After the lighthearted sparring, the Visoreds gathered together, forming a loose circle around Kurotsuki Renya.
Hirako Shinji asked seriously, "Oi, kid… were you also forcibly Hollowfied by that Hōgyoku Aizen created?"
Renya nodded. "Yeah. He originally intended to erase me—used Soi Fon's power to try and kill me. But I was ready. I escaped from the Seireitei before he could finish the job."
"Soi Fon?" Love Aikawa asked, puzzled.
Renya replied, "She's the Captain of the Second Division—the Commander-in-Chief of the Stealth Force."
Hirako frowned slightly. "But why would Aizen target you in the first place?"
Renya scratched the back of his head. "You might not believe it, but… he thought I was one of Kisuke Urahara's hidden test subjects."
The others exchanged glances as Renya recounted Aizen's words from that day. When he finished, Kensei Muguruma coughed lightly and muttered, "Even I'd have thought you were one of Urahara's experiments."
Hiyori Sarugaki, eyes red and sharp, barked, "Hey brat, just tell the truth! Are you that shady baldy's secret lovechild or what?!"
Lisa Yadōmaru smirked. "Could be. Maybe he's Yoruichi's kid. She's got great genes… and a better figure."
Renya twitched in irritation. "Are you all serious right now? I'm trying to talk about Aizen and you're gossiping!"
Rose Otoribashi chuckled. "Alright, alright. So you came all the way to Karakura Town. But how did you even know Urahara was here?"
"That's what I'd like to know too."
A calm voice sounded from behind them. The group turned as a man stepped out from the shadows, wearing a striped green-and-white bucket hat and a dark green coat.
"Kisuke Urahara…" Hirako greeted lightly.
Before anyone could respond, another voice echoed nearby. "I heard the kid used to serve under Soi Fon, huh?"
A black cat leapt gracefully onto a nearby crate, morphing mid-step into a tan-skinned woman with golden eyes and violet hair.
"Lady Yoruichi!" Hachigen Ushōda said with surprise.
Hirako smiled faintly. "Long time no see, Yoruichi."
It had been decades since she'd appeared before them. Even Urahara had rarely seen her in person since they escaped to the World of the Living.
Urahara's fan flicked open with a snap. "This location is hidden even from Soul Society. No one should've been able to find us here…"
Love narrowed his eyes. "So maybe he's Aizen's spy."
Instantly, spiritual pressure flared. The air grew heavy as the Visoreds' killing intent locked onto Renya.
Renya could feel it—a dozen predatory reiatsu aimed at him. Still, he stood his ground.
They don't trust me. Good. They shouldn't.
He said evenly, "Mr. Urahara… are you sure you want me to explain everything here?"
Urahara's tone sharpened. "What do you mean by that, Renya-kun?"
Renya's expression darkened. "I was born in the Rukongai, 78th District. Kuchiki Rukia saved me. She's my sister in all but blood. So tell me—why did she come to Karakura Town, lose her name and her memories… and why is something else inside her soul?"
His reiatsu spiked briefly, emotion surfacing beneath his calm tone.
Urahara's gaze narrowed. "…You know about that?"
Renya nodded. "I saw Aizen experimenting with souls long before I confronted him. His Hōgyoku couldn't achieve what he wanted. So he tried merging it with yours—to perfect both."
Urahara's eyes flickered. "Then… does he know the Hōgyoku is within Rukia?"
Renya shook his head. "Not yet. But he'll figure it out soon. He's already accessed the Great Spirit Library Corridor. You should know what that means, right, Mr. Urahara?"
Urahara's fan froze midair. "I see… seems I've made another mistake."
Renya's tone softened. "Not necessarily. Rukia's situation might be our best chance. We can use her to draw Aizen out—trap him before he ascends further."
Love Aikawa asked cautiously, "So he's not a spy after all?"
Urahara closed his fan. "If he were, we'd all be dead already."
At that, the tension in the air eased.
Hiyori folded her arms. "If you really want to kill that bastard Aizen… we'll help you."
Their eyes held a cold fire—the same grudge that had burned since Aizen's betrayal.
Renya exhaled. "Not yet. His power is far beyond ours. We'll wait for the right moment. If we rush in now, we'll all die."
Hirako studied him. "You saying we can't handle him even together?"
Renya nodded. "That's right. He nearly killed me with a single strike."
He remembered that day—the crushing force, the helplessness. But the fear had hardened into resolve.
Hiyori scoffed. "That's 'cause you're weak, kid! You're not even a Vice-Captain—just a Third Seat!"
Renya's voice was calm. "He didn't attack first. Tōsen Kaname did. I defeated him—but then Aizen struck me down."
Kensei's expression darkened. "Tōsen's a Captain now? That cowardly bastard was a Fifth Seat when I commanded him."
Renya added quietly, "Even Zaraki Kenpachi—if he only removes his eyepatch without using both hands—can't defeat me anymore."
Love barked a laugh. "Bold words, kid. We all know what kind of monster Zaraki is once that eyepatch comes off."
Urahara chuckled. "I made that eyepatch. And you're what—thirty-two? You expect me to believe you can overpower him?"
Renya rose to his feet. "If you doubt me, then let's test it. Not to prove I'm strong—but to show how terrifying Aizen truly is. Who wants to be my opponent?"
Hiyori grinned, cracking her knuckles. "Heh. I'll take that challenge, brat. Let's see what you've got."
"Go ahead," Urahara said softly, curious himself. "Let's see what kind of power Aizen's breeding these days."
The Visoreds stepped back, clearing an open space.
"Don't overdo it, Hiyori," Hirako warned gently.
She smirked. "Relax, I won't kill him. But since he thinks we're weak—I'll make sure he remembers this lesson."
Renya smiled faintly. "Come on then, Baldy."
"I'M NOT BALD!" she roared, lunging forward.