Reishi Disintegration

Among all of Aizen Sōsuke's research projects, the one he was most satisfied with was White—

It possessed the most humanoid form, was exceptionally powerful, and harbored an insatiable hunger for consuming others.

Though it lacked true human-level intelligence, which was a minor regret—

As a beast driven purely by instinct, White was already the perfect—even beyond perfect—creation.

Before undergoing the Yaksha transformation, Aizen had held equally high expectations.

But now, looking at the outcome—

The result wasn't quite as ideal.

Regarding this matter, Aizen could only console himself with the thought that each individual's natural aptitude differs.

After all, though both Soul Reapers and Hollows were spiritual beings, there were clear distinctions between them.

Just as one skilled in literature might perform poorly in martial arts,

Perhaps the same principle applied here.

Yet now—

A Hollow like White, which typically responded only to slaughter and consumption,

Was exhibiting a completely different type of behavior.

That, in itself, piqued Aizen's curiosity.

A 120% dedication to the unknown was necessary for a researcher.

It was this relentless pursuit of knowledge that had always driven Aizen forward.

However, this situation was different.

Aizen's gaze subtly shifted to the side.

White had reacted to Seiya's Yaksha form—

Which meant there was something drawing them toward each other.

For two different Hollows to be mutually attracted to one another—

There could only be one possible reason.

—They each sensed an opportunity for evolution.

If one could devour the other,

They could ascend to the next level of strength.

Aizen's expression darkened slightly.

He realized that he had miscalculated the situation.

Seiya's Hollow form appeared to possess an unknown power.

"Its outward appearance suggests an Adjuchas-level being… yet it holds an allure strong enough to attract a Vasto Lorde?"

This was highly irregular.

Aizen immediately recognized the anomaly—

A glimmer of thoughtfulness surfaced in his eyes.

Seiya…

Even as a Hollow, he exhibited traits beyond comprehension.

There would be time for further study later.

For now—

Aizen had already determined the nature of this encounter.

—It was merely two beasts eyeing each other from within their cages.

"That's enough for today—everyone, return."

His words were calm and absolute.

Raising his right hand, Aizen's reiryoku began to surge.

It remained concealed, yet within it flowed the power of a Soul Reaper at the absolute peak—

A power that pulsed with a dense, murky energy, akin to deep waters with hidden currents.

It had been a long time since Aizen had last needed to fight seriously—

And even this display was merely the tip of the iceberg.

Seiya cast him a complicated glance.

He couldn't help but feel a sense of envy.

After all, he was no longer a spectator—

He, too, was climbing the path of power and fully understood its challenges.

"After all these years, in all of Seireitei—only Yamamoto and Aizen have truly reached the top…"

If not for the nature of Kyōka Suigetsu,

If it had been a combat-type Zanpakutō,

Aizen wouldn't have needed to remain in hiding for so long.

By raw talent alone, Aizen was undoubtedly in a class of his own.

For the first time, Seiya truly understood what that meant.

"For a mindless beast, strength must be controlled by an even greater force."

A simple truth.

If words couldn't reach them, then they would have to be subdued by force.

Aizen's philosophy was direct and effective.

Not just Seiya—

Even Tōsen Kaname agreed with it completely.

Using spiritual pressure to suppress a Hollow's violent urges—

At its core, this was simply a display of dominance.

Under normal circumstances, it should have worked.

But—

This time, things weren't so simple.

The first to react was Seiya's Yaksha form.

The white Eastern dragon, which had been floating midair, suddenly descended.

Its movements were unnaturally light,

Something never before seen…

But what was even more unsettling—

Was how it slowly walked forward from within the rubble.

With graceful, deliberate steps,

It crushed the shattered debris beneath its claws.

It was difficult to imagine that something so strange and otherworldly…

Harbored a soul of pure, unrestrained evil.

Seeing that this entity had no intention of stopping,

Aizen turned his gaze toward Seiya.

Seiya should have control over his own manifestation.

And yet—

Seiya, the Captain of the Fifth Division,

Was clutching his head, massaging his temples—his expression tense.

—He had lost control.

This, too, was unsurprising.

"Wild beasts are impossible to tame. Even siblings born from the same womb will take different paths based on their nature."

So then—

Final warning.

"Do not move."

Aizen's voice remained calm and composed.

Though it was a warning, his unwavering demeanor exuded absolute confidence.

His half-raised right hand began to swirl with murky, concentrated reiryoku.

The pressure of his reiatsu spread outward,

Not yet taking full form—

Yet laced with the depth of mastery unique to Aizen's kido arts.

As he had already stated,

His words were not a negotiation—

They were the final ultimatum.

But unfortunately—

None of the beasts present seemed inclined to listen.

Without the slightest hesitation—

Even as Aizen's words were still hanging in the air—

The dragon-like Hollow continued advancing forward.

And after a brief pause—

White also began moving.

Rigid and bestial, as if it had never possessed the ability for independent thought,

White, too, was drawn toward this unknown force.

Both entities were closing the distance between them.

"Ignoring others isn't exactly a good habit, you know."

Aizen sighed, as though lamenting the situation.

His right hand slowly clenched into a fist.

"Hado #90: Kurohitsugi."

Forgoing the incantation, prioritizing efficiency and speed,

Aizen simplified the spell to its most direct form.

His reiatsu, which had been simmering this entire time,

Finally burst forth—

Two waves of pure darkness surged forward,

Swallowing both of the Hollows within moments.

"Layered reishi forms piercing spikes, impaling the target from all directions."

"Even spiritual bodies suffer severe injuries from this technique… though, for beasts, it likely won't be lethal."

"Consider this a lesson. Perhaps it'll clear your minds a little."

Aizen wasn't angry—

Just annoyed.

Because in the end,

"Expecting a beast to understand reason… is nothing but a foolish fantasy."

As Aizen lowered his right hand,

He spoke once more.

"Tōsen, clean up the area. Make sure no one discov—"

CRACK.

A sudden, sharp sound echoed—

Aizen's expression froze mid-sentence.

The Black Coffin shattered.

And standing completely unharmed—

Was Seiya's Yaksha form.

Aizen turned his head slowly.

His eyes narrowed.

"…?"

This wasn't normal.

Even a simplified Kurohitsugi, given Aizen's mastery, should have left some damage.

Yet this…

This wasn't a breakthrough by brute force.

No—

The reishi itself had been dismantled.

Realization flashed through Aizen's mind.

"I see now…"

"Your ability is…"

"Reishi Disintegration."

And before anyone could react—

The Yaksha Hollow stretched out its claws—

And tore White's body in half.

----------

Powerstones?

For 20 advance chapters: patreon.com/michaeltranslates