At this moment, Aizen maintained that same elegant and composed demeanor he had always possessed as a captain. It appeared as though every Shinigami in Soul Society was still his subordinate, and he felt genuinely pleased by their growth and development.
Naturally, Rukia Kuchiki found herself completely bewildered, unable to properly describe her current emotional state. The scene unfolding before her eyes seemed absolutely surreal.
This feels like some kind of impossible dream! she thought, struggling to process what she was witnessing.
The other Shinigami looked around at each other with equal confusion, checking to see if they might be experiencing some shared hallucination. Otherwise, how could Aizen—who had been imprisoned in the deepest levels of Muken—possibly appear here again?
This is simply incredible, they thought collectively. Is there something fundamentally wrong with our prison system? Did Aizen somehow escape on his own?
If that were the case, it would represent a catastrophic disaster for Soul Society! The damage inflicted by Yhwach was already more than troublesome enough—adding another Aizen to the mix was genuinely shocking.
The Shinigami could only exchange bewildered glances, each looking to the others for some explanation or guidance. Unfortunately, none of them knew how to handle this unprecedented situation.
They lacked any real leadership at this crucial moment. With Head Captain Yamamoto no longer present, it was extremely difficult for them to address whatever crisis would emerge next!
Can we even protect Soul Society anymore? Countless questions swirled through their minds without any clear answers.
While the Shinigami remained stunned into silence, it took several moments before Rukia finally gathered her composure and began shouting her questions.
[In the projection, Rukia's voice carried a mixture of fear and confusion as she addressed her former captain.
"Aizen..." she began hesitantly.
"Aren't you supposed to be imprisoned in Muken?"
"Why are you here?"
Aizen responded with characteristic calm, as if discussing something as mundane as the weather.
"Because my restraints have been partially released," he explained matter-of-factly.
This answer only deepened the Shinigami' confusion and alarm.
What happened? Who authorized this? What is going on?
After a tense pause, Kyoraku Shunsui emerged from the shadows, approaching with a rueful smile.
"I'm the one who released him," he admitted openly.
"I know what you're all going to ask, so let me explain my reasoning first."
"I believe we truly need his power at this moment."
The Shinigami found themselves completely unable to accept Kyoraku's decision. Their objections came in a torrent of outraged voices.
"What are you saying, Head Captain Kyoraku?"!"
"Is this really acceptable?!"
"To think we'd have to rely on the power of someone like him—I simply cannot accept it!"
"Just thinking about his past crimes makes me sick!"
Kyoraku seemed to understand their feelings perfectly, and he raised his hands in a gesture of calm.
"Listen, please allow me to explain this slowly," he said with patient authority.
"You all understand by now that our most important mission is protecting Soul Society, correct?"
"I know you can't accept this decision because of pride and principle."
"But I want to tell you something crucial—"
"You cannot protect Soul Society through pride alone."
"Sometimes, to defeat evil forces, we must employ evil methods ourselves."
"I believe this represents the most correct course of action available to us."]
Kyoraku's words rang with conviction and contained profound wisdom that was difficult to refute!
Upon hearing this explanation, the Shinigami found themselves genuinely helpless. They all lowered their heads in contemplative silence, unable to formulate any meaningful counterarguments.
They were forced to acknowledge this harsh reality. If they continued clinging to their pride and refused to seek Aizen's assistance, Soul Society would truly face complete annihilation!
So regardless of their personal feelings, they had no choice but to agree with this strategy.
Contemplating these circumstances, the Shinigami of the Gotei 13 felt deeply uncomfortable and conflicted. But there was truly nothing more they could say.
To completely eliminate Yhwach's threat, they genuinely had to rely on Aizen's power—even if Aizen himself might eventually become uncontrollable, they had no alternatives! Without Aizen's intervention, they would be finished immediately. They would die regardless of their choice, so they could only select this method of fighting fire with fire.
Let Aizen deal with Yhwach's power first, they reasoned grimly, and we'll address the problems posed by both Aizen and Yhwach afterward.
After observing their lengthy deliberations, Aizen found himself quite amused by their struggle.
This group of Shinigami is really going to extraordinary lengths on my behalf! he thought with satisfaction. It seems they truly have to acknowledge just how powerful I am...
[Aizen's smile widened as he made his next request.
"Well then, I trust you've all discussed this matter sufficiently?" he said with casual authority. "It's time to remove the restraints from my hands so I can leave this chair."
Kyoraku maintained his composure as he firmly rejected the request.
"As I mentioned before, I'm only authorized to use three keys. I don't have permission to employ the others."
Upon hearing this refusal, Aizen's expression darkened slightly with a frown.
"Really? Do you expect me to eliminate all these creatures while remaining seated in this chair?"
Kyoraku's smile took on a knowing quality.
"I don't believe you're incapable of doing exactly that."
Aizen seemed somewhat irritated by this obvious flattery.
"Please don't patronize me. I don't possess that level of strength in my current state."
Kyoraku regarded Aizen with a serious expression before his smile returned.
"This isn't a question of whether you possess the ability," he said thoughtfully.
"Are you really going to just sit there passively..."
"And allow these eyeball monsters to gnaw away at your body?"
"I don't believe you'll remain silent in such circumstances."
As if summoned by his words, a massive torrent of corrupted black spiritual pressure descended from the sky above them.
BUZZ!
The attack was so dense it resembled a torrential downpour, with no visible end in sight. Such an overwhelming flood of corrupted spiritual pressure represented an incredibly formidable enemy for any Shinigami to face!
Aizen could only release a weary sigh.
"Very well, it's so difficult to convince you people," he said with resignation.
He genuinely wanted to break free from the seal completely, but it seemed that wouldn't be possible immediately. The Gotei 13, including Kyoraku Shunsui, would remain extremely wary of his intentions.
Kyoraku responded with polite gratitude.
"I feel truly honored to receive such praise from you..."
But in the next instant, Kyoraku suddenly stopped speaking entirely. His pupils dilated with shock and growing alarm!
He seemed to suddenly realize just how terrifying the attack Aizen was about to unleash would be.
This upcoming demonstration of power was definitely not something any of them would be able to withstand!]
[Ulquiorra]: Finally, we'll witness Aizen-sama's true power even while restrained!
[Tier Harribel]: These Shinigami have no idea what kind of overwhelming force they're about to witness.
[Grimmjow]: Even seated in that pathetic chair, Aizen-sama will show them what real strength looks like!
[Yhwach]: Interesting. Let us see if this imprisoned former captain can provide adequate entertainment before his inevitable defeat.