Chapter 461 - 461: An Incomplete World, and Aizen’s Anticipation

Yachiru crouched beside Kenpachi, poking him with one finger.

When Shunsui asked what had happened, she looked up and recounted the entire fight.

The more Shunsui heard, the more his eyelid twitched.

He knew how strong Kenpachi was. Seeing his condition, he had already guessed the other man was stronger—but not by this much.

According to Yachiru, Cyrus had barely taken the fight seriously. Worse, it sounded as though he had only just learned how to release his Zanpakutō.

Shunsui turned toward Soi Fon.

If the man she had mentioned earlier was the same one, then Aizen had truly brought back a monster.

But someone like that had existed all this time without anyone hearing about him?

Shunsui didn't believe that for a second.

"We should get him to Captain Unohana. Need a hand?"

"I'll take Ken-chan myself."

Yachiru grabbed Kenpachi by the leg and began dragging him away in exactly the same fashion Cyrus had.

The captains watched with decidedly strange expressions.

Around them, the gathered Shinigami had already begun whispering.

"Captain Zaraki was the one who started it?"

"Is that really surprising? It's Captain Zaraki. Still, he got beaten badly this time."

"Shouldn't we be talking about the guy who beat him?"

The captains naturally heard every word, but none bothered stopping the discussion.

After exchanging glances, they all headed in the same direction.

Whatever Cyrus's identity might be, someone capable of defeating Zaraki Kenpachi had suddenly appeared inside Seireitei.

That demanded an investigation.

…

Aizen returned to the Fifth Division quarters with Cyrus.

The pleasant expression he normally wore disappeared the moment they were alone.

"You should not have done that if you intend to remain here."

His voice was cold.

"Are you lecturing me?"

Cyrus glanced at him calmly.

"Besides, with Captain Aizen's abilities, dealing with the aftermath should be easy enough."

Aizen's expression stiffened.

"If you can't manage even that, then you aren't qualified to cooperate with me."

Cyrus sat down and gestured for Aizen to do the same.

Only after Aizen took a seat did he continue.

"I already gave you an extremely valuable piece of information. Consider this part of your payment."

"I haven't confirmed it yet."

Aizen fell silent for a moment.

"Then shouldn't you be doing that instead of sitting here?"

Cyrus looked at him.

"You didn't seriously think I'd stay quietly in this room while you took your time resolving everything, did you?"

"What you did today was far too conspicuous."

Aizen's patience was beginning to fray.

"You defeated a captain in front of countless witnesses. I can no longer conceal your existence."

He adjusted his glasses.

"And you are not a Shinigami. You are a living human. Here, someone like you is called a Ryoka."

His gaze sharpened.

"That term alone should tell you how Soul Society views living intruders."

"Oh."

Cyrus nodded without concern.

Aizen stared at him.

"You do understand that you've attracted attention now, don't you? Whatever you do next will be watched."

His expression tightened.

"Surely you don't believe Kyōka Suigetsu can conceal absolutely everything."

Perhaps it was because Cyrus always made him feel as though control was slipping from his hands, but Aizen was finding it increasingly difficult to maintain his usual composure.

"That works for me."

Cyrus actually looked pleased.

"I've been looking forward to meeting your Captain-Commander."

"As for my identity being exposed…"

He lifted the Zanpakutō at his side.

"I've already learned how to release it."

Aizen's irritation vanished.

His expression became serious at once.

"You've mastered Shikai?"

"Yeah."

Cyrus nodded.

Aizen drew a slow breath and studied him from head to toe.

"No wonder you acted so freely."

His eyes narrowed.

"So you don't intend to stay in Soul Society very long."

Cyrus had repeatedly expressed curiosity about Shinigami power, but little else.

Now that he had already reached Shikai, he had obtained at least part of what he came for.

"Like you said, the four of us aren't spiritual beings like you."

Cyrus leaned back slightly.

"We won't remain here long, so you should speed things up."

A faintly amused look entered his eyes.

"Otherwise, you'd better be confident you can keep everything under control after my identity comes out."

Aizen stared at him for several seconds.

Then he smiled.

"You really have given me an enormous problem."

The smile widened.

"But it is an interesting challenge."

He had made up his mind.

He couldn't control what Cyrus did, nor reliably predict it.

So the best option was to finish his own preparations first.

"By the way."

Cyrus suddenly changed the subject.

"What exists in the World of the Living outside Karakura Town?"

Once he left Soul Society, he intended to visit the World of the Living.

Aizen blinked.

"Hm?"

Cyrus looked at him strangely.

"What? Is Karakura Town the only place in the World of the Living?"

"Yes."

Aizen looked even more confused.

"Why wouldn't it be?"

Cyrus froze.

He studied Aizen's face, making sure the man wasn't joking.

"So the entire World of the Living consists of one Karakura Town? There are no other cities?"

"What exactly is strange about that?"

Aizen asked again.

"Everything."

Cyrus stared at him.

Even someone like Aizen believed that?

"The World of the Living does indeed consist only of Karakura Town."

Aizen began thinking more carefully about Cyrus's reaction.

"As for what you're implying, I'm not sure what you mean."

He raised a hand and rubbed his forehead.

Cyrus's question sounded absurd, yet something about it left him with an uncomfortable sense that a piece of the world didn't fit.

"So that's how it is."

Cyrus stroked his chin, realization slowly dawning.

"I've heard your world was created by the Soul King."

"There is such a belief."

Aizen nodded.

"And there is considerable evidence supporting it."

"Interesting."

Cyrus smiled faintly.

"You can go handle your business. I'll visit Shin'ō Academy later."

"Very well."

Aizen no longer intended to interfere with whatever Cyrus decided to do next.

There was little point.

His own plans mattered more.

He was curious about Cyrus's Shikai, but this clearly wasn't the time to press him for a demonstration.

Besides, knowing Cyrus, Aizen doubted he would have to wait long before seeing it.

Especially with that flame-based power so reminiscent of the Captain-Commander.

Aizen was genuinely curious what would happen when Cyrus and Yamamoto finally met.