Chapter 167 – 167 ⥤ Number One Double Agent

When Aizen said this, the first thought that crossed Akira’s mind was — had he skipped ahead in the plot again?

The Soul Society and Hueco Mundo weren’t even fully conquered yet, and now the Quincy were raising their imperial flag for war?

Despite his simple appearance, Akira understood Aizen’s concepts well, his mind filled with profound wisdom.

Shinigami maintain the world’s balance by guiding souls from the World of the Living to the Soul Society, ensuring stability. When souls cannot be guided and harbor strong negative emotions, their Chain of Fate may corrode. Once this chain completely disappears and a hole forms in their chest, these Pluses transform into Hollows.

When Shinigami kill Hollows, they return to normal souls and are guided to the Soul Society, preserving the balance. However, Hollows killed by Quincy vanish entirely — though this seems to violate the law of conservation of energy, that’s simply how it works.

Hollows and humans are fundamentally the same beings, existing in worlds of Reishi and Kishi (matter) respectively, cycling between them to maintain balance. If either side were to vanish in large numbers, the boundary between Soul Society and the World of the Living would collapse, causing all of Sangai to return to nothingness.

Seeing Akira spacing out again, Aizen sighed helplessly and continued, giving up hope that he would grasp these words’ significance.

“At our current rate of Reishi disappearance, the boundary between Soul Society and the World of the Living might collapse within 200 years, triggering a world-ending disaster. We should act before that happens.”

Akira stared at his friend with suspicion, as if seeing him for the first time. Here was Aizen, who held the script of the main villain, actually thinking about saving the world. It was as bizarre as a lame man’s behind — something wasn’t quite right.

“There’s one more thing.” Aizen continued, ignoring his gaze, “The black markings that appear when inscribing Kidō patterns are actually connected to the Quincy. While the Daireishokairō has few records about them, what exists is quite detailed. Among them is an ability called ‘Blut’, which closely resembles these black markings.”

“It manifests in two forms: ‘Blut Vene’ and ‘Blut Arterie’. The former is for defense, the latter for offense. When Blut Vene receives an enemy’s attack, branch-like patterns appear at the impact point, varying in appearance based on the Blut’s strength. Combined with your naturally strong Spiritual Body defense, I suspect these black markings might be a manifestation of Blut.”

Hearing this, Akira’s eyes widened in complete shock.

Me — Captain of the 11th Division, Head Priest of the Sakahone Shrine, Old Man Yamamoto’s direct disciple, future Captain-Commander, the one destined to stand at Soul Society’s pinnacle.

Now you’re telling me I’m Gotei 13’s number one double agent?

Is there no justice? Is there no law?!

“It’s just a hypothesis — no need to be so alarmed.” Aizen maintained his calm expression, having anticipated this reaction, “We’ll need to study the Quincy more to be certain. However, just to be safe, you should explain this to Captain-Commander Yamamoto. Otherwise, if this comes to light later, it’s hard to say whose head Ryūjin Jakka might come down on.”

Perhaps due to learning too much from the Daireishokairō, he felt unusually fussy today.

But to protect someone from being blindsided by their own people, these words felt necessary.

Akira: “…”

Seemingly imagining such a scene, the young man shuddered violently and shook his head hard.

That flaming haori was too scary to think about.

“Then I’ll head to the First Division.”

He bowed and disappeared from the 11th Division.

Shortly after, a sneaking figure appeared in the corridor — a yellow-haired head carefully peering through the doorway.

“Lord Aizen, has the Captain left?”

Looking at Kisuke’s cautious demeanor, Aizen fell silent.

It was pitiful how someone so capable had been frightened into such a state.

“He went to the First Division, but he’ll probably be back soon.”

Hearing this, Kisuke breathed a sigh of relief, then walked into the room naturally, took out a new tea set, and filled it with tea from the pot.

His movements were so practiced, it clearly wasn’t his first time.

Seeing this, Aizen narrowed his eyes, seeming to understand something.

“I came specifically to see you, Lord Aizen.” After sipping his tea, Kisuke got to the point, “After we examined each other’s Zanpakutō last time, I became fascinated with the research topic. After extensive data sampling, observing others’ Zanpakutō releases, and reviewing related materials, I’ve developed some new ideas about Bankai training.”

Their previous discussions had completely changed Kisuke’s impression of Aizen.

Unlike a certain Captain who was scientifically illiterate, Aizen was a top scholar by Soul Society’s standards. His expertise wasn’t merely theoretical — he had extensive practical experience to back it up.

The Gravity Chambers stood as proof of his achievement.

Yet Kisuke couldn’t fathom why someone so brilliant would associate with a muscle-headed companion.

And they got along remarkably well. Perhaps it was a case of opposites attracting?

“Mr. Urahara, please get to the point.” Aizen said softly, “I’m very curious about your thoughts on Bankai.”

Though interrupted, Kisuke grinned without taking offense, “The traditional path to Bankai requires first achieving sufficient Reiatsu, then materializing and subduing one’s Zanpakutō. The Reiatsu requirement is the main obstacle — even those with Bankai potential need at least ten years of training. I wondered if we could use a method similar to the previous mass Zanpakutō rebellion to force their manifestation in our world…”

Aizen was taken aback by this suggestion.

Having never relied heavily on Zanpakutō himself, he rarely considered such approaches. Yet Kisuke’s innovative idea to fast-track Bankai training through this shortcut showed remarkable creativity that surpassed ordinary researchers.

Even among the 12th Division’s brightest minds, few could match him. If successful, this concept would revolutionize Soul Society.

“It’s certainly feasible.” Aizen nodded slightly, “Would Mr. Urahara be willing to share the related materials you’ve collected? I’m also very interested in this aspect…”

⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬

1st Division, Tea Room.

Genryūsai stood at his desk, calmly writing, his brush dancing across the white paper like a dragon and snake, seemingly indifferent to Akira’s previous words.

In contrast, the young man had lost all his usual energy, deflated like a frost-bitten eggplant.

After a while, the old man finished his masterpiece, contentedly mounted it on the tea room wall with a satisfied nod, then walked to the tea table and sat across from his disciple.

“Do you have anything else to report?” Genryūsai asked casually, “If not, you may leave.”

“Master?” Akira was taken aback, not expecting this reaction, “Don’t you have anything to say?”

“Say what?” Genryūsai’s half-closed eyes slowly opened as he gave his foolish disciple a mild look, “Based on mere speculation, you’d label yourself a Quincy remnant? Then expect me to execute you in the name of justice? Do you really think me such a muddle-headed person?”

His self-destructive instinct made Akira want to retort “Aren’t you muddled enough already?” but seeing the flames rising from Ryūjin Jakka beneath the brazier, he forcefully suppressed the urge. He could withstand iron fists, but he’d need more time before he could face Ryūjin Jakka.

“Fool!” Genryūsai thundered, seemingly sensing his stupid disciple’s thoughts, “Even someone as flawed in character as Shunsui Kyōraku, I have never given up on. For a brainless disciple like you, how could I punish you over mere suspicions?”

Akira: “…”

Though he had received the old man’s approval, somehow he couldn’t feel entirely happy about it.

“Be it Quincy or Shinigami.” Genryūsai spoke slowly, “As long as they uphold justice, Soul Society will welcome them with open doors.”

Hearing this, Akira nodded thoughtfully, “I understand.”

He had thought his master was just an unreasonable old stubborn man, but it turned out he was quite reasonable when it mattered.

That being the case, he could feel at ease continuing to develop his potential power.

Speaking of which, if it really was Quincy Blut, did that make him some kind of hybrid?

At this thought, he fell into contemplation.

Glancing at the young man who had once again drifted off into his own world, Genryūsai shook his head with an almost imperceptible sigh, while satisfaction flickered in his half-closed eyes.

Though lacking in wisdom, the boy at least possessed a noble character.

He was far superior to the likes of Shunsui in that regard.

⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬

On the empty plains of Rukongai.

A Garganta opened, and two figures exchanged glances before stepping directly into it.

The familiar confinement descended — a smooth path of Reishi leading straight into the deep darkness ahead. With the great headlight truck in pursuit, they moved swiftly, reaching the exit in an instant.

In a flash of light, the scene before them transformed completely.

A city with a distinctly modern atmosphere materialized.

Though not as prosperous as in Akira’s memories, it far surpassed the ancient-styled Soul Society in development.

Taking in the view, he paused briefly before turning to Aizen beside him.

“Heading straight for the Quincy stronghold?”

While checking coordinates, Aizen replied, “No rush. We’ll first locate scattered Quincy. I know little about their race. We should conduct initial observations before taking the next step.”

Unlike Hueco Mundo, the World of the Living posed different challenges — the city teemed with vigilant Shinigami, and discovery could bring unwanted complications.

In the Human World, caution was essential.

Adjusting his equipment, Aizen detected readings distinctly different from Shinigami Reiatsu in the thin Reishi, pinpointing their location.

“Northwest direction, let’s go.”

Two figures streaked across the sky and vanished at the horizon.

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Karakura Town.

In the wilderness on the outskirts.

Chaotic Reiatsu filled the air as brilliant Heilig Pfeil (Sacred Destruction Arrows) exploded in the clearing, leaving charred fissures across the ground.

Several figures fled desperately through the wilderness, pursued by something so terrible they dared not look back.

These weren’t ordinary humans — they possessed Reiatsu, and powerful amounts at that, rivaling average Shinigami Officers in strength.

Yet even with such power, they lacked the courage to face their pursuer.

When the group finally reached a valley, they paused to catch their breath.

“That freak didn’t follow us, did he?” One of them asked nervously.

“Impossible — this is our Quincy base. No matter how bold he is, he wouldn’t dare follow us here.” Someone replied between heavy breaths.

However, a man with rugged features furrowed his brow, “Be careful. From that guy’s behavior, I don’t think he’s the type to give up easily. We should—”

Before he could finish, a sinister voice cut through the air, making their blood run cold.

“Compared to the others, your powers of observation are quite good. As a reward, when I catch you all, I’ll prepare a special container just for you…”

Under their terrified gazes, a figure with blue hair and bizarre black clothing slowly entered the valley. His golden eyes studied the group like meat on a chopping block.

In an instant, someone in the crowd drew a Heilig Bogen (Sacred Bow), a brilliant blue Heilig Pfeil streaking right after through the air toward the figure!

The group watched in horror as the strange man simply extended his right hand and caught the Reishi Arrow in his palm.

His mocking voice echoed through the empty valley.

“It’s useless, Quincy. Your abilities have been completely decoded…”

⤫⤬⤫

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