Not Poverty, but Inequality

However, what the Thirteen Divisions did not know was that Aizen Sōsuke had installed extensive surveillance equipment throughout Karakura Town more than a decade ago, monitoring Kurosaki Ichigo, Kurosaki Isshin, Urahara Kisuke, Chiba Makoto, and the others.

The Thirteen Divisions' every move in Karakura Town was carried out almost entirely under Aizen Sōsuke's watchful eye...

The surveillance feeds transferred from the monitoring room to the throne even allowed Aizen Sōsuke to see every detail of the Thirteen Divisions' construction of the "Soul Transfer Pillars."

At that moment, Ichimaru Gin stepped out of the darkness beside Aizen Sōsuke and said with narrowed eyes,

"Lord Aizen, shouldn't we stop them? It'll be troublesome if Karakura Town gets transferred to Soul Society, won't it?"

Seated calmly upon the throne, Aizen Sōsuke answered in an even tone.

"There is no need. Such meaningless little tricks merely prove the Thirteen Divisions' inner cowardice. They will not affect the outcome in any way."

Ichimaru Gin wore a foxlike smile and flattered him. "As expected of Lord Aizen."

"Gin, you have worked hard these past few days, watching Karakura Town's movements in my stead," Aizen Sōsuke said with a smile.

"It was all for Lord Aizen," Ichimaru Gin replied.

"But you came at just the right time. Some intruders are about to enter Las Noches, and I would like to hear your opinion."

Aizen Sōsuke spoke, and the surveillance image before the throne changed, now showing the outskirts of Las Noches.

Several figures dressed entirely unlike those of Las Noches appeared on the screen...

Kurosaki Makoto, Unohana Retsu, Kuchiki Byakuya... and Matsumoto Rangiku!

The moment he clearly saw Matsumoto Rangiku's face, Ichimaru Gin's expression changed, and a flicker of panic passed through his heart.

Why? Why is Rangiku here? Why have they invaded Las Noches?

Aizen Sōsuke,