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Fate In Bleach (369)
🕑 Added 2024-12-12 17:00:06 +0000 UTCChapter 369 - Ichigo Enters Hueco Mundo
“Under my and my subordinates' assault, I could only confirm the presence of Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya of the Tenth Division in the World of the Living.”
“However, Lord Aizen, in my opinion, that Tenth Division captain's strength is nothing special. If I were to release my Resurrección, I could slay him instantly.”
Upon hearing this, Aizen, seated upon his throne, shifted his gaze slightly.
“The Tenth Division captain?”
“Previously, when Ulquiorra went to the World of the Living, he also encountered Captain Ailin of the Fifth Division.”
“Oh my, oh my, it seems that this time, the ones stationed in the World of the Living are Captains Ailin and Hitsugaya.”
Gin Ichimaru spoke dramatically, “Captain Aizen, with Captain Ailin guarding the World of the Living, it's possible we might not be able to accomplish anything.”
“In that case, should we continue with our plan?”
“Of course, Gin.”
Aizen lowered the hand that had been propped against his face and smiled. “Don't worry, Gin. I understand Captain Ailin even better than you do.”
“From the moment Captain Ailin discovered Ulquiorra, yet still allowed him to bring Orihime Inoue back to Hueco Mundo, I knew what Captain Ailin desired. Regardless of how strong Captain Ailin is, he won't become an obstacle for us.”
“Orihime Inoue?”
Hearing that familiar name, Grimmjow abruptly looked up. The reason he had fought Ichigo Kurosaki was because Kurosaki had asked him where Inoue was. At the time, he had assumed this woman named Inoue had been killed by his two subordinates. Now he realized she had been brought to Hueco Mundo by Ulquiorra.
“By the way, Captain Aizen. I believe that Ichigo Kurosaki, the one who once caught your attention, Lord Aizen, is stronger than the captain of the Tenth Division. These injuries of mine,” he gestured to his missing arm, “are all thanks to Kurosaki.” Grimmjow gritted his teeth at the memory.
Ulquiorra’s eye twitched upon hearing this. He hadn't expected that, in just a few days, Kurosaki had grown strong enough to injure Grimmjow.
Orihime, however, breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed Ichigo was doing much better.
“Orihime,” Aizen addressed her, “go and heal Grimmjow. Let everyone witness your power.”
“Yes, sir.”
Upon hearing Aizen’s command, Orihime emerged from behind Ulquiorra. She walked over to the one-armed Grimmjow and extended her hands.
“Santen Kesshun. I reject!”
A yellow, oval-shaped barrier enveloped Grimmjow’s left arm. Within the barrier, his arm rapidly regenerated.
Seconds later, the barrier dissipated. Grimmjow flexed his newly restored left hand, astonishment evident on his face. It felt exactly the same as before he had lost it.
“Excellent, Orihime. Your ability is precisely what I need.”
“From now on, you will remain here and use your ability to assist my Hōgyoku fusion.”
He turned to Ulquiorra. “Ulquiorra, from this moment forward, your task is to protect Orihime. Until the Hōgyoku fusion is complete, no one is to disturb her.”
“As you command, Lord Aizen.”
After instructing Ulquiorra, Aizen turned his gaze towards Grimmjow.
“Grimmjow, you are fortunate. After seeing your injuries, I considered stripping you of your Espada title and replacing you with Luppi Antenor as the new Sexta Espada. However, since your injuries have healed, you will retain your position for now. Luppi will also be under your command. Your current task is to monitor the World of the Living. If anything unusual occurs, you may act as you see fit, or report to me immediately.”
“Yes, Lord Aizen.” Grimmjow bowed his head in acknowledgment, casting a grateful glance at Orihime. He had incurred a debt, one he wouldn't forget.
…
“Santen Kesshun. I reject!”
Before the Hōgyoku, Orihime extended her hands, creating an oval-shaped, yellow barrier that enveloped the two gems on the display stand. Under the influence of her power, the Hōgyoku began to merge at a visible rate.
As she facilitated the fusion, Orihime recalled Captain Ailin’s words, silently praying that her ability would reach a level where she could truly assist Ichigo.
The Hōgyoku’s power sacrificed the desires of those around it and manifested them into reality. This manifestation resembled the fragments of the Soul King's power scattered throughout the World of the Living. Thus, both Orihime and Yasutora Sado, having received power from the Hōgyoku, could be considered Fullbringers.
The source of Orihime’s power, the Shun Shun Rikka, possessed the ability to reject phenomena. If her spiritual pressure became strong enough, she wouldn’t need Kisuke Urahara to alter the past; she herself could restore Ichigo’s Zangetsu, shattered by Yhwach. After all, while Yhwach had severed Zangetsu’s future, Orihime’s ability was his natural counter. Her previous failure stemmed from her insufficient spiritual pressure.
Yasutora Sado, with the Devil’s Right Hand and Devil’s Left Arm, could further develop his own power, perhaps even transforming himself into a “devil,” elevating his strength to an inconceivable level. However, for both of their powers to truly undergo a qualitative change and reach such heights, they needed the Hōgyoku’s assistance.
Before Orihime had arrived in Hueco Mundo, Ailin had explained the Hōgyoku’s power to her, stating frankly that if she wanted to remain by Ichigo’s side, she had to improve her abilities. Otherwise, one day, when her power could no longer heal Ichigo, she would be left far behind.
Throughout the Bleach anime, everyone else had pushed Ichigo forward. Even Isshin and Urahara, though they hadn't explicitly stated it, had orchestrated events to guide Ichigo’s gradual growth, helping him reach the level they desired.
Only Orihime had told Ichigo that it was okay to fail, okay to refuse to fight, okay to simply live. Of course, as the hero in Orihime’s eyes, she also expected Ichigo’s help when she was in danger, while she remained in the background, healing him…
With this mindset, the merging Hōgyoku emitted a faint blue light, responding to Orihime’s expectations.
…
“Shopkeeper Urahara, I’m counting on you.”
Within Urahara’s shop, Kisuke Urahara sighed, looking at the three individuals before him.
“Ichigo,” he said, “you must understand that the dangers in Hueco Mundo aren't limited to Hollows. Captains Aizen, Gin Ichimaru, and Kaname Tōsen are all still there. Even knowing this, do you still intend to enter Hueco Mundo?”
“Yes. Orihime was taken there. I have to save her,” Ichigo said resolutely.
Hearing this, Urahara remained silent. While this had been part of his plan, he hadn't anticipated Ichigo’s unwavering resolve. Ichigo had dared to infiltrate the Soul Society to rescue Shino Madarame after only a few months of acquaintance. Now, with his childhood friend taken to Hueco Mundo, how could he stand idly by?
“Count me in, Ichigo,” Chad said, stepping forward.
“Don’t think you can leave me behind, either,” Uryū added.
As Urahara considered their words, two familiar voices echoed from behind Ichigo.
“Chad! Uryū!” Ichigo’s face lit up, but a hint of hesitation flickered in his eyes. He had decided to rescue Orihime not only out of concern for her safety, but also because he believed, with his current strength, few in Hueco Mundo could rival him. After all, even Sōsuke Aizen, according to Ailin, was at the same level as him.
Furthermore, both White and Old Man Zangetsu had told him that to truly master his Bankai, he needed to experience more battles, to perfectly fuse his Hollow and Quincy powers and unleash the full potential of his dual-wielded Zanpakutō. This trip to Hueco Mundo would undoubtedly provide him with sufficiently powerful opponents, allowing him to master his true Bankai. But Chad and Uryū…
Seeing Ichigo’s expression, Uryū understood his concerns. He pushed his glasses up his nose.
“Ichigo, don’t think you’re the only one who’s improved. Because I experienced the ultimate Quincy form, after regaining my Quincy powers, my control over reishi has greatly increased. My current strength is no weaker than when I used the Sanrei Glove.”
Hearing this, Ichigo was slightly reassured. Each of the Gotei 13 captains was monstrously strong. Those he had met – Urahara, Yoruichi, Gin Ichimaru, Shinji Hirako, Tōshirō Hitsugaya, and Captain Ailin – were all stronger than him before he had acquired his second Zanpakutō. Thus, he assumed Captain Kurotsuchi’s strength was also considerable. Uryū’s claim that he now possessed power comparable to when he had injured Kurotsuchi was indeed good news. With such strength, his safety in Hueco Mundo wouldn't be a concern.
But Chad…
“Don’t worry, Ichigo,” Chad reassured him. “My strength has also greatly increased since I last awoke.”
As he spoke, his right hand became encased in red and black reiatsu, forming armor. Unlike before, however, a red and black shield now adorned the armor.
“My offensive power hasn't improved much, but breaking through my defense won’t be so easy.” Chad admitted.
Chad’s “awakening” referred to the incident where the Arrancar who had accompanied Ulquiorra to the World of the Living had shattered his right hand. It had only fully recovered thanks to Orihime’s healing. With this new shield, Chad believed that even that Arrancar wouldn’t be able to injure him so easily again.
“Alright, since you’re both so determined, let’s go together,” Ichigo said, grinning. He turned to Urahara. “Shopkeeper Urahara, I’m counting on you. Please open a path to Hueco Mundo for us.”
“Sigh. I can’t say no to you three,” Urahara said, shaking his head. He turned and opened the entrance to the underground training area. “Follow me.”
“Hahaha! I knew we could count on you, Shopkeeper Urahara.”
After some preparations, Urahara opened a Garganta to Hueco Mundo, allowing Ichigo, Chad, and Uryū to pass through.
Once the Senkaimon closed, Urahara pulled his hat down, his smile fading. He had to inform the Soul Society about Ichigo’s departure. Based on his understanding of Aizen’s abilities, he believed that everyone under Kyōka Suigetsu’s complete hypnosis, including Captain-Commander Yamamoto, stood no chance against Aizen.
Ichigo was Urahara’s trump card against Aizen. Of course, besides Ichigo, Urahara had another measure: the Kidō seals hidden within the Hōgyoku. As its creator, Urahara understood the Hōgyoku intimately. After discovering its dangerous potential, he had used his extensive Kidō knowledge to embed several powerful seals within it.
When Aizen merged his Hōgyoku with Urahara’s, those seals would naturally be integrated into the new Hōgyoku. All Urahara had to do was activate those seals during their battle. This would seal Aizen along with the Hōgyoku.
However, before that, he had to make Aizen experience failure, to doubt himself. After merging with the Hōgyoku, if Aizen’s resolve remained unshakeable, the Hōgyoku would continue to empower him, fueling his transformation. Only when Aizen’s conviction wavered, when the Hōgyoku responded to his doubt, could Urahara activate the seals.
These thoughts flashed through Urahara’s mind. Finally, he opened a communication channel to the Soul Society.
“Well, well, Captain Kurotsuchi. Long time no see.”
“Oh? It’s you,” Kurotsuchi’s response had a hint of annoyance in his tone. “I’ve rebuilt the Twelfth Division’s communication system, yet you still managed to connect. It seems I’ll have to upgrade it again, with a greater emphasis on security.” He turned to his Third Seat. “Akon, record his methods. I want to know how he’s doing this.”
“Yes, Captain Kurotsuchi.”
Akon’s fingers flew across the keyboard. It seemed he would uncover Urahara’s methods soon.
“My, my, Captain Kurotsuchi, you’re still as playful as ever.”
“Who would play games with you?” Kurotsuchi retorted. He turned to Akon again. “Well? Any progress?”
“Captain Kurotsuchi, I haven't identified his methods yet, but I’ve narrowed down the potential points of entry. I can block his access within three minutes.”
