Chapter 120: A Wrong Path

From a rational perspective…

Makoto was utterly in the dark about Aizen's current schemes. Apart from one hand that had fully undergone the "Perfect Spirit Body" transformation, Makoto's true combat ability was barely sufficient to hold off a captain-level Shinigami on par with Love Aikawa.

Meanwhile, Aizen could practically eliminate an average captain with a single strike.

It could be said that, at this moment, Makoto facing Aizen would most likely result in an instant defeat.

Despite this, thanks to the ability of "Spiritual Particle Manipulation," unless every trace of Makoto's spiritual particles and even his consciousness were obliterated, he could gradually recover his body by absorbing the free-floating spiritual particles in the air, given enough time.

However, that recovery process could be unimaginably lengthy, akin to enduring an experience in the eternal torment of the Muken prison.

Thus, staying away from the Fourth Division's barracks was undoubtedly the safest choice.

Yet, Azashiro's words from earlier lingered in Makoto's mind like a haunting specter:

"What if Aizen Sosuke intends to kill Unohana Retsu?""

[Even if you go to the Fourth Division barracks, you probably won't make a difference. Don't do something stupid, Makoto...]

[Is Unohana really worth such a sacrifice? She only taught you healing and recovery techniques unreservedly, showed you a bit of extra care, smiled gently and gracefully at you, and happened to be beautiful…]

[The Soul Society is full of beautiful female Shinigami. If Unohana dies, you might even have a shot at becoming the Fourth Division Captain. As a captain, is there any female Shinigami you couldn't pursue?]

[Perhaps Unohana only sees you as an ordinary disciple—a valuable tool. You haven't even heard her answer…]

At that moment, Makoto's gaze hardened with resolve.

"Hesitation leads to failure. Retreat invites defeat… If I want to go, then I'll go and hear Unohana-sensei's answer for myself!!!"

"Even if this spiritual body is completely obliterated, I can always transfer my consciousness to the bracelet on Gin. In a few hundred years, I could rebuild a spiritual body from scratch."

"And if Gin betrays me and destroys the bracelet, I still have the fingernail hidden in the Kuchiki family garden. If worse comes to worst, the strands of hair buried in three different locations in Rukongai could also transfer my consciousness! Unless the entire Soul Society is annihilated, I will always have a way to return."

"What a pity, though, that after mastering 'Spiritual Particle Manipulation,' I've never had the chance to visit the Human World."

*"But still…"

After steadying himself, Makoto turned his attention to Azashiro, who appeared both noble and fragile. He said,

"Soya Azashiro, your thinking has been flawed from the start. Even if you destroy Hueco Mundo, Hollows will continue to spawn endlessly in the Human World."

"It doesn't matter. Hollows born in the Human World are initially weak. Even I alone could eradicate them," Azashiro replied calmly.

"Then, have you never considered cutting off the source of Hollows entirely?" Makoto guided him further.

"You mean… to completely annihilate humanity?"

Azashiro muttered, furrowing his brows as if contemplating this possibility.

What???

Makoto was baffled.

This guy's thought process… is it even normal? No, perhaps what's abnormal about his thought process is precisely what's normal for him!

To prevent Azashiro from coming to an even more extreme conclusion, Makoto interrupted directly.

"Every existence has its reason. Why hasn't the Soul Society destroyed Hueco Mundo entirely? With Captain-Commander Yamamoto's power, he could undoubtedly obliterate it. The reason lies in the fact that Hueco Mundo—or rather, Hollows—play an irreplaceable role in maintaining the balance of the world. By attempting to destroy all Hollows, you're undoubtedly opposing the world itself!"

Azashiro's expression remained unchanged as he calmly replied, "Even if I must oppose the world, so be it."

Makoto looked at Azashiro with admiration.

When it comes to conviction, no one matches this guy! Saying the harshest, most resolute words with such a delicate demeanor… impressive.

However, Makoto shook his head and said,

"But you can't do it. Moreover, you wouldn't want the entire world to collapse, dragging countless innocent lives down with it, right?"

Hearing this, Azashiro's expression faltered slightly.

It was evident that a man who often spoke in grandiose terms likely harbored some inner hesitation and care.

After a brief silence, Azashiro finally replied,

"Hollows bring endless chaos and slaughter to the world. Compared to eternal tranquility, temporary pain is bearable. The world will never cease to function without certain elements. The destruction of the old order will inevitably give rise to a new one—one without Hollows."

"No."

Makoto shook his head again and said,

"My point is, if Hollows exist for a purpose, then the truly rational solution isn't to destroy them, plunging the world into turmoil. Instead, it's to find an alternative to Hollows."

Pausing, Makoto adjusted his glasses and continued,

"If the existence of Hollows becomes meaningless, the world itself will abandon and eradicate them.

"So, what you truly need to do isn't to indulge in chaotic destruction but to revolutionize the world, guiding it towards an era where it can remain stable without Hollows."

"Soya Azashiro, from the very beginning, you've been walking the wrong path!!!"

For the first time, Azashiro's usually composed and rational demeanor faltered. His face twisted as though his long-held beliefs were being shattered. Trembling, distorted, and tearful, he exclaimed,

"But… hahaha… this power is all I have left… the power I gained through my sister's death!!!

"And now you're telling me I've been walking the wrong path? Hahaha…"

"I can't do it. I've already lost everything—my reputation, my position, my authority. How could I possibly lead the world into a new era?"

As Urozakuro, standing silently behind Azashiro, bit her lip and reached out as if to comfort him, Makoto took a step forward, meeting Azashiro's gaze with gentle yet unwavering eyes.

"Soya Azashiro, I understand your pain—the pain of losing someone you cherished deeply."

After a moment of thought, Makoto offered his own example with some difficulty.

"My most treasured friend, Kujo Taimei, also fell victim to an Adjuchas."

*(TL/N - Talk no jutsu???? I didn't know that this is also a naruto fanfic😂)

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