The Method of Saving Soul Society

At this moment, both Aizen Sōsuke and Chiba Makoto knew full well that they had become the sole focus of the entire Seireitei.

High above the Seireitei, with no Soul-Covering Membrane to block it, the frigid wind continuously swept past Aizen Sōsuke and Chiba Makoto.

Chiba Makoto gripped the blade of Kyōka Suigetsu in one hand as the two faced each other in a deadlock.

Only after a moment did the slight loss of composure on Aizen Sōsuke's face vanish, his arrogance returning as he spoke in a tone that suggested everything remained under his control.

"Makoto, I never expected you to truly be able to stand before me in this form."

"I never expected it either, Captain Aizen. Was it merely because I refused your invitation that you secretly attacked me back then?" Chiba Makoto asked in return.

"It couldn't be helped, Makoto. You were simply too perceptive. With that unbelievable power of observation and Kaido, you discovered the false illusion I had created with Kyōka Suigetsu."

"Then you secretly tested me, even quietly merging part of your flesh and blood into Kyōka Suigetsu, thereby successfully becoming immune to Kyōka Suigetsu's power..."

At this point, Aizen Sōsuke's voice paused slightly before he continued.

"Makoto, I gave you a chance to replace Tōsen Kaname and Ichimaru Gin, to become my final subordinate before I ascended the throne. Yet it is truly regrettable that, by rejecting my invitation, you became the greatest obstacle to my ascension."

Chiba Makoto's brows drew together slightly. Like an overly gentle and innocent youth who had been deceived, he said, "So it was true. When you explained why you had concealed Kyōka Suigetsu's real ability from me, you were lying to me all along, weren't you?"

"That's right," Aizen Sōsuke replied.

"So those nearly thousand Adjuchas