The silence lingered. After crying for a while, Hinamori Momo gradually calmed herself. Matsumoto Rangiku suggested they share a drink together. Once the sake was brought, cups were raised in quiet acknowledgment before they settled into eating hot pot. Perhaps due to the warmth of the alcohol loosening her heart, Hinamori Momo finally began to eat as well.
…
In the shadows of Seireitei lay the Wandenreich, the Invisible Empire-the kingdom of the Quincy hidden beneath the very foundation of the Soul Society.
After Yhwach's defeat at the hands of Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni a thousand years earlier, the Quincy had suffered crushing suppression by the Shinigami. Retreating, they established their territory within the shadows of Seireitei, a location unforeseen by the Gotei 13. In the Soul Society, the density of reishi was far greater than in the World of the Living, making it an ideal environment for the Quincy to manifest their abilities and construct a realm parallel to the Seireitei itself.
The size of the Wandenreich matched that of Seireitei, reflecting a hidden empire equal in scale but cloaked in shadow. Deep within Silberstadt's core lay the throne room where Yhwach sat. His long black hair and beard framed a severe face marked by age and power. His dark cloak's edges trailed as he rested his form on the throne, eyes closed in slumber.
Yhwach dreamed of the distant past.
"Yes... as those who regulate the balance of the Three Realms-the Soul Society, the World of the Living, and Hueco Mundo-we propose a pact between Soul Society and the Empire of Light," a voice said in that vision.
"Soul Society protects the realms as Shinigami. The Empire of Light may enjoy prosperity in peace."
"We will not interfere in your unification of the Quincy."
"This covenant benefits you without harm. There is no reason to refuse."
The image sharpened into view: a great long table, the monk Ichibē Hyōsube seated at one end, arms folded beneath his sleeves, expression calm yet firm. At the opposite end sat Yhwach, silent while his guards and soldiers stood watching near the chamber's periphery. The distance between them felt like an impassable divide.
"You lied," Yhwach finally said, his voice steady.
Ichibē's half-lidded eyes widened slightly at the charge.
"You believe me ignorant, a child to be looked down upon," Yhwach continued.
Ichibē countered, shaking his head. "I do not underestimate you. It is the truth-you simply do not understand."
"Then let me ask. The world was once whole. Who shattered that eternal peace into separate realms of life and death?"
"It was His Majesty, the Soul King," said Ichibē without hesitation.
"And who brought the fear of death to mortals?"
"It was also His Majesty."
Yhwach's eyes closed as countless reishi particles flooded into him, carrying with them an echo of voices-cries of loss and resentment.
"The pain of souls that return to me fills my ears. And those who cling to life in fear of death rage with denial. Is this the answer you would give me, Ichibē Hyōsube?"
"Do not speak my name lightly," Ichibē replied.
"Where is peace in the Three Realms?" Yhwach opened his eyes, and twin pupils gleamed in each socket. "I see the truth. I will show you."
An eye opened in Ichibē's left palm, also bearing double pupils. Visions of the Soul King filled the air before them as Ichibē said, "Look and understand. You know nothing. We maintain this failing world with His Majesty."
"Pitiful," Yhwach muttered. The blue reishi coursing through him intensified. "Unbearable. I see you clearly, Ichibē."
In a blur of movement, Yhwach closed the distance and seized Ichibē's left hand. His reishi poured in, overwhelming it like a flooding current.
"You cannot kill me with what my father gave you. A father bestows life upon a child-he cannot take it away."
Ichibē's palm began to swell grotesquely, reishi transforming it into a massive fleshy construct that enveloped Yhwach before detaching from Ichibē's arm entirely.
"Did you think I gave you the Soul King's arm freely?" Ichibē said sharply. "Your eyes are sealed. You will not open them until death finds you. Move carefully." Without another look back, Ichibē turned and walked away from the table.
Bound, Yhwach said coldly, "Good. Then I no longer need these eyes to endure this humiliation. O Soul King, you have been reduced to a lifeless husk, worshiped as a hollow god. I will grant you death alongside this world. You will serve as the tombstone of the Three Realms."
…
The fragments of that black-and-white world faded.
Yhwach's eyes opened in the present, the throne room of the Invisible Empire before him once more, tinted in blue light. A calculated smile shifted across his lips. The thousand years since his forced death had undone his seal, and he now bore the Soul King's left arm. Dangerous though it was then, it had always been under his design.
At his side, Sternritter Grandmaster Jugram Haschwalth opened his eyes. Dual pupils mirrored those of his master as he knelt respectfully.
"Your Majesty," Haschwalth said. "You have awakened."
"Haschwalth," Yhwach said evenly. "What has happened in Seireitei?"
The blond-haired Quincy lowered his head as he answered. "Your Majesty, a traitor has appeared within the Seireitei. His name is Aizen Sōsuke. He has taken with him two captains: Ichimaru Gin and Tōsen Kaname."
He paused briefly before continuing, "Also, a new Great Kidō Chief has appeared. His name is Hideki Yuta."
Yhwach's voice carried with controlled calm. "Is there anything else of note?"
Haschwalth remained silent for a few moments before replying, "No, Your Majesty."
Yhwach's faint smile deepened at his subordinate's words. "I see. You have done well."
"All is for His Majesty," Haschwalth answered firmly.
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