Fate in Bleach: Unlimited Blade Works!-Chapter 323: Ailin’s Proposal

After all, Kurotsuchi's captain-level spiritual pressure was genuine.

Neither Ailin nor Yamamoto had released their full reiatsu. Even if Kurotsuchi was weaker, he couldn't possibly be completely overwhelmed by the aftershocks of their clash.

Moreover, Ailin understood Kurotsuchi.

In Ailin's memories, while Kurotsuchi's spiritual pressure wasn't particularly strong, the things he invented often gave him an advantage in battle.

For instance, the Superhuman Drug, the Reiatsu Suppressor, the Reiatsu Amplifier...

While Ailin and Kurotsuchi had clashed several times, Ailin never underestimated him.

It could be said that none of the Soul Society's scientists were simple individuals.

Kisuke Urahara, Sōsuke Aizen, Mayuri Kurotsuchi...

Before them, there was Kirio Hikifune, who created the "Temporary Soul," Ran'Tao, whose research accidentally destroyed a tenth of the Seireitei, and Ōko Yushima, who created the Reigai, artificial bodies for captains, based on "Modified Souls"...

Each of these individuals had made great achievements in their respective fields, but they had also caused considerable turmoil in the Seireitei.

Of course, for now, the Bount created by Ran'Tao and the Reigai created by Ōko Yushima hadn't taken any action against the Seireitei.

"Head-Captain Yamamoto, a law only has meaning if it applies to everyone. If the Seireitei's laws only restrain ordinary Shinigami, while the nobles violate them with impunity...

Then what is the point of those laws?"

Ailin didn't back down from Yamamoto's spiritual pressure.

The other captains remained silent.

The Seireitei's two strongest fighters were at odds. If they intervened, they might face both of their wrath.

Of course, another reason for their silence was that they felt Ailin's words made sense.

Especially Shunsui Kyoraku, the captain of the Eighth Division.

As the head of the intelligence unit, Shunsui knew most of the things that happened in the Seireitei.

The more he learned, the more disgusted he became with the nobles.

However, he was also a noble, a member of a higher-ranking noble family, second only to the great noble families.

He represented not just himself, but also the interests of his clan.

All Shunsui could do was adopt a carefree persona, befriending the lower-ranking Shinigami and providing them with subtle protection.

Many of those Shinigami, because they had shared drinks with Shunsui, had escaped the nobles' oppression.

"Regarding the Shinigami who slaughtered the nobles, I only have one request.

Fairness, fairness, fairness!

Punish those Shinigami in the same way you would punish the head of the Tsunayashiro Clan.

If you apprehend and punish Tokinada Tsunayashiro immediately, Head-Captain Yamamoto, I won't object to those Shinigami being executed two hundred years later.

Ailin's words made the captains stare at him in disbelief.

They had assumed that Ailin would abandon those Shinigami if Yamamoto agreed to punish Tokinada.

They hadn't expected that even if Yamamoto punished Tokinada, the trial for those Shinigami would still be delayed for two hundred years?

Seeing their confusion, Ailin shrugged.

"Don't blame me. I already said it. What I seek for those Shinigami is fairness.

Tokinada Tsunayashiro wasn't punished until two hundred years after he slaughtered his entire clan. So naturally, those Shinigami should receive the same treatment. Of course..."

Ailin turned his gaze towards Yamamoto.

"Head-Captain Yamamoto, my proposal is based on the premise that you will immediately apprehend and punish Tokinada Tsunayashiro. If you delay his punishment, then their punishment must also be delayed."

Yamamoto looked at Ailin intently, then retracted his spiritual pressure.

Since Yamamoto had chosen to back down, Ailin didn't push further.

"Byakuya, if I remember correctly, Tokinada wasn't imprisoned after he slaughtered his clan. But those Shinigami have been imprisoned for three days. I believe that's enough time for some people to reconsider their actions. Now, go to the Ninth Division and have them release those Shinigami."

Byakuya didn't argue. Hearing Ailin's instructions, he turned and left the meeting chamber, heading towards the Ninth Division's detention center.

It was clear that even Byakuya agreed with the importance of fairness.

As the model of nobility, fairness was a fundamental principle of the Kuchiki Clan.

It was precisely because the Kuchiki Clan's ancestors had always adhered to the noble order, never exceeding their boundaries, that they were recognized as the "model of nobility."

What Byakuya was doing now was simply extending that fairness to the Shinigami of the Seireitei.

"Aizen's betrayal and the nobles' slaughter, for now, are considered resolved."

After Byakuya left, Yamamoto spoke, setting the tone for these two incidents.

This meant that the matter was closed.

Whether those Shinigami had acted out of oppression or followed Aizen's orders, Yamamoto wouldn't pursue them any further.

If, as Kurotsuchi had suggested, they executed those Shinigami for violating the Seireitei's laws, it would become the biggest joke in the Gotei 13's history.

Not a single Shinigami had died in their battles against the Ryoka and the traitorous captains. But they were going to execute nearly a hundred Shinigami after the rebellion?

"Now, let's discuss the Ryoka."

The captains stood in formation once more as the meeting resumed.

While the meeting chamber was still somewhat disarrayed from the clash of Ailin and Yamamoto's spiritual pressures, it didn't bother the captains.

"While the Ryoka caused some chaos after entering the Seireitei, it was because of them that we discovered Aizen's true intentions..."

As usual, Shunsui Kyoraku, the head of the intelligence unit, began speaking.

Using a neutral tone, he explained Ichigo Kurosaki and his companions' actions after entering the Seireitei. He also mentioned the Seireitei's response. He described how Ichigo's group's actions and the Seireitei's response had ultimately led to the exposure of Aizen's true nature.

The captains glanced at Shunsui, their eyes filled with suspicion.

They hadn't expected that Shunsui, with his seemingly honest demeanor, was secretly on the enemy's side.

Based on Shunsui's description, if not for Ichigo Kurosaki and his companions, Aizen would have obtained the Hōgyoku hidden within Shino Madarame's soul without anyone noticing.

In that case, the entire Seireitei would still be under Aizen's control, their senses manipulated by Kyōka Suigetsu.

It was precisely because Ichigo and his companions weren't affected by Kyōka Suigetsu, that Aizen, to avoid exposing himself, had to fake his death and continue his plan in secret.

Without the support of Aizen's Kyōka Suigetsu, both Tōsen and Gin had to step forward, taking charge of Shino's "judgment" while Aizen completed his preparations.

Kyōka Suigetsu's ability activated the moment someone saw Aizen release his Zanpakutō.

Tōsen was blind. Kyōka Suigetsu had no effect on him.

Gin Ichimaru was Ailin's disciple. Decades ago, he had been betrayed by Aizen, who had used him as a scapegoat for the Hollowfication incident. They were seemingly enemies.

If not for them revealing themselves, the Gotei 13 captains wouldn't have realized that they were working for Aizen.

Well, except for Shunsui Kyoraku.

After all, Shunsui had learned about the events of over a hundred years ago from Ailin.

However, until three days ago, wary of Ailin, Shunsui hadn't fully believed Ailin's words.

Therefore, he kept that information to himself, secretly gathering evidence.

This had provided Gin and Tōsen with excellent cover for their infiltration.

Tōsen's appearance, instantly releasing his Bankai and injuring Chōjirō Sasakibe, the lieutenant of the First Division, had left Unohana alone on Sōkyoku Hill.

And Gin's sudden attack had prevented Unohana from stopping Aizen.

Of course, based on the current situation, forcing Aizen and his group out of the Seireitei had been the best outcome.

If Aizen had remained, with his Kyōka Suigetsu, who knew what might have happened?

Perhaps one day, they would all mistake Aizen for Head-Captain Yamamoto. By then, it would be too late.

"Based on all of this, I believe that Ichigo Kurosaki and his companions have not only done nothing wrong, but they have also made a significant contribution to the Seireitei.

Therefore, I propose that Head-Captain Yamamoto revoke their "Ryoka" status. Furthermore, I suggest we welcome them as guests of the Seireitei."

Yamamoto frowned, then relaxed.

To be honest, if not for Ailin's earlier intervention, Yamamoto wouldn't have allowed the Ryoka to freely enter and exit the Seireitei.

However, since even those Shinigami who had slaughtered nobles could be released without punishment, granting a few Ryoka, who had even contributed to the Seireitei, the right to freely enter and exit, wasn't a big deal.

"Very well. Ukitake, you'll be responsible for this."

"Yes, Head-Captain."

Ukitake bowed. He understood Yamamoto's intentions.

Coincidentally, Ichigo Kurosaki was a key figure in the divination Ukitake had performed. This opportunity to learn more about Ichigo, without needing an excuse, was a blessing.

"Head-Captain Yamamoto, I have another proposal."

Just as Yamamoto was about to conclude the meeting, Ailin spoke.

"Oh? What is it, Captain Ailin?"

"As we all know, most of the Shinigami in the Seireitei, especially those ranked seated officer and above, are under Aizen's Kyōka Suigetsu.

In other words, unless Head-Captain Yamamoto fights Aizen alone, everyone else will become Aizen's pawns.

Whether we defeat Head-Captain Yamamoto or Head-Captain Yamamoto defeats us, it will be a devastating blow to the Seireitei.

Only those who haven't seen Aizen release his Zanpakutō can fight him. Coincidentally, I believe that Ichigo Kurosaki has potential.

If Head-Captain Yamamoto can bring Ichigo Kurosaki to our side, I'm willing to train him, enhancing his strength and making him our primary weapon against Aizen."

Ailin's proposal made the captains' eyes widen.

Indeed, what made Aizen so dangerous was Kyōka Suigetsu's ability to manipulate their senses.

Under its influence, the more people who surrounded Aizen, the more disadvantageous their position became.

After all, no one could be certain if the Aizen they were seeing was the real Aizen or simply a comrade disguised by Kyōka Suigetsu.

In this situation, they wouldn't even be able to unleash seventy percent of their true strength.

Their initial plan was to create a situation where Yamamoto could fight Aizen alone.

They all believed that, as long as Yamamoto fought, Aizen wouldn't stand a chance.

However, since "everyone knew" this, Aizen was undoubtedly aware as well.

What the Seireitei wanted to create was what Aizen sought to destroy.