He raised his hand as though touching a work of art, a smile curling his lips as reiatsu flickered at his fingertips.
"You must be very puzzled, Captain-Commander. Why would the Holy Grail in the World of the Living be connected to the Soul Society, and even to the Soul King?"
Aizen turned to look at Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, half his body charred black, his gaze unhurried.
Yamamoto said nothing.
"The Holy Grail is a shortcut to Root Magecraft. Hundreds of years ago, the brilliantly talented heads of the Einzbern, Tohsaka, and Matou families built this enormous system together.
"They falsely claimed that the Holy Grail could grant any wish, connecting to Heaven so that Heroic Spirits from the Throne of Heroes would descend because of their lingering obsessions. After they fought and killed one another, the tremendous magical energy produced by the deaths of seven Servants would instantly open a path to the Root."
His voice was calm, carrying clearly throughout the ruins. Everyone could hear it, whether they were fallen Heroic Spirits or people standing frozen, afraid to move.
Yamamoto's expression was grim.
"What exactly are you trying to do, Aizen?"
Aizen did not answer, continuing on his own instead. "Originally, only the combined magical energy accumulated after the deaths of seven Servants would be enough for the Holy Grail to appear.
"Fortunately, with the Soul Society participating in this Holy Grail War, the number of Servants reached fourteen. Heh.
"Otherwise, I wouldn't have left you alive."
"Holy Grail, open a passage to the Soul King Palace for me. And repair my Hōgyoku."
He raised his hand, pointing his fingertips at the Holy Grail.
"The Soul King Palace... You actually covet the Soul King!"
Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto used his long sword as a crutch and struggled to his