Chapter 0043: Waiting for the Next Opportunity

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As Orihime Inoue was treating Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's wounds, Rukia Kuchiki, supported by Rangiku Matsumoto, walked over and asked anxiously, "Inoue, where are Ishida and Chad?"

Rukia was naturally concerned for her classmates who had come to Soul Society to rescue her but were nowhere to be seen. As for Ichigo Kurosaki? That idiot was just standing there, looking dumbfounded. She had always thought he wasn't the brightest, and now seeing his dazed expression, she felt he was even worse off than before.

Upon hearing this, Orihime turned her head awkwardly to look at Retsu Unohana.

Ever since she followed Su Jin, she had heard from him that her companions were safe, but she truly had no idea of their whereabouts.

Unohana nodded and said, "They are still alive. They should be in the treatment room of Squad Four right now."

"They're alive? That's great!" Orihime breathed a sigh of relief.

At this moment, Shunsui Kyōraku, touching his wound, smiled and said, "The big guy was saved by me, and the Quincy kid was apparently found in Squad Twelve."

"But I didn't expect, Nemu Kurotsuchi, the vice-captain of Squad Twelve, to defect. She was such a beauty."

Kyōraku couldn't help but feel conflicted. Such a beautiful woman, how could she side with the enemy?

"Captain Kurotsuchi died unjustly," Jūshirō Ukitake sighed.

Dying, only for his daughter to run off with his enemy. How could that not be unjust?

"Kurotsuchi is dead?" Rukia was stunned. It was the first time she had heard that a captain had died. Wasn't it just the Ryoka invasion? How did a captain end up dead?

"Yes, fortunately, he was the only captain who died."

Ukitake explained, then felt awkward after saying it, realizing it sounded like Kurotsuchi was somehow special.

To be honest, Ukitake was also curious about how Kurotsuchi had died. After all, he was a captain!

At this moment, the injured Yamamoto, narrowing his eyes, said, "After this incident is resolved, Shunsui Kyōraku, Jūshirō Ukitake, Suì-Fēng, Byakuya Kuchiki!"

The named captains immediately turned to look at Yamamoto.

Yamamoto said in a stern voice, "Once your injuries are healed, lead a team to the human world and capture Kisuke Urahara!"

"If he resists, kill him on the spot!"

Upon hearing this, Byakuya Kuchiki was the first to respond, "Understood!"

Kyōraku and Ukitake exchanged glances, then looked at Yoruichi Shihōin. Likewise, Yamamoto turned to Yoruichi, who was restless, and said, "In light of your previous actions in fighting the enemy, your past offenses are forgiven. Do not waste this chance."

Hearing this, Yoruichi felt a chill but understood that Yamamoto had made up his mind. She quickly raised her hand and said, "I know Kisuke Urahara's location! I will lead the way!"

Better him than me!

Yoruichi knew that Kurotsuchi's death left Squad Twelve without a leader, and Kisuke Urahara, a former criminal, had become Yamamoto's target. Since she wouldn't be killed, it was better to surrender. She couldn't afford to clash with Yamamoto now.

As for what would happen to Urahara? Yamamoto wouldn't kill him, at least not until Su Jin and Aizen were dealt with. But some punishment would be inevitable.

At this point, Unohana interjected, "What about the Ryoka?"

Yamamoto turned to look at Orihime and then at Rukia, pausing before saying, "Given that this incident was orchestrated by Su Jin and Aizen, those involved will not be held accountable."

Rukia immediately looked overjoyed.

After addressing the Ryoka situation, Yamamoto, showing no further interest in continuing, turned to Suì-Fēng and said, "Suì-Fēng, start a comprehensive investigation into the whereabouts of Su Jin, Aizen, Gin Ichimaru, and Kaname Tōsen. I want to know what they gained from Soul Society and what their objectives are. Do you understand?"

"Understood!"

Suì-Fēng nodded quickly, accepting the task.

Meanwhile, Yamamoto gazed towards the direction of Squad One, at the spot where the Royal Guard had been, his eyes narrowing as if deep in thought.

Nearby, Ichigo Kurosaki stood in a daze.

He watched Orihime busily attending to the captains, earning their goodwill and preparing to observe Soul Society.

He also saw Rukia approach Byakuya Kuchiki, repeatedly apologizing, only to have her shoulder patted in recognition, a scene of sibling affection.

Then there was Renji Abarai, who, upon seeing Rukia, burst into tears, only to be avoided by her in disgust.

In an instant, he felt a strange sense of loneliness.

But that feeling quickly vanished.

In any case, Rukia was safe, and so were his other companions. That meant his trip to Soul Society wasn't in vain!

With that thought, Ichigo relaxed, waiting for the eventual return trip.

In Hueco Mundo, Las Noches.

Su Jin, dressed in white, looked down upon the desert below.

At that moment, Aizen walked over and stood beside him, overlooking the scenery below, and said, "Researching the Ōken and the Hōgyoku will take some time. If we include preparations for the future by studying the structure of the three worlds, it could take decades or even hundreds of years."

Hearing this, Su Jin raised an eyebrow, pondering for a moment, and said, "I understand. I will search for a way to stabilize the three worlds in the Little Garden."

Aizen smiled and said, "Then the remaining work will probably only take six months."

"Still too long," Su Jin sighed.

He wanted to complete his observations quickly but ultimately was defeated by time.

Thinking this, he took out his pocket watch, looking at the number '9' on it.

This was the influence he gained from revealing his true face before many Shinigami and protagonists in an instant.

However, the last three points probably had to be obtained from the Spirit King, in a true revolution.

Thinking this, Su Jin narrowed his eyes and said, "I can stay here for at most another 11 days. It's ultimately not enough."

"Whatever you need, I will help you prepare," Aizen said calmly.

"No need, Nemu will handle it," Su Jin replied, glancing at Aizen.

"Then, let the Third Espada assist you all," Aizen said with a hint of amusement.

Su Jin glanced at him, amused, and said, "Do you think I care about a woman as much as you do?"

Su Jin had just heard that Momo Hinamori, the shield vice-captain, had survived again this time.

Aizen personally attacked a vice-captain and didn't kill her? Was the heart so hard to find?

Aizen smiled and said, "I need no weakness."

"Oh~ if you can manage that, then fine. After all, the Hōgyoku isn't some omnipotent wishing machine."

Su Jin replied playfully but said no more.

He understood that Momo Hinamori's survival wasn't because Aizen had any affection for her.

It was because, deep down, Aizen had once thought about giving up his power, finding a few like-minded friends, and living a peaceful life.

That was his weakness.

Before long, Aizen left on his own.

After standing for a while, Su Jin turned to Nemu, standing behind him, shrugged, and said, "Let's go! Gather the information I want."

"Yes!"

Nemu bowed and silently followed Su Jin.

Su Jin sighed and said, "Ultimately, we still have to wait for the next crossing."

He needed to prepare to return to the Little Garden, where his true stage awaited.

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End of vol 2