Bleach: After Retiring From Zero Division, Aizen Came To Study

Present world.

In a lively town filled with singing and dancing.

Business in Kabukicho was thriving, with samurai and warriors, their swords hanging from their waists, often seen entering. Within Kabukicho, the sounds of laughter mingled with the scent of rouge and wine, creating an atmosphere of festivity.

Unbeknownst to the townspeople, beneath the bustling and lively surface of Kabukicho, there lay a massive spirit space hidden deep below.

Only Shinigami have the ability to create spirit spaces. However, because Shinigami lack the Quincy's precision in controlling spirit particles, they require various tools, even Kidō barriers, to stabilize these created spaces. This process is cumbersome and impractical for most Shinigami.

For the Quincy, opening a spirit space isn't overly complicated.

This spirit space beneath Kabukicho was one such Quincy stronghold.

At this moment, many Quincy had gathered inside.

Men and women, old and young.

The majority of Quincy dressed similarly to the townspeople of Kabukicho outside, blending in with the customs of this era. They primarily carried weapons such as bows, arrows, and swords. Though Quincy traditionally wielded holy destruction through bows and arrows, not all used these. Some Quincy preferred other weapons.

"The Shinigami seem to have decided to cease the war," one elderly Quincy remarked.

Hearing this, some Quincy exchanged subtle glances, while others were silent.

One Quincy, more outspoken, said coldly, "It's just hypocrisy."

"Without reason, they slaughtered us, and now, when our race is near extinction, they suddenly decide to stop. Should we be grateful to them?"

Another Quincy asked, "There must be a price for Shinigami's truce."

"Yes," the elderly Quincy replied. "From now on, all Quincy in this world must live under the supervision of Shinigami. When necessary, they must complete tasks assigned by Shinigami. Every action must be approved."

"As expected," a Quincy said bitterly. "They treats us like pigs and dogs in a pen."

"Can you accept such conditions?" someone asked, his voice filled with disdain.

Suddenly, he turned to several individuals in the crowd dressed differently from the rest.

"I choose to join the Knights."

If the Quincy speaking before dressed similarly to ordinary townsfolk, the others stood out. They wore white robes, their appearance starkly contrasting with the people of this era.

These were the Knights of the Star Cross—direct subordinates of Yhwach, the King of Quincy.

Since Yhwach fell into a deep sleep after his severe injuries, the Knights had been dormant for years, allowing Shinigami to grow in strength. However, they hadn't been idle. Secretly, they worked tirelessly to strengthen their own power.

The Knights of the Star Cross periodically ventured into the present world to recruit new, powerful Quincy.

Although the Quincy here were descendants of those who chose to remain neutral during the war, and were weaker, some still possessed great potential.

Those who accepted the Knights' invitation joined willingly, while others refused.

The Knights didn't force anyone. However, if the Emperor—Yhwach—were to awaken and demand war, those who refused to fight would lose their right to live.

For the Knights, this was a crucial time. With the Emperor's vitality gradually returning, their power was weakening. As His Majesty slowly regains strength, their essence is drained as they are used to empower him.

Yet, despite knowing the risks, they couldn't stand idly by as Shinigami slaughtered living Quincy. If all Quincy were destroyed, the Knights of the Star Cross, and the strength they carried, would vanish.

At this moment, the leader of the Knights of the Star Cross, Haschwalth, a loyal assistant to Yhwach, ordered them to enter the world and recruit more Quincy.

Though Yhwach hadn't awakened yet, these Quincy—just like those summoned by the Knights throughout the years—could not be immediately empowered with holy words.

However, to prepare for the inevitable war upon Yhwach's awakening and to seek vengeance for the Shinigami's betrayal, the strength of the Knights had to grow.

"Wise choice," said one Knight of the Star Cross, a man in military uniform with a short white cloak over his shoulder, standing tall with sharp features and short, distinct lips. His voice was deep and commanding.

He glanced around at the gathered pure-blood family leaders and important figures.

Although Shinigami had temporarily ceased their war with the Quincy, the remaining survivors were still monitored and held captive by Soul Society. Not all Quincy could accept such treatment.

"What about you? What will you choose?"

"…."

One Quincy prepared to voice his stance.

At that moment, all the Quincy present sensed a fluctuation of spiritual particles.

The Quincy, with their unmatched ability to manipulate spirit particles, had an incredibly keen sense of detecting spirit children. Their control over these spirits was far superior to the Shinigami.

The spirit space was being breached.

A crack appeared in the dimension.

Unlike the Quincy, Shinigami's aura was unmistakable to them.

Enemies had invaded.

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800 words

I'm finally back!!!