Chapter 346: When Madness Becomes Philosophy
It wasn’t surprising that the captains would harbor such suspicions.
After all, the Soul Society still had a major enemy lurking beyond its borders, one who had yet to be apprehended. In a world where even a moment’s carelessness could end in tragedy, caution wasn’t just a virtue—it was a necessity.
The idea that Kenpachi Azashiro had escaped from Muken—the deepest level of the underground prison—with outside help wasn’t far-fetched at all. But this gave rise to a deeper, more unsettling question:
If someone was powerful enough to assist in Azashiro’s escape, then why not free Aizen Sosuke too?
Both were sealed in the same prison. If one could be broken out, so could the other. The fact that Aizen remained locked away while Azashiro resurfaced only deepened the mystery. It was as if the escape had been selective, intentional.
The Gotei 13 convened quickly, and under the command of Head-Captain Yamamoto, a direct order was issued: Locate and monitor the movements of Kenpachi Azashiro at once.
The search began.
At the barracks of the Second Division, Captain Sui Feng returned and immediately met with her vice-captain, Omaeda Marechiyo, who recounted his encounter with Azashiro in the Noble Street district.
Sui Feng’s sharp eyes narrowed. She didn’t know much about Kenpachi Azashiro aside from the ancient records. The man had been imprisoned for crimes even the Central 46 dared not speak of. But she had heard Shunsui’s conjecture during the captain’s meeting. If this escape was connected to ’that man’, it could mean Soul Society was dealing with an enemy far more dangerous than even Aizen.
She wasted no time.
Sui Feng immediately relayed the news to Shihouin Yoruichi, who was still operating covertly in the human world. To her surprise, Yoruichi responded and arrived back in Soul Society within the hour.
"The way he vanished at the end—it wasn’t a Hohō technique." Yoruichi stated once she heard the full account. "It was the ability of his Zanpakutō. Its name is Urozakuro."