an aura of indestructibility.

Even without Akira’s described abilities, the surface appearance alone marked it as a formidable Zanpakutō.

But when Genryūsai probed it with his Reiatsu, his eyes widened suddenly, his aged face showing both shock and bewilderment.

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