Aizen Sōsuke felt 10% of his spiritual pressure vanish in an instant!
Though it might sound like a small amount, for someone whose spiritual pressure was as vast and boundless as Aizen's, this represented an enormous loss. The spiritual pressure that had just been stripped away likely exceeded the total spiritual pressure of several weaker captains combined!
Witnessing the obvious change in their leader's spiritual energy, both Ichimaru Gin and Kaname Tōsen were visibly shocked.
"Aizen-sama, are you... are you alright?" Tōsen asked with genuine concern.
Of course, Aizen remained as commanding as ever, refusing to panic in the face of this unexpected development. He was the type of man who could remain calm even if Mount Fuji collapsed before his very eyes!
Steadying himself, he spoke with characteristic composure: "It appears this Three Realms Projection has exceeded my initial expectations... I'm becoming increasingly intrigued by its capabilities. I want to see what else it can accomplish, and why it claims my answer regarding the Hōgyoku was incorrect."
Aizen would always be Aizen!
Even when confronted by an unexpectedly powerful existence, he maintained his calm confidence and unwavering self-assurance!
Beyond his questions about the projection's nature and divine power, Aizen quickly began recalling various historical documents he had studied over the centuries, searching for any clues that might relate to this Three Realms Projection.
Throughout his entire existence, he had refused to bow before the Soul King or submit to Soul Society's ancient order.
Naturally, this Three Realms Projection would be no exception!
Therefore, Aizen Sōsuke absolutely had to determine whether this projection originated from the Soul King's power, or from some existence that transcended even the Soul King himself!
Just as he had methodically planned against Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, he needed to devise a foolproof strategy for dealing with such a formidable force!
After hearing Aizen's response, both Tōsen and Ichimaru Gin tried to control their facial expressions, though they didn't say much in reply.
Seeing Aizen's continued confidence, Kaname Tōsen maintained his blind faith in his leader.
He firmly believed that Aizen could guide him toward transforming Soul Society's structure and order, sweeping away the corrupt nobility and outdated traditions to achieve true justice!
Even if this inexplicable Three Realms Projection had appeared, it wouldn't significantly impact their ultimate goals!
This was his unwavering belief in Aizen!
Meanwhile, Ichimaru Gin's heart was in complete turmoil.
To be able to force the seemingly invincible Aizen Sōsuke into accepting punishment... this Three Realms Projection is truly mysterious indeed!
Could it be the Soul King, or perhaps an entity even higher than the Soul King?
But at least one thing is certain—if I can obtain rewards from this Three Realms Projection, I might actually be able to defeat Aizen... or find a way to restore Rangiku's missing soul fragment!
Meanwhile, everyone in Soul Society was extremely curious about Aizen's current condition.
[Hitsugaya Tōshirō]: Aizen, why are you suddenly so quiet?
[Kyōraku Shunsui]: Could it be that he's actually lost that much spiritual pressure? Is this Three Realms Projection actually real?
[Urahara Kisuke]: Aizen, who usually loves showing off, has gone silent. It seems to be legitimate.
[Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni]: Then perhaps this Three Realms Projection truly wasn't Aizen's creation after all?
[Ukitake Jūshirō]: Excellent! I'm glad Aizen was the first to suffer consequences! Trying to replace the gods with the Hōgyoku is nothing but wishful thinking!
[Kaname Tōsen]: You shouldn't be so quick to dismiss Aizen-sama. He will definitely ascend to the heavens eventually! Sooner or later, he'll figure out exactly what this Three Realms Projection is.
[Ulquiorra Cifer]: Our Lord Aizen is the king of Hueco Mundo and will not submit to any other authority!
[Urahara Kisuke]: Hmph, you're all just bragging about Aizen! Still being stubborn at a time like this.
[Kurosaki Ichigo]: What are you guys even talking about? I don't understand any of this.
[Aizen Sōsuke]: Kurosaki Ichigo, you might want to focus on becoming stronger. Right now, you're not qualified to interact with existences of this caliber.
[Kurosaki Ichigo]: ...
At this moment, Aizen Sōsuke was thinking very seriously to himself:
Does this Three Realms Projection truly possess such terrifying power? It can actually strip away my spiritual pressure!
According to the historical records I discovered in Soul Society, even Ichibē Hyōsube of Royal Guard, or the actual Soul King himself, shouldn't possess such abilities!
Is this an existence that far transcends even the gods?
If so, will the rewards offered by the Three Realms Projection actually include prizes that surpass the Hōgyoku and fragments of the Soul King's body?
Unable to immediately determine the projection's origins, Aizen resolved to remain vigilant while making a firm decision.
I must attempt the next question and see what rewards I can obtain by answering correctly!
Moreover, Aizen began reconsidering the previous question's answers.
Why isn't my life's most perfect creation the Hōgyoku?
This is something that can allow me to transcend ordinary Shinigami and become a perfect species!
Haven't I already obtained the true Hōgyoku?
Isn't the combination of my Hōgyoku with Urahara Kisuke's version the most perfect form possible?
Or will I create something even more powerful than the Hōgyoku in the future?
If that's true, it would definitely be a force capable of replacing the Soul King!
When this thought occurred to him, Aizen couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement...
While Aizen puzzled over these questions, everyone in Soul Society was equally astonished.
[Hitsugaya Tōshirō]: By the way, Aizen actually got the answer wrong? What could the correct answer possibly be?
[Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni]: Hmph, he's a traitor to Soul Society—why should we waste time speculating? It's probably something bizarre that even he doesn't understand.
[Aizen Sōsuke]: It's not a significant problem. After all, I'm destined to replace the Soul King. Perhaps in the future, I'll create even greater works that exceed my current imagination.
[Ukitake Jūshirō]: Aizen, don't be so arrogant. Creating the Hōgyoku isn't enough—you also want to replace the Soul King? You will definitely fail.
[Aizen Sōsuke]: Then how do you explain my incorrect answer? Even if you're unfamiliar with the Hōgyoku, you should acknowledge its power.
[Urahara Kisuke]: Indeed, my previous Hōgyoku was only a prototype, and I don't know what Aizen's perfected version will become... but it's definitely not simple! If that isn't his greatest masterpiece, it's truly unimaginable...
[Kurotsuchi Mayuri]: Is it really that powerful? Don't worry, I'll take action when the time comes! Let me, the current Director of the Research and Development Institute, analyze this masterpiece invented by Aizen.
Because this question was truly incredible, and the Three Realms Projection's power was completely beyond comprehension, no one dared to continue answering at this point.
In the Fourth Division barracks, Hitsugaya Tōshirō, Matsumoto Rangiku, and the others were equally confused.
Kuchiki Rukia touched her chest, still thinking about previous events.
"Isn't the Hōgyoku that Urahara Kisuke hid within me the target of Aizen's entire series of schemes? And it's not even his most important masterpiece?"
Hitsugaya Tōshirō also frowned, clearly displeased.
"That detestable Aizen—I don't know what other strange things he's created. If he can surpass the Hōgyoku, I really don't know what will happen in the future."
Seeing countless people throughout Soul Society discussing these developments, Senyu continued calmly sipping his tea.
At this moment, only Senyu knew the true answer and will reveal it in a moment to see the effect of this expose will bring to world.
He was filled with emotion as he reflected:
Aizen Sōsuke is indeed an extremely charismatic villain.
Throughout his entire existence, he's been thinking about how to transcend ordinary Shinigami, replace the gods, and stand in the heavens!
Additionally, he's always been looking forward to meeting an opponent who could match him in strength.
He even cultivated the very protagonist who would eventually defeat him—Kurosaki Ichigo!
This Kurosaki Ichigo is the most perfect creation of Aizen's entire life!
For this goal, Aizen could be said to have endured countless hardships, paying constant attention and acting as both father and mother, desperately wishing for Ichigo Kurosaki to grow stronger as quickly as possible!
Creating an existence that could transcend the boundaries between species...
He's truly an extremely rare type of villain in the anime world...
After seeing that no one else was answering the question, Senyu mentally arranged the corresponding operations for the Three Realms Projection.
The Three Realms Projection soon made another announcement:
[DING!]