Help! I am bound to Aizen!-Chapter 283

Chapter 283

2-in-1 chapter:

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The entire Seireitei had fallen into chaos.

It appeared that the Central Great Underground Prison had been invaded by the Wandenreich, and two high-security convicts were missing. Yamamoto Shigekuni, Kaelith, and Shunsui Kyōraku immediately began investigating the scene. That same afternoon, a Captain’s Meeting was convened.

All captains assembled at the First Division barracks, standing in two rows. Yamamoto stood at the head of the hall and spoke.

“Shunsui Kyōraku, Kaelith Yurei. Report your findings from the investigation.”

Kaelith stepped forward.

“Teacher, I don’t think the culprit is necessarily the Wandenreich.”

“Oh?” Yamamoto raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Why do you say that?”

Kaelith thought for a few seconds, then shook his head. “It’s hard to explain…”

Yamamoto’s face turned grim. This rascal—why act clueless at a critical moment?

But Kaelith suddenly recalled something:

“That’s right, I just remembered! Didn’t the Quincy use a special technique before—one that completely sealed off their space so nobody outside could enter, and nobody inside could leave? Under those conditions, how could they sneak out to abduct prisoners?”

Yamamoto looked thoughtful. Kaelith was right. According to the intel they had, the Quincy had used a technique known as the ‘Final Holy Domain.’ Once it was activated, only Yhwach could lift it. That was how they’d managed to evade Yamamoto’s grasp last time.

After a moment’s consideration, Yamamoto turned to his other, somewhat hapless disciple.

Shunsui Kyōraku stepped forward. “Reporting to the Captain-Commander…although the traces were faint, we did detect signs that shadow space was used at the scene. Of all the known enemies in the Soul Society, only the Quincy of the Wandenreich are capable of using shadow space to move in and abduct prisoners like that.

“Furthermore, the two who were taken—one who once led a rebellion against the Soul Society, and another who led a special project involving forbidden knowledge—both would be highly valuable to the Quincy if they plan to wage war. Putting it all together, it’s almost certain the Wandenreich is responsible. As for the contradiction that Kaelith mentioned regarding that special technique, I don’t yet know how they managed it.”

Given the gravity of the matter, Shunsui’s usual carefree demeanor was absent. Yamamoto nodded.

“From this moment, we will treat this incursion as the work of the Wandenreich. Kaelith Yurei, Shunsui Kyōraku—you two will take shifts overseeing the reconstruction of defenses in the Central Great Underground Prison and pursue the Wandenreich at the same time!

“All divisions, prepare countermeasures against potential shadow-space raids!

“Second Division, investigate any Zanpakutō with shadow or spatial abilities in Seireitei and surrounding areas. If you find anyone with powers of that nature, arrest and interrogate them immediately!”

With Yamamoto’s orders, the great war machine of the Gotei 13 began to move once again.

Kaelith’s expression turned a bit complicated. The real culprit was now assigned to protect the very place he’d broken into—ironic, to say the least.

Leaving the First Division, Ukitake approached him.

“Kaelith, don’t let it bother you. Investigations must consider every angle. Even if the Captain-Commander didn’t say so outright, I’m sure he took your concerns into account. Just look at how he ordered the Second Division to search for anyone with similar Zanpakutō abilities. That proves he’s listening.”

Seeing the kind-hearted white-haired man, Kaelith felt grateful.

“Senior Ukitake, you really are a good person.”

“Haha…glad I could help.” Ukitake scratched his head, smiling sheepishly.

…

Meanwhile, Shinji Hirako returned to the Fifth Division and sat down on the veranda outside his office. Aizen walked over, holding a stack of paperwork.

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“Captain, since you’re back, could you please take care of these documents?” Aizen asked, shifting the papers under one arm while adjusting his glasses with the other.

Shinji looked at the files in Aizen’s arms, then slowly let his gaze move upward until it landed on Aizen’s face.

“Sōsuke…this morning, where were you?”

Aizen’s expression didn’t waver.

“Reporting, Captain: At dawn, I was in the training hall practicing swordsmanship. Afterward, I bathed, then handled squad duties. Later, I had breakfast during the Hour of the Dragon(t/n:7:00 AM to 9:00 AM), then returned to the office to organize books and dust the shelves, followed by calligraphy practice. Around midmorning, I went to Gin Ginzaburō’s glasses shop, then swung by the Eleventh Division to spar with Isshin Shiba…”

Shinji nodded. “All right, I see. Thanks, Sōsuke. Just leave those papers inside.”

“Yes, Captain.”

Aizen lowered his head politely and stepped into the office. Watching Aizen’s back, Shinji narrowed his eyes. Judging by the timing, Aizen hadn’t been with the squad when trouble broke out in Muken.

As Aizen turned, his eyes went cold. Shinji, much like Kaelith, had disturbingly sharp instincts. Someone who guessed too much was never convenient. Better for him not to look any deeper.

Setting the documents on the desk, Aizen left the room.

…

“Lord Kaelith, gentler, gentler! Over here—more pressure, more!”

Inside a particular laboratory in the Kaelith Technology Bureau attached to the Second Division, Mayuri Kurotsuchi’s frantic voice echoed. He stood at a machine, tapping rapidly on a console while keeping an anxious eye on Kaelith.

Kaelith wore electrode-like devices on both wrists, attached to the machine. His spiritual energy raged around him, and several researchers hovered nearby, too scared to even breathe. This was their boss Mayuri’s most crucial experiment: the “Nemuri Project.”

Despite its name, it wasn’t about sleep. Mayuri’s lifelong pursuit was to create a fully sentient artificial life-form. Even by Shinigami standards of technology and long lifespans, it was practically a dream. Since it was just a dream, Mayuri figured being “awake” while attempting it was foolish—thus he called it “Nemuri,” or “Sleep,” reflecting both cynicism and a bit of twisted romance.

For once, Kaelith could offer meaningful assistance. Artificial life-form research was based on Mod Soul technology, requiring advanced modifications. In the entire Soul Society, Kirio Hikifune understood Mod Soul power best. But enlisting her help was anything but simple. Not only was she Captain of the Twelfth Division, but she was also destined to join the Royal Guard before long. Mayuri doubted he had the clout to drag her away from her obligations.

So, he turned to Kaelith. In just a few decades of contact with Mod Soul power, Kaelith’s mastery had reached impressive heights. Aside from Hikifune, he was probably the best in the Soul Society at manipulating it.

After countless means of persuasion—including making all sorts of deals—Mayuri finally convinced Kaelith to lend a hand.

“Lord Kaelith, maintain the same output! Keep it stable!” Mayuri barked out orders while rushing to fine-tune the machine.

“Hey, Mayuri, are you sure about this? With me—this genius—helping you, we’ve still failed several times. Which attempt is this, our tenth? Or twentieth?” Kaelith asked casually.

Mayuri grumbled, “It’s the seventh! This is the seventh attempt! Are you blind? It’s written in huge letters on the screen: ‘Nemuri No. 7 Launch Test.’”

“…?” Kaelith bristled. This painted, freaky-faced man dared to mouth off at him? He’d definitely settle this once the experiment was over.

All the same, he followed Mayuri’s instructions, keeping the Mod Soul energy steady. Kaelith knew how big the pressure on Mayuri was. Each iteration of the Nemuri Project represented an attempt to create a new life.

Nemuri No. 1 through No. 4 were early trials and never reached full development. Nemuri No. 5 managed to be born but died soon after, still in an infant state. Mayuri used it as the basis for creating Nemuri No. 6, who managed to survive until the age of two and a half, then suddenly stopped cellular division and died. Mayuri had spent an entire night in silence in the lab.

Kaelith thought that might be the end of it, but less than a year later, Mayuri had already begun work on Nemuri No. 7. He claimed that this time, he had enough experience to avoid mistakes. Kaelith wouldn’t know—he’d heard similar confidence from Kisuke Urahara whenever the LSP Series messed up. He was used to such talk by now.

Working together, they watched a tiny form gradually materialize within a large glass cylinder. Like a documentary on fast-forward, the cells rapidly divided, going from a near-microscopic speck to a blob of flesh, then forming an embryo…

Seeing light flash in Mayuri’s eyes, Kaelith increased his own resolve, channeling Mod Soul energy without reservation. Finally, an infant’s cry rang out, and Kaelith broke into a grin as everyone rushed forward—some preparing warm water to wash the child, others grabbing towels and blankets to keep it warm.

Mayuri shouted and fussed over them all, acting like a cranky instructor. Kaelith crouched nearby, watching the scene unfold with an upturned mouth, quietly pleased.

After some time, Mayuri walked over. Looking down at Kaelith squatting there, he inclined his head slightly.

“Thank you, Kaelith.”

He didn’t say much. For Mayuri Kurotsuchi, that simple statement was enough to convey how he felt.

Kaelith waved it off, and Mayuri continued, “I have a feeling this time will be a success. To prove it, I’ve decided to give this life-form a name—something real, not just ‘Nemuri No. 7.’”

Kaelith seemed to realize something, but he kept quiet.

With a smile, Mayuri said, “Since it’s ‘Nemuri No. 7,’ I’ll take a homophone from ‘Nemuri’ and call her Nemu. And because she’s my creation, I’ll give her my surname. ‘Nemu Kurotsuchi.’ What do you think? A nice ring to it, doesn’t it?”

Kaelith’s eyes went wide. He stared at Mayuri for a moment, making Mayuri uneasy.

“…Is there a problem?” Mayuri asked, confused.

Kaelith suddenly stood up.

“Mayuri, I just cast your fortune. Don’t worry—you’re going to succeed this time. Nemuri No. 7—no, Nemu Kurotsuchi—will grow up safe and sound. I’ll stake my Zanpakutō on it.”

Mayuri was surprised to see Kaelith’s unwavering confidence. Even Mayuri himself, the project lead, wouldn’t boast like that after failing with No. 6. But for some reason, seeing Kaelith’s firm belief—despite Kaelith’s total lack of technical knowledge—left Mayuri strangely assured.

He grinned.

“Very well. Then I’ll take you at your word. I promise I’ll make sure Nemu flourishes! And once she’s grown, when I document the experiment, I’ll list you as a second author!”

With that cheerful declaration, Mayuri strode out. He’d never really understood why so many people followed Kaelith so loyally, until today.

Having someone put unconditional faith in you was…surprisingly uplifting.

…

In the aristocratic district, at the Kuchiki estate…

Amid the refined, traditional grounds with miniature mountains and flowing streams, a young boy in a white short-sleeved top stood practicing with a bamboo sword on the lawn. Despite dripping sweat, he never let up or broke form, and the unwavering determination in his eyes revealed no trace of laziness.

This was Byakuya Kuchiki, heir of one of the Soul Society’s five great noble houses. From the moment he could understand the world, he knew he had to work harder than anyone. His grandfather was already aged, unfit for extended combat. His father’s health was precarious, only slightly better than that of the white-haired Captain in Squad Thirteen. As the only male Kuchiki in decent shape, Byakuya felt an urgent need to grow stronger, faster.

Driven by that sense of purpose, he sped up his strikes.

Just then, a voice rang out.

“Your form is off. Focus.”

Startled, Byakuya reflexively corrected his posture. Then he looked up, eyes going wide.

“Kaelith!”

Seeing the figure perched atop the compound wall, Byakuya’s face lit up with excitement. The visitor shook his head in exasperation.

“You brat… I’m your father’s ‘dear teacher’ and a fine elder. How dare you address me so casually?”

He hopped down from the wall. Byakuya was about to run over, but then he paused, staring angrily at someone who’d followed Kaelith down.

“Damned cat demon…who gave you permission to enter House Kuchiki?!”

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