Another spiritual pressure disappeared. Three signatures of Fourth and Fifth-Rank Reiatsu vanished in succession, followed by a stronger Fifth-Rank presence.
Kurotsuki Renya sat alone in the dimly lit room, carefully recording every fluctuation in his notebook.
The large-scale disappearance of Shinigami patrol Reiatsu in Naruki City could only mean one thing—Aizen Sōsuke had begun targeting the Shinigami stationed in the Human World. These disappearances would inevitably draw Shiba Isshin into the living world to investigate. Renya knew the sequence well: Isshin would confront the experimental Hollow known as White, created by Aizen using Hollowfication research.
At first, Shiba Isshin would realize he could not win due to White's unique nature and overwhelming physicality. The situation would grow increasingly desperate until Kurosaki Masaki, a Quincy, intervened and rescued him. She would be bitten by White, infected with Hollowfication, and the Hollow would temporarily dissipate.
Only then would Shiba Isshin return to the Human World a second time. With Kisuke Urahara's help, he would sacrifice his Shinigami powers to stabilize Masaki's soul and suppress the Hollow within her.
Masaki would later graduate from high school, attend university, fall in love with Isshin, and give birth to Kurosaki Ichigo.
But when Ichigo turned nine, Yhwach would awaken and begin Auswahlen, reclaiming the power of all mixed-blood Quincies. Masaki stripped of her Quincy strength would be killed by a Hollow.
Renya knew all of this. He knew Shiba Isshin would appear soon. But he had no intention of interfering.
I can't be exposed yet, Renya reminded himself. I can only maintain peak combat power for twenty seconds. I can't clash with Aizen. not the version of him that exists at this point in time.
He needed time.
And the birth of Kurosaki Ichigo was the perfect fixed point in history. As long as events continued as they should, Renya's opportunity would come. When Ichigo invaded Seireitei to rescue Rukia, Renya could infiltrate as well locate Unohana Retsu, gain access to Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, cooperate with the large-scale battles, and, at the critical moment… kill Aizen.
We cannot let Aizen merge with the Hōgyoku.
Once he achieved immortality, not even Ichigo's Mugetsu could "defeat" him. Aizen only stopped evolving because the Hōgyoku interpreted his hesitation.
Renya shut his notebook. He had a plan. All he needed was patience.
Two months later, a powerful Reiatsu erupted above Naruki City.
Captain-class. At least Seventh Rank or higher.
Renya sensed it instantly only Shiba Isshin appeared at this precise point in the timeline. Isshin had arrived quietly to investigate the sudden deaths of four Shinigami. He had entered the Human World without reporting to Soul Society, acting purely on instinct.
Here we go.
Renya narrowed his eyes, standing atop the warehouse roof, cloak fluttering gently in the night wind.
Moments later, a second Reiatsu flared Hollow, but mixed with Shinigami essence.
This was White, the prototype Hollow created from a Shinigami's soul a towering bull-headed form with a gaping hole in its chest. This creature would one day serve as the blueprint for Ichigo's Hollow form.
Isshin engaged White, overwhelmingly disadvantaged. When Isshin attempted to activate bankai, he would be ambushed by Aizen, who observed from the shadows, using Kyōka Suigetsu to conceal his presence. Injured, Isshin became unable to release bankai.
Moments later, a third Reiatsu appeared distinct, sharp, and unmistakably Quincy.
Kurosaki Masaki.
Her Quincy power clashed with White's Hollow Reiatsu. Eventually, the Hollow's signature vanished Masaki had sacrificed her right arm to kill it, but the Hollow's essence would begin corrupting her soul.
Minutes later, Isshin and Masaki's Reiatsu both faded as they left together.
The sequence had played out exactly as it should.
Renya exhaled slowly. History remained intact.
Five days later, Yoruichi appeared.
"Renya, Aizen has made his move again."
Renya looked up as she entered his room.
She explained, "A Shinigami named Shiba Isshin was investigating the attack on his subordinates. He encountered an unusual Hollow and was rescued by a Quincy. The Quincy was contaminated by Hollowfication. Isshin returned to the Human World, and Urahara stabilized her but the price was the loss of Isshin's Shinigami powers."
Renya nodded. "So Isshin can't return to duty."
Yoruichi folded her arms. "Exactly. He's staying in Karakura Town for now and plans to open a clinic."
Renya asked, "Do you and Urahara suspect Aizen?"
Yoruichi's tone sharpened. "Without question. The Hollow had Shinigami traits. evidence of forced soul fusion. Only Aizen is capable of such experiments. And Isshin was ambushed just as he attempted bankai. If the attacker left no trace, it fits Aizen's manipulation of Kyōka Suigetsu."
Renya hummed thoughtfully. "Aizen knew Isshin would exhaust himself suppressing a Hollow of that level. That means the attacker must be a Shinigami from Seireitei. Aizen is moving again."
Yoruichi nodded. "Urahara asked me to bring you to meet Shiba Isshin. We want your insight."
Renya inhaled deeply. "Of course. I need to meet him not only to hear what happened, but also to ask about Seireitei."
He wanted to know about Suì-Fēng. About Rukia and Asanji's relationship. About the fates of his friends after news of his 'death.'
"Let's go."
Yoruichi rose, and they left the warehouse, heading toward the Urahara Shop in Karakura Town.
On the way, Renya asked, "Where is Captain Shiba now?"
"At the shop," Yoruichi said with a faint smile. "He's stressing out over what to do next."
Renya nodded.
As they entered the shop, a familiar lazy voice echoed from within:
"Hey, Urahara! You said you were introducing someone to me! Who is it? Why aren't they here yet?"
Urahara's calm reply followed. "Captain Shiba, please be patient."
"Why so mysterious…?" Isshin grumbled.
Yoruichi pushed open the door. "I brought him."
Isshin turned, curiosity sharp in his eyes. A small figure in a dark hooded cloak entered behind Yoruichi.
Renya slowly lowered his hood.
Isshin's expression froze eyes widening in disbelief.
"You… you're
Kurotsuki Renya?"
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