You are very strong, but my painting style is better than yours!

Mayuri Kurotsuchi followed Iori into the laboratory and was surprised to hear these words.

Although he didn't write those experimental records in code (because they were unimportant written records, and the core data and specific application technologies were encrypted), Iori had only glanced at them briefly, yet he was able to remember and understand the words inside.

Iori chuckled lightly, "Is there anything strange about it?"

“The Shinigami Academy doesn’t teach this kind of thing,” Mayuri Kurotsuchi said coldly. “But thinking back, you used to often give very professional advice… and the requests you made to me were exceptionally detailed and specific, quite different from other clients.”

"so?"

“I underestimated you… Aizen Iori.”

"Heh~ I just happened to see the part that I could understand. The reality is that this stuff is so complex, how could I possibly understand it?"

Iori gave a few perfunctory replies, but seeing Mayuri's completely unconvinced expression, she changed the subject and brought up another matter: "You still haven't said why you deliberately created different failed products?"

"……fail?"

Even though he was wrapped in bandages and looked like he was about to die, he still mustered his spirits after hearing what Iori said, and stared intently at the boy with his one eye.

"You have no right to define what 'failure' means. My initial goal was never 'another version of myself'!"

What's the point of making exactly the same thing?

If even I, the original entity, cannot accomplish this research, then naturally the clones cannot either.

Same brain, same intelligence, same way of thinking, same habits and preferences... It's nothing more than repeating failures and mistakes over and over again. Even if you manage to make a breakthrough by chance, the efficiency is just too poor!

Increasing the number of people is for collaboration, to tackle problems that individuals cannot solve alone, but what I need are different perspectives, complementary skills, and inspiring individuals.

I don't need 'perfection' or 'eternity'!

The more singular and stable a biological trait is, the more likely it is to become extinct when faced with environmental changes—you should understand this principle, right?

Perfection, uniformity, immutability...that's despair for me!

"Is that what you think?"

Iori paused, remained silent for a moment, and then said with a touch of emotion, "She is very different from another researcher I know... Perhaps it's because of the difference in their environments."

The researcher he was referring to was Aozaki Touko. The reason that the Type-Moon Grand Puppeteer was designated for sealing was not because the puppets she created were particularly powerful. While she was worthy of respect, she wouldn't have attracted the Clock Tower's attention. The fundamental reason was that she created puppets that were completely identical to her original self.

perfect!

There was neither deterioration nor excess; everything was exactly the same as the original.

Because the dolls were activated one by one after they died, after countless replacements, Aozaki Touko no longer knew whether she was the real person or a doll...

Perhaps it was this preconceived notion that led Iori to believe that absolute similarity was the only way to achieve perfection, while overlooking the fact that Mayuri Kurotsuchi, as a researcher, had different pursuits than Touko Aozaki.

The backdrop of the Type-Moon universe is a mysterious decline, and in the future, it will enter the "Steel Land," a world view that will eventually lead to the end of the world.

In this ever-declining world, Aozaki Touko pursues her own "unchanging" self, a kind of immortality in another sense.

The Soul King maintains a balance between the three realms and Hell, which has been consciously "maintained" by certain powerful figures for thousands or even tens of thousands of years, hoping that nothing will change.

Here, Mayuri Kurotsuchi (and Aizen from the original work) pursues change and infinite possibilities!

For Mayuri Kurotsuchi, "the known" and "eternity" meant despair.

"I see, I understand a little better now... Researchers are a bunch of 'go against the grain' types."

Iori sighed softly, her gaze softening considerably as she looked at Mayuri Kurotsuchi.

"Of course, you are still a criminal, a pervert, a scumbag—noble ideals cannot whitewash the despicable methods."

I admire you from the bottom of my heart, Nie... A joke from back then has led you to such in-depth research; such talent is something I have never seen before.

However, my task today is to place you under supervision and imprisonment. No matter how great your research may be, it must stop today!

"You still don't understand! Why can't you understand me! Don't speak so righteously, Aizen Iori!"

Mayuri Kurotsuchi retorted angrily, "Your appearance is disgusting! You're clearly a sinner just like me, only better at faking a smile. Do you really think you're a champion of justice?!"

"I do not understand what you are saying."

Iori smiled slightly: "Don't compare me to you... To be honest, I'm really not qualified."

As for what I did, it was just breaking a few prohibitions and buying some contraband. The current Seireitei wouldn't refuse a Bankai master because of that.

But you're different... Putting aside the fact that your research is unethical, if you continue and succeed, this technology could cause unimaginable chaos for the Seireitei. The 46 Chambers will absolutely not allow you to continue.

"When did you become a henchman of the higher-ups?"

Mayuri Kurotsuchi frowned: "Haven't we always had a pleasant working relationship? You can benefit from my research, can't you?"

"It's an attractive idea, but unfortunately, both Jushiro Ukitake and Shunsui Kyoraku have taken notice of you. Even if I don't make a move, your fate is sealed."

Secondly... unfortunately, this technology isn't that valuable to me.

"what?"

"It's not convenient to explain." Iori touched the hilt of the sword.

He set a trap for Mayuri Kurotsuchi partly as revenge, and partly to obtain a more convenient body, preferably one that would enhance his spiritual pressure and survivability.

He already has a "third method," which is extremely useful as a support skill. Mayuri Kurotsuchi's technique is certainly valuable, but it's just icing on the cake for Iori.

Moreover, things produced by such mad scientists are bound to come with a "rampage" and "out-of-control" buff.

"Let's draw our swords first, Nie."

Iori looked at him calmly: "I don't know if you have mastered Bankai. If you have, please be sure to use it."

"Hmph! You're quite confident, aren't you!"

Mayuri Kurotsuchi was somewhat unsure of himself, but he still gripped his Zanpakuto.

"Shall we have a Bankai showdown?"

"A duel? Oh...yeah."

Iori raised an eyebrow, as if she had just remembered that this was a duel, as if she had never considered Mayuri Kurotsuchi as an opponent from the beginning.

"I just feel that if you show your Bankai... then there will be one more reason to spare your life during your trial."

Chapter 228: I will raise your daughter; do not worry.

boom!

The enormous golden head pierced the roof of the disguised house, its massive size easily tearing it apart with the slightest movement.

It was a golden Buddha statue with a child's face, a red cloak around its neck, and a steel halo above its head. It was also the image of Jizo Bodhisattva in Japanese folklore, a benevolent deity who protects children and the afterlife.

However, despite this story, the "Buddha" statue in front of us does not look kind at all. There is no warmth in its pale white eyes, and the body behind its head is not a normal body, but has many columnar insect-like bodies like centipede legs.

Over a hundred meters long, it exuded a powerful spiritual pressure, and its appearance in the suburbs immediately caused all the souls in West Rukongai No. 17 to feel an inexplicable pressure.

call!

A figure flew out from the smoke, landed, casually brushed the dust off its body, and looked up at the strange creature with a smile.

"He actually accomplished it. He even managed to subdue a Zanpakuto while mutilating his own soul during the war and under dangerous circumstances. He truly deserves my respect as a man."

——【Golden Ashisa Jizo】!

Mayuri Kurotsuchi's Bankai is a rare biological type among Zanpakuto; its sheer size alone tells you of its astonishing destructive power.

"but……"

"hold head high!!!"

With a sound like a baby crying, the golden-haired Jizo with purple tear stains on his eyes slammed his head down like a crashing car.

Bang!

A large crater appeared in the ground, but Iori, who should have been smashed into the mud, stood firmly. He used spiritual energy to condense an invisible barrier under his feet to avoid such an embarrassing scene. On the other hand, he raised his left hand and pressed down on the open chin of the golden Ashisogi Jizo, which remained unmoved despite the huge size difference.

"The impact is strong, but if it's only this strong, it won't even force out my 'Shikai'."

"hold head high!"

puff!

A large amount of deep purple mist spewed from the baby's mouth, instantly engulfing Iori. At that moment, Mayuri Kurotsuchi leaped out from underground, watching nervously into the depths of the mist.

He used a "flesh-repairing agent" to repair his body. Although it wasn't a true cure, he looked much better than before. He was naked with his upper body painted white, and his face was still covered by a soft mask.

He had witnessed Iori's power and knew that he couldn't defeat her with his own strength. The difference between a Bankai that was barely activated through unorthodox methods and one that was genuinely cultivated was like heaven and earth.

However, his Zanpakuto is a "biological type," which often possesses special abilities.

Ashisogi Jizo can transform Mayuri Kurotsuchi's bodily fluids into a deadly toxin containing pathogens; even a minor scratch can infect an opponent with various viruses. The Golden Ashisogi Jizo goes a step further, converting the toxin into a mist that spreads within a 100-meter radius; even without breathing, contact with skin or mucous membranes will cause poisoning!

In other words, you're guaranteed to get infected if you get close!

To fully unleash the power of this technique, Mayuri Kurotsuchi cultivated countless rare and deadly germs and toxins in his blood, making him practically a walking plague barrel.

Once poisoned, even the most powerful abilities like the Fist of Slash and the Ghost of Walk are completely useless; one can only rely on their own physical resistance to withstand it, or use advanced healing techniques to alleviate the symptoms. But even so, one will definitely lose the ability to move quickly.

Iori's spiritual pressure is higher and his combat power is stronger than his, but no matter what, he has only recently mastered Bankai. Mayuri Kurotsuchi believes that even if there is a gap, it will not be too great. If Iori is given a debuff that prevents him from moving freely, he is confident that he can defeat him by various means!

Seeing that Iori still hadn't emerged from the poisonous fog, Mayuri Kurotsuchi's expression grew increasingly joyful, almost to the point of being carried away.

"You were careless, Iori!"

Even if he defeats Iori, Mayuri Kurotsuchi is no match for the other captains, so he will not choose to stay in Soul Society. Hueco Mundo is too unfriendly to Shinigami, and if he tries to capture experimental subjects, he will definitely provoke many Hollows.

Therefore, his goal is to defect to the real world!

Mayuri Kurotsuchi has been hiding a secret: he is more advanced than Kiryu Hikifune in terms of Gigai technology. He has long since created Gigai that are "flawed but usable." As long as he hides in a disguised Gigai, even if the Kido is investigated, he will not be able to find him!

This is the first step of the plan: escape from Soul Society and enter the Dankai!

"Go, Golden Ashisogi Jizo!"

"hold head high!!!"

The enormous insect-like monster emitted a roar that caused immense suffering to the residents of Rukongai. It could render all the souls within its range incapable of movement in just a few seconds, with an effect comparable to a nerve paralysis toxin!

However, just two seconds after it roared, its metallic head was suddenly blasted upwards by a tremendous force, its baby-like chin collapsing into a duck's beak, and its massive insect body flipped over as well.

"what?!"

“Continuing to expand the damage will only increase your crime. Don’t you understand such a simple principle? I’m doing this for your own good.”

call--

The wind-elemental ghost path dispersed the poisonous mist, revealing Iori's pale face.

Mayuri Kurotsuchi, who was initially terrified, felt a glimmer of hope rise in her heart upon seeing this:

Once Iori is poisoned, it will be easy for him to escape.

Iori's spiritual pressure is very strong, but the effectiveness of poison mainly depends on resistance!

"To be honest, it was a miscalculation..."

Iori looked troubled, while Mayuri Kurotsuchi's eyes widened.

"It smells worse than I imagined."

"..."

Mayuri Kurotsuchi remained expressionless.

"You...aren't you poisoned? Did you use a binding spell?"

"It's just 'poison'. In the end, the battle between Shinigami is a contest of spiritual pressure. Special abilities and combat skills can bridge a certain gap, but if the gap becomes too large, they become useless."

Iori frowned and fanned herself, looking calmly at Mayuri Kurotsuchi.

"Furthermore, your poison is only considered average."

In fact, this has nothing to do with the strength of spiritual pressure. The main reason is that Iori's physical attributes have been enhanced to a certain extent. "Resilience" includes poison resistance. Ordinary toxins are completely useless against Iori now. Basically, only those with certain special concepts or legendary status can break through the protection of "Resilience".

“…If this is a provocation, then I accept.” Mayuri Kurotsuchi’s eyelids twitched. “I hope that when I have a new product in the future, I can ask you to try it out.”

"That is, you still have a 'future'." Iori smiled. "As it stands, the hope is slim."

"Damn it! Don't underestimate me, Aizen Iori!"

Mayuri Kurotsuchi's face contorted in a ferocious grin as he waved his hand: "Golden Ashisogi Jizo! Use every means at your disposal, I absolutely will not—"

Half a day later, the members of the 12th Division and the 2nd Division (Stealth Mobile) arrived at this Rukongai and saw Iori doing nothing, and Mayuri Kurotsuchi, who was bound by Kido and kneeling on the ground, half-naked and with lifeless eyes.

How intense the battle would be—the soldiers shuddered at the sight of the ravaged ground riddled with cracks and craters.