Uehara Shiroha shrugged. "Don't worry. Although their deaths wouldn't be a great loss, their lives are still not as peaceful as mine."
Just because he couldn't act against them openly didn't mean he wouldn't do it in secret.
The Tsunayashiro family believed that the rules and the Royal Guard could protect them.
But in reality, the Monk of the Royal Guard did not concern himself with their life or death.
In the face of true power, no rules held any meaning.
"You're right to think that way!" Kyōraku Shunsui raised his sake cup, downed the drink in one gulp, and smiled. "Let's go! The usual place—drinks on me!"
With just a brief conversation, all of Kyōraku's worries seemed to dissipate.
Shiroha had a unique ability to put people at ease.
Though he often appeared indifferent, there was a calm and detached aura about him that influenced those around him. It was a rare quality, one that few possessed.
Before long, the two left the office together, arms around each other's shoulders, and headed toward the bustling Flower Street.
Another sleepless night awaited them.
The Living World
Meanwhile, in the human world, Ichigo Kurosaki continued his relentless routine—balancing school life with hunting Hollows.
Before becoming a Substitute Shinigami, he had never encountered a Hollow.
But ever since he gained the powers of a Soul Reaper, the Hollows had come in droves.
Even Inoue Orihime's brother, Inoue Sora, had succumbed to Hollowfication.
After a difficult battle, Ichigo managed to purify Sora's soul.
Shortly after, he defeated the monstrous Hollow that attacked Chad and, for the first time, witnessed the ominous gate leading to Hell itself.
Throughout his battles, Ichigo had learned much about the Soul Society—its inner workings, its hidden truths.
Most shockingly, he discovered that Hollows were once human souls twisted by despair.
Despite all this, Ichigo's strength had continued to grow at an astonishing pace.
In just a short period, this so-called "wild Shinigami" had already reached a level rivaling that of elite Soul Reapers.
And yet, this was only the beginning of his true power.
Watching from the sidelines, Uehara Shiroha observed everything unfold like a play.
He watched Ichigo eject his soul into that ridiculous doll.
He saw the moment Ichigo confronted the Hollow that had killed Masaki Kurosaki—only to fail in exacting revenge, allowing the creature to escape.
He even saw the absurd exorcist from Karakura Town, Don Kanonji, foolishly "create" a Hollow with his own hands.
These events mirrored the memories etched deep within Uehara Shiroha's mind.
At the same time, he noticed that Aizen Sōsuke and Urahara Kisuke were making their moves.
The two masterminds were engaged in a grand game of chess, with Ichigo Kurosaki as the most crucial piece on the board.
But none of this had anything to do with Shiroha.
He simply carried out his daily routine—completing tasks, refining his proficiency with the Unlimited Blade Works, and indulging in card games and drinks.
The Three Realms were shifting, and an unseen storm loomed on the horizon.
Yet, amidst all of this, Shiroha remained detached, content in his peaceful existence.
Seireitei - The Central Underground Meeting Hall
Within the depths of the Seireitei lay the Central 46 Chambers—the judiciary authority that presided over the Soul Society.
Here, the sages and judges dictated laws, their decisions shaping the fate of both nobles and commoners alike.
This sacred hall was a forbidden area to the captains of the Gotei 13.
To enter without an official summons was a crime punishable by death.
And yet, at this very moment, Tōsen Kaname, the Captain of the Ninth Division, sat atop the judge's seat as if it rightfully belonged to him.
He reviewed official documents with unwavering focus, swiftly penning orders that would condemn corrupt nobles to severe punishments.
The Central 46's decrees were sent through the secret underground passageways to the Onmitsukidō—the stealth force of Soul Society.
From there, the orders would reach the Gotei 13.
With the official seals of the sages and judges in his possession, Tōsen Kaname now wielded the power to issue orders in the name of the nobility.
No one dared defy the will of the Central 46.
Until now.
For the sages and judges—those who had long held absolute authority—now lay motionless, their lifeless eyes staring blankly at the ceiling.
The once pristine floors of the council chamber were now stained with dried blood.
Most of the corpses belonged to high-ranking members of the Tsunayashiro family.
And thanks to Kyoka Suigetsu's illusionary veil, no one outside this room had the slightest idea that a massacre had occurred.
But in truth, compared to the crimes these nobles had committed, the bloodied council hall was far cleaner than when they were alive.
With an air of detachment, Tōsen continued reading and processing reports.
Through the cold, emotionless words on the pages, he saw the full extent of Soul Society's corruption.
The aristocrats were even more despicable, cruel, and selfish than he had imagined.
They were beyond saving.
Even if he killed them all, there would always be more to take their place.
But to ensure the success of Aizen's plan, he had to restrain himself—had to maintain a semblance of fairness, even if it meant holding back on true justice.
Tōsen let out a heavy sigh.
"Master Aizen was right."
"With these parasites clinging to power, how can Soul Society ever be governed properly?"
"As long as we remain within the Gotei 13… as long as we are bound by the laws of the Shinigami…"
"We will never be able to deal with them."
Just as Tōsen Kaname was deep in thought, a voice—both casual and infuriating—echoed through the chamber.
"Wow, Captain Tōsen is working so hard. He wouldn't happen to be getting too comfortable with his new authority and forgetting what Lord Aizen told him, right?"
Two figures entered the dimly lit council chamber, both clad in Shinigami uniforms with captain's haori draped over their shoulders.
The man leading the way wore a kind smile, his thick, square-framed glasses giving him the appearance of a gentle and wise elder.
Yet, behind that benign expression lay the mastermind behind the massacre of the Central 46.
Aizen Sōsuke.
Trailing behind him was a silver-haired man with a perpetually amused squint, his sharp grin reminiscent of a venomous serpent poised to strike.
Ichimaru Gin.
However, neither Aizen nor Tōsen Kaname paid much attention to Gin's words.
Instead, Tōsen immediately stood and saluted Aizen with unwavering respect.
"Lord Aizen, do you have any instructions?"
According to their plan, they were supposed to take shifts surveilling the council chamber, ensuring there were no unexpected incidents.
But it wasn't yet time for the handover.
Aizen arriving early could only mean something had changed.
"You've done well," Aizen said softly, his voice as calm as ever.
"I came here to confirm a few things. While everything is proceeding as expected, this is precisely the moment when we must be most cautious."
Rukia Kuchiki had rescued Ichigo Kurosaki in the human world, and in doing so, lost her Shinigami powers.
Following that, she had taken refuge in an artificial body provided by Urahara Kisuke.
As a result, her spiritual pressure had vanished entirely.
At that moment, Aizen had locked onto his true target.
Ordinary gigai would not suppress a Shinigami's power permanently.
Nor could they erase spiritual pressure altogether.
But Kisuke Urahara wasn't just anyone.
Aizen knew exactly what the former Captain of the Twelfth Division was attempting to do—he was trying to turn Rukia into a normal human.
And the only reason for that was to completely conceal the Hōgyoku hidden within her soul.
If Rukia had no spiritual pressure, no one would be able to detect her presence, let alone extract the Hōgyoku.
The moment Aizen realized this, he slaughtered the Central 46 and took complete control of the governing body.
Now, Rukia—and the Hōgyoku—were both within his grasp.
However, Aizen was not one to leave things to chance.
A safety measure was still necessary.
Ichimaru Gin stretched his grin a little wider, the mirth in his tone laced with hidden meaning.
"Aizen taicho, you're too cautious. Lookin' at the whole Soul Society, ain't a single person who could threaten us now."
His words were deliberately provocative.
Though he would never openly admit it, Aizen was flawless.
Every detail had been accounted for, every variable calculated.
Otherwise, Gin would have already stabbed him through the heart with his deadly Zanpakutō, Kamishini no Yari.
Tōsen nodded in agreement.
"Lord Aizen, everything is progressing as planned. Justice is within reach."
For once, Ichimaru Gin had spoken sense.
Aizen's expression sharpened.
"Yes. On the surface, everything appears perfect. Even Uehara Shiroha, whom we've never been able to fully comprehend, has remained in Soul Society, keeping to himself without interfering."
He paused, his voice growing colder.
"But that, in itself, is suspicious."
Tōsen and Gin exchanged glances.
Aizen's reasoning was impeccable.
Someone as astute and well-informed as Uehara Shiroha would surely have noticed Rukia's sudden loss of power.
And yet—he had done nothing.
Why?
Ichimaru Gin rubbed his chin, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
"Maybe this time, he really didn't notice anything strange? Even he can't know everything, right?"
His voice lowered, carrying a subtle provocation.
"Or… maybe he just doesn't wanna be our enemy? Ain't like he's ever gotten in our way before, right?"
He grinned.
"Besides, we know for sure that Uehara Shiroha's already fallen under Aizen-sama's Kyoka Suigetsu."
Gin's tone was light, but the implication was deadly serious.
As long as Kyoka Suigetsu's hypnosis remained intact, Uehara Shiroha could never become a real threat.
After all—the absolute illusion is flawless.
And yet, despite everything, Gin couldn't shake his unease.
Uehara Shiroha was a contradiction.
If he had no interest in the Hōgyoku, then why had he interfered so many times in the past?
But if he did have an ulterior motive, why had he spent the last few years drifting between red-light districts and luxury estates without making a single move?
Tōsen remained silent, deep in thought.
Uehara Shiroha never played by the rules.
That alone made him dangerous.
His past unpredictable actions had already humiliated Tōsen more than once.
This time, Tōsen had learned his lesson.
He would wait.
Aizen's smile turned even gentler, but his eyes gleamed with cold precision.
"On the night of the Hollowfication incident, Uehara Shiroha was nothing more than an ordinary officer."
"But despite that, he always seemed to be one step ahead."
"He had the upper hand in every situation."
"He always possessed absolute intelligence."
Aizen's voice lowered.
"This is unnatural."
Tōsen and Gin remained silent.
They knew better than to interrupt when Aizen was thinking.
Combining his past observations, Aizen had reached a conclusion.
"Uehara Shiroha likely has an ability related to space and time."
"In other words—he may have the power to observe the past… and even predict the future."
Aizen's eyes narrowed.
"This is the only logical explanation for why he always appears to be omniscient."
"If my theory is correct…"
A brief silence filled the chamber.
Tōsen clenched his fist.
If Shiroha knew everything, then he already knew their plan.
And yet, he hadn't interfered.
Why?
Was he waiting?
Or… was he simply watching?
Aizen remained calm, but the possibility only made his smile widen.
"If he truly knows our plan…"
"Then we must proceed with even greater caution."
Aizen had tested his theory multiple times, and the results were clear—Uehara Shiroha was indeed under the influence of Kyoka Suigetsu.
Yet, precisely because of this, Aizen felt increasingly uneasy.
A power that manipulates time and space… even if I have undeniable evidence that he is ensnared by my illusion, I cannot afford to be careless.
Tōsen Kaname's expression darkened at the thought.
"Control time? Observe the past? Predict the future?" He clenched his fists. "Is it even possible for such an ability to exist?"
Then, another question came to him.
"But what about his ice-based Zanpakutō? His Bankai is undoubtedly ice-type!"
Standing nearby, Ichimaru Gin also grew intrigued.
To a certain extent, Shiroha was his ally.
If Uehara turned out to be even stronger than anticipated, it might just increase the chances of his own plan succeeding.
Aizen turned his gaze toward the First Division's headquarters—the office of the Captain-Commander.
"This question will be answered soon enough," Aizen murmured.
Then, his expression turned calculating.
"Tōsen, immediately issue an order to have Captain Sui-Fēng of the Second Division deploy to Naruki City. Inform her that an unknown spiritual pressure has been detected and that she must investigate alone."
Tōsen Kaname bowed his head and responded without hesitation.
"Understood, Lord Aizen!"
As Aizen watched his subordinate carry out the order, a faint smirk played on his lips.
Naruki City is already under my control. If Uehara Shiroha truly has the ability to perceive time and manipulate space, then let's see how he reacts when faced with an illusion that even time itself cannot unravel.
This will be… interesting.
Meanwhile, in the underground base beneath Sokyoku Hill, the air was thick with steam as Uehara Shiroha sank into the scalding hot spring.
His muscles relaxed under the heat, his entire body submerged in the soothing warmth.
For most people, temperatures this extreme would be unbearable.
For him?
Pure bliss.
"How is it? Comfortable?"
A sultry voice interrupted his peace.
Shihōin Yoruichi stood nearby, arms crossed, eyes narrowed in barely suppressed frustration.
She had spent so much time assisting him, yet in the end, she had gained nothing for herself—except for an unwilling mastery of massage techniques.
The man had taken full advantage of her, and she had nothing to show for it.
It was infuriating.
And to make matters worse, he had the audacity to enjoy it.
Uehara Shiroha, eyes still closed, let out a low chuckle.
"As expected of the eldest daughter of the Shihōin family," he mused lazily. "Your technique is exceptional. The pressure is just right."
At his words, Yoruichi's golden eyes flickered with interest.
"In that case," she said smoothly, leaning slightly forward, "shouldn't you fulfill your promise and provide me with more information?"
Uehara Shiroha cracked an eye open, smirking.
"You still owe me for that stunt you pulled. You even dared to scheme against my apprentice."
His voice was casual, but the weight behind it was undeniable.
"Did you really think you wouldn't have to pay up?"
Yoruichi frowned, the corner of her mouth twitching in annoyance.
This guy… he always had the upper hand.
Her massage—something most would consider a form of torture—was nothing but pure enjoyment to him.
And worse yet, she knew it.
For anyone else, she would have already retaliated.
But not him.
Shihōin Yoruichi raised an eyebrow, her voice laced with curiosity.
"You even know about that? Then why didn't you stop it?"
She was referring to Urahara Kisuke's plan—hiding the Hōgyoku inside Rukia Kuchiki.
That was a last-minute decision, made purely on a whim.
Yet Uehara Shiroha had known about it all along.
That realization unsettled her.
Uehara Shiroha yawned, stretching out lazily in the hot water.
"Why should I stop him?" he replied, unfazed.
"Neither you nor Aizen would dare let anything happen to my apprentice."
His voice lowered, a hint of amusement lacing his tone.
"Besides, without enduring storms and struggles, how can a fledgling take to the sky?"
The only way to grow was through trials.
And in the end, no matter how many calculations these people made, they would all be forced to yield to him.
Aizen, Urahara, Soul Society—none of it mattered.
He had already claimed the throne Aizen had envisioned.
For now, his only goal was to use the events unfolding around him to complete more special missions.
EX-rank abilities were too strong.
And if he had the chance to gain more?
He would take it.
Yoruichi studied him carefully, sensing the absolute confidence and dominance in his words.
Then, an idea formed.
She smiled—a slow, calculating expression—as she leaned in, her body pressing against his.
She traced slow, lazy circles on his chest with her fingertips, her voice taking on a softer, almost sultry tone.
"If you're so certain about everything," she murmured, "then I have a favor to ask."
Uehara Shiroha's smirk remained in place.
"Oh?"
"You know that Sui-Fēng is a bit… stubborn." Yoruichi sighed, feigning concern. "I don't want anything happening to her."
She tilted her head, violet eyes glinting.
"So, I want you to keep an eye on her."
"This shouldn't be too hard for the Captain-Commander, right?"
Aizen is ruthless.
She knew it better than anyone.
If he needed to, he would eliminate anyone who stood in his way.
And Yoruichi couldn't stand by and let that happen.
Uehara Shiroha chuckled.
"What's in it for me?"
Feeling the soft pressure behind him, he remained completely unbothered.
"A beauty trap, huh?"
He mused to himself.
"Then I suppose I'll take the beauty and avoid the trap."
At his dismissive response, Yoruichi's temper flared.
This damned man!
After everything he had taken advantage of, he still refused to budge?
She clenched her fists.
Fine.
Then she would increase the stakes.
Her lips curved into a knowing smile as she leaned in even closer, her breath hot against his ear.
Then—she bit down.
A light graze against his earlobe.
Her voice turned velvety smooth, almost hypnotic.
"Sui-Fēng is… very gullible," she whispered.
"Wouldn't you like to see me with her?"
Uehara Shiroha's eyes flickered with amusement.
"You're quite the negotiator, Yoruichi."
He knew she was bluffing.
And yet—
"If that ever happens," he said with an easy smile, "I'll be sure to reward you properly."
If she dared to set the bait—
He would gladly take it.
Yoruichi narrowed her eyes, but before she could respond—
She had no idea how soon she would have to make good on her promise.
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