When Masatsuki Aozaki heard the words "His Majesty the Soul King," an image surfaced in his mind—the figure of a mutilated being suspended high above the heavens.
Limbless, devoid of organs, neither alive nor dead.
And yet, despite this state, the Soul King still possessed consciousness and could issue commands to the Royal Guard.
This alone proved that the Soul King remained a threat to him.
By Masatsuki's estimation, even after losing so many vital components, the power the Soul King retained had to be immense—far surpassing Yhwach, even after he regained The Almighty.
However, judging from the demeanor of Senjumaru Shutara and Kirio Hikifune, this so-called god didn't seem to consider him an enemy.
In that case, should he go and meet him?
If the Soul King truly intended to eliminate him, then no matter where he fled within the Three Worlds, it would be pointless.
After contemplating for a moment, Masatsuki Aozaki silently nodded, signaling his acceptance of the invitation.
...
On the other side, Yamamoto rested both hands on his cane, deep in thought.
The Zero Division inviting Masatsuki Aozaki wasn't surprising—he had anticipated this for some time.
In the past, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki had received a similar invitation due to his overwhelming strength.
Now, Masatsuki Aozaki, as his most gifted disciple, was just as exceptional. An invitation made perfect sense.
But… why wasn't it an invitation to join the Zero Division?
Why did the Soul King himself want to see him?
That boy—despite always putting on an act as if he feared Yamamoto—had already surpassed him in strength.
There was no doubt about that.
To be more precise, his power was so great that he didn't even seem like a Shinigami anymore.
Had the Soul King sensed something unusual about Masatsuki and wanted to confirm it personally?
Or…
Did the recent incident in the underground prison of Shin'ō Academy catch the Soul King's attention?
Was he seeking answers from Masatsuki Aozaki?
Even though Kisuke Urahara and Retsu Unohana had close ties to the matter, neither had personally been part of the investigation.
So why Masatsuki?
Something felt off.
Yamamoto narrowed his eyes at Masatsuki Aozaki.
Only to find that the boy first looked deep in thought—
And then shot him a smug, almost defiant expression, as if saying, Who do you think I am?
This brat...
What is there to be so arrogant about?
Do you actually think I envy you for being able to ascend to the Soul King Palace?
What an idiot!
The corner of Yamamoto's eye twitched a few times before he finally let out a long, heavy sigh.
...
"Then it's settled. The time is set for three days from now. Masatsuki, make sure you're prepared."
Kirio Hikifune spoke with a rare serious expression.
"Got it!" Masatsuki Aozaki nodded firmly.
"Since we're back in Soul Society, Kisuke, take us to the 12th Division for a tour. I'm curious to see how it's changed."
Senjumaru Shutara turned to Kisuke Urahara, a hint of anticipation on her face.
...
Yamamoto leaned on his cane, silently watching the three leave.
Behind him, Masatsuki Aozaki and Retsu Unohana also stood in silence.
Only after their figures disappeared did Yamamoto finally turn around. Narrowing his eyes, he spoke in a solemn tone.
"When you arrive at the Soul King Palace, remember—do not flaunt your power."
"That flashy, half-baked swordplay of yours—keep it to yourself. I refuse to be embarrassed."
"If they ask about the underground prison at Shin'ō..."
Yamamoto paused in thought before continuing.
"Captain Unohana will brief you. Just tell them what she says."
"Understood, old man."
Masatsuki Aozaki gave a small nod, signaling his understanding.
He had always carried himself with restraint—this request was hardly an issue.
Hiding his strength?
That was his specialty.
Yamamoto raised a hand, gesturing toward the nearby tea table.
Masatsuki Aozaki immediately picked up a cup of fine tea and handed it over.
The old man nodded in satisfaction before continuing.
"What you truly need to be cautious of in the Soul King Palace is the Royal Special Forces, Zero Division."
"As for the others, you don't need to worry much—they're just Shinigami promoted from the Gotei 13."
"Even Tenjirō Kirinji, who doesn't know you, should still show me some respect."
"But the ones you should be wary of—the ones who could pose a real threat—are two specific members of Zero Division."
Yamamoto's gaze grew sharp.
"One is Ōetsu Nimaiya, the master of Hōōden, known as the 'God of the Sword'."
"The other is Zero Division's leader, Hyōsube Ichibē, the 'Monk Who Calls the Real Name'."
"They are, respectively, the creator of the Zanpakutō and the one who names all things in Soul Society."
"They predate even my time, and their strength is immense. I wouldn't call them my allies."
Frowning, Yamamoto's voice grew heavier.
"Ōetsu Nimaiya isn't much of a problem. As long as you don't provoke him, he won't go out of his way to make things difficult for you."
"But the Monk Who Calls the Real Name… That old monk looks kind and harmless."
"Don't be fooled—he's far more cunning than he lets on."
"He's from the same era as the Soul King and the Five Great Noble Clans."
"He has witnessed the dawn of chaos, the separation of the Three Worlds, and has been the Soul King's guardian for over a million years."
"For him, protecting the Soul King is his sole belief."
Yamamoto's voice carried a deep weight.
"No matter how many lives stand in the way, they are insignificant compared to that belief."
"His ability allows him to erase names and weaken power."
"Even my Ryūjin Jakka is powerless against him."
"Unless absolutely necessary, do not engage him."
Yamamoto warned.
"Hah, sounds like a stubborn old man—just like you."
Masatsuki Aozaki smirked, teasingly.
"Except your belief is protecting Soul Society, while his is protecting the Soul King."
Some people in this world lived solely by their beliefs.
Hyōsube Ichibē was one.
Yamamoto was another.
Hearing Masatsuki's casual tone, Yamamoto clenched his fist, producing an audible crack.
Masatsuki, being somewhat self-aware, instinctively shrank his neck slightly.
Yamamoto exhaled and spoke again.
"Masatsuki, your strength is far beyond that of a normal Shinigami."
"Hyōsube Ichibē will never allow anything that threatens the Soul King to exist."
"If he so much as suspects you could be a danger, he will not hesitate to erase you."
"You must be extremely careful. Restrain yourself."
Masatsuki Aozaki stroked his chin and mused aloud.
"Old man, the way you're talking, you're making this trip sound like a one-way ticket."
Yamamoto's expression darkened.
"Boy, don't say I didn't warn you."
"In all my thousands of years in power, the Soul King Palace has never invited an outsider up."
"There are only three ways to enter."
"You either invade it head-on, join Zero Division, or get recruited into their Divine Soldier Unit."
"But you've been summoned directly—without being made a member of Zero Division or the Divine Soldiers."
"That alone is cause for concern."
"Being cautious is the least you can do."
Masatsuki Aozaki raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk forming at the corner of his mouth.
"But what if I do everything right, stay as careful as possible, and still end up fighting them?"
"For the sake of the Three Worlds, should I just accept my fate?"
Yamamoto's gaze grew deep and unreadable.
He was silent for a few seconds.
Then, without warning, he gripped his cane tightly—
And pressed down hard.
In an instant, the cane disintegrated into a cloud of ash, revealing the ancient Zanpakutō hidden within.
Under Masatsuki's stunned gaze, Yamamoto slowly drew his sword, its gleaming blade catching the light.
He sneered, his voice laced with disdain.
"Accept your fate? Boy, when have I ever taught you to die a coward's death?"
Before he had even finished speaking, the blade of Ryūjin Jakka erupted into flames.
Blistering fire roared skyward like a dragon, setting the very heavens ablaze.
Beneath the burning sky, Yamamoto's grin turned ferocious.
"Even if you die—find a way to take their heads with you!"
"Remember—aside from the Soul King, no one is untouchable!"
"And besides…"
"I'm still in good shape. Might as well see if this old blade is as sharp as it used to be."
Masatsuki Aozaki widened his eyes, staring at Yamamoto in disbelief.
Even now, the old man was still thinking about how the Soul King must remain alive—for the stability of the Three Worlds.
Classic old man.
Damn it, I'm actually touched.