Chapter 155 - Not an enemy or friend

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"It's been a while… Aren't you planning to come out?" Aaron asked, his gaze fixed on a spot near the door.

No sooner had his voice faded than a figure slowly stepped out of the shadows.

"Long time no see… Unohana," Aaron said with a gentle smile, eyes settling on the woman in the distance.

Retsu Unohana approached him at a measured pace, her expression calm and unreadable, as if concealing countless thoughts beneath her composed surface.

The two locked eyes for a long time—neither speaking.

"Zaraki Kenpachi and Byakuya Kuchiki have already gone to reinforce Karakura Town. You should know that better than I do," Aaron said, breaking the silence.

Upon hearing his words, Unohana's brows furrowed slightly. Her voice came soft and even.

"Then why are you still here?"

Aaron gave a small smile and shook his head. He stepped forward slowly.

"Since we entered Las Noches, you've been following us."

He gestured toward her attire. "Judging by your uniform, it must've come from the Department of Research and Development before departure."

He paused, his tone light but with an edge of challenge.

"Could it be that after all these years… you still want to compete with me?"

Unohana stared at Aaron, surprise flickering in her eyes, but her face remained serene.

In that moment, her composure softened, and a new warmth appeared in her gaze—something long buried. Her lips parted slightly before she finally spoke, her voice tinged with quiet emotion.

"Because I've been waiting for you."

Aaron froze for a brief moment, but quickly regained his composure. Still, memories from the past began surfacing in his mind like ripples on water.

"I see."

He nodded slightly, raising his hand to summon a Senkaimon leading to Karakura Town.

Just then, a soft fragrance drifted past him, and Unohana embraced him from behind, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Why…?"

Her voice trembled faintly. "Why do you always make me take the first step? Why must I say it out loud for you to notice me?"

Aaron remained silent for a long moment. Then he reached behind to hold her waist gently and spoke in a soft voice:

"When all this is over, I'll give you an answer. I promise… But for now, we head to Karakura Town."

Unohana released him and lowered her gaze slightly, as if searching for words. But before she could speak, she felt a warm, steady hand clasp hers.

Startled, she looked up. The man she had longed for was pulling her toward the glowing gate to the Human World.

A soft blush crept across her face—an unfamiliar warmth rising in her cheeks. For a moment, she looked like a shy young girl.

And then, together, they vanished into the light of the Senkaimon.

Meanwhile, over Karakura Town…

The battle raged on. Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto swung his flaming Zanpakutō at Aizen, who vanished like a mirage—his image dispersing like a bubble.

Yamamoto's eyes narrowed. Gripping Ryūjin Jakka tighter, he bellowed:

"All captains—hear me!

Expend every ounce of strength to annihilate the enemy!

Even if our bodies are shattered and bones broken—our remains will become the walls that protect Soul Society!

Do not allow them to advance another step! Attack!"

With Yamamoto's command, the Shinigami forces let out a unified roar:

"Yes, Captain-Commander!"

The skies erupted with multicolored flashes as energy blasts flew in all directions. Thunderous explosions rocked the ground below.

Despite their resistance, the Soul Society forces were clearly being pushed back.

Most lieutenants had sustained critical injuries. The captains were locked in brutal battles, each barely holding their ground.

Yamamoto watched the chaos unfold, fury simmering in his gaze. He incinerated a nearby Arrancar with one swing, flames surging around him.

Then, without warning, Aizen appeared again—calm and unfazed—hovering in the distance.

Just as Yamamoto prepared to strike, a familiar voice called from behind him.

"Captain-Commander Yamamoto, it's been a while."

Turning, he saw Hirako Shinji, Urahara Kisuke, and others standing calmly in the sky.

"Captain-Commander," Sasakibe Chōjirō appeared beside him in a blur of motion. "We tried to intercept them, but… given our situation, they've decided to act."

Yamamoto nodded slowly.

"There's no blame to be had, Chōjirō. We are indeed at a disadvantage."

His eyes then locked onto Hirako.

"Hirako Shinji—answer me. Are you friend or foe to Soul Society?"

Urahara gave no response, only lightly adjusting his hat.

Hirako smiled faintly and said,

"If not for Captain Sasakibe's patrol outside the barrier, we might not have found you."

Then, more firmly,

"But as for your question—I'll give you a clear answer.

We are neither your enemies nor your allies. Our grudge lies with Aizen, not Soul Society.

If you need a reason…"

He glanced briefly at Urahara.

"…It's simple. We were all taught by the same mentor."

Yamamoto's brow furrowed. Even Sasakibe was taken aback by the implication.

Without another word, Hirako and the others burst into action, vanishing into afterimages as they joined the battlefield.

"Captain, what are your orders?" Sasakibe asked solemnly.

Yamamoto's eyes narrowed toward Aizen, who stood smiling in the distance.

"Chōjirō, patrol the perimeter. We cannot afford further surprises."

With that, he unleashed the full force of his Reiatsu and charged toward Aizen once more.

The battle over Karakura Town raged on. With the unexpected arrival of Hirako Shinji and Urahara Kisuke, the Shinigami forces gained a much-needed reprieve.

Aizen's eyes followed Yamamoto's approach, a faint smile of satisfaction playing on his lips.

Then, as if tearing the sky itself, a massive black rift split open overhead. A thunderous roar echoed from within.

Everyone—except Aizen—turned their eyes skyward, staring into the abyss.

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