Chapter 355: The Proposal to Replicate Aizen
So strong.
Far beyond imagined strength!
Kyōraku gripped his twin blades, expression grave, staring intently at the identical figure not far away.
Though he had witnessed the replicas' power in the Living World, facing his own copy was still headache-inducing.
Why were his own abilities so annoying?
Shadow Ghost, Rampaging Ghost... Wouldn't one Zanpakutō ability be enough? Why did there have to be so many?
Truly irritating.
As these thoughts surfaced, he Flash Stepped several meters away.
The replicated Kyōraku emerged from the shadows, his slash meeting empty air.
Adjusting his straw hat, the replica remarked:
"My...As expected of myself, quite familiar with Katen Kyōkotsu's abilities."
Hearing his own voice and inflections from the replica, Kyōraku felt distinctly unsettled.
He suddenly recalled his junior brother's evaluation of the replicated Ukitake back in the Living World.
It really was disgusting...
Meanwhile, the other captains had also encountered their own replicas.
When creating these replicated souls, Inaba Kagerōza had unconsciously utilized the power of the Soul King Fragment.
Consequently, in terms of Reiatsu, the replicas far surpassed their originals.
Their bodies were specially developed spiritual puppets for the "Vanguard Project," so their strength went without saying.
From the moment of their creation, they were uncompromising war machines.
Eliminating the originals and replacing them was their primary objective.
Not far from these two, Ukitake also faced his own replica.
Looking at the silver-haired, sickly handsome man before him, he couldn't help but show a bitter smile.
"I thought my replica had already been eliminated by Satoru... How did they create another one so quickly..."
The replica Ukitake smiled:
"Captain-level individuals are valuable war resources, so backups are naturally kept."
Ukitake questioned, "If that's the case, wouldn't it be better to produce multiple powerful captains instead of replicating everyone?"
"For example... if all replicas were made based on Kyōraku, having a dozen or even several dozen Kyōrakus acting together would surely be more advantageous than the current situation."
The replica Ukitake shook his head.
"That's impossible."
"To ensure the controllability of the modified souls, a direct Reishi signal connection must be maintained between the creator and the modified souls."
"For lieutenants or those with weaker strength, it might be possible to operate two or even more replicas simultaneously."
"But at the captain level, only one can be controlled at a time."
"Otherwise, chaotic Reishi signals could cause the modified souls to potentially break free from control."
Ukitake showed a look of understanding.
Then, he suddenly grew somewhat concerned:
"Is it really alright to tell me this directly?"
The replica Ukitake chuckled.
"Only by defeating you, the original, under relatively equal intelligence can I better become the original myself."
"Alright, now it's time for battle."
"Are you ready, Jūshirō Ukitake?"
"Ah, I've always been prepared."
Ukitake nodded.
The two locked eyes for a second, then simultaneously gripped their Sōgyo no Kotowari and charged at each other!
Yoruichi Shihōin, Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi, Retsu Unohana...
Just like Jūshirō Ukitake, even those who had already been killed once by Satoru had reappeared on the battlefield.
Various Reiatsu collided with each other, emitting brilliant light and unleashing fierce impacts.
In the distance, on the roof of a building, Aizen stood quietly.
He had been waiting here for a while but hadn't encountered his own replica.
Strange.
According to Satoru, Inaba Kagerōza had successfully created a replica of him.
In such a major scene, it would be fitting to deploy his replica to cause chaos using Kyōka Suigetsu.
The reason he had put aside his work and waited here in advance was to personally deal with his own replica.
Even if it was just a replica, he couldn't accept being defeated by anyone else.
Suddenly, he frowned as if realizing something.
After pondering for a few seconds, Aizen flashed away, heading in a specific direction.
...
...
Satoru's figure leaped forward between buildings.
His white Captain's Haori fluttered vigorously, giving off an almost transcendent, immortal-like aura.
Beside him, a shadowy mass flickered into view.
Kujō Nozomi's body was concealed within the shadows, with only her head visible, bobbing up and down in sync with Satoru's soaring movements.
She looked like some kind of headless apparition or similar yōkai.
From time to time, Satoru would turn his head to glance at Nozomi following alongside him.
It was rather amusing, like having a pet—a particularly good-looking one at that.
After losing Kujō Nozomi, Inaba Kagerōza would undoubtedly spare no effort to retrieve her.
Satoru had no desire to see Nozomi captured and forcibly merged with Inaba Kagerōza.
It wasn't that he feared their fusion would enhance their power—he simply couldn't bear the thought of a young girl merging and transforming with a middle-aged man.
If anyone were to merge with her, it should be him.
The girl's gaze remained resolute, fixed straight ahead.
She had already steeled herself mentally.
If the worst came to pass, even if it meant mutual destruction with Kagerōza, she would never stand by and watch that man bring ruin to everything!
Feeling Satoru's gaze upon her, she couldn't help but turn toward him.
"Captain Mikami, please keep your eyes on the path and stop looking at me so often."
"With the imminent battle, you must maintain your peak condition and avoid distractions..."
Satoru quickly waved his hand dismissively.
"Enough, enough—I get enough nagging from Sōsuke as it is."
"Don't worry, this is all part of my battle preparations."
"Before a battle, looking at a beautiful girl is very beneficial for your health!"
"?"
Kujō Nozomi cast a puzzled gaze.
She suspected Satoru was deceiving her, but she had no proof.
After all, whether before her split birth or after, she had never experienced any proper battles.
In contrast, Inaba Kagerōza, during these years after the split, had frequently improved himself through combat, and his strength was now worlds apart from when he participated in the Vanguard Project.
Suddenly, she noticed Satoru had stopped.
"Captain Mikami?"
Satoru didn't speak, merely gazing quietly ahead.
From behind the slanted roof, a figure slowly emerged.
Black Shinigami Uniform, scattered brown curly hair, and the vice-captain's wooden tag tied to his sleeve.
Sōsuke Aizen.
Seeing Satoru's gaze fixed on him, he curled his lips.
"As expected, with your intuition, you can easily discern my true identity."
In his memories, he had never seen Satoru display such an indifferent demeanor.
Although those weren't genuine memories, merely false constructs regenerated through the original's Reishi information, enhanced by the Soul King Fragment.
Looking at the Aizen before him, Satoru grinned.
"Worthy of being Sōsuke's replica, you're still commendable in terms of thoughtfulness."
"Coming all the way to meet me halfway and deliver yourself to me is truly touching."
As he spoke, he placed his hand on the hilt at his waist.
Seeing Satoru's movement, the replica Aizen shook his head.
"I don't intend to fight you."
"At least not now."
"Satoru, I came here to talk with you."
Hearing this, Satoru raised an eyebrow.
Talk with him...
If this were the real Aizen, he'd probably be ready to run by now.
That guy Aizen rarely "talked" with him.
If he opened his mouth like this, it was eighty percent likely that Satoru had done something wrong and Aizen was here to settle accounts.
Thinking this way, the replica did have some advantages—at least compared to the real Aizen, it better recognized his world-shaking wisdom.
Satoru crossed his arms.
"Fine, since you're being sincere, I'll hear you out for now."
Under his gaze, the replica Aizen thought for two seconds, then slowly spoke:
"Satoru, in your view, what is the difference between a so-called replica and the original?"
Satoru's face instantly fell.
He thought it would be something interesting, but it turned out to be another boring philosophical question.
He replied without hesitation:
"The difference is, the original is the original, and the replica is the replica."
The replica Aizen chuckled and shook his head.
"That's merely a difference in name."
"In fact, whether in techniques, abilities, or wisdom, I am no different from Sōsuke Aizen."
"While other replicas are still following Inaba Kagerōza's orders to fight the originals to the death, I have already managed to break free from some of the influence and come here."
"Your feelings toward Sōsuke Aizen mainly stem from three aspects."
"First, the camaraderie from Shin'ō Academy."
"Second, the comradely bond of shared ideals."
"Third, the trust formed through keeping each other's secrets, mutual achievement, and growing together."
"But in fact, I can accomplish all these things as well."
"I possess most of Sōsuke Aizen's memories. To me, you are equally a former classmate, a comrade sharing the same ideals, and a partner who keeps each other's secrets."
"All of Aizen's research—I can achieve the same results with minimal effort, perhaps even better."
"Compared to the original, I can devote more energy and patience to fulfill your needs."
"You enjoy having others help with your work—I can do that."
"When you encounter problems, you seek the original's analysis and solutions—I can provide that too."
"And unlike him, I can offer you a greater sense of security."
"Your trust in Sōsuke Aizen stems from his unconditional trust in you."
"But ultimately, trust is merely blind adherence to past experiences."
"Just because someone has never betrayed you before doesn't mean they never will."
Under Satoru's gaze, he raised his hand and pointed to his own head.
"Satoru, I am a Modified Soul. During my creation, I was endowed with one additional function beyond ordinary Shinigami."
"I can be controlled by special Reishi signals."
"Though certain methods can weaken this control, its fundamental existence cannot be erased."
"I can give you the access code that controls me."
"With this code, our relationship would transcend mere partnership... You could become my 'Owner'."
"Compared to the simple trust between you and Sōsuke Aizen, someone completely under your control—whose life and death rest solely in your hands—would obviously provide greater peace of mind, wouldn't you agree?"
Observing the man who stood before him with features identical to his dear friend, Satoru showed a contemplative expression.
"Next, are you going to suggest we eliminate Sōsuke together so you can take his place?"
The replicated Aizen shook his head.
"If you would agree to such a proposal, you wouldn't be Satoru."
"My request is simple."
"In the war against Inaba Kagerōza, you will undoubtedly emerge victorious."
"When that time comes, let me remain."
"As I said, I can become entirely your possession—whether assisting with various tasks, analyzing intelligence, or formulating plans, all would be within my capabilities."
"So, as a transaction, this offers you no disadvantages."
Satoru crossed his arms and nodded.
"Indeed, it sounds incredibly tempting."
"A Sōsuke whose life and death I control completely—one who won't nag me, won't settle scores, who obeys my every word..."
"Ah, really, just thinking about it gets me excited."
He couldn't help but grin widely.
The replicated Aizen slightly furrowed his brow.
Suddenly, he felt something wasn't quite right.
He opened his mouth to speak further.
But before any sound emerged, he saw Satoru's expression turn icy cold.
"Perfect, except for one thing."
"That version of Sōsuke wouldn't be Sōsuke at all."
The moment these words fell, under the replicated Aizen's distorted gaze, Satoru stomped the ground and charged toward him!
"Satoru, wait, I—"
"No discussion needed!!!"
Satoru drew back his right fist like a fully drawn bow, then launched it forward with violent tearing sounds through the air, striking fiercely toward him!
Satoru instinctively tried to evade, but in less than half a second, Satoru's speed increased three times consecutively, each surge dramatically intense!
In haste, he could only raise his arms to block.
Boom!!!
The Reigai from the Spearhead Project, combined with his terrifying Reiatsu intensity and composite-enhanced arms, were utterly pulverized into bloody fragments by Satoru's single punch, scattering into the air!
Having lost both arms, Aizen rapidly retreated.
Though excruciating pain radiated from his severed limbs, his expression remained unchanged.
Negotiations had broken down; there was no longer any point in continuing to engage with Satoru.
As he watched Satoru closing in for the kill, a flicker of regret passed through his eyes.
What a pity.
He had played all his cards, yet still failed to earn this man's friendship.
Sōsuke Aizen... Do you trust him that much?
Even though I offered far, far more than he ever did!
He took a deep breath, trying to suppress the rising fury.
But then, a complex emotion washed over him.
Despite his anger, despite how justified it was, he inexplicably felt a sense of relief.
The Reigai Aizen frowned deeply, trying to pinpoint the source of this feeling.
The next instant, he realized this was no time for analysis.
What he needed now was to escape immediately.
Boost his Reiatsu urgently, temporarily raising it to a level comparable to Satoru's, then use Kyōka Suigetsu...
Just as the thought formed, his pupils abruptly contracted.
The pursuing Satoru raised a hand and clawed at his own face.
A Hollow mask materialized!