Fate in Bleach: Unlimited Blade Works!

After hearing Urahara's explanation of the "Mod Soul" and "Soul Soldier" projects, the Visored looked at "Ailin" with a mixture of confusion and embarrassment. They couldn't believe that the opponent they had been desperately fighting wasn't the real Aizen, but just a copy.

And they had been so thoroughly defeated…

"So, this…"

"You can continue to address me as 'Aizen.'"

"Alright, Captain Aizen, can I ask how many 'Soul Soldiers' are comparable to you?" Urahara asked.

He didn't fully believe "Aizen's" claim that "the enemy of my enemy is my friend."

However, he agreed with one thing: Even with the same memories and strength, Aizen's copy couldn't surpass the original.

If Urahara encountered a Reigai of himself, he was confident he could defeat it.

After all, his intellect was part of his strength, a significant part.

If his "copy" only possessed his memories, spiritual pressure, and Zanpakutō, Urahara believed he could defeat it without much effort.

Who in the world knew him better than himself?

"Soul Soldiers comparable to me?"

"Ailin's" lips curled into a smirk.

"Captain Urahara, it seems your understanding of me is incomplete. In the entire Seireitei, how many individuals do you believe are my equals?"

Without waiting for Urahara's response, "Ailin" continued.

"Head-Captain Yamamoto. For now, I haven't found a way to counter his Ryūjin Jakka. In a direct confrontation, I'm still outmatched."

"Captain Ailin's strength and versatility surpass mine. Aside from those two, who in the Soul Society could I possibly consider a threat? Is it the original captain of the Eleventh Division, Yachiru Unohana? Or perhaps Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake, the only two captains with paired Zanpakutō?"

Urahara remained silent.

Indeed, those "Aizen" had mentioned were the most powerful captains in the Gotei 13.

"However…"

"Ailin" glanced at them with amusement in his eyes, amusement that even the dimwitted Hiyori could detect.

"When I was awakened, I sensed Captain Ailin's spiritual pressure. It seems that fellow is creating a 'Mod Soul' of him. I imagine it's already complete."

"What?!"

While Urahara had his suspicions, hearing "Aizen" confirm that a Mod Soul of Ailin was being created made his heart sink.

Thankfully, judging by "Aizen's" current situation, the researcher's control over Mod Souls wasn't absolute.

With Ailin's strength, even if a Mod Soul of him was created, it wouldn't be controlled.

But Urahara couldn't help but worry.

Aizen's rebellious nature stemmed from his ambition, his desire to become a "god."

But Ailin, based on Urahara's understanding, was a man of principles.

Would he, upon encountering a Mod Soul of himself, reject its creator's control like Aizen, or would he serve him?

Just as this thought crossed Urahara's mind, golden spatial ripples appeared in the sky above them.

Clank! Clank!

Countless golden chains shot out from the ripples, binding "Aizen's" limbs.

Then, he was lifted into the air.

"Is that… Captain Ailin?"

The moment they saw the golden ripples, everyone was stunned, especially Urahara and Tessai. Decades ago, Ailin had appeared before them with countless spatial ripples, dragging them to the Central 46.

"No, that's not Captain Ailin. It's a Soul Soldier created with his spiritual pressure!"

However, when they looked up at the figure hovering in the air with his arms crossed, that was the thought that crossed their minds.

This Ailin, he wore a suit of golden armor, his gaze cold and aloof, as if nothing in the world held any significance to him.

"Hahaha, hahaha…"

The bound "Aizen" burst into laughter upon seeing the armored Ailin.

As expected of "me." Our thoughts and desires are identical.

If he could access his Innate Domain, he would definitely wear such a magnificent suit of armor.

The real Ailin, bound by emotions, possessed the greatest power but was hesitant to use it.

They were different.

They could do what the real Ailin couldn't.

They could kill those the real Ailin wouldn't.

His Innate Domain contained countless weapons he had once admired. He yearned to unleash their power upon the world but lacked a worthy opponent.

If that was the case, then let them create new legends with those weapons!

"I've been waiting for you, Captain Ailin!"

Boom!

A surge of spiritual pressure erupted from the armored "Ailin," shooting skyward and radiating outward as a tangible shockwave.

The "Ailin" in the sky glanced down, instantly recognizing the true identity of the bound figure.

"Interesting."

After observing Urahara and the others for a moment, he dispelled the Chains of Heaven binding "Aizen." The chains retreated into the spatial ripples.

"It seems you wish to dance. I'll grant you that opportunity. Use all your strength to entertain me."

Boom!

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!

Golden lightning bolts rained down from the sky. A figure, wielding his Zanpakutō, carved a path through the barrage, struggling to advance towards the armored "Ailin."

Powerful shockwaves, one after another, radiated outward, pulverizing the surrounding buildings.

Even Urahara, Tessai, Yoruichi, and the eight Visored were flung backward by the force of the impact.

"This is bad!"

Sensing the intensity of the shockwaves, Urahara's expression hardened. If they were allowed to spread unchecked, hundreds of thousands of people in Karakura Town would be killed.

"Tessai!"

Urahara shouted, and Tessai instantly understood.

Boom!

Tessai unleashed his spiritual pressure to stabilize himself, then clapped his hands together.

Countless transparent barriers rose from the ground, encasing the battlefield, attempting to contain the shockwaves.

Crack! Crack! Crack!

Sadly, the barriers he had erected in haste were too weak. They shattered after a brief resistance.

Thankfully, Tessai had created multiple layers. Each layer, as it shattered, weakened the shockwaves.

Boom!

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!

With Tessai buying them a moment, the others reacted swiftly. They unleashed their spiritual pressure and spread out, forming a perimeter around the warehouse, desperately trying to contain the shockwaves.

"Hmph!"

The armored "Ailin" grunted.

He, possessing Ailin's memories, didn't want to harm innocent bystanders.

A golden spatial ripple appeared beside him, and the hilt of a Zanpakutō emerged.

He grasped the hilt and uttered the release command.

"The heavens are the Lord's glory!"

"The skies are the work of God!"

"Day delivers words, night brings knowledge."

"…"

"This body is yours to command."

"Despair gives way to hope!"

As he chanted, golden light erupted from his Zanpakutō.

"Bankai - Holy Banner!"

"My Lord is here!"

Boom!

His Zanpakutō transformed into a flag, radiating a brilliant golden light.

Everything touched by this light gained a defense equal to the banner itself. Even if the damage exceeded the banner's limits, as long as the light persisted, no one would be harmed. The damage would accumulate, ultimately borne by the banner's wielder.

However, "Ailin" believed that, with the exception of "Sheath" and "The Almighty," no ability in the Soul Society could completely penetrate Holy Banner's defense.

Urahara and the others were bathed in the golden light.

They instantly felt its power.

The shockwaves continued to rage, but nothing was destroyed.

The entire town of Karakura was now enveloped in Holy Banner's light.

"It seems our assistance isn't needed."

Hachigen Ushōda dispelled his Hollow mask and sighed.

"Indeed. But…"

While Urahara didn't finish his sentence, they all understood.

Once this battle ended, it would be their turn to face that monster.