Shigure had known all along about sealing Aizen.
To others, this sounded difficult to understand.
But for Urahara—who developed the Hōgyoku and gigai—spotting irregularities was easy.
So when Urahara proposed this discussion, Shigure expected this topic.
Sure enough, Urahara hit the nail on the head. Aizen wasn't sealed inside a Zanpakutō. He was sealed within Shigure's own soul.
To Rukia, this sounded absurd.
But Urahara was already certain. This was what set Shigure apart.
Hearing Shigure's response, surprise flashed across Urahara's grave expression.
After staring at Shigure briefly, he suddenly turned around. Stepped forward with a light laugh.
"Seems I was worrying needlessly."
Shigure smiled. Didn't answer. Stepped forward to follow. Rukia caught up quickly, expression bewildered and shocked.
After walking briefly, Urahara's calm voice came again.
"This matter, and this conversation..."
"You must keep it secret for your captain, Miss Rukia."
"Eh?"
Rukia had been pondering their exchange. Hearing Urahara's voice, she froze.
Urahara didn't look back. Continued speaking.
"To you and me, Segawa is worth trusting. If he says he can do it, he can."
"To the Head Captain, Captain Unohana... even all current Gotei captains—once they learn Segawa sealed Aizen using his own soul, they'll choose to trust him."
"However, if Central 46 learns of this..."
His voice paused.
Rukia's expression changed dramatically. She began understanding.
After a moment, Urahara continued calmly.
"Once they learn of it, they'll use every means possible to gain absolute imprisonment rights over Aizen... by controlling Shigure's soul!"
Rukia's eyes widened in shock.
She finally understood why Urahara's expression had been so serious.
But she was also confused.
After hesitating, she said quietly:
"U-Urahara-san, Captain Segawa was the greatest contributor in this war. He protected Soul Society and the Seireitei..."
"The sages of Central 46... surely wouldn't do something so excessive, would they?"
Urahara's expression didn't change. He said flatly:
"Don't doubt it, Miss Rukia."
"The previous Central 46 being slaughtered by Aizen is permanent terror for these new appointees."
"They won't trust anyone's words. Only their own judgments."
"So to ensure their future safety, they'll absolutely do it."
"..."
Rukia fell silent. Said nothing more. Turned her head slightly. Looked at Shigure's profile with concern.
Shigure's expression remained calm. No particular change. He suddenly turned and smiled at her.
"You're too tense, Rukia."
Rukia's heart jumped. She quickly looked away.
She secretly resolved to guard this secret for Shigure no matter what.
Urahara spoke again.
"Segawa, regarding what you told everyone about sealing Aizen inside your Zanpakutō—"
"Though it prevents Central 46 from directly sealing your soul, they'll certainly want to tamper with your Zanpakutō. Prepare yourself mentally."
Urahara had none of his usual levity. Remained serious and rigorous.
Shigure nodded.
"Thanks for the warning."
"However, before I came up with that explanation, I'd already thought of a method to reassure Central 46."
"I just need to discuss it with the Head Captain afterward."
"...Heh, I see. That's good then."
Urahara replied softly.
Moments later, they reached the barrier's edge at Karakura Town.
Between four massive boundary pillars, blue transparent light screens connected them. Forming this enormous barrier.
Just as Urahara was about to bring them inside—spiritual pressure suddenly appeared in the sky.
The three looked up. A crack formed in the sky.
"Directional Garganta..."
Urahara's eyes flickered. "Is that Mayuri?"
He could identify the arrival instantly.
Within Soul Society right now, only two people could create such high-precision directional Gargantas.
Besides himself, only the second Director of Research and Development.
Sure enough, moments later, the Garganta opened. First to emerge—Mayuri Kurotsuchi.
Behind him, a large group of disheveled squad members.
As the group emerged, you could see they carried quite a few Arrancar and Hollow corpses.
The instant Mayuri emerged, he spotted the four people below.
His eyes flashed. He showed a strange smile. Quickly spoke to those behind him.
"Wait here. I'm going down to handle something."
Without hesitation, he used Shunpo to descend.
The lead squad member behind him showed exasperated exhaustion. Drooping eyelids. Said weakly: "...Yes, Captain Kurotsuchi."
Mayuri arrived below. Looked at Shigure with a smile.
"Tsk tsk... Looks like you haven't disappointed me at all, Segawa..."
Before Shigure could speak, Mayuri's gaze instantly, sharply, turned to Aning beside him. Showed an excited smile.
"Hehehehe... Segawa, looks like you've also prepared for me—"
"Even better research material!!"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
Read up to (120+ ) advanced chapters on Patre\on
Visit us here: patreon.com/DarkGolds
Happy reading, everyone!