Seeing the frustrated expression of the Aizen who had crossed over, the Aizen of this world suddenly felt a strange sense of joy.
So this is what it feels like to annoy someone—no wonder a certain someone enjoys it so much.
He felt as though he had opened the door to a new world but also knew not to go too far, so he smiled and said, "Just kidding. Let's get down to business. Since you are the Aizen from another world and have completed our research, what is your purpose for crossing over?"
The Aizen who had crossed over's gaze flickered for a moment as he replied indifferently, "The so-called purpose is merely a misconception rooted in ordinary human thinking. For someone like me, who has touched the ultimate, I have long surpassed the understanding of life's level. Everything I do, every word I speak, is both a reason and a purpose."
The Aizen of this world nodded knowingly. "I see. You've become impatient from being confined."
"…"
The Aizen who had crossed over took a deep breath and increasingly found the other version of himself from this world annoying, but on the surface, he still maintained a calm demeanor.
"You could understand it that way, for even the so-called emptiness and annihilation are forms of perceptual experiences in life. Even though you are me, you have yet to grasp the ultimate power and have not truly ascended to the heavens, so you naturally cannot comprehend the present me."
The Aizen of this world couldn't help but marvel.
Is this guy really another version of me?
How come I didn't know I could be this stubborn?
He shook his head and turned his gaze toward the screen in the laboratory: "Then, as the other me who has already ascended to the heavens, do you, as someone with experiences, have any insights on my current research?"
On the screen, various data flashed by, with a simulated spherical object at the center.
Seeing that the other Aizen was in a good mood, he decided to let go of his grievances and walked up to the screen to check the research progress.
Then, his eyes widened slightly.
He hadn't realized how close this version of himself was to understanding the essence of Shinigami and Hollow souls, almost having developed a prototype Hōgyoku.
In the other world, he still only had a vague concept at the same point in time.
After quickly scanning through the research progress, he couldn't help but exclaim, "I never thought you'd gotten this far! With just one more breakthrough, you'll be able to create the prototype Hōgyoku."
"However, your research isn't sufficient; the data is lacking. You need genuine data from the top-tier Shinigami and Hollow souls to avoid taking numerous detours…"
He spoke while pointing out the research oversights of the Aizen of this world.
Under his guidance, the eyes of the Aizen of this world gradually lit up as he began to continuously correct the data.
As he made corrections, the Hōgyoku, still in theoretical design on the screen, became increasingly refined.
The Aizen who had crossed over couldn't help but sigh as he observed, "You're much luckier than I was. Back when I was conducting experiments on the Hōgyoku, I could only work in secret due to a lack of experimental materials, and data collection was always very slow."
"The spirit particle data from the Hollows was manageable since I could hunt them in Hueco Mundo. However, the data for Shinigamis, especially for those ranked as Seated Officers or higher, was severely lacking."
"If it weren't for Kisuke Urahara discovering the essence of spirit particles and secretly researching the Hōgyoku, I probably would have been delayed by another hundred years in completing it."
The Aizen of this world replied while modifying the data, "Don't worry. Kisuke Urahara no longer poses a threat."
"However, you mentioning he's also researching the Hōgyoku surprises me. Perhaps in this world, he's been sidetracked by other matters and doesn't have enough energy to dedicate to his research."
He adjusted his glasses, and Yu Mikami's grinning face unconsciously floated into his mind as he thought of the image of Kisuke Urahara.
The Aizen who had crossed over remained noncommittal.
"By the way, I've been meaning to ask, where did you get those glasses? Your taste is really quite average."
The Aizen of this world was taken aback and took off his glasses.
"You mean these? Yu gave them to me."
The Aizen who had crossed over fell silent, realizing he shouldn't have said anything.
He took a deep breath.
"Yu Mikami, huh? If he has earned such praise from you, my interest in him is only increasing. Where is he? I'd like to meet him."
The Aizen of this world casually replied, "Well, that's unfortunate. He returned to Seireitei just a few days after occupying Las Noches. If you want to see him, you'll have to go back to Soul Society."
"The research on the Hōgyoku is at a critical juncture, and with the data you provided, I have a feeling I can make a significant breakthrough, so I can't accompany you."
The Aizen who had crossed over waved it off. "It doesn't matter; I can go alone. I'm very familiar with Seireitei."
"However, before I go, I'd like to ask you: after learning about everything that happened in my world, what will you do now?"
The Aizen of this world paused in adjusting the data, rarely showing a serious and contemplative expression.
The laboratory fell silent.
The Aizen who had crossed over was not in a hurry and patiently waited.
About ten minutes later, the Aizen of this world finally looked at him and said, "To be honest, your previous plan was already very thorough. The reason it failed boiled down to two variables: first, you underestimated Kisuke Urahara, and second, there's Ichigo Kurosaki."
"Let's not mention Kisuke Urahara for now; he likely won't become my adversary here. But if he does, the intelligence you provided makes it difficult for him to pose a threat to me again."
"On the other hand, Ichigo Kurosaki, although I've only come to know him through your description, I can sense he is different. His growth trajectory feels too deliberate, almost as if he is being pushed to stop us. I must think this through carefully."
The Aizen who had crossed over also became serious, saying, "You've noticed it too, haven't you? Yes, during my time in Muken Hell, I carefully reflected on the process of failure. Ichigo Kurosaki is indeed unique—so unique that I find it hard to describe him accurately. If I had to try, as you said, there seems to be some unknown power within him, propelling him forward."
"Fate."
The Aizen of this world suddenly said.
"What?"
The Aizen who had crossed over was somewhat taken aback.
The Aizen of this world explained, "I learned this during a conversation with Yu. In the history of an ancient empire in the Human World, there have been countless outstanding figures whose luck is extraordinary, often turning dangers into opportunities and achieving unbelievable feats. These individuals are generally considered to be marked by fate."
The Aizen who had crossed over frowned, pondering seriously as he uncertainly asked, "Do you mean… the Soul King?"
The Aizen of this world showed a look of admiration; indeed, it was much easier to communicate with himself—there was no need to explain everything in detail.
He nodded and said, "Exactly. The Soul King is the seal of the Three Realms and the origin of all things. From the perspective of your failure, it seems our previous understanding of the Soul King was not complete."