Chapter 123: The Final Act of the Performance

In that fleeting moment...

Even Makoto couldn't help but feel a surge of joy in his heart!

The ability of Kyoka Suigetsu, Aizen Sosuke's Zanpakuto—"Complete Hypnosis"—the power that had loomed as a constant threat since Makoto first stepped into the Seireitei, had finally been unraveled.

To achieve this, Makoto had schemed months in advance, even going as far as subtly manipulating Gin's enrollment in the Shin'o Academy to draw Aizen's interest. This ensured their eventual contact and set the stage for Makoto's plan.

Now, he no longer had to fear the terrifying prospect of being silently manipulated or even killed by Aizen without realizing it, all thanks to the illusionary grip of Kyoka Suigetsu.

After all, the power of "Complete Hypnosis" could manipulate not just sight and sound but even touch and other senses. If Aizen wished to destroy someone, he could easily trap them in a nightmarish scenario that would shatter their sanity.

For example, being "surrounded by countless baguettes"—just the thought made one's scalp tingle. Even knowing it was fake, the illusions were flawless in appearance, texture, and sensation.

Would knowing the truth matter if it was indistinguishable from reality?

Of course, Aizen's personality was unlikely to indulge in such base malevolence or twisted humor. Yet, the mere possibility underscored the terrifying extent of Kyoka Suigetsu's power.

As Aizen watched Makoto retreat over twenty meters after shattering the "Complete Hyponosis," a glimmer of suspicion appeared in his eyes.

"Makoto-kun… did you accomplish something just now?"

Adjusting his glasses, Aizen's mind raced as he maintained his composed smile.

"I see now. You touched my Zanpakuto only to retreat immediately. Your target was Kyoka Suigetsu. In other words, you've discovered its true ability and how to counter it."

"And everything you just performed was a facade—a deception to bait me into drawing my blade?"

Pausing briefly, Aizen gazed intently at Makoto, then continued, "But who told you this? Very few in the Seireitei know the truth of my Zanpakuto. Kaname Tosen? Impossible—he wouldn't betray me. Zero Division? Unlikely—they have greater threats to manage and wouldn't leave the Soul King's Palace lightly. I see..."

Aizen's glasses gleamed as his voice turned firm. "It was Soya Azashiro in Muken, wasn't it, Makoto-kun?"

Though Makoto was well aware of Aizen's unparalleled intellect, witnessing him deduce so much in mere moments left him astounded.

More importantly, Aizen's tone carried an unsettling certainty—an eerie familiarity with Azashiro's abilities, motives, and even his current status.

Makoto narrowed his eyes. "You know of Soya Azashiro?"

"Of course. A vigilant mind can easily discern his existence…"

"Information on Azashiro isn't exactly a secret in the Seireitei. There are countless ways to gather details about him. And with his simplistic thinking, his every move, thought, and goal becomes as transparent as glass."

Aizen shrugged, exuding a casual arrogance as he added, "Soya Azashiro, I apologize for my bluntness, but in my eyes, you're merely that kind of man—a fool who abandoned his own strength to seek power through assimilation with others. A laughable and misguided path."

While Aizen's words did not stir any visible reaction from Makoto, Urozakuro was visibly enraged.

Turning back to Makoto, Aizen's interest deepened. "Makoto-kun, what intrigues me is how you communicated with Azashiro. Did you secretly enter Muken? Use Urahara Kisuke's reigai technology? Or… is your Zanpakuto's ability something I have yet to fully comprehend?"

"These questions are meaningless, Aizen…" Makoto dismissed the inquiries, his tone calm. "Your performance is nearing its curtain call."

With his words, a massive barrier erupted, enveloping the entire Fourth Division quarters in an impenetrable seal.

"The entire Fourth Division is now under surveillance by the Kido Corps. I've moved beyond the reach of Kyoka Suigetsu's influence. If you attack me, you'll expose your secret to the Gotei 13."

Makoto's voice was steady as he continued, "You've played your part, Aizen Sosuke. It's time for this chaos to end."

Aizen clapped lightly, smiling as he said, "Makoto-kun, you never disappoint. You've proven yourself to be a meticulous planner. Even if you had Azashiro's assistance, the way you orchestrated this situation to your advantage is truly remarkable."

"Indeed, if I were to strike you down now, I could not manipulate the illusion to explain your sudden death. The Kido Corps monitoring this barrier would witness an undeniable inconsistency—something I can't afford while maintaining my position within the Gotei 13."

Makoto's voice grew firm. "Then let your performance conclude, Aizen."

Adjusting his glasses, Aizen's smile remained. "Indeed, this encounter has been most enlightening. Next time, Makoto-kun, I shall prepare the finest tea to accompany our conversation."

Without another word, Aizen turned, retreating into the shadows with Tosen following closely behind.

"Lord Aizen, is it wise to let Senju Makoto go like this? If he reveals everything to the Seireitei…" Tosen's voice was tinged with concern.

"There's no need to worry," Aizen replied, calm and assured. "Makoto-kun is no fool. Even as Unohana Retsu's disciple, his standing in the Seireitei lacks the authority to level baseless accusations without evidence."

With a pause. Aizen's smile deepened.

"Besides, the 'true' perpetrators of the hollowfication experiments have left behind a mountain of irrefutable evidence."

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