Chapter 56: Unsettled Business
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Central 46 Chambers
Forty-six individuals sat shrouded in shadow within the dimly lit hall. Discussions ignited after the elder known as "One" raised a critical proposal.
"The murder case from five centuries ago—you all remember it, don't you? What action should we take this time?"
"In these turbulent times, someone dares to attack and kill team members without provocation. This is outright lawlessness!"
"There might be a connection between the two events," one elder suggested thoughtfully.
"What the Thirteenth Councilor said makes sense. The defectors and Hollow-related incidents share a troubling similarity. Surely, you've noticed?"
"According to our intelligence, those traitors were indeed his students."
"Could that be why he spent four centuries teaching at the Spiritual Arts Academy?"
"After staying silent for so long, has he finally begun stirring once more?"
On the Way to Central 46
After adjourning the meeting, Captain Yamamoto headed directly for the Central 46 Chambers, accompanied by Chōjirō Sasakibe.
"Captain, is it necessary for you to handle this matter personally? Isn't it a bit excessive?" Chōjirō asked hesitantly.
Yamamoto, undeterred, quickened his pace. His voice deepened as he replied, "Chōjirō, it's an undeniable fact that he killed over a dozen Fifth Division members. But I can't shake the feeling that someone else is orchestrating this. Whether the instigator is truly him remains uncertain."
"You're saying he might not be the mastermind?"
Yamamoto's expression hardened. "That's not what worries me most. Four centuries ago, I couldn't contain him. Do you think he has stood still since then?"
Chōjirō's face grew solemn as he regarded his captain's imposing figure. After a pause, he ventured, "You're concerned he might respond by violently attacking Central 46 again, aren't you?"
When they arrived at the chambers, Yamamoto halted at the steps, steadying himself. "As long as Central 46 doesn't provoke him unnecessarily, everything should remain manageable. Let's hope we aren't too late."
Exchanging a glance, the two entered the chambers.
The Aftermath at the Academy
Classes at the Spiritual Arts Academy had been canceled following the previous night's violent incident. The courtyard where Aaron resided was not cordoned off as a crime scene, but the destroyed walls bore clear signs of the battle.
Students and faculty passing by couldn't help but pause, their curiosity piqued as they gazed at the damaged structure.
Suddenly, a group of individuals clad in standard black uniforms materialized near the courtyard. Their leader surveyed the area before cautiously entering with his subordinates.
Inside, a young man with long black hair, dressed in simple linen, awaited them. His gaze was calm but curious.
"Are you Aaron-sensei?" the leader asked tentatively.
Aaron's expression remained indifferent as he responded, "Sent by Central 46, I presume?"
"As you say," the leader confirmed, his tone careful. "The council has summoned you for questioning. We request your cooperation in this matter."
Aaron smirked faintly. "You may return and inform them that I will come on my own. There's no need to trouble yourselves further."
The leader hesitated, unsure how to respond to such a casual dismissal. After a moment, he nodded reluctantly, signaling his team to withdraw. Moments later, they vanished into the air.
Aaron's Reflection
After sending the group away, Aaron returned to his quarters. He sat cross-legged on the floor, deep in thought.
The familiar Reiatsu he had sensed the night before had completely vanished after a few shifts.
"It's been over 900 years since I arrived in this world," he mused.
Based on the timeline of the original Bleach story, Aizen had likely completed his initial plans by now. Urahara Kisuke had already fled to the World of the Living with Hirako Shinji and the others. The events of the "Turn Back the Pendulum" arc and the Hollowfication experiments seemed to have concluded.
"There's no one in Seireitei who poses a threat to me now," Aaron thought confidently. "But if I'm to become the strongest in this world, I'll need to use Aizen's Hōgyoku to shatter my current limits."
Recognizing Aizen's meticulous planning, Aaron resolved not to disrupt it. Instead, he would allow Aizen to continue his experiments with the Hōgyoku undisturbed.
"Fattening up the prey before the kill makes the hunt far more satisfying."
Before leaving Soul Society, however, there was one unresolved matter he needed to address.
Having made his decision, Aaron picked up his Zanpakutō, its blade glinting faintly. In an instant, he vanished, leaving only a faint ripple of Reiatsu in his wake.
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