Original God, But Chat Group

For most of the nobles in the Seireitei and the majority of Soul Reapers, the souls of the Soul Society had no human rights—they were nothing but a lower class of beings. Even if one became a Soul Reaper, they were merely lackeys serving the nobles, because the nobles firmly controlled the Central 46, which could command even Captain-level Soul Reapers.

In the past, Aizen had used souls from the Soul Society for his Hollowfication experiments, but those ordinary souls couldn't meet his experimental needs. So Aizen turned his attention to Soul Reapers, even Captain-level ones. The result was that several captains vanished at once: Rojuro Otoribashi, former captain of the Third Division; Shinsui Shinji, former captain of the Fifth Division; Kisuke Urahara, former captain of the Twelfth Division; Yoruichi Shihoin, former captain of the Second Division; and Kensei Muguruma, former captain of the Ninth Division, whose Reiatsu rivaled Kensei's level.

Although Kisuke Urahara and Yoruichi Shihoin weren't Hollowfied, they became scapegoats because of Aizen's Hollowfication experiments and were forced to leave the Seireitei. Now they were hiding in the Human World, plotting revenge against Aizen.

"Hey, Captain Aizen, there's something I'm curious about."

Gin followed behind Aizen, taking in the scenery of the Soul Society as he spoke.

"Gin, feel free to ask anything. If I know the answer, I'll tell you."

"Why suddenly move the research lab to the Soul Society? We just moved the lab from the Soul Society into the Seireitei, and now we're moving it back out—doesn't that—"

"Yifu!"

Gin Ichimaru's words were cut off by a sudden shout. Though puzzled, Gin immediately went on alert, wondering who was yelling around in the dead of night.

He looked over and saw a figure appear in their field of vision, running toward them from a distance. When about fifty meters away, the figure suddenly crouched, then, under Gin's wary gaze, slid on one knee all the way to Aizen and Gin, holding both hands out flat.

"Yifu! Yue has finally found you!"

"..."

Gin was completely dumbfounded.

What was going on? Was this person talking to Aizen? But Aizen and he should be shrouded by the power of Kyōka Suigetsu—no one should be able to see them. Why could this person see Aizen, and even call him Yifu?

"Captain Aizen, what is this?"

Confused, Gin looked at Aizen, expecting an explanation. Instead, he saw the corner of Aizen's mouth twitch.

"Captain Aizen?"

Gin's eyelid twitched too. No way—with that reaction from Aizen, this person couldn't actually be...

Amid Gin's suspicion, Aizen returned to his usual calm smile.

"Li Yue-kun, welcome to the Soul Society."

"Yifu, Yue has lived up to your expectations and found a way to come to the Soul Society!"

Li Yue kept up his persona as the devoted foster son.

"Ah... you've worked hard."

Aizen nodded helplessly. Heaven knew, Li Yue had jumped from the Chat Group into reality, and worst of all, the Li Yue who crashed into reality actually called him Yifu. This was really...

"It's not just me—I can even bring people along when I run. Yifu, you understand what that means, right!"

As soon as the words fell, Aizen's eyes practically lit up. He reached out and helped Li Yue to his feet.

"Li Yue-kun, please, rise!"

Earlier, when Li Yue said in the group that he couldn't cross worlds, Aizen had found it regrettable. The Chat Group, which could connect different worlds, brought Aizen infinite possibilities. Though items could be sent through the group, it wasn't as convenient as an on-site visit. When Li Yue appeared before him just now, Aizen had indeed been surprised, but he hadn't thought Li Yue could bring others along, because Li Yue had said he was a traveler himself, so Aizen assumed it was Li Yue's own ability to cross over alone.

But now, Li Yue told him he could bring people along—that changed everything!

Aizen had long yearned for the infinite possibilities of other worlds. Li Yue's standing in Aizen's eyes shot up instantly. Even though he knew Li Yue calling him Yifu was just for fun, if it meant crossing worlds, what did a little teasing matter?

"So, Captain Aizen, this Li Yue-kun really is your Yifu?"

Gin smiled slyly as he watched the two, only to receive a scrutinizing look from Li Yue.

"Yifu, this must be Captain Gin Ichimaru, the one you mentioned."

"Ah, Gin is my most capable assistant."

Aizen didn't know what Li Yue was up to, but he was happy to play along.

"Hmph!"

Li Yue suddenly snorted coldly, staring at Gin with icy eyes.

"Yifu's most capable assistant can only be me! Gin Ichimaru, if you've got the guts, come over here and spar with me. I'll prove you're not worthy of being my Yifu's most capable assistant!"

"Ah?"

Gin was completely stunned.

He'd been enjoying the show just a moment ago, never expecting Aizen to have a foster son behind the scenes—a side of Aizen he'd never seen. But before the fun could last, he became the joke himself.

"Captain Aizen... this..."

Gin looked at Aizen, wanting to ask what to do. He wanted to say he didn't care about the position of most capable assistant—Li Yue could have it—but his gut told him that saying that out loud would only make things worse.

"Since Li Yue-kun wants to spar with you, Gin, then go ahead and spar with him."

"Since Captain Aizen says so, I'll oblige Li Yue-kun."

Gin smiled slyly at Li Yue.

"Li Yue-kun, follow me. I know an open area nearby."

With that, Gin used Flash Step to leave. Li Yue nodded at Aizen, then followed with Flash Step.

After several consecutive Flash Steps, Gin led Li Yue to a clearing in the distance. Upon landing, Gin gripped the hilt of his sword, ready to strike immediately. He wanted to test what this Li Yue, connected to Aizen but never seen before, was capable of.

But to his surprise, after arriving, Li Yue dropped to one knee.

"I sincerely apologize, Lord Gin Ichimaru. Everything I did earlier was merely to deceive Aizen. I hope you can forgive me."

"Hmm?"

Gin Ichimaru was caught off guard by Li Yue's words, but quickly masked his surprise, returning to his usual smiling expression as he looked at Li Yue.

"Oh my, Li Yue-kun, what are you talking about? I don't understand."

Li Yue looked up at Gin Ichimaru, his face full of seriousness.

"Li Yue, member of the Vanguard Squad under Captain Rangiku Matsumoto of the Hueco Mundo Resistance, reporting to Lord Gin Ichimaru."

"What?"

37. Cyberpunk Bleach 2077

In 2077, the city I lived in was rated the worst district in Hueco Mundo. Why? Endless violent crime, the highest poverty rate in all of Hueco Mundo—these are facts, undeniable.

Yet Hollows and souls still flocked here. This city always gives you a sliver of hope, whether it's a lie or an illusion. But it feels so close, almost within reach, driving people to throw themselves in without hesitation. This is the city I live in, the city I...

"Wait, what does that have to do with the identity you just mentioned?"

Gin Ichimaru raised a hand, cutting off Li Yue's speech.

"And what exactly is the Hueco Mundo Resistance? It sounds like it's based in Hueco Mundo. Why would Rangiku join such an organization? Why is your city in Hueco Mundo?"

"Oh, that's related to what you're about to do next."

Li Yue's expression turned serious.

"Lord Gin Ichimaru, I come from the future—the year 2077. I'm a member of the Hueco Mundo Resistance. Captain Rangiku Matsumoto is one of the Resistance's captains and one of its key leaders."

"And I was sent by Captain Matsumoto's orders, traveling through time to this era before Soul Society is destroyed, to find Captain Gin Ichimaru and prevent you from causing Soul Society's destruction again."

"Hmm? Soul Society's destruction? Related to me?"

Gin Ichimaru was full of doubt. He didn't quite believe Li Yue's words, but since it involved Rangiku Matsumoto, he had to get to the bottom of it.

"Yes. According to Captain Matsumoto's account, Lord Gin Ichimaru, you infiltrated the side of Soul Society's criminal, Aizen Sousuke, to avenge Captain Matsumoto, waiting for a chance to assassinate him. You hid there for centuries, and this point in time is when Aizen is about to make his move."

Li Yue's words made Gin Ichimaru's expression turn grave. No one knew about his hidden motive to avenge Rangiku. Could Li Yue really be from the future?

"According to future records, around this time, Third Seat Lucia Kuchiki of the Thirteenth Division goes to the Human World for a purification mission. Kisuke Urahara, former head of the Research and Development Bureau and former captain of the Twelfth Division, plants the Hōgyoku inside her. Aizen uses Kyōka Suigetsu to falsify orders from Central 46, brings Lucia back, steals the Hōgyoku buried in her body, and then flees to Hueco Mundo."

Gin Ichimaru was stunned. Some of these steps he didn't even know himself.

"Under your and Aizen's leadership, Hueco Mundo develops the powerful Arrancar known as the Espada. Then Aizen leads the Espada in a war against Soul Society. In that battle, Soul Society suffers a crushing defeat. Captain Commander Yamamoto falls to an Arrancar specially crafted by Aizen. All of Soul Society's captains are wiped out, the Espada fall one by one, Kaname Tōsen dies in battle, and only you and Aizen remain. Aizen prepares to forge the King's Key to enter the Soul King Palace, but after centuries of hiding by his side, you finally figure out that touching the blade of Kyōka Suigetsu with your hand can break its hypnosis. So, while he's forging the King's Key, you use your Bankai, Kamishini no Yari, to poison and kill Aizen."

"I... succeeded..."

Hearing that he killed Aizen with his Bankai's poison, Gin Ichimaru fully believed Li Yue. The fact that his Bankai's blade was poisonous was a secret known only to him! The only way the other could know was if he had told Rangiku Matsumoto in the future—yes, even if he told anyone, it would only ever be Rangiku Matsumoto!

"Yes, you succeeded. But as you poisoned Aizen, he fought back with his dying breath, gravely wounding you. You fell as well. Before you completely passed, Captain Matsumoto found you. You explained everything to her and apologized to her personally."

"Sorry, I couldn't take back what was precious to you."

"Is that so..."

Gin Ichimaru let out a long sigh, then stared at Li Yue with a serious expression.

"But what does that have to do with Soul Society's destruction? Didn't Aizen die?"

"It has everything to do with it!"

Li Yue looked left and right, as if confirming no one else was around.

"In that war between Soul Society and Hueco Mundo, almost all Captain-level fighters were wiped out. The only one left was the captain of the Fourth Division, who stayed in the rear providing support because she wasn't suited for combat."

The Fourth Division captain wasn't suited for combat?

Gin Ichimaru's expression turned subtle, but he said nothing.

"At that moment, the true mastermind hiding in Soul Society all along revealed themselves."

There was a true mastermind in Soul Society?

Gin Ichimaru's eyes widened in shock.

"A thousand years ago, there was a group of humans called the Quincy. They were incredibly strong in battle and highly skilled at manipulating reishi. Their leader was named Yhwach, known as the King of the Quincy. Yhwach expanded the Quincy's numbers massively, threatening the balance of the spirit world. So Captain Commander Yamamoto led the Shinigami to war against the Quincy, ultimately killing Yhwach and slaughtering most of them."

"But in truth, Yhwach didn't die. Nor did his Elite Quincy. Under Yhwach's leadership, they infiltrated Seireitei."

"You're saying Seireitei!?"

"Exactly. But they hid within the shadows of Seireitei. On the surface, the Shinigami couldn't detect them at all, because no one would ever think that the shadows following them concealed a vast Wandenreich made up of Quincy."

"So that's why Soul Society was destroyed."

"Yes. The Resistance's high command determined that Seireitei was no match for Yhwach. The only one who could defeat Yhwach was Aizen, evolved through the Hōgyoku. Yhwach hid in Seireitei's shadows, observing everything—including you, Lord Gin Ichimaru, and Aizen's actions. He saw Captain Commander Yamamoto fall and Captain Aizen killed by you, and only then did he dare emerge from the Wandenreich, launching an attack on the Thirteenth Division from within Seireitei."

Li Yue's expression turned helpless as he spoke.

"But by then, Seireitei was unprecedentedly weak. Almost all the captains had died in battle, leaving only a group of Vice-Captains to hold things together. The new Central 46 were all useless, and the Four Great Noble Houses had all fled for their lives. Under the Quincy assault, Seireitei was destroyed, and the Thirteen Court Guard Squads were nearly annihilated. The surviving Shinigami and souls fled to Hueco Mundo. Yhwach then invaded the Soul King Palace, killed the Royal Guard, devoured the Soul King, and became the new Soul King."

"So, Soul Society's destruction was because I killed Aizen?"

Gin Ichimaru finally understood what Li Yue meant by him causing Soul Society's ruin.

"That's about it. According to the Resistance's high command analysis, although Aizen rebelled against Soul Society, he didn't intend to destroy the world. He just wanted to overthrow the Soul King and the nobles of Soul Society, then reshape the stagnant Seireitei. At least he was better than Yhwach."

"As a Soul Reaper, is it really okay for you to say something like that?"

Li Yue waved his hand.

"What's the problem? The Seireitei was long gone in our era. Our squad even has Hollows and humans in it—now we all go by the Resistance Organization."

"After Yhwach became the new Soul King, he destroyed the Soul Society. Anyone who didn't support him, he'd regularly send out Quincies to sweep through Hueco Mundo, wiping out any strong Reiatsu. As for the weak ones, they didn't even bother with them—probably figured they were too insignificant to erase. So the Soul Reapers who fled into Hueco Mundo, led by the surviving Vice-Captains, banded together with the remaining low-level Arrancars to form a resistance against the Quincies. Later on, even human Fullbringers joined in."

"As for why Yhwach didn't destroy Hueco Mundo too, our higher-ups speculate it's because he devoured the Soul King to become the new Spirit King. He can't fully control the power he just gained, so he's holding off for now. Ever since he ascended to the Soul King Palace, he hasn't shown up again. All we ever see are his subordinate Quincies, and most of them are just ordinary ones without numbers."

"But we believe that one day, he'll fully master that power. When that happens, he'll destroy the Human World and Hueco Mundo—that's been his goal from the start! So we have to stop him before he destroys the world!"

"The Resistance Organization has thought of plenty of plans, but we're too weak to carry them out. We can't even fight Yhwach's Elite Quincies, let alone Yhwach himself."

"Under those circumstances, Captain Matsumoto came up with an idea. She had the complete Hōgyoku that you took from Aizen. Aizen died, but his Hōgyoku remained. So Captain Matsumoto made a wish to the Hōgyoku, exhausting her power to send me back to this era, hoping to change the original history here and now."

"That's why I'm here. According to Captain Matsumoto's plan, I'll change history in this era. She said you're the person she trusts most, and she doesn't want you to die the way you did. So I'm hoping I can get your help."

"The person she trusts most, huh."

A smile spread across Gin Ichimaru's face. Unlike his usual sly, squinty grin, this smile looked incredibly gentle.

"What do you need me to help you with?"

"In the future, the Soul Society is destroyed, and most of its nobles are wiped out. Only ordinary Soul Reapers remain, at most a few Vice-Captains. So Captain Matsumoto has no interest in protecting those nobles. What she wants is to protect the world from destruction while also changing it!"

Li Yue mimicked Gin's expression, grinning with narrowed eyes.

"I've already followed Captain Matsumoto's orders and told Aizen about Yhwach and the Wandenreich. Aizen has started altering his plans. I want you to work with me to secretly guide Aizen into setting the final battle in the Seireitei. My Zanpakuto's ability can manifest the Wandenreich into reality. That way, the Seireitei's nobles, the Wandenreich lurking in the Seireitei's shadows, and the Espada from Hueco Mundo will all be dragged into this unprecedented war! And then—every last one of them will be annihilated in the conflict!"

"So that's why Aizen suddenly moved his lab outside the Seireitei. I understand. I'll help you from the shadows."

Gin nodded, looking at Li Yue with a hint of warmth in his gaze. For Rangiku to entrust him with so much—especially things involving himself—meant Li Yue was a junior she trusted in the future. Naturally, he'd look out for him.

Li Yue nodded in satisfaction, then flashed a peace sign at Aizen, who was standing behind Gin.

38. I'll Prove Who Aizen's Top General Really Is!

Ever since Li Yue followed Gin away, Aizen had been trailing them with Kyōka Suigetsu activated. He'd said he was willing to play along with Li Yue, but he still needed to keep tabs on things. After all, Li Yue had no qualms about calling Yifu "Yifu" in the Chat Group, and in real life, he shouted it without hesitation too. A guy who played by no rules was bound to stir up trouble for the fun of it. To prevent any hiccups in his plans, Aizen was even considering using Kyōka Suigetsu on him.