Shortly before, Tao Yu and Mayuri Kurotsuchi raced toward the Sōkyoku at captain-level speed. The other Shinigami on patrol couldn't even get close to them.
Most of them couldn't even sense the two passing by.
"Oh, fate's getting blurry. Has the Hogyoku made its appearance?"
Tao Yu sensed a mysterious power suddenly appear near the Sōkyoku and slowly move toward it. Divination returned nothing but chaos, but he knew exactly what it was!
"It appeared out of nowhere. It shouldn't be Rukia..."
The place where Rukia was being held was already within sight of the Sōkyoku, and both lay in the same area. This sense of confusion had appeared out of thin air, as though someone had suddenly used an anti-divination item!
"As expected, Aizen doesn't play by the rules..."
The Sōkyoku stood on a vast platform. Like a gigantic executioner's block, it towered over the land.
By now, the many captains led by Captain Commander Yamamoto had also arrived. They had originally come to ensure the execution went ahead on schedule.
But after hearing the 4th Division expose Aizen's conspiracy, the crowd began to murmur among themselves.
Byakuya Kuchiki was the first to rescue Rukia Kuchiki, who had yet to be executed.
Everyone looked toward the Captain-Commander.
"Massacring Central 46 and forging their orders—Aizen's crimes are unforgivable!"
Captain Commander Yamamoto slammed his cane heavily against the ground. Veins seemed to bulge on his scarred forehead.
He'd been played for a fool!
As the captains discussed the matter among themselves, Aizen, Gin Ichimaru, and Tōsen were slowly walking up the stairs toward the Sōkyoku.
Having fused with the Hogyoku ahead of time, Aizen felt its power continuously pouring into him. A hint of intoxication appeared on his face.
"The changes in this world have greatly strengthened Hollows and chaos.