[Soul Society Arc] Part 98: End of Hypnosis 4: No One Stand at the Top

In the intricate workings of Soul Society, a Reigai serves as an artificial vessel designed to harbor Gikongan and Mod Souls during their stay. Similar to their existence in the Human World, artificial souls manifest in the form of pills within the realm of Soul Society. These Reigai entities find purpose in the endeavors of the Shinigami Research and Development Institute, providing a platform for in-depth experimentation on artificial souls before their deployment by Shinigami embarking on missions to the Human World.

Harnessing the basic ability of the Fullbring to manipulate the souls contained within matter, and with a certain assistance from his own innate Fullbring, Cheshire, Yato utilized this information to create a Mod Soul that were a cloned versions of the shinigami Rukia Kuchiki. When these particular Mod Souls enter the Reigai, the artificial body adopts the physical characteristics, memories and capabilities of the respective soul.

The Reigais known to Yato were the ones created by Kagerōza Inaba, serving as enhanced versions of the original Shinigami. Given Rukia's weakened spiritual energy, there was no need to create a clone with increased power; a perfect replica sufficed.

Identifying the Reiatsus of these Reigai clones proved challenging, even for the captains themselves, who had to discern the clone's intentions. This was the sole method Yato believed could work to prevent Aizen from obtaining the Hōgyoku.

Given the weakened spiritual energy of Rukia's clone, Yato took extreme measures to ensure its safety. Recognizing the clone's vulnerability, he intervened to prevent Ichigo from tossing her to Renji, he requested Ichigo and Chad to stay close to her, adding an extra layer of protection to safeguard the delicate artificial soul, he instructed the real Rukia to delve into the depths of her own soul, fully aware that she would find nothing related to the Hōgyoku, keeping Rukia occupied and engrossed in her investigation. Recognizing Rukia's proactive nature, Yato understood that any plan requiring her to remain passive while others took risks would inevitably fail. By directing her focus inward, he ensured she remained engaged until the opportune moment when Aizen would futilely attempt to extract the Hōgyoku from the artificial clone.

Despite the constraints imposed by Yoruichi and Soi Fon, Aizen's gaze remained fixed on Yato. Instead of anger, a subtle curiosity and intrigue flickered in Aizen's eyes as he observed the young man who had thwarted his plans. There was a calmness in Aizen's demeanor, an acknowledgment of the unexpected turn of events, prompting him to reassess the situation.

Calmly, Aizen turned his gaze to Yoruichi, letting a sense of nostalgia play across his face.

Aizen: "Ah. There's a face I haven't seen for a while."

Out of the blue, a noticeable tremor rippled through the vicinity of the Sōkyoku. Yato and Rukia turned around, catching sight of the gatekeepers—Higonyudō, the Keeper of the Red Hollow Gate; Danzomaru, the Keeper of Black Ridge Gate; and Kaiwan, the Keeper of the Blue Stream Gate—making their way towards the Sōkyoku. Each step they took reverberated through the ground, intensifying the anticipation.

As the trio approached the Sōkyoku, a sudden intervention unfolded. The colossal figure of Jidanbō descended abruptly, positioning itself before the three gatekeepers, effectively obstructing their path. Alongside Jidanbō stood Kūkaku Shiba, perched on his shoulder.

Yoruichi: "Kūkaku!!!" - She exclaimed excitedly.

Kūkaku: "Hey, Yoruichi! I was bored... so I came to see the fun." - She said, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips. Then, turning her gaze towards the trio of gatekeepers, she declared, - "Let's do this, Jidanbō!" - A surge of enthusiasm echoed in her lively shout.

Jidanbō: "Right!" - Jidanbō's response was succinct, his colossal frame ready for action.

Kūkaku: "Sprinkled on the bones of the beast! Sharp tower, red crystal, steel ring. Move and become the wind, stop and become the calm. The sound of warring spears fills the empty castle!" - Her incantation carried a poetic resonance as she gestured with practiced precision. Generating an orb of yellow lightning above her palm, she channeled her energy into the powerful incantation. - "Hadō #63, Raikōhō!!!" - The released energy struck one of the giants, resembling a colossal lightning bolt with devastating, destructive power. The impact reverberated through the air.

As dust settled from Kūkaku's swift takedown of one gatekeeper, Jidanbō seized the opportunity, efficiently incapacitating the remaining two with powerful blows.

Amidst the aftermath, Gin rose to his feet, only to find himself promptly ensnared by the vice-like grip of lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto.

Rangiku: "Don't move." - Her voice carried a stern command as she firmly held one of Gin's arms, her zanpakutō poised threateningly near his neck.

Gin: "I'm sorry, Captain Aizen. I got caught." - He spoke with an air of casual resignation, breaking the silence that followed the sudden turn of events.

Tōsen, slowly regaining his composure, faced a similar fate. Rising from the ground, he discovered his freedom restricted once more, this time by the firm restraint of his own lieutenant, Shūhei Hisagi.

As each of the traitorous captains was being restrained, Yato stayed close to Rukia just in case. In a way, the young man had managed to ensure Rukia's safety up to this point, thanks to a few key factors.

True, Aizen's hypnotic influence still held nearly everyone in its sway, leaving a lingering threat that he might reach Rukia, were it not for a crucial detail.

Captains Kyōraku and Ukitake, alongside Commander Yamamoto and Lieutenants Sasakibe, Ōmaeda, Iba, and Nanao, appeared on the Sōkyoku. They encircled Aizen, Gin, and Tōsen, surrounding the there. The air crackled with a sense of impending confrontation as the higher-ups took their positions.

In the distance, Yato's discerning eyes caught sight of Captain Unohana gracefully approaching the Sōkyoku, riding atop her zanpakutō, Minazuki. Alongside her was the composed figure of her lieutenant, Isane Kotetsu.

Yato had made a point to swiftly heal Hinamori to ensure Unohana wouldn't face complications or spend too much time tending to two individuals. This strategic move ensured her swift arrival at the Sōkyoku.

As powerful as Aizen might be, he was aware of his own limitations, and Yato understood that if Yamamoto took action, Aizen's performance against the commander wouldn't replicate the intensity of the battle in fake Karakura. The impending arrival of Captain Unohana added another layer of anticipation to the unfolding scene, signaling that the balance of power was shifting.

Yato's assurance that Rukia was safe didn't completely ease his underlying unease, even knowing Aizen lacked the Hōgyoku.

Aizen, however, responded with a subtle, knowing smile in the face of the unfolding situation.

Yoruichi: "What's so funny?" - She questioned with a firm grip on Aizen.

Aizen: "Oh. I'm sorry… It's time."

Yoruichi suddenly sensed an abnormal presence, her instincts alerting her to potential danger. Without hesitation, she swiftly warned Soi Fon, and the two of them promptly distanced themselves from Aizen.

A radiant beam of light envelops Aizen, prompting gasps from the astonished Shinigami below. Their eyes turn upward to witness a group of Menos Grande teeming behind a colossal Kūmon in the sky. The Menos Grande emerge, separating and spreading out, revealing an ominous presence with a massive eye lurking behind them that catches the shocked gaze of Hisagi.

Yato: 'To think that the thing behind those Menos Grande... will eventually be destroyed by a kick from Mashiro.' - He contemplated the situation, endeavoring to dispel the discomfort lingering in his mind.

Abruptly, two additional beams of light pierced the sky next to the Kūmon, shrouding Tōsen. Hisagi instinctively leaped back, while Gin, effortlessly freeing himself from Rangiku's grasp, found himself ensnared by the radiance as well.

Gin: "What a shame... I wouldn't have minded being your prisoner for a little longer. Goodbye, Rangiku... I'm sorry." - He turned to face the lieutenant, and for the first time, his trademark smile softened, revealing a hint of genuine regret.

Iba: "They're escaping!!!" - The lieutenant threatened to give chase, but the stern voice of Yamamoto swiftly halted his pursuit.

Yamamoto: "Stop!" - He opened one eye, redirecting his piercing gaze toward Aizen. - "That light is called Negación. The Menos use it to rescue their allies. The moment that light envelops something, it's all over. They're in another world, and there's nothing we can do. Anyone who's faced the Menos Grande knows... the moment that light appears... Aizen was already beyond our reach." - Yamamoto's stoic words carried the weight of experience, grounding the Shinigami in the harsh reality of their limitations. The atmosphere among the onlookers became somber, a palpable acknowledgment of the inevitability of Aizen's escape.

Komamura, despite his wounds, couldn't contain his anguish.

Komamura: "Tōsen!!!!!!" - His voice echoed, the urgency cutting through the chaotic aftermath. Ignoring the pain, he demanded, - "Get down here, Tōsen!!!!! Why did you become a Shinigami?!! Wasn't it for your dead friend?! Wasn't it for justice?! Where is... your sense of justice?!!!!"

Tōsen, surrounded by the beams of light, remained aloof, his expression stoic as he responded.

Tōsen: "I told you before, Komamura. The path I walk… is the one with the least bloodshed. Justice is there always. The path I walk… is justice." - His words held a calm conviction, his face fixed on an invisible horizon beyond their current strife.

Ukitake took a decisive step forward, his eyes locking onto Aizen.

Ukitake: "You even allied yourself with the Menos... for what reason?"

Aizen: "To seek new heights."

Ukitake: "How could you stoop so low, Aizen?"

Aizen: "Your arrogance is excessive... Ukitake." - He replied, his tone carrying a mix of condescension and calm confidence. Aizen continued, unfazed, - "From the beginning, no one has ever stood at the top. Not you, not me, not even God." - With deliberate flair, Aizen removed his glasses, slicking back his hair with a subtle gesture using his left hand. - "But that unbearable vacancy in the throne of Heaven shall be filled." - The glasses in his hand shattered dramatically in the wind. - "From now on... I alone will stand at the top." - The air thickened with the weight of Aizen's proclamation, the intensity of his ambition palpable in the defiant gaze he cast upon those who dared to challenge his ascent.

Struggling to maintain composure amid the unfolding chaos, Yato's attempts at appearing calm began to falter. The tension in the air fueled his restlessness, and the visible signs of his growing unease didn't escape Rukia's notice. Sensing his inner turmoil, she placed a comforting hand on his back, a silent gesture of solidarity.

Aizen: "Farewell, Shinigami... and farewell to you both... young Ryokas." - Aizen's smile held a mix of condescension and intrigue as he acknowledged Yato and Ichigo. - "For humans... you are truly interesting."

As Aizen, accompanied by Gin and Tōsen, was drawn fully into the closing Kūmon, the portal sealing their departure, the weight of his words hung in the air.

Following Aizen's elusive escape, Yato's gaze remained fixed on the ground. He stole a brief glance at Rukia but quickly shifted his eyes back downward, a clear manifestation of his inner turmoil. Observing Yato's visible concern, Rukia sensed the weight of the situation.

Rukia: "Is everything okay, Yato?" - She attempted to make eye contact, but Yato evaded her gaze.

Yato: "No." - He responded in a subdued tone, his voice carrying a weight of uncertainty. - "I think from here on out, it's all a mystery."