Yoruichi palmed her forehead, staring at Kensei's utterly serious expression—as if he were preparing for an unavoidable catastrophe—and felt a wave of absurdity.
Two or three hundred years. Even for longevity-blessed Shinigami like themselves, that was considerable time.
Yet for a potential war requiring Soul Society's full advanced combat power, it was indeed urgent. Starting preparations now was wise; aside from anomalies like Kensei, most Shinigami required at least a century to fully mature.
"Your caution isn't unwarranted." Yoruichi massaged her temples, exasperation plain on her face. "With that much time, we should prepare thoroughly. By the way, in your observations, any other major incidents?"
"None so far."
Kensei considered. Kubo hadn't detailed this period. How should he know?
Originally, Aizen would have targeted Hirako, Kensei Muguruma, and the others around now. But Sōsuke was part of the family now—that wouldn't happen.
Though... promoting Hollowfication among the Captains might be worthwhile. Boost spiritual pressure and counter the Quincies.
Aizen temporarily set aside her Ura Kidō studies, calmly interjecting: "Based on the intelligence Kensei provided, our priorities are deepening research into Quincy weaknesses and strengthening combat capabilities in both Hueco Mundo and Soul Society."
Her fingers danced across the controls, summoning new data. "Here are recent Arrancar transformation statistics. The Hōgyoku has dramatically amplified Hueco Mundo's overall combat power."
"That's significant?"
Yoruichi stared at the steeply climbing figures like a soaring stock chart, genuine admiration in her voice. She almost wanted Hōgyoku enhancement herself.
"Flattering."
Aizen's response was lackluster, but Kensei sensed her pride in these results.
Well, if the Hōgyoku couldn't deliver this level of improvement, it wouldn't live up to Aizen's reputation.
Kensei's gaze swept across the screen—the exaggerated spiritual pressure growth curves. He recalled the original manga where Aizen used Orihime's powers to restore the Hōgyoku. Concern crept into his voice:
"You've transformed numerous Hollows recently. The Hōgyoku's consumption must be substantial. Is its energy sufficient?"
Kensei paused. He still believed fusing the Hōgyoku with Sōsuke held greater strategic value. "Don't deplete it on this. You're far more important than those Adjuchas Arrancars."
No exaggeration—after fusion, Aizen's Kyōka Suigetsu could affect even Yhwach at full power. That was a crucial trump card.
Yoruichi also glanced curiously at Aizen. Power that breaking boundaries couldn't be inexhaustible. Even if usable, it must demand significant cost.
Aizen's expression remained unchanged. She silently produced the Hōgyoku, displaying it to both.
The Hōgyoku glowed softly as always—no sign of depletion despite continuous Arrancar transformations.
"Rest assured. Consumption remains within controllable limits."
Aizen's slender fingers stroked the Hōgyoku's surface—containing power to realize wishes—as she explained to her non-research-oriented audience: "Currently, the Hōgyoku autonomously replenishes expended energy. Recovery rate far exceeds my expectations."
"Replenishes? This thing self-charges?"
Kensei raised an eyebrow. That seemed unscientific. Was it a perpetual motion machine?
"Not charging—more like self-growth." Aizen resonated her spiritual pressure with the Hōgyoku, making it flare brilliantly. "My hypothesis: this relates to the large number of Soul King fragments from the Tsunayashiro clan used in its creation, granting the Hōgyoku extremely high potential ceiling."
Aizen spoke these words, but her gaze cryptically fixed on Kensei with some kind of amusement.
Hearing this, Kensei's amazing wisdom spawned a bold idea.
"Hey, Sōsuke." Kensei draped an arm over Aizen again. "Think we could mass-produce Hōgyoku? Skip all this targeted research hassle?"
Yoruichi raised an eyebrow. She found Kensei's idea counterintuitive, yet upon reflection, it made strange sense.
Kensei warmed to his genius idea: "Consider this—Ulquiorra and the other top Vasto Lordes already have considerable potential. Fuse them with Hōgyoku, and they'd thrash those Quincies!"
The more he spoke, the brighter his eyes gleamed. He actually felt proud of conceiving what Sōsuke hadn't considered. "And if Old Man Yama advanced further under Hōgyoku guidance, maybe we could just sit back and enjoy the fruits!"
Yoruichi couldn't help laughing. "Dream on. Tell Old Man Yama that, and he'll discipline his ridiculous student first."
"I believe Old Man Yama couldn't bear to see Soul Society suffer. Sacrificing his principles slightly for the greater good—surely he'd agree!"
Kensei retorted indignantly. If sacrificing principles ensured stability of the Three Realms, Old Man Yama would surely comply.
Aizen didn't mock Kensei's seemingly outlandish fantasy. She carefully stored the Ura Kidō principles, gazing at him.
"Theoretically feasible."
Aizen spoke. If Hōgyoku creation required only Soul King fragments and Shinigami souls, Kensei's notion would be nonsense.
But now... she had more effective materials for Hōgyoku creation...
Hearing Sōsuke endorses his idea, Kensei's face lit with pride.
Yoruichi frowned slightly. "Aizen, don't toy with the fool."
Aizen waved dismissively, her gaze still locked on Kensei. "However, realizing your vision may demand price beyond imagination."
"Are you prepared?"
"The price?" Kensei shrugged it off. "Heroes don't retreat from battle."
Oblivious to the deeper meaning in Aizen's eyes, Kensei assumed this meant more blood draws.
Not the first time. If mass-producing Hōgyoku required sacrifice, Kuichiku himself was acceptable.
Watching Kensei's generous expression, the corners of Aizen's mouth curved almost imperceptibly. "Very well. I'll realize your vision. But Captain-Commander Yamamoto's explanation falls to you."
"Oh! Sōsuke, you always have answers! Bring it on!"
Kensei's eyes sparkled. Sacrificing minor cost to effortlessly neutralize Yhwach—what a deal!
Aizen gazed deeply at the excited Kensei, nodding slightly. "Excellent. We'll discuss details later."
Yoruichi's gaze flicked between Aizen and Kensei. Though she hadn't fully grasped Aizen's undertones, feminine intuition whispered this was far simpler than Kensei imagined.