Chapter 254: Comrades Through Life and Death!
"Sōsuke, did you sense it?"
"What?"
"Just now while we were talking, Kisuke was eavesdropping by the door."
"?"
Running through the Garganta, Aizen paused slightly at Satoru's words.
Kisuke, eavesdropping by the door just now?
Due to Satoru's monstrous intuition and detection abilities, Aizen generally didn't deliberately probe their surroundings when Satoru was present.
Even so, evading his perception wasn't an easy feat.
The fact that he hadn't detected Kisuke meant the guy had mastered some special Reiatsu concealment technique, or developed Reiatsu-blocking clothing similar to his own.
Either way, it sufficiently demonstrated Kisuke's talent.
He looked at Satoru.
"You want to drag Urahara into this?"
Satoru nodded: "If we can pull him in, we definitely should."
"If we can't pull him in, then at least keep him from standing against us."
Aizen raised an eyebrow: "You think he could stop us?"
"Hehe, don't underestimate him."
Satoru grinned.
In the original timeline, despite Aizen's meticulous planning, he ultimately lost to Ichigo and Kisuke.
Although he now had himself—the chosen one, the man embodying the Soul Society's wisdom—helping, they still couldn't guarantee complete success against Kisuke.
Therefore, he had deliberately leaked some information to Kisuke, drawing him into the situation.
Once Kisuke investigated and uncovered some things, they could observe his stance.
If Kisuke was sensible and came to their side willingly, that would be acceptable.
If he didn't come to their side... then he would have to bring down the hammer!
Watching Satoru's raised lips and expectant smile, Aizen pondered thoughtfully.
Kisuke was indeed intelligent, quite skilled in technical fields.
But in his view, Kisuke's personality was somewhat weak, making it difficult for him to achieve great things.
He didn't have much interest in Kisuke.
But since Satoru said so, there must be some reasoning behind it.
After knowing each other for so many years, he had confidence in Satoru's ability to recognize and utilize talent.
This guy, while not particularly reliable himself, had an exceptional ability to identify reliable people...
...
...
Stepping out of the Garganta, the two set foot on the silver desert of Hueco Mundo.
Since he had previously moved the laboratory into the shadow of Las Noches, returning required setting up a ritual.
Such superficial work that didn't demonstrate great wisdom was entirely delegated to Aizen by Satoru.
While Aizen was arranging the Kidō, Satoru wandered around the area.
A strange trace of Reiatsu lingered in the air.
Satoru extended a finger and tasted it.
Rage, despair, resentment.
The flavor reminded him of a painful death.
What had happened here?
Just as his curiosity was piqued, Aizen completed the Kidō arrangement.
Together they stepped inside, and the surroundings began to shift rapidly.
Soon, as light returned before their eyes, they appeared in the shadow laboratory.
Upon entering, they saw Szayelaporro covered in blood, grinning widely while injecting himself with a syringe.
Spotting Satoru and Aizen, his eyes lit up.
"Ah, Boss, Mr. Aizen, perfect timing."
"My latest physical modification serum is nearly complete."
"Used on Hollows, it can easily remodel them to one's preferred appearance... like growing an extra hand or mouth, all achievable."
"I just tested it on myself—the effects last at least four hours!"
"However, the effects on Shinigami remain unclear... Would either of you like to try it?"
"No."
Without hesitation, Satoru flatly refused.
In the Soul Society, he had heard similar openings from Kisuke and Mayuri more times than he could count.
There was no way he would fall for it again.
Szayelaporro showed a somewhat disappointed expression.
At that moment, the air nearby distorted slightly.
Harribel and Nel both used Sonído to appear before Satoru.
"Lord Satoru, something has happened," Harribel said with a grave expression under the gaze of both Satoru and Aizen.
"Several days ago, Baraggan engaged in battle with Senzaemon."
"The scope of the battle was immense, destroying half of Las Noches."
"Senzaemon was defeated and devoured by Baraggan."
"Most of the Shinigami under his command fled into the desert. Baraggan dispatched a large force in pursuit, resulting in numerous deaths of Tsunayashiro Clan Shinigami in the sands."
Hearing this, Satoru showed some surprise.
He turned to look at Aizen.
"Pull up the Reiatsu observation records and visual recordings from that day."
Aizen reached for his pocket to put on his glasses, only to find them missing.
Satoru paused for a moment, then quickly pulled a pair of glasses from his Shinigami Uniform pocket.
"Haha, Sōsuke, I knew you'd forget, so I specifically brought them for you."
"?"
Aizen looked skeptical as he reached out to take them.
He suspected that Satoru hadn't actually brought them for him, but had instead pocketed them earlier.
But upon second thought, that probably wasn't the case.
After all, these glasses were originally a gift from Satoru. No matter how deranged he might be, he wouldn't steal something he himself had given away—something utterly useless...
Probably.
Putting on the glasses, he walked over to the screen and began operating it quickly.
After a short while, Aizen stood up.
"Basically, it's confirmed."
"A battle did indeed erupt in Las Noches, and it was extremely intense."
"Heavy Reishi produced at the moment of Senzaemon's death was detected at the scene."
Heavy Reishi refers to the Reishi generated upon the death of a Shinigami with third-class Reiatsu or higher, which cannot be naturally dissipated.
In the Soul Society, Soul Funeral Ceremonies are held periodically to send this special Reishi to Hell.
With Heavy Reishi present, there's no way it could be faked.
Satoru felt a sense of emotion.
Senzaemon, after all his scheming, had ultimately lost to a Hollow.
The lingering resentment he had sensed in the air earlier must have been left by that guy...
As he was thinking this, he heard Aizen continue:
"Besides Senzaemon's Heavy Reishi, a special Reiatsu fluctuation was also detected at the scene."
"After devouring Senzaemon, Baraggan completed his Resurrección on his own."
"His power has now advanced further."
Upon hearing this, Satoru raised an eyebrow.
That guy Baraggan was already stronger than Nel and Harribel even before becoming an Arrancar.
Now that he's completed his Resurrección on his own, his power must have surged dramatically.
Seemingly reading his thoughts, Aizen spoke up:
"Although Baraggan is strong, the two of us together may not be weaker than him."
"Besides, we have three Vasto Lordes on our side."
"Baraggan has just advanced to this level and will need some time to fully master this power."
"Now is the best opportunity to deal with him."
Harribel nodded in agreement.
In fact, she thought the same.
Though reluctant to witness bloodshed, she understood clearly that if Baraggan fell and Satoru took over Hueco Mundo, the current chaotic and cruel state of the realm would undoubtedly improve.
Thus, Baraggan's death was an acceptable sacrifice.
Szayelaporro scratched his head, "Um, do I have to go too?"
"To be honest, this kind of violent conflict isn't suitable for a scholar like me. Perhaps I should just..."
"Don't worry, after this, I'll give you all the research materials on soul division," Aizen interjected gently.
Szayelaporro's eyes lit up, and he immediately dropped his objections.
Nel looked around at those present.
"Lord Satoru, what about Baraggan's subordinates?"
Baraggan commanded numerous Adjuchas.
These Adjuchas, in turn, controlled large numbers of Gillian.
While a single Adjuchas meant nothing to warriors of their caliber...
...dozens, or even hundreds of Adjuchas would form a force that couldn't be ignored.
Hearing this, Satoru chuckled confidently.
"Don't worry, I already have a brilliant plan."
Nel looked concerned, "Are you planning to summon Shinigami forces?"
Dealing with that massive horde of Adjuchas would indeed be easiest by calling reinforcements from Soul Society.
Satoru shook his head:
"Why bother calling people from Soul Society?"
"Isn't there ready-made combat power waiting for us right here?"
Hearing his words, Aizen smiled faintly.
What a coincidence.
He had just thought of those very people.
...
...
Across the vast silver desert, a group of Shinigami hurried desperately.
These were all members of the Tsunayashiro clan who had followed Senzaemon from Soul Society to Hueco Mundo.
Having been selected by Senzaemon to accompany him and build momentum in Hueco Mundo, their combat abilities were naturally considerable.
However, after witnessing their clan head being devoured by Baraggan, they had completely lost their will to fight.
If even their invincible clan head had fallen, what could they possibly accomplish?
Their only desire now was to flee desperately, to escape Las Noches' jurisdiction and never encounter Baraggan again.
But...
Sensing the relentless pursuit of Hollow spiritual pressures in the air, the Tsunayashiro Shinigami grew pale.
It seemed Baraggan had no intention of letting them escape.
The leaders exchanged glances, recognizing the same realization in each other's eyes.
Hueco Mundo was the Hollows' territory. Whether in familiarity with the terrain or the speed of absorbing Reishi from the air to recover, the pursuing Adjuchas far surpassed them.
Continuing to flee would only exhaust their energy until they were devoured by the Adjuchas.
Better to make a stand here and fight the Adjuchas directly.
They weren't the Tsunayashiro clan's only remaining forces.
Another group was fleeing ahead of them.
By holding off these Adjuchas here, they could at least ensure some of their bloodline would survive!
Having resolved themselves, the lead Tsunayashiro shouted:
"Halt!!"
As everyone watched in surprise, he drew his Zanpakutō:
"Everyone, prepare for battle!"
"We'll fight a delaying action here... We must never let these damned Hollows catch up with those ahead!"
Hearing this, many showed despair.
But after a moment's internal struggle, they all drew their blades.
Twice reduced to stray dogs, they had endured enough of this life on the run.
Surviving today would only delay their inevitable fate as Hollow prey—better to die honorably in battle here and now.
In the distance, the silhouettes of Adjuchas were already visible.
The Tsunayashiro clan members wore expressions of despair mingled with madness, each steeling themselves for combat.
The pursuing Menos Grande, seeing the Shinigami halt, were overjoyed.
They had all sensed Baraggan's explosive growth in power after devouring Shinigami.
If they too consumed a few Shinigami, wouldn't they achieve similar results?
This anticipation kept every Menos Grande in a state of fervent excitement.
Without the slightest hesitation, they charged madly toward the Tsunayashiro Shinigami, roaring with bestial fury!
Just then, a voice suddenly rang out from the sky—
"Heaven and Earth in primal chaos, the cosmos vast and wild, those who follow me shall receive grace."
"Sun and Moon shall fall, Yin and Yang overturned, those who defy me shall meet oblivion!"
Hearing this, both the Tsunayashiro Shinigami and the Menos Grande looked up in astonishment.
A figure stood proudly in the sky.
On the back of his white haori, the characters for "Eleventh" were written.
Recognizing the newcomer, Shinigami and Hollow alike cried out that dreaded name in terror.
"Sa... Satoru!! Satoru Mikami!!"
"Haha, indeed it is I!"
Amid the gasps of shock, Satoru laughed heartily.
Then, with a single leap, he plummeted toward the Menos Grande.
Mid-air, he flung off his white haori and tore open his Shinigami Uniform.
In the next instant, violent blue flames erupted from his arms and back!
Drawing one leg up while extending the other straight out, he shouted:
"Shunkō • Satoru Flying Kick!!"
Boom!!!!
Under the astonished gazes of the Tsunayashiro Shinigami, Satoru plummeted like a meteor, crashing violently into the ranks of the Menos Grande.
The terrifying impact sent mountains of sand surging outwards in all directions.
Just blocking the onslaught of sand required considerable effort from the Shinigami.
Staring at the epicenter of the explosion, the Shinigami widened their eyes in disbelief.
Satoru… had this guy gotten stronger again?
That last move was absolutely insane!
Using such a fearsome technique, he must have sustained significant injuries himself, right?
Was it possible… to seize this opportunity…?
Various thoughts flashed rapidly through the mind of the leading Tsunayashiro Shinigami.
But before he could act on any of them, a whirlwind abruptly swept through the center of the battlefield.
The fierce gust of wind swept away all the dust that had billowed into the boundless sky, revealing the scene within.
In the massive sand crater, Satoru stood calmly.
His well-defined muscles glistened with the sheen of Reiatsu.
Countless fragments of Menos Grande were scattered around him.
The few surviving Menos Grande that had been farther away were now cowering on the ground, too terrified to even stand.
Satoru rolled his neck.
Then, he turned his gaze toward the Tsunayashiro Shinigami.
Under their horrified stares, he grinned widely.
"My dear sworn brothers, bound by life and death! I've come to save you!"
The Shinigami: "…"
This 'life-and-death bond' of yours… is it even legitimate?