It was the First Division's assembly. Kurosaki Ichigo and the others entered the chamber and looked up at the central platform where Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, Captain of the First Division and Head-Captain of the Gotei 13, sat in command. His presence alone silenced the entire room.
Yamamoto began his address with grave calm.
"The threat affecting the World of the Living originates from within Soul Society itself. A traitor has emerged among us."
His voice was steady and without hesitation.
"He massacred the Central 46 and entered the Great Spirit Book Corridor freely. This man, who has betrayed Soul Society, is none other than Sōsuke Aizen, Captain of the Fifth Division. It was our failure not to discover his plot sooner."
Ichigo nodded slowly as the implications sank in. A traitor within Soul Society was not something he had expected.
"So the one we fought in the Living World-the being that looked like both a Hollow and a Shinigami-what was that?" he asked.
"They are called Arrancar," Yamamoto explained. "Arrancar are Hollows that have removed their masks and gained Shinigami powers. They carry Zanpakutō, the core of their strength sealed within. Despite their humanoid appearance, their nature remains Hollow-they still consume souls."
He continued in a tone that left no room for doubt.
"When Menos-class Hollows evolve into Arrancar, those of higher rank take on more distinct human forms. The strength of an Arrancar depends on its former Hollow classification: Gillian, Adjuchas, and Vasto Lorde. The closer to human their form, the greater their threat."
The captains and lieutenants listened without interruption. Ichigo exchanged glances with his companions as Yamamoto's next words fell heavily on the room.
"And now, Aizen has obtained the complete Hōgyoku."
The name alone drew sharp reactions. Gasps erupted across the chamber as the implications set in.
"What?"
"The Hōgyoku can manifest the hearts of those near it? That's like a device that grants wishes."
Orihime's voice shook as she spoke. "Such power… and it's already in Aizen's hands?"
Another voice added to the unease. "His Zanpakutō… Kyōka Suigetsu. Its ability is deception itself. With his Shikai alone, anyone who has seen its release is trapped in complete hypnosis."
The realization spread quickly.
"Then anyone who has seen it can't even be sure what's real during battle."
Yamamoto's expression remained composed though his words carried a warning edge.
"Perhaps his Zanpakutō does have a weakness, but we do not know what it is. What we do know is Aizen's true purpose-the Ūken, the Royal Key."
At the mention of the King's Key, tension rose again. Hitsugaya Tōshirō's eyes widened in understanding while Orihime asked in confusion, "The King's Key? What is that?"
Yamamoto answered without pause.
"The King's Key is what grants access to the Soul King's Palace. The Soul King himself does not directly rule; control of daily affairs is given to Central 46. Still, the King is an absolute existence. His palace exists in an alternate dimension within Soul Society, guarded by his royal attendants. Without the King's Key, no one can enter."
Orihime swallowed hard. "So Aizen wants… to take the Soul King?"
Yamamoto's voice weighed down on the room like stone.
"Yes. His goal is to dethrone the Soul King. To do so, he intends to create a Royal Key."
Ichigo frowned deeply. "Create…? How?"
"The material for forging such a key is one hundred thousand souls and a land of concentrated spiritual power spanning one ri," Yamamoto replied.
The conference hall fell into stunned silence.
"One hundred thousand… souls," Orihime whispered, her face pale.
Yamamoto clarified. "The land required is what we call a Jūreichi, a focal point of spiritual energy in the Living World. Its location shifts across eras. At present, the Jūreichi is in Karakura Town."
Orihime's eyes widened in horror. "Then that means… if Aizen succeeds…"
Yamamoto nodded grimly. "Yes. If Aizen completes the Royal Key through Karakura Town, the entire area-its souls, its people-will vanish."
Ichigo clenched his fists tightly. "We can't let that happen. No matter what it takes-we have to stop him."
"The Gotei 13 was formed to confront such threats," Yamamoto said firmly. "Our time is limited. According to the records of the Great Spirit Book Corridor, the Hōgyoku was in a dormant state and should not awaken fully for four months."
Ichigo's eyes narrowed. "That means… the decisive battle will be in winter. We have four months to grow stronger."
Yamamoto struck the floor with his staff, the force silencing the chamber.
"No. We have only one month."
The words jolted Ichigo. "One month? But you just said the Hōgyoku needs four months to awaken!" he protested.
Yamamoto's gaze swept across the room. "We do not understand it either. But that was Aizen's statement: in one month's time, the Hōgyoku will be fully active, and the world will end."
The captains present exchanged grim looks. Questions hung unspoken-what had triggered the Hōgyoku's premature awakening? If Aizen's claim was true, what kind of power could accomplish it? If even Aizen considered it formidable, then what did that mean for the boy named Yuta?
...
Hueco Mundo.
Within the vast throne hall, Ulquiorra Schiffer's voice broke the silence as he reported a name. The words reverberated across the chamber.
For the first time in that meeting, Aizen's composure shifted as he leaned slightly forward on his throne. His voice carried an edge uncharacteristic of his usual calm.
"So, you returned alive from an encounter with Yuta. You truly escaped death."
His eyes narrowed faintly with intrigue.
"Understand this: Yuta is the one capable of awakening the Hōgyoku ahead of time. Even I cannot see the full extent of his power."
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