Chapter 166: Blue Dye: Thanks for the Invite! I Would Have Preferred to Be Chopped to Death

Central 46.

"Have the squad members we dispatched so far found the whereabouts of 12th Squad Captain Urahara Kiyosuke and 5th Squad Captain Hirako Mahoko?!"

One of the Six Great Judges, after leafing through the files in hand and cross‑checking the testimonies of the three senior officers of the 9th Squad—Heizang, Weidao, and Tendou—and the testimony of 11th Squad Captain Karamaki Kenhachi, furrowed his brows tightly and asked the guards present.

"Reply, Judge, Captain Urahara, Captain Hirako, Captain Aikawa, Captain Rokusha, and Captain Fengqiao Lou Juro still have not appeared in the Jingling Court!"

"In addition, Deputy Captain Yatongmaru, Deputy Captain Saru Kaki, and the two ghost path masters Wo Ling Tiezhai and You Zhaotai Bo Xuan have also vanished…"

The investigating guard, upon hearing the judge's words, replied immediately.

"So, the 13th Guard Squad has lost a total of nine combatants of captain and deputy‑captain rank due to this Voidification incident?!"

The judge's brows tightened further upon hearing the guard.

"Exactly so."

The guard, hearing this, answered at once.

"In addition, we have discovered another issue…"

At this moment the guard seemed to recall something else and said gravely to the judge.

"Speak."

The judge, after hearing the guard, gave a slight nod, indicating for the guard to present the problem they had uncovered to the members of Central 46 present.

"As far as we know, last night besides the aforementioned missing captains linked to the Voidification case, the 2nd Squad captain and Secret Mobile Commander Sifengyuan Yiyi also left her post, whereabouts unknown, and has not returned to the squad even now."

The guard seemed to recall something and said gravely to the judge.

"What, Sifengyuan Yiyi?! Isn't she the head of the Sifengyuan Clan?"

"Could this matter be connected to the Sifengyuan Clan?"

"What do you think? Don't you know that Urahara Kiyosuke, who conducted the Voidification experiment, rose to become the 12th Squad captain by relying on the Sifengyuan Clan's energy?!"

"Voidification experiments inherently require massive manpower and funds; perhaps the Sifengyuan Clan is the hidden mastermind behind it all…"

When the guard finished speaking, the conference hall of Room 46 erupted into noise as everyone began to discuss Sifengyuan Yiyi's abandonment of her post.

"Silence!"

Finally, the six judges spoke, and the sages of Room 46 closed their mouths and fell quiet.

"We have no evidence directly proving that the head of the Sifengyuan Clan, Sifengyuan Yiyi, is linked to the Voidification experiments of Urahara Kiyosuke and Hirako Mahoko; without evidence, we sages of Room 46 must not casually discuss the heads of the Five Great Noble Houses behind their backs—this is basic etiquette and respect."

The judges, after cutting off the discussion, addressed everyone present with a lengthy formal statement.

"We understand…"

As the judge finished speaking, all the sages closed their mouths.

"Huh…"

The judge exhaled slowly upon hearing that.

"Based on the testimony of 11th Squad Captain Karamaki Kenhachi, the former 3rd Squad Captain Fengqiao Lou Juro, the 7th Squad Captain Aikawa Rōbu, the 9th Squad Captain Rokusha Quanxi and deputy ghost path master You Zhaotai Bo Xuan, the 8th Squad Deputy Captain Yatongmaru Lisa, and the 12n Squad Deputy Captain Saru Kaki Nichi Seri, whose bodies were implanted with Void energy due to this Voidification incident and have exhibited extremely severe aggressive behavior, we shall treat these captains as 'Great Void' and execute them publicly!"

"As for the initiators of the Voidification experiment, 12th Squad Captain Urahara Kiyosuke and 5th Squad Captain Hirako Mahoko, their spiritual power shall be stripped and they shall be exiled to the Void Circle! The suspected collaborators, who repeatedly used Soul Society forbidden techniques and severely disrupted Soul Society's time and space—the great ghost path master Wo Ling Tiezhai—shall be sent to Underground Prison Level 1 for more than a hundred years of confinement. As for the missing 2nd Squad Captain Sifengyuan Yiyi, she shall receive a warning punishment. That's all…"

After flipping through the piles of files at least ten times, the judge set the mountain‑high dossiers aside, removed his nearsighted glasses and tossed them aside, then announced the verdict to those present. Because Urahara and others are currently missing, the trial of Room 46 is being handled as a trial in absentia; the officials recording the result will first document this pronouncement, after which warrants will be issued for the sentenced individuals and they will be pursued.

"Any objections, everyone?!"

After stating his verdict, the judge asked the sages and judges present whether anyone had objections; if none, the case would be concluded.

"Your Honor, I have an objection!"

"I think our punishment of 2nd Squad Captain Sifengyuan Yiyi is far too lenient. No matter how important her business was yesterday, she should not have left her post on her own, so I believe she should at least issue a public apology to set a proper example for the 13th Guard Squad's death gods."

A young sage, after a brief thought, raised his hand toward the judges and presented his opinion to those present.

"Reasonable."

When the sage of Room 46 finished speaking, the assembled sages and the six judges all nodded at him.

"Then we shall proceed as you say!"

In the end, everyone gave the newly risen sage face, adopted his suggestion for the verdict, and warrants for Urahara Kiyosuke, Hirako Mahoko and others were dispatched throughout the Jingling Court.

At the same time, under Aizome Souyusuke's influence, rumors of Urahara Kiyosuke's and Hirako Mahoko's crimes spread across the Jingling Court, and they instantly became the most reviled figures there.

12th Squad barracks.

"Deputy Director Niejianli, this is serious! Both our Technical Development Bureau's Director and the 12th Squad's Deputy Captain have been sentenced by Room 46; what should we do now?"

The researchers and squad members clutch their heads, shouting in agony.

These research‑type talents, who normally only write reports in the office and run experiments in the lab, have never experienced anything like this; everyone now lacks a true backbone to shoulder the load.

"Why the fuss? Aren't I still here?"

"Since our Technical Development Bureau's Director and the Deputy Captain have disappeared and been declared criminals by Room 46, the highest‑ranking person here is now me, the Deputy Director and third seat. From now on the Technical Development Bureau and the entire 12th Squad will obey my command. Any objections?!"

Upon hearing the crowd, Niejianli first panicked, then broke into a delighted grin; he never expected that after leaving prison he would encounter such good fortune, and with both captains absent the entire 12th Squad would be his alone!

"This…"

As Niejianli's words fell, everyone's expression shifted slightly, clearly unsure whether to follow him.

"Rest assured! As long as I become the 12th Squad's captain, no one in the Soul Society will dare bully our squad members again—this I will keep my word on…"

Niejianli, knowing the crowd's worries, simply smiled faintly and gave his guarantee to the 12th Squad's members.

"…"

After Niejianli's words, the 12th Squad's members finally broke into smiles.

"Then, next…"

Niejianli thought this, smiled, turned his head, and looked out the window.

"My dear Captain Urahara, I truly thank you for releasing me from prison; I'll take the 12th Squad's leadership position for you~"

"As for you, Captain Urahara, don't return to the Soul Society; just obey the Room 46 arrangement and go to the Void Circle, hohoho…"

Looking at the bright sunshine outside, Niejianli felt his body and mind relax for the first time—apologies, from today onward the 12th Squad will no longer bear the Urahara name but will bear the Niejianli name, and this place will become his shape.

The Fifth Squad barracks.

"Heh heh heh…"

Lan Ran Souyusuke looked at the judgment paper from the Central Room 46 placed before him and instantly gave a faint smile.

"The judgment from Central Room 46 is exactly as I expected~"

Lan Ran Souyusuke was not at all surprised by the result of the Room 46 judgment; after all, he had studied the laws of the Soul Society and the Pure Spirit Court thoroughly and had reached a level fit for a Judge.

"Alright, from now on everything is already decided."

"Pu Yuan Xishu and Ping Zi Zhenzi, tell me what your next choice is: will you stay in the Soul Society to face execution, or will you sneak away and hide in the distant Human World? Answer me!"

Lan Ran Souyusuke stood with his hands behind his back, awaiting Pu Yuan and Ping Zi's answer. Though he already guessed what answer they would finally choose, he still waited.

"Then, as for what comes next, my part hasn't wrapped up yet…"

Lan Ran Souyusuke, holding the judgment and wanted notice issued by Room 46 for Pu Yuan Xishu and others, headed straight for Central Room 46.

"Who goes there?!"

As soon as Lan Ran Souyusuke reached the gate of Room 46, the guards of Room 46 blocked him, their faces fierce as they questioned him.

"I am the Deputy Captain of the Fifth Squad, Lan Ran Souyusuke!"

"May the sages and judges of Room 46 grant me an audience…"

Lan Ran Souyusuke immediately declared his identity.

"Fool! The sages of Room 46 have just finished a fair, just, and exhilarating trial and are now resting! How can a mere deputy captain demand an audience? Have you taken Room 46 as your own backyard?!"

The guards, hearing Lan Ran Souyusuke's words, angrily retorted.

"But I truly have an urgent matter and must see the elders of Room 46!"

Lan Ran Souyusuke replied with an exceedingly anxious expression.

"Heh, in the Soul Society, those who claim to have an urgent matter and demand an immediate audience with the elders of Room 46 number eight or ten thousand a day. Do the elders of Room 46 have to see each one? What do you think Room 46 is?"

The guards couldn't help but burst into laughter after hearing Lan Ran Souyusuke.

Because Lan Ran Souyusuke's rhetoric was so classic, the guards of Room 46 roared with laughter, finding it utterly ridiculous.

"Wait, you say you're the Deputy Captain of the Fifth Squad, Lan Ran Souyusuke?"

At that moment, a guard suddenly sensed something amiss.

"Indeed."

Lan Ran Souyusuke heard this and replied.

"I recall Lan Ran Souyusuke should be a disciple of Chief Captain Huangmu, right?"

The guard tentatively looked at Lan Ran Souyusuke and asked.

"My master is indeed Chief Captain Huangmu…"

Lan Ran Souyusuke heard this and still smiled.

"Um…"

As Lan Ran Souyusuke finished speaking, the guards at the gate of Room 46 fell silent, unable to laugh.

"I'll go inform the sages of Room 46."

One guard even fled like a scared rabbit into the Central Room 46 behind him. Normally a deputy captain of a squad lacks the right to appear before Room 46, since, strictly speaking, Room 46 ranks above squad captains; but if the deputy captain is also a disciple of Chief Captain Huangmu, his status suffices.

"Thanks~"

Lan Ran Souyusuke watched the whole scene unfold, still smiling.

About fifteen minutes later…

The guard who went to report sprinted toward Lan Ran Souyusuke, panting, and said, "Deputy Captain Lan Ran, the elders of Room 46 are waiting for you in the conference hall; please proceed at once…"

"Thank you."

Lan Ran Souyusuke finished speaking, lightly patted the guard's shoulder, and briskly walked toward the conference hall where Room 46 was located.

"We must be more cautious from now on."

After Lan Ran Souyusuke left, the guards watching Central Room 46 finally wore a sour expression, as if they had eaten something unpleasant, and muttered grudgingly.

"Indeed…"

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile, Lan Ran Souyusuke was quickly led by an attendant into the main hall of Central Room 46; normally only criminals are brought here, making his case extremely unusual.

"Deputy Captain of the Fifth Squad, Lan Ran Souyusuke, what brings you to us? Are you planning to provide us with information about your squad's captain, Ping Zi Zhenzi?"

When Lan Ran Souyusuke entered the trial chamber, the judges and sages perched above him immediately began questioning him.

In fact, because Lan Ran Souyusuke is the deputy captain of Ping Zi Zhenzi, one of the main culprits of the Voidification Incident, he was immediately placed on Room 46's investigation list…

However, after a series of verifications by Room 46, it was found that Lan Ran Souyusuke had not been seen at the Fifth Squad barracks for months.

Last night, both eyewitness and material evidence proved that Lan Ran Souyusuke was on duty inside the Fifth Squad barracks, and since he is also Huangmu's disciple, Room 46 cleared him of suspicion.

"Honorable sages and judges of Room 46, I am not here to present evidence to you; I come hoping that you, esteemed judges, will restore my captain's innocence…"

Lan Ran Souyusuke did not display the arrogance of a Huangmu disciple; he immediately adopted a humble posture and spoke with utmost respect toward the judges and sages.

"Oh? Innocence…"

"Room 46 has always insisted on letting evidence speak. Since you say you want to clear your captain, I will give you a chance to defend him…"

Perhaps because of Lan Ran Souyusuke's tone, the judges and sages felt comfortable and decided to give him a chance to prove his captain's innocence.

"Honorable elders, as far as I know, our Fifth Squad captain Ping Zi Zhenzi had no involvement with Pu Yuan Xishu in any Voidification Incident. After all, for the past few months, as deputy captain of the Fifth Squad, I have stayed almost inseparably with Captain Ping Zi. I know exactly where he went and whom he met; I believe Captain Ping Zi was at the scene last night and must have been used by someone!"

Lan Ran Souyusuke furrowed his brows, his gaze unwavering, his voice resonant and forceful, growing more fervent as he spoke, waving his hands passionately to exonerate his captain. At this moment, he embodied the image of a devoted deputy captain who idolizes his own leader.

"And then?"

The judges, after hearing Lan Ran Souyusuke, continued to ask.

"Um, there is nothing after that…"

Lan Ran froze for a moment, then shook his head.

"Where's the evidence?"

The judge continued, asking.

"I think and believe that our Captain isn't …"

Hearing that, Lan Ran answered truthfully.

"That's not enough! What good is just your belief? Where's the evidence? Do you have any evidence?!"

"If every case in the world were judged solely on the thoughts of the criminals' families and friends, then there would be no criminals in this world!"

"You all think the people around you can't make mistakes; they're not that kind of person. But the reality is, your dear Captain has already jeopardized the order of the entire Soul Society…"

The judge, after hearing Lan Ran's words, was so angry he nearly exploded.

So Lan Ran jabbered on for a long time, all his subjective judgments, which are utterly useless…

"But I think…"

Lan Ran continued to voice his opinion.

"Guard, guard, come in quickly…"

"Blast this brainwashed sinner out!"

"Deputy Captain Lan Ran Souyusuke of the Five Squad severely disrupted courtroom order, was heavily brainwashed by sinner Hirako Mahiko, sentenced to five years imprisonment! Do not leave the Five Squad barracks for the entire five years; during that time, reflect and clear your mind!"

After Lan Ran spouted more nonsense, the judges of Room 46 finally couldn't stand it. They summoned the guards and blasted Lan Ran straight out of Room 46's courtroom.

"Deputy Captain Lan Ran, you've offended."

The guards, upon receiving orders from Room 46, immediately dragged Lan Ran out, escorted him beyond Room 46, and assigned dedicated wardens to imprison him in the Five Squad barracks.

For a moment, news that Lan Ran had protested to Central Room 46 and pleaded for his Captain Hirako Mahiko, resulting in a five‑year sentence from Room 46, spread throughout the Thirteen Guard Corps.

Eight Squad barracks.

"Captain Urahara, Captain Hirako betrayed the Soul Society, Lisa‑chan and a host of captains were sentenced to death by Room 46! Lan Ran's junior brother was locked up again; what on earth is the Jingling Court after?!"

Kyoraku Harumizu, having sent his trusted deputy out to help Hirako Mahiko investigate the spontaneous combustion and disappearance of souls, stayed awake the whole night, quietly awaiting Lisa and the others' findings.

At dawn the next day, he heard the worst news from his junior brother Kenmoku Kenba, but fortunately, according to Kenba, his little Lisa hadn't died. Kyoraku felt relieved; had Lisa perished because of him, he'd regret it forever. Deep down, he also felt a lingering fear and resolved never to send his trusted subordinates into uncertain battlefields again.

However, just as Kyoraku Harumizu thought the turmoil was about to end, Central Forty…

"I guess we should still go find Teacher Araki~"

Kyoraku Harumizu said, donning his squad leader's haori and a straw hat, preparing to go to the First Squad barracks to talk with his teacher.

"Uncle Harumizu…"

"Captain Kyoraku Harumizu, if you can't retrieve Sister Yashiromaru Lisa intact, I will never speak to you again!"

Just as Kyoraku was about to set off, his niece Ise Nanako blocked the barracks entrance, clutching a storybook, shouting at him loudly.

"Honestly, looks like I have to step up my game~"

Kyoraku heard Nanako's words and a cold sweat broke out on his forehead.

Apart from the active Lan Ran Souyusuke, Kyoraku Harumizu and others.

After a night of hard work, Urahara Kiyosuke finally used his Crumbling Jewel to fully stabilize the corruption on Hirako Mahiko and the others.

"Huh…"

"Finally sorted it out, but I'm exhausted."

Urahara Kiyosuke wiped the sweat from his forehead and collapsed onto the training ground, panting.

"Lord Urahara, did you succeed?!"

The iron monk Wochi Tetsuzai, who had stood guard for Urahara all night, asked Hirako as the corruption marks faded.

"Hmm, the Crumbling Jewel's effect is better than I expected; after giving Captain Hirako some proper rest, they'll recover."

Urahara Kiyosuke smiled after hearing Wochi Tetsuzai's words.

"That's really great…"

Wochi let out a sigh of relief.

"Swish!"

While Urahara and Wochi chatted, a whooshing sound announced the arrival of Yoruichi of the Four Maple Court, clad in a sexy night‑clothing, back at their secret training ground.

"Captain Yoruichi, how's the situation outside?"

Urahara Kiyosuke, seeing Yoruichi return from scouting, immediately approached her, asking repeatedly.

"The outside situation is worse than I imagined."

"Anyway, judge for yourselves! After last night's incident, Room 46 seems to have deemed Urahara and Hirako the culprits of the corruption incident…"

Yoruichi handed the wanted warrant and judgment she obtained to Urahara Kiyosuke and Wochi Tetsuzai, her expression anxious.

"Exile and execution?!"

After reading the warrant and judgment Yoruichi gave him, Urahara's brows knit tightly; regarding Room 46's decision, he sensed deeper issues, and the current situation was severely unfavorable.

"Damn! We've been set up…"

At the same time, Urahara realized he had fallen into the unknown enemy's trap; that foe had clearly prepared for a long time to target him, otherwise they couldn't have repeatedly ensnared him and hammered him down, turning the lofty Twelve Squad captain into an exiled wanted criminal.

"I understand…"

"But you can rest assured, Urahara Kiyosuke!"

"I'll inform Teacher Araki; neither you nor the other captains will face any trouble…"

"Teacher Araki will solve everything for us."

Yoruichi seemed to notice Urahara's anxiety; she patted his shoulder, then spoke earnestly.

Yoruichi seemed accustomed to turning to Araki whenever indecisive; after all, that's her daily routine, and she truly trusts Araki.

"Captain Yoruichi, and Iron Monk Wochi, actually I have something crucial to confess to both of you…"

After hearing Yoruichi, Urahara Kisuke's expression grew anxious, and he once again produced his Hōgyoku, which instantly emitted a brilliant azure light that illuminated the entire training ground.

"Urahara, just say whatever it is!"

Yoruichi lightly nodded upon hearing Urahara's words.

"Yes! Captain Urahara, just speak plainly…"

Wo Ling Tiezhai also looked at Urahara and asked.

"While I was using the Hōgyoku to heal Captain Hirako and the others, I discovered an astonishing fact! The substance that caused a Hollowfication reaction in Captain Hirako and the others might also stem from the Hōgyoku's power, or perhaps someone employed the Hōgyoku's power to create the Hollowfication experimental material used on them…"

Urahara described to Yoruichi and Wo Ling Tiezhai the power he had detected—remarkably similar yet entirely different from his own Hōgyoku.

"Hōgyoku? Could it be that someone stole Lord Urahara's Hōgyoku?"

Wo Ling Tiezhai looked at Urahara and asked.

"No! It's not like that…"

"That power, though similar to my Hōgyoku, is nonetheless completely different."

"So I suspect that within this vast Soul Society, I'm not the only one who has created a Hōgyoku; in other words, a second Hōgyoku exists in this world, and that second Hōgyoku is in the hands of the true mastermind behind the Hollowfication incident."

Urahara shared his speculation with Wo Ling and Yoruichi.

"The second Hōgyoku?!"

Wo Ling and Yoruichi—especially Yoruichi—already knew from their interactions with Urahara what a Hōgyoku truly is, and they could hardly imagine that such a world‑law‑defying object could have a second instance within this Soul Society.

"Indeed, and I suspect the enemy's true purpose isn't this so‑called Hollowfication experiment, nor is it to eliminate Captain Hirako and the others!"

"The enemy's real target must be me—specifically, the Hōgyoku in my hand. Last night's Hollowfication incident was merely the enemy using the hollowed captains to gauge my strength…"

"If I'm not mistaken, the enemy has already discerned my true power, and their next move is to exhaust every means to snatch this Hōgyoku from my grasp."

Urahara Kisuke contemplated with utmost calm.

"However, the enemy has also revealed two points because of this…"

"First, as we previously guessed, the enemy is likely within the Gotei 13 and holds a high rank, for only then can they control the movements of all the important officers in the 13."

"Second, the enemy must have collaborators; they operate in an organized manner! Among those collaborators, we conservatively estimate at least one possesses Captain‑level combat power within the Gotei 13, and the one who used Bankai to ambush Hirako and the others is likely one of our true enemy's collaborators."

Urahara conveyed his analysis to Yoruichi and Wo Ling.

"So, Urahara, what exactly are you trying to convey?"

Yoruichi asked after hearing Urahara's words.

"Captain Yoruichi, I must apologize in advance—I may have to leave the Soul Society for a while. This place is far too dangerous for my Hōgyoku; if that unknown enemy were to control both his and my Hōgyoku, who knows what calamity it would bring upon the Soul Society?!"

After pondering for a long time, Urahara decided to temporarily leave the Soul Society. The current Soul Society gives Urahara Kisuke no sense of safety, especially with the enemy lurking in the shadows, them operating openly, and being framed by the enemy as fugitives.

"I understand."

Yoruichi finally understood after hearing Urahara Kisuke's words.

Urahara Kisuke, that kid, says he's avoiding the enemy in the shadows, but in reality he's uneasy about Captain Araki…

In Yoruichi's view, Urahara Kisuke's actions are completely unnecessary; if Captain Araki were after the Hōgyoku, there would be no need for such hassle—just seize it outright.

Because no matter how talented, powerful, or resourceful Urahara Kisuke is, he could never match Captain Araki.

Nevertheless, Yoruichi chose to respect Urahara Kisuke's decision.

"Ha…"

"Then I'll prepare artificial corpses for Mako Hirako and the others; the Gotei 13 simply can't accommodate them, and staying here any longer is meaningless…"

Urahara Kisuke slowly exhaled after hearing Yoruichi's words.

Because Urahara Kisuke is clever enough to see the enemy's scheme, the relentless pressure from the enemy has left him somewhat breathless…

At the same time, Urahara Kisuke feels dread toward this unknown enemy; he cannot imagine what kind of person could toy with so many captains like this…

One might even ask whether a being with such intellect can still be called a human!

Now Urahara Kisuke just wants to run away, as if, after he happened to learn the truth about the 'Soul King' from Yoruichi, his first thought was to flee…

"Speaking of it, Captain Yoruichi, what do you plan to do next?"

"It seems Room 46 has also set its sights on you, but all they need is for you to apologize and write a self‑critique."

Immediately after, Urahara Kisuke seemed to think of something and asked Yoruichi.

"Apologize? What a joke! Am I the type to apologize?"

Yoruichi smiled lightly after hearing Urahara Kisuke's words; she would never apologize! The one at fault isn't her, so why should she apologize?!

"So, Captain Yoruichi, what are you planning?"

Urahara Kisuke seemed unsurprised by Yoruichi's choice.

"I will flee to the living world…"

"However, before I run, I must set something right!"

Shihouin Yoruichi wrapped both hands around herself, flashing a smug smile.

"What matter?"

Urahara Kisuke and Wo Ling Tiezhai, after hearing Yoruichi, almost simultaneously looked at Shihouin Yoruichi and asked.

"Listen! The sages and judges of Room 46 claim I abandoned my post yesterday! It infuriates me; I must tell them I was with you all night, so there was no abandonment!"

Yoruichi, holding her decree, loudly addressed Urahara and Wo Ling, her tone dripping with irritation.

"Um, Captain Yoruichi, if you act like this with Room 46—and if it also involves me and Hirako—you'll be regarded as a traitor to the Soul Society…"

Urahara, after hearing Yoruichi, wiped the sweat from his forehead and spoke.

"Hmph! Do I care about Room 46's opinion?"

"Rest assured! After I reveal all facts and truth, I will depart the Soul Society openly and honorably!"

Yoruichi declared with utmost confidence.

Clap clap clap—

Indeed not unworthy of Miss Yoruichi, truly formidable……

After hearing Yoruichi's words, Urahara Kisuke was like a good child, not only praising Yoruichi's actions with his mouth, but also giving her applause.

Where, where~

After hearing Urahara's words, Yoruichi immediately put one hand on her hip and struck a pose she considered extremely suave.

I now understand how Captain Urahara won the heart of the Four Maple Institute's cherished jewel—you really know how to 'lick'!

Wo Ling Tie Zhai looked at Yoruichi and Urahara before him, and a few beads of sweat involuntarily appeared on his forehead. At this moment, Wo Ling Tie Zhai finally understood how Urahara won Yoruichi's favor: handsome appearance, genius intellect, formidable strength, plus excellent eloquence—after all that, he could happily live off her.

Hmm……

Wo Ling Tie Zhai discovered that each of those seemed quite difficult.

Several hours later……

This place is……

Hirako Shinji was the first among the captains who had undergone Hollowfication to regain consciousness, after all he was the only one who hadn't suffered too many injuries.

Yo! You're awake, Shinji, the surgery was a great success~

Once you successfully master Hollowfication, you'll be a qualified Vizard~

Upon hearing Shinji's voice, Urahara Kisuke couldn't help but tease with a grin.

Urahara was doing his utmost to lighten the heavy atmosphere in the air.

Urahara, what are you doing……

Shinji saw the captains lying wounded beside him and the Senkaimon glowing before him, his small eyes filled with great doubt.

In fact, there's a slight problem in Soul Society; we are now fugitives hunted by Central 46, so I intend to see our escape through to the end, bringing you all to flee to the Human World~

Urahara said, handing the Central 46's warrant to Hirako Shinji.

Huh? Could there be a mistake?

I risked my life for the Gotei 13 in Rukongai, yet I'm blamed as the mastermind of the Hollowfication incident? I'm being made to take the fall?

Shinji looked at the warrant in Urahara's hand, his pupils constricting slightly.

You'd better not let me find out who framed me!

Shinji tore the warrant to pieces, then roared angrily at the sky.

Don't shout! Otherwise you'll summon the pursuers, and that won't be good~

Upon hearing Shinji's roar, Urahara's expression changed slightly.

According to Yoruichi, Kenpachi Zaraki has not given up searching for them, and moreover he has obtained permission from all the judges and sages of Central 46 to kill them on sight without any authorization.

……

After hearing Urahara's words, Shinji's eye twitched slightly, but he calmed down, his face grim as he pondered who had set him up.

Sosuke Aizen……

After a moment, Shinji uttered a name.

To be honest, Shinji has no evidence proving that Sosuke Aizen is the mastermind behind this incident; his belief that Aizen harmed him stems merely from his personal dislike, which is probably just a man's intuition.

Captain-Commander Araki, just as you imagined, Urahara Kisuke intends to flee Soul Society for the Human World with the Hogyoku; should I intervene now?

At the same time, Wo Ling Tie Zhai gazed at Urahara and Shinji with a smile, activating his improved new version of Binding Way #77: Heaven-Piercing Net, directly informing Araki of the situation here—indeed, Wo Ling Tie Zhai has always been Araki's undercover agent.

No need for that; continue following him……

Once we reach the Human World, we'll hide our identities and wait for the right moment to act.

Not long after, Wo Ling Tie Zhai received Araki's reply.

Understood.

Wo Ling Tie Zhai responded to Araki without changing expression, using Heaven-Piercing Net.

First Division barracks.

So what's next……

Araki took out a notebook and wrote today's diary.

However, this is not Araki's diary, but a diary written from Sosuke Aizen's perspective by Araki; all its contents are what Araki heard via his Divine Ability of Aizen's inner voice, and Araki has already recorded an entire bookshelf of such diaries~

Years later, when Aizen had fused with the Hogyoku, becoming nearly immortal and even unable to commit suicide, Araki used Binding Way to restrain Aizen before him, holding the diary, and began to read it chapter by chapter from the day they first met.

Kill me, Master! Please give me a swift end, okay?

I won't go to heaven anymore! I just want to die……

Aizen listening to Araki's words felt his whole body tremble; long-dead memories suddenly revived, beginning to relentlessly attack him.

Aizen would rather die at the blade of Araki or Ichigo Kurosaki than suffer social death.

No way, Sosuke~

You've already fused with the Hogyoku; even as your master, I can't kill you~

This is the path you chose~ my dear good disciple~

Araki laughed as he spoke to Aizen.

I……

Aizen has never hated his immortal body so much in his entire life.

I should never have fused with Urahara Kisuke's Hogyoku!

Aizen revealed a ferocious expression comparable to that in the original after his final battle with Ichigo Kurosaki, when Urahara sealed him with Kido, and roared with immense resentment.

Ten-thousand-word chapter, 11,000~