Fate in Bleach: Unlimited Blade Works!

Chapter 476 476: Converging Shinigami Power

Captain-Commander Yamamoto glanced at Ailin, slightly surprised that Ailin knew they had already decided on compensating Ichigo Kurosaki. However, since Ailin had steered the conversation back to the main topic, he proceeded with the announcement.

"Regarding this matter, let Kisuke Urahara, the owner of the Urahara Shop, explain."

"Shopkeeper Urahara, the floor is yours."

"Hullo, hullo, everyone! I'm Kisuke Urahara, owner of the Urahara Shop, specializing in selling Seireitei goods in the World of the Living, and World of the Living goods in the Seireitei. If any of you need anything, feel free to contact me directly. I guarantee you a very favorable price!"

The doors to the captain's meeting room swung open, and Kisuke Urahara, clad in his familiar green and white checkered jinbei and matching striped hat, sauntered in, cheerfully promoting his wares to the assembled Shinigami.

Seeing Kisuke Urahara, the expressions of the various captains became rather complex.

Although Sōsuke Aizen, the culprit responsible for Kisuke Urahara's banishment and wanted status by Central 46, had been defeated and imprisoned in the Muken, Kisuke Urahara's arrest warrant had not been officially rescinded by the Seireitei.

The Seireitei had only lifted the warrants for Yoruichi Shihōin and the Visored. After all, the Visored were genuine victims.

Kisuke Urahara, however, faced concrete charges: privately researching the Hollowfication of Shinigami, using Shinigami as research subjects—these accusations were supported by solid evidence and undeniable.

Therefore, even though Kisuke Urahara had made significant contributions in the battle against Aizen and his faction, his past crimes could not be simply erased. The fact that the Seireitei no longer actively pursued him was already a concession, considering his contributions to Aizen's defeat and the influence of the Shihōin family.

Now, Kisuke Urahara entering the Seireitei as the "Urahara Shop Owner" served as a way to bypass his previous status, offering a tacit understanding for both sides.

"Enough, Urahara." Seeing Kisuke Urahara's antics, Captain-Commander Yamamoto immediately stopped him.

"Present your compensation plan for Substitute Shinigami Ichigo Kurosaki. If everyone approves, we shall prepare to execute it immediately."

"Yes, Captain-Commander."

Adjusting his hat, Kisuke Urahara began, "Gentlemen, as you all know, Substitute Shinigami Ichigo Kurosaki initially gained his Shinigami powers because the 20th Seat of Squad Thirteen, Shino Madarame, shared her power with him."

"Now, after a period of Fullbring training, Ichigo Kurosaki has regained new spiritual pressure."

"Under these circumstances, based on Ichigo Kurosaki's soul, I have specially crafted a Zanpakutō capable of containing the spiritual pressure of numerous captains, vice-captains, and seated officers."

"We simply need everyone to infuse a portion of their spiritual pressure into this Zanpakutō. Then, using the same method Shino Madarame employed previously, pierce Ichigo Kurosaki's chest with it to restore his Shinigami powers."

"However, because the Seireitei forbids granting Shinigami powers to humans in the World of the Living, this action undoubtedly violates that prohibition."

"Now, it depends on whether everyone is willing to contravene the Seireitei's ban to help Ichigo Kurosaki."

"Ha..."

After Kisuke Urahara finished speaking, Ailin was the first to step forward.

"Captain-Commander Yamamoto, I believe the existence of Seireitei regulations is meant to protect the Seireitei from harm."

"In the previous battle against Aizen, Substitute Shinigami Ichigo Kurosaki lost his spiritual pressure to stop Aizen. He has already protected the Seireitei through his actions and will."

"Therefore, I believe that even if we grant Shinigami powers to Ichigo Kurosaki again, he is unlikely to pose any threat to the Seireitei."

"Thus, I feel this prohibition does not apply to Substitute Shinigami Ichigo Kurosaki."

"Indeed."

Following Ailin's statement, other Shinigami voiced their agreement.

"Lord Captain-Commander, if the recipient is Substitute Shinigami Ichigo Kurosaki, even if it means violating this rule, I am willing to contribute my spiritual pressure."

"Agreed. It's merely violating a single prohibition, not asking us to die. I am also willing to offer my spiritual pressure."

Although Ichigo Kurosaki hadn't been a Substitute Shinigami for long, he had made many compatible friends within the Seireitei. Essentially, any Shinigami who had fought alongside Ichigo Kurosaki was willing to contribute their spiritual pressure to restore his.

"In that case, this old man declares: Following discussions among the captains, vice-captains, and seated officers of the Gotei Thirteen, it is unanimously agreed to contribute a portion of spiritual pressure to restore Substitute Shinigami Ichigo Kurosaki's powers."

"Shopkeeper Urahara, now, present the Zanpakutō you crafted, the one capable of holding the spiritual pressure of many Shinigami! This old man shall be the first to input his spiritual pressure!"

"As you command, Lord Captain-Commander."

At this moment, Kisuke Urahara dropped his frivolous demeanor, bowing respectfully to Captain-Commander Yamamoto before drawing a Zanpakutō from within his robes.

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto stepped forward, reached out, and gripped the Zanpakutō's hilt. Fierce spiritual pressure flowed from his palm into the blade, causing its edge to radiate a fiery glow.

After a few seconds, the Captain-Commander released his hand and stepped aside.

"Then, let me be next."

After Yamamoto stepped down, Ailin took his place, grasping the Zanpakutō.

Unlike the Captain-Commander's spiritual pressure, Ailin's possessed no specific attribute.

However, due to its exceptional quality, it suppressed the fiery spiritual pressure infused by Yamamoto, causing the glow on the blade's edge to lose its heat, instead radiating a faint, cool luminescence.

Following Ailin, captains such as Shunsui Kyoraku, Jūshirō Ukitake, Zaraki, and Retsu Unohana also infused portions of their spiritual pressure into the Zanpakutō.

Next came the vice-captains and seated officers of various squads...

However, perhaps because their spiritual pressure wasn't as potent as Ailin's or Yamamoto's, the blade's light seemed largely unchanged.

"Everyone..."

Once all the Shinigami had finished infusing their spiritual pressure, Captain-Commander Yamamoto spoke again.

"According to intelligence gathered by the Twelfth Division's Research and Development Institute through Substitute Shinigami Ichigo Kurosaki's Substitute Shinigami Badge, the current Substitute Shinigami, Ichigo Kurosaki, has already made contact with the former Substitute Shinigami, Kugo Ginjo."

"Furthermore, under the guidance of the Fullbringer organization led by Kugo Ginjo, Ichigo Kurosaki has recovered some spiritual pressure and learned about the Seireitei's monitoring of Substitute Shinigami via their badges."

"Shopkeeper Urahara crafted this Zanpakutō, and we, the Shinigami of the Gotei Thirteen, have infused it with our spiritual pressure to restore Substitute Shinigami Ichigo Kurosaki's powers. This is what the Seireitei owes Substitute Shinigami Ichigo Kurosaki."

"However, we cannot guarantee that after regaining his spiritual pressure, Substitute Shinigami Ichigo Kurosaki will remain on friendly terms with the Seireitei as before."

"He might, like the former Substitute Shinigami Kugo Ginjo, disapprove of the Seireitei's monitoring and seek destructive revenge against the Seireitei."

"Therefore..."

"Captain Ailin, Captain Kuchiki, Captain Hitsugaya, Captain Kuchiki—for this operation to restore Substitute Shinigami Ichigo Kurosaki's spiritual pressure, I wish for the four of you captains to proceed together to the World of the Living."

"Should Substitute Shinigami Ichigo Kurosaki collude with former Substitute Shinigami Kugo Ginjo, I expect you to act with lightning speed, swiftly eliminating Substitute Shinigami Ichigo Kurosaki, former Substitute Shinigami Kugo Ginjo, and all members of his Fullbringer organization!"

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto swept his gaze over the four captains.

His selection was not random.

After the battle with Sōsuke Aizen, Yamamoto had gained a measure of trust in Ailin.

However, Yamamoto didn't know how Captain Ailin would choose between personal feelings and official duty.

Byakuya Kuchiki, Toshiro Hitsugaya, and Rukia Kuchiki were all disciples taught by Ailin.

Similarly, Substitute Shinigami Ichigo Kurosaki had also received guidance from Captain Ailin.

Yamamoto intended to use this mission to the World of the Living as an opportunity to observe their choices regarding Ichigo Kurosaki.

In less than two years, according to prophecy, the Quincy progenitor Yhwach would awaken to reclaim the world. Yamamoto did not want discord within the Gotei Thirteen at that crucial time.

If the handling of the Ichigo Kurosaki situation did not satisfy him, Yamamoto wouldn't hesitate to remove the three captains (excluding Byakuya Kuchiki) upon their return.

After Aizen's defeat, the Visored offered several captain-level powerhouses for Yamamoto to choose from.

This generation of the Gotei Thirteen did not lack captain-level strength! This was the source of Yamamoto's confidence in potentially opposing Ailin.

Of course, this was also predicated on Yamamoto's certainty that Captain Ailin desired a harmonious and stable Seireitei environment for Haruko Kuchiki to live peacefully in, and thus wouldn't clash with him internally.

If Ailin were someone unattached and reckless, Yamamoto likely wouldn't dare to completely alienate him right before the impending war with Yhwach.

"I have no problem with this," Ailin stated.

He wasn't concerned with the Captain-Commander's thoughts. After Hollowed Lin became the Third Magician and his spiritual pressure reached a level comparable to Ailin's own, Ailin felt that if he fused their powers, perhaps only a fully realized Yhwach could match him in the Shinigami world.

And Ailin wasn't worried the situation would escalate to him attacking Ichigo Kurosaki. After all, among the protagonists of the "Big Three" manga, only Bleach's Ichigo Kurosaki lacked grand ambitions like changing the three worlds. His primary desire was simply to protect his friends. From this perspective, Sōsuke Aizen, Sōya Azashiro, or even Yhwach were arguably more suited to be the "protagonist" of Bleach than Ichigo.

Naruto Uzumaki wanted to become Hokage, Monkey D. Luffy dreamed of becoming Pirate King, while Bleach's Aizen and Yhwach aimed to become the Soul King...

Sometimes, Ailin wondered if these fictional protagonists were projections of successful figures from higher dimensions, captured by creators. If Aizen or Yhwach had succeeded, perhaps the series' name itself would have changed. It might have been called "Hueco Mundo" or "The Empire of Light."

"Mm."

After Ailin replied, Byakuya Kuchiki, Rukia Kuchiki, and Toshiro Hitsugaya also nodded, accepting the Captain-Commander's orders.

"Then, Captain Ailin, take this Zanpakutō with you."

"Understood."

"However, Lord Captain-Commander..." Approaching the Zanpakutō imbued with the spiritual pressure of all the Gotei Thirteen captains, vice-captains, and some seated officers, Ailin addressed Yamamoto, "Substitute Shinigami Ichigo Kurosaki became a Shinigami because the 20th Seat of Squad Thirteen, Shino Madarame, gave him her Shinigami powers."

"Now, I believe it would be best if Shino Madarame pierces Ichigo Kurosaki's chest with this sword. It would be like a new cycle beginning."

"You may arrange such minor details yourself."

"Captain Ukitake, you don't mind if I borrow your squad's seated officer for a bit?"

"Haha, if Shino knew Ichigo Kurosaki could regain his powers, she'd likely be happier than any of us."

"I'll summon Shino immediately." Jūshirō Ukitake readily agreed with Ailin's suggestion. At this moment, the lowest rank among the Shinigami in the meeting room was Fifth Seat. Shino Madarame, being only the 20th Seat, was too low in rank and strength.

It didn't take long. Shino Madarame arrived at the Squad One captain's office. Upon hearing the situation, she immediately slapped her chest and guaranteed she would pierce Ichigo Kurosaki's chest with the Zanpakutō, just like the first time, allowing him to feel the sensation of power once more.

Not only that, despite her low spiritual pressure, Shino Madarame still contributed some of her own power to the blade.

"Then, let us depart!"

"Don't keep Ichigo waiting!"

"Yes, Captain Ailin!"

Led by Ailin, Byakuya Kuchiki, Toshiro Hitsugaya, Rukia Kuchiki, and Shino Madarame followed him, opening a Senkaimon, preparing to pass through the Dangai into the World of the Living.

According to the information intercepted by Squad Twelve from Ichigo Kurosaki's Substitute Shinigami Badge, Ichigo's recent Fullbring training was nearing completion.

Given Ichigo Kurosaki's talent in Fullbring, a completed Fullbring's power would be nearly equivalent to a captain's.

Through Kugo Ginjo's Substitute Shinigami Badge, the Seireitei could also analyze what Kugo Ginjo's Fullbringer organization had been doing over the years.

Kugo Ginjo and his group seemed to possess a method capable of plundering the abilities of other Fullbringers.