The next day, Masatsuki Aozaki left Gin Ichimaru in charge and made his way to the 12th Division, where he found Kisuke Urahara slacking off as usual.
"So Mayuri Kurotsuchi actually agreed? Never thought you had it in you," Urahara yawned, his eyes half-lidded with boredom.
"When I used to talk to him back in the Onmitsukidō, all he ever did was throw sarcastic jabs at me."
Masatsuki grinned. "That's just because he was jealous that you're smarter than him."
Urahara let out a heavy grunt before flashing a goofy smile.
"I know you're just flattering me, but I'll take it anyway."
"I'm not flattering you. Honestly, I haven't met anyone in Seireitei who's smarter than you," Masatsuki said with a chuckle.
"When the Shinigami Research and Development Institute is up and running, things are going to get a lot more interesting."
"Interesting?" Urahara tilted his head, looking puzzled.
"That's right—interesting!" Masatsuki nodded. "Don't you think Seireitei is far too dull right now? With technology, we can change the world!"
"...Sounds like a pain," Urahara sighed.
"Speaking of which, why are you so eager to start an organization like this? You've never done research before, have you?"
Masatsuki hesitated. "Well... I guess I have, in a way."
Back when he was working with Aizen, hunting souls in Rukongai, he had secretly stashed away some experimental materials in an attempt to create a Hōgyoku.
Unfortunately, with no proper lab or specialized knowledge, the attempt had ended in failure.
Urahara stroked his chin, considering it for a moment. Then, he laughed. "Oh, right! You and Kūkaku did those explosives experiments together. I guess that technically counts as research."
"So when are you planning to bring this up with the Captain-Commander?"
"After you become the captain of the 12th Division."
"Hah!? That's at least ten years away! I'm not even at captain level yet, and Hikifune is still in charge! Does Mayuri Kurotsuchi know about this?"
"Nope. He didn't ask, so I didn't tell him." Masatsuki shook his head, smiling faintly.
"But you're pretty confident, huh? Talking like it's a sure thing that you'll be a captain in ten years."
"To be fair, I wouldn't call myself a genius like you, but I do have faith in my talent," Urahara admitted, waving his hand.
"Besides, becoming a captain shouldn't be too difficult."
"Then I'll just sit back and wait for that day to come," Masatsuki said lightly.
...
If completing the Hōgyoku were as simple as relying on Aizen's research alone, things would be much easier.
But Masatsuki knew better than to just sit around and wait for someone else to perfect it, hoping they'd conveniently place the finished product in front of him.
That was nothing but a fantasy.
In the end, if he wanted something done, he had to do it himself.
He had his own plans—his own ambition to create a Hōgyoku of his own.
Of course, right now, he lacked both the resources and the means to put that plan into motion. All he could do was take things one step at a time and experiment within his capabilities.
That was precisely why he had sought out Mayuri Kurotsuchi.
He needed a breakthrough.
From what he knew of the original timeline, Mayuri had been essential to Urahara's success.
If Urahara had managed to create even a "semi-finished" Hōgyoku, chances were he couldn't have done it without Mayuri's technical expertise.
Of course, this was just Masatsuki's hypothesis.
But whether he was right or wrong didn't matter.
If he was right, he'd get ahead of the game.
If he was wrong, he'd just keep working Aizen and Urahara, biding his time and waiting for the right opportunity.
Masatsuki Aozaki crossed his arms and shook his head with a sigh.
"I'd love to establish the Shinigami Research and Development Institute as soon as possible, but the two of us—just 3rd Seats—don't have the strength or status to make it happen."
"Even with Yoruichi's support, convincing Master will be difficult. He's a stubborn old man."
"Yeah… that's a problem," Kisuke Urahara muttered, for once showing genuine disappointment.
This was one of the rare things that actually piqued his interest.
"Well, well... two little brats plotting something interesting, I see."
A sudden voice startled them both, sending a chill down their spines.
For two Lieutenants in all but name to be approached so closely without noticing—it was clear the newcomer's strength was extraordinary.
They turned their heads and found a voluptuous woman with long purple hair, draped in a white haori, standing behind them.
"Captain! I wasn't slacking off, I just stepped out for a moment. I was just about to head back!"
"Ah, what a coincidence, Kirio-san! I was just out here with Kisuke for a quick break. I should get back to work now."
"Hold it."
Kirio Hikifune smiled sweetly at them, but before they could slip away, her soft yet firm hands landed on their shoulders—making it clear she had no intention of letting them off that easily.
"What were you two just talking about?"
"Nothing important..." they answered in unison, shaking their heads.
Kirio wagged a finger at them, smirking.
"But I clearly heard you mention Mayuri Kurotsuchi and the Shinigami Research and Development Institute… Mayuri used to be in our division before he got locked up in the Nest of Maggots, didn't he?"
Masatsuki sighed, rubbing his forehead. "So you did hear everything."
"I was too far to catch all the details, so why don't you fill me in properly?" Kirio said, folding her arms.
Masatsuki was about to refuse, but suddenly, an idea struck him. With a straight face, he said, "You know what? It's not like this is some big secret. Here's the deal—"
...
After hearing everything, Kirio Hikifune nodded thoughtfully.
"Hmm… setting up a department for new technology and spiritual tools does sound like a solid idea."
"Are you interested too, Kirio-san?" Masatsuki asked.
"Oh, very interested." Kirio smiled knowingly. "You two wouldn't mind if I joined in, would you?"
"Of course not!" Masatsuki quickly replied, and Kisuke nodded in agreement.
"In that case… it's settled. The Shinigami Research and Development Institute—sounds like a good name!"
She stroked her chin, her voice brimming with confidence.
"As for Captain-Commander Yamamoto… leave him to me."
Masatsuki blinked in surprise. "Wait… that fast?"
Her decisiveness completely threw him off.
Wasn't this kind of thing supposed to take time?
But after a moment, he understood.
She wasn't necessarily putting her trust in him or Kisuke.
She trusted the old man, Yamamoto.
"No time to waste. I won't be in Seireitei much longer, so I'd better move quickly," Kirio said, waving a hand dismissively. "Besides, you two already have a plan, don't you?"
Masatsuki nodded.
After all, his self-proclaimed external brain—Kisuke Urahara—had already worked out all the details.
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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