Ichimaru Gin looked at Uehara Naraku's expression and chuckled before continuing: "But I haven't wasted the time you gave me, my lord. Not long ago, Aizen discovered a piece of information regarding the whereabouts of the other half of the Hogyoku created by Urahara Kisuke..."
"This information is useless to us."
Uehara Naraku put down the juice glass in his hand and calmly continued: "Kuchiki Rukia... if I remember correctly, she should be called by that name now."
"That's right..."
Ichimaru Gin nodded with a smile and continued: "Yesterday, Rukia officially joined the Kuchiki Clan and was renamed Kuchiki Rukia... Perhaps initially Urahara Kisuke believed Master Kabuto could help him protect the whereabouts of the Hogyoku, so he secretly placed the Hogyoku within Rukia."
Ichimaru Gin knew Rukia.
Ichimaru Gin was the most successful among the orphanage's vagrants and was always the role model set up by Yakushi Kabuto in the orphanage, often returning to help.
Back then, the leader of the orphanage was Matsumoto Rangiku...
In this generation, the leader is Rukia, who just joined the Kuchiki Clan yesterday and officially became Kuchiki Rukia.
This matter...
Seems a bit peculiar.
The Hogyoku is a very unique substance.
Aizen Sousuke used Shinigami to create an unfinished Hogyoku while Urahara Kisuke used Hollows to create another, more mature Hogyoku.
Of course...
Aizen Sousuke wants to seize Urahara Kisuke's Hogyoku, attempting to obtain a truly complete form, which is also what Uehara Naraku wants.
"Speaking of which..."
Uehara Naraku narrowed his eyes slightly and softly said: "Do you think Urahara Kisuke putting his Hogyoku inside Rukia... was originally intended to use Kabuto's power to protect his Hogyoku..."
Uehara Naraku raised his head, staring at Ichimaru Gin with a touch of gloom in his voice: "Kabuto is my most important subordinate, isn't it a bit excessive to use Kabuto without his permission?"
"Certainly."
Ichimaru Gin's smile slightly receded, slowly opening his eyes to reveal a pair of beautiful eyes, his face becoming unprecedentedly serious.
Ichimaru Gin's face turned somewhat indifferent, and he calmly continued: "When I was young, Master Kabuto regarded Urahara Kisuke as his disciple..."
Such behavior...
Cannot be described merely as excessive!
Having always served as an undercover for Aizen Sousuke, Ichimaru Gin is well aware of Aizen Sousuke's power; even Yakushi Kabuto may not be able to defeat him?
Moreover, Urahara Kisuke...
Stored the Hogyoku that Aizen desired inside orphanage resident Rukia!
Yesterday, before Yakushi Kabuto left the Quiet Spirit Court, he had Rukia agree to accept the adoption request from Kuchiki Byakuya, partly to protect her and the orphanage.
As Yakushi Kabuto's successor...
Ichimaru Gin certainly does not consider Urahara Kisuke innocent!
This issue, no matter who knows, will make them discontent with Urahara Kisuke.
Even if they know Urahara Kisuke acted for the safety of the Hogyoku, causing those who once cherished him to fall into crisis, such actions are too presumptuous...
"That guy just loves to use anything for his advantage..."
Uehara Naraku leaned against the pavilion's pillar, chuckling lightly: "Anyway, now we can't discern Urahara Kisuke's intentions, so let's deal with him along with it!
Gin, start preparing for our plan before Aizen confirms the Hogyoku's location, have him determine Urahara Kisuke's location first!"
"Understood."
Ichimaru Gin earnestly nodded, solemnly continuing: "I'll investigate this matter immediately, but since Urahara Kisuke is hiding in the Mortal World, it's difficult to discern his spiritual pressure..."
"It's not that complicated."
Uehara Naraku shook his head, softly saying: "A rat hiding in the sewers wants to confront another, they always need to stockpile resources bit by bit. As long as Aizen puts enough pressure on him, he'll eventually reveal himself..."
"Also, find an opportunity to transfer me to the Mortal World."
Uehara Naraku folded his hands, softly saying: "As long as I can reach the Mortal World, I can track down Urahara Kisuke... then find a way for our Captain Aizen and Shop Owner Urahara to engage in battle ahead of schedule!"
"Yes."
Ichimaru Gin agreed with a light smile: "Lord, one more thing, before I succeed as Captain of Squad 3, Aizen might accompany me to the Hollow World, isn't it time for Orochimaru's secret to be discovered?"
"It's time."
Uehara Naraku's face showed nostalgia, softly saying: "It's been so many years since I've seen my old friend..."
"..."
Ichimaru Gin's expression seemed subtly strange.
This old friend, is it really an old friend?
Because Ichimaru Gin had heard snippets of Orochimaru's past, it's said that Master Orochimaru had glorious moments...
Undoubtedly, the most glorious...
Was when Orochimaru first saw Uehara Naraku and regarded this lord as an experiment subject, eventually leading to his life's constant ups and downs.
Yet each rise and fall...
Was manipulated by the lord's hands.
Uehara Naraku seemed to find it somewhat odd too, glancing at Ichimaru Gin: "I heard you also respect Orochimaru, similar to Kabuto..."
"Yes."
Ichimaru Gin sighed faintly.
After a prolonged silence, Ichimaru Gin finally spoke: "When we next head to the Hollow World, once Aizen Sousuke discovers Master Orochimaru's experiment, he surely won't miss the chance to recruit him..."
Saying this, Ichimaru Gin's lips suddenly curved into a smile: "He will gain a massive Arrancar army..."
"An army, huh..."
Uehara Naraku slowly remarked: "Squandering so many White Zetsu, who knows how many qualified Arrancar he can produce..."
"Currently, there are likely over a hundred."
Ichimaru Gin revealed a considerable number, speaking softly: "If Master Orochimaru can successfully merge Gillian-level Hollows with White Zetsu, this number might swiftly increase..."
"That's quite decent."
This productivity rate is indeed commendable.
White Zetsu is perhaps the most versatile material, whether as a sacrifice for Reanimation or as an experimental subject, it's arguably the most optimal existence.
The cost is exceptionally low.
With Spore Jutsu and spiritual power, it can be nurtured rapidly.
And Gillian-level Hollows are abundant within the Hollow World, if their fusion can successfully produce Arrancar, even with low intelligence they can serve as formidable force...
Thousands of years ago, after taking the fall in the Soul Society, Orochimaru was sent to the Hollow World by Uehara Naraku, where he repaired his soul through devouring Hollows...
In parallel...
Conducting experiments within the Hollow World.
Now, Orochimaru is cultivating an Arrancar army through Hollow and Zetsu fusion!
If truly mastered the conversion and fusion process, it implies a whole new species or civilization will emerge in the Hollow World...
Most importantly...
A group of formidable forces will be born!
Because of the innate strength of spiritual power within Hollows!
"Alright, that's it. All these matters are entrusted to you."
Uehara Naraku extended his hand, pulling a scroll from the void and tossing it to Ichimaru Gin, softly saying: "It'll be dangerous beside Aizen. Previously with Yakushi Kabuto's balance, he didn't dare harm you..."
Uehara Naraku observed Ichimaru Gin's perplexed expression and softly added: "Kabuto's departure from the Quiet Spirit Court makes anyone wary of what Aizen might attempt..."
"Lord, I'll be cautious..."
"Being careful is always wise."
Uehara Naraku folded his hands, looking down at the scroll: "If trouble arises, open it. Inside is a Hadou No.99: Five Swirling Dragons of Destruction that I personally sealed; it's uncertain how powerful it is..."