After Aizen's voice faded, a brief silence fell over the path.
Hasumi Ren's mind rapidly deduced every possible consequence.
His current abilities were still far from allowing him to retreat unscathed from Aizen.
Merely escaping was not his goal.
Since Aizen dared to stand here, it meant he had already prepared his countermeasures.
If he temporarily accepted Aizen's conditions, exposed Urahara Kisuke, and played out this trial according to Aizen's script...
It would mean personally pushing an ally onto the execution block. In the eyes of those who knew the truth, he would no longer be trustworthy.
But at the same time, he could remain in the Soul Society, have a chance to come into contact with the Hogyoku in Aizen's hands, and wait for a true opportunity to turn the tables.
It was nothing more than pushing the plot back onto its original trajectory.
Hasumi Ren raised his head and looked into Aizen's eyes.
"I accept."
The corners of Aizen's mouth turned up slightly.
"A wise choice."
He took a step forward, moving closer to Hasumi Ren, and lowered his voice.
"Then next, there are a few details I need your cooperation with."
Hasumi Ren's brow twitched slightly.
"It seems Lieutenant Aizen has already arranged everything."
Aizen chuckled softly, his tone calm.
"What you need to do is very simple. When Central 46 summons you, truthfully state the Hollowfication research Urahara Kisuke has been conducting."
"He has also been performing experiments to shatter the boundary between Soul Reapers and Hollows himself, and he has made contact with unidentified Quincies on multiple occasions."
"The documents and experimental records already placed before them are enough. Your testimony is just an additional supplement."
Aizen turned around and slowly walked towards the Seireitei.
"Let's go. There is still some time before the trial begins. Fittingly, I also have a question for you."
Hasumi Ren followed behind Aizen, maintaining a two-step distance.
The night wind blew past, carrying the scent of dry grass and sand.
Aizen walked ahead with a leisurely stride, as if everything was fully under his control.
"I am quite curious. The Hollowfication you just displayed has a massive disparity compared to the half-mask Hollowfication you showed before."
"Full skeletal coverage, Hierro, High-Speed Regeneration... This level of Hollowfication is far stronger than what you displayed in front of me earlier."
Hasumi Ren's footsteps paused.
He knew this question would come sooner or later.
Aizen was not the type to bury his doubts. He was simply waiting for an opportune moment to casually toss the question out.
"My constitution is rather unique. You already know this."
Hasumi Ren's answer was brief and steady.
"I am far more susceptible to the Hogyoku's influence than an ordinary Soul Reaper."
"When Lieutenant Aizen used the Hogyoku to Hollowify those Captains, I was likewise affected by the Hogyoku."
"Perhaps because it broke through my limits, the extent of my Hollowfication directly reached a new tier."
"It is just a pity that such a state is incredibly difficult to control."
Hasumi Ren's words were not entirely false.
He had indeed picked up a large amount of Hollowfication fragments because of this, successfully upgrading his Hollowfication to Level 7 and acquiring higher Hollowfication abilities.
Aizen looked at him with profound eyes, weighing the truth in Hasumi Ren's words.
"That sounds reasonable. The fact that you could unexpectedly achieve a qualitative change in Hollowfication like this is quite a nice byproduct."
He reached out, his finger lightly tapping against Hasumi Ren's chest, right where the core of his soul was located.
"Through the Hogyoku, I can feel that the Hollow spiritual pressure inside you is far more active than before."
The curve of Aizen's mouth deepened a fraction.
"The boundary between Soul Reaper and Hollow has never been so distinct within you from the very beginning."
"This means that if the Hogyoku fully awakens in the future, you will be the most perfect vessel to bear that power."
"Hasumi Ren, do you crave the power of the Hogyoku?"
Aizen's words were like some sort of incantation, gently scratching at Hasumi Ren's heart.
But Hasumi Ren suppressed all his emotions and responded in a deep voice.
"Of course. I desire power, and not just limited to the Hogyoku."
Hasumi Ren's words were very frank, but Aizen did not feel particularly surprised by them.
From the way Hasumi Ren learned swordsmanship from Unohana and Kido from himself, it was obvious he was a man who hungered for power.
It was just unknown to what heights Hasumi Ren could ultimately grow.
But regardless of what happens, it would be impossible for him to compare to himself once he fused with the perfected Hogyoku.
"Speaking of which, how do you plan to handle Captain Unohana? She has already gone to report you to the Head Captain."
"She will not see Yamamoto Shigekuni."
Aizen's tone remained mild.
"As long as you do not do anything unnecessary, she will only be temporarily detained to cooperate with the investigation of this incident. Once she is locked up for a while and everything is cleared up, she will naturally be released."
"Unohana is a smart person. She will not make any out-of-line moves. You can rest assured on that point."
Aizen turned around and continued walking forward.
"Let's go. Central 46's trial will not wait long. We still have a lot to do."
Seireitei.
Inside the Central 46 of Shin'o.
A group of sages sat upright upon the high platform, dressed in uniform white robes with their faces concealed behind wooden tablets. The atmosphere was exceptionally solemn.
Yamamoto Shigekuni stood to the side, leaning on his cane. His aged eyes were lowered, and he remained entirely silent.
Beside him stood Chojiro Sasakibe, holding a thick investigation report in his hands.
Hasumi Ren stood in the center of the interrogation hall, half a step ahead of Aizen Sosuke.
However, in Hasumi Ren's perception, Aizen's spiritual pressure was enveloping the entire interrogation hall, draping over everyone's senses like a thin veil.
Kyoka Suigetsu was continuously exerting its power, ensuring that everything everyone saw and heard was completely aligned with Aizen's pre-written script.
"Lieutenant of the Fourth Division, Hasumi Ren."
The sage in the center of the platform spoke, his voice deep and authoritative.
"You are testifying here today. All your words and actions must be truthful. If there is any falsehood, you will be deemed as guilty as the criminals."
Hasumi Ren slightly lowered his head.
"I understand."
"Then, regarding the matter of Third Seat of the Second Division Urahara Kisuke and Grand Kido Chief of the Kido Corps Tsukabishi Tessai conspiring to research the forbidden art of Hollowfication, colluding with Quincies, and attacking Captains of the Gotei 13, let your words serve as testimony."
Hasumi Ren took a deep breath, then opened his mouth.
His voice was not loud, but in the quiet interrogation hall, every word was clearly distinguishable.
"Everything I say is what I witnessed with my own eyes. There is no falsehood."
The interrogation hall fell silent.
The sages on the high platform exchanged a few words in low voices before the central judge spoke again.
"The contents of your statement completely match the on-site investigation report submitted by the Stealth Force, as well as the evidence files acquired during the search of Urahara Kisuke's laboratory."
"Central 46 will now issue its final judgment on Urahara Kisuke and Tsukabishi Tessai."
"Urahara Kisuke, for secretly researching the forbidden arts of Hollowfication and spatial Kido, colluding with Quincy factions, attacking active Captains and Lieutenants of the Gotei 13, causing soul mutations in multiple Captains, and endangering the security of the Soul Society."
"Tsukabishi Tessai, for secretly utilizing forbidden spatial Kido, harboring and assisting a felon."
"The Stealth Force is hereby ordered to immediately arrest these two individuals."
"Unohana Retsu, for having an unclear connection to this incident, shall be temporarily detained in the Maggot's Nest until the matter is fully investigated."
Yamamoto Shigekuni slowly stood up from the side seats.
He struck his cane heavily against the stone floor. His aged eyes slowly opened, sweeping over every sage on the high platform before landing on Hasumi Ren.
In that gaze, there was only a profound, bottomless exhaustion.
"The verdict has been passed. There is no need for further discussion."
His voice was deep and hoarse.
"Sasakibe, send someone to notify the Execution Militia. Execute the arrests immediately."
"Yes."
Outside the interrogation hall, the night sky of the Seireitei was obscured by thick clouds. There was no moonlight, nor starlight.
Unohana Retsu walked alone on the stone path leading to the First Division.
Her pace was neither rushed nor slow, and her Zanpakuto hung quietly at her waist.
She was originally heading to the First Division to report the incident to Yamamoto Shigekuni. No matter what, she wanted to make an attempt to expose Aizen's plans.
But the Head Captain was not there. According to the First Division squad members, he had been summoned by Central 46.
It seemed that just as Hasumi Ren and Urahara had deduced, Aizen was indeed putting his frame-up plan into motion.
Then, as someone who was also at the scene, how would she be treated?
"Hasumi Ren, what do you think..."
Looking back, she realized that at some point, Hasumi Ren's figure had vanished.
Staring at the empty space, Unohana paused in surprise.
Then, from the shadows of the high walls on both sides of the stone path, six members of the Execution Militia revealed themselves simultaneously.
The leader was a middle-aged man. His clothing was distinctly the uniform of the Stealth Force's Execution Militia division.
His left hand rested on the Zanpakuto at his waist, his expression stern and restrained.
"Unohana Retsu."
His voice was steady, but every word carried the stiff rigidity of official business.
"By the order of Central 46, you have an unclear connection to the Hollowfication incident and must cooperate with the investigation. Please hand over your Zanpakuto and come with us."
Unohana stopped in her tracks.
Six people. Two directly in front, and two on each side, sealing off all avenues of escape.
Unohana fell silent.
The next instant, a majestic spiritual pressure erupted, crashing down like a heavy hammer.
Her killing intent seeped out uncontrollably. The feeling of being toyed with caused her fury to surge abruptly.
The terrifying spiritual pressure forced the surrounding Execution Militia members to their trembling knees. Feeling as though they were trapped in a quagmire, they could only stare at Unohana Retsu in horror.
But at that moment, an aged voice drifted from the corner of the street.
"Unohana, heed the order."
"This is merely a temporary detainment. I have reviewed the evidence; you do not have much connection to this matter. Once the investigation is clear, you will naturally be let go."
Unohana turned her head to look. Yamamoto Shigekuni was standing quietly a short distance away, leaning on his cane with one hand.
Behind him, Chojiro Sasakibe also rested his hand on his Zanpakuto, staring intently at Unohana.
"Head Captain, all of this is Aizen's conspiracy. His Kyoka Suigetsu can perfectly hypnotize anyone..."
Seeing the distant Yamamoto Shigekuni turning a deaf ear to her words, Unohana gradually let her voice trail off.
'Yes, Kyoka Suigetsu truly is a troublesome ability.'
If she drew her sword now, Central 46's suspicion of her would turn into ironclad proof.
Even if she were innocent, completely enraging Central 46 by resisting arrest would turn her into a genuine criminal.
Yet Unohana's hand remained tightly gripped on her hilt.
At this moment, she only wanted to confirm one thing: whether Hasumi Ren was dead or alive.
To be thrown into prison for no clear reason without knowing the truth—she could not accept it under any circumstances.
Just as Unohana was still struggling internally, a figure behind Yamamoto Shigekuni caused her to halt her movements.
Hasumi Ren looked at Unohana and gently shook his head.
"Captain, the situation has changed. Please do not make a move."
Unohana furrowed her brows, staring in Hasumi Ren's direction.
"Are you Hasumi Ren?"
"It is me, Captain."
"But how can you prove it?"
"Kyoka Suigetsu can generate illusions, but it cannot generate memories. I remember all the details of our sparring sessions on the mountain behind the Fourth Division."
After Hasumi Ren mentioned a few minuscule details known only to the two of them, Unohana's doubts gradually faded.
Looking at Yamamoto Shigekuni and Chojiro Sasakibe to the side—who remained completely oblivious and merely continued to speak out in vigilant warning—Unohana revealed a slightly helpless smile.
"So, your choice was to align with Aizen?"
Seeing Hasumi Ren fall silent, Unohana sighed softly and retracted her spiritual pressure.
She raised her hand, unfastened the Zanpakuto at her waist, grasped the scabbard, held the blade horizontally, and handed it toward the Execution Militia member in front of her.
The Zanpakuto hovered in her palm. The moment she let go, the world seemed to fall silent for a brief second.
The Execution Militia member, barely managing to stand firm, froze for a moment before instinctively reaching out with both hands to catch it.
Unohana looked at him, taking a few seconds to ensure he could stand steadily, before slowly pulling her hand back.
"Let's go."
Her voice was very calm.
"Y-Yes!"
As if granted amnesty, the six Execution Militia members looked at Unohana in terror. Yet, not daring to slack off in the slightest, they maintained their designated formation and escorted Unohana toward the Second Division.
Hasumi Ren looked at Unohana's receding back and gently let out a breath.
'Thankfully, Unohana did not draw her sword in the end.'
Just then, the sound of rushed and heavy footsteps came from the end of the street.
An Execution Militia member rushed over. His face was pale, and his voice carried an uncontrollable tremble.
"Reporting! The former Third Seat of the Second Division, Urahara Kisuke, and the Grand Kido Chief of the Kido Corps, Tsukabishi Tessai, resisted arrest and fled when they encountered Execution Militia members beneath Sokyoku Hill!"
"At present, the two have broken out of the encirclement and their whereabouts are unknown!"
Yamamoto Shigekuni slowly turned his head to look at the squad member.
"Urahara Kisuke resisted arrest and fled. What is the stance of the Captain of the Second Division, Shihoin Yoruichi?"
The squad member's breathing became even more ragged, his voice carrying a trace of unbelievable panic.
"Captain Shihoin arrived at Sokyoku Hill alongside the Execution Militia. However, she... disappeared together with Urahara Kisuke and Tsukabishi Tessai."
Yamamoto Shigekuni closed his eyes.
Dead silence surrounded them.
Although the Head Captain—who had protected the Gotei 13 for a thousand years—still stood as tall and straight as a pine at this moment...
...his aged hands slightly tightened their grip on the top of his cane.
"Absurd."
Yamamoto exhaled heavily, a wave of gloomy frustration rising in his heart.
The Hollowfication incident had caused the Seireitei to lose four Captains, three Lieutenants, and a Vice Kido Chief.
The incident implicated the Second Division; Third Seat Urahara Kisuke had defected.
From the Kido Corps, Grand Kido Chief Tsukabishi Tessai had defected alongside him.
The Captain of the Second Division, Shihoin Yoruichi, had disappeared along with them, which could practically be viewed as defection.
The Captain of the Fourth Division, Unohana Retsu, had an unclear involvement and was temporarily detained.
In merely a single night, the Gotei 13 had shockingly lost half of its Captains.
It was an extremely rare loss since the founding of the Gotei 13.
Yamamoto's gaze fell upon the interrogation records in Sasakibe's hands.
The dense walls of testimonies and verdicts now seemed obscured by something in his eyes—unclear and indistinguishable.
A moment later, Yamamoto Shigekuni opened his eyes.
"Sasakibe."
"Here."
"Pass down the order. Issue arrest warrants for Urahara Kisuke, Tsukabishi Tessai, and... Shihoin Yoruichi."
"From this moment on, the Gotei 13 will enter the highest state of combat readiness."
He paused, striking his cane heavily against the ground.
"Prepare for war against the Quincies."