Chapter 1502 - 25: It’s Time

Chapter 1502: Chapter 25: It’s Time

As soon as Gin Ichimaru finished speaking, the eyes of the five deputy captains present all turned in unison. In their gazes, there was confusion, suspicion, and apprehension.

Hinamori Momo was also staring at Gin Ichimaru, tears falling from the corners of her eyes as she recalled a few words Hitsugaya Tōshirō had once said to her.

The relationship between Hitsugaya Tōshirō and Hinamori Momo was somewhat special. Originally, they were childhood friends, but after Hinamori Momo joined the Fifth Division, their relationship became somewhat distant. Without a doubt, their relationship was definitely above friendship.

Judging from Hinamori Momo’s expression at the time of Aizen’s ’death’, she surely harbored deep admiration or dependency for Aizen, as he had intentionally nurtured her to be spiritually reliant on him.

Though Hitsugaya Tōshirō was extremely displeased by this, he hadn’t directly pointed it out because he knew that revealing these things might make it impossible for him to remain friends with Hinamori Momo.

At this moment, Hinamori Momo recalled some words Hitsugaya Tōshirō had recently told her.

’Be careful. Be especially cautious of Squad 3, especially when Aizen goes out alone.’

When Hitsugaya Tōshirō told Hinamori Momo these words, it wasn’t to sow discord, but because he had unintentionally discovered the friction between Gin Ichimaru and Aizen.

It must be said, Aizen’s plan was meticulous. Even after his ’death’, he had accurately predicted Hinamori Momo’s psychological state.

Hinamori Momo stood dumbfounded, thinking of Hitsugaya Tōshirō’s words, coupled with Gin Ichimaru’s current attitude, leaving her no choice but to suspect that Gin Ichimaru was the murderer who killed Aizen.

"So... it was you!"

Hinamori Momo suddenly shouted, clutching the hilt of her sword as she charged straight at Gin Ichimaru.

Hinamori Momo’s sudden outburst didn’t give Matsumoto Rangiku and the other deputy captains any time to react. By the time they wanted to stop her, Hinamori Momo had already rushed in front of Gin Ichimaru.

These deputy captains weren’t trying to protect Gin Ichimaru; they were worried about Hinamori Momo’s safety. In the eyes of mid-level Soul Reapers, the captain they most feared was Gin Ichimaru.

As Hinamori Momo would put it, the first time she saw Gin Ichimaru, her whole body broke out in a cold sweat. He was like a venomous snake, a smiling venomous snake.

Clang! Sparks flew as Hinamori Momo’s Zanpakutō was blocked. Gin Ichimaru hadn’t moved at all, looking at Hinamori Momo with an ambiguous smile.

A blond-haired Soul Reaper blocked in front of Gin Ichimaru; it was he who helped him stop the blow.

"Kira, why..."

Hinamori Momo looked down, facing her was Izuru Kira, the Deputy Captain of Squad 3.

"Because I’m a member of Squad 3. No matter the reason, I cannot watch outsiders swing their sword at my squad captain."

Izuru Kira spoke as he signaled to Hinamori Momo. Though his words seemed unfeeling, they were actually meant for others to hear. He had a good personal relationship with Hinamori Momo, and letting her pass now would be tantamount to letting her walk to her death.

If there was anyone present who could restrain Gin Ichimaru, that person would probably be Matsumoto Rangiku, who still hadn’t grasped the situation. Apart from her, anyone daring to step forward would meet death.

Gin Ichimaru wouldn’t completely follow Aizen’s plan. Right now, it wasn’t impossible for him to kill Hinamori Momo.

Su Xiao and Gin Ichimaru both understood why Aizen staged the current scenario. It was to fake his death and move from the open into the shadows. As for Hinamori Momo, the letter Aizen left behind was intended to lead to her death.

If Gin Ichimaru seized the opportunity to kill Hinamori Momo, it would only be because she acted first, forcing Gin Ichimaru to counterattack, and eventually leading to the unintended killing of Hinamori Momo.

In this progression, the situation becomes much simpler. As for any repercussions, from an official standpoint, Hinamori Momo died because of her rashness. A deputy captain attacking a captain clearly commits insubordination, and there’s no direct evidence yet to show that Aizen was killed by Gin Ichimaru.

Smiling, Gin Ichimaru glanced at Izuru Kira, who had his back to him. Undoubtedly, his deputy had prevented him from striking a fatal blow.

Realizing this, Gin Ichimaru turned and walked toward the back, only to have someone block his path.

"Leaving like this doesn’t seem... right."

Standing in Gin Ichimaru’s way was Su Xiao. Though outsiders didn’t understand the current situation, it was clear as day to him and Gin Ichimaru.

Gin Ichimaru’s smile curled up; he hadn’t expected Su Xiao to block him. This undoubtedly aided the progression of events.

Su Xiao blocking Gin Ichimaru’s path was wholly logical; in outsiders’ eyes, Su Xiao and Aizen were close friends, often drinking together. In fact, Aizen could even get Spirit Particle Balls directly from Su Xiao, which others envied greatly.

"Oh? If I don’t leave this way, what does a researcher like you propose? I haven’t done anything."

Gin Ichimaru’s intelligence was undeniable, immediately understanding Su Xiao’s intention.

The conversation between the two revived a spark in Hinamori Momo’s eyes, sensing that Su Xiao seemed to be on her side, which made her sorrow deepen. She knew well the relationship between Aizen and Su Xiao, as Aizen would bring her each time he went to drink with Su Xiao.

"Move!"

Hinamori Momo exerted force, glaring angrily at Izuru Kira, who shook his head slightly. He was far more mature than Hinamori Momo; allowing her to advance now would lead to serious consequences.

Su Xiao glanced at Izuru Kira, then at Gin Ichimaru, his meaning clear: ’Was this your arrangement?’

Gin Ichimaru’s smile faded a little, clearly indicating it wasn’t his doing.

"Hinamori, calm down."

Realizing the situation was becoming increasingly bizarre, Su Xiao spoke.

"Huh?"

Hinamori Momo was stunned, unable to understand why Su Xiao suddenly tried to stop her, leaving her momentarily at a loss.

"Aizen is dead; this is a fact, an immutable fact. Gin Ichimaru hasn’t done anything."

At Su Xiao’s words, Hinamori Momo hurriedly spoke, "But..."

"No buts, inform the Captain-General first. There’s no concrete evidence to prove that Gin Ichimaru killed Aizen."

"Damn!"

Hinamori Momo pushed past Izuru Kira in front of her, her hand gripping the sword trembling.

Su Xiao passed by Gin Ichimaru, and as they brushed shoulders, Su Xiao’s hand touched Gin Ichimaru’s sleeve.

Gin Ichimaru paused as he sensed a cluster of spirit energy clinging to his sleeve, forming four small characters.

’It’s time.’

The small characters of spirit energy dissipated instantly, but Gin Ichimaru knew that someone would be in trouble shortly. From their first meeting, Gin Ichimaru had sensed that Su Xiao was not as carefree and lazy as he seemed.

Gin Ichimaru’s judgment wasn’t wrong. Su Xiao had been patient for so long, waiting for the right moment for the current plan.

Aizen’s ’demise’ meant Ichigo Kurosaki had infiltrated the Jingling Court. This was the blame-carrier Su Xiao had been waiting for so long. Why had he stayed hidden for so long? The answer was Zanpakutō + Treasure chest + World Source.

Since entering the Bleach World, Su Xiao hadn’t acquired even 0.1% of the World Source, and now, it was time.

Without saying much, Gin Ichimaru quickly departed. Su Xiao’s agreement with Aizen was just like this: apart from a few key characters, he could kill anyone else, and Aizen would help cover his tracks. This was the demand Su Xiao made after collaborating.

Working with Aizen clearly showed results faster than working unpaid for Jingling Court. Su Xiao’s long-time efforts were finally about to pay off.