Despite how absurd Ryūjin Uchiha's explanation sounded, the Head Captain ultimately accepted it.
After all, Ryūjin's effortless execution of Barragan went far beyond reason. In a strange way, that very impossibility made the explanation easier to accept.
Moreover, Soul Reapers primarily relied on four combat disciplines: Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hoho, and Kido. Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya and the others had all witnessed it clearly. Captain Ryūjin had used a single sword strike, nothing more.
"Captains, Lieutenants, this old man understands the situation now. You are dismissed."
Captain Commander Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto asked no further questions and sent everyone away.
With the conclusion of the Null Zone mission, Ryūjin Uchiha's name once again echoed throughout the Soul Society.
Even though most, including the Head Captain, accepted the idea that Ryūjin had defeated Barragan through sheer luck, the details no longer mattered.
The result did.
Barragan was dead.
"Did you hear? Captain Ryūjin killed the Emperor of Hueco Mundo!"
"That was a Vasto Lorde, far beyond Adjuchas level!"
"Captain Ryūjin just made history!"
"As expected of Captain Ryūjin!"
…
As he walked through the Soul Society, conversations like these followed him everywhere.
His reputation had reached yet another peak. Many were thrilled that such a powerful Captain now stood among them.
Not everyone shared that excitement.
Inside the Fifth Division barracks, three figures gathered in secrecy once more.
Sosuke Aizen, Gin Ichimaru, and Kaname Tosen.
"I still can't believe even Barragan failed. Is Ryūjin Uchiha really that lucky?" Kaname Tosen said, his voice tense with frustration.
Since Aizen had marked Ryūjin as a target, he had already launched two major operations.
The first involved Gin Ichimaru and Experiment Subject 22. It ended with the experiment destroyed and Gin losing an arm.
The second was far larger. Dozens of Hollows were deployed, and even Barragan himself took part.
And yet, they failed again.
Not only did they fail to obtain even a trace of Ryūjin's blood or tissue, they lost Barragan in the process.
Aizen's plans had always been flawless. This kind of complete failure was unprecedented.
The only consolation was that Ryūjin had witnessed Aizen's Zanpakuto release. Without that, it would have been a total defeat.
"I don't believe Barragan died because of luck," Gin Ichimaru said, shaking his head. "But I also can't see how Ryūjin Uchiha could kill him. Aizen, what do you think?"
"How Barragan died is no longer important," Aizen replied, adjusting his glasses. "Nor is Ryūjin Uchiha's true strength."
"You already have a new plan?" Tosen asked.
Aizen nodded.
"Our previous actions involving him were minor parts of a larger design. A contingency, nothing more."
"I've already invested too much. He isn't worth further effort. If the cost outweighs the gain, the plan itself is flawed."
Gin's expression turned serious.
"Even so, Ryūjin Uchiha is still a major variable. We can't ignore him."
"Agreed," Tosen added. "His strength is overwhelming, and he's newly arrived. We know too little about him. Even after seeing your Kyoka Suigetsu, he remains a risk."
Aizen remained composed.
"I already have a method to deal with him. He is a variable, yes. That means I simply reduce the risk."
"And how do you intend to do that?" Tosen pressed.
"You'll find out soon enough," Aizen said calmly.
…
After the Null Zone mission, the Soul Society returned to normal. Everything proceeded in orderly fashion, with nothing particularly noteworthy.
Until two months later.
News spread rapidly across the Thirteen Court Guard Squads.
Rukia Kuchiki of the Thirteenth Division had vanished in the Human World. The Department of Research and Development could no longer detect her spiritual pressure.
The Thirteenth Division grew anxious. Convinced something had happened, they requested permission from the Head Captain to investigate.
Yamamoto approved without hesitation.
A search team was dispatched immediately.
They found nothing.
"Rukia Kuchiki has disappeared. So it begins."
Ryūjin Uchiha understood instantly.
Unlike everyone else, he knew the truth.
Rukia had transferred her Soul Reaper powers to Ichigo Kurosaki. After that, she entered a Gigai provided by Kisuke Urahara. Her already depleted spiritual energy became completely sealed.
She was no different from a normal human.
That was why no one could find her.
She would only reappear when Central 46, or rather Aizen, ordered her capture.
"If that's the case, Aizen should be making his move soon."
Ryūjin barely cared.
At his level, Aizen wasn't worth his attention.
If not for the Hogyoku, Ryūjin would have killed him already. There was no reason to tolerate someone who repeatedly targeted him.
For now, Aizen still had value.
Ryūjin needed him to follow the original course, obtain the Hogyoku, and refine it.
Only then would Ryūjin step in, take it, and settle everything.
Until then, patience.
The Hogyoku's evolution depended not only on technique, but also on the user's will. That was why Ryūjin avoided using Kotoamatsukami on Aizen.
Interference could ruin the process.
That was the only reason Aizen was still alive.
Still, that wouldn't last forever.
Ryūjin began keeping track of Rukia's situation.
Three months later, new information arrived.
The Department of Research and Development had detected Rukia's spiritual pressure again.
Ryūjin's interest sharpened.
If she had been located, then her capture would follow soon.
Which meant Aizen's plan was nearing completion.
By now, Central 46 was likely already gone.
…
Fifth Division barracks.
Aizen sat at his desk, reviewing documents.
Then, his expression shifted slightly.
He set the papers down, stood, and closed the door.
A figure appeared.
Gin Ichimaru, cloaked in a spiritual concealing garment.
"Aizen, Rukia Kuchiki's spiritual pressure has been detected again. Everything is proceeding as planned."
Gin removed his hood, revealing his usual snake-like expression.
"What about Ryūjin Uchiha?" Aizen asked without looking up.
"No changes. Everything is normal."
"Good."
Aizen nodded.
"Then we move to the next stage."
Gin's eyes narrowed slightly.
"So it's starting?"
Aizen's lips curved faintly.
"I've been waiting for this."
"Yes, Gin. Tonight marks the beginning. After this, the Soul Society will never be the same."
He glanced at Gin.
"Return. Leave no trace."
"Of course."
Gin pulled his hood back on and vanished.
Aizen resumed reading as if nothing had happened.
Night fell.
The Soul Society grew quiet, with only patrol units remaining active.
Aizen donned his concealment cloak and disappeared into the darkness.
No one noticed.
He entered the Central 46 chambers undetected.
With Kyoka Suigetsu, he controlled the senses of every guard outside. No matter what happened inside, they would perceive nothing.
And then it began.
Inside Central 46, Aizen carried out a ruthless massacre.
Screams echoed through the chambers. The members tried to flee, begged for help, struggled in vain.
One by one, they fell.
That night, everyone inside Central 46, except for the guards outside, was completely wiped out by Ryūjin.
Under the combined effects of the cloak and Kyoka Suigetsu, the entire event went unnoticed.
By morning, the Soul Society remained oblivious.
Their highest authority had already been replaced.
All attention remained focused on Rukia.
Her situation raised too many questions.
Her spiritual pressure had vanished for months, leading everyone to believe she was dead. Now it had suddenly returned.
If she wasn't dead, then why hide?
The Head Captain personally ordered an investigation.
The Thirteenth Division and the Department of Research and Development worked together.
The truth came out quickly.
And it shocked everyone.
Rukia Kuchiki had transferred her Soul Reaper powers to a human.
The uproar was immediate.
The severity of the offense pushed the matter beyond the authority of the Gotei 13.
Central 46 would decide her fate.
Everyone knew the verdict would be harsh.
Even Yamamoto himself would have executed her without hesitation.
"Rukia will be captured soon."
Ryūjin calculated calmly.
At this point, Aizen would soon issue orders to send Byakuya Kuchiki and Renji Abarai to retrieve her.
Originally, Ryūjin watched everything with detached interest.
Until that afternoon.
An envoy from Central 46 appeared before him.
Ryūjin frowned slightly.
Why now?
The only matter requiring Central 46's involvement was Rukia.
Was Aizen planning to send him instead?
The thought lingered.
===
Get access to the entire catalog on Patreon, where all chapters are conveniently organized into collections.
If you prefer not to pay for a monthly membership, this is a more affordable option that gives you access to the content you want.
(Buying the collection gives you access to all chapters in it.)
Search for "_Zeph" on P@treon to get started.