Chapter 185: Would You Say Yes or No?
"Young man, you're Satoru's classmate, right?"
"If I recall, your name is Sōsuke?"
"To be so young and already a vice-captain—truly admirable!"
Shunsui adjusted his straw hat and smiled as he leaned closer.
Aizen: "..."
He could guess with his knees that Shunsui would next try to subtly probe why he was here and what role he had played in the recent battle.
Sure enough, after a brief exchange of pleasantries, Shunsui asked curiously:
"Sōsuke-kun, did you stay behind specifically to help Satoru?"
"That Hollow just now was quite powerful. For Sōsuke-kun to be active in a battle of that level is truly impressive."
Aizen offered a somewhat reserved smile. "I don't deserve such praise, I—"
"As expected of Uncle Kyōraku, spotting my treasure boy right away!"
As soon as Aizen opened his mouth, Satoru laughed heartily, sidling up beside him and slinging an arm over his shoulder.
Hearing Satoru's words, Aizen's heart involuntarily tightened.
What is this fool trying to do?
Shunsui made a questioning sound. "Oh?"
He thrust his Zanpakutō into the air, twisted it, and opened the Senkaimon.
"Treasure boy? What do you mean?"
While asking, he took the lead and stepped through the Senkaimon.
Satoru pulled Aizen along as they followed.
"Uncle Shunsui, don't underestimate Sōsuke just because he looks gentle and weak."
"Although his combat output is slightly inferior to mine, his battlefield analysis skills are remarkably strong."
He grinned widely. "Just now, when I was fighting that Hollow, if Sōsuke hadn't observed the opponent's combat style and movement habits, predicting potential dangers in advance, you might not be seeing me in one piece right now."
"This guy is like the Wang Guniang of our Soul Society—though he's pretty weak himself, he's studied all the martial arts under heaven and carries a treasure trove in his head!"
Shunsui suddenly understood.
Indeed, this youth named Sōsuke clearly appeared to be the type skilled in observation and analysis.
Aizen glanced at Satoru.
This guy... is unexpectedly reliable at critical moments.
If he forcefully claimed he hadn't done anything, given Shunsui's personality, he might become even more suspicious.
If he admitted he had helped, Shunsui would inevitably pay more attention to him in the future.
Dealing with Shinji was troublesome enough—he certainly didn't want to attract Shunsui's attention too.
But with Satoru saying this, it would minimize his presence as much as possible.
Aizen slightly raised the corners of his mouth.
Then, he heard Satoru continue: "Of course, I'm just giving my bro a chance to shine... With my intelligence and wisdom, analyzing things myself would be simple, right?"
"Sōsuke, don't you agree?"
"..."
Aizen took a deep breath and nodded.
"Indeed."
Satoru laughed heartily, thoroughly pleased with himself.
Aizen narrowed his eyes, a chilling aura rising around him.
Satoru's Personal Grudge Ledger received another heavy entry today.
...
...
Upon hearing Satoru's report, Yamamoto frowned slightly.
A Hollow that could shatter its mask, resembled a Shinigami in appearance, and even release its Zanpakutō...
Could such a being still be called a Hollow?
He asked Shunsui to describe the opponent's Reiatsu intensity.
After mentally comparing it, Yamamoto was surprised to discover that, according to Shunsui's description, this Hollow's Reiatsu had already surpassed that of a Vasto Lorde in his memory.
A super Menos Grande beyond the Vasto Lorde level, coupled with the abnormal activity of the Hell Gate...
Two dangerous signals appearing simultaneously—this was no auspicious omen.
After inquiring about some information regarding Szayelaporro, Yamamoto waved his hand, preparing to shoo his two disciples out.
But then, as if remembering something, he added:
"By the way, Kōga Kuchiki is still alive. Both of you, be extra vigilant, especially you, Satoru. Your feud with Kōga Kuchiki runs deep; he might seek revenge against you."
"I used Kidō to track him and confirmed he's currently hiding in Hueco Mundo."
"Barring any surprises, he's probably with Tsunayashiro Senzaemon again... After their last major defeat, I doubt they'll dare cause trouble again anytime soon."
"Alright, off you go now."
Satoru and Shunsui nodded and left the First Division headquarters together.
Once outside the main gate, Shunsui grinned, about to invite Satoru for a drink.
But before he could speak, they encountered Lisa Yadōmaru, who had been lying in wait there.
"Captain! Here are the official duties you need to handle. I've prepared the list for you. Please review it on your way back and make sure to complete everything by today!"
Shunsui's eyes widened, his face instantly turning pale.
Noticing Satoru beside him, Lisa was momentarily taken aback, then her expression turned serious.
"I'm sorry, Satoru. As a warrior, I abandoned you and fled... I will remember this disgrace and strive desperately to become stronger."
"Next time, I will definitely repay this debt!"
Satoru tilted his head.
Didn't I specifically ask old man Sasakibe to take you all away? What does this have to do with abandoning anyone?
If you hadn't left, that wouldn't be loyalty; that would be insubordination, understand?
As if guessing his thoughts, Lisa sighed. "Vice-Captain Sasakibe told me... the Fifth Division Vice-Captain didn't leave with us... He stayed behind to assist you, didn't he?"
She clenched her fist. "Even though I've been a Shinigami longer, when faced with danger, I let two juniors who just became Vice-Captains shield the front... I..."
Hearing this, Satoru understood.
He casually comforted the girl, feeling somewhat emotional.
Well, it seems someone is about to become famous.
Sōsuke, Sōsuke, your bro did his best. The rest is up to you.
Sure enough, that evening, while eating in the Second Division cafeteria, Satoru began hearing various rumors.
"Did you hear? The new Vice-Captain of the Fifth Division... just a recent graduate, actually participated in Third Seat Satoru's battle against the Menos Grande!"
"Of course I heard. I also heard that Menos Grande was incredibly powerful; even hundreds of Gillians combined couldn't compare!"
"Hiss... Terrifying, truly terrifying! The Fifth Division really hit the jackpot this time."
"Yeah, to be able to fight alongside Third Seat Satoru at such a young age... I can't even imagine what he'll achieve in the future!"
Satoru: "?"
Sitting in the corner of the cafeteria, he fell into deep thought.
Why did that make him sound so old?
Yoruichi sat across from him and lowered her voice. "Satoru, you didn't run into Baraggan, did you?"
She had witnessed Satoru's capabilities back in Hueco Mundo.
This guy could slice through Adjuchas-class Menos Grande like cutting vegetables.
Even a Vasto Lorde shouldn't be difficult for him to handle.
Then... could it be that Baraggan himself showed up?
Hearing this, Suì-Fēng, who was sitting nearby, froze in surprise.
Baraggan?
The King of Hueco Mundo?
Her eyes widened as she looked at Satoru.
This guy... was playing with fire on that level?