The Burden  

Generally, every squad would dispatch some members to stand guard duty at night. But the number of Shinigami on night watch was never very high.

One night, including himself, one hundred and twenty-five Shinigami witnessed Vice-Captain Aizen. Just how many places did this man go that night?

There were too many doubts. But even if they knew Aizen was up to no good, what could they do?

They were well aware Aizen had deliberately appeared before them, manufacturing an alibi for his absence elsewhere.

Yet with so many witnessing Aizen, it also meant he truly didn't appear where Kisuke Urahara claimed.

"It's impossible for one person to be in two places simultaneously. If Captain Urahara and the others weren't lying about what they saw, then either the Aizen they encountered or the one we saw must have been an imposter.

However, over these years, Aizen's deeds have earned respect from most Shinigami across the Gotei 13 squads. Without evidence, recklessly investigating the Vice-Captain could cause strife, with some of my own 9th Division subordinates disbelieving the claims... What a predicament..." Even the sagacious Shunsui Kyoraku found this troubling.

"Haha, it certainly isn't easy," Ailin agreed with a nod. "But Kyoraku, I thought you'd doubt everything I told you."

"Logically, I should remain skeptical of the information you provided. Yet emotionally, I find myself trusting you."

Indeed, Shunsui had personally witnessed members of the Stealth Force uncover evidence of Hollowfication research from Urahara's lab. Seeing is believing, after all.

Under such circumstances, Shunsui could hardly credit Urahara's words over the facts before his eyes. But on an emotional level, he hoped everything Ailin said was true. Because then, Lisa might still be alive.

"Oh right, Captain Ailin, you mentioned making contact with Captain Urahara's group. What of Lieutenant Hirako and the others?"

"Yeah, they've all been resolved. Including Lisa, eight individuals have completely overcome Hollowfication's influence and even gained greater power.

It's just that as you know, Central 46 has already ruled to treat them as Hollows due to their transformations. Disillusioned with the Gotei 13, they've decided to join Yoruichi and Urahara in the World of the Living."

"I see..." Seated beside Ailin in the courtyard, Shunsui rested his chin on interlocked hands, exhaling slowly. Regardless, as long as Lisa was safe, that was enough.

Shunsui and Ailin discussed the disappearing souls case at length before the former stretched lazily.

"I believe I understand the situation now. Captain Ailin, although I've received much unverified information from you, I still must thank you... Oh right, tomorrow I'll continue recommending Aizen as the 5th Division Captain candidate to the old man."

"I see."

"Eh? You're not surprised?" Seeing Ailin merely nod at his words, Shunsui queried, "Captain Ailin, from our previous conversation, I sensed you leaned more towards Yoruichi and Urahara's side. So why aren't you trying to stop me this time?"

"Haha, Kyoraku, while I do lean towards Yoruichi and Urahara somewhat, that doesn't mean everyone else must agree with my stance."

Ailin smiled at him. "Yesterday, I only stopped you from recommending Aizen because I feared you were deceived by him. So I temporarily halted you and shared the information about Aizen from Urahara's group.

Now that you understand the full story, whatever decision you make is your own choice. Though we've been friends for years, you aren't my subordinate. I respect every decision you make."

"Hahaha..." Shunsui laughed. "Captain Ailin, those words don't sound like something a man your age would say... But thank you for understanding."

Gazing skyward, Shunsui Kyoraku solemnly explained, "Based on the information I now have, there are two possibilities I see.

The first is that someone borrowed Aizen's identity and impersonated him to initiate the Hollowfication experiments on Shinigami.

The second possibility is that Aizen alone orchestrated this entire affair, inflicting the greatest loss the Gotei 13 has ever suffered since its founding.

But whichever scenario is true, one fact remains - a Zanpakutō capable of 'completely hypnotizing' its victims has appeared in Soul Society. More dangerously, this person has taken control of all Shinigami across the Seireitei.

Regardless of who this individual is, using Aizen's identity implies some connection between them. Having Aizen become the 5th Division Captain places him in plain sight for close observation.

After all, the information from Hirako's group suggests this hypnosis ability can control one's five senses. But through frequent interaction, a fake will inevitably reveal tells allowing us to discern the truth."

Ailin glanced at Kyōraku, surprised. So he intended to keep Aizen under constant scrutiny from here on?

"Haha, you've got quite the patience."

"Well, it's not like there are any better options right now."

Shunsui Kyoraku spoke in a low tone. If only a superior solution existed, who would waste time on this endeavor? But he couldn't abandon Lisa without securing justice...

"Oh right, Captain Ailin. Please don't spread information about Kyōka Suigetsu's true power. Firstly, revealing an ability like that could unsettle many Shinigami, just like when Lieutenant Koga's Zanpakutō ability was divulged.

Secondly, I worry the opponent may grow more cautious if they learn their ability has been compromised."

"Got it, I understand." Watching Shunsui departing back, for the first time Ailin sensed something different about the usually carefree man.

Aware of Kyōka Suigetsu's terrifying hypnotic power, this man plotted to confront that unknown enemy alone through sheer tenacity, all to protect Soul Society.

The burden he shouldered was far too heavy. An scary ability meant little in itself. But when wielded by an awful person, the resulting devastation would be cataclysmic.

The Hogyoku had been created. While using its power to increase his spiritual pressure, Aizen would likely travel to Hueco Mundo to recruit Hollows and expand his forces, perhaps conducting more "Hollowfication" experiments.

But with Shunsui monitoring him so intently, how much time would Aizen truly have for those activities in Hueco Mundo?

How intriguing indeed...

***

"3rd Division Vice-Captain Gin Ichimaru, for your Captaincy Proficiency Test, will you choose to challenge and defeat a captain to gain the approval of those present? Or will you opt to demonstrate your Bankai release?"

In the 1st Division's training grounds, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto addressed Gin Ichimaru in a solemn tone.

Currently, due to the disappearing souls incident, the Gotei 13 had lost six captains - the greatest loss suffered in a millennium.

With so many captains missing, most affairs in Seireitei faced delays in processing speed and results, eroding the Shinigami's sense of security and causing some unrest.

To promptly restore stability, filling the vacant captaincies became the top priority. Of course, no matter how dire the lack of captains, Yamamoto would never appoint anyone lacking sufficient strength to the position.

Just like the case of 2nd Division Vice-Captain Soi Fon - despite Yoruichi Shihōin personally pleading with Yamamoto, he only acknowledged Soi Fon as the division's "acting captain" rather than the true captain.

Only once Soi Fon achieved Bankai would Yamamoto officially install her as the 2nd Division Captain with all its privileges and obligations.

In Yamamoto's view, with the talent throughout the Gotei 13, filling those six vacant captaincies would happen soon enough.

Currently, 12th Division Vice-Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi had already demonstrated his Bankai when Captain Ailin was apprehending the former 12th Division Captain Kisuke Urahara, proving himself worthy of leading the 12th Division.

In the 11th Division, the Vice-Captain Zaraki and Kiganjo, both possessed captain-level strength.

Even Yamamoto's own 1st Division Vice-Captain Chōjirō Sasakibe could temporarily serve as acting captain if urgently required.

With Gin Ichimaru potentially filling the 3rd Division role, only one vacancy would remain or perhaps none at all.

Yamamoto suddenly recalled this morning when his disciple Shunsui Kyoraku recommended 5th Division Vice-Captain Sōsuke Aizen as the next 5th Division Captain candidate. Knowing his disciple would hardly propose someone lacking the requisite strength and wisdom. So did that mean all the vacant captain positions had been filled?

Gin Ichimaru remained oblivious to Yamamoto's passing thoughts in that moment. He glanced at the line of captains before him - besides the Captain-Commander, there was 4th Division Captain Retsu Unohana, 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki, 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyoraku, 10th Division Captain Isshin Shiba, and 11th Division Captain Ailin Kenpachi.

"Well, since you esteemed captains all have centuries of renown, this novice dares not sully the occasion by challenging any seniors."

Gin smiled genially as he spoke. He then clapped his hands together and bowed. "I shall demonstrate my Bankai release instead."