Facing Makoto's stern questioning, Aizen responded with composure.
"Makoto-kun, the essence is not what I have done, but where the results will ultimately lead, and why these outcomes manifest as they do."
Makoto's voice was firm as he retorted, "What are you trying to say? Do you not realize the atrocities you've committed and the countless Shinigami lives you've taken?"
"Makoto-kun, my Zanpakutō has never been stained with blood. I have merely provided the Shinigami with an opportunity to ascend to a higher level."
Aizen paused briefly before continuing in a calm tone. "Makoto-kun, on what grounds do you stand before me now?"
"On what grounds?"
Makoto pointed his Zanpakutō at Aizen, his figure lunging forward as he shouted:
"As a member of the Fourth Division, under the Gotei 13, I will put an end to your atrocities!"
As Makoto suddenly advanced to attack, Tōsen's expression flashed with anger. He moved to intercede, aiming to block Makoto from reaching Aizen.
A mere Fourth Division officer, daring to draw his blade against Lord Aizen? How absurd!
However, noticing Tōsen's intent, Aizen raised a hand to halt him before he could act.
"Tōsen, do not act rashly. This is an exchange between Makoto-kun and myself," Aizen said calmly.
"Yes, Lord Aizen," Tōsen replied reluctantly, though his face betrayed traces of resentment and anger.
In the fleeting moment this exchange took, Makoto had already closed in on Aizen. Gripping his Zanpakutō with both hands, he brought it down fiercely towards Aizen's neck.
But… all things under heaven were halted effortlessly as Aizen, appearing completely unguarded, caught the blade between two fingers.
Aizen observed Makoto's astonished and tense expression. Taking a moment to adjust his glasses, he said,
"Makoto-kun, this should not surprise you. Though you may have walked further along the correct path than I have, becoming a higher-level existence, I still walked this path centuries before you…"
As Aizen spoke, he released the blade caught between his fingers. Makoto immediately retreated ten steps back using Shunpo, his gaze fixed on Aizen.
"Unohana Retsu taught you healing and Kaidō techniques, and Yoruichi Shihōin's Shunpo training seems to have been fairly thorough…" Aizen continued, his tone calm yet pointed.
"However, your swordsmanship is rather lacking. Is it due to a lack of interest? If you are inclined, I could instruct you in the nuances of Kidō, Zanjutsu, or Hakuda."
Makoto sneered coldly. "Hah! A mere Vice-captain, daring to speak so arrogantly?"
For the first time, Aizen's composed demeanor seemed to waver ever so slightly.
Tōsen, on the other hand, looked as though his most revered god had been insulted by a lowly beggar, his face flushing with anger.
"You insolent fool! Do you even comprehend Lord Aizen's greatness? A mere officer…"
Before Tōsen could finish, Aizen shot him a glance, and a crushing, invisible pressure descended upon him. Tōsen immediately fell silent, regaining clarity.
"Tōsen, I hope I do not have to repeat myself. Do not interrupt my exchange with Makoto-kun," Aizen commanded.
"My apologies, Lord Aizen."
With Tōsen's apology, Aizen turned his attention back to Makoto. His gaze seemed to carry a hint of complexity as he murmured,
"As I thought, Makoto-kun instinctively ascends to higher realms. Yet, your perspective remains constrained by the Gotei 13."
"Rank… means nothing. Whether I hold the title of captain is not determined by Central 46 or the Gotei 13, but by whether I deem it necessary."
Urozakuro's voice echoed in Makoto's mind, translating Aizen's words verbatim while offering a soft warning.
Makoto-kun, be careful. Aizen has drawn his sword!
Makoto's expression sharpened instantly, his stance reflecting the gravity of Aizen's actions.
And yet, instead of retreating, Makoto surged forward. Gripping the un-released Shinro Bansho, he struck directly at Aizen with no flourish or embellishment—only raw, straightforward power.
Aizen's mind briefly registered doubt.
Makoto is not the type to act recklessly. Why would he knowingly charge into a fight he cannot win?
But there was no time for further thought. Instinctively, Aizen raised Kyōka Suigetsu to parry the strike.
The moment the two blades collided, Makoto's Zanpakutō shattered into countless spiritual particles, which silently wrapped around Kyōka Suigetsu.
In that instant, in Makoto's eyes, the illusions created by Kyōka Suigetsu dissipated, and Aizen's true form was laid bare before him.
Aizen's expression betrayed genuine shock as he realized what had just transpired.
The ability of Kyōka Suigetsu… is neutralized!
Makoto's gambit relied on his weapon being a fabricated version of Shinro Bansho infused with modified spiritual particle capable of clinging to a Zanpakutō and achieving an "Perfect Spirit Body" state.
Crucially, Makoto exploited a vital condition: touching the blade of Kyōka Suigetsu before its "complete hypnosis" was activated.
Aizen, unaware that Makoto had already been under his hypnosis, had passively caused those affected to overlook Aizen and Tōsen's presence. This created a loophole—Aizen had never fully activated his ability against Makoto, allowing Makoto to fulfill the condition of touching the blade unchallenged.
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