Shin was treating Yamamoto with Reverse Cursed Technique, while the surrounding Shinigami looked solemn, their eyes filled with worry.
Aizen had struck quite ruthlessly. If the blow had been slightly more towards the heart, Yamamoto would have been dead for sure.
After a long while, Shin let out a light breath, finally having completed the bulk of the treatment.
Yamamoto's injuries were too severe, taking up a lot of Shin's effort. Although he had Senzu Beans, one of which could solve the problem, he couldn't take it out and use it under everyone's watchful eyes, lest it cause unnecessary trouble.
Next, Unohana continued with the follow-up treatment.
Finally, after the tireless efforts of both, Yamamoto regained consciousness and slowly woke up.
"Sensei, you're awake?" Jushiro showed a look of surprise and asked with concern.
Yamamoto looked at everyone, then scanned his surroundings, finally confirming that he was not dead.
"Captain Unohana, how is he doing?" Seeing Yamamoto in a daze, Shunsui asked Unohana.
Unohana said, "Captain-Commander's external injuries have been healed, but his internal injuries will require a period of rest and recuperation."
Yamamoto asked Jushiro next to him, "Captain Ukitake, tell me what happened."
So, Jushiro briefly explained the situation that had just occurred.
Yamamoto fell silent after listening.
He had lost.
Although Aizen didn't kill him, he made him return before everyone in a state of utter defeat.
The myth of his invincibility was shattered, which had an extremely negative impact on the morale of the entire Soul Society.
Fortunately, Tokinada was captured alive, and Kūgo was killed.
Yamamoto struggled to get up. Jushiro reached out to help him, but Yamamoto stopped him.
"I'm fine."
Yamamoto sat up and said, "Each division is to return to their respective posts. The search for Azashiro must continue. Tomorrow, a captain's meeting will be held to discuss the matter of Tokinada."
Although his voice still carried strength, everyone could sense a weariness about him, a feeling akin to the setting sun.
Everyone looked at Yamamoto's aged face and his body covered in scars. The Captain-Commander was old, he couldn't protect Soul Society forever.
—
"Nohara, are we going back now?" Ichigo asked after everyone had left.
Kūgo was dead, and the Fullbring powers he had stolen should have returned to their original owners.
Shin shook his head. "I'll wait until after tomorrow's captain's meeting before heading back."
"Then I'll head back first."
Ichigo's purpose for coming to Soul Society had been achieved, and there was nothing left for him to do if he stayed longer.
After saying goodbye to Ichigo, Shin, Soi Fon, and Yoruichi walked together towards the Shihōin clan estate.
Soi Fon said resentfully, "Captain-Commander actually lost to Aizen."
Soi Fon held Yamamoto in high regard. In the original timeline, when the Wandenreich invaded Seireitei and she learned of Yamamoto's death, she was exceptionally grief-stricken.
Shin murmured, "Just now, I felt a lot of pressure facing Aizen. He's stronger than before."
He had no confidence whatsoever in fighting the current Aizen. He only hoped that weapon would be powerful enough.
"Aizen, fully fused with the Hōgyoku, is terrifying. His Reiatsu can be said to be beyond the dimension of Shinigami."
Yoruichi recalled Aizen's Reiatsu earlier and felt a secret alarm.
Shin analyzed Aizen's motives, "However, he doesn't seem to have any intention of invading Soul Society. If he were to continue his previous Ōken plan, he definitely wouldn't have let Captain-Commander go."
Both of them nodded at the remark.
With the power Aizen had displayed, it was likely that no one in Soul Society, apart from the Zero Division, could stop him.
Yet, Soul Society and Hueco Mundo had remained at peace, which could only mean that Aizen had most likely abandoned his previous plans.
—
Shihōin Estate.
Yushiro, having heard the news of Yoruichi's return, had been waiting at the gate early.
"Sister, you're back."
Yoruichi ruffled Yushiro's head.
Only then did Yushiro greet Shin and Soi Fon. "Shin-nii, Soi Fon-nee."
After the reshuffling of power in Soul Society, the authority of the noble clans was significantly affected, but the Shihōin and Kuchiki clanz were exceptions. Both clans were already closely linked to the Gotei 13.
Yushiro, as the head of the Shihōin clan, did a respectable job, only acting like a child in front of Yoruichi and the others.
"Sister, can you stay for a few more days this time?"
"We'll return to the Human World after tomorrow's captain's meeting."
Yoruichi explained the situation. In fact, she couldn't stay at home for long. The longer she stayed, the more Yushiro would depend on her. Only by truly letting go could he grow.
Yushiro looked dejected upon hearing this. "Is that so?"
Yoruichi comforted him, "Yushiro, although I won't stay long, I'll come back often."
"Okay."
"It's just a shame I couldn't help you again this time, sister."
Shin said earnestly, "Don't worry, you'll definitely get your chance. Train hard."
"Okay, I will."
...
Night.
Shin once again donned his black cloak, concealing his figure, and instantly teleported directly to Muken.
As soon as he arrived at the First Division barracks, he detected the Reiatsu of many Shinigami.
'It seems they're taking Tokinada's matter very seriously this time.'
Shin instantly teleported into the first layer of Muken and finally saw Tokinada.
Tokinada was bound hand and foot, with only his eyes, nose, and mouth visible. His body was covered in seals, and his cell was also sealed.
Shin had originally come to Muken to break him out, intending to deliver Tokinada to Kaname, but seeing the situation, he had no choice but to give up.
It was almost impossible to rescue Tokinada without a sound. There were many Shinigami guards outside, and layers of seals inside.
"Nohara, how did you do it?"
Tokinada had already learned from Shunsui that the 'Soul King' was dead, so he was very curious about how Shin could defeat the 'Soul King' who controlled the Ōin.
"Are you asking about Ginjō? It's simple, I wore him down until he died."
"Impossible!" Tokinada simply didn't believe that explanation.
Shin said calmly, "Whether you believe it or not, that's how it is. No matter how strong the power of the Ōin is, it's limited."
Then, he asked, "Do you know Azashiro's whereabouts?"
Tokinada smiled. "Why should I tell you? You're also asking for Soul Society, aren't you?"
Before, Soul Society had already sent several waves of people to ask him about this matter.
Shin saw his reaction and knew that Sōya had not told Tokinada about their dealings. With that, he felt relieved and instantly teleported out of Muken, leaving only Tokinada staring blankly at the air.