NOVEL NEXT CHAPTER 83:Hōgyoku!
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Once Shiraha and Kyoraku Shunsui were gone, Aizen waved a hand. The layers of Bakudō Twenty-Six: Bent Light dissolved, like glass splintering under pressure. Their concealment shattered, revealing Aizen and Ichimaru Gin, black cloaks still draped over their shoulders.
"Well now, Captain Aizen, Captain Shiraha's Shikai really is something," Gin said, his fox-like smile in place even as his pupils tightened. "No wonder he cut down Grimmjow."
If Shiraha hadn't been bluffing earlier, his Zanpakutō's Shikai was more oppressive than Kyōka Suigetsu's Complete Hypnosis. After all, Aizen's illusion meant nothing to someone born blind.
"Gin," Aizen said, adjusting his glasses with a faint gleam in his eyes, "do you think what Kuchiki Shiraha said about his Shikai was truth… or fiction?" His tone was gentle, but his gaze probed.
He had yet to realize Shiraha had sensed their presence with an ability far beyond normal Reiatsu detection. To Aizen, the likelihood was that Shiraha's explanation had been genuine.
"Mm, you're putting me in a tricky spot, Captain," Gin replied, smiling lazily. "Given his ties with Kyoraku, I'd say he wouldn't lie outright."
"Kuchiki Shiraha… a fascinating variable," Aizen murmured.
"Speaking of which," Gin asked, "should we proceed with the plan regarding him?"
"No," Aizen said, shaking his head. "If he truly cut down Grimmjow and his Shikai is as he claims, sending another Espada would be a waste. And… Yamamoto Genryūsai has already started piecing things together. Better to let him remain here, for now."
With that, the two vanished in a blur of Shunpo, reappearing moments later at the site of Grimmjow's defeat. A faint, residual pressure still clung to the air.
"Grimmjow… unwilling, aren't you? Still craving a victory over Kuchiki Shiraha? Good. Let's see how far that hunger will carry you," Aizen said softly.
He reached out, gathering the lingering threads of Grimmjow's Reiatsu, and sealed them in a small black metal case he drew from his robes. Closing it with care, he smiled faintly. "Come, Gin."
Gin's pupils contracted ever so slightly as recognition sparked, but his expression didn't falter. Still smiling, he followed Aizen, and the two disappeared without a sound.
---
Outside the Urahara Shop, the late afternoon breeze stirred the courtyard. Urahara Kisuke lounged on the wooden deck, fanning himself lazily, while Yoruichi, in her black cat form, sprawled across a futon with a contented sigh.
"Manager, your tea," Tessai Tsukabishi said, approaching with two steaming cups.
"Much obliged, Tessai," Urahara said cheerfully, taking a sip. Yoruichi padded over and lapped at her own cup with a flick of her tongue.
"Strange," Tessai said, brow furrowing, "why isn't Shiraha with you? You and Yoruichi returned, but he hasn't?"
Shiraha had been visiting the shop often in recent days, seeking Kidō instruction from Tessai and treating him with respect. The older man, in turn, had grown fond of him.
"Don't worry," Urahara said with a reassuring smile, "brew another cup. He'll be here soon enough."
Tessai nodded and retreated inside, emerging moments later with a third cup, which he set down before resuming his cleaning.
A short while later, a flicker of movement announced Shiraha's arrival. He landed lightly, taking a seat beside Yoruichi and giving her a small pat between the ears. "Mr. Urahara. Miss Yoruichi."
"Your tea," Urahara said, gesturing toward the waiting cup.
"Brother Shiraha, everything's settled?" Yoruichi asked.
Shiraha took a sip, savoring it. "Tessai's tea is still excellent. Kyoraku and Captain Zaraki confirmed the Arrancar was dead and returned to Seireitei to report."
"Mm. So—about your Shikai…" Urahara leaned forward, curiosity sharpening his voice. "During your fight, that Arrancar couldn't land a single blow. Was that your release's doing?"
Yoruichi's golden eyes were equally intent.
Shiraha smiled faintly and repeated what he had told Kyoraku earlier.
When Urahara and Yoruichi heard the explanation, disbelief flickered between them.
"Shiraha, you're not pulling our legs?" Urahara asked, clicking his tongue.
"You've experienced it yourself," Shiraha reminded him. "When we sparred in your underground training ground, you couldn't touch me. You and Yoruichi both saw the fight with the Arrancar."
Indeed, in that vast underground space beneath the shop—crafted by Urahara and Tessai—Shiraha had demonstrated the No-Limit Technique: Spell of Absolute Halt, an ability that nullified incoming attacks entirely.
"At the time, I suspected some sort of spatial manipulation," Urahara mused, "but this… No wonder that Arrancar's spiritual and physical reserves collapsed before you finished him. Truly formidable."
"Your Shikai's a monster," Yoruichi said with a teasing grin.
At that moment, a familiar, mechanical tone echoed in Shiraha's mind:
Check-in Quest: Touch the Hōgyoku created by Urahara Kisuke.
Reward: Wujo Satoru Template Progress +10%.
The Hōgyoku…
Shiraha's thoughts tightened. That dangerous creation possessed self-awareness, absorbing and manifesting the hearts of those around it. It shielded its host from death, granting evolution when limits were reached or life was imperiled.
And now, the system wanted him to touch it.
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