However, Sasakibe asked this question not to stump Ichigo.
He smiled and continued, "Regarding Reio, Lieutenant Kurosaki, you don't need to delve too deeply. You just need to know there is such a thing used to judge a Shinigami's true strength, or rather, Reiatsu level."
"What I actually want to talk about is something else: the Reiatsu Suppression Theory!"
Sasakibe's expression turned serious. "The Reiatsu Suppression Theory means that a person with high Reiatsu can achieve a certain degree of immunity to the Zanpakuto abilities of those with lower Reiatsu!"
"For the specific effect, you fought Captain Zaraki, so you can understand it as his kind of tough defense!"
"However, Reiatsu suppression isn't invincible. It must exceed the enemy's by a significant margin, though it still has some use."
"And Genryusai-sama has always believed he is invincible. No matter the threat, as long as he acts, he can resolve it. His Reiatsu level, his Reio, is naturally the highest, 1st-Rank!"
"But even Genryusai-sama like this cannot become immune to Aizen's illusion, or rather, cannot weaken its effect!"
"Do you know what this indicates?" Sasakibe looked intently at Ichigo.
"Hmm." Being someone who had watched Bleach, Ichigo slowly snapped out of it and understood the other party's meaning.
In the original work, from Aizen's betrayal to his sealing-
Very few people truly contributed to the cause of defeating Aizen because they didn't understand him.
Or rather, no one had a correct understanding of Aizen's strength.
Gin once said in a narration:
'All of you just shout and swarm at Captain Aizen, thinking that pooling everyone's strength can defeat him.'
'But you don't know that being able to use Kyoka Suigetsu isn't even the terrifying thing about Captain Aizen!'
'Although Kyoka Suigetsu is also a terrifying ability, if it were just Kyoka Suigetsu, many people would still rather die than submit.'
'The Espada have different personalities, unruly and arrogant, yet such Espada still formed a group.'
'The reason is only one… Captain Aizen's own immense strength!'
In the Fake Karakura Town Arc, it could be said only three people truly understood Aizen's strength.
Namely: Kisuke, Ichigo, and the aforementioned Gin.
Naturally, only these three could compete with Aizen on the same stage.
Yamamoto sacrificed an arm, merely forcing his way onto the stage at great cost, only to be kicked off by the 'security' (Aizen).
But now, from Sasakibe's words, Ichigo discovered that due to his butterfly effect, Yamamoto had actually started to take Aizen seriously!
Why? Because Yamamoto couldn't weaken the effect of Aizen's Kyoka Suigetsu!
This conversely indicated that Aizen's own strength was on the same level as the Captain-Commander!
So, what does an ordinary person do when faced with a likely confirmed super-strong enemy?
Of course, it's to boost their own side's strength!
Seeing the dawning comprehension in Ichigo's eyes, Sasakibe also smiled.
"It seems you understand, Lieutenant Kurosaki."
"That's right. Because your Reio has reached 2nd-Rank, and you haven't been affected by Kyoka Suigetsu,"
"I speculate the Captain-Commander likely wants to discuss the matter of your strength, perhaps a training session."
"Just like when Genryusai-sama once taught Zanjutsu to Zaraki Kenpachi!"
At this point, Ichigo completely understood.
Sure enough, not long after, Yamamoto, having concluded the meeting, arrived. His first words were:
"Lieutenant Kurosaki, from now until the decisive battle, you will stay in the Soul Society!"
"Aizen is an unprecedented powerful enemy for the Seireitei. For the sake of fighting him, we need to make extra preparations!" Yamamoto said in a tone that brooked no refusal.
"Starting tomorrow, I will conduct training for you, as well as for some promising Lieutenants and seated officers!"
"Huh?" Even with Sasakibe's heads-up, Ichigo was still very surprised by Yamamoto's decision.
"If I'm in the Soul Society, what about the Living World..."
"Your father, Shiba Isshin, doesn't need any further explanation!!"
Before Ichigo could say anything, Yamamoto cut him off.
Saying this, Yamamoto was also full of resentment.
As the leader of the Gotei 13, managing the Captains under him daily was a taxing effort for the Captain-Commander.
Yet even so, the unruly Captains would still cause trouble for him every now and then.
For instance, Aizen's betrayal this time.
And further back, Isshin's absence from duty.
That guy, Yamamoto not dragging him back to work was already being lenient.
So, the father's debt is paid by the son. The combat power Isshin lacked would be compensated for by Ichigo. It's reasonable!
As for Ichigo's thoughts?
Ichigo's thoughts were unimportant.
If Yamamoto were willing to write a book, he could probably publish one on Webnovel titled [The Long-Suffering Me and My Troublesome Captains], which would guaranteed a top spot on the charts.
After all, having schemed and struggled with his Captains for many years, could he not handle a mere youngster like Ichigo?
"Uh… Alright then!"
Seeing Yamamoto's resolute demeanor, Ichigo paused, then could only agree.
Seeing Ichigo like this, Yamamoto finally revealed a trace of a smile.
"Good, that's the Lieutenant of the Seireitei!"
"Dismissed. I am not some devil. All training starts tomorrow!"
"As for your seated officer residence in the 13th Division, I've already notified people to arrange it for you. You can rest there!"
Having said this, Yamamoto turned and left.
Thoroughly arranged for, Ichigo smacked his lips and could only go along with it.
However, stepping out of the 1st Division's main gate, seeing it was still early, Ichigo didn't return to the 13th Division.
Instead, he turned and headed in another direction!
12th Division, Technological Development Bureau!
Ichigo found Kurotsuchi Mayuri.
"Oh, Kurosaki Ichigo, what a rare guest!" Looking at Ichigo, Mayuri showed surprise. "What, finally willing to let me dissect you?"
Hearing this, Ichigo's face darkened. He retorted:
"I'll let you dissect me after I die. But before that, give me Nemu as a maid, how about that?"
"I, Kurosaki Ichigo, keep my word. If you dare give her, I dare sign the agreement!" Ichigo said decisively.
Hearing Ichigo's words, Akon nearby was shocked: "What? That's foolish, Mr. Kurosaki! Quickly say you're joking!"
He knew this scientific madman all too well.
Mayuri, focused on biotechnology, would never give up researching a high-grade specimen like Ichigo, so he would definitely agree!
The problem was, Ichigo dared to say it, Mayuri dared to agree, but Akon didn't have the guts, nor did he believe the Soul Society would allow such an operation!
And Mayuri obviously wouldn't care about the Soul Society's objections. Stubborn as he was, he would inevitably clash with the Seireitei.
Surrounded by the fear of losing his freedom, he naturally didn't notice that Mayuri, who would usually agree instantly and add 'there's such a good thing?', was actually hesitating!
"Tsk, Kurosaki Ichigo, others have always said you're a bit clever!"
"It seems now you're more than just a bit clever?"
Mayuri looked at Ichigo with a sinister, sly gaze.
"Hahaha, you flatter me. Limited by cognition, misjudging others is common."
Ichigo laughed without pressure. "Just like Captain Kurotsuchi, although ugly and perverted, I know you're not truly extremely perverted. You also have a bottom line."
Ichigo looked to the side. Kurotsuchi Nemu is wearing a modified short-skirt Shihakusho. Expressionless, pure yet alluring in aura, with a full chest, two long, straight, snow-white legs that were tantalizing.
Ichigo smiled: "Just like Lieutenant Nemu! Is this the perfect girlfriend created by a scientific otaku, or the beloved daughter of a mad scientist?"
"Or perhaps both?" Ichigo asked.
Subsequently, under Nemu's shocked gaze, Mayuri blocked Ichigo's line of sight.
For the first time, his sinister tone carried a hint of gloom: "Kid, where are your eyes looking!"
"OKOK, seems she's a daughter, alright, my bad!" Ichigo raised both hands, took two steps back, indicating he meant no harm.