The two looked at each other and smiled, a mutual fighting spirit rising between them. They would compete to see who could conquer their respective worlds first!
"Now then, state your purpose, Naruto. I don't think you came here just to see me," Aizen said, his smile vanishing as he asked seriously.
"I want to find the true ability of my Zanpakuto," Naruto said, looking at the blade at his waist. "My Zanpakuto contains a powerful force. Kyoka Suigetsu is not its limit. So, I came to this world to find the truth of the Zanpakuto."
"I see." Aizen fell into deep thought.
From the first time he saw Naruto use Kyoka Suigetsu, Aizen had a suspicion. Every person's Zanpakuto was unique. To explain Naruto's Kyoka Suigetsu by saying it was from a different world was too far-fetched. A more reasonable explanation was that Naruto's Zanpakuto could copy the abilities of other Zanpakuto. Because of his admiration for Aizen back then, his Zanpakuto had manifested the ability of Kyoka Suigetsu.
Aizen was sure that Naruto had already considered this possibility.
Sure enough, Naruto nodded. "I believe my Zanpakuto can copy any ability. But the problem is, I need a sufficiently powerful opponent to put enough pressure on me to comprehend my Zanpakuto's true nature."
At first, Naruto's target had been Aizen. But after seeing him, he realized that the current Aizen was not enough to give him the pressure of a life-or-death situation.
"I understand. You are even more insane than I thought, Naruto," Aizen said, a look of surprise in his eyes. He then gave Naruto a deep look. "In that case, allow me to show you a perfect performance."
Aizen's death threw the entire Seireitei into turmoil. The death of a captain-level Shinigami was an incredible event. It meant that a mysterious powerhouse or organization was lurking in the Soul Society. The noble houses began to put pressure on the Captain-Commander, demanding that the Gotei 13 find the culprit.
Meanwhile, Ichigo, having defeated Kenpachi, Byakuya Kuchiki, and other renowned Shinigami, was heading with his companions to the site of Rukia's execution: the Sokyoku.
At that moment, the Shinigami were shocked to discover that the Central 46, who had ordered the execution, had all been slaughtered. And the man they thought was dead, the Fourth Division Captain, Sosuke Aizen, had returned to life.
"Momo Hinamori, admiration is the emotion furthest from understanding." As Aizen pulled his sword from the chest of his most devoted subordinate, the arriving Toshiro Hitsugaya went berserk. As the once-in-a-century genius of the Soul Society, Hitsugaya immediately released his Bankai against Aizen.
"Bankai, Daiguren Hyorinmaru."
A massive wave of cold air erupted, forming an ice dragon, its giant wings extending from the hilt of Hitsugaya's sword.
"My, my, Captain Aizen is so cruel. To stab such a cute fangirl just like that," Gin, who was watching from below, said with a sinister smile, almost wanting to pull out some melon seeds to snack on. His cunning eyes were constantly observing Naruto's reaction. The man who had knocked him out with a single blow had left a deep impression. Now that Naruto was on Aizen's side, Gin's chances of revenge had undoubtedly dropped. He was very curious about where Naruto had come from and why he was so familiar with Aizen. It was no exaggeration to say that Gin was the person closest to Aizen, yet he had never seen Naruto before.
"A fine Bankai. This kid has good potential, but his temperament needs more tempering. Years from now, he will thank Mr. Aizen for this lesson," Naruto commented lightly after a careful observation.
What Naruto didn't know was that the "kid" in his eyes was already several hundred years old.
"You there..." Gin narrowed his eyes. "Mr. Naruto, can you tell me your purpose? Why are you here? I haven't forgotten that you knocked me out, you know~~"
Naruto shot Gin a playful glance, and a terrifying Reiatsu flashed for an instant. Gin immediately fell silent and cautiously stepped aside, his eyes flickering. If I can make this Mr. Naruto an enemy of Aizen, my chances of success will increase greatly.
Toyed with by Aizen's Kyoka Suigetsu, Hitsugaya was defeated in a single blow.
"Damn it, how can the gap be so big? He didn't even use his Bankai," Hitsugaya's consciousness faded as he fell from the sky. "I'm sorry, Momo. I failed."
Aizen smiled and sheathed his sword. "To step on an ant without crushing it requires a great deal of control. It's time to go. For the final act of our performance."
At the Sokyoku, the execution was about to begin.
According to the rules, the execution required the presence of all the captains of the Gotei 13, but only the captains of the Second, Fourth, and Eighth Divisions, and Rukia's brother, Byakuya Kuchiki, were present. This showed the resistance and dissatisfaction of many of the captains.
After Rukia had said her last words, the ropes binding the Sokyoku instantly snapped, shooting into the ground like arrows. All the captains silently lowered their heads, even Byakuya. The laws of the Seireitei were strict; no one could defy them. Nor did they dare to.
At that moment, squares of light appeared beneath Rukia's feet, lifting her into the sky.
Meanwhile, Jushiro Ukitake had already released his divine instrument and was rushing to the execution ground to destroy the Sokyoku. Yachiru was also leading Orihime and Chad towards the Sokyoku. A captain and a lieutenant were helping the Ryoka, trying to destroy the Sokyoku and stop the execution. But Byakuya, Rukia's own brother, had chosen to give up. How ironic.
After pointing the way, Yachiru rushed towards the execution ground. Her goal was to clear out the small fry in the area to create a clear path for Kurosaki Ichigo, so he wouldn't waste too much time on them. Although she was only a lieutenant, the power she unleashed was not much weaker than a captain's. Her figure flickered among the grunts, knocking them out one by one.
"Damn it, I'm out of time! Get out of my way!" On the outskirts of the Sokyoku, Ichigo was dealing with wave after wave of cannon fodder. He roared, his Zangetsu a blur of motion. With every swing, several grunts were sent flying. He was agile, his Reiatsu immense. After numerous battles, he had successfully reached the level of a captain. He had also kept in mind the teachings Naruto had given him.
"I don't understand why I have this power."
"I don't know my mission."
"But right now, I just want to protect everyone."
With a determined will, Kurosaki Ichigo rushed towards the Sokyoku.
"Begin the execution!" With Captain-Commander Yamamoto's order, a fiery phoenix that blotted out the sky appeared. The flames enveloped Rukia, the scorching heat warping the Reishi in the air.
Rukia's heart was filled with sorrow, but also a hint of relief. At least, for now, no one had lost their life because of her.
Boom! The phoenix surged towards her.
Rukia closed her eyes, but the expected pain never came. She opened her eyes in confusion and saw a familiar back.
"Ichigo?"
Kurosaki Ichigo turned his head and gave her a confident smile. "I'm here!"
The entire execution ground was thrown into chaos. The Ryoka team led by Kurosaki Ichigo and several captains confronted Yamamoto and the remaining captains. It was the biggest brawl in history.
Ichigo and Byakuya Kuchiki engaged in a fierce battle. He didn't understand why so many captains had chosen to help him, while Rukia's own brother had chosen to have her executed. In the World of the Living, he had lost to Byakuya. But now, he possessed a power that no captain could ignore.
Facing Ichigo, Byakuya held nothing back, immediately releasing his Bankai. But Ichigo, having gone through arduous training, had a sudden power-up and defeated him.
In the end, he learned that the Kuchiki clan, as one of the four great noble houses of the Soul Society, had to abide by the rules in all their actions, let alone use their power to save Rukia.
Ichigo couldn't understand. Everything he had encountered, as well as Naruto's teachings, told him that man could conquer heaven. Rules existed to be broken. If you couldn't change the rules, why not break them?
Ichigo's words deeply moved Byakuya, who then left using Shunpo.
Naruto watched this scene quietly, his eyes filled with disgust for the Soul Society. The rules were the same as in the shinobi world. The captains clearly hated them, but they didn't dare to do anything to break them. They had confined themselves in this cage.
Naruto looked at Captain-Commander Yamamoto, the man known as the strongest in the Soul Society. He was now confronting his two beloved students.
Shunsui Kyoraku, despite his frivolous appearance, had a meticulous mind and could often see the truth of matters. And Jushiro Ukitake, though in poor health, was always the center of his friends. The two understood each other well and could always display a power that was unmatched by their peers and even their seniors. Together, although they were not enough to defeat Yamamoto, the strongest Shinigami in history, they could definitely hold their own for a while.
"Old man, this incident is not that simple," Shunsui said in a low voice. After Aizen's death, he had keenly sensed that something was wrong. The Ryoka's invasion, Rukia's execution... it was as if a large, unseen hand was pushing everything forward. It made him uneasy. The Soul Society had been peaceful for too long. So long that it was unable to react to unknown dangers, instead being led by the nose. That was why he desperately wanted to stop Yamamoto.
Looking at his two beloved students, Captain-Commander Yamamoto's face was filled with disappointment. He had always treated them like his own sons and had high hopes for them. But today, they had completely defied his will and stood against him.
"The rules are the rules. Those who break them must be punished!"
"It is an indisputable fact that Rukia gave her Shinigami powers to a human. Her execution is justified," Yamamoto said coldly, stubbornly adhering to the rules.
"As expected of Mr. Aizen, to have calculated everyone's personality so perfectly," Naruto couldn't help but sigh.
At that moment, the cane in Yamamoto's hand glowed with a scorching light and instantly shattered from the inside out, revealing the blade within.
"There's no point in talking anymore. Draw your swords," Yamamoto's gaze sharpened as he suddenly drew his blade.
Shunsui also drew his sword, but he kept retreating. They remembered Yamamoto's teachings, had not forgotten the justice in their hearts, and were fighting for that justice. But to Yamamoto, they had already betrayed the world's battle. Their words were at odds, their understanding of justice had diverged. Shunsui and his side also understood that a battle between master and students was inevitable.
To Naruto, both sides' justice was justice; they just had different standpoints. Shunsui and Ukitake believed there was a hidden story and that they needed to investigate thoroughly and not wrong anyone. Captain-Commander Yamamoto believed that regardless of any hidden story, the fact that Rukia had committed a crime was undeniable, and for the sake of justice, she had to be punished.
All he could say was that Aizen's ability to manipulate people's hearts was superb.
"Let's see what the strongest Shinigami is capable of."
Swish. Yamamoto waved his hand, throwing off his haori. Flames erupted from his body. His once stooped figure stood tall, revealing a muscular physique hidden beneath his clothes. His entire body was covered in a dense network of scars, each one a testament to his glorious military achievements.
The thought of fighting such a terrifying opponent made Ukitake and Shunsui's muscles tense, and they unleashed their own Reiatsu. But compared to Yamamoto's, it was so small.
Yamamoto clenched his fist, creating a thunderous crack. He held his Zanpakuto horizontally in front of his chest.
"All things in the universe, turn to ash, Ryujin Jakka!"
With the release of his Shikai, a boiling Reiatsu shot into the sky. A fire dragon that seemed capable of melting the heavens and the earth appeared. The ground melted, and the air warped. The Shinigami near the area all instinctively moved away. The residual heat from Ryujin Jakka alone was unbearable for an ordinary Shinigami, let alone Ukitake and Shunsui, who were at the center of it all. At that moment, they deeply felt the oppressive pressure from the strongest Shinigami. But they had no room to retreat and could only face it head-on.
Because Yamamoto's Bankai was too powerful and could destroy the Soul Society if used, he had sealed it. But even with just his Shikai, it was enough to deal with the combined efforts of his two beloved students.
Ryujin Jakka, the strongest fire-type Zanpakuto.
"What a terrifying Zanpakuto," Naruto said, standing up, a look of shock and awe on his face. Such a Zanpakuto, such power. A single swing could raise the temperature of the entire Soul Society. This was the kind of pressure he was looking for.
Hum. Naruto could feel the excited hum of the Zanpakuto at his waist. He could barely contain his excitement.
Ukitake and Shunsui also released their Shikai. The only paired Zanpakuto in the Soul Society, Sogyo no Kotowari and Katen Kyokotsu. An astonishing amount of Reiatsu erupted from both of them. Although it was not as much as the Captain-Commander's, it far surpassed that of an ordinary captain.
Feeling his students' Reiatsu, Yamamoto felt a hint of gratification. At least it proved that his two students had not been slacking off in their training and had been constantly improving.
Boom. The three clashed, and rolling waves of fire swept through the surroundings. The air was filled with the smell of burning.
Click, clack. At that moment, the crisp sound of footsteps suddenly echoed throughout the space. A familiar, yet shocking figure appeared at Rukia Kuchiki's side.
When they got a clear look at the person, everyone cried out in disbelief:
"Aizen?! How can it be you?!"