Chapter 44

Ukitake emerged from the Great Spirit Art Corridor with a grave expression. Miyako Amamiya could feel the gloom hanging over him.

"Miyako, you can't tell anyone about this. Do you understand what I mean?" Ukitake said seriously.

"I understand, Captain Ukitake, but at least let us tell Ichigo Kurosaki a little about it in private." Miyako knew that the matter involved the Four Great Noble Clans, so they couldn't bring it up openly at all.

"...I understand," Ukitake said with a bitter smile. "So I misunderstood... It seems changing the Substitute Soul Reaper system is impossible for now..."

"Come on, Miyako. Let's report the information we gathered to Master Genryūsai first."

"Yes, sir."

At the First Division, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto and Chōjirō Sasakibe waited quietly.

When Jūshirō Ukitake and Miyako Amamiya arrived, Yamamoto opened one eye.

"Well, Jūshirō, did you find anything?" Yamamoto asked gravely.

"Yes, Master Genryūsai. I believe we've discovered Aizen's true objective," Ukitake said in a low voice. "It was thanks to my lieutenant's help that we found the information Aizen was really looking for in the Great Spirit Art Corridor."

"Miyako Amamiya..." Only then did Yamamoto take his first proper look at Miyako. This young man had played a crucial role in the incident, successfully stopping Aizen and buying Soul Society more time.

Miyako noticed Yamamoto's gaze. Without a flicker of emotion, he lowered his head slightly in respect.

"Now then, Jūshirō, tell me what you found first."

"Yes, Master Genryūsai. Aizen's true objective is likely the Ōken..."

"What did you say!" Yamamoto's previously impassive voice suddenly grew forceful. "The location of the Ōken is a secret known only to the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13. By regulation, I may pass that secret on only by word of mouth to the next Captain-Commander. It would never be recorded in the Great Spirit Art Corridor, much less be known to Aizen."

"That's right, Master Genryūsai. So the information Aizen was looking for wasn't the location of the Ōken, but... the Ōken Creation Method."

"The Ōken Creation Method, of all things..." Both of Yamamoto's eyes opened as he realized how troublesome the matter was.

"If I recall correctly, the materials for the Ōken Creation Method are..."

"That's right, Master. It requires a hundred thousand souls and a Spiritually Dense Area with a radius of one spiritual ri. And the current Spiritually Dense Area in the World of the Living happens to be Karakura Town, where Ichigo Kurosaki and his companions live."

"I see..." Yamamoto closed his eyes again and fell into thought.

"Lieutenant Amamiya."

"Yes, Captain-Commander."

"I hear your Zanpakuto can seal Aizen's Kyōka Suigetsu. Is that true?"

"Yes, Captain-Commander. But with my current abilities, I can only seal Kyōka Suigetsu for a few seconds, and only when Aizen has let his guard down." Miyako told Yamamoto about some of his Zanpakuto's abilities, but chose to keep the most crucial part hidden.

"Although you previously consorted with the enemy and broke the rules, considering that you saw through the enemy's true scheme, I can overlook your previous violations."

"Thank you very much..." Miyako bowed and thanked him calmly.

"You made a major contribution during this incident. Is there anything you want? As long as it is within my power, I can grant it." Yamamoto had heard Ukitake praise his lieutenant long ago, but there were many outstanding young people in Soul Society, and Yamamoto couldn't pay attention to every one of them, so he had never paid Miyako much notice.

But Miyako's outstanding performance in this incident had surpassed even that of some captains, forcing Yamamoto to see him in a new light. He wanted to take this opportunity to reward the young man properly.

Miyako knew that although Yamamoto was somewhat old-fashioned, he was fairly generous to his own people. So he said, "Captain-Commander, there's nothing I particularly need at the moment. Could you let me think about it?"

Yamamoto opened his eyes, looked at Miyako, and pondered for a while.

"I understand. I can agree to that."

"Thank you, Captain-Commander." Miyako bowed.

"Communication with Kisuke Urahara has yet to begin. Although we now understand that the captains from a hundred years ago were all victims, none of them are willing to contact Soul Society. Only Kisuke Urahara is willing to cooperate with us."

"Because he failed to seize the Hōgyoku, Aizen can only make a new one in Hueco Mundo. But none of us know how long it takes to make a Hōgyoku; we can only rely on Kisuke Urahara's experience. As for the details, Soul Society must wait for word from him before it can prepare for the coming war."

"So, Jūshirō, this matter must not be disclosed to anyone until we have discussed it with Kisuke Urahara," Yamamoto said.

"I understand, Master." Ukitake also understood the gravity of the situation. This was not as simple as putting down a rebellion. The fact that Aizen could have Menos Grande come to his rescue meant that Hueco Mundo had very likely already fallen into his hands.

Once war broke out, it would no longer be a battle between Soul Reapers, but one between Soul Society and Hueco Mundo.

This was a major test for the Gotei 13, one unlike any it had faced since its founding. They had to think carefully before acting, and all related information had to be strictly controlled to keep it from the enemy.

"Captain-Commander, there's one more thing I'd like to report," Miyako said.

"Miyako?" Ukitake looked at him in confusion.

"Go ahead, Lieutenant Amamiya."

"I discussed this with Captain Ukitake before. It concerns the Hollows appearing in the World of the Living—no, in Karakura Town."

"Miyako, do you mean those strange Hollows you and Rukia encountered?"

"That's right. I was stationed in Karakura Town for a while, and I found that the Hollows there were considerably stronger than those elsewhere. At first, I thought the Spiritually Dense Area had attracted them. But..."

"After Rukia Kuchiki's report, I now find that the Hollows in Karakura Town are far stronger than ordinary Hollows, and some even have special abilities. Aizen also said before that he had released some Hollows in Karakura Town to find Kisuke Urahara. So..."

Miyako couldn't reveal his source, so he could only hint at it to Yamamoto.

"Sōsuke Aizen may already have used the power of the Hōgyoku to create an entirely new kind of Hollow. Is that what you're trying to tell us?" Yamamoto immediately guessed what Miyako meant.

"Yes."

"Aizen... So the enemy knows us inside out, but we know nothing about the enemy?" Ukitake said worriedly.

"I understand, Lieutenant Amamiya. Your information and conjecture are very important. In that case, we may need additional forces to monitor the World of the Living..." Yamamoto was now considering sending more personnel there.

"Captain-Commander, our Thirteenth Division has some familiarity with conditions in the World of the Living. If it needs to be monitored, please send me," Miyako volunteered. Although he still had the Hōgyoku on him, he intended to go to the World of the Living, at least once...

"I understand. I will give it proper consideration," Yamamoto said with a slight nod.

At the entrance to the Twelfth Division, Miyako Amamiya and Jūshirō Ukitake emerged from the Technology Development Bureau.

Miyako and Ukitake had come to the Twelfth Division for only one reason: to collect the Substitute Soul Reaper License, to which numerous means of surveillance had been added.

Neither of them wanted to do this, but it was a mandatory regulation of Soul Society. The Twelfth Division had been directly ordered to add the surveillance functions without Ukitake's consent.

The hastily assembled Central 46 placed great importance on the regulations governing the Substitute Soul Reaper system, leaving no room for negotiation. Ukitake could only do as he had discussed with Miyako and secretly tell Ichigo Kurosaki about some of the problems with the system.

Ukitake looked at the ominous skull emblem on the Substitute Badge with mixed feelings and couldn't help sighing.

Originally, Substitute Soul Reapers hadn't needed these surveillance measures, but Soul Society was furious over Kūgo Ginjō's betrayal. It was wary of Ichigo Kurosaki, the new Substitute Soul Reaper, and had taken a very firm stance.

"Don't worry, Captain. Ichigo won't turn out like that, and we can warn him too," Miyako said comfortingly.

"Yes, that's all we can do," Ukitake said guiltily. "Even though he's a benefactor who helped Soul Society..."

"Let's go, Captain. Ichigo and the others are about to leave for the World of the Living."

Jūshirō Ukitake and Miyako Amamiya walked together to the Senkaimon, where quite a few people had already gathered. Although not everyone had made it, many were still grateful to Ichigo Kurosaki and his companions and wanted to see them off.

"Captain Ukitake, Miyako, you're finally here. What did you go off to do at a time like this...?" Rukia complained. She was only a lowly Seated Officer, after all; she could neither accompany her captain on official business nor be privy to certain secrets.

"You'll find out later, Rukia." Ukitake shook his head at her, unwilling to tell her now. If he did, Rukia would surely be unable to keep from erupting.

"Oh, there are really this many people here?" Ichigo Kurosaki strode over casually.

"You're a great benefactor to Soul Society. Of course we have to give you a proper send-off," Miyako teased.

"Benefactor... Give me a break. Weren't you calling me a Ryoka before?" Ichigo retorted.

"That was then, this is now." Miyako spread his hands. "Besides, your ties to Soul Society may be closer than you think..." he added meaningfully.

"More words nobody can understand? You should say less of that. If I weren't in a good mood, I might just beat you up." Having heard Miyako speak in riddles so many times, Ichigo began to sigh.

"Then I really should thank you for going easy on me," Miyako said with a smile.

Hearing this, Rukia couldn't resist stepping on Miyako's foot.

Miyako lifted his foot in pain and gave Rukia an innocent look, but she ignored him.

After hearing that Rukia Kuchiki did not intend to return to the World of the Living, the members of the group said goodbye to her one by one, and Rukia smiled and returned each farewell. Having had this precious experience and made these precious friends truly made her very happy.

"Ichigo." Ukitake had grown fond of the young man over the past few days and called out to him warmly.

"What is it, Mr. Ukitake?" Ichigo asked.

"This is for you." Ukitake took out the Substitute Soul Reaper License and handed it to Ichigo.

Ichigo accepted the license in confusion and questioned Ukitake about it.

"This is a Substitute Soul Reaper License. Soul Society has corresponding laws for when a Substitute Soul Reaper appears. If that Substitute Soul Reaper is considered beneficial to Soul Society, this is given to him," Ukitake explained softly, though his expression was somewhat different.

"Is that so?" Ichigo put the Substitute Soul Reaper License away without questioning it.

"Yes. This Substitute Soul Reaper License allows your soul to leave your body so you can fight Hollows as a Soul Reaper. I imagine you'll have a real need for that function."

"Huh? Really? That's great! Before, I needed Rukia to help me leave my body. With this, it'll be much easier to do it on my own," Ichigo said in delight. Now he could become a Soul Reaper whenever he wanted, protect others, and fight and purify Hollows.

"But, Ichigo..." Ukitake beckoned him closer, and Ichigo leaned in, puzzled.

"This Substitute Soul Reaper License wasn't our idea. It's a mandatory regulation imposed by Soul Society. I hope you'll remember that," Ukitake whispered in his ear.

Ukitake's words left Ichigo baffled. What did he mean? How had Mr. Ukitake started speaking as mysteriously as Miyako?

"I don't know what you mean, but I'll remember it. Thank you, Mr. Ukitake," Ichigo said with a cheerful smile. Over the past few days, he had learned something of Ukitake's character. A captain willing to defy Soul Society's regulations to save a member of his division probably wasn't someone he needed to worry about, Ichigo thought.

The Senkaimon opened, and it was time to part. Ichigo entered it and bid everyone farewell.

"Oh, Ichigo and the others don't seem to have a Hell Butterfly to guide them." Only then did Miyako remember. As Soul Reapers, they were all so used to having Hell Butterflies that the matter hadn't crossed their minds.

"Idiot! Why didn't you say so sooner?" Rukia kicked Miyako and spoke helplessly.

"I only just remembered myself," Miyako said aggrievedly. For a minor matter like this, it was already good enough that he had remembered at all. "Besides, didn't every one of you forget too?"

Everyone exchanged awkward glances, but they knew Yoruichi Shihōin was leading the way, so there probably wouldn't be a problem. The journey might just be a little more eventful, that was all.

"All right, Miyako, Rukia, let's return to the Thirteenth Division," Jūshirō Ukitake said from the side. "From here on, our division's duties will only grow more demanding..."

"Huh, Captain Ukitake? Why do you say that?" Rukia asked, puzzled.

"Because a new storm has already appeared," Miyako said. "Come on, Rukia. We're still too weak. You don't want to find yourself facing Aizen, powerless to resist, again, do you?"

"..." Remembering Sōsuke Aizen's peerless strength, Rukia fell silent.

"Miyako is right. Rukia, Miyako, you both need to grow stronger. The coming storm will sweep across the Three Realms, and none of the Gotei 13 can stay out of it," Ukitake said thoughtfully.

But Aizen, let's put it to the test. Will you complete the Hōgyoku and evolve first, or will I master a greater power and defeat you?

Miyako touched the Quincy Cross inside his clothes and stepped forward resolutely...

The Soul Society arc is almost over, so here are some end-of-volume remarks and a preview.

By this point, the book is already around 200,000-plus Chinese characters long. A lot of things were changed and deleted, deleted and changed, then changed and deleted again. I wonder if any of you noticed...

As you can see, I skipped a lot: the parts with Tōshirō and Gin, Kira and Hinamori, Rangiku, and Ichigo's duel with Kenpachi. Most importantly, I cut a lot of Renji's scenes... Those who know, know (laughs).

Some original content from the source work is still hard to avoid... Please don't accuse me of padding (cries). This is my first time writing a book, and I don't have the nerve or enough ability to write that much original plot all at once. Some sharp-eyed readers have noticed that I've mostly followed the original... I'm trying to find a way forward too (cries).

By now, the number of people supporting me has far exceeded my expectations. I've seen all your monthly votes, and I'm truly grateful. A few generous readers have even given tips! If only for the readers still following along, I have to keep writing properly.

Next, here's a simple preview with some jokes. Although it reveals some content, there may be misleading plot teases (laughs). But aren't all trailers like that? (Please don't hit me.)

"Everyone, come with me. There are no enemies before us."

"We'll win! As long as we follow Lord Aizen!"

"Ichigo, don't stop. Aizen, having fully fused with the Hōgyoku, can't feel pain."

"Ichi↑go↓ Kuro↑saki↓! Why can you become a Soul Reaper! Why can you have a Zanpakuto without an Asauchi! Why can you master Hollowfication! There is only one answer, Ichi↑go↓ Kuro↑saki↓: you are the first human I indirectly created with the powers of both a Hollow and a Soul Reaper..."

"Then let me ask you, Miyako Amamiya: when did you fall under the illusion that my Kyōka Suigetsu had been sealed?"

"Then let me ask you too, Aizen: when did you fall under the illusion that I still needed to seal your Kyōka Suigetsu?"

A tremendous Reiatsu burst from Miyako. A pillar of light appeared with him at its center, and a cross appeared at the very top of the pillar.

After the pillar of light dissipated, a strangely shaped halo appeared above Miyako's head, blue-and-white Reishi wings grew from his back, and various strands of Reishi coiled around his body.

"What! This is your Bankai!"

"Who knows? Perhaps it is, perhaps it isn't."

"Sōsuke Aizen, I'll admit it. Having fused with the Hōgyoku, you have indeed gained peerless Reiatsu. But now, your Reiatsu will be mine to use."

"What I'm telling you is, now you're the challenger!"