Chapter 236

After Aizen's voice faded, a brief silence fell over the path.

Wang Xun's mind raced, calculating every possible consequence.

His current abilities are still far from sufficient to allow him to escape unscathed from Aizen's clutches.

The goal was not to detach the tail and escape.

The fact that Aizen dared to stand here means he had already prepared a backup plan.

If you temporarily accept Aizen's conditions, expose Kisuke Urahara, and follow the script Aizen gave you to complete this trial.

This means that he personally pushed his allies to the execution platform, and in the eyes of those who knew the truth, he was no longer a trustworthy person.

However, at the same time, he can remain in Soul Society, have the opportunity to come into contact with the Hōgyoku in Aizen's hands, and wait for a real chance to turn the tide.

It simply puts the plot back on its original trajectory.

Wang Xun raised his head and looked into Aizen's eyes.

I accept.

Aizen's lips curled up slightly.

"A wise choice."

He took a step forward, getting closer to Wang Xun, and lowered his voice.

"Now, there are a few details that require your cooperation."

Wang Xun's brow twitched slightly.

"It seems that Lieutenant Aizen has already made the arrangements."

Aizen softly, his tone calm.

"What you need to do is very simple: when the Central 46 summons you, truthfully recount Kisuke Urahara's Hollowfication research."

"He himself is also conducting experiments to break the boundary between Soul Reaper and Hollows, and he has made contact with unidentified Quincy on multiple occasions."

"The documents and experimental records already presented to them are sufficient; your testimony is merely an additional supplement."

Aizen turned around and slowly walked towards the Seireitei.

"Let's go. There's still some time before the trial begins. Perfect timing, I also have a question for you."

Wang Xun followed behind Aizen, keeping a distance of two steps.

The night wind blew, carrying the scent of withered grass and sand.

Aizen walked ahead, strolling leisurely, as if everything was under his control.

"I'm curious, the Hollowfication you just demonstrated is quite different from your previous Half-Mask Hollowfication."

"Full bone coverage, Hierro, High-Speed Regeneration... this level of Hollowfication is far superior to what you showed me before."

Wang Xun paused in his steps.

He knew this problem would come sooner or later.

Aizen wasn't the type to keep his questions to himself; he was simply waiting for the right moment to casually raise them.

"You know that my physical condition is rather unique."

Wang Xun's answer was brief and steady.

"I am more susceptible to the effects of the Hōgyoku than ordinary Soul Reaper."

"When Lieutenant Aizen used the Hōgyoku to make the captains Hollowfication, I was also affected by the Hōgyoku."

"Perhaps this is why I broke through the upper limit, and my level of Hollowfication directly reached a new level."

"Unfortunately, that state is extremely difficult to control."

Wang Xun's words weren't entirely false.

He did indeed collect a large number of Hollowfication Fragment, successfully upgrading his Hollowfication to Iv7 and gaining higher Hollowfication power.

Aizen looked at him, his gaze deep, trying to discern the truth in Wang Xun's words.

"That sounds reasonable. Your unexpected transformation into Hollowfication is quite a nice byproduct."

He reached out and gently touched Wang Xun's chest with his fingers, the very spot where the core of his soul was located.

"I can sense through the Hōgyoku that the Hollowfication Reiatsu within you is more active than before."

Aizen's smile deepened.

"The line between Soul Reaper and Hollows was never so clear in your case from the very beginning."

"This means that if the Hōgyoku fully awakens in the future, you will be the perfect vessel to bear that power."

"Wang Xun, do you crave the power of the Hōgyoku?"

Aizen's words were like some kind of spell, gently stirring Wang Xun's heart.

But Wang Xun suppressed all his emotions and responded in a deep voice.

"Of course, I crave power, and not just the Hōgyoku."

Wang Xun spoke very frankly, so Aizen wasn't particularly surprised.

From Wang Xun learning swordsmanship from Unohana and learning Kidō from himself, it's clear that he's someone who craves power.

It's just unknown how far Wang Xun will ultimately grow.

But no matter what, it's impossible to compare to myself after fusing with the complete Hōgyoku.

"Speaking of which, Captain Unohana, what are you planning to do with her? She's already reported you to the Captain-Commander."

She will not see Shigekuni Yamamoto.

Aizen's tone remained gentle.

"As long as you don't do anything unnecessary, she will only be temporarily detained to cooperate with the investigation. Once the matter is cleared up after a while, she will be released."

"Unohana is a smart person; she won't do anything out of line, so you can rest assured about that."

Aizen turned around and continued walking forward.

"Let's go. The trial in Central 46 won't be long. We still have a lot to do."

Seireitei.

Within the Central 46.

A group of sages sat solemnly on the high platform, dressed in uniform white robes, their faces hidden behind wooden plaques, creating an exceptionally solemn atmosphere.

Shigekuni Yamamoto stood to one side, leaning on a cane, his aged eyes lowered, saying nothing.

Standing beside him Chōjirō Sasakibe, holding a thick investigation report in his hands.

Wang Xun stood in the center of the interrogation room, with Sōsuke Aizen half a step behind him.

However, in Wang Xun's perception, Aizen's Reiatsu was enveloping the entire interrogation room, covering everyone's senses like a thin veil.

Kyōka Suigetsu continues to exert its power, ensuring that everything everyone hears and sees is completely consistent with the script written by Aizen.

"Wang Xun, Vice-Captain of the Fourth Division."

The sage in the center of the high platform spoke, his voice deep and authoritative.

"You are here today as a witness; everything you say and do must be true. If you lie, you will be punished the same as the criminals."

Wang Xun lowered his head slightly.

"I see."

"Then, your testimony regarding the Second Division Third Seat Kisuke Urahara and the Great Kido Master of the Kidō Corps Kidō, Tessai Tsukabishi, who conspired to research the Hollowfication, colluded with the Quincy, and attacked the captain of the Gotei 13."

Wang Xun a deep breath and then spoke.

His voice wasn't loud, but every word was clearly audible in the quiet interrogation room.

"Everything I have said is based on my own eyesight and is entirely true."

The interrogation room fell silent.

The sages on the platform exchanged a few whispered opinions, and finally the judge in the center spoke again.

"What you have stated matches perfectly with the on-site investigation report submitted by the Stealth Force and the evidence documents obtained during the search of Kisuke Urahara's laboratory."

"The Central 46 will deliver its final verdict on Kisuke Urahara and Tessai Tsukabishi."

"Kisuke Urahara secretly researched forbidden techniques such Hollowfication and spatial manipulation, colluded with the Quincy forces, attacked the serving captains and vice-captains of the Gotei 13, causing the souls of several captains to mutate, thus endangering the safety of Soul Society."

"Tessai Tsukabishi, you have used forbidden spatial techniques without authorization to protect and assist serious criminals."

"The Stealth Force is ordered to immediately arrest these two individuals."

"Retsu Unohana has an unclear connection to this incident and is temporarily detained in the Maggot's Nest until the matter is investigated."

Shigekuni Yamamoto slowly rose from his seat.

His cane slammed heavily on the stone slab, and his aged eyes slowly opened, sweeping over each sage on the high platform before settling on Wang Xun.

In that gaze, there was only an extreme weariness.

"The verdict has been delivered; no further discussion is needed."

His voice was deep and hoarse.

"Sasakibe, send someone to inform the Punishment Force team to carry out the arrest immediately."

"Yes."

Outside the interrogation room, the night sky over Seireitei was obscured by thick clouds, with no moonlight or starlight.

Retsu Unohana walked alone on the stone path leading to the First Division.

Her steps were neither hurried nor slow, Zanpakuto hung quietly at her waist.

She was originally going to the First Division to report the incident to Shigekuni Yamamoto, but in any case, she wanted to try and reveal Aizen's plan.

But the Captain-Commander wasn't there; according to the members of the First Division, he had been summoned by the Central 46.

It seems that, just as Wang Xun and Urahara deduced, Aizen is indeed about to begin implementing his plan to frame someone.

So, how would she be treated if she were also there?

"Wang Xun, you said..."

Looking back, Wang Xun's figure had disappeared without anyone noticing.

Unohana paused for a moment, staring at the empty space.

Then, from the shadows of the high walls on both sides of the stone-paved road, six Punishment Force investigators simultaneously appeared.

The leader was a middle-aged man dressed in the attire of Stealth Force or Punishment Force team.

His left hand rested on the Zanpakuto at his waist, his expression serious and restrained.

"Retsu Unohana."

His voice was steady, but every word carried a stiff, businesslike quality.

"By order of the Central 46, you have an unexplained connection to the Hollowfication Incident and are required to cooperate with the investigation. Please hand over your Zanpakuto and come with us."

Unohana stopped in her tracks.

Six people, two directly in front and two on each side, blocked all evasive angles.

Unohana fell silent.

In the next instant, immense Reiatsu was released, crashing down like a heavy hammer.

Her murderous intent was barely contained; the feeling of being so thoroughly mocked ignited her fury.

The terrifying Reiatsu made the knees of the surrounding Punishment Force members tremble, as if they were in a quagmire, and they could only look at Retsu Unohana in terror.

But then, an old voice came from the street corner.

"Unohana, obey my command."

"This is only temporary detention. I've reviewed the evidence, and you don't have much connection to this matter. Once the investigation is complete, you will be released."

Unohana turned her head and saw Shigekuni Yamamoto leaning on his cane, standing quietly not far away.

Behind him, Chōjirō Sasakibe also had his hand on his Zanpakuto at his waist, his eyes fixed on Unohana.

"Captain-Commander, all of this is Aizen's conspiracy. His Kyōka Suigetsu can Complete Hypnosis anyone..."

Seeing Shigekuni Yamamoto, Unohana gradually fell silent.

Yes, Kyōka Suigetsu are indeed a troublesome ability.

If she draws her sword now, the suspicions that the Central 46 have against her will become irrefutable evidence.

Even if there were no problems, this act of resisting arrest would thoroughly enrage the Central 46 and make him a true sinner.

But Unohana's hand remained pressed against the knife.

At this moment, she only wanted to confirm one thing: Wang Xun's life or death.

She simply couldn't accept being imprisoned without any explanation.

Just as Unohana was still struggling internally, the figure behind Shigekuni Yamamoto made her stop what she was doing.

Wang Xun looked at Unohana and gently shook his head.

"Captain, the situation has changed. Please do not take action."

Unohana frowned, staring in Wang Xun's direction.

"You are, Wang Xun?"

"It's me, Captain."

"But how can you prove it?"

"Kyōka Suigetsu can create illusions, but it can't create memories. I remember every detail of our sparring session behind the Fourth Division."

After Wang Xun revealed a few extremely minor details known only to the two of them, Unohana's doubts gradually subsided.

Looking at Shigekuni Yamamoto and Chōjirō Sasakibe, who were oblivious to the situation but were offering cautious advice, Unohana gave a slightly helpless smile.

"So, you've chosen to side with Aizen?"

Seeing Wang Xun silent, Unohana sighed softly and suppressed her Reiatsu.

She raised her hand, unsheathed her Zanpakuto, held the Zanpakuto, and presented it horizontally to the Punishment Force in front of her.

The Zanpakuto hovered in her palm, and the moment she released it, the world seemed to fall silent for a moment.

The Punishment Force investigator, who had barely managed to stand, paused for a moment, then almost instinctively reached out his hands to catch it.

Unohana looked at him, took a few seconds to make sure he could stand steadily, and then slowly withdrew her hand.

Let's go.

Her voice was calm.

"Yes, yes!"

The six members of the Punishment Force, as if granted a pardon, looked at Unohana with fear, but dared not relax in the slightest. They maintained their formation and led Unohana toward the Second Division.

Wang Xun watched Unohana figure and let out a soft sigh.

Fortunately, Unohana did not draw her sword in the end.

Just then, a series of hurried and heavy footsteps came from the end of the street.

A Punishment Force investigator approached, his face pale and his voice trembling uncontrollably.

"Report! Former Third Seat of the Second Division Kisuke Urahara, along with the Great Kidō Master Tessai Tsukabishi of the Kidō Corps, resisted arrest and escaped when they encountered members of the Punishment Force in the underground of Sōkyoku Hill!"

"The two have escaped the encirclement, but their whereabouts are unknown!"

Shigekuni Yamamoto slowly turned his head and looked at the team member.

"Kisuke Urahara arrest and escaped. What is the reaction of Yoruichi Shihōin, the Second Division Captain?"

The team member's breathing became more rapid, and his voice carried a hint of disbelief and terror.

"Captain Shihoin arrived at Sōkyoku Hill along with the Punishment Force, but she, along with Kisuke Urahara and Tessai Tsukabishi... disappeared."

Shigekuni Yamamoto closed his eyes.

The surroundings were deathly silent.

The Captain-Commander who had Gotei 13 for a thousand years still stood tall and straight as a pine tree.

But those aged hands tightened slightly at the tip of the cane.

"Nonsense."

Yamamoto let out a heavy sigh, a sense of frustration rising in his heart.

This Hollowfication Incident resulted in the Seireitei losing four captains, three vice-captains, and one Kidō.

The incident involves the Second Division, with the Third Seat, Kisuke Urahara, defecting.

The Kidō Corps, including the Great Kidō Master Tessai Tsukabishi, defected together.

The disappearance of Yoruichi Shihōin, the Second Division Captain, is almost tantamount to defection.

Fourth Division Captain Retsu Unohana is under investigation and has been temporarily detained.

In just one night, the Gotei 13 lost half of its captains.

Since the establishment of the Gotei 13, such losses have been extremely rare.

Yamamoto's gaze fell on the interrogation records in Sasakibe's hand.

The densely packed testimonies and judgments seemed to be obscured by something in his eyes at this moment, making them unclear and incomprehensible.

A moment later, Shigekuni Yamamoto opened his eyes.

"Sasakibe."

"Exist."

"Issue orders to issue Kisuke Urahara, Tessai Tsukabishi, and... Yoruichi Shihōin."

"From this moment forward, the Gotei 13 are to enter a state of maximum combat readiness."

He paused, then slammed his cane heavily on the ground.

"Prepare for war, Quincy."