Chapter 270: Aizen’s Machinations?

The subsequent Captain's Meeting focused on the intricate details of forming the expeditionary force—everything from the number of Shinigami to be deployed from each division, to logistical support, and the overall mission objectives.

A large-scale deployment involving over a thousand Shinigami was a momentous operation for the entire Gotei 13.

By the time the meeting concluded, the sky had already darkened completely.

---

As Kyōraku Shunsui and Ukitake Jūshirō left the meeting together, they could hear whispers among the passing Shinigami discussing the recent events—the colossal Buddha and the nuclear explosion. Shunsui sighed, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

"Well, what luck. The old man didn't assign me as the commander of the expeditionary force this time. I suppose that means he has great faith in Captain Aizen's abilities."

Ukitake nodded in agreement. "Captain Aizen has an excellent reputation, and Sensei's arrangements are quite reasonable. Both Captain Aizen and Captain Tōsen possess Zanpakutō abilities well-suited for large-scale combat."

"Captain Ichimaru's Zanpakutō specializes in precision assassinations, and with Vice Captains Sasakibe Chōjirō and Senju Makoto also among the ranks, this expeditionary force certainly won't lack firepower."

"That's true…" Shunsui stroked his stubbled chin thoughtfully before adding, "Not to mention, Captain Aizen, Captain Tōsen, and Captain Ichimaru all have rather… nuanced personalities. Together, they might just keep each other in check and prevent anything too unpleasant from happening."

Ukitake let out a small sigh, shaking his head. "Shunsui, you always look at things from such a cynical perspective. You should have a little more faith in your comrades."

Shunsui merely shrugged, his expression shifting into his usual playful demeanor. Turning dramatically to his Vice Captain, Ise Nanao, who was following behind them, he lamented theatrically, "Nanao-chan, just the thought of you leaving Seireitei to join the expeditionary force in Hueco Mundo breaks my heart! How am I supposed to get through my days without you?!"

The bespectacled, composed, and seemingly refined Nanao remained utterly unfazed. Her voice was cold and flat as she responded, "Captain, please be serious."

"What? Nanao-chan, how could you be so heartless?" Shunsui clutched his chest in mock agony. "I'm only concerned for your safety. What if you get hurt without your dear Captain there to protect you?"

Nanao remained unmoved. "That won't be necessary, Captain. With three captains in the expedition, I won't be on the front lines since I lack a Zanpakutō. My primary duty will be overseeing the Kido Corps' barrier formations and support spells."

"Even so, I can't help but worry about my adorable Nanao-chan. Hueco Mundo is a very dangerous place, after all…" Shunsui's voice trailed off for a moment before he suddenly adopted a more serious tone, adding, "If anything unexpected happens, try to stay close to Vice Captain Senju. That man is more reliable than most captains."

Nanao blinked in mild surprise at Shunsui's sudden sincerity, but after a brief moment, she gave a small nod in acknowledgment.

However, Shunsui's brief moment of seriousness barely lasted a second before his expression turned exaggerated once more. He sighed dramatically, shaking his head as if lamenting an even greater concern. "But Nanao-chan, you must be careful around Vice Captain Senju. Don't let his gentle and good-natured demeanor fool you. I once ran into him at a—"

"Wait a moment!"

Nanao, usually calm and composed, suddenly narrowed her eyes. "Captain… when exactly did you visit a tavern again?"

"Ah—"

For a brief moment, Shunsui froze, as if only just realizing he had unwittingly revealed something he shouldn't have.

And then, in the blink of an eye, he vanished from the spot, his voice carrying from afar as he made his hasty retreat.

"Nanao-chan, you must have misheard! I just remembered—I have urgent division duties to handle—!"

Watching Shunsui flee in disgrace, Nanao clenched her teeth in frustration, torn between irritation and resignation. She gave a quick bow to Ukitake before turning to chase after her captain.

Ukitake chuckled, shaking his head as he watched them go. Then, he turned to his own Vice Captain, Shiba Kaien, and said, "That being said, Shunsui does have a point. If the expeditionary force runs into trouble, both Vice Captain Sasakibe and Vice Captain Senju will be reliable allies."

"I understand, Captain Ukitake," Kaien replied solemnly.

---

Meanwhile, when Makoto received word from Unohana that he would be part of the expeditionary force, leading the medical division, he wasn't exactly surprised. Still, he couldn't help but feel a little resigned.

As the Vice Captain of the Fourth Division, it wasn't as if he could refuse.

More importantly, within the cycle of the Human World, Soul Society, and Hueco Mundo, the only realm he had yet to truly set foot in was Hueco Mundo.

Makoto had always been curious about Hueco Mundo.

Joining the expeditionary force should, theoretically, be a safe way to explore it.

Or so he thought.

Who was he kidding? This was Aizen Sōsuke leading the expedition.

And the ones assisting him were Tōsen and Gin.

Makoto felt a chill run down his spine.

In Seireitei, things were still somewhat under control.

But once they reached Hueco Mundo?

With Aizen's intellect and abilities, if he truly wanted to eliminate a Shinigami, all he had to do was stage an attack by the Hollows. No one would question it.

The setup of this expedition left Makoto almost certain of one thing—this was the perfect opportunity for Aizen to solidify his control over Hueco Mundo.

"What a terrifying scheme, Aizen Sōsuke…"

Makoto silently analyzed the situation.

"So, the abnormal increase in Adjuchas-class Hollows… Was that also an illusion created by Kyōka Suigetsu? All to justify the formation of this expedition?"

"And now, by using the expeditionary force, he can weaken the current ruler of Las Noches, the so-called 'King of Hueco Mundo,' the ancient Vasto Lorde, Baraggan Louisenbairn, while simultaneously laying the groundwork for his own dominion over Hueco Mundo?"

"More than that… just how many of these elite Shinigami in the expedition will end up as test subjects for Aizen's experiments on Hollowfication?"

At that thought, Makoto's eyes narrowed instinctively.

This only confirmed his suspicions—Aizen's Hollowfication research had already reached an advanced stage.

"It seems I need to prepare a contingency plan. If Aizen truly intends to break all pretense and turn against me, the outcome might not be entirely in his favor."

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