Chapter 294: Satoru, Hollowfication!
Upon hearing that a new captain was to be selected, many instinctively looked toward Satoru.
A hundred years ago, if one were to ask where the most talent was concentrated in the Soul Society, the answer would undoubtedly be Shin'ō Academy.
But now, if asked the same question, the answer would certainly be the Eleventh Division.
Any seated officer under Satoru's command could easily secure a captain's position.
It was said that many captains had felt pressured by this and had begun training diligently.
As a result, the overall strength of the Seireitei had increased significantly.
Under everyone's gaze, Satoru scratched his head.
"I recommend…"
He had almost instinctively said Kisuke Urahara.
After all, in the original timeline, Kisuke Urahara was the one who succeeded Kirio Hikifune as captain of the Twelfth Division.
But just as the words were about to leave his mouth, he stopped.
Would Kisuke Urahara… really want to be a captain?
Some people enjoy the privileges of being in a high position, as well as fulfilling its responsibilities.
Most normal captains in the Soul Society fall into this category.
Some enjoy the privileges but have no desire to fulfill the responsibilities.
Like Satoru, and Shunsui Kyōraku.
Then there are those who have little interest in authority and are naturally disinclined to hold high positions.
But… if they are forced to take on such responsibilities, they will set aside their personal preferences and bear the burden.
Kisuke Urahara was undoubtedly one of these.
Becoming captain of the Twelfth Division, for him, was less of a promotion and more like taking on another job.
For Kisuke Urahara, the greatest joys in life were threefold.
First, slacking off.
Second, tinkering with small research projects.
Third, making breakthroughs in his research.
Recalling all the things this guy had done after becoming captain, Satoru felt it was better not to do him such a disservice.
On a normal day, Kisuke Urahara already had more than enough work to do… who knew where all these tasks came from? Truly pitiable.
After a moment's thought, he spoke up:
"I recommend the former seventh seat of the Twelfth Division, current member of the Eleventh Division, Mayuri Kurotsuchi!"
Mayuri Kurotsuchi?
Hearing this name, the captains looked puzzled.
Since when did the Eleventh Division have such a person?
Yamamoto narrowed his eyes, thinking for a few seconds.
Then he suddenly said, "If I recall correctly, this name appeared on the list of rebels during the Tsunayashiro rebellion incident."
"Exactly."
Satoru nodded. "Mayuri Kurotsuchi once served as a technical advisor for the Tsunayashiro Clan… but not due to his alignment; it was because the Tsunayashiro Clan provided him with research funding and equipment."
"After suppressing the rebellion, I persuaded him to turn over a new leaf and become a Shinigami again."
"During his years in the Eleventh Division, Member Kurotsuchi has performed excellently, shown ideological progress, actively participated in various labor tasks, and resolutely severed ties with his past self."
"Not long ago, through relentless effort, he successfully developed an artificial life form based on artificial cells, using Gigai as fuel!"
"Currently, the artificial life form has grown to resemble a five-year-old child and continues to thrive."
"With such scientific research capabilities, I believe Member Kurotsuchi can inherit Captain Hikifune's legacy… ahem, inherit Captain Hikifune's will and become the new captain of the Twelfth Division!"
Upon hearing about the artificial life form, the captains' expressions varied.
The more progressive ones showed surprised expressions, contemplating the pros and cons.
The more conservative ones frowned, beginning to worry about the implications of this technology.
Ginrei Kuchiki looked at Satoru:
"Captain Mikami, has the member you recommended mastered Bankai?"
Hearing this, everyone nodded almost imperceptibly.
To become a captain, Bankai was essential.
Unless you could be like Satoru Mikami, who could go seven rounds with the Captain-Commander without using Bankai.
Satoru nodded: "Yes."
"Not only that, he has scientifically modified his own Bankai."
"My subordinate, Sajin Komamura, Third Seat of the Eleventh Division, also underwent his modifications and has significantly improved his Bankai's power."
Upon hearing this, the room suddenly fell silent.
Almost all captains looked at Satoru with somewhat strange expressions.
Satoru looked at them curiously, wondering why everyone had suddenly changed.
Finally, Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi couldn't hold back and spoke:
"Commander Mikami... may I ask, what seat does that Mayuri Kurotsuchi hold in the Eleventh Division?"
"No seat." Satoru shook his head. "But I don't see this as a problem. After all, judging someone's capability to be a captain should depend on their ability, not seniority."
"As a combat organization, the Gotei 13 shouldn't place too much importance on seniority..."
Everyone fell silent.
Love Aikawa swallowed hard.
He wanted to tell Satoru that nobody cared about seniority.
The reason for everyone's reaction was that his Eleventh Division was simply too terrifying.
It was one thing that all high-ranking seated officers could use Bankai and possessed captain-level strength.
But now, even an ordinary member pulled at random could master Bankai?
Just how many Bankai users were hidden in the Eleventh Division?
Had it become a mini Gotei 13?
In the crowd, Yoruichi couldn't help but laugh.
If the Eleventh Division counted all those close to Satoru - like Aizen, Suì-Fēng, Shiba Isshin... if all of them were included.
Then it probably wouldn't just be a mini Gotei 13.
Its combat power would likely surpass the actual Gotei 13 itself...
Three days later, upon Satoru's recommendation, all captains gathered to witness Mayuri Kurotsuchi's Shikai and Bankai.
After confirming his abilities, Yamamoto formally petitioned Central 46, obtaining the Captain's Haori and appointment documents for Mayuri Kurotsuchi.
Mayuri Kurotsuchi officially assumed office as captain of the Twelfth Division!
The research equipment left by Kirio Hikifune was reorganized and integrated by him, establishing a new laboratory.
Satoru thought the Technical Development Bureau would finally appear in Soul Society's history.
Unexpectedly, the sign at the entrance of Mayuri's laboratory read in large characters:
Mikami Technical Bureau · Twelfth Division Branch
Satoru: "?"
He found Mayuri and questioned the name.
Hearing this, Mayuri smiled:
"Mr. Mikami, you're mistaken."
"Besides continuing the various responsibilities previously handled by the Twelfth Division, my research institute's primary purpose is to advance the 'Sleep' project!"
"And the most important, most crucial role in the Sleep project is undoubtedly you!"
"Therefore, naming this laboratory as a branch of the Mikami Technical Bureau is perfectly reasonable."
"Of course, there's also a secondary reason..."
"I've noticed that any experimental application reports I submit get approved with remarkable efficiency as long as they contain the name 'Satoru'."
"So, allow me to continue using this name... Hehehe..."
Satoru fell into deep thought.
You really know how to play the game, Mayuri Kurotsuchi...
...
...
In the blink of an eye, winter arrived again.
As the first snow began to fall, Shinji Hirako stepped out of his room into the courtyard.
Dressed in his pajamas, his golden long hair flowing smoothly down his back, he exuded an air of languid elegance. From behind, he resembled a delicate beauty convalescing from illness.
The slightly chilly air filled his lungs, refreshing his spirits.
"What lovely weather..."
"What should I do today? Perhaps go fishing by the river?"
At this thought, a smile spread across Shinji Hirako's face.
Lately, his daily life had been quite comfortable.
For some unknown reason, his vice-captain Aizen had suddenly become exceptionally considerate and diligent.
Many tasks that previously required endless pleading and begging for assistance were now completed automatically without him having to say a word.
Even when going to the cafeteria, the young man would let him get his food first.
Sometimes when he couldn't be bothered to go to the cafeteria, he could even order Aizen to bring meals back for him!
What was this?
This was the authority and dignity of a captain!
Since promoting Aizen to vice-captain, this was the first time he had experienced such satisfaction.
For a moment, he even felt somewhat giddy with delight.
However, beneath this surface enjoyment, Shinji Hirako had secretly heightened his vigilance.
The more wicked intentions someone harbors, the more they'll initially present themselves as virtuous.
Sōsuke was clearly such a case.
He needed to keep his eyes wide open, watching the young man closely at all times to uncover his weaknesses!
With cheerful steps, he shuffled along in his slippers toward the cafeteria.
After walking a short distance, he suddenly stopped and swiftly hid behind a nearby wall.
Narrowing his eyes, Shinji Hirako peeked out cautiously.
Not far away, Aizen was walking out with his usual calm expression.
On the surface, everything seemed perfectly normal.
But... Shinji Hirako knew something was wrong!
It was breakfast time, after all!
That Sōsuke guy, infected by the Satoru virus, never missed a meal.
Going out at this hour clearly meant he was up to something strange!
Without hesitation, Hirako adjusted his collar and followed.
To avoid being recognized by Aizen, he deliberately used a secret technique he'd recently mastered—
Using Reiatsu to simulate skin texture and alter his appearance!
Then covering his hair with Reiatsu to change its color!
He'd picked up this technique one day when passing by the library, finding it discarded at the entrance.
At the time, he thought it was just nonsense scribbled on paper.
But to his surprise, when he tried it out later, it actually worked!
After quickly disguising himself, he trailed closely behind Aizen.
Just as expected, after leaving the Fifth Division, Aizen headed straight toward Rukongai.
Once they were some distance from the division, the guy even started creating Reishi footholds under his feet to avoid leaving footprints in the snow.
All these behaviors revealed his guilt!
Shinji Hirako grinned, unleashing a soundless, manic laugh.
Following Aizen, he left Seireitei and arrived in a mountainous forest.
Seeing Aizen stop, Hirako quickly hid himself and cast a bending light technique.
Under his watchful gaze, Aizen stood there silently.
Waiting for someone?
Hirako frowned slightly.
Just as he was wondering what nonsense Sōsuke was up to, Aizen suddenly spoke:
"You've worked hard, following me all this way."
"?"
Hirako was stunned.
For a moment, his hair stood on end.
But then, Aizen continued:
"I noticed long ago that you remnants of the rebels have been waiting for a chance to take revenge on Captain Satoru."
"Unfortunately, you've chosen the wrong target."
"Today, I will make you regret your actions!"
As he spoke, he swiftly drew his Zanpakutō.
Hirako was baffled.
Remnants of the rebels... where?
He hadn't noticed anyone else following along the way.
Wait... the direction Sōsuke was charging toward—wasn't that right at him?
Hirako sensed something was wrong.
He hurriedly tried to stand up and explain the misunderstanding.
Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through the back of his head.
Before losing consciousness, he turned his head and saw Satoru holding a stick, wearing an excited grin.
"Big bro! It's done. Should we finish him off here?"
"No, I only have one of the new drugs developed by Mayuri Kurotsuchi. Perfect for testing it on him..."
Hirako struggled desperately for a moment before falling still.
...
...
After an unknown amount of time, Hirako gradually regained consciousness.
After a few seconds of grogginess, he sat up abruptly.
"Is my head still attached?"
He touched his head—thankfully, it was still there.
Just a bump on the back.
Recalling what happened before he blacked out, he couldn't help but feel furious.
Sōsuke and Satoru—those bastards actually dared to attack him!
Wait... something wasn't right.
Before he came, he had used a disguise technique to change his appearance.
So, the ones they attacked weren't actually him, but the imagined "remnants of the rebels"?
Fortunately, the drug developed by Mayuri Kurotsuchi they fed him at the end must have malfunctioned, failing to take his life.
I need to hurry back and change clothes first.
Lying in the snow for so long has left me soaked and freezing, feeling absolutely miserable.
"Achoo!!"
Just as he thought this, Shinji Hirako couldn't help but sneeze.
When he sneezed, he was suddenly surprised to see several strands of golden hair floating before his eyes.
The drifting hair looked quite beautiful.
The problem was... wasn't this all his own hair?
He reached up and touched his head.
Large clumps of hair came falling down in cascades.
His feet were immediately surrounded by long golden hair, covering the ground.
"???"
Shinji Hirako's eyes widened in shock.
He quickly created a mirror using Kidō and leaned his head forward to look.
Seeing his reflection, he gasped sharply.
The once long-haired, dashingly handsome man now sported a completely bald head!
His scalp was smooth and round - not a single strand of hair remained, not even stubble!
"Satoru!!! Sōsuke Aizen!!!!"
Shinji Hirako's furious roar echoed through the sky.
Driven by extreme rage, he tore through the sky and soon returned to the Fifth Division.
After searching around, he found Aizen and Satoru in the cafeteria, eating his meal.
"You two bastards!!"
Shinji Hirako rushed over and slammed the table with a loud smack.
"You two... how dare you do this to me!"
"My beautiful long hair! How could you commit such cruelty!"
"We have no grievances between us, why would you do this!!"
Aizen set down his chopsticks, carefully chewed his food, swallowed, then looked at Shinji Hirako.
"Captain, what strange things are you suddenly saying?"
"Satoru and I only went to clean up some remaining rebels today, then came back to eat. When did we do anything to you?"
Satoru also looked over with confusion.
"Shinji, are you still groggy from sleep?"
"Don't blame your brother for not warning you - poor sleep quality can affect hair quality!"
"Oh my, look at you - one bad night's sleep and your hair has ended up like this!"
Seeing Shinji Hirako's bald head, Satoru's eyes lit up.
He stood up and circled around Shinji Hirako, examining him.
Then, he couldn't help but break into a smile.
Enraged, Shinji Hirako prepared to fight Satoru to the death.
Just then, Aizen's voice suddenly reached his ears:
"Captain has been paying quite a lot of attention to me recently."
"Let me guess... could it be orders from above?"
"The problem is, those people upstairs shouldn't normally care about a minor character like me..."
"Then, let me venture a guess - did the captain voluntarily report something about me?"
Shinji Hirako: "..."
His pupils trembled slightly as he looked at Aizen sitting quietly there.
Aizen picked up his tea and took a gentle sip.
Then, he revealed a cold gaze.
"From now on, when the captain wants to do strange things, you should pay close attention to your safety."
"This time it was just hair - next time, who knows what it might be."
Having said this, he stood up and left.
Shinji Hirako's blood pressure skyrocketed.
Those two bastards!!
...
...
Mayuri Kurotsuchi was in a good mood.
When Kirio Hikifune was promoted to the Zero Division, he had thought Satoru would recommend Kisuke Urahara to succeed as captain of the Twelfth Division.
Unexpectedly, the final recommendation was for himself.
That guy really cares more about me after all.
Additionally, there was another matter that pleased him greatly.
Not long ago, when Satoru went to the Soul King Palace, Aizen had taken several of them to Hueco Mundo.
During that journey to Hueco Mundo, Aizen revealed many secrets to them.
Hearing about the various things Aizen and Satoru had done over the years, Mayuri Kurotsuchi was deeply shocked.
He had always been able to sense that these two were secretly plotting something major.
But he thought it was only at the planning stage.
He never expected that they had already begun taking action long ago, and had achieved such an extent!
The entire Hueco Mundo had completely fallen into Satoru's hands!
Arrancar Transformation, the Three Great Generals, the Privaron Espada, countless humanoid Menos Grande in Las Noches...
One shocking revelation after another nearly caused his brain to short-circuit.
After the initial shock subsided, overwhelming ecstasy took its place.
His dormant plan urgently required a batch of Hollows as experimental subjects.
He had been slightly troubled about where to find so many high-quality Menos Grande.
And just like that, a pillow appeared when he was drowsy!
Although he didn't get along well with Aizen, the moment Aizen finished his opening remarks, he was the first to pledge allegiance to Satoru without hesitation.
That day, after finishing his division duties, he buried himself in the laboratory.
After isolating external Reiatsu perception, he opened a Garganta and arrived in Hueco Mundo.
Though he hadn't been in his position for long, his terrifying aura had already shaken the entire Twelfth Division.
When Mayuri Kurotsuchi was in the laboratory, absolutely no one dared to disturb him.
During this time, he could indulge freely in Hueco Mundo.
Entering Las Noches, he narrowed his eyes and surveyed the busy Arrancars around him.
Since Aizen had already granted people like him official status, the lower-ranked Arrancars bowed respectfully upon seeing him.
What a peculiar feeling.
A group of Hollows, bowing respectfully to him.
Pfft.
Hehehe.
Walking through the towering corridors of Las Noches, Mayuri Kurotsuchi suddenly recalled something even more delightful.
Come to think of it... Kisuke Urahara wasn't among the people Aizen brought that day.
Despite following Satoru for so long, he wasn't chosen at the critical moment.
What did that mean? It meant that sneaky, cowardly fool wasn't trusted at all!
Being acknowledged by Aizen was equivalent to being acknowledged by Lord Satoru.
He had already won by a landslide, an overwhelming victory.
With the resources of Las Noches supporting him, his research would become increasingly advanced and glorious.
When he eventually achieved fame and success, looking back would reveal Kisuke Urahara as nothing but an insignificant pebble on his path to triumph.
At this thought, Mayuri Kurotsuchi couldn't help but grin widely and burst into laughter.
He grabbed a random Arrancar and ordered it to lead him to the Las Noches laboratory.
With Aizen currently absent from Hueco Mundo, he was the boss of the lab now!
In high spirits, Mayuri Kurotsuchi pushed the laboratory door open forcefully.
There, he saw Kisuke Urahara squatting beside an instrument, shoveling boxed lunch into his mouth.
Mayuri Kurotsuchi: "...?"
Hearing the door open, Kisuke Urahara looked up.
"Oh my! Mr. Kurotsuchi... What brings you here?"
He stood up, wearing a friendly smile.
"Let me guess... Lord Satoru has been dealing with the Soul King Palace lately, so he probably hasn't had time to coax you into coming to Hueco Mundo."
"In that case, it must be Mr. Aizen's doing."
"Him recruiting people behind Lord Satoru's back suggests he believes Lord Satoru needs assistance..."
"Ah, I understand. He's worried Lord Satoru might face difficulties in the Soul King Palace, so he's gathering all members of the Satoru Group to prepare for a potential uprising if needed?"
"I wonder who was selected in the first wave..."
"Mr. Kurotsuchi, it's wonderful that you're in the first group! There are so many things I've been wanting to discuss with you!"
Saying this, he put down his boxed lunch, amiably took Mayuri Kurotsuchi's hand, and started pulling him toward the instrument.
Mayuri Kurotsuchi stared at his captured hand with a look of utter disgust.
He yanked his hand back violently.
"Satoru... you bastard, you knew all this from the start? Mr. Satoru had already recruited you?"
Urahara blinked in surprise, then scratched his head with a laugh. "Not that early... just a few months before you."
A! Few! Months!
Kurotsuchi tilted his head back to stare at the ceiling, teeth grinding audibly, fingers twitching erratically.
This was already a dimensional gap!!
For a moment, all the joy of being among the first selected, the triumph over Urahara, completely vanished.
He'd been beaten by this bastard again!
He took several deep breaths, trying to calm his nearly shattered composure.
Suddenly, he remembered something and whipped his head around to face Urahara, baring his teeth in a grin.
"Urahara... I've inherited Captain Hikifune's vacant position in the Twelfth Division."
"Mr. Satoru was the one who recommended me."
"I heard that during the captain's meeting, he didn't even mention your name - just directly proposed mine!"
Kurotsuchi's smile showed all his white teeth, combined with the strange paint on his face, creating a rather distorted expression.
Under his expectant gaze, Urahara first looked surprised.
Then he revealed a touched, moved, and happy smile.
"Is that so."
"Mr. Satoru... ah, compared to back then, he's become much gentler."
"Never mind, I was planning to take it easy this month, but since Mr. Satoru has gone this far, I should repay him somehow."
"I'll just put in a little more effort!"
He turned to face Kurotsuchi with a smile.
"Perfect timing, Mr. Kurotsuchi, since you're here, help me take a look at... Mr. Kurotsuchi?!"
Under Urahara's astonished gaze, Kurotsuchi stiffly collapsed to the ground.
The laboratory immediately descended into chaos.
...
...
Treading on the thin layer of snow, Suì-Fēng walked along the stone path of the Eleventh Division barracks toward Satoru's study.
Compared to when she first met Satoru, she had grown taller.
Her previously medium-length hairstyle had been trimmed into a neat short cut.
Two longer strands were left out, braided into ring-bell snake braids.
Her once childish face now carried a cool, detached demeanor.
Even the aircraft carrier-level flat chest from before had developed quite a curve now.
As a certain scoundrel put it - just the right size.
As Satoru's exclusive bodyguard and intelligence investigator, her visit today wasn't for any serious reason.
The simple purpose of her special trip was this:
A certain scoundrel insisted that the injuries he previously sustained in the Zero Division hadn't fully healed, and required massage therapy for complete recovery.
As someone who had been stepping on this scoundrel's back for years and knew every muscle in his body, Suì-Fēng was naturally entrusted with this important task.
Looking at the study ahead, Suì-Fēng sighed.
Why had she agreed to become this guy's bodyguard back then?
If this continued, she'd get infected too and become another good-for-nothing idiot.
With these thoughts, she continued walking.
Suddenly, Suì-Fēng stopped and looked to the side.
There, a figure was hiding behind a pillar, looking in her direction.
Golden-orange wavy hair, a delicate face still carrying traces of childishness, and... certain assets that, despite being younger than her, far surpassed her own in scale.
"Sixth Seat Matsumoto... is there something you need?"
Suì-Fēng stopped and spoke calmly.
Realizing she'd been discovered, Rangiku stepped out, looking somewhat wary as she regarded Suì-Fēng.
"Senior Suì-Fēng, what are you going to do?"
Suì-Fēng looked at her calmly. "I'm going to report to Lord Satoru."
"Is it just to report work?"
"..."
Suì-Fēng slightly furrowed her brows, unsure what the girl in front of her meant.
Seeing Suì-Fēng not answering, Rangiku took a deep breath, as if having made some resolution, and spoke:
"Senior Suì-Fēng, do you like Satoru?"
"?"
Suì-Fēng's blood pressure rose slightly.
Her, liking Satoru?
What a joke.
She decisively shook her head. "No."
"Really?"
"Really."
"...Then, since you don't like Satoru, why did you do that kind of thing with him last time?"
"!!"
Suì-Fēng's pupils contracted.
Damn, was she seen?
Yesterday, that scumbag lord insisted on her helping him with some lewd matters.
Although she was unwilling, after all these years, she had gotten used to it and spent some effort helping him resolve it.
At the time, she was certain no one was around, so how could she have been seen?
Could it be... this little girl's strength has already surpassed hers?
It was hard to believe, but not impossible.
After all, she had seen up close just how absurd Satoru's Eleventh Division was.
Kenpachi Zaraki, Kaname Tōsen, Ichimaru Gin...
Ordinary people from Rukongai, under Satoru's command, had all become monsters renowned throughout the realms.
Although this little girl didn't seem to radiate the same overwhelming pressure as those monsters, since she was personally brought back by that scumbag lord, she probably had some special qualities.
She raised her hand to her forehead.
"Sixth Seat Matsumoto, there are very complicated reasons for this..."
"First of all, I'm different from you all. Although you are scumbags... ahem, although you are Lord Satoru's subordinates, there's actually not much difference in status between us."
"I am different. I am from the Bee Family, a servant lineage of the Shihōin Clan. I have been a servant of the Shihōin Clan since birth."
"Lady Yoruichi and Lord Satoru are bound to be together eventually, so as Lady Yoruichi's servant, I will naturally become Lord Satoru's servant as well."
"As a servant, I must never disobey my master's orders. Therefore, no matter what Lord Satoru asks of me, I must carry it out."
Rangiku pursed her lips.
"Including... that kind of thing?"
"...Including that kind of thing."
Rangiku's eyes showed a hint of dejection.
Seeing her expression, Suì-Fēng sighed.
Although Lord Scumbag was indeed a scumbag, he was undeniably outstanding in every aspect.
It was perfectly normal for a young girl like Matsumoto Rangiku to be captivated by his charm and develop feelings for him.
She turned around, preparing to continue with her own tasks.
But just as she was about to step away, Rangiku reached out and grabbed the hem of her clothes.
Suì-Feng turned back in confusion and saw the girl wearing a serious expression.
"Senior Suì-Fēng, I want to do what you do too!"
"Please take me with you and teach me!"
"???"
Suì-Fēng nearly lost her composure.
She took a deep breath to calm herself.
Then she advised:
"Sixth Seat Matsumoto, please don't act impulsively."
"If you truly like Lord Satoru, you should properly confess your feelings and pursue him, rather than using your body as capital like this."
"Even if you gain his affection temporarily this way, how could it last in the long run?"
Rangiku said earnestly, "I've made up my mind."
"...Is that so."
Suì-Fēng sighed inwardly and led the girl into Satoru's room.
Satoru was lying on the bed, playing LSP2.
On the screen, he controlled a longsword wielder, dancing around the Zinogre with fluid movements.
Despite his natural physical prowess and honed reflexes, without prior knowledge of the monster's patterns, Satoru found himself struggling against this beast that randomly unleashed red lightning.
"Suì-Fēng? Sorry, give me a moment. I have important work to handle here."
Wearing headphones and frantically rotating the control stick, Satoru casually spouted nonsense.
Suì-Fēng ignored him and simply glanced coolly at Matsumoto Rangiku.
She casually removed her own upper garment and approached Matsumoto Rangiku, intending to help her undress as well.
Witnessing Suì-Fēng's actions, Rangiku's eyes widened in shock.
"Wait, wait, wait! Senior Suì-Fēng, what are you doing?!"
She took two steps back in panic and asked.
Suì-Fēng looked puzzled: "Didn't you say you wanted to serve Lord Satoru? Naturally, we need to remove our clothing."
Rangiku exclaimed in surprise: "Why would we need to take off clothes for a back massage with feet?"
"?"
"?"
After a brief moment of stunned silence, Suì-Fēng couldn't help but grit her teeth:
"The 'that kind of thing' you mentioned was a foot massage?!"
Rangiku's eyes also widened:
"You two actually did that kind of thing?!"
Suì-Fēng raised a hand to cover her face.
What have I done... This is truly utterly embarrassing.
Hearing the commotion, Satoru turned around curiously.
He saw Suì-Fēng and Rangiku standing together.
Suì-Fēng was fully dressed, her expression cold and composed as always.
"Rangiku? What brings you here?"
Watching the female hunter being carted away by the Felynes on screen, Satoru mourned for a second before asking.
"I..."
"Sixth Seat Matsumoto, I'd like to learn how to give you a back walk."
Suì-Fēng quickly picked up Rangiku's words.
Hearing this, Satoru's face lit up with joy.
"Such good fortune? Excellent, excellent!"
"Both lady benefactors, please wait a moment while I find a comfortable position to lie down!"
Suì-Feng glanced at Rangiku, then removed her straw sandals and stepped onto Satoru's back wearing her white tabi socks.
Rangiku followed suit, copying her movements.
She watched Suì-Feng intently.
The thought that these two had been playing such intimate games behind the scenes left the young woman with a sour feeling in her heart.
Meanwhile, Suì-Feng was thinking about something else entirely.
Earlier, when she heard Matsumoto Rangiku wanted to offer herself to Satoru, she had felt inexplicably uncomfortable.
It was like something was blocking her heart, making her feel unwell.
But when she learned Matsumoto Rangiku only wanted to help with Satoru's back walking, that unpleasant feeling suddenly vanished.
Why... had her mood changed like this?
Her first thought was that this feeling wasn't really about her - she was just concerned on Lady Yoruichi's behalf.
But soon she realized this wasn't the case.
If she were truly worried about Satoru being unfaithful to Lady Yoruichi, she should have stopped him when he did strange things to her, and when he did strange things to Bambietta.
Why did she only feel this way when facing Matsumoto Rangiku?
After eliminating all impossible reasons one by one, Suì-Feng gradually discovered.
The reason she rejected Matsumoto Rangiku was actually because this girl shared the same "subordinate" attribute as herself.
Realizing this, Suì-Feng momentarily questioned her understanding of life.
She turned her head to look at Rangiku, who was standing on Satoru's thighs, carefully helping to massage his legs.
After a few seconds of silence, she began adjusting the pressure under her feet.
What used to be casual back walking where she'd just walk around a few times to appease Satoru was now, for the first time, being taken seriously...
...
...
As winter grew colder, the snow in Seireitei fell thicker with each passing storm.
In the First Division barracks, under the corridor eaves, Yamamoto knelt on the wooden hallway floor, quietly appreciating the falling snow in the courtyard.
Satoru crouched nearby, holding Ryūjin Jakka as he brewed tea.
"Come, come, teacher, try this!"
Pouring a cup from the teapot, Satoru cheerfully ran to Yamamoto's side.
Accepting the tea, Yamamoto took a small sip.
He then nodded, showing a satisfied expression.
Although this foolish disciple's tea brewing skills with charcoal fire never improved, for some reason, every time he used Ryūjin Jakka to brew tea, the results were quite good.
Despite previous unfortunate incidents, for the sake of good tea, Yamamoto still permitted the boy to temporarily borrow Ryūjin Jakka each time he visited.
Watching Satoru crouching beside him with a relaxed smile, Yamamoto felt somewhat emotional.
This boy had gone alone (?) to the Soul King Palace, provoked Hyōsube Ichibe'e into action, fought until heaven and earth went dark, and was finally struck down from the high heavens with a single slap.
For anyone else, going through such an experience would either shatter their spiritual foundation or at least leave some psychological trauma.
So why did his foolish disciple act as if nothing had happened?
Setting down his teacup, he couldn't help but ask:
"Boy, isn't there anything you're afraid of?"
Hearing this, Satoru, who had been leaning close to Ryūjin Jakka while muttering something, turned to look at him.
"Things I'm afraid of? Of course there are."
"The teacher's fist, squad duties, unpalatable lunches..."
"Fool, that's not the shallow nonsense I'm asking about."
Yamamoto interrupted him with visible irritation.
"Boy, remember this—those who appear most fearless in daily life, when confronted with their deepest fears, will often experience greater turmoil than ordinary people."
"In this world, no one is without fear. I am no exception, and neither are you."
"Find your fear, contemplate how to overcome it, rather than burying it in the back of your mind."
"Continuously doing this will make you stronger and more resilient."
"...I'm teaching you something, and you dare space out?!"
Satoru jolted back to attention.
He quickly waved his hands: "No, no, I wasn't spacing out! I'm listening carefully!"
"You'd better be!"
Yamamoto glared, his beard bristling as he scolded a few more words.
Gripping Ryūjin Jakka, Satoru fell into deep thought.
This journey to the Soul King Palace had indeed revealed something he feared.
It wasn't the Monk.
Though Chad possessed formidable strength and an unpredictable nature, intuition told him this burly monk wasn't what he should truly fear.
What genuinely terrified him was Yhwach, still dormant in his slumber.
Before crossing over, Satoru hadn't finished reading the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, only getting through the beginning.
But as a frequent internet user, he'd inevitably come across scattered pieces of information.
If he remembered correctly, online intelligence claimed Yhwach had defeated all Shinigami, including every member of the Soul King Palace.
If that were true, the pressure was truly mounting.
The Monk's power exceeded anything Satoru could imagine.
Even before releasing his Zanpakutō, he possessed the absurd ability to "cut names, not flesh."
After activating his Shikai, he could directly sever the complete names of all things.
For example, if the Monk strikes an enemy's Zanpakutō with his Ichimonji, he can erase the Zanpakutō's name.
A Zanpakutō that loses its name cannot be released, cannot use special abilities, and directly becomes an ordinary sword.
If it strikes a person's body, it can even erase the person's name.
After losing their name, they lose all their power.
For instance, if the name Satoru is erased, then all the abilities he has mastered—Triple Impact, Quadruple Impact, swordsmanship, Kidō... all of it would be gone.
With such a terrifying ability, the Monk, in Satoru's view, is nearly invincible.
So the question arises.
What method did Yhwach use to defeat the great Monk?
Satoru felt that even if he detached from reality and relied purely on imagination, he couldn't figure out how it was done.
How could someone with such an unbelievable ability as Yhwach be defeated?
Could it be that only a true protagonist like Ichigo Kurosaki could win?
Satoru pursed his lips.
If it really came to that, it would be too late...
...
...
After eating a sweet potato roasted by Ryūjin Jakka, Satoru patted his belly and contentedly left the First Division, heading toward the Fifth Division.
Since the baldness incident last time, Shinji Hirako had been unusually well-behaved.
He did consider reporting to Yamamoto that two bastards had attacked him and made him go bald.
But... there was no evidence.
Since he had altered his appearance with a disguise Kidō, even if he got beaten up, it would be considered an accident.
Looking back now, he wondered if finding that book on disguise Kidō was also deliberately orchestrated by that kid Sōsuke?
Considering this possibility, Hirako couldn't help but feel shocked.
After pondering it carefully, he decided he was probably overthinking it and scaring himself.
No matter how monstrous Sōsuke might be, he was just a kid who had graduated less than a hundred years ago—how could he possibly plan things to this extent?
With this self-reassurance, Hirako gradually returned to his daily routine.
Seeing Satoru, the members of the Fifth Division habitually greeted him.
Just as the Eleventh Division members were used to Aizen, they had long grown accustomed to this Eleventh Division captain.
Some female members even proactively led Satoru to Aizen.
Noticing Satoru entering the room, Aizen nodded.
"You're here? Find a seat anywhere. I still have some calculations to finish."
After casually greeting him, he continued writing and sketching with his pen.
A few seconds later, Aizen suddenly looked up at Satoru.
Observing the silent figure sitting there, he thought for a moment.
Then, putting down his pen, he said:
"What's wrong?"
Satoru looked at him curiously. "Why do you ask?"
He had just sat down somewhere as usual, waiting.
He hadn't done anything strange.
Aizen said calmly, "If it were the usual you, seeing these drafts on my desk, you'd definitely be curious and take a look, maybe even sneak a peek."
"Today, you're too well-behaved, which isn't like your usual self."
"Go on, what's the matter?"
Watching Aizen confidently analyze the situation, Satoru suddenly felt a strong sense of identification with Dr. Watson.
Did that guy occasionally feel the same way he did now when facing Holmes?
Under Aizen's gaze, he raised his hand and pointed at his own face.
"Sōsuke, I want to learn Hollowfication."
"?"
Aizen furrowed his brow. "Why bring this up so suddenly?"
Satoru began, "Our experiments have been consistently successful. We've conducted the Arrancar Transformation experiments on Hollows hundreds of times—it's a thoroughly mature technology now."
"As for Shinigami Hollowfication experiments, while we haven't done many, we've already achieved several successful cases."
"I believe it's safe to use me as a test subject now."
Aizen shook his head. "We can't say that. Although we've had some successes with Hollowfication, they were all achieved under very specific conditions."
"The potential reactions after Hollowfication, whether there might be side effects over time—none of these have been sufficiently verified."
"From ancient times to the present, there are no relevant records... No amount of caution would be excessive."
Satoru raised his hand, stopping him from continuing.
"Sōsuke, though I don't know the reason, Hollowfication must be useful. I need this power."
Satoru had made up his mind.
If there must be a "Ichigo Kurosaki" to defeat Yhwach, then he would become this "Ichigo Kurosaki."
While doing nothing and waiting for history to naturally unfold, allowing an Ichigo Kurosaki to emerge, wouldn't be a bad option, he couldn't accept leaving his fate in someone else's hands.
Who could guarantee that with his butterfly effect, Ichigo Kurosaki could still accomplish what he did in the original story?
Even if Ichigo could actually do it, in the original work, didn't he still fail to save Yamamoto?
Who would entrust their fate to such an unreliable guy!
Just a mere protagonist—wasn't he, Satoru, also a protagonist in his own right?
If Ichigo Kurosaki could use Bankai, then he would go learn Bankai.
If Ichigo Kurosaki could use Hollowfication, then he would undergo the Hollowfication procedure!
What else?
Fullbring?
No problem—after the Hollowfication procedure, he would go to the human world, find the Fullbring group, and learn from them!
No matter what method Yhwach used to defeat Yamamoto, or what means Ichigo Kurosaki employed to defeat Yhwach... as long as he became stronger, he wouldn't lose to them!
Hollowfication, Shunkō, fourfold... no, fivefold, even more layers of power!
Stacking all these powers together, achieving exponential growth—someday, he would definitely...
Slap!
Just as Satoru felt himself burning with determination, a hand suddenly rested on his shoulder.
He blinked in surprise, looking at Aizen before him.
The young man with glasses and brown layered hair gazed at him calmly.
"Sorry, Satoru. I've been so focused on research that I neglected your state."
"Did this trip to the Soul King Palace make you feel pressured?"
"Never mind, no need to explain."
"Whatever you've encountered, whatever you've foreseen—you can tell me."
"I'll figure out a solution for you."
"No matter what stands in our way, as long as we join forces, we'll sweep it all away!"
Seeing the determination in Aizen's eyes, Satoru blinked.
A few seconds later, he grinned.
"You're right..."
"Thanks, Sōsuke!"
"Hmph, unnecessary gratitude."
Under Aizen's watchful gaze, Satoru sat back down.
He told Aizen about his "premonition" regarding Yhwach.
After listening to Satoru's words, Aizen showed a thoughtful expression.
A few minutes later, he spoke:
"Regarding the power of Shinigami, although I haven't fully grasped its limits, I believe I'm not far from it."
"At this level, simple comparisons of strength have little meaning."
"In my view, the pinnacle of Shinigami power is Yamamoto Shigekuni."
"If in the future you foresee, Yhwach truly kills Yamamoto, I have reason to suspect that the ability he uses is related to some kind of rule."
"Yamamoto Shigekuni lost because he was defeated by an unknown rule, not by power itself."
"In fact, even among ordinary Shinigami, this situation is not uncommon."
"For example, at the same level, those unaware of my Kyōka Suigetsu ability have an extremely high chance of dying by my sword."
"Those unfamiliar with Lisheng Jimie's ability are also likely to perish on the spot due to a single instinctive defense."
"If we think from this perspective, we can temporarily avoid excessive fear of Yhwach's existence."
"As for your battle with the leader of the Zero Division, I didn't witness it personally, so I can't be certain."
"But from your description, his greatest ability also focuses on rules."
"When it came to pure physical combat, you weren't completely suppressed by him, and even had the ability to counterattack, weren't you?"
Hearing Aizen's words, Satoru nodded thoughtfully.
Indeed... not to mention the Thousand-Year Blood War, just considering the major battles Yamamoto experienced in the anime, wasn't each one where someone found his weakness and forcibly restrained him?
Who could claim Yamamoto was weaker than those antagonist bosses because of these?
His eyes lit up:
"Sōsuke, you make a good point!"
Seeing Satoru quickly regain his confidence, Aizen curled the corners of his mouth.
He continued:
"Of course, the desire to improve your strength isn't wrong in itself."
"To test Yhwach's abilities and prevent Yamamoto Shigekuni from being ambushed by him, the best method is to proactively probe his true capabilities, thus preventing him from achieving the 'first encounter kill' effect."
After working with Satoru on several games, Aizen could now casually use these gaming industry terms.
"But Hollowfication is still too risky."
"Let me think... Before performing the Hollowfication procedure on you, it would be best to find a few more test subjects."
"Hmm, Shinji Hirako would be quite suitable."
"I'll go to Rukongai to set things up, create some chaos to attract Seireitei's attention, then guide Yamamoto to dispatch Shinji Hirako... preferably along with a few other captains to investigate the situation."
"When the time comes, we'll use them as experimental materials to finally confirm the reliability of the Hollowfication experiment..."
Before he could finish, Satoru waved his hand to interrupt him.
"No need for that, Sōsuke."
"Seireitei needs every ounce of power willing to fight for it."
"Although that old scoundrel Hirako is despicable and shameless, guilty of numerous crimes, his abilities are still useful for protecting the Soul Society."
"Trust me, just as I trust you."
"I will succeed."
"Mere Hollowfication is just a small obstacle. If I can't even overcome this hurdle, how can I talk about changing this world?"
Seeing Satoru's determined expression, Aizen raised a hand to his forehead.
"You're truly impossible."
...
...
Las Noches, atop the dome.
Normally, no Hollow would specifically come up to this dome.
But today was exceptionally lively.
Under the pale moonlight, Satoru stood in the center, stretching and doing various warm-up exercises.
Aizen stood before a machine that had been temporarily brought up, quickly inputting various data.
Several people gathered around him.
"Vice-Captain Aizen, I absolutely disagree with conducting such experiments on Lord Satoru!" Kaname Tōsen spoke gravely.
"If Hollowfication experiments must be done, please verify them on me first! Only after confirming there are no issues should they be used on Lord Satoru!"
Nearby, Ichimaru Gin remained silent, but dangerous light flashed in his eyes.
If this was Aizen exploiting Satoru's feelings to forcibly make him undergo experiments, he wouldn't mind piercing this man's body with his Shinsō!
Under everyone's angry gazes, Aizen stopped his work and looked at them with an ambiguous smile.
"Those unskilled in thinking often seek existences that can compensate for themselves - this could be considered a form of wisdom."
"But if they take pride in this, not only abandoning thought but also making it their standard for action, then what awaits them will certainly not be a pleasant outcome."
With these words, before anyone could react, he had already taken a box from the machine and walked toward Satoru.
Arriving before Satoru, he shed his casual demeanor and revealed a serious expression.
"Satoru, are you ready?"
"Don't worry, I've been ready for a long time!"
Satoru grinned, giving him a thumbs up.
Aizen nodded.
He took out a crystalline gem from the box.
Just seeing the light shimmering on the gem evoked a desire to throw oneself into it, to pour one's very soul inside.
Kisuke Urahara stood not far away, holding a file folder and rapidly taking notes.
Aizen instructed:
"Satoru, after entering Hollowfication state, you will enter the mindscape."
"There, you will meet the Hollow created by the Hōgyoku."
"That Hollow is generated based on your negative emotions and dark memories."
"The stronger a person's negative emotions, the more powerful the Hollow created by the Hōgyoku will be."
"I believe the Hollow within you won't be too strong... but you must remember, no matter what the Hollow says or does, you must hold onto your beliefs, remember why you went to meet it."
"When you defeat it, you will have successfully mastered the power of Hollowfication."
"If you cannot defeat it... you should know the outcome."
Satoru nodded: "Of course."
"The outcome is that Sōsuke Aizen will lose his lifelong best friend, forced to cut down this dear friend with despair in his heart..."
"A boring conjecture. I would simply eliminate you without a second thought, then use your corpse as experimental material."
"Yeah, yeah, right, exactly."
Satoru laughed heartily.
Aizen felt his blood pressure rising.
"Alright, go now."
He pressed the Hōgyoku firmly against Satoru's head.
The latter swayed and sat down on the spot.
Ichimaru Gin and the others intended to intervene, but were simultaneously blocked by Starkk, Tier Harribel, Ulquiorra, and their companions.
After eliminating Satoru, Aizen swiftly retreated.
At the same time, he loudly declared:
"Prepare for battle!"
"The process of suppressing the Hollow takes place entirely within the inner world... The physical body left in the external world will fully enter a state of Hollowfication, launching indiscriminate attacks on everything around!"
"Until Yū successfully masters this power, everyone must take turns fighting him to drain his energy and prevent him from descending into complete madness!"
Upon hearing this, everyone was startled.
Although Tōsen and the others still harbored discontent, Satoru's current situation took precedence.
Everyone gripped their Zanpakutō tightly, their eyes fixed intently on Satoru's location.
Satoru sat quietly, head bowed as if asleep.
After more than ten seconds passed, confusion grew among the crowd, uncertain of how to proceed.
Komamura frowned, unable to resist glancing toward Aizen for guidance.
Just then, Satoru—who had been seated on the ground—jerked his head upward like a marionette pulled by its strings.
A ghastly white mask had materialized over his entire face unnoticed.
Within his pitch-black eyes, golden vertical pupils spun wildly.
The mouth formed by two rows of white teeth split into a maniacal grin.
"Heh—"
"Gahahahaha!!!"
Satoru vanished instantly, reappearing before Komamura with speed that seemed capable of tearing space itself apart.
A bone-covered arm shaped into a sharp claw swung violently toward Komamura Sajin!
Terrifying force instantly surged into Komamura's body.
Without even time to scream, the large man was sent flying backward, trailing a series of explosive white shockwaves as he vanished beyond the distant horizon!
"Hey now, you've got to be kidding me!"
Shiba Isshin's eyes widened in disbelief.
Though he had long known Satoru was powerful, he never imagined it would reach such an insane degree.
That was Komamura Sajin... a master who had achieved Bankai!
And he was sent flying to the ends of the earth in a single encounter?
"Isshin!"
During his moment of stunned hesitation, Kaname Tōsen suddenly roared.
Shiba Isshin finally noticed that Satoru—who had just been confronting Komamura—was now charging toward him!
"Burn, Engets—"
No, too late!!
He attempted to release his Zanpakutō at maximum speed, but Satoru was already upon him.
What kind of absurd velocity is this?!
Under Isshin's contorted gaze, Satoru cackled maniacally and brought his claw down—
BAM!!!
Ulquiorra and Starkk finally caught up.
A Reishi spear and a Reishi sword crossed defensively before Shiba Isshin.
The two self-made Arrancar Vasto Lordes had simultaneously intervened, protecting him at the critical moment!
The instant they blocked Satoru's attack, both displayed expressions of shock.
Impossible to hold!
"Fall back!"
Starkk bellowed.
Shiba Isshin immediately dodged sideways without hesitation.
"Burn, Engetsuchi!!"
He released his Zanpakutō, executing a vertical slash downward toward Satoru.
Ulquiorra and Starkk simultaneously released their weapons from blocking Satoru, redirecting their attacks toward him.
Facing the combined assault of three powerful opponents, Satoru made no attempt to evade.
The next second, under the gaze of the three men who were utterly shocked by Komamura, two additional arms suddenly sprouted from his shoulders with a snap.
Four arms simultaneously threw punches—
Double Force × 4!
BOOM!!!!
A massive explosion erupted above the dome!