pertwk Chapter 143: “Aizen-sama, Someone Will Kill You in the Future”
Chapter 143: “Aizen-sama, Someone Will Kill You in the Future”
Chapter 143 - “Aizen-sama, Someone Will Kill You in the Future”With the Tsunayashiro family backing him, and with Yamamoto Genryūsai himself approving the appointment, news of the formation of a new armed division in Soul Society spread like wildfire throughout the Seireitei.
The nobles were especially proactive. The very next day after the decree declaring Higashi Shuuichi the first Grand Swordhunter of the Katanagari-gumi, a newly tailored Captain's haori was delivered to his residence—graciously gifted by the Tsunayashiro family.
Seated within the house granted to him by the nobles, Shuuichi gently ran his hand over the fabric of his new haori. This was his first true Captain's haori since arriving in the world of the Shinigami (the one from the fabricated future didn't count). As he'd requested, a pale bluish lotus was embroidered on the right sleeve.
"You seem to rather enjoy the idea of being Captain," said the man seated opposite him, wearing glasses and a pristine white haori.
"How could I not?" Shuuichi smiled faintly. "For a Shinigami, it's practically the highest title there is. But what makes me... melancholic... is that this should've been mine decades ago. It's come late—too damn late."
The man across from him—Aizen Sōsuke—smiled knowingly.
"But perhaps that's not such a bad thing. They aren't just naming you a Captain. The nobles... they're grooming you to be another Yamamoto Genryūsai."
Shuuichi scoffed.
"A second Yamamoto Genryūsai, huh... Aizen-sama, as the Grand Swordhunter under Tsunayashiro's direct command, I must appear strong—unyielding—even prepared to turn my blade on the Gotei 13. There's no room for reconciliation between us.
What the nobles want isn't a second Yamamoto.
One is already more than enough.
Hell, maybe none would be better."
"And that, Shuuichi," Aizen said softly, "is exactly why they trust you.
A Captain-class Shinigami—denied the position by his own superior.
A man who grasped dangerous powers—but was never trusted.
One who passed all tests—only to be sealed by Shihōin Yoruichi, stripped of his agency.
Betrayed by three Captains, forced into exile...
Any one of those would justify raising your blade against the Gotei 13. But you bear them all. Layered together.
Frankly, in the last few centuries of Soul Society, no one has more reason to hate the system built by Yamamoto than you.
And if you didn't? Now that would be suspicious."
"So that's why, back then, you were so sure the nobles would choose me?"
Shuuichi met Aizen's gaze.
"To win their favor, you needed three things: power, purpose, and loyalty.
Back then, your power was still lacking—escaping from five Captains was impressive, but not enough to threaten the entire Gotei 13.
But purpose? You had it in abundance.
And loyalty? Few things show that better than serving not one but two noble families—Kasumioji and Tōma—and completing their missions flawlessly.
Power could be built. I never doubted you'd reach the necessary level.
And clearly, I was right."
Aizen left something unsaid: Shuuichi's potential had exceeded even his expectations.
That ability—to seal Zanpakutō releases—it was practically made to counter Yamamoto.
The only question was whether it would work on someone at Yamamoto's level. Even with Hollowfication boosting Shuuichi's spiritual pressure, he was still far from Yamamoto's tier.
If Aizen's theory was correct, the ability could only affect someone with significantly lower reiatsu.
But that was easily addressed. Feed Shuuichi a steady stream of powerful Hollows to absorb—under the guise of enemy ambushes. No one would suspect a thing.
And once Yamamoto was out of the equation, the only remaining obstacle would be the Royal Guard.
His re