Chapter 51 : Tōshirō’s Weakness?

"Hinamori Momo?"

"Aizen Sōsuke?"

"Those are names of individuals, but who are these two?"

Tōshirō was not only wondering how Uchiha Ran knew these names, but the entire ninja world was also puzzled about why he mentioned these two names.

Judging from Tōshirō's reaction, it was clear that he was familiar with these two individuals, and he might even have a close relationship with them that was beyond ordinary.

Otherwise, Uchiha Ran wouldn't have brought them up and maintained his composure.

"Whether or not you know about these two individuals for now isn't important," Uchiha Ran said. "Before that, I have a question unrelated to inheritance."

Uchiha Ran deliberately avoided a direct answer, attempting to throw Tōshirō off his pace of conversation. Nevertheless, the Otherworld still seemed to be aware of Tōshirō's acquaintances, and curiosity overcame his Tsundere nature.

"Go ahead and ask, but that doesn't mean I'll necessarily answer," Tōshirō retorted, a hint of arrogance evident in his expression.

Uchiha Ran adjusted his glasses and turned to Haku. "Haku, please disable the viewing permissions in the Gold List chat area."

Naruto was still young, and allowing emotions to run rampant would only worsen the situation. There was also the possibility that Onoki and others might not remain passive.

"Understood, Lord Ran. Viewing permissions have been disabled," Haku replied.

Uchiha Ran nodded slightly and then inquired, "About the plot... Well, let me ask: has Rukia Kuchiki been executed?"

Uchiha Ran suspected that the chances of this were low.

The reward on the Golden List was Hyōrinmaru Shikai, indicating that Rukia's fate might be different in this timeline.

But it was better to be prepared for all possibilities.

"You even know about that?" Tōshirō's surprise grew, but after a moment's thought, he answered, "Her execution is scheduled for tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" Uchiha Ran smirked.

Wasn't that the climax of the early stages of the Shinigami world?

Kurosaki Ichigo's Bankai, his clash with Byakuya Kuchiki, his rescue of Rukia Kuchiki – all leading to his confrontation with Aizen and the revelation of his true intentions.

"It's a pivotal moment."

"Clearly a profitable one!"

Uchiha Ran grinned and glanced toward the screen, then asked, "If I were to tell you that Aizen isn't dead, would you be interested in having a conversation with me?"

"What did you just say!?" Tōshirō's shock was palpable.

On this very day, Aizen Sōsuke, Captain of the Fifth Division in Soul Society's Gotei 13, and a prominent teacher at the Spiritual Arts Academy, had been discovered assassinated in his own home.

Hinamori Momo, Tōshirō's childhood friend and even his romantic interest, had always admired Aizen and was devastated by the news. Fueled by Ichimaru Gin's provocations, she had tried to attack Gin, only to be restrained by Kira Iziru, leading to a physical altercation.

Overwhelmed by grief and unable to face Aizen's body, Hinamori's sanity had deteriorated, prompting her to lock him up under the pretense of unauthorized use of force.

Yet now, Uchiha Ran from the Otherworld was asserting that Aizen wasn't truly dead.

Could it be possible?

"Yes, Aizen is alive. The body you saw was merely an illusion created by his Zanpakutō's ability," Uchiha Ran confirmed.

Tōshirō's expression changed suddenly.

Aizen Sōsuke's Zanpakutō ability?

For a long time, many had underestimated Aizen's strength, believing him to be gentle and unremarkable. Few knew the true extent of his Zanpakutō's power or whether he even possessed a Bankai.

Most believed he was the weakest among the captains.

But was that really the case?

"Even though you can name both Captain Aizen and Hinamori, it doesn't mean I'll automatically believe your words," Tōshirō declared with seriousness.

Regardless of how much Uchiha Ran said, Tōshirō couldn't bring himself to fully trust a person from another world.

"Seeing is believing!" Uchiha Ran responded confidently.

"Seeing is believing? Are you going to tell me where Aizen is?" Tōshirō inquired, his doubt still evident.

Why would Aizen fake his own death and let Hinamori Momo witness it?

"While that's possible, there might not be enough time for that now."

"Let's opt for a simpler method of verification."

Uchiha Ran glanced at the remaining seven minutes of communication time and suggested, "If you were to go to the prison right now, you might witness Hinamori Momo's escape or her preparations to escape. And if you can find her, she'll likely attack you."

"What are you implying?" Tōshirō's disbelief was evident.

It was conceivable that Hinamori Momo might attempt to escape prison, given her admiration for Aizen Sōsuke and the emotional turmoil she had experienced.

In essence, Hinamori might actually attack him.

But he couldn't accept that.

Wasn't Hinamori Momo his best friend?

"Afraid to try?" Uchiha Ran taunted.

Tōshirō's eyes twitched.

What did he have to be afraid of?

"It's been a while since I've seen Hinamori. I'll pay her a visit," Tōshirō murmured to himself before standing up and heading out.

They didn't even bother to check on Matsumoto Rangiku, who was awakening on the couch.

This oversight also spared Jiraiya and other onlookers the opportunity for some excitement.

Shunpo!

The surroundings transformed rapidly.

Tōshirō moved with swiftness.

He didn't trust Uchiha Ran, but he did want to prove him wrong.

That's right, that was his intention!

"So fast!!"

Many in the ninja world widened their eyes.

This was a live broadcast, and they could perceive Tōshirō's exceptional speed.

Faster than the Body Flicker Technique of a Jonin-level Ninja!

Yet, he appeared to be strolling casually.

A stark contrast.

Soon, Tōshirō reached the cell where Hinamori Momo had been held.

The surroundings were eerily quiet, making him feel as if nothing had occurred.

With a sigh of relief, he was about to step into the cell, when suddenly the door shut rapidly, and a prison guard hurriedly approached, an anxious expression on his face.

Tōshirō was taken aback and questioned, "What happened?"

"Captain Hitsugaya!"

The guard hesitated briefly before quickly bowing down, his voice trembling as he said, "I apologize profusely. Deputy Captain Hinamori called me, and when I turned around, my vision went black. When I regained consciousness, Deputy Captain Hinamori had already vanished!"

"It's Bakudō!"

Even before the guard could finish speaking, Tōshirō, who had already entered the cell and observed the scene, came to a conclusion.

Hinamori Momo excelled in Kidō, particularly Bakudō.

In truth, when individuals were imprisoned, their Reiatsu would be restricted. However, Hinamori Momo's imprisonment was symbolic, resulting from her altercation with Captain Aizen and Deputy Captain Kira Iziru.

Tōshirō hadn't expected her to pull off something like this.

Escaping from confinement.

Just then, Uchiha Ran's voice echoed again:

"It's not just Hinamori Momo who escaped, but Kira Iziru and Abarai Renji as well!"

Tōshirō's pupils contracted, and he swiftly dashed out through a hole in the adjacent wall.

"Could there really be something amiss with Aizen?!"

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