Wandenreich and the Secret Garden

However, by the time Hikifune Kirio and the others realized they had been deceived, everything was already beyond saving!

On the surface, they might have been lofty members of the Zero Division, but in truth, they had become puppets utterly incapable of defying Hyōsube Ichibē.

Moreover, the Soul King, who had been carved into a limbless stump and used as a "keystone" to stabilize the world, was nearing his limit. A "new Soul King" was urgently needed to become the next "keystone."

Should anything unforeseen occur beyond Hyōsube Ichibē's plans, Hikifune Kirio and the other two knew full well what their role would be: just like the former Soul King, they would have their limbs severed, their five senses sealed away, and be turned into temporary "keystones."

That was a fate countless times more terrifying than death!

For that very reason, Hikifune Kirio had maintained contact with and supported Urahara Kisuke over the years. He had told Urahara part of the truth, allowing Urahara to develop controllable products that could temporarily serve as "keystones."

Namely, Hanakarita Jinta and Ururu, whom Hikifune Kirio was currently keeping in Wotōden.

The changing expressions on Hikifune Kirio and the others' faces were all observed by the seemingly cheerful Hyōsube Ichibē, yet he had no intention whatsoever of reassuring them.

Or rather, as the one who controlled everything about them, there was no need for him to do so.

This was also one of Hyōsube Ichibē's methods of controlling his subordinates. If they did not wish to end up as "keystones," then they had to devote everything to obeying orders.

Between being "lofty members of the Zero Division" and "keystones stripped of everything," surely these subordinates would make the most rational choice.

"All right. The portion of the Soul King's power that created Yhwach will