Yhwach.
The progenitor of the Quincy. A child born under a curse.
Deprived of all five senses from birth, he could only prolong his life by absorbing the power of others.
A thousand years ago, he rampaged across the world in pursuit of immortality, seeking to annihilate all three realms and return everything to chaos—so that all creation would no longer live under the shadow of death.
"And among his powers, he possessed something known as 'Auspice'—the root cause of the Quincies' destruction."
Ishida Uryū.
"This man is the nemesis of your people. And also… your mother's murderer."
Perhaps Ryūken hadn't revealed that part, but it didn't matter. The fact that Uryū had come meant he had tacitly accepted what Seiya was doing.
It was time to reveal the truth of the past to the younger generation.
"The Book of the Quincy records Yhwach, and the Wandenreich that existed both a thousand years ago—and a thousand years later."
"This is the strongest piece of evidence. I've already skimmed through it, and it matches what I've long suspected."
"If you wish, Uryū-kun, you may take this book back with you. After all, it is your grandfather's legacy."
As for the other item…
"The Emblem of the Wandenreich isn't especially meaningful."
"It's simply a pass that allows the bearer to pass through the shadows and enter the Wandenreich."
"Not hard to understand, right? Considering it was Yhwach's base of operations—it'd be weird if just anyone could walk in."
Seiya's explanation was straightforward.
He laid bare nearly everything he knew about Yhwach in unflinching detail.
Uryū, calm until now, was visibly shaken. Orihime gasped, murmuring, "That's awful…"
Ulquiorra remained impassive as ever.
As for Mayuri—still in his half-sized bacterial fusion form—he merely rubbed his chin, then chuckled.
"I see… so it was pretty much as I expected."
Uryū shot him a glance. "What's with that tone—like you knew this all along?"
"Because I did know most of it."
Mayuri opened his hand, gesturing as if expanding a theory.
"Back when you went berserk in Seireitei, I already thought something was off."
"Later, I brought it up subtly at the Captain's Meeting. I'd already started my own research—and confirmed the Wandenreich's existence."
"My real goal was to gauge Captain-Commander Yamamoto's reaction. After all, he fought Yhwach a thousand years ago. He should understand the stakes."
Even Seiya looked mildly surprised. He massaged his temples and raised an eyebrow.
"And then?"
"He ignored me."
Mayuri's voice was flat, unaffected.
"I think he knows the truth. But why he avoids the topic—I can only guess."
"My best theory is: he intends to deal with you and Aizen first, before turning his attention to Yhwach."
Seiya murmured, "Internal stability before facing outside threats?"
That would align with Yamamoto's logic.
"I brought it up a few more times after that, but he kept dodging. So I let it go."
Now he turned to Seiya directly.
"That day—your actions were intended to force the Wandenreich out of hiding, weren't they?"
"Am I wrong, Seiya Arima?"
It sounded like an accusation, and both Uryū and Orihime turned toward Seiya, awaiting his response.
If true, then even his so-called "atrocities" would have a deeper purpose.
But Seiya just smiled faintly and waved his hand.
"That's all in the past. There's no point dwelling on it. Besides, isn't Seireitei almost rebuilt now?"
Old sins weren't washed away by words. He had chosen a path few would understand—he'd accept the hate and enmity that came with it.
Mayuri was briefly silent.
He understood Seiya's position all too well.
"…Infuriating."
"What is?"
"That someone like you—a fifth division captain of all things—thinks he can shoulder this entire burden. Arrogance has its limits, you know."
He pointed a finger at Seiya.
"Let's set Yhwach aside for now. What you need to understand is your current situation."
"The Captain-Commander has no intention of sparing you."
"Aizen's Hōgyoku has fully awakened. He wants to replace the Soul King—his goals clash with the Gotei 13's very principles."
"This means we're already at the point of no return."
"War is inevitable. And I won't sugarcoat it."
"But before it begins…"
"Just as a courtesy to the desserts we once shared…"
"My last piece of advice, Seiya Arima."
"Soul Society has begun its move against Hueco Mundo."
"The moment Ichigo and his friends entered this world, the Gotei 13 began its operation."
Just like in the original timeline.
Mayuri listed names and assignments. Even Ulquiorra was now paying attention.
"You've got Kuchiki Byakuya, Zaraki Kiganjō, Unohana Retsu—and me, the genius among them—currently traveling through the Garganta."
"Meanwhile, the Captain-Commander and the rest are preparing in the Human World."
But that wasn't all.
"I know you and Aizen have reached the Captain-Commander's level."
"As much as I hate you power-obsessed types, I have to admit—raw spiritual pressure is essential in battles between Shinigami."
"And so, to ensure your elimination…"
He paused for effect.
"…the Zero Division has been deployed."
"Zero Division…?"
Uryū and Orihime were clueless. Seiya's expression shifted subtly.
And then… he smiled.
So that's what had been causing those recent bouts of unease—this was what awaited him.
The Royal Guard—Hyōsube and his squad, huh? The timing was tight, but Seiya hadn't been idle either.
Expected, in a way.
Mayuri, annoyed, barked, "What the hell are you smiling at?! Don't you realize how screwed you are?"
Seiya scratched his head and sighed.
"Sorry. Just… realized something, that's all."
No desire to argue.
Mayuri ignored the emotional undercurrent and brought things to a close.
"Don't go to the Human World. Leave Hueco Mundo."
"Find some hidden place and lay low. That's the only way you might survive."
Surprisingly heartfelt.
Seiya blinked, surprised.
"Didn't expect you to say something like that."
"Logic isn't emotionless. It's just a weighing of risks and benefits, idiot."
Still cold as ever.
"If you die, I won't shed a tear."
"But there'll be people who regret it. Who cry and wail afterward. Not me—I don't care."
"…Still, if you die, Nemu might be sad."
"That's all."
"I see… That's…"
Seiya smiled softly.
"Thank you."
"What's your answer, then?"
"Sorry. I've made my choice. But thank you for your concern, Captain Mayuri."
Mayuri's face didn't change.
"I already knew what your answer would be."
"But I figured… if I didn't say it, I'd regret it later."
As a researcher, having such thoughts was… shameful.
"Well, since you've decided, I've got nothing more to say."
He stared at Seiya.
"Live, Seiya Arima."
"Thanks. I'll do my best."
They looked away in unison.
Seiya turned to Uryū.
"I've said all I need to. Whatever you and Ryūken discuss after this—it's your family's business."
"Oh, and—do you still want the book?"
Uryū stepped forward, silently accepting The Book of the Quincy with both hands.
His attitude had changed dramatically.
"…Thank you, Captain Arima."
"No need. It's your family's to begin with."
With that, Seiya turned to Orihime, who was nervously watching.
"Miss Inoue…"
"I'm sorry for keeping you confined here. I hope you know I meant no harm. But now, I ask for one thing."
The gentleness in his voice, his actions—Orihime had no reason to refuse. She instinctively straightened up.
"O-Okay! Anything!"
"Don't underestimate yourself. Your power is immense. When the time comes, you can change everything."
He stepped forward, gently patting her head.
"Don't abandon your power just because of personal doubts."
Orihime nodded blankly.
"I-I understand…"
All matters resolved, Seiya stood tall.
He approached Ulquiorra, whose face remained impassive.
After a brief pause, Seiya offered an apologetic smile.
"Sorry, Ulquiorra. You ran all over the place, and still… I couldn't help you find a 'heart.'"
"…It's fine. I wasn't expecting much."
"Is that so? Well, that's… a little comforting."
He patted the Espada's shoulder and gave one last order.
"Your job is to guard Las Noches. Don't let anyone in."
"But after that… one more thing."
Ulquiorra looked at him.
"Yes, sir."
Seiya smiled.
"Don't die. If it's too much, walk away."
…
Leaving the sanctuary he'd secluded himself in, Seiya flew toward the brilliant, sun-like reiatsu signature in Hueco Mundo.
Soon, he saw Aizen Sōsuke, flanked by two former Captains and a host of Arrancar.
Aizen smiled that familiar smile.
"Seiya-kun. We've been waiting."
"Sorry for keeping you."
He accepted the uniform Gin handed over. After a moment of silence, Seiya changed into Hueco Mundo's white uniform.
Fitted waist. Standing collar. Zanpakutō at his hip.
He inhaled deeply as the Garganta opened before him.
His eyes firmed.
Let's go.
Toward that already murky future.
Seiya Arima stepped forward—without fear.
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Powerstones?
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