Chapter 520 - 520 The Final Battle Ahead of Schedule!!

"While the Arrancar in the Living World were drawing everyone's attention, the Cuatro Espada, Ulquiorra, appeared as Orihime was returning to the Living World from the Dangai, intending to take the opportunity to capture her..."

"After I detected the Arrancar's conspiracy, I immediately took action... Finally, I arrived in time. After a fierce battle, I slew the Cuatro Espada named Ulquiorra. Only then were Orihime and the two 13th Division's members escorting her saved from disaster..."

"In summary, that is what happened."

Toshiro roughly explained the course of events to Yamamoto.

"I see," Yamamoto pondered for a moment, then said, "Since you fought that Arrancar named Ulquiorra, how would you rate his strength?"

Toshiro said seriously: "Very strong. I'm afraid he's not much weaker than Shunsui and Jushiro."

"What!"

Hearing Toshiro's answer, Yamamoto was clearly very surprised.

"I didn't expect Aizen's Espada to possess such power. That Ulquiorra was only ranked Cuatro among the Espada, yet he already has strength comparable to Shunsui and Jushiro. Doesn't that mean at least three Espada could rival or even surpass them?"

Thinking this, Yamamoto couldn't help but frown. The Arrancar's strength clearly exceeded his expectations.

"No, that's not exactly the case. The main reason Ulquiorra could achieve power on the level of Shunsui and Jushiro was his ability of [Segunda Etapa]."

"An Arrancar's Resurrección, also called Release, is equivalent to a Shinigami's Bankai. Generally, Arrancar can only perform a single Resurrección, but Ulquiorra could perform a second stage of Resurrección."

"Furthermore, when fighting me, Ulquiorra mentioned that he was the only Espada capable of a second stage of Resurrección. Even Aizen had never seen his [Segunda Etapa], and the other Espada probably knew nothing about it."

"Therefore, Ulquiorra's strength was severely underestimated, which is why he was only ranked Cuatro. In fact, based on his true power, he might even have been able to compete for the position of Primera Espada."

Toshiro explained the details about Ulquiorra to Yamamoto.

"I see..."

After hearing Toshiro's explanation, Yamamoto understood that although Ulquiorra was very powerful, not every Espada was as strong as him.

According to Toshiro, among the three Espada ranked higher than Ulquiorra, only the Primera Espada possessed power on the same level as Ulquiorra.

So Yamamoto set aside some of his concerns. In terms of high-end combat power, the Shinigami side still held more advantages.

After roughly understanding the Espada's strength, Yamamoto shifted the topic to Orihime.

"Toshiro, from this Arrancar operation, their target was undoubtedly Inoue Orihime. I believe the reason they targeted a human like Inoue Orihime is that Aizen has taken an interest in her ability, which could even be called miraculous."

"Therefore, to prevent Aizen from obtaining Inoue Orihime's ability, and also to protect Inoue Orihime's safety, I have decided to have her stay in the Seireitei temporarily for training. She can return to the Living World when the 'Winter Final Battle' begins. What do you think?"

Yamamoto asked Toshiro.

"Having Orihime stay in Soul Society for the time being? That is indeed the most correct choice. I will explain the situation to Ichigo and the others here in the Living World. However..."

"Was Aizen's goal this time really just to obtain Orihime's ability?"

Toshiro suddenly asked seriously in return.

"Hmm? What are you trying to say, Toshiro?"

Yamamoto asked, puzzled.

"In this operation, Aizen deployed the Primera Espada, the Cuatro Espada, the Sexta Espada, the Diez Espada, and several other powerful Arrancar. That's nearly half of the Espada's strength."

"But would Aizen deploy such a luxurious lineup just for Orihime? Don't get me wrong, her ability is indeed very miraculous, almost like a 'miracle'. However..."

"Currently, Orihime's ability is only useful for healing and doesn't enhance combat power. Logically, it shouldn't be of much help to Aizen."

"After all, Aizen's Arrancar already have strong regenerative abilities, and some even possess High-Speed Regeneration. So, the need for Orihime's healing ability shouldn't be urgent."

"In other words, even if what Aizen values isn't Orihime's healing ability but the hidden potential within her power, he still shouldn't have rashly deployed nearly half the Espada's strength at this time."

"After all, Aizen must know that the decisive battle between us is approaching. Risking nearly half the Espada's strength now could leave him with no subordinates to use during the final battle if they suffer heavy losses."

"Moreover, even if he captured Orihime, he might not be able to research anything useful before the decisive battle. Instead, the operation could result in losing Espada strength. No matter how I think about it, this isn't a worthwhile move. Therefore, I have a bold hypothesis."

Toshiro's expression grew solemn.

"What hypothesis?"

A glint of sharpness flashed in Yamamoto's eyes.

"Aizen's attack on Orihime this time may not be because of her ability!"

Toshiro said in a deep voice.

"Then, in your opinion, what is Aizen's true goal?"

Yamamoto's expression also became serious.

"If I'm guessing correctly... Aizen's real goal this time is to disperse Soul Society's military strength!"

"By kidnapping Orihime and taking her to Hueco Mundo, he would lure us into sending a rescue party. Then he would find a way to trap our rescuers in Hueco Mundo, thereby dispersing Soul Society's forces, weakening our power, and seizing the opportunity to launch a decisive battle against us!"

Toshiro said in a deep voice.

"Decisive battle?"

Yamamoto asked, puzzled: "Didn't Mayuri's research indicate that Aizen needed at least four months to awaken the dormant Hogyoku? According to that timeline, the decisive battle should be in winter."

"Logically, that is true. But is Mayuri's inference definitely correct? Remember, the Hogyoku is in Aizen's hands. Regarding knowledge of the Hogyoku, not even Mayuri, nor even Urahara Kisuke who created it, understands it as well as Aizen does."

"After all, Kisuke sealed the Hogyoku immediately after creating it. In contrast, Aizen has been researching the Hogyoku all along. So, it wouldn't be surprising if Aizen found a way to awaken the Hogyoku ahead of schedule."

Toshiro said.

Yamamoto thought for a moment: "Hmm, what you say is certainly possible, but this is still just speculation."

"I know it's just speculation, but it's better to be prepared! I hope you, Genryusai-sensei, can make some preparations in advance. If the decisive battle does happen early, we can respond promptly!"

Toshiro implored.

Looking at Toshiro's sincere expression, Yamamoto ultimately agreed to his request: "Very well, we'll do as you suggest. I will make some arrangements now. If the final battle does begin ahead of schedule, we will be ready to respond at any time!"