Substitute Soul Reaper Badge

"Are you really sure?" Ye Yang asked softly. Standing opposite him was Yoruichi. Even knowing that Yoruichi wouldn't stay, he still wanted to try, and Soi Fon also hoped that she would stay.

"Ah," Yoruichi said calmly but with unusual firmness, "I've gotten used to the World of the Living. Soul Society really isn't for me. The air here is too stifling."

Ye Yang raised an eyebrow. "Tch, saying it's not suitable, it's all because of Kisuke. Damn it, next time I see him I'm going to beat him up badly, tie him up and let Shaoling kick him around like a ball."

Yoruichi laughed heartily, "Do whatever you want then. But judging from your tone, honestly, how far have things progressed between you and Soi Fon? Is it...?"

Ye Yang was speechless. "Why do you care so much? Besides, I don't believe you and Kisuke didn't... right? Unless he's Liu Xiahui."

Who is Liu Xiahui?

"Nothing much. When are you planning to leave?"

A hint of reluctance flashed in Yoruichi's golden eyes. After all, this was the place where she was born and raised. If it weren't for the circumstances, she would have liked to stay here. "I'll leave Ichigo and the others have recovered from their injuries."

A hint of sadness flickered in Ye Yang's eyes. Ichigo's vitality was so strong; he should recover quickly. Just as Aizen had said, his strength and vitality were completely mismatched...

On the third day, Ichigo and his companions had all recovered from their injuries, and they were about to embark on their journey home. The Soul Society had opened a formal Senkaimon for them, but not many people came to see them off.

Rukia has decided to stay in Soul Society. Ichigo simply smiles at this, after all, this is Rukia's home. His purpose in coming here was only to save her. Now that he has achieved his goal, what more could he ask for?

Ye Yang was somewhat surprised by Ukitake's arrival. He said, "This is the official Senkaimon Soul Society. Of course, we've already put Reishi Converter inside for your convenience." Apart from Yoruichi and Ichigo, everyone else entered in human form. Without Reishi Converter, it's impossible to Senkaimon.

"Ichigo," Ukitake said, casually taking out something resembling a vice-captain's armband from his pocket and handing it to Ichigo. However, the pattern on it wasn't any squad's emblem, but rather a skull-like design.

"What is this?" Ichigo asked, taking a look at it.

Ukitake explained, "This is Substitute Soul Reaper Combat License. Since ancient times, if Substitute Soul Reaper is deemed helpful to Soul Society, this has been granted. Using this allows one to become a Shinigami at any time. Of course, I don't think this is the right way to repay what you've done for us."

"Then there's no need," Ichigo smiled faintly. "I came here with my own goals, but I'll accept this without hesitation."

Ichigo put away the Substitute Soul Reaper License, while Ye Yang, standing beside him, shook his head helplessly. In the end, he still didn't trust Ichigo. This so-called Substitute Soul Reaper Battle License was just a means to tightly control those Shinigami Substitutes.

Otherwise, there are so many ways to turn Ichigo into a Shinigami. Why use this method? As long as Ichigo carries the Substitute Badge, Soul Society can monitor Ichigo actions. If Ichigo does or plans anything detrimental to Soul Society, they will know immediately. Moreover, if necessary, Soul Society can use the Substitute Badge to harm Ichigo's spirit. Perhaps this is the dark side of Soul Society...

At that moment, the Senkaimon began to flash, Ye Yang said, "Time's up."

Yoruichi had already transformed into her cat form. Soi Fon was reluctant to see her go, but since Yoruichi insisted on leaving, Soi Fon had no choice but to let her go. "Lady Yoruichi, remember to come back and visit us often."

Yoruichi was the first to enter the Senkaimon, leaving behind the words: "I understand, but I hope that next time I see Soi Fon, you won't call me 'sir,' but 'Sister Yoruichi,' understand?"

She then stepped into the Senkaimon without looking back, and the others followed Yoruichi inside. Ichigo turned back to Rukia Yoruichi last Ichigo and said, "Goodbye, Rukia."

"Ah, goodbye, Ichigo..."

The group watched them leave when suddenly two Punishment Force appeared beside them. "Captains and deputy captains, the Captain-Commander is calling a meeting of captains. All captains and deputy captains are requested to attend."

"You can go now, we'll be there soon," Ye Yang waved for Punishment Force to leave. They had finally arrived. This meeting was simply to discuss countermeasures against Aizen.

"Let's go, everyone." The group then arrived at the First Division's meeting room. Apart from Aizen, the other two, and Hinamori was injured and unable to get up, all the other captains and vice-captains were present at this meeting.

Everyone lined up in order, waiting for Yamamoto to speak. Yamamoto slowly opened his eyes. "I'm sure you all know why this meeting is being held. Three days ago, the Fifth Division Captain, Sōsuke Aizen; the Third Division Captain, Gin Ichimaru; and the Captain of the Ninth Division, Kaname Tōsen, all defected to Soul Society! First, we need to resolve some of the doubts."

Everyone remained silent, waiting for Yamamoto's next words. "First, we need to know what exactly the so-called Hōgyoku that Aizen took is, and what its purpose is."

Everyone present turned their attention to Ye Yang. After all, Ye Yang had previously stolen the heavens and switched the earth, and the Hōgyoku was created by Kisuke Urahara, so Ye Yang should know the most about it.

Ye Yang stepped forward and explained, "The Hōgyoku was developed by Kisuke Urahara when he was researching the Hollowfication and the Shinigamification of Hollows. It can instantly break the boundary between Hollows and Shinigami, that is, the Hollowfication and the Shinigamification of Hollows, thereby gaining new abilities."

Mayuri Kurotsuchi stepped forward, as he was the most qualified to speak on this topic. "After Hollowfication becomes Visored, they wear a Hollow mask, hence the name 'Hollow Mask.' When a Shinigamification, their mask automatically breaks, hence the name 'Arrancar.' Since the Hōgyoku can do this, does that mean Aizen can create an infinite Arrancars in Hueco Mundo?"

The atmosphere on the field instantly plummeted. If that were the case, the countless Arrancar attacking Soul Society would be utterly unstoppable. However, Ye Yang shook his head. "No, the Hōgyoku does indeed possess such power, but there is a seal on the Hōgyoku. This seal cannot be broken so easily; it is estimated to take at least three months."

Yamamoto asked, "Three months? That means the final battle will begin in three months. During this time Aizen won't be doing anything?"

"The final battle will indeed begin in three months, but that doesn't mean Aizen won't do something during that time. Don't forget that Aizen still has an Hōgyoku; even if it's flawed, it's enough to create a small number of Arrancar. We still need to strengthen our defenses, because Aizen won't easily let us prepare for a major battle."

The more time the Soul Society prepares, the less chance Aizen has of winning. Aizen will never stand idly by, so he will definitely harass the Soul Society constantly during this period to increase his chances of victory.

Yamamoto nodded and looked at Ye Yang: "Then, Ye Yang Shihoin, let me ask you a question. You already knew about the Hōgyoku, didn't you?"

Ye Yang replied noncommittally, "Yes, Kisuke once sent the Hōgyoku to me, asking me to destroy it for him, but unfortunately he failed. All we can do is seal it away temporarily."

"Then why didn't you report this?" Yamamoto stared intently at Ye Yang, seemingly annoyed.

Ye Yang shook his head and smiled bitterly, "Report it? Forgive my bluntness, but if I had reported it earlier, I probably wouldn't be standing here now. If the Central 46 knew about this, they would have sentenced me to death long ago, and I might have been forced to flee to the World of the Living."

"You..." Yamamoto took a deep breath, seemingly finding some truth in Ye Yang's words. He then asked, "You knew about Aizen Kyōka Suigetsu's true abilities all along, didn't you? Why didn't you expose him sooner?"

"Say it out loud? Who would believe that? Kyōka Suigetsu's ability is Complete Hypnosis. Even if I say it out loud, you will still be in a hypnotic state. Would you believe me when you are in a hypnotic state? Aizen can easily break free by simply activating his ability." Ye Yang spoke confidently. These were all facts. It could only be said that Kyōka Suigetsu's ability was too special.

Everyone fell silent. Given Aizen's kind-hearted image at the time, even without Kyōka Suigetsu, it would be hard for anyone to believe that Ye Yang would say it. It could only be said that Ye Yang was unable to say it.

"There's one more thing I need to tell you," Ye Yang said. "Do you remember the Hollowfication Incident a hundred years ago? That was also an experiment conducted by Aizen, but Kisuke ended up taking the blame."

No one spoke; clearly, they had all expected this outcome. Shunsui then asked, "So they're still alive, right? I've always felt that Lisa- chan isn't dead, although I haven't found the answer in a hundred years."

Ye Yang nodded. "Yes, they were all rescued by Kisuke, and now they've all become the Visored we mentioned before!"

"Where?"

"Well, I don't know either. I only know that they are all in the World of the Living."

Shunsui murmured, "The World of the Living?"...

At this moment, Tōshirō suddenly interjected, "Sensei, you just said that you tried to destroy the Hōgyoku but failed? Is the Hōgyoku truly indestructible?"

Everyone's thoughts returned to the point that the Hōgyoku was the key, but Ye Yang shook his head. "There's nothing we can do. Whether it's a million-degree high temperature or extreme freezing, even my Silver Rend, which can cut through space, is helpless. If there were a way, Kisuke wouldn't have resorted to this drastic measure."

After a moment of silence, Yamamoto finally spoke, "This meeting is adjourned. The Seireien is now missing three captains, so I've decided to recall the legion commander stationed in Hueco Mundo soon. I will notify you of this meeting once he returns. Meeting adjourned!"

P. S.: There will be another update later, because today is my birthday.

First bonus chapter!