It's just like a work of art—beautiful beyond imagination. Who would have thought that when the powers of Shinigami and Hollows are fused, and then infused with just a touch of Quincy energy, such a flawless creation could be born?
"Captain Aizen really spares no effort when it comes to Aoyama-san. So many precious resources, all used without hesitation. I'm truly looking forward to when Aoyama finally wakes up… will he fall to his knees in gratitude once he realizes how much Captain Aizen has sacrificed for him?"
Aizen Sōsuke carefully set aside the instruments in his hand. Turning with a solemn expression, he spoke in a calm, commanding tone:
"Gin, you should already understand why I chose Aoyama. There's no need for jealousy. His success is proof that our path leads to a far broader future. One where we stand at heights unreachable by anyone else—looking down on the world like gods themselves."
He paused for a moment, then glanced at Gin with a faint sigh before continuing:
"You've followed me for a long time. What you seek, I will give you when the moment is right. Whether you can seize that chance, however, depends entirely on you."
Ichimaru Gin tilted his head, eyes narrowing into their familiar crescent slits. His false smile never wavered.
"My, my… so even that little secret of mine couldn't escape Captain Aizen's notice. Still, I'm not just envious of Aoyama-san. At times, I actually pity him. To become something neither man nor Hollow… that must be unbearably painful, don't you think?"
Aizen shook his head.
"No, Gin. You must understand: whether Shinigami, Hollow, or the nearly extinct Quincy, they all face the same barrier. No matter how far they advance, they inevitably strike against the same wall. And when they do, no amount of struggle will let them shatter those shackles."
"To go further, one must seek a different path. By fusing the powers of Shinigami and Hollow, we gain something greater. A Shinigami who takes in Hollow powers becomes a Visored—one wielding the strength of a Hollow's mask. And a Hollow that absorbs Shinigami power evolves into an Arrancar, gaining the blade of a Shinigami."
"For both Visoreds and Arrancars, their destinies change. They transcend the limits that once bound them, gaining the chance to glimpse a far wider world. Tell me, do you think such beings regret their appearances when they have gained such power?"
"The road of evolution always demands a price. Nothing can be gained without sacrifice. And for true strength, there will always be countless who would gladly pay—even if the cost is death itself. To them, that price would be a treasure."
Gin gave a soft chuckle, tilting his head again, eyes narrowing further.
"But to become this… isn't that a little too steep? Honestly now… Aoyama-san is ugly beyond imagination. Hideous beyond belief."
On the operating table, layer after layer of Kidō spells coiled around Aoyama, forged from spiritual pressure into unbreakable chains. His body was bound tightly, unable to resist.
Gin was not wrong. Aoyama's current appearance was grotesque beyond description, the very embodiment of deformity. Even the most monstrous Hollow in Hueco Mundo would look upon him and admit defeat in sheer ugliness.
Indescribably repulsive. Just one glance was enough to churn the stomach.
Aizen fell silent, then muttered softly:
"That is why I use Kyōka Suigetsu to hypnotize even myself. Otherwise, I wouldn't wish to stay here either. Still, though the result is ugly, the experiment was a success. His limits have been shattered, and that alone is enough to satisfy me. But yes, the price… is indeed steep."
He, too, was unwilling to risk such a transformation upon himself. Though Aizen had vowed to pay any power price—even life or soul—becoming something as hideous as Aoyama was beyond even his tolerance.
Fortunately, he no longer needed to. With the Hōgyoku soon within reach, there would be no need for crude experiments. Once in his hands, it would carry him forward, step by step, into a realm of true divinity.
Thinking of that future, a rare flicker of excitement stirred in his chest. A future where he would stand atop the clouds, a new god with an infinite destiny before him.
At that moment, Aoyama's consciousness began to stir. His eyes fluttered open, and when he caught sight of Aizen and Gin standing over him, he instinctively tried to rise and reach for his Zanpakutō.
But the moment he moved, the bindings of spiritual pressure surged, unleashing currents of searing lightning through his body.
Gin narrowed his eyes, his false smile widening.
"Well, now, isn't that frightening? To awaken so soon… looks like Captain Aizen's experiment was a success. Those eyes—sharp and clear—that's the will of a Shinigami. His body hasn't been overtaken by a Hollow's instincts."
Gritting his teeth, Aoyama snarled:
"What the hell did you do to me?!"
Seeing Aizen standing there in his white coat, Aoyama's mind suddenly flashed with an absurd thought: Professor Yang, the Thunder King. The electric surges coursing through his body left him drained, his spiritual pressure suppressed to almost nothing. He could barely twitch a finger. Only his voice remained free.
Aizen smiled faintly.
"Weren't you so eager to claim the title of Kenpachi? I've given you the possibility. Within you now lies the power to challenge Zaraki Kenpachi—and defeat him. You will become the next Kenpachi."
Aoyama froze, then his face twisted in shock.
So that was it. He had been subjected to surgery, modified by Aizen himself. Hollow power had been fused into his body—perhaps even stranger things as well.
Gin's false smile lingered as he chimed in:
"Indeed. Such overwhelming power. If not for Captain Aizen's preparations, the burst of spiritual pressure you released earlier might have alerted even the Head Captain. It's that strong, you know."
"That's enough, Gin. The experiment is complete. Now we can move to the next phase of our plan. Captain Kuchiki went through great trouble to retrieve the Hōgyoku for us—we mustn't waste his efforts."
"Oh? Captain Aizen is already so impatient? Well, I suppose it's only natural. Knowing the Hōgyoku's location, yet not holding it in your hand… yes, that would leave anyone feeling unfulfilled."
"Come. Leave Kaname Tōsen to watch over things here. As the captain of the Fifth Division, I can't simply vanish forever. There are still matters I must attend to."
"Captain Aizen, ever the diligent one. Not like me—I've left everything to my lieutenant. As a captain, I'm only one in name. Following you suits me much better."
With that, Aizen and Gin departed, leaving Aoyama bound to the table.
Alone, Aoyama could finally feel the change within himself. His spiritual pressure surged violently, monstrous and vast. Compared to it, the reiatsu of an Adjuchas-level Hollow seemed like nothing more than a tiny mouse facing down a lion.
Gritting his teeth, Aoyama cursed:
"Goddammit! I was just a passerby! How the hell did I end up as some experiment?! Aizen, what the hell did you put inside me? I feel like—"
ROAR!
A thunderous beast's cry tore from his throat. His body suddenly swelled, expanding rapidly. White carapace-like matter erupted over his skin, covering him completely. In moments, Aoyama had transformed into a towering, draconic monster, standing upright like a humanoid dragon.