Bleach: Gazing Mirage

Aizen, Gin, and Tōsen continued to discuss their plans in the quiet confines of their chamber. Aizen outlined his strategy to involve the Shiba clan and Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto, the head captain, without directly implicating themselves.

Gin leaned forward, his eyes glinting with curiosity. "So, Captain Aizen, how do you plan to involve the Shiba clan without directly revealing our hand?"

Aizen steepled his fingers, his gaze unwavering. "We'll use their own inclinations against them," he explained. "Individuals like Kaien and Miyako have strong positions within the Shiba clan. Isshin the current family head is very protective of his family. We'll subtly manipulate them, pushing them toward taking a stance in the conflict. Once they are involved, the Shiba clan will have little choice but to follow suit."

Tōsen interjected with a thoughtful tone, "But what about Head Captain Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto? He is known for his keen instincts. If we alert him directly, he will undoubtedly investigate thoroughly."

Aizen nodded, acknowledging the challenge. "Yes, dealing with Genryusai Yamamoto will be a tricky process. However, I have a plan to handle him," he said, his voice laced with confidence. "I will utilize my zanpakuto, Kyoka Suigetsu, to manipulate the situation. We'll create a scenario where it appears that Chikane Iba, the 3rd Division lieutenant, independently discovered the brewing conflict among the three noble houses. Her straightforward nature will lead her to report directly to Yamamoto without any external influence."

Gin grinned, his eyes glimmering with anticipation. "So, Captain Aizen, you plan to play your zanpakuto like a finely tuned instrument once again?"

Aizen's smile was enigmatic as he responded, "Indeed, Gin. Kyoka Suigetsu is a tool of deception, and I intend to use it to do as such. While I orchestrate events from the shadows I want both of you to watch over Urahara and the Shihōin clan. I need to know their movements. With our careful planning and subtle moves, we shall shape the future of the Seireitei to our advantage."

Gin and Tōsen exchanged glances and then nodded in agreement with Aizen's orders. They understood their roles and the importance of monitoring Urahara and the Shihōin clan.

Meanwhile, in the quiet solitude of his laboratory, Urahara Kisuke sat lost in deep thought. His mind was a whirlwind of calculations and strategies as he contemplated the current state of affairs within the Seireitei. He was well aware of the growing tensions and the potential for conflict among the noble houses, and it weighed heavily on his mind.

As Urahara pondered his next moves, a knock at the door to his room which was connected to his lab interrupted his thoughts. Urahara exited the lab closed the door and activated the multiple layers of sealing kido before looking up, his expression thoughtful, and called out, "Enter."

A maid entered the room, her demeanor respectful. "Sir, Lieutenant Hiyori has arrived," she informed him.

Urahara nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you. Please have her brought to me."

However, before the maid could leave to fulfill his request, the door to the room swung open abruptly, and Hiyori Sarugaki entered unceremoniously. Her expression was a mix of irritation and impatience as she glared at Urahara.

Urahara raised an eyebrow but maintained his calm demeanor. "Hello, Hiyori. It's been a while. How are you?"

"Ura… Captain Urahara," she said curtly, "don't ask questions if you don't actually care about the answers. Please cut the pleasantries. A captain meeting has been called for, and I'm here to tell you because you've been too busy tinkering in here to show up and do your job as of late."

Urahara Kisuke regarded Hiyori Sarugaki with a calm and measured expression, seemingly unfazed by her brusque manner. He could sense the tension in the air, reflecting the growing unrest within the Seireitei. Urahara had been preoccupied with his own research and preparations, but he understood the importance of the upcoming captain meeting.

"Ah, I see," Urahara replied with a faint smile, though his eyes remained serious. "Thank you for the information, Hiyori. I appreciate you coming to inform me directly."

Hiyori's scowl didn't waver as she crossed her arms. "Don't think this is some kind of courtesy visit, Ura… Captain Urahara. The situation in the Seireitei is getting messier by the day, it seems like there were quite a few attacks in some Rukongai districts."

Urahara nodded as his expression became more somber. "Alright, Hiyori. I'll make sure to attend the captain's meeting. Please convey my apologies to the squad members for my absence."

Hiyori's stern expression softened slightly, and she nodded. "Good. Just make sure you're there on time, Ura… Captain Urahara. This is not a time for distractions or experiments."

Urahara smirked and said, “You know you can just call me by my name. I don’t really care if you want to be formal or not. Just speak comfortably.”

Hiyori gave Urahara a skeptical look but decided not to argue further. She simply replied, "Fine, Urahara. But don't expect me to start calling you by your first name regularly. I've got more important things to worry about right now."

With that, Hiyori turned and exited the room, leaving Urahara to his thoughts once again. As he contemplated the situation in the Seireitei, he couldn't help but wonder about the new information he had received for Yoruichi about who was pulling the strings behind this issue.

Urahara Kisuke used his shunpo to rush to the meeting. When he reached the meeting room and opened the door he immediately sensed the growing tension in the air. The vacancy of a captain for the 10th Division was a stark reminder of the recent upheaval they had faced a few years ago.

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, the venerable Head Captain of the Gotei 13, stood at the head of the group, his presence commanding respect and authority. The other captains, each with their unique abilities and strengths, awaited his lead.

Yoruichi Shihōin, Urahara's trusted ally and friend, stood nearby, her serious demeanor in contrast to her normal carefree one giving little way of her thoughts. The other captains, including Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi, Retsu Unohana, Shinji Hirako, Ginrei Kuchiki, Love Aikawa, Shunsui Kyōraku, Kensei Muguruma, and Kenpachi Kiganjō, all bore the weight of their responsibilities as leaders of the Gotei 13.

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, the venerable Head Captain, observed as Urahara Kisuke took his position at the meeting. He nodded in acknowledgment as Urahara settled in, and his deep voice resonated through the room.

"It's good that you could join us, Captain Urahara," Yamamoto said with a stern expression. "Your presence was awaited. Please proceed, and we shall begin."

Urahara inclined his head respectfully. "My apologies for the delay Head Captain. I had some matters to attend to."

With that, the meeting commenced, and the captains delved into the pressing issues and challenges facing the Seireitei.