I should mention beforehand that this chapter contains a few spoilers regarding the nature of Gin's Bankai.
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The first thing I did during that one-week grace period was completely bring Orihime over to our side. Naturally, I assigned Yeriel to this task, and as a result, she successfully swayed Orihime Inoue within just five days. While it might have just been lip service, the fact that she had been won over was what mattered. Following that, I restored the masks of Nelliel and her Fracción.
Once her mask was restored, I briefed Nelliel on how the Espada lineup had shifted during her lost time. Perhaps it was because I informed her that we were currently at war with the Soul Reapers, or simply due to her inherent personality, but she didn’t make a scene about trying to kill Nnoitra immediately.
In this manner, while steadily bolstering our forces, we were able to nearly finalize the war preparations over the course of the week. Many things were still lacking, but I had prepared everything within my current means. This second invasion would take place simultaneously with the move toward the final war.
“The second invasion will be a diversionary operation.”
Now that the week had passed, I gathered the Espada once more to begin the briefing. This operation, much like the previous one, would rely on a feint. Of course, this time I wouldn't be doing anything as reckless as charging into the enemy camp alone.
“The individuals participating in this mission will be a very small group acting as a strike force. First, the members who will strike Shinji and his group are Tosen Kaname and Ichimaru Gin.”
“That is reckless!”
“Now, that really is a bit too much, isn't it?”
Tosen and Gin both voiced their objections to my words. Naturally, the idea that just two people could face off against Shinji’s entire group and win seemed absurd. At least, it was absurd if we were talking about a head-on confrontation.
“No, it’s entirely possible. It shouldn't be difficult or impossible if you utilize both of your Bankai effectively. I know from Is that Suzumushi Tsuishiki: Enma Kōrogi creates a space that strips the opponent of their spiritual sense, sight, hearing, and even smell—effectively creating a blind hell. Furthermore, Gin, I’ve heard that your Bankai's extension speed is five hundred times faster than the speed of sound. In such a space, killing the enemy shouldn't be hard at all. Within a domain where all perception, sight, hearing, and smell are stolen, wouldn't your Kamishini no Yari be the ultimate assassination tool?”
“Well, you certainly have a point there.”
Moreover, though I didn't mention it now, the true ability of Gin’s Bankai isn't its elasticity. It’s not about how long it stretches or how fast it is. It’s the fact that in the split second it extends and retracts, the blade turns to dust. Inside that blade is a deadly poison that destroys cells at the molecular level. In the original story, even Aizen almost died in an instant because of it. Of course, he resurrected without a scratch thanks to the Hogyoku. The technique’s name is Kamishini no Yari—the God-Killing Spear. While it didn't actually kill a god, killing Shinji’s group will be child’s play. Everything will end in an instant. However, I know Gin has no real intention of killing Shinji and the others. That’s why I prepared something in advance. My hidden trump cards.
“Ah, let me introduce the new comrades who have joined us.”
Snap!
At the sound of my snap, everyone’s gaze shifted toward the door. As they saw who entered, the expressions on Tosen’s and Gin’s faces morphed into shock. I could see Gin’s expression sink into a cold, stony chill.
“Hello. I am the former Lieutenant of the 10th Division, Matsumoto Rangiku. Currently, I am Lord Lucifer’s second Fracción.”
“Hello. I am Kuchiki Rukia, formerly of the 13th Division. Currently, I am Lord Lucifer’s third Fracción.”
“………”
“………”
“What in the world is the meaning of this?”
Gin remained silent while Tosen asked in shock. Though Tosen is blind, he recognized their identities through their Reiatsu and voices. Gin, for some reason, wasn't looking through his usual thin slits but was staring at me with those crimson eyes.
“Hmph, it’s nothing special. I simply told Yeriel to bring them back during the last invasion. And through a week of brainwashing, I turned them into my Fracción. Of course, since it was a mental manipulation process, they could have ended up as vegetables or died if it failed, but with Is's help, we narrowly succeeded. This is the result. Also, this blue fellow here is a Modified Arrancar I’ve named the Ice Emperor.”
I spoke while gesturing to Rangiku and Rukia standing behind me. Both were dressed in Arrancar uniforms, just like Orihime and Yeriel. In addition to them, I introduced a silent Modified Arrancar I had created—one with ice attributes, the polar opposite of the fire one I made previously.
“Anyway, let us continue. Tosen, Gin—take Orihime and Yeriel with you. Orihime will lead the way. Once you arrive, you will use your Bankai to launch a surprise attack and kill Shinji's group. Meanwhile, Is, Ulquiorra, and I will raid the Urahara Shop. The rest of the Espada will remain on standby, prepared to deploy the moment I call. Is that understood?”
Analyzing the current strength of Shinji’s group, it might or might not include Ichigo. The bottom line was that they were likely slightly stronger than in the past, but since Kaname and Gin knew their capabilities relatively well, I wasn't worried.
Next, checking the strength of the Urahara Shop, there was a slight chance Kurosaki Isshin might be there, but the probability was low. It was more likely that Ichigo would be with Shinji's side. If that was the case, the maximum fighting force would be the Grand Kido Chief Tsukabishi Tessai, Yoruichi, and Kisuke Urahara. As for the kids, even if they fought, they could be killed instantly, so they didn't count as real threats.
So, Ulquiorra would stop the Grand Kido Chief, Is would handle Kisuke, and I would face Yoruichi. I could have handled Kisuke Urahara myself, but since Is has a sense of rivalry concerning Kisuke, it’s better to let them clash. While Kisuke might have the edge in intellect, their combat prowess should be roughly equal.
“Good. Once this operation concludes, the next step is the final war with the Soul Reapers. Therefore, everyone, ensure you are in peak condition and train harder. I know some of you don’t enjoy training, but I expect you to do it this time. That is all.”
With this, I had placed an unbreakable shackle on Gin. As long as he loves Rangiku, he can never betray this side. Even if he tried to help her escape, as long as the brainwashing holds, she will inevitably return to me. In the end, he cannot betray the Espada, and he will be forced to slaughter Shinji’s entire group. After using him to the fullest extent, I can dispose of him using Rangiku. I have to make sure every loose end is permanently severed.
“Then, let us depart.”
Splitting into two teams, the second invasion of the World of the Living began.
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The trump card was the brainwashed Soul Reapers!
With this, Gin can no longer betray the Espada. Originally, his entire goal was to kill Aizen for Rangiku’s sake, but now that the protagonist has brainwashed her, betrayal is impossible. Even if he were to kill the protagonist, the brainwashing wouldn't break, so he can't even try that.
Furthermore, using Rukia allows us to get a psychological blow on Byakuya as well. No matter what anyone says, Rukia is Byakuya’s pride! Anyway, it looks like there are less than four chapters left until the conclusion. It’s a miracle.
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