Quiet Spirit Court.
Kuchiki Rukia was locked up in the high tower prison.
Due to Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni's absence from Quiet Spirit Court, Central 46 swiftly judged Kuchiki Rukia, directly sentencing her to execution.
The execution date is set for two months later.
In these two months, news about Kuchiki Rukia quickly spread out; whether it was Urahara Kisuke in the Mortal World or Aizen Sousuke's group in Hollow World, both received this news.
Furthermore...
Aizen Sousuke also discovered news about the Hogyoku.
Hollow Night Palace.
Aizen Sousuke was seated on his throne.
Ever since he fled from the Soul Society years ago, he has resided in this palace, occasionally hiding in the large Hollow Forest beneath the palace.
This was because the Soul Society had once sent people to attack the Hollow World.
Moreover, Uchiha Madara, the Deadguard Seat Officer of the Uehara Race, would occasionally appear in Hollow World, massacring the Hollows and even destroying Hollow Night Palace several times.
It was only when Uchiha Madara and others went to pursue Yhwach that such retaliatory behavior was forced to cease, allowing Aizen Sousuke to return to Hollow Night Palace.
Aizen lightly tapped the armrest of his throne with his fingers, his gaze resting on Black Zetsu standing below, listening to Black Zetsu report on the intel concerning the Soul Society and the Mortal World.
The news that intrigued Aizen the most was, undoubtedly, the news about the Hogyoku.
"Hehehehe..."
Black Zetsu spread his palm, a sinister smile on his face, reporting the information he needed to: "The Hogyoku created by Urahara has been hidden within Kuchiki Rukia's body all along.
Urahara fears that Lord Aizen and Senju Tobirama of the Uehara Race might learn about the Hogyoku. Therefore, they also plan to rescue that little girl on Kuchiki Rukia's execution day..."
"How interesting..."
Aizen Sousuke sat upright, a confident smile curling at the corner of his mouth: "If that's the case, then it seems Quiet Spirit Court will be very lively on the day of the execution."
Upon reaching this point, Aizen Sousuke's eyes slightly narrowed, emitting a dangerous glint: "And there's one more thing... We haven't had the opportunity to meddle with Central 46 yet; it seems others have also set their sights on the Hogyoku within Kuchiki Rukia.
It's either Orochimaru...
or Senju Tobirama of the Uehara Race."
"Does it really matter?"
Black Zetsu lifted his gaze to look at Aizen Sousuke on the throne, chuckling sinisterly: "Yamamoto Shigekuni and the four major seat officers led by Uchiha Madara have already left Quiet Spirit Court to pursue the enemy from a millennium ago.
The entire Quiet Spirit Court no longer has anyone who can threaten Lord Aizen... On that day, Lord Aizen will be the strongest existence, regardless of what they intend to do, it seems irrelevant, right?"
"Don't be too complacent..."
Aizen Sousuke shook his head, threading his fingers through his hair, his smile gradually intensifying: "Although it seems this way... But don't underestimate the others in this world... Before I obtain the Hogyoku..."
Indeed.
Aizen Sousuke has always been cautious.
Before obtaining the Hogyoku, Aizen Sousuke would never act rashly; he would make all the plans, ensuring he achieves his goals while safeguarding his own safety.
Even after experiencing a humiliating defeat decades ago against Uchiha Madara, Aizen Sousuke still retained considerable confidence because he knew his odds against Uchiha Madara from the start.
The only unexpected thing perhaps...
Was that Uchiha Madara was simply too powerful.
Even so, Aizen Sousuke still managed to retreat unscathed and had already figured out the gap between him and Uchiha Madara, making him even more careful and cautious than before.
Everyone may be a chess piece.
Everyone may also be a chess player.
As Aizen Sousuke slightly closed his eyes and began contemplating his strategy, Urahara Kisuke in the Mortal World also seemed to be communicating with his sources of intel.
In the teahouse of Urahara Shop.
Urahara Kisuke cautiously brewed himself a pot of hot tea, listening to the intel brought by White Zetsu's main body, which was the foundation for him to devise a perfect plan.
"Hehehehe, our information was leaked..."
White Zetsu's main body showed no guilt at all, and even seemed rather natural: "Three White Zetsu clones responsible for guarding this place underground were killed... Judging by the wounds, it seems like they were killed by Black Zetsu who is with Aizen Sousuke..."
"Hmm..."
Urahara Kisuke nodded, pouring himself a cup of tea, and spoke softly: "Looking at it this way, it seems that guy Aizen should also know about the Hogyoku..."
Urahara Kisuke did not blame White Zetsu.
Because he understands White Zetsu's nature and abilities, and the fact that White Zetsu can bring such information already provides a lot of insight for him.
Nor did Urahara Kisuke ever envy the highly capable Black Zetsu under Aizen Sousuke; what he loves most is to use limited cards to play out infinite possibilities in the future.
Moreover...
White Zetsu's naive simplicity is actually quite amusing.
"Hehehehe..."
White Zetsu's main body chuckled cheekily: "Urahara, you can't blame me for this... Underground, our combat power was too weak... Only I could barely engage with Black Zetsu... Those dumb clones really weren't its match..."
"It's okay."
Urahara Kisuke shook his head, calmly stroking his teacup, a smile curling on his lips: "Actually, this isn't a bad thing... Looking at it this way, Aizen, having obtained the Hogyoku's information, probably won't pass up this opportunity..."