Just as Chiba Makoto was performing "Soul Transplantation" on Ichimaru Gin and Matsumoto Rangiku, two figures draped in black cloaks that completely concealed their spiritual pressure appeared at the edge of this Rukongai district.
As the two figures slowly raised their heads, they revealed themselves to be Fifth Division Vice-Captain Aizen Sōsuke and Seventh Seat of the Ninth Division Tōsen Kaname.
"Lord Aizen, it seems Captain Unohana has discovered something. Is this truly all right?" Tōsen Kaname asked, his tone carrying a trace of concern.
At that moment, Aizen Sōsuke bore none of his usual gentleness or humility. Instead, he said with an indifferent calm, "Of course. It was never possible to completely hide this from the Fourth Division, let alone when Captain Unohana possesses such astonishingly sharp powers of observation. But everything is proceeding as expected. There is no need to worry, Kaname."
"Yes, Lord Aizen."
Tōsen Kaname answered respectfully, then asked, "Lord Aizen, why deliberately leave behind those residents who have had portions of their souls stripped away for the Tenth Division to discover? Would it not be better to simply erase all the residents?"
Aizen Sōsuke smiled faintly, as if merely stating a fact. "Kaname, do you know why justice, systems, and rules continue to exist in this world despite being such hypocritical things?"
Tōsen Kaname's expression changed, as though something had struck a nerve. Clenching his teeth, he asked, "Why?"
"Because, although they are hypocritical, those who control everything from behind the scenes understand that compared to blankness, such things must exist as a covering. Otherwise, in a pitch-black world, that blank space would be unbearably conspicuous and jarring."
After saying that, Aizen Sōsuke adjusted his glasses and continued, "The so-called 'truth' is no different. Blankness... only invites more questions and investigation. Thus, one must create