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"As expected of Kurotsuchi Mayuri, the man who became the most dangerous prisoner of the Maggot's Nest through his intellect."
Aozaki Reiji's eyes gleamed as he couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.
Ichimaru Gin nodded in agreement.
He hadn't installed this thing; he was only responsible for bringing the equipment in.
This meant that Kurotsuchi Mayuri had created this hidden device in just half a day.
"It's just a simple projection, not a very complex device."
Kurotsuchi Mayuri sat cross-legged on the bed, the chains connected to his shackles clinking crisply.
"It's only useful for those who don't dare to enter this room; it has no effect on you, who are currently in the same room as me."
Aozaki Reiji touched the wall and found that his hand indeed passed through it, clearly indicating it was merely an illusion.
However, to create such a device with these rudimentary materials in just half a day was enough to prove his excellence.
If he could bring him under his wing and master his various technologies, it would truly be a great help to him.
Unfortunately, this fellow was insane, a double-edged sword; perhaps he could be suppressed and exploited, but making him completely submit was impossible.
At this moment…
Thump, thump, thump!!
A series of knocking sounds abruptly broke the silence.
"Kurotsuchi Mayuri, you haven't forgotten our deal, have you?"
Aozaki Reiji tapped the stone bed beneath him with one hand, while stroking his chin with the other.
"I fulfilled my promise; you haven't forgotten what I want, have you?"
Kurotsuchi Mayuri paused, then sighed and pulled out a slip of paper.
Aozaki Reiji took it and saw an address and a string of numbers written on it.
"Go find it. I've backed up all my techniques and data there. Everything I promised you is there." Kurotsuchi Mayuri's voice trembled slightly.
Handing over all his life's work like this inevitably caused him some loss of composure.
"Kurotsuchi Mayuri, there's no need to be sad. The day you leave here and see the light again, you'll thank me," Aozaki Reiji said.
Leaning against the wall, Kurotsuchi Mayuri tightly clenched his hands, his pant legs crumpled into wrinkles, like winding paths converging to form a delicate, small maze.
He looked at that handsome face and quickly calmed down, smoothing his clothes.
"I'm waiting for that day…" Kurotsuchi Mayuri said softly.
The past was set; he was more concerned with the future.
This simple laboratory could only be used for amusement.
To continue his research from a century ago, he had to leave here.
"Just wait patiently; I definitely won't disappoint you," Aozaki Reiji said, "After all, I also don't want you to waste your talent here."
"There are more important things in this world waiting for you to do."
Aozaki Reiji smiled and patted Kurotsuchi Mayuri's shoulder, then stood up and walked out of the cell, ascending the long, illuminated stairs.
Kurotsuchi Mayuri looked up, watching his back disappear into the light and shadow.
The prisoners still huddled in the corners, and the dungeon gate slowly opened.
The Squad members of the Inspection Team formed a human wall, like shadows in the night, guarding various parts of the Maggot's Nest.
The Squad members respectfully bowed their heads, seeing off the two superiors who had come to inspect.
"Do you need me to accompany you? A mad scientist's secret lair might hold unexpected dangers."
Ichimaru Gin said indifferently, tying his zanpakuto as he spoke, and glanced at Aozaki Reiji.
"Although Kurotsuchi Mayuri's strength isn't particularly strong, he possesses such talent, so he might have set up traps in his laboratory."
"Of course there are traps, but he told me about all of them. He's not willing to let me die yet."
Saying this, Aozaki Reiji flipped the slip of paper Kurotsuchi Mayuri had given him to the back, revealing dense writing covering the entire page.
"You don't need to accompany me either. This matter must be done in secret; the fewer people who know, the better."
"How about this: you go find Matsumoto Rangiku first and tell her I'm busy, and that she should stay home tonight and not run around."
Ichimaru Gin was silent for a moment. "I'll tell her. You should also be extra careful."
"Alright, I'm counting on you."
Watching Ichimaru Gin leave, Aozaki Reiji withdrew his gaze and gently stroked Shinra Bansho at his waist.
He had to thank Aizen for showing him Kyōka Suigetsu's Shikai; otherwise, with the Great Spirit Book Corridor constantly observing every move in the Soul Society, some things truly couldn't be done too blatantly.
But with Kyōka Suigetsu, which could deceive the Great Spirit Book Corridor, his worries were greatly reduced.
Aozaki Reiji looked up towards the east of Seireitei; the sky was cloudless, and the stars and moon shone brightly.
From the top of the mountain, one could still see the scattered lights illuminating the streets and alleys below, shimmering in harmony with the stars above.
Someone tapped his shoulder. He turned his head to see a vibrant, purple-haired girl spinning in front of him.
"Reiji."
"Yoruichi, you've finished your work? You actually have time to come to the Maggot's Nest?" Aozaki Reiji's face was beaming with a smile.
This energetic girl always managed to lift his spirits.
"After a day of hard work, I haven't even finished half of it. I realized today's work isn't for me, so I dumped the rest on Marechiyo."
Yoruichi Shihōin stood with her hands on her hips, a smile on her face.
"When I snuck out just now, a Squad members said you were patrolling the Maggot's Nest, so I came to find you!"
"You really like this place. You've only been the Inspection Team captain for a few days, and you've already been here twice."
"It's all for Kurotsuchi Mayuri," Aozaki Reiji sighed.
"Oh, Kurotsuchi Mayuri." Yoruichi Shihōin clapped her hands. "Kisuke sent word today, saying you've brought him into the fold!"
"That is indeed what happened." Aozaki Reiji leaned against a tree, looking into Yoruichi's eyes. "Not only that, Miss Kiryu Hikifune Kirio has also joined. She will persuade her teacher to establish the Technology Development Bureau."
"You're really popular," Yoruichi sighed. "Even Miss Kiryu was persuaded by you."
Yoruichi sat down on the ground, stretched her arms, and yawned, enjoying the mountain breeze.
Her gaze passed through the forest, landing on the shimmering lake in the distance. She curved her lips into a smile and said casually:
"Is Kukaku doing well? I heard you asked Kisuke to make protective clothing for her."
As soon as she finished speaking, she had an urge to slap herself.
She couldn't believe those words came from her own mouth. When had she become such a timid person?
Aozaki Reiji was about to speak, but he suddenly shivered.
He raised his eyebrows, realizing something was amiss.
This sentence seemed to be about caring for a close friend, but based on his many years of experience navigating life and death, he sniffed out the hidden danger within it.
Aozaki Reiji coughed twice, clearing his throat.
"Kukaku and I are good friends, and she's also your close friend. She does dangerous experiments every day, so you must be worried about her too."
"I just happened to think of such an idea, so I eagerly went to Kisuke for help."
"After all, you two are so close. If something really happened to her, I don't think you'd feel good either."
"I'm sorry, I was wrong. I shouldn't have imposed my will on you."
At these words, Yoruichi Shihōin froze.
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