AN: Well, as expected, I knew the last chapter will be polarising but some things must be done after all. Some people said it was confusing so the sequence of events is basically this.

In a nutshell:

Failures lead to depressed Nick, Nick goes for an 'easy' success like Yuuki, doesn't know how to do things well and ends up behaving like nice Aizen just before betrayal, Yuuki reacts badly and makes him snap, cue trauma on both sides, Nick is fixated on the Nice Guy behaviour after that, Yuuki eventually enjoys life as she usually does and they reconcile, yada yada, they get some decent happiness together.

Then Arc Company comes along due to unintended consequences, both of them go full time travel. Yuuki was hoping he will succeed, Nick doesn't know Yuuki time travelled until later… but old Nick is dead and he mostly sent the 'good' parts left of him back in time, leaving the worst parts behind to finish the job. All the drama should be over by now.

Anyway… Kirito has a very important role in the future, as dictated by his protagonist of another story (canon) powers. I will say it partly has to do with the warnings given by the incomplete message of future Nick… ahaha, of course, I planned it from the very beginning (actually no, but let's pretend I did).

Also, lots of Bleach references this chapter at the start.

Happiness in Hypnosis

I see.

So they actually believed they were tricked by a mere use of 'Clark Kenting' as we disguised ourselves as irrelevant NPC's.

Fascinating.

How long will they be under the misapprehension that they merely 'ignored' our presences?

How foolish.

I was not the [Heritor of the Self-Made Shinigami] for no reason.

Heritor means 'a person who inherits', and whilst I did not inherit everything as a large portion of resources were still needed by my future self… one of his most prized possessions and ally had come along with me.

In order to not give myself away I had actively have a separate partition performing autonomous actions using the inherited powerful possession ever since the party after the defeat of the 25th Floor Boss.

All the times between the 26th Floor and the 31st Floor, where our guild had met up with a variety of members with the raid group allowed me to finally achieve my plans.

"Shatter, Kyoka Suigetsu."

I activated it again after dispelling part of it's effects when revealing myself to Diavel. Of course, I whispered the command so that no one else could hear me.

The only reason why it was not safe for me to do so was because an unidentified item would be of immediate concern to Heathcliff, aka, Kayaba Akihiko.

But… he couldn't be on guard forever.

A short lull, and a small unsheathing of the extra 'katana' at my side while uttering the release command for that blade… for my Zanpakuto.

And I had him.

I finally had the creator of SAO under my [Complete Hypnosis]!

Having everyone else captured in the raid group was merely a slight bonus.

The additional and not unwelcome benefit due to Shigemura Tetsuhiro's 'discovery' of a method to stream footage to the outside world simply allowed me to spread my net of victims captured under [Complete Hypnosis].

[Kyoka Suigetsu: Mirror Flower, Water Moon]

The artificial Zanpakuto modeled after the Zanpakuto of Aizen Sosuke.

Kyoka Suigetsu, anyone that lays sight on even part of the blade as it is released even once will be susceptible to it's ability.

[Complete Hypnosis] as it says, allows me to control the five senses of anyone captured by the blade's effect.

Anytime, anywhere, it does not matter.

Of course, that does not mean I control their every action… unfortunately, I can not simply create an illusion of a problem that forces Kayaba to eject everyone out of Sword Art Online.

CARDINAL, whose senses I cannot fully control as it had senses beyond the five.

Kayaba had the sense to install safeguards and using [Observe] on Kayaba had already revealed that he would rather let everyone die in his world if his 'story' is not satisfactory.

Even then, whilst I could use my ability on him alone, with my knowledge of the future I know that it is not yet safe to do so.

If I attempted something drastic then I would simply fail as before no matter my Luck.

The thing is… this is Kirito's story, and I don't say that as a self-insert that simply stays at the side line for no reason.

It is because I attempted to be a 'hero' in the last timeline that Kirito's Luck perks triggered and caused me great suffering. The thing is, there are certain things 'destined' to a certain extent, to happen.

In this world… Kirito's birth meant something… and it meant something-

-To 'Someone' that I dare not face right now.

Sadly, until I reach 1000 LUK, I have no chance to face that final obstacle.

*Poke*

Strea's poking my face as we walked towards the Boss Room.

"Yes, Strea?"

"You have a really big smile. What's so funny? Come on, you gotta tell me!"

Oh, Strea you're so precious… I'll tell you later.

"Later Strea, but I honestly don't think it's your type of joke."

"Not my type of joke? So… it must be lewd, right!?"

"W-what!? Nothing of that sort has been going through my mind at all!"

"Ahaha! You're so funny when you're flustered!"

Oh, she got me there.

In any event, the memory gambit with the abilities I temporarily sealed away worked.

Just. As. Planned.

*Ping* Due to your inherited skills plus your own initiative, [Keikaku] has reached Maxed Level!

You have unlocked [All According to Plan] as a perk!

[Advanced Keikaku] has now been unlocked as a skill!*Ping*

Excellent, things are going accordingly to the scenario.

I un-summoned Kyoka Suigetsu back into my soul as there was no need for it's effect in the upcoming battle.

With the treasures gained from [Guld the Ancient Orge] upgraded to it's peak we are as prepared as we can be for the next floor or so.

The White Haori's that I had Yuna and Strea make and design out of the [Treasured Silk] gained from Onigashima had excellent defensive abilities.

I had Strea further alter them in order to match the designs of the Gotei 13 Captain Haori's.

The Kanji for 'One' on the back, meant for the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto the strongest Shinigami… obviously went to me. I would have to remake his signature Zanpakuto [Ryujin Jakka] and his Bankai [Zanka no Tachi] later…

Strea had the number 'Two' written as Kanji for her's, as it belonged to the Second Division that was linked to the Stealth Corps (aka Ninjas) in Bleach. For someone so good at hiding and finding people, of course she held such a position.

Hiyori, Lux, had one for the Third Division. There was no real meaning off the top of my head, but that WAS the division Gin Ichimaru was in. You know, the perfect subordinate until he backstabs you. Considering the Aizen theme I went for, I fully expect to be backstabbed at least once in the future… although for a different reason.

I skipped a number and gave Yuna one for the Fifth Division, there wasn't a real reason as it used to head by Aizen Sosuke and Hirako Shinji in Bleach but…

I simply wanted to leave slot number 4 alone…. For various reasons, I felt I should reserve it for Yuuki, she always did want a cool white haori.

Ah, it was time to fight the boss it seems.

Yuna wouldn't be joining the fight despite being able to fight while singing as that skill is a bit of a trump card in case someone gets the bright idea of trying to attack Yuna.

"Everyone, are you ready?" Yuna asked, in her performing role.

Ah, it's time for the battle. I confirmed with my fragmented future knowledge that literally no songs that were used in Bleach as openings, endings, inserts and OST's have existed yet… just perfect for extra songs for Yuna.

...More than that, I did not want her to sing those songs that were meant for her, just yet. Firstly, there wasn't any proper instruments for it to sound it's best in Aincrad and more importantly-

-It hurts too much to remember that A.I. version of her.

The boss flew down from a plant-filled dome like boss room, landing right in the centre and stood before a throne made of vines.

[Garuda, The Wind King]

As expected, a partial human head with an eagle's beak, a large crown, red wings, and clawed legs.

Typical.

Having added an additional partition, I had more than enough processing power to be in combat mode while talking.

"Let's start the music!

Looking up at the night sky alone, I saw a comet

Though it appeared and vanished in a second

When I think of you, my chest begins to hurt

I want to see you right now, but I can't fly through the sky"

Houkiboshi, the third ending of Bleach.

Yuna gave us a defensive buff using the [Sound Concession of Wind and Ice] at the same time debuffing the boss, reducing its defence.

"If perchance I could have become a comet

I would go flying through the sky

No matter what kind of tomorrow comes, this thought is strong

So my comet is unbreakable"

"Tank Squad 1 and 2, forward! I want two high mobility teams ready to take it's aggro when it's time to swap tank parties!" Asuna began commanding the raid group, Heathcliff and another group of tanks rushed forward to meet the boss.

As for me, I did my usual in protecting Yuna from the flying mobs, [Dire Eagle Servants], armored Eagle demi-humans.

"As I was complaining about how hateful the rain was

Even now I still remember what you said

How, after the rain, the night sky is beautifully filled with stars

Thinking of that, I could even come to like the rain"

Lux did the same whilst paying close attention to the boss, learning it's attack patterns so that she can use her sword skills in the most effective manner.

This was the type of arrangement the raid group had to make as Lux simply dealt a lot more damage alone compared with anyone else aside from Heathcliff, Kirito and Asuna. (Strea, Philia and I came close)

If I had to rank people based on pure damage potential, it would be Kirito (maxed Dual Blades), followed by Lux who equalled Heathcliff, Asuna was just right below those two, followed by Strea, myself… then a tie between Philia and Silica, before Diavel comes into the picture..

In terms of defensive strength? Heathcliff would rank higher than me, but in terms of pure skill and how to game the mechanics, I would actually be better due to my circumstances. Diavel and Strea had the next highest defences along with Kirito before some other solos. Everyone else was either too 'balanced' or a glass cannon to be counted on top of there. Why I did not include dedicated tanks? They simply had a lot less skill than the people I mentioned before to actually use their defences well.

Garuda the Wind King used it's claws on it's leg to fight, along with it razor wind attacks coming from it's wings. Once 50% of it's HP had decreased, it began launching tornado's at the raid group.

"If perchance I could have become a comet

I would always spill my overflowing light

As you look at the night sky when you're sad

I want to sparkle more so that you will smile"

It was time.

"Furinkazan, draw aggro! I want Kirito's squad and the Sternritters on full assault now!" Asuna declared, looking at Heathcliff to ask for his participation in the final assault.

"You are always fighting something by yourself

Being by your side is all I can do"

… Yuna… it should really be the other way around. At the very least, I wish it could be so.

"The tornado's are thrown in such a way that it meets at some point, dodge away from it's front! Be careful! When it closes its wings, the tornado's will be launched outwards instead, converge towards its front then!" I delivered the fruits of my analysis when I already seen it's attack patterns being witnesses by others.

"Got it! Philia! Kizmel! I'm going on ahead!" Kirito shouted as he left a sonic boom in his wake.

Such an action was followed, matched and surpassed by my own companion, Hiyori being even faster and slightly faster than Asuna in terms of pure speed, got within Garuda's guard as it was still on the ground.

Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki was unleashed against the boss, cleaving and heavily staggering the boss.

But Hiyori wasn't done, it was time for the next step. I made my move and dashed forwards.

Hiyori spun, using the second step of the sword skill, the immense power of the sword slash created a vacumn which drew Garuda back to her for the next attack.

Garuda's attempt to counterattack was foiled as Asuna simply SHOT through the boss using [Shooting Star], a high level rapier skill.

Like a comet.

"If perchance I could have become a comet

I would go flying through the sky, surely-"

How fitting, Yuna.

The next slash was complete and the Wing King was cut by a slash far sharper than any wind it created before. Asuna's powerful attack got rid of over 5% of it's Hp in one shot, powerful… but Hiyori's high cooldown ability as a result of using the second step, brought the boss below 25% HP.

Now! Kirito, Diavel, Klein and his guild along with other players grouped up and ganged up on it until it got up… in which everyone ran away until Strea came up from behind and slammed the boss down into the ground.

"-I would definitely reach you, with this single moment of light

Lighting up your present and passing through the sky-"

I attacked, and when it got up to counter attack, I countered his counter by deflecting it's attack and viciously cutting into the boss.

"If I could have become a comet

I would surely stay by your side, at any time."

Heathcliff and Kirito launched one final attack at the end, bringing the boss to zero HP!

"Congratulations!" Yuna declared the battle over at the same time with the celebratory screen that popped up.

Much cheers abounded!

Well, everyone traded their nice stuff like compliments, 'good jobs!' etc…

I will probably have to work on Asuna's growing stress… although with Diavel and my own active attempts at helping her lead the raid groups she should be less stressed than in canon.

...But Kizmel… how interesting. Whilst she did not play a huge role, it was not insignificant.

Unfortunately, this might cause Kayaba to set up some events for Kizmel, thereby affecting Kirito.

Considering that she's becoming more independent and aware… he could shift his attentions to Strea or even try something with Yui… I have to make some plans then.

"Lux, you were beautiful out there." That sword skill, ah, that brings back so many nostalgic memories of Samurai X, watching Kenshin wreck his enemies with one of his ultimate techniques. It could be nothing other than beautiful.

Well, perhaps I should have phrased it better. And whilst i didn't lie at all, Hiyori had taken in my words and interpreted it in a different way.

No matter, so long as she's happier then I'm happy.

"Yuna, you sang so wonderfully today! Looks like it's celebration time again!" I compliment, thanks to Yuna and everyone's efforts, there were no deaths.

Which means Hiyori's birthday the next day will go on without a single depressing moment.

"Flatterer… I always sing wonderfully." She crossed her arms while smiling, clearly happy with her own efforts.

"Hey, how about me? Nickkkkk…. Tell me I was pretty too!"

"Yes, yes, Strea. You were super awesome and cute."

"Now that's more like it."

Haa… Strea, that's right, just keep smiling like that.

...Now… how to help out Kirito? He tends to take all the burdens on himself and with the Moonlit Black Cats coming up next… I will have to manipulate factors very carefully.

But first, time to set up Hiyori's birthday party!

I wonder will Yuuki be watching… knowing her I will have to make up twice for the birthdays I will be missing on her end.

After all, now all that was left was to make things right. I was my own person, and I may have inherited a few things including the burden of knowledge, some past mistakes and the like yet… all I can do is not wallow in angst and do something about it.

Yuuki, well, as a different person that still loves you at the very least, I can promise to be the best version of the person she loved. For whatever sadness that she was burdened with due to her past, I will just have to give her uncountable moments of happiness so that I can blot them out.

That is all I can do, and that is all I should do from now on.

Of course, much planning is needed.