When Kyoya was still at the Shin'o Academy, Aizen had already heard of Kyoya's reputation as a 'genius'.
However, at that time, Aizen, having obtained the fragment of the Soul King's finger from within Rangiku, had made a breakthrough in his research on the Hogyoku, so he did not go to the Shin'o Academy to perform the hypnosis ritual.
For Aizen, this wasn't a major problem.
At most, he could just go and do it later.
Who would have thought that in less than a year, Kyoya would have completed his training at the Shin'o Academy and entered the 11th Division.
Moreover, he successfully defeated the 11th Division Captain, Kiganjo Kenpachi, becoming the fastest person to become a Captain in the Gotei 13.
Precisely because Kyoya was the only Captain not under the influence of Kyoka Suigetsu, Aizen always held some apprehension towards him and would try to avoid selecting test subjects connected to the 11th Division.
Later, Aizen secretly instigated Shinigami from various divisions to hold a Gotei 13-wide competition, finally finding the opportunity to release his Kyoka Suigetsu and complete the hypnosis ritual on Kyoya.
At the same time, because of Kyoya's swordsmanship, the apprehension Aizen felt towards Kyoya was even greater than that towards the 4th Division's Captain, Unohana Retsu.
After all, who knew if Kyoya, besides forging a new path in swordsmanship, had also made new breakthroughs in other areas like Hakuda, Shunpo, or Kido?
Even in the battle where Kyoya left the Gotei 13, Aizen did not personally fight Kyoya.
But from the Captains who fought Kyoya, Aizen could judge that if he didn't use his Kyoka Suigetsu's Ability, he might not be able to do much to Kyoya.
Later, the [Rokushiki] used by the Revolutionary Army soldiers were undoubtedly techniques developed by Kyoya based on Hakuda.
Although the basic Rokushiki weren't much different from Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Shunpo, and Kido, the 'secret Techniques' of Rokushiki were in no way inferior to high-numbered Kido.
Their practicality and applicability surpassed the Hakuda taught at the Shin'o Academy by several levels.
Especially since training in Rokushiki enhanced physical strength in a way Reiatsu couldn't.
Furthermore, what Aizen was more curious about was his feeling that Kyoya seemed to know something, yet appeared to be letting him be.
Now, speaking with Kyoya in this manner, Aizen also wanted to see if he could get an answer from Kyoya.
"Hmm, how should I put it?"
Kyoya rubbed his chin. "I'm quite looking forward to your growth."
In the Bleach World, the protagonist, Ichigo could be considered quite vengeful.
Aizen blocked his Zanpakuto with a single finger, so later, Ichigo also blocked Aizen's Zanpakuto with one hand, and even dismantled the fully incanted Hado #90, Kurohitsugi, released by Aizen.
Aizen nearly bisected him with one slash, so later, he also vertically split Aizen in half.
Ichigo had his head crushed and was dragged against a wall by the Cuatro Espada, Ulquiorra Cifer, so after fully Hollowfying, Ichigo also pushed Ulquiorra's head and threw him away.
Kyoya felt he should learn from Ichigo and let Aizen experience pressure from a stronger opponent as well.
Thinking of this, Kyoya revealed his white teeth, took a step, and instantly appeared behind Aizen.
"Captain Aizen, as you are now, you are too weak!"
"So weak that I don't even have the desire to attack you."
A white strip of cloth fluttered in Kyoya's hand.
Kyoya let go, allowing this white strip to drift down in front of Aizen.
Aizen's pupils abruptly contracted.
He hadn't even sensed when Kyoya had taken his sash.
'If he had slashed me with a sword instead of taking his sash earlier, I would probably be dead by now, right?'
'Could it be that I hadn't released Kyoka Suigetsu earlier to control his five senses?'
Aizen was cautious by nature.
The moment Kyoya appeared, Aizen had released his Zanpakuto, seizing control of Kyoya's five senses.
Aizen had long completed his Zanpakuto's Bankai Training, so naturally, for Shikai, he could release his Zanpakuto without calling its name.
This was precisely why Aizen's ability was even more frightening.
After all, those under the effect of Kyoka Suigetsu could never be sure whether the person before them was truly Aizen or one of their comrades.
Aizen's battle with the Visored and the Gotei 13's Captains in Karakura Town practically elevated the phrase 'Since when were you under the impression that I was not using Kyoka Suigetsu?' to legendary status.
Of course, what Aizen controlled was only Kyoya's vision, creating a discrepancy of three body positions between the Aizen in Kyoya's eyes and the real Aizen.
Aizen could sense that Kyoya's vision was still under his control.
But the problem was, Kyoya did indeed instantly appear behind him and remove the sash of his Shihakusho.
'Could it be that he possessed an ability similar to Soya Kenpachi's?'
"You might be wondering how I could see through your true position?"
Kyoya turned his head, looking at the stiff expression on Aizen's face, feeling pleased.
"My Zanpakuto is the strongest of the light-type."
"For me, any place where there is light falls within my perception range."
"Your ability can affect my senses, but it cannot affect 'light' itself."
Hearing Kyoya's explanation, the smile faded from Aizen's face.
At this moment, what Aizen felt fortunate about was that Kyoya seemed to have chosen him as the person to test his own 'capacity'.
Therefore, although Kyoya was aware of his actions, he did not stop them.
On the contrary, he even looked forward to his successful evolution, eventually standing before him.
"Kyoya-san is truly terrifying..."
But then again, Aizen was, after all, Aizen.
Although he held great apprehension towards Kyoya's strength and abilities, Aizen would not lose his confidence.
One must know, the [Hogyoku] was the treasure he intended to use to evolve himself to a level comparable to the Soul King.
As long as he could perfectly fuse with the Hogyoku and evolve to the final stage, becoming the 'god' of this world was not a difficult task.
No matter how strong Kyoya was, Aizen did not believe Kyoya had already reached the level of 'god'.
Perhaps Kyoya's current realm had already touched the barrier of 'god', and thus he hoped that Aizen could reach his level, using their battle to allow himself to ascend to a higher dimension.
Having figured this out, Aizen bent down, picked up the sash from the ground, and tied it around his waist.
"However, Kyoya-san, aren't you afraid of this gamble backfiring?"
"Do you have the ability to make it backfire?"
Kyoya turned around, watching Aizen pretend to be calm as he tied his sash. "If you can reach a level beyond my expectations and kill me, then that just proves I am nothing more than that."
"Of course, Aizen, you also know that in at most two or three years, that man will return."
"So, your time is also very pressing."
"If within a year, you haven't completed your transformation, then, to avoid affecting the battle with that man, I will have no choice but to send you to Hell first."
"I hope that by then, having become a Hell sinner, you will possess the strength to break through the gates of Hell."
"Otherwise, I'm afraid it won't be easy for me to see you again."
After leaving these words, Kyoya paid no more attention to Aizen, turned, and walked out of the Central 46 Chambers.
Within the Seireitei, besides the condescending nobles of the Central 46, there were also some nobles who treated anyone not a noble as less than human.
Kyoya had no intention of letting this portion of nobles continue living either.
Since Aizen had already killed the Central 46, then killing a few more nobles shouldn't be a big deal, right?
…
"Third Seat Shiba, do you have any last words?"
On Sokyoku Hill, with her hands were bound to the torii gate by Kido, Miyako was asked this question by Yamamoto.
"Considering your many years of service to the Gotei 13, I will consider whether to fulfill your last wish."
"Captain-Commander, all the blame is because I gave my Shinigami powers to a human."
"The punishment I receive is deserved."
"But those humans who came to save me are innocent."
"I beg of you, after my death, send Ichigo and the others back to the Living World, let them live out their lives as ordinary humans!"
Miyako bowed her head, pleading with Yamamoto.
"I understand."
"Begin the execution!"
Swish-
With Yamamoto's soft command, a long spear wrapped in white bandages in front of the torii gate began to float.
The white sealing bandages rapidly unwound, causing the spear to emit a powerful Reiatsu.
Seeing this, Ukitake's face couldn't help but show an anxious expression.
'The execution was about to begin, why hadn't Kyoraku arrived yet?'
"..."
Witnessing this scene, Kaien gritted his teeth and placed his hand on the Zanpakuto at his waist.
If Kyoraku hadn't arrived by the time the execution commenced, then Kaien decided he would act to save his wife.
A fierce wind swept across the area. The 4th Division's Lieutenant, Isane, lowered her head and asked Unohana, "Captain, will the Captain-Commander really let those Ryoka go?"
Seeing the hope in her Lieutenant's eyes, Unohana sighed and said to her subordinate, "Isane, the dignity of the Seireitei, the dignity of the Gotei 13, cannot be violated."
"Those Ryoka caused damage to the Seireitei, and moreover, Captain Aizen of the 5th Division died because of it..."
At this point, Unohana paused.
Although the simultaneous appearance of the Revolutionary Army and the Ryoka within the Seireitei, and the attitude displayed by Yamamoto during this Ryoka invasion incident, made Unohana feel as if this was a directed play...
Witnessing Aizen's death with her own eyes made Unohana doubt her own conjecture yet again.
'If this battle was just a 'play', then what was Captain Aizen's death?'
'Currently, within the entire Gotei 13, aside from Captain Aizen, not a single person had died.'
'Was there a problem with Captain Aizen, or...?'
"But isn't this deceiving Third Seat Shiba?"
Isane became anxious.
As a female Shinigami, Miyako was quite well-liked within the Female Shinigami Association.
To be deceived even before her death made Isane feel wronged on her behalf.
"No, Isane."
"This is the Captain-Commander's compassion."
Unohana shook her head, "Do you wish for Third Seat Shiba to die with a heart full of guilt, or for her to depart without regrets?"
Isane was taken aback for a moment, then said no more.
Indeed, for Miyako now, allowing her to die without regrets was the most 'compassionate' thing.
If the potential consequences for the Ryoka were truthfully told to Third Seat Shiba, she would probably carry guilt even in death.
When the seals on the spear were completely released, a terrifying Reiatsu erupted from it. The surrounding temperature suddenly rose, bursting into blazing flames.
Screech!
A sharp cry rang out from mid-air.
The spear had now completely transformed into a large bird engulfed in flames, hovering in the air, flapping its wings.
"Such terrifying Reiatsu!"
Isane protected her forehead with her hands, large drops of cold sweat falling from her brow.
"Is this the true form of the Sokyoku?"
"Mmm."
Just from being a bit closer to the Sokyoku, she felt as if she could be annihilated by the firebird in the sky at any moment.
Unohana nodded. "The Sokyoku is the execution stand for criminals who have committed capital offenses."
"To ensure the criminal is executed, the Zanpakuto placed on Sokyoku Hill for executing criminals is naturally no ordinary Zanpakuto."
"The true form of the Sokyoku is called the [Firebird King]. After its release, it possesses destructive power equivalent to one million Zanpakuto!"
Isane gasped sharply.
"Destructive power equivalent to one million Zanpakuto... just how strong is that?"
Even an ordinary Zanpakuto could pierce a Hollow's mask and kill small to medium Hollows. Isane simply couldn't imagine how powerful the destructive force of one million Zanpakuto would be.