[Soul Society Arc] Part 95: End of Hypnosis

In the dense forest near Sōkyoku Hill, the confrontation between Tatsuki and Captain Soi Fon was reaching its climax.

The ambient energy surrounding Tatsuki formed a potent water current, swirling around her with a mesmerizing intensity. Simultaneously, Captain Soi Fon harnessed a fierce vortex of wind, creating a palpable tension in the air. The combatants, both physically and mentally drained, stood on the precipice of exhaustion.

Tatsuki, surrounded by a vibrant aura resembling a powerful water current, and Captain Soi Fon, encapsulated in a fierce vortex of wind, stood on the verge of both physical and mental exhaustion. The tension in the air was palpable.

Yoruichi, a conflicted expression on her face, watched the battle unfold. Despite her desire to intervene, she respected Tatsuki's determination to see the fight through to its conclusion.

As the combatants faced each other, the anticipation was heightened. Tatsuki, determination etched across her face, clenched her fists, channeling the swirling water energy. Simultaneously, Captain Soi Fon readied her zanpakutō, the aura of wind intensifying around her. The atmosphere crackled with the impending clash of their respective powers.

With a shared understanding, Tatsuki and Soi Fon surged toward each other, a collision of elemental forces impending. Tatsuki coiled her strength into a formidable punch, channeling the water's flow, while Captain Soi Fon poised her zanpakutō, ready to strike with precision. The air crackled with anticipation as the clash between water and wind unfolded in the heart of the forest.

The collision of Tatsuki's water-infused punch and Captain Soi Fon's zanpakutō-enhanced strike created a cataclysmic shockwave, shattering the ground beneath them and sending shockwaves through the surrounding forest. Trees splintered and debris scattered in all directions as the forces clashed.

In the aftermath, the air hung heavy with the remnants of their immense energies. Yoruichi watched in suspense as the dust settled, revealing the outcome of the fierce exchange.

To her surprise, Tatsuki stood firm, albeit slightly staggered, with an unwavering determination. A bead of sweat trickled down her forehead as she looked at the result of the clash. Her fist having found its mark on Soi Fon's face. Soi Fon stood with Tatsuki's fist pressed against her cheek.

Tatsuki grimaced in pain as she realized the zanpakutō, Suzumebachi was embedded in her shoulder. The captain's tactical precision had found its mark.

Yoruichi approached cautiously, aware of the complex emotions lingering in the air. Soi Fon, maintaining her composure, shot a glance toward Yoruichi, and their eyes met in a silent exchange.

In a low voice, barely audible to others, Soi Fon addressed Yoruichi.

Soi Fon: "Why..." - In a low voice, barely audible to others, Soi Fon addressed Yoruichi. - "Why...didn't you...take me with you?" - Her question held a mixture of longing and bitterness. - "Yoruichi-sama..."

Before Yoruichi could respond, the captain's eyes rolled to the back of her head, and she collapsed, unconscious. Yoruichi caught Soi Fon in her arms, a complex expression crossing her face as she looked down at the captain.

As Soi Fon lay unconscious in Yoruichi's arms, Tatsuki, still recovering from the intense battle, noticed something unexpected. Tears silently traced their way down Soi Fon's cheeks. The vulnerability and sorrow in those tears added a layer of complexity to the situation, leaving Tatsuki and Yoruichi in contemplative silence.

Feeling the strain of the fight, Tatsuki eventually dropped to her knees, clutching her injured shoulder.

Tatsuki: "I won, didn't I? But not in the way I thought..." - She said to Yoruichi in a mix of exhaustion and realization.

Yoruichi, her gaze still on Soi Fon, nodded, acknowledging the depth of the encounter.

Tatsuki: "At the last moment, she aimed for my shoulder, avoiding the Hōmonka in my chest. She could have taken me down...but she didn't." - Tatsuki continued, her voice reflecting a mix of triumph and empathy.

Tatsuki, still catching her breath, looked at Soi Fon with a newfound respect.

Tatsuki: "Maybe she did that because of you, Sensei..." - She mused, a smirk playing on her lips.

Yoruichi's eyes softened as she glanced at both Tatsuki and Soi Fon. A subtle smile formed on Tatsuki's face as she continued.

Tatsuki: "Senpai is... amazing, you know? Stubborn as hell, but amazing."

Yoruichi: "Yeah, she's something else." - She said, a genuine admiration in her eyes. - "You both are."

Yoruichi couldn't help but feel a certain pride in the strength displayed by both women. The tension of the battle seemed to dissipate in that moment as a silent understanding lingered between the three warriors in the aftermath of their intense clash.

**

Following Nemu's precise coordinates, Yato steadily approached the entrance of Central 46. The young warrior unsheathed his zanpakutō, Ōkagetsu, as a precaution, keeping it in its shikai state, poised for any potential threat.

As the portal of Central 46 came into view, Yato keenly sensed distinct fluctuations in reiatsu.

Yato: 'These reiatsus... one's definitely Tatsuki's... The other Reiatsu faded away so much that it practically slipped off my radar... that means Tatsuki came out on top against Soi Fon.' - He mused, raising an eyebrow, a visible weight lifting off his shoulders as he let out a relieved sigh.

The truth was, despite Yoruichi's presence, Yato couldn't conceal the uncertainty in his gaze when considering how Tatsuki might have fared against an emotionally unstable Soi Fon.

Yato: 'The other reiatsu I sensed came from Sōkyoku Hill...' - He glanced toward the now-distant location. - 'It's not Ichigo's reiatsu, so it must be Byakuya... probably unleashing the Senkei from his Bankai.' - Yato mused casually until his eyebrows comically narrowed. - 'That reminds me, he's likely gonna tell Ichigo that in Senkei, not all the swords attack at once... but later, as he learns more about his zanpakutō... there's this twist where... all the swords attack simultaneously.' - He sighed. - 'I gotta admit, that was quite anticlimactic...'

Yato's expressions ranged from contemplative to amused, his eyes following the distance to Sōkyoku Hill.

Cheshire: 'That also means Ichigo's Hollow is gonna show up real soon and whoops Byakuya's ass...' - The feline's voice reverberated in the young man's mind, prompting a genuine laugh.

Yato: 'Oh come on... I'm about to meet Aizen... give me a break, let me at least try to maintain some seriousness.' - He thought, attempting to school his features back to a neutral state. - 'Oh, almost slipped my mind...'

The young warrior briskly tapped the communicator in his ear.

Yato: "Nemu?"

Nemu: [Yes, Yasakani-sama.]

Yato: "I almost forgot to give you a heads up. Just as a precaution, if any shinigami show up where you and Rukia are, and they're not my buddies, don't waste time asking questions. Just go all out showing them some of that Nemu-chan's charm and kick some butt."

Nemu: [Understood, Yasakani-sama. By the way, there's something else I'd like to mention.]

Yato: "Shoot."

Nemu: [Kuchiki-san wants to have a word with you. I'll be passing the communicator over to her.]

After a few sounds coming from the communicator, Yato could clearly hear Rukia's voice.

Rukia: [Yato, I hit a dead end trying to figure out what's lurking in my soul... it's like there's this elusive barrier.]

Yato: "But are you holding up okay? Any weird vibes or changes?" - Genuine concern etched across his face.

Rukia: [Physically, I'm fine. No discernible shifts in my spiritual energy... except for this newfound connection to each other's inner worlds. How about you? Any breakthroughs on your end?]

Yato: "Well... I spotted three lieutenants and two captains heading straight for Central 46... pretty good bet whoever's pulling the strings is right there. I'm making my way there as we speak." - He spoke nonchalantly, though a hint of determination flashed in his eyes.

Rukia: [Hold on! You can't storm in there alone! Wait for me. I'm coming to back you up.] - Her words rushed with concern.

Yato: "Chill, Rukia. I wouldn't say I'm rolling solo on this one..." - He relayed through the communicator, strolling across the bridge leading to Central 46. - "On my way here, this vertically challenged captain with a mop of white hair was marching in the same direction, trailed by a lieutenant who's probably dealing with back issues given the, uh, prominent assets." - He threw in a chuckle, infusing the situation with a dose of humor.

Rukia: [Are we seriously injecting comedy into this situation?!] - Her voice carried a mix of exasperation and disbelief.

Yato: "Anyway..." - He chuckled briefly but shifted back to a casual tone. - "This captain and lieutenant didn't notice, but there was another lieutenant tailing them... a dark-haired girl who, despite being on the short side like the captain, is probably a tad taller."

Rukia: [Well... judging by your vivid descriptions, that's captain Hitsugaya and lieutenant Matsumoto... and considering lieutenant Kurotsuchi is here with me, the other lieutenant you spotted must be lieutenant Hinamori.] - She deduced with a touch of amusement in her voice.

The young man approached the busted gate of Central 46, his eyes narrowing as he surveyed the breach. Lowering his voice, he continued the conversation.

Yato: "So, when these three stepped into Central 46, it didn't take long for the captain and lieutenant to bolt out, hot on the heels of a blond lieutenant who seemed to have been inside already..." - He spoke with a heightened sense of gravity, his usual nonchalance giving way to a more focused demeanor. - "But the captain made a mad dash back here, leaving the lieutenant to hold her ground against the blond dude..."

Rukia: [...Lieutenant Kira...? But... what's he doing in there? Even captains aren't allowed in that place without permission...] - Her voice carried a mix of perplexity and concern, mirroring the puzzling situation Yato described.

Yato's delayed response left Rukia growing increasingly uneasy.

Rukia: [Yato?] - Her voice held a touch of urgency, reaching out for some reassurance from the young man.

Meanwhile, Yato, wearing a somewhat absent-minded expression, was fixated on the distant ceiling.

Yato: 'Honestly, I can't recall if Kira was already inside Central 46 or not...' - He mused, his eyes reflecting a distant contemplation.

Rukia: [Yato?] - She called out again, this time with a heightened sense of alarm.

Yato: "Oh, my bad, Rukia... just processing a few things." - He came to a halt. - "So, after the pint-sized captain made his way back here, some time later, the medical captain showed up with a tall, white-haired lieutenant. I'd had a chat with that captain before, and it seemed she had her suspicions too..."

Before Rukia could delve deeper with her inquiries, Yato promptly mentioned he was cutting off communication. He couldn't help but navigate through the grim sight of lifeless bodies belonging to Central 46 members scattered across the scene as he descended the stairs, his grip on the zanpakutō tightened, and a shiver ran down his spine. The air below seemed to carry an intense chill, hinting at an atmosphere that was either frozen or eerily cold.

*

On the lower floors, Captain Unohana stood with Lieutenant Kotetsu, maintaining a deliberate distance from the other two captains. Captain Ichimaru occupied a corner of the hall, while Captain Aizen, with his zanpakutō in hand, stood where Captain Hitsugaya had fallen, effortlessly defeated.

Unohana: "I had a feeling I'd find you here... Captain Aizen. No... the title of captain no longer befits you... the traitor Sōsuke Aizen." - Her voice, though soft, carried a weight of disapproval as she addressed the two captains, her eyes fixed on Aizen.

Aizen: "Hello, Captain Unohana." - He smiled, the expression calm yet masking an underlying confidence. - "I thought it was about time for you to come, if you could. Was it easy to deduce that I was here?" - Aizen inquired smoothly, his demeanor almost playful.

Unohana: "Seijōtō Kyorin is the only place throughout Seireitei... that is absolutely off-limits." - She spoke with a calm demeanor, her eyes steady. - "For someone like you, who went through the trouble of crafting an intricate corpse doll just to conceal yourself, there's no sanctuary more secure and elusive in all of Soul Society."

Aizen: "Almost. Your analysis is truly commendable, but there are two slight misjudgments in it." - He smiled subtly, a glint of amusement in his eyes. - "The first being the assumption that I came to this place with the sole purpose of hiding. As for the second mistake..." - Suddenly, in Aizen's right hand, materialized another Aizen, seemingly lifeless, and the revelation left Unohana and Isane visibly astonished. - "This is not a corpse doll."

Isane: "W-when did he...?" - Her voice quivered, eyes widening in disbelief.

Aizen: "When? It's been in my hand the entire time. I simply didn't allow you to see it this way until now." - He spoke with an eerie calmness, his eyes holding a glint of satisfaction.

Isane: "H-how is that possible…?" - She stammered, her expression a mix of shock and confusion.

Aizen: "You'll understand soon enough." - He smiled, the expression carrying a hint of amusement. - "There. I'll release it."

With a deliberate motion, he raised what seemed to be his own lifeless body, the atmosphere growing heavier.

Aizen: "Shatter, Kyōka Suigetsu."

In a sudden, surreal moment, akin to a mirror shattering, the body Aizen held vanished into thin air. What lay in his right hand revealed itself to be his own zanpakutō.

Unohana and Isane's eyes widened in disbelief as they observed the unfolding scene. Aizen, in turn, released his zanpakutō with a subtle gesture, allowing it to descend gracefully until the blade embedded itself in the ground before him.

Aizen: "The ability of my zanpakutō, Kyōka Suigetsu... is complete hypnosis."

Isane: "Complete... hypnosis? But... your zanpakutō was associated with water-based abilities." - She spoke, her anxiety growing palpable. - "You claimed to create diffuse reflections of fog and water to confuse enemies, making them turn on each other... that's what you told us, Captain Aizen!" - The lieutenant's voice took on a more intense pitch, struggling to reconcile the contradiction before her. - "You gathered all the lieutenants and demonstrated...!"

Upon witnessing Aizen's smile, Captain Unohana grasped the gravity of his actions. Yet, before she could articulate her thoughts, a cascade of footsteps echoed down the stairs, drawing the attention of everyone present.

Gin, despite being at a distance and with closed eyes, subtly raised his eyebrows, betraying a hint of surprise. Unohana and Aizen shifted their gaze towards the descending steps, while Isane, still grappling with bewilderment, instinctively rested her hand on the hilt of her zanpakutō. The uncertainty of whether the approaching figure was an ally or foe lingered until a voice resonated from the stairs.

Yato: "Got it... so basically, for this hypnosis to work on others, they need to witness you releasing the zanpakutō..." - The young man's voice carried a nonchalant tone. - "But that does concern me a bit... because... if it requires being seen, I suppose blind folks are immune to it."

Unohana: "You…?"

The emergence of the young man appeared to momentarily disrupt the captain's composed demeanor. A subtle furrow creased her brow.

Isane: "How did you get here?!" - She asked, trying to maintain control over her voice, her eyes reflecting a mix of surprise and suspicion.

Yato: "Oh, I just casually followed you two, you know..." - He redirected his focus to Aizen. - "And as for you... I guess you're the captain who supposedly kicked the bucket but is now doing just fine." - He spoke with a blend of nonchalance and curiosity, observing the scene with a discerning gaze.

If Aizen was impressed, he certainly didn't overtly show it, but there was no denying that the newly arrived young man had caught his attention. His smile widened as he observed Yato with newfound interest. The subtle glint in Aizen's eyes betrayed a fascination with the young Ryoka's perceptive abilities.

Aizen: "Interesting. You must be the Ryoka who faced Kaname...As you deduced...to fall under the complete hypnosis you need to see it at least once, which means that those who cannot see are not affected...In other words, Kaname Tōsen was my underling from the very start. Impressive deduction, young Ryoka. Few possess such keen insight." - His tone, congenial yet laced with underlying intrigue, acknowledged the unique qualities he perceived in Yato. - "But...I couldn't help but notice that your words show you don't seem to have knowledge about me or what the very situation you've gotten yourself into. I had assumed you were here on behalf of Kisuke Urahara, aiming to retrieve Rukia Kuchiki, but It seems I may have jumped to conclusions." - Aizen's words carried a calm curiosity as he probed into Yato's motivations. - "If not at Kisuke Urahara's behest, what brings you to this particular location in Soul Society?" - Aizen's inquiry held a lingering sense of interest.

Gin, observing the unfolding interaction, couldn't help but flash his trademark grin. Unohana maintained her composed demeanor, her eyes shifting between Aizen and Yato.

Yato: "I came here to save Rukia...can't say I planned to end up here specifically. It's more like I followed the trail of oddities, and it led me to this mess..." - Yato's response carried a vague air, as if intentionally obscuring the details.

Aizen: "Saving Rukia Kuchiki. A noble goal, or perhaps a façade? To arrive at this location through your own deductions, young Ryoka, is indeed a fascinating feat...but your presence here does not seem to be a mere coincidence... It appears you possess more than just observational skills."

Cheshire: 'If you keep on talking, this guy's gonna keep deciphering you like an open book...' - The feline conveyed mentally to Yato, a touch of concern in his mental tone.

Yato: 'Yeah, better not drag this conversation. Just let him do the talking... he seems to relish the sound of his own voice.' - Yato responded mentally, a hint of wry humor in his thoughts.

Aizen's attention, however, momentarily shifted to Gin Ichimaru, who had begun to weave a Kidō of intricate patterns. The ribbon of spiritual energy circled rapidly around both Gin and Aizen.

Yato, Unohana, and Isane stood witness to the unfolding scene as Aizen resumed his discourse.

Aizen: "A word of praise before I go…" - He shifted his focus back to Unohana, and a sly smile played across his lips. - "You examined my body far more thoroughly than the others... It's truly impressive that you sensed something was amiss even while under the influence of complete hypnosis, Captain Unohana." - His tone carried a touch of admiration, and his eyes gleamed with a subtle acknowledgment of her skills. Aizen then turned his gaze toward Yato. - "And as for you, young Ryoka, not only did you manage to deceive the perception of captains, but you also uncovered that something was amiss in the entire situation with minimal information... Truly fascinating."

Seconds later, Aizen and Gin vanished, concealed within the fabric that Gin had deftly woven around them, leaving an almost surreal emptiness in their wake.

Yato, after this display of unique Shinigami abilities, turned his attention to Isane, who remained visibly shocked by the unexpected turn of events. He then exchanged a brief glance with Unohana, a subtle acknowledgment passing between them.

Yato: "That guy's got style."