Every Arrancar entering the Seireitei this time had a mission.
The strongest, the Cuarto Espada, Ulquiorra, was to hold back the mysterious and unpredictable Kyoraku, who could become the next Captain-Commander.
The Sexta Espada, Grimmjow, the Diez Espada, and the Cero Espada Yammy would face Zaraki and Komamura respectively, using similar opponent types but with their own superior strength to suppress them.
Then the Séptima Espada, Zommari would face Byakuya, and the Octava Espada Szayelaporro would face Mayuri.
These pairings had no inherent restraint relationship… it was purely about whose abilities were stronger.
Besides these, Tosen would lead others to suppress Unohana Retsu, once again limiting this medical core of the Seireitei.
Therefore, regarding their own actions and the Seireitei's movements,
Aizen had made predictions.
Where the Captain-Commander and other hidden individuals were, Aizen already knew.
Naturally, for Ichigo, who was in the Soul Society, he also found people to suppress and eliminate him.
The Quinto Espada, Nnoitra and the special Novena Espada, Aaroniero were specifically chosen for this task!
As long as Aaroniero could truly fool Rukia and Ichigo with Kaien's face, then Aizen's plan would succeed!
Because in Aizen's research, for the current Ichigo, Rukia was a very important figure!
Once captured, using Rukia's life as a threat,
Ichigo would very likely be bound by it!
Thinking this, Aaroniero's expressions and movements became more and more natural.
His warm palm was getting closer and closer to Rukia!
With his special two-brain configuration, he even split the residual memories of the many Hollows he had consumed into two halves, reserving one large brain specifically to run the memories named [Shiba Kaien]!
It could be said, at this moment, Aaroniero was the reincarnation of Shiba Kaien!
No matter who looked, he was Shiba Kaien!
The fact that Rukia, clearly facing an enemy, showed no reaction to his approach was proof!
But unfortunately, the person before him was Ichigo!
As someone who knew the Bleach storyline intimately,
It could be said Ichigo possessed Yhwach's omniscience and omnipotence, so how could he let Aaroniero succeed?
Even before Aaroniero's hand could descend, Ichigo had already taken two steps forward.
He actively blocked Aaroniero's path, separating Rukia from Aaroniero.
Slap!
Ichigo grasped Aaroniero's hand!
"Cousin Kaien, is it really cousin? It's so great you're alive! Kukaku has missed you terribly!" Ichigo said with fake pleasantries.
"With the Seireitei under attack now, since cousin is still here, you must be still loyal to Seireitei despite being under Aizen, right! How about joining forces with me to take down that arrogant Espada over there?"
"The sooner we deal with the Hollows invading the Soul Society, the sooner we can have Kukaku prepare a proper meal and feast!"
Ichigo said with a fake smile.
And his words directly pointed out the biggest issue currently existing between the two sides!
Namely, the issue of allegiance!
Since he claims to be Shiba Kaien, does he side with the Shinigami, or with the Hollows?
Hearing Ichigo's words, Rukia and the 13th Division Shinigami behind her also tensed.
Aaroniero sensed the atmosphere change sharply.
But as a seasoned actor, he also reacted quickly.
"Hahaha, of course, of course. I was just too excited seeing an old acquaintance,"
"I've actually been eliminating Hollows along the way."
"But I dare not eat Kukaku's cooking. That girl is best at making bombs, so everything she makes resembles one. I don't want to bomb the toilet!"
Aaroniero said, scratching the back of his head.
At this point, he still thought Ichigo was merely testing him!
Hearing Kaien's words, Rukia's previously tense body relaxed.
She didn't know before, but now she knew Kukaku's cooking was truly at a level that could make one bomb the toilet.
Having eaten it once, Rukia was still apprehensive.
She felt that since he even knew such a secret thing, it seemed this really was Shiba Kaien.
Personally executing Kaien had always been her psychological knot. Now that the knot was undone, Rukia's aura surged, even her Reiatsu increasing significantly!
"Then let's quickly deal with this Espada!" Rukia drew her Sode no Shirayuki!
"Alright, fighting side by side after so long!" Aaroniero also drew his Zanpakuto.
Simultaneously, he glanced back from the corner of his eye, shouting: "Ichiro, Jiro, Saburo, what are you waiting for? Join us!"
"Oh oh oh!" The 13th Division's members called by Aaroniero snapped out of their daze!
The dead Lieutenant had come back to life.
They also excitedly drew their Zanpakuto, standing side by side with Rukia and Aaroniero, facing Nnoitra! And looking at Aaroniero, Nnoitra also cooperated with the act, putting on an angry expression.
"Aaroniero, what do you mean? As an Espada, you're betraying Aizen-sama?"
"Do you know the fate of a betraying Espada?"
"Aaroniero, have you really thought this through?" Nnoitra threatened.
"Of course!" Aaroniero maintained Kaien's face, showing expression full of righteousness.
"There was never loyalty, so how can there be betrayal! Do you think I don't know that the Hollow that killed me and Miyako back then was one of Aizen's experiments?"
"I've been lurking by his side all these years, just waiting for an opportunity!"
"Now, though I can't raise my blade against Aizen himself, raising it against his lackeys isn't bad either!"
"Watery Heaven, Surge! Nejibana!"
"Nnoitra, you despicable villain, die!!"
Having said that, Aaroniero actually directly released his Shikai! Then, wielding the trident spear, he stirred up waves and directly attacked Nnoitra!
Clang clang clang clang!
The two exchanged dozens of blows instantly!
Immediately, waves rolled, the spear spun. The heavy spear and scythe clashed, creating massive booms.
Amidst the collisions between spear and scythe, waves of water exploded and scattered!
Countless water droplets, under immense force, flew in all directions like bullets!
Innumerable droplets splashed. The ground, surrounding buildings, were rapidly destroyed as if machine-gunned!
Just a casual exchange, and the strength of two powerful Captain-level beings was displayed before everyone!