Chapter 861: [861] : Laying the Cards on the Table

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"The moment I mention the Hōgyoku, your composure slips. Aizen, you really need to work on that poker face of yours," Shin said with a smile.

Shin could afford to smile, but Aizen couldn’t. His eyes were fixed on Shin, his expression grave.

"You know I’m researching the Hōgyoku?" Aizen asked.

"Of course. Did you think it was some big secret? To be frank, I’m after your Hōgyoku."

Shin didn’t mind revealing his intentions. He knew that even if he did, Aizen would never give up his research.

"I can feel your killing intent."

It was just a flicker, but Shin caught it. It was clear Aizen wanted to kill him. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

But Shin was completely unfazed. Aizen simply didn’t have the power. What good was killing intent if you couldn’t back it up?

Shin’s calm demeanor was even more unnerving than Aizen had anticipated. Hearing Shin’s words, Aizen reined in his murderous impulse.

He knew it was useless. He was no match for Shin Uzumaki.

Realizing this, Aizen composed himself.

"Captain Shin, I believe we could cooperate. What do you think?" Aizen said, forcing a smile.

"And how do you propose we cooperate?" Shin asked calmly.

"I can give you the Hōgyoku," Aizen began, his tone measured. "But it’s not yet complete. I’ll need you to refrain from interfering with my research until it is."

Shin laughed out loud at the offer. Aizen, hand over the Hōgyoku? Not a chance. He couldn’t believe Aizen thought he’d fall for such an obvious lie.

Aizen was clearly just trying to buy time, to keep Shin from interfering. Once the Hōgyoku was complete, that would be the day Aizen turned on him. There was no way he would ever hand it over.

"Alright, I agree."

Shin smiled and accepted. He knew Aizen would never give him the Hōgyoku, but he agreed anyway.

He had never planned on taking it for himself. He didn’t want to carve a hole in his chest and stick the orb in. He just wanted to copy its power.

Hearing Shin agree so readily, Aizen felt a flicker of suspicion. He couldn’t quite figure out Shin’s angle.

"Then it’s a pleasure working with you. I hope you’ll help me fend off those nuisances from the Seireitei."

Whatever he was thinking, Aizen’s expression remained perfectly composed.

"No problem. But could I see this Hōgyoku of yours?"

Shin asked. After a moment’s hesitation, Aizen nodded and produced the orb.

He had already fused the two Hōgyoku. The pressure from Shin must have sped up his progress.

As he held it out, Aizen’s eyes never left Shin, watching for any sign of a snatch. If Shin made a move, Aizen was prepared to fight, even if he knew he couldn’t win. He couldn’t let his creation fall into Shin’s hands. If it fell to anyone else, there was a chance he could get it back. But from Shin? It would be lost forever.

"It’s an impressive thing. A miracle of creation."

Shin’s gaze was fixed on the Hōgyoku.

And it truly was a miracle. If there was one thing in the world of Bleach that could be called the strongest, Shin believed it wasn’t Yhwach’s Almighty, but the power of the Hōgyoku.

"I hope you can complete it soon, Captain Aizen. I’d like to see what power the fully realized Hōgyoku possesses," Shin said with a smile.

"I’m sure you will. And I guarantee you won’t be disappointed."

A dark glint flickered in Aizen’s eyes. They seemed to be having a friendly chat, but both had their own agendas.

"In that case, I won’t disturb your research any longer. Farewell." Shin turned and left.

Watching Shin’s retreating figure, Aizen’s brow furrowed. Was this really all he had come to Hueco Mundo for?

Gin Ichimaru also frowned. The confrontation he had hoped for never happened. He had expected Shin and Aizen to come to blows, but in the end, nothing came of it.

’Shin Uzumaki and Aizen made a deal? No, that deal is worthless.’

Gin was certain Aizen would never hand over the Hōgyoku. He knew better than anyone how much effort Aizen had poured into it.

’Shin Uzumaki can’t be that naive, can he? He must have his own agenda. Forget it. I can’t rely on anyone else. I’ll have to kill Aizen myself,’ Gin thought, his smile never wavering.

"Gin, what are you thinking about?" Aizen suddenly turned and asked.

The question sent a chill down Gin’s spine. It seemed Aizen was watching him. But Gin wasn’t surprised. He suspected Aizen had been suspicious of him for a long time, but for some reason, had never acted on it.

Whatever the reason, this was his chance. As long as Aizen didn’t make a move, he could find an opportunity to strike.

"Are Tosen and the others alright?" Aizen asked, not pressing Gin for an answer, instead inquiring about Tosen and the Espada.

He didn’t want anything to happen to them. They were his most useful assets. If they were out of commission, his plans would be difficult to carry out.

"Don’t worry, Lord Aizen. Shin Uzumaki didn’t strike to kill. They’re only injured, not in any life-threatening danger," Gin replied immediately.

"Good." Aizen gave Gin a deep look, then turned and returned to Las Noches to continue his research.

He had to speed things up. Since Shin Uzumaki had his eyes on the Hōgyoku, and he had no intention of giving it up, a confrontation was inevitable.

Relying on his own strength, he was no match for Shin. Aizen wasn’t foolish enough to try again; he’d already tested that theory.

From their previous clash, and from the Espada’s reports, even without knowing the full extent of Shin’s power, Aizen could confirm one thing: Shin was far stronger than him. If Shin got serious, he could probably kill him in an instant.

"I hope the Hōgyoku doesn’t disappoint me." Aizen stared at the orb, pinning all his hopes on it.

If Shin hadn’t set his sights on the Hōgyoku, Aizen thought, they might have actually been able to work together.

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