Fate in Bleach: Unlimited Blade Works!

Lurking within the Seireitei was someone who might be even more terrifying than Sōsuke Aizen.

The fact that they had created a Reigai of Aizen suggested that there might be Reigai of other Gotei 13 captains in existence.

The question was, how many of the current captains were genuine, and how many had been replaced?

"Captain Aizen, I learned from that Captain Shiba fellow that your mission was to find the black cat that traversed the Dangai and eliminate it, along with anyone associated with it. Captain Shiba's Reigai was able to find us. I don't believe you couldn't. So, why aren't you carrying out your mission? Why are you here?"

"Haha, Urahara, your question is quite amusing."

"Ailin" shook his head. "A 'mission' is something those in power dictate to those beneath them. Finding the black cat and eliminating its associates, that was indeed the task given to us. But what does his mission have to do with me? Why should I do his bidding? Captain Urahara, do you truly believe an ant can command a dragon to serve it?"

Soul loss?

That was the thought that crossed Urahara's mind after hearing "Ailin's" explanation.

It was one of the reasons Ōko Yushima's "Soul Soldier Project" had been banned.

It seemed that whoever was creating these Reigai hadn't encountered this problem yet.

That meant the number of Reigai they had created wasn't significant, and their strength wasn't particularly high. Otherwise, the researcher would have noticed by now.

This was the first piece of good news.

The second was that the researcher's strength wasn't impressive. Otherwise, "Aizen" wouldn't have described them as an "ant" and himself as a "dragon."

"I understand."

"Then, why are you here?"

"It's just a coincidence."

"Ailin" spread his hands. "I had just been awakened and deployed to the World of the Living. That foolish Shiba fellow volunteered to carry out the mission, so I decided to explore this city. I unexpectedly discovered the whereabouts of some experimental subjects and wanted to see how they had fared. As I expected, Captain Hirako and the others welcomed me warmly. They selflessly shared everything about their Hollowfication. It was quite a pleasant surprise."

"What?!"

Hearing "Aizen's" words, Shinji Hirako's face contorted in rage. He had never imagined that their attacks had been interpreted as data for Aizen's Hollowfication research!

"Captain Urahara, you orchestrated this, didn't you? And the key to your success… You've completed its creation, haven't you?"

Urahara remained silent. He knew what "Aizen" was referring to.

"The Hōgyoku!"

Urahara was confused. Before he had even begun creating the Hōgyoku, Ailin had somehow known and had used it to threaten him, forcing him to create a Gigai that perfectly matched Haruko Kuchiki's soul.

And now, even though he had told no one, Aizen was certain that he had completed its creation.

In fact, Urahara had already guessed the reason.

Aizen's knowledge of the Hōgyoku's completion could only mean one thing: He had created one himself, and he had done so before Urahara.

That was why, from the moment Urahara had begun his research, his every action had been exposed to Aizen.

Aizen, having completed his experiment, had sought a scapegoat. He had chosen Hiyori and the others as his subjects, framing Urahara for his actions.

After all, their research shared similarities. There were bound to be overlaps in their methods.

This way, the disappearances of countless Shinigami could be attributed to Urahara's "crimes."

"Aizen, what are you trying to achieve?"

"Who knows? But as an imitation, possessing the same strength and memories as that man, I've simulated countless scenarios where I attempt to kill and replace him. In the end, I realized that none of them would succeed. Even with his power and memories, I lack his intelligence. If he discovered my existence, I would become his puppet, his shadow, devoid of any freedom. That wasn't the future I desired. You are his enemies. Coincidentally, so am I."

"Ailin's" smile was unsettling.

"I cannot confront him directly, so I'll use you to eliminate him. But you've truly disappointed me. I haven't even released my Zanpakutō, and you're already on the verge of defeat. Even if I shared everything I know, you wouldn't stand a chance. You are simply too weak!"

Aizen's words enraged the remaining Visored.

Lies wouldn't harm them, but the truth was a double-edged sword!

They had believed that with the power of Hollowfication, their strength had grown tremendously. But before this man, they were indeed pathetically weak!

"Urahara, can you explain what this fellow is?" Shinji Hirako took a deep breath and asked.

"Captain Hirako, you can ask me directly. Why ask Captain Urahara?"

"Heh, do you think you'd tell me the truth?" Shinji retorted with a sneer.

"You won't know unless you ask."

"Fine, I'll ask. What are you? What's your connection to Sōsuke Aizen?"

"Tsk, tsk, Captain Hirako, you're so naive. You do whatever I say… Are you not afraid that I might deceive you?"

"Damn it! I'm going to kill you!"

Seeing Shinji about to charge at "Ailin" with his Zanpakutō drawn, Urahara hurriedly stepped in front of him.

"Captain Hirako, focus on the bigger picture. Tessai, Hachigen, tend to the others' injuries. I'll explain everything once everyone has recovered."

"Hmph."

Shinji knew Urahara was right. He sheathed his Zanpakutō and dispelled his Hollow mask.

While Tessai and Hachigen used Kidō to heal the Visored, Urahara distributed some of his healing concoctions.

Shinji, Hachigen, and Lisa Yadōmaru began to trust "Ailin." Judging by their comrades' injuries, "Aizen" had shown restraint. While their wounds were severe, they weren't life-threatening. With the combined efforts of Urahara, Tessai, and Hachigen, they would fully recover in a few days.

"Aizen!"

As the others regained consciousness and saw "Ailin," they instinctively drew their Zanpakutō, ready to attack.

However, Shinji and the others quickly intervened.

After hearing Urahara's explanation, they suppressed their killing intent and sat down, eager to learn more about this "Aizen."

Despite their restraint, their gazes, filled with animosity, caused their eyes to flicker with red light. It was the influence of their inner Hollows.

"Alright, Urahara, explain what this fellow is."

"Ailin" didn't take offense at being called a "fellow."

In a sense, he was indeed a "thing."

A "Soul Candy" pill containing Ailin's memories, implanted within a Reigai of Sōsuke Aizen.

He was a unique existence within the Seireitei.

Thinking of himself, "Ailin" couldn't help but feel pity for Ōko Yushima.

Ōko had initially been a member of the Ninth Division. But his lack of strength had made him a target for bullying. Eventually, the Ninth Division had orchestrated his transfer to the Twelfth Division, a division that didn't require exceptional combat skills.

Within the Twelfth Division, Ōko's research talents had blossomed under Kirio Hikifune's tutelage. He had assisted her in creating "Temporary Souls" and had eventually surpassed her, developing the "Mod Soul."

"Ailin" suspected that Ōko had achieved the "great feat" of ascending to the Zero Division.

However, Ōko's strength was simply too insignificant. He hadn't earned the respect of Ichibei Hyosube.

Perhaps Hyosube had even feared recruiting Ōko into the Zero Division, lest he create Reigai of the Zero Division members.

What would they do then?

Kill Ōko?

But once someone ascended to the Zero Division, their life was bound to the "Palace of Separation" within the Soul King Palace. They couldn't be truly killed unless the palace itself was destroyed.