Chapter 288: Who Do You Think I Am?
Speaking of going to the Soul King Palace, Satoru suddenly remembered the selection criteria for Zero Division members.
One must have created something and left "history" in the Soul Society to become a Zero Division member.
By that standard, Mayuri would definitely qualify in the future.
Nemuri Nanagou, also known as Kurotsuchi Nemu, was a highly successful artificial life form, whose value was no less than that of a Gigai.
If Aizen were a normal person, he would definitely be promoted too.
Creating the Hōgyoku was a monumental achievement, and Kisuke, as the secondary contributor, could probably be promoted along with him.
So, what could he create?
After thinking about it, Satoru actually came up with one.
He could work hard with Harribel, Nel, and the others to have a few children.
At that time, he would become the first man in Soul Society to create a hybrid descendant of Shinigami and Hollow.
Wouldn't that hold immense historical value?
If this doesn't earn him a promotion to Zero Division, it would be an injustice to heaven's will!
Yamamoto leaned on his cane, pondering the deeper implications.
Kirio's promotion had long been decided—there were no issues with that.
But... why assign Shinji and Satoru as escorts?
Especially Satoru.
This guy's Zanpakutō was peculiar, possessing an unnamed released form.
Could it be that Zero Division had noticed this and wanted to verify it firsthand?
Or perhaps the recent incident at Muken had drawn Zero Division's attention, and they wanted to extract more detailed information from Satoru?
Although Kyōraku was also involved in the incident, he was a seasoned veteran who knew exactly what to say and what not to.
Satoru was different—to put it diplomatically, he was rather thoughtless.
If Zero Division employed some tactics, they might genuinely pry information out of him.
These visitors meant no good.
He narrowed his eyes and glanced at Satoru, wanting to see how his disciple would react.
He saw Satoru first adopt a thoughtful expression, then break into a smug grin.
What are you so proud of??
Yamamoto's blood pressure spiked.
...
...
"Heh heh heh, Sōsuke, I'll be going away for a couple of days in a bit."
In the captain's study of the Eleventh Division, Satoru lounged in his chair, legs propped up on the desk, speaking triumphantly.
Aizen sat by the bookshelf, engrossed in a book, nodding perfunctorily.
"Hmm... Where to?"
"Soul King Palace!"
"?"
Aizen froze for two seconds, then abruptly looked up.
"Soul King Palace?"
"Yep."
Satoru lifted his chin.
"Reason?"
"Captain Hikifune's promotion—I'm escorting her!"
Satoru lifted his chin again.
He was prepared for Aizen to ask something like, "Why you?" so he could proudly lift his chin and retort, "Because I'm strong!"
But after waiting for a while, Aizen said nothing.
Lowering his head again, he saw that Aizen had already settled back into his seat, deep in thought.
"Ahem, Sōsuke, aren't you curious why they chose me?"
Hearing this, Aizen glanced at him.
He said nothing and shifted his gaze away.
Satoru: "?"
Just as he was scheming to sneak into Aizen's lab and eat his stored tofu desserts when he wasn't around, Aizen spoke:
"There's a problem."
"To be safe, I advise you not to go."
"It's easy to find an excuse—like getting injured during a mission, or having an accident during an experiment... any reason will do."
Satoru snorted. "Sōsuke, your thinking is still too short-sighted."
"If I'm in Soul Society, I can run but I can't hide. If Zero Division really means me harm, they could just come down here themselves."
Aizen took a deep breath.
Being called short-sighted by Satoru was the ultimate insult.
He looked at Satoru with a condescending gaze. "First, while you're in Soul Society, you have the protection of the Millennium's Strongest Shinigami."
"Zero Division is indeed powerful, but based on my understanding over the years, they might not gain the upper hand against Yamamoto Shigekuni."
"Even if, worst-case scenario, Yamamoto Shigekuni can't protect you, staying in Soul Society allows you to flee to Hueco Mundo or the living world at any time."
"The living world is vast beyond measure. No matter how powerful the Zero Division may be, finding you in this sea of humanity is impossible."
"Rather than walking alone into a situation where you'd be at their mercy, it's better to retreat for now!"
Hearing this, Satoru swung his legs off the table and sat up properly.
"Well said, but I refuse!"
"We in the anime world have an old saying: retreating only gains you one thing, while advancing gains you two!"
"This trip to the Soul King Palace is one I must take!"
A vein bulged on Aizen's forehead.
"Satoru, are you in your right mind?"
"The Soul King Palace isn't like Hueco Mundo where you can run wild."
"It's said that the leader of the Zero Division is a special being born over a million years ago, with power so terrifying it's unimaginable."
"At your current strength, if you face him directly in battle, you'll undoubtedly lose!"
"I won't permit you to go. If you insist on going, I..."
"Sōsuke, to achieve our goals, this step must be taken sooner or later."
Satoru suddenly interrupted Aizen.
Under Aizen's somewhat surprised gaze, he continued slowly: "Up until now, our understanding of the Zero Division has been limited to hearsay and various historical records."
"We know almost nothing about the Zero Division's specific composition, strength, or personalities."
"Judging from the Soul King's history and current state, it's highly likely the Zero Division are the true rulers of this world."
"To put it bluntly, replacing the Soul King means overthrowing the Zero Division's rule."
"If we wait until we actually have the power to challenge the Zero Division before gathering intelligence, it'll be far too late."
He grinned and stood up.
"When is the best time to act?"
"Right now, of course!"
Aizen remained silent.
He knew Satoru was right.
The sooner they obtained intelligence on the Zero Division, the earlier they could make targeted preparations.
Yet, the idea of letting Satoru take risks alone while he waited safely behind displeased him.
Whether as a close friend or a like-minded comrade, they should share the dangers together—it made no sense for one to always bear the burden.
Reflecting on their years of acquaintance, Aizen realized Satoru had always been the one taking chances.
Though partly because Satoru was reckless by nature, it didn't change the fact that Aizen had often stayed in the background, reaping the benefits.
Frowning at the thought, Aizen was interrupted by a sudden, firm slap on his shoulder from Satoru.
The brute's strong grip made him stagger.
Narrowing his eyes, Aizen was about to speak when Satoru flashed him a bright, confident grin.
"Don't worry, Sōsuke."
"I'm Satoru—a super protagonist like no other, unmatched in a thousand years!"
"As the main character, I'm absolutely unkillable."
"Even if it's a dragon's den or a tiger's lair, a hopeless situation for anyone else, the protagonist can turn the tables, snag a few secret manuals, and maybe even steal some villain bosses' beautiful daughters along the way."
"Just wait and see how I triumph!"
Aizen was taken aback by Satoru's confidence.
He never expected the guy who used to plead, "Sōsuke, please help me!" would one day offer such reassuring words.
Without him noticing, Satoru had grown so much.
Under Satoru's gaze, Aizen finally nodded.
"I understand."
"Be careful, extremely careful."
"If you face an unbeatable threat, surrender first. I'll find a way to rescue you."
"Hah, who do you think I am?"
Satoru laughed arrogantly, his demeanor peerless in that moment.
...
...
"Teacher, save me!!"
Yamamoto stood at his desk, brush in hand.
Just as he was about to write, a shout echoed from outside.
Before he could respond, Satoru burst through the door and rushed into the room.
"You scoundrel! You look perfectly fine to me—hardly in need of saving!"
Yamamoto scolded loudly, still holding his brush.
Satoru chuckled and moved behind him, massaging his shoulders.
"Teacher, the Zero Division suddenly summoned me—there must be some shady scheme!"
"I bet they're after my stunning looks and robust physique, planning to keep me in the Soul King Palace as their star slave!"
"Enough of your nonsense."
Yamamoto cut off his disrespectful rant irritably.
The old man closed his eyes, enjoying the massage for a moment, then spoke.
"When you go to the Soul King Palace, remember not to mention your Zanpakutō's second ability."
"Blame everything about the Wandenreich and the Shadow Space on your senior."
"I've already spoken to Shunsui—he'll back you up fully."
"I've also sounded out Captain Hikifune. She promised not to reveal anything about you."
Satoru nodded eagerly.
Blaming Kyōraku? He was an expert at that.
Yamamoto raised a hand and pointed to the side of his shoulder, near his upper arm.
Understanding, Satoru immediately shifted his focus and began massaging there.
The old man let out a satisfied hum.
"As for the Zero Division... you don't need to worry too much about the others. Most of them were promoted within the last thousand years and still retain a sense of belonging to the Soul Society."
"There are only two people you truly need to be cautious of."
"The first is the master of the Phoenix Hall, Nimaiya Ōetsu."
"He has dark skin, curly hair, and likes to wear sunglasses—very easy to recognize."
"His achievement is creating the Zanpakutō."
"He has a keen sense for Zanpakutō and might detect the issue with yours."
"However, given his personality, he probably won't spend much energy on you. Just be careful to minimize contact with him."
Satoru agreed without hesitation.
What would he have to talk about with a sword maker anyway?
Throughout the Three Realms, he was absolutely a master when it came to maintaining Zanpakutō.
What qualifications did a mere sword maker have to discuss the way with him?
Ridiculous.
Yamamoto continued:
"The other one to watch out for... is potentially the greatest danger you might encounter during this trip to the Soul King Palace."
"The founder of the Zero Division, Hyōsube Ichibe'e!"
"Unlike all the other captains, he's a Shinigami who has existed since a million years ago."
"That is to say, he's a figure from the same era as the first Five Noble Clans."
"He personally witnessed the separation of the Three Realms and the birth of the Soul Society!"
"For him, protecting the Soul King is his sole duty. For that purpose, the lives of one or two Shinigami mean nothing more than ants to him."
"If he determines that your existence might threaten the Soul King, he won't hesitate to take action against you."
Hearing this, Satoru nodded.
"Sounds like a pretty brutal guy, similar to you, teacher... except one protects the Soul Society while the other protects the Soul King Palace."
"..."
Hearing Satoru's analogy, a vein bulged on Yamamoto's forehead.
After slapping Satoru into the floor, he continued:
"Hyōsube Ichibe'e's achievement is naming."
"Everything in the Soul Society was named by him."
"Flowers, grass, trees, houses, furniture, birds, beasts, food, utensils... he gave names to each and every one."
"Therefore, he possesses special authority—he can see the true names of all things in the world and understand their abilities."
"I cannot determine whether he can detect the abnormality in your Zanpakutō."
"On the bright side, perhaps your 'shadow blade' isn't actually nameless—you just haven't discovered its name."
"If that's the case, it would be the best outcome. With Hyōsube Ichibe'e's ability, he would certainly be able to see its name and tell you, allowing you to gain new power."
"Conversely... if your 'shadow blade' truly has no name, I cannot predict how he would react."
Hearing this, Satoru stroked his chin.
"Naming everything, knowing the names of all things... that ability is way too cool, isn't it?"
"So, if I create something new right now and don't give it a name, what would he do? Make one up on the spot?"
"Or could he use some rule-like power to forcibly read the most suitable name for that thing?"
If it were the latter, then Ichibe'e's ability would be a savior for those with OCD and decision-making difficulties.
Have a child but don't know what name to give?
Simple—find Ichibe'e, and he can give you the most suitable name.
I've come up with a new product, but can't decide on a name?
Better ask Ichibe'e!
More reliable than the Great Iron Rod Hospital!
"Fool, stop wasting time on useless thoughts."
Just by looking at his disciple's expression, Yamamoto could tell the young man's mind had wandered again.
He spoke in a grave tone:
"Boy, don't say I didn't warn you—this trip to the Soul King Palace will be fraught with danger for you."
"The fact that they've specifically named you indicates they've already realized something."
"You must be cautious, extremely cautious. Only by avoiding all dangers might you return safely."
"Just in case, I suggest... you could learn from that Shihōin Clan girl and hide your Zanpakutō somewhere, going there empty-handed."
"With your current Hakuda skills, even without your Zanpakutō, you won't be weakened too much."
Satoru raised an eyebrow.
"What if he can still detect the problem from a distance even without my sword?"
Hearing this, Yamamoto fell silent for a few seconds.
Suddenly, he pressed hard with his hand, his cane turning to dust to reveal Ryūjin Jakka inside.
Under Satoru's somewhat surprised gaze, Yamamoto drew the sword, raised it high, and pointed it at him.