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Chapter 4

=DA=

Part 5

=DA=

Soul Society

Kyoka Suigetsu is pure, unrefined bullshit and she is magnificent. When she is fully formed outside my Inner World as Aria, she is somehow even better.

We had four minutes to survive against the might of Gotei 13, four minutes for my people to achieve multiple objectives all over Soul Society and I had one last crazy stunt to attempt, which might be worth it in the long run if it panned out.

"Aria, I'm leaving this to you. Use your Illusions to the utmost and keep everyone's attention on Stark and Cifer. Don't get killed and try not to murder anyone, though if it's your lives on the line, do what you need to get back home intact." I ordered.

"Stark, Cifer, good to see you. You have your orders, cause some mischief and try to have a bit of fun."

Six Captains came at us with released Shikai. Their Reiatsu was sharp and angry, often bloodthirsty.

"Hado 91, Senju Koten Taiho." I met them with an offensive spell, without an incantation, it was a distraction more than anything else. Ten pink energy points formed around me and I forced just a bit over the bare minimum of power needed to make the spell work and unleashed them at the approaching Shinigami. The energy projectiles shot forward and meat at a point just in front of the Captains resulting in a large pink explosion that was mostly flash and shock-wave, that pushed most of them back. Only Yamamoto and Zaraki weathered it without slowing down.

That was my cue to make myself scarce, leaving an Illusion behind complete with a gift for the Captain-Commander – a certain black cube which would activate when he attempted to attack me. Cifer went for Kenpachi, while Stark opened fire from long range, determined to keep the opposition at bay for as long as possible.

In the meanwhile, I headed straight for my Division. Last time around, Aizen would have abandoned and discarded them, which as I've mentioned before, would have been a complete and utter waste. Even as the sky behind me lit up in explosions and Kenpachi roared in pain, I raced forward, trying to figure out the best words to use in order to make as many of my people defect with me as possible.

=DA=

In the vicinity of Fourth Division

Soul Society

Even as multiple Gargantas opened disgorging expendable Arrancars and regular Hollows, and two fellow Espada engaged the bulk of Gotei 13's strongest fighters in support of their Master, Tier Harribel used that convenient distraction to slip all but unnoticed into the heart of Soul Society. She exited a Garganta on the heels of twenty low level Hollows led by a single Arrancar cloaked by seals that Aria put on her nearly an hour ago.

The Espada was invisible, her power was cloaked as well and she would be silent, for a few minutes at least. Even the use of Sonido was enough to begin corroding the seals, however that didn't really matter. They only had to last for a short while. Harribel dashed through Fourth Division, evading Shinigami who were too busy either treating wounded or running to provide first aid, until she finally found her targets – Hinamori and Inoue were in a secluded room, with the human girl unconscious and the young Lieutenant hovering protectively over her.

"Lieutenant Hinamori," Tier began, startling the Shinigami who brandished her Zanpakuto in front of her in what might have been supposed to be a threatening manner. "Captain Aizen sent me. In their infinite wisdom, Gotei 13 just began a civil war. I have a message for you and orders to bring Ms Orihime Inoue to safety, because Master Aizen doesn't believe that the other Shinigami would ever let her go home."

Harribel disabled one of the seals and the illusion hiding her left hand dissipated, revealing that she held a sealed message. She offered the letter to the young woman.

"Please make up your mind soon. We need to leave in a few minutes otherwise Soul Society will suffer unacceptable amount of collateral damage in unnecessary fighting." Tier implored. As if tho underscore the urgency of the situation, loud explosions echoed in the distance and moments later, shock-waves slammed into the building, shaking it and prompting screams of distress from the various Shinigami inside.

"Captain Aizen sent you?" Hinamori demanded in a numb voice.

"Yes. All he requests from you is the opportunity to explain everything." Just like he promised through Aria he would do for us, Espada, Harribel thought.

Hinamori warily snatched the letter, saw that the seal was her Captains and carefully broke it to reveal the contents. It was short and to the point, restating the request that the mysterious woman just offered, promising answers and that Tier Harribel, this stranger, would keep her and Orihime safe until Aizen could meet them himself. Momo stared at the letter for long seconds before she gathered her courage and nodded. When all was said and done, she trusted Sosuke with her life and more, it was as simple as that.

"I'm coming. Captain Aizen ordered me to keep Orihime safe and that's what I'll do."

"Good girl. Hold on tight, we're getting out of here the fast way." Tier wasted in n time slinging the unconscious girl over one shoulder, grabbing Hinamori and making her way outside, where she immediately opened a Garganta and brought the girls through. On the way out, she sensed that the distraction unit was all but gone, with only the Arrancar still alive facing multiple Shinigami. "Your sacrifice is appreciated." Tier muttered as the Garganta sealed behind her. At least her part of the operation was now complete and total success.

=DA=

in the vicinity of First Division barracks

Soul Society

Kaname Tosen was torn. He heard Gin's rambling earlier that night, he almost believed it too. It sounded just like Aizen to have layers of illusions and deception hiding each other until no one knew what the hell was the man thinking or doing. On the other hand, there simply was no other Shinigami in existence who could give Tosen what his heart desired most – justice. As the night progressed and he heard what everyone said during the interrogation session, he became more and more convinced that no matter what he was, no matter what game Aizen was playing, he was indeed the only one who might give him justice.

There certainly wasn't a shred of it left in Gotei 13.

That's why, when Yamamoto ordered Aizen's arrest, all Tosen did was sneak as far back as possible while everyone had their attention concentrated on the drama unfolding in front of them. It was the prudent thing to do, because if there was one thing Kaname knew about his ally, it was that he wouldn't be taken out so easily. While he couldn't see what exactly happened and the following exchange was a mess of Reiatsu pulses and signatures, the outcome was clear as a day.

Aizen might have been exhausted, caught off guard and in a bad position… he still managed to get out of the trap and dispatch multiple Captains with a single spell before he went and gutted Ichimaru for his betrayal. After that, when almost everyone who was still on their feet went in pursuit of what had to be an illusion, Kaname made his way outside, leaving the wounded and Ukitake behind.

He wasn't disappointed. In less than a minute, Aizen's evacuation plan came into fruition, he destroyed the barrier protecting Soul Society in a spectacular fashion, which was simply beautiful to Kaname's Reiatsu senses. Then a pair of powerful Espada entered the field and Kaname found an opening to strike. Aizen provided a nice distraction with a high level Hado which pushed Hitsugaya back, right within Tosen's reach. Kaname took advantage of the opportunity and unleashed the power of his Shikai, dazzling the boy-captain and struck Toshiro before the youngster could unleash his Bankai.

How foolish could his peers be to think they stood any chance against the likes of Aizen and the Espada merely with their first release, Tosen would never know.

Hitsugaya sensed something and to his credit, he managed to turn around so instead of a being taken out of the fight, he merely took a crippling slash to his back. Kaname followed with a Byakurai, piercing the wounded Captain's shoulder and sending him falling to the ground. Good enough.

"KANAME!" Komamura roared in fury and disbelief. "What is the meaning of this?!"

"It should be obvious, old friend. As always, I'm following the path of least bloodshed. It was you people who caused this."

With those words, the two friends clashed together and activated their respective Bankai.

=DA=

Part 6

=DA=

Fifth Division courtyard

Soul Society

I arrived at my Division's Barracks with about twenty percent Reiatsu left. Aria really had to go all out with her illusions, which was a concerning. This was going to be close. Fortunately, everyone in the Fifth was up and on high alert and while there were a few units on long range patrols and Hollow interdiction missions in the outer reaches of Soul Society, something that could be dealt with later, the bulk of the division was at the barracks, awaiting orders, which with both Hinamori and myself away weren't forthcoming.

"Gather around! I have an announcement to make!" I shouted, using a Kido spell to ensure my voice carried over all over the compound. Another minute passed, leaving us with very little time before the Negation came down. This was going to be very, very close.

Nearly hundred and fifty Shinigami came rushing to the courtyards, everyone using Flash Steps to the best of their ability. Only three of my Seated Officers were missing – the leaders of the long range missions, who were in charge of ten Shinigami squads each.

"As you have undoubtedly noticed, tonight Gotei 13 finds itself in the middle of a civil war." I began, speaking as earnestly as I was capable of. Six decades spent as a Sith augmented by Aizen's own experiences helped tremendously.

What's more, the man had been orders of magnitude more charismatic than I used to be in my past life as a Sith and that was something I inherited. Words that would be dismissed said by someone else, were captivating coming from my mouth, my face was a beacon of hope and sadness that couldn't help but stir the hearts of everyone who was watching and listening.

"The explosions you heard earlier today were caused by infiltrators who aimed to erase the Central 46's compound and our central archives and as far as I know, they succeeded. The purpose of those attacks was to erase any trace of the orders our government issued to me centuries ago… orders which to my regret I've been following slavishly for the longest time in the mistaken belief that in the end Central 46 had our best interests at heart. You all deserve a proper explanation and the opportunity to make up your mind about what has been happening in the past and what happened tonight." I paused for effect. "Unfortunately, we're almost out of time. I have no intention of bringing war to Soul Society for any longer than absolutely necessary. What is happening right now is nothing but a diversion to allow me to leave intact, a necessity that I will forever regret."

Less than two minutes and counting down. I got an impression from Aria that Yamamoto and company were pressing my rescuers hard, however my people were still intact, which was good. The downside was that Unohana and Soi-Fon had diverted, ordered by the Captain-General to come this way. Of course, the Stealth Force had this place under long range observation.

"I'm about to ask you something I have no right to. If you're willing to trust me one last time, please join me, give me the opportunity to fully explain what led us to this moment. Those of you who disagree with what I've done and what I intent to do in the future will be free to return unharmed."

It was at that point that Soi-Fon appeared behind me in an impressive demonstration of Flash-Step and delivered a Shunko enhanced strike that would have been powerful enough to cave in my skull if it connected. It was too bad for her that she tore through an illusion and I was a few steps to the right, which allowed me to retaliate as she passed by. Soi-Fon screamed as my blade tore through the back of her legs, crippling her. She lost control of her flight and slammed through the east wall of my office. A moment later, Unohana was in front of me, Zanpakuto at the ready, however she declined to attack.

"Another illusion?" Retsu inquired.

"It just saved me from getting my brain liquefied. I shrugged. "That wasn't a nice thing to do." I chided for good measure.

One minute.

"And there I was, thinking that we might have something between us." Unohana smiled thinly at me.

"That haven't changed. It wasn't like I wanted any of this!" I made a sweeping gesture in the general direction of the First Division, which might soon collapse under the onslaught of the explosions constantly lighting up the sky above it.

"You could have surrendered quietly." Retsu pointed out.

"So I could be eliminated as another loose end just like Central 46 was murdered. If he makes it, do ask Gin how many of our government he slaughtered with his own two hands. No thank you. I'll take my chances."

"Do you really think you can win this? While those two things you summoned to help you are quite powerful," She licked her lips while saying this, "they won't last much longer against the Captain-General and the rest of us."

"They don't have to. Who are you taking me for? Do you really think I would waste the lives of my subordinates just for better odds to save my own skin?" I asked incredulous. Granted, that was precisely what Aizen would have done without a second thought… and I've done it back in the day as a Sith but that was neither here nor there. I wasn't the megalomaniac, and I was no longer a Sith constantly plagued by the Dark Side's influence. After what felt like eternity, I was finally free to chart my own path… and of course now I just had to be haunted by Aizen's stunts. Was this Karma?

"The thought has crossed my mind. Are you really trying to subvert your whole division? If they join you, we'll have to hunt them down."

"It is their decision to make, either now or when they hear the whole truth if they so desire. We're out of time." I Flash Stepped in the middle of the courtyard. "Those of you willing to listen to my side of this story, please stay close. The rest of you, move away, now."

Retsu Flash-Stepped in front of me, bringing her sword in a thrust aimed at my throat. I parried it, the strength behind her strike jarring my hand. The two blades met in a shower of sparks and I could feel an ocean of blood-lust and excitement contained within Retsu's soul. I couldn't help it, and I matched her hungry smile.

At that moment, the skies tore asunder and golden light fell upon us.

"Negation? Aizen what did you do?!" Unohana exclaimed. The sheer shock pushing back her excitement and bringing up the personality most of Soul Society was familiar with.

"Precisely what Central 46 ordered me to, before I expanded their orders of my own volition." I spoke aloud and just in time. Yamamoto and Ukitake Flash-Stepped nearby, almost touching the Negation field engulfing us. I spent a moment to glance around and was glad to see that more than half of my Division, including all Seated Officers who were present stood with me and were now safe within out own dimension.

Well, as safe as any of us could be sealed in place with Unohana.

"What is meaning of this?!" Yamamoto's voice thundered.

"It should be obvious, sir. A hundred years ago, Central 46 ordered me to experiment with Hollowfication upon our own comrades. To my eternal shame, I complied with those orders and when I succeeded, they deemed the results too dangerous to remain part of Gotei 13 and ordered their murder. At the same time, the hypocritical bastards saw enough potential in the process to order it weaponized as a contingency to use against Gotei 13 if it ever went against their wishes, as far as I know, one of many such contingencies they had ordered created over the centuries of their existence." I bullshitted like a champion.

The sheer outrage at such a betrayal coming from my people warmed up my cold heart. The feeling was a physical one coming from the Reiatsu they had trouble controlling as they struggled with the revelation.

"Truly?" Retsu inquired.

"All I can give you is the truth as I know it. What you'll do with it is up to you all. Believe me or not." I shrugged. "That is a decision only you can make for yourself. If you want to hear everything, all you need to do is come with me. I'll be telling you all everything tomorrow once we're all settled and I make sure that there would be no violent incidents. If not, you're more than powerful enough to break out of the Negation, Retsu."

Naturally, I spoke loudly and clearly enough that both Yamamoto and Ukitake could hear me easily. "You know Central 46 better than anyone else, Captain-General. Look me in the eyes and tell me that what I just said is beyond them." I challenged.

Yamamoto said nothing. And Retsu? She pressed her blade against me harder, until both swords were pushed snugly against the skin of my neck.

"As I said to my Division, if you wish, I'll arrange a safe passage for you back to either Soul Society or the world of the living. Hear me out tomorrow and then you'll be free to leave when you wish." I locked my gaze with Unohana's eyes as the Negation pulled us up.

I was at ten percent Reiatsu and it was slowly draining. As soon as we arrived at Hueco Mundo, I would need to seal my Bankai.

Retsu, what are you going to do, I wondered.