XX-level Hokage

Ichigo suddenly raised his head, and his brown eyes were once again replaced by the golden light brought about by Hollowfication! His body, which had been severely injured by Ulquiorra's Cero, once again erupted with powerful strength under the stimulation of Hollowfication power.

"Kurosaki-kun," Kisuke Urahara looked at Ichigo before him, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. He knew Ichigo's power was far more than this. "Then... come on." Ichigo's Hollowfied voice carried a wildness and determination, his Zangetsu pointing directly at Harribel in the air, "Let's..."

I'll see just how utterly vulnerable your so-called leader really is!

For the first time, a hint of surprise appeared on Heribel's icy face. She hadn't expected that this weakened Grim Reaper would still have the courage to challenge her.

"You're courting death." Harribel's voice remained calm, but her spiritual pressure erupted in an instant, pressing down on Ichigo like a tsunami. "Since you're so eager to die, then I'll grant your wish."

The night sky over Karakura Town was dyed a ghastly white, like the Hollow Circle, at this moment.

A battle between the Grim Reapers and the Espada, a battle that concerns the fate of the present world, has begun.

Chapter 215: Chaos

The sky above Seireitei was overcast, with leaden clouds hanging low, as if foreshadowing an impending storm.

Unlike the endless darkness of Hueco Mundo, the air here is filled with tension and a sense of impending doom, and every spiritual particle seems to carry an uneasy restlessness.

The Central 46 Chambers had long been destroyed by Aizen's schemes, and the remaining nobles and high-ranking Shinigami were struggling to maintain a semblance of order. However, from the void...

The news that came from Juan was like a bombshell, shattering this fragile balance.

Against this backdrop, a powerful spiritual pressure tore through space, and Mashiro returned to Seireitei with Toshiro, Rangiku, Hinamori, and Matsumoto Rangiku, Toshiro's vice-captain. Behind them lay the shattered Black Hole and the unfathomable despair of Hueco Mundo.

Without pausing, the group went straight to the First Division Captain's office.

When they pushed open that heavy door, the atmosphere inside the office was so heavy it was almost suffocating.

Yamamoto Genryu Shigekuni, the undefeated captain for a thousand years, sat with his eyes closed. Between his deep wrinkles was the majesty and vicissitudes accumulated over the years.

“Captain-Commander.” Mashiro spoke first, her voice steady and calm, without a trace of emotion, as if she had just experienced a life-or-death battle.

It was not a normal homecoming, but rather a return home. "The situation in Hueco Mundo is worse than we anticipated."

Yamamoto Genryu Shigekuni's eyelids twitched slightly, and he slowly opened his eyes. His weathered eyes, sharp as an eagle's, stared directly at Mashiro. "Speak," he said, his voice aged yet resonant, each word carrying an unquestionable authority.

Mashiro nodded slightly and began to narrate. She recounted Aizen's conspiracy, the true power of the Hogyoku, the appearance of the Espada, and the struggles of Kisuke Urahara, Ichigo Kurosaki, and others in Hueco Mundo without reservation. However, her narration was not entirely objective, as it concealed her true purpose.

She focused on Aizen's ultimate goal, emphasizing the existence of the "Royal Key".

Aizen's true purpose wasn't to conquer Hueco Mundo, nor to destroy the Human World; what he truly desired was the King's Key. Mashiro's voice lowered slightly, and the air in the office seemed to freeze. "He plans to use the King's Key to enter the Spirit Lord's camp, thereby replacing the Spirit Lord and becoming the new ruler."

Upon hearing this, a hint of emotion finally appeared on Yamamoto Genryuji Shigekuni's usually expressionless face.

Wang Jian's secret is the oldest and most taboo secret in the Soul Society, known only to the Central 46 and a few captain-level Shinigami.

This thing isn't some kind of key, but a person. Wang Jian's true identity is a member of the first generation of the Gotei 13, who dedicated himself to protecting Soul Society.

They became the main body, and Aizen's goal was to erase them, thus becoming the new main body himself.

Observing Yamamoto Shigekuni's expression, she knew that her words had achieved the desired effect. She continued, "The power of the Hogyoku is greater than..."

We imagine it to be far more powerful, capable of breaking down the boundaries between death and Hollows, and even creating new species.

Aizen has pushed the power of the Hogyoku to its limit. His power has surpassed the level of a captain and is even approaching the level of a Soul King.

"And Urahara Kisuke, in order to deal with Aizen, is also doing his best to research the Hogyoku. He created Hollowfication, giving Shinigami the power of Hollows. This is a dangerous power, Captain-Commander." Mashiro deliberately steered the conversation toward Urahara Kisuke. She knew that Yamamoto Shigekuni had always been wary of Urahara Kisuke.

Yamamoto Shigekuni's gaze deepened. He pondered for a moment before slowly speaking, "Urahara Kisuke... he remains an uncontrollable factor." Mashiro inwardly sneered, but her face remained serious: "Yes, and moreover, Kurosaki Ichigo's power is constantly growing, the Hollow power within him..."

He has already achieved perfect fusion with his death power, meaning he has become an unstable bomb, ready to explode at any moment. We must find a way to deal with him before he goes out of control.

Mashiro's words were a foreshadowing of future actions. She wanted to see how Soul Society would react to Aizen and Ichigo's growth, and what choices Yamamoto Shigekuni would make.

Under intense external pressure, the internal conflicts within the Soul Realm will become more pronounced, and this is precisely the opportunity for her to overthrow the Spirit Lord's rule.

“Captain-Commander, we must make a decision now,” Mashiro said. “Should we remain in Seireitei and wait for Aizen’s arrival, or should we take the initiative, head to Hueco Mundo, and stop him from completing his plan?”

Yamamoto Shigekuni did not answer immediately. His gaze swept over Toshiro, Rangiku, and Hinamori, who were standing behind Mashiro. These young Shinigami all wore expressions of weariness and worry, but their eyes burned with an indomitable fighting spirit.

“Chaos.” Yamamoto Shigekuni finally spoke, his voice deep and powerful. “This is a world of great chaos. Aizen’s conspiracy, Urahara Kisuke’s experiments, and Kurosaki Ichigo’s existence all foreshadow an unprecedented upheaval.”

"Mashiro, what's your suggestion?" He shone his self-light on Mashiro again.

Mashiro knew that this was an opportunity for her to demonstrate her value and also an opportunity for her to continue to drive the situation forward.

"My suggestion is to first stabilize the Seireitei. Aizen's ultimate goal is the Royal Key, and he will inevitably attack the Seireitei. We must concentrate all our forces and wait for his arrival. At the same time, we can send people to Hueco Mundo to continue observing Aizen's movements and provide necessary support to Kisuke Urahara and Ichigo Kurosaki." Mashiro offered a seemingly conservative but actually cunning suggestion.

She knew that if Yamamoto Shigekuni rashly attacked and went to Hueco Mundo, the Seireitei's defenses would become weak, and Aizen could take advantage of the situation, thus hindering her plans.

Only by setting the battlefield in the Seireitei could she better observe Aizen and Ichigo's ultimate powers, and at the same time, make it easier for her to make her own choices at crucial moments.

Yamamoto Shigekuni closed his eyes again, lost in thought.

Mashiro's words were reasonable and well-founded, yet subtly pointed. Her mention of Wang Jian forced Yamamoto Shigekuni to reassess the seriousness of the entire situation. "Mashiro, you should go and rest," Yamamoto Shigekuni finally decided. "I will arrange the subsequent actions."

Mashiro slightly turned and led Toshiro and the others out of the office. As the door closed again, the air inside became heavy once more.

Yamamoto Shigekuni opened his eyes and looked out at the gloomy sky. He knew that a great upheaval was about to occur, and he had to make a difficult choice.

Slowly standing up, Yamamoto walked towards the window. His figure appeared exceptionally tall in the dim light, yet carried a heavy weight. He knew that he was facing not only Aizen, but also the unknown forces hidden in the darkness.

And Mashiro, this former comrade, that lovely child—how much of what she says is true, and how much is false? All of this will be tested in the battles to come.

Chapter 216: The Situation

The war in Hueco Mundo has temporarily ceased, but the Seireitei, the stage for the final battle, is shrouded in an unusual tranquility. A sense of impending doom hangs in the air, and every spiritual particle seems tense with anticipation of the impending great battle.

After the First Division's meeting, the captains returned to their respective divisions, preparing in different ways for this war that would determine the survival of the Tokishin World.

Inside the Eleventh Division's barracks, the sounds of metal clashing could be heard incessantly.

Kenpachi Zaraki was casually sharpening his serrated sword with a rough whetstone.

Each friction produced dazzling sparks, intensifying the blade's killing intent. He had a blade of grass dangling from his mouth, his face revealing undisguised excitement and anticipation.

"Hey, Hachi," he said to Kusajishi Yachiru, who was perched on his shoulder, without turning his head, "Aizen is ridiculously strong."

"Yes, yes! Ken, we can't lose again this time!" Yachiru swung her legs, her voice clear and crisp, as if what was about to begin was not a life-or-death battle but a fun game.

Kenpachi Zaraki grinned, revealing a beastly smile: "That's perfect, it's been a long time since I've slain such a strong guy!" In stark contrast to the clamor of the Eleventh Division, the Sixth Division's courtyard was quiet and still.

In the Sixth Division Captain's office, Byakuya Kuchiki sat upright at his desk, toying with a hair tie in his hand. His expression was calm as still water, but a rational light flashed in his deep eyes. It wasn't that he was unmoved; he was simply used to suppressing all his emotions.

The "key" that Mashiro mentioned reminded him of the records in his family's books. It was the most core secret of the Seireitei and the cornerstone for maintaining the balance of the three realms. He began to re-examine Mashiro. How much did this woman really know? What kind of connection did she have with Kisuke Urahara, Yoruichi, and even Aizen?

Kyoraku Shunsui and Ukitake Jushiro were running towards each other in the courtyard of the 13th Division.

Cherry blossom petals drifted down in the wind, landing on the chessboard, adding a touch of poignant beauty to the somber atmosphere.

"Shunsui, how much of what you think is true and how much is false in Zhenbai's words?" Ukitake Jushiro coughed lightly, his gentle gaze fixed on his old friend across from him.

Kyoraku Shunsui shook his head, his usual nonchalant smile still on his face: "Who knows? This woman was never someone you could truly understand from the start."

"In short, Jushiro, this enemy is no joke." Kyoraku Shunsui pulled down his straw hat, his voice low. "Regardless of Aizen..."

They're really good at hiding their true colors.

Jushiro Ukitake coughed lightly twice, a trace of worry on his pale face: "Yes, and according to Mashiro, the power of the Hogyoku is beyond imagination. I wonder how Ichigo and the others are doing in the human world."

Their concerns reflect the feelings of most team captains at this moment.

Meanwhile, in the 12th Division's laboratory, Mayuri Kurotsuchi was staring at a huge screen, his eyes gleaming with a frenzied excitement. On the screen were scattered data about the Arrancar's Resurrection Zz'u, transmitted from Hueco Mundo.

"I see... Breaking the limits through the Hogyoku to forcibly guide evolution? What a brilliant idea! Aizen! Kisuke Urahara! And Mashiro! You bastards, you actually had something so interesting hidden away!" He let out a piercing laugh, his hands flying across the control panel as if he couldn't wait to grab these Arrancar and make them his perfect experimental subjects.

Compared to the tense atmosphere of the other squads, the Third Squad's barracks, which had just welcomed a new master, appeared unusually deserted.

Vice-captain Kira Izuru was still buried in a mountain of documents, his face etched with exhaustion. His new captain, Mashiro, had dumped all the team's affairs on him since the day he took office, and had disappeared without a trace.

At this moment, Mashiro was leisurely strolling in the courtyard of the Second Division.

This was the headquarters of the covert operations unit, one of the places she was most familiar with. She bypassed the heavily guarded posts as if they were empty, and finally stopped at a secluded training ground.

In the center of the training ground, a petite figure was undergoing rigorous training.

Every punch and kick was accompanied by a powerful gust of wind that tore through the air; the movements were clean, crisp, and full of explosive force.

That was none other than Soi Fon, the captain of the 2nd Division and Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukido. "You're really hardworking, little bee."

A voice, tinged with a hint of languor and teasing, came from behind her, causing Soi Fon to abruptly stop. She quickly turned around, and when she saw that familiar figure, a complex emotion flashed in her eyes—surprise, awe, and even a barely perceptible hint of shame and resentment.

“Mashiro…Master.” Soi Fon’s voice was somewhat stiff. She subconsciously straightened her appearance, as if facing a stern teacher. Mashiro slowly stepped forward, a nonchalant smile on her lips, but her gaze was like the sharpest blade, scrutinizing Soi Fon from head to toe.

all over.

"Not bad, your mastery of the instantaneous technique has improved quite a bit. However, you're still too rigid in your approach," Mashiro commented casually, as if a teacher were instructing a student.

Soi Fon's lips moved, but she did not refute.

In front of Mashiro, she will always be the junior who needs guidance. She was once Mashiro's student, just like Yoruichi.

Because of her almost fanatical adoration for Yoruichi, when she learned about the deeper relationship between Yoruichi and Mashiro, on a night when she was blinded by alcohol and emotions, she also offered herself up and became one of Mashiro's many "lovers".

"What brings you here?" Soi Fon's voice carried a hint of detachment. "You should now be the captain of the Third Division."

Oh? Old man Yamamoto snitched on you? Mashiro chuckled lightly, walking nonchalantly to Soi Fon, reaching out and gently lifting her chin with her fingertips, forcing her to look at him. "What? Now that you're the captain, you've forgotten how you used to call me?"

Soi Fon's body trembled slightly, and an unnatural blush appeared on her cheeks.

The unique aura emanating from Mashiro, along with her aggressive gaze, reminded her of many long-forgotten memories.

“Yoruichi…she’s back too.” Mashiro suddenly said, her fingertips gently stroking Soi Fon’s smooth chin, feeling the other’s body stiffen instantly.

Soi Fon's breath hitched, and her gaze became even more complicated. Yoruichi was an insurmountable obsession in her heart.

"I've met her." Mashiro's voice lowered slightly, carrying a hint of alluring magic, "She's still the same as before, like a rebellious little wildcat. However..."

Mashiro leaned down and whispered in Soi Fon's ear, "She doesn't have that strong, repressed scent of desire that you do."

"You...please have some self-respect!" Soi Fon abruptly took a step back, trying to close the distance with Mashiro, but her eyes betrayed her inner panic. "Self-respect?" Mashiro smiled, a smile tinged with danger. "Little bee, have you forgotten who taught you how to unleash your inner..."

Who is it that lets you experience the joy of pushing your limits?

She stepped forward again, this time forcing Soi Fon into a corner of the training ground, reaching out and bracing herself against the wall, completely trapping Soi Fon in her arms.

"Aizen's game has already begun, yet old man Yamamoto is still clinging to outdated rules." Mashiro's voice turned cold and deep. "You think, solely based on..."

Can the Gotei 13 win with their current strength?

Soi Fon was completely overwhelmed by Mashiro's aura, and she felt suffocated. She wanted to refute, to say that they would definitely protect the Seireitei, but under Mashiro's all-knowing gaze, any words seemed pale and powerless.

“Listen, Soi Fon.” Mashiro’s fingers gently traced Soi Fon’s lips, carrying an undeniable command. “In the upcoming battle, don’t rush to the front. Watch carefully, watch Aizen, watch Kurosaki Ichigo, and watch… old man Yamamoto. See clearly who the real enemy is, and who… will be the final winner.”

Her fingertips were icy cold, yet seemed to carry an electric current, causing Soi Fon's body to tremble again. "I..." Soi Fon's voice trembled slightly.

“You’re a smart kid.” Mashiro chuckled and withdrew her hand. “Don’t disappoint me.”