Crossover: The Problematic Human of Arcadia — Shaper of Anime Worlds Chapter 367: The Girl’s Decision

— — — — — —

"Yes. I've already made up my mind."

Orihi answered almost instantly, as if she'd been prepared for this for a long ti.

Hearing that, Ryo raised an eyebrow and asked, "Can I ask why?"

It wasn't that he suspected her of betrayal—he just wasn't sure what her reasoning was. And honestly, he was worried this lovestruck girl had been sweet-talked by so pretty boy later.

He wasn't about to let his healer get stolen away by soone whispering cheap lines at her. That would be a total loss on his investnt.

Of course, the easiest solution would be for him to beco that "pretty boy" himself and charm Orihi into circles. Then he'd never have to worry about losing her.

But… that was just wishful thinking. He didn't consider himself that charming.

Orihi took a deep breath before answering his question: "You probably don't know this, but… I saw my brother in the Soul Society."

That made Ryo's brow twitch.

He vaguely rembered that Orihi's brother had turned into a Hollow—and had died under Ichigo Kurosaki's Zanpakutō afterward.

Hollows who are purified turn back into ordinary souls and go to the Soul Society. That wasn't unusual. It wasn't like Quincies, who destroy Hollows and absorb the Reishi for themselves.

On this point, he had to admit—Shinigami handled things the right way.

Still, he was surprised Orihi had actually managed to find her brother—Sora Inoue—in that massive place. Must've been Yamamoto's doing. Maybe they planned to use Sora as leverage against her?

While he mulled over the possibilities, Orihi let out a bitter little smile.

"He… he didn't rember ."

"My condolences." Ryo's expression stayed calm.

Only a tiny fraction of souls sent to the Soul Society retained mories of their previous lives—usually those born naturally with strong spiritual power.

Clearly, Sora didn't fall into that category.

"It's okay," Orihi said softly. "He's built a new family there. He has a very lively wife. They get along really well."

She smiled as she spoke, but there was a shadow in her eyes. "But I also noticed the thing you ntioned before."

'The thing I ntioned?'

It had been too long since he last checked in on her—he couldn't even rember what he'd said back then. Still, he managed to put on a look of deep concern.

Whatever Sora had run into, it definitely wasn't good. Otherwise Orihi wouldn't be standing here making this kind of decision.

After all, according to the Soul Society, he and Aizen were Public Enemies, the kind of villains whose re breathing was considered a cri.

"You probably don't know," Orihi continued, "but Lady Yoruichi once praised my spiritual control."

The bitterness in her tone deepened.

"And because of that… I can feel it clearly. My brother's soul is weakening. Constantly."

"Maybe… maybe in less than five years, he'll be devoured by the Soul Society itself."

"Just like you once told —the Soul Society eats their people."

'So that's what this is about…' Ryo finally understood.

When he'd first arrived in the Bleach world and entered the Soul Society, he'd noticed reishi constantly flowing into a locked dinsional space. Slow but steady. Combined with Aizen's notes, it wasn't hard to figure out that the Soul Society's system literally consud souls.

Now it seed Orihi had confird that herself—and that was why she chose to take his side.

If Aizen successfully took over and reford the system, her brother might live several extra years. But if the Zero Division kept ruling things, Sora probably had five years left at best. Maybe even less.

Especially since people like Urahara and Mayuri treated the souls of Rukongai like an endless supply of lab materials, picking them up whenever they needed.

With that in mind, Ryo asked, expression complicated. "So you want to change the Soul Society because of your brother?"

Orihi shook her head gently.

"No. I just don't want more people like … people who have to go through this."

"Ah. Oh, look at that, so you're a saint." Ryo sighed with emotion.

"A… saint?"

Orihi blinked, then stared at him in confusion. "This is the second ti you've called that, isn't it? I'm only doing this because of my own situation… It's really not worthy of such high praise."

Ryo looked at the girl—who clearly did not understand internet slang—and said calmly, "No. I ant it as an insult."

"Eh?" Orihi froze completely.

How is 'saint' an insult?

Before she could ask, Ryo flicked his fingers.

In an instant, Tsukishima, Ginjo, and Soi Fon vanished into a pocket dinsion. Then he reached out a hand toward Orihi.

"Ti to go, Orihi."

"Okay." She nodded lightly and took his hand.

He pulled her closer—close enough that he could sll the faint perfu on her—and said, "You're not joining Aizen's faction. You're joining mine. Directly."

"Eh? Really?" Orihi asked, startled.

"Really."

Ryo smiled and set a hand on her shoulder.

"If you see Aizen later, don't get nervous. You're part of Arcadia now. Whether you show him respect or not—completely up to you."

"As for his subordinates? Just treat them like trash."

'Isn't that a bit much…?' Orihi stared at him, dazed, and before her mind caught up, Ryo had already pulled her into the black hole.

Clack.

The black hole shut.

Everything fell silent, leaving only a streetlamp surveillance cara watching over the empty road.

---

Soul Society – Seireitei – First Division eting Hall

Thunk!

Yamamoto slamd his cane against the floor. His gaze was icy as he stared at the huge, round figure kneeling before him.

"Omaeda Marechiyo. Do you understand your cri?"

Omaeda had just finished delivering Soi Fon to the 4th Division when he was summoned here. Now, faced with Yamamoto and the gathered captains, his legs gave out entirely. He collapsed into a kneel, trembling.

"Head Captain, I'm innocent! I wasn't hiding my strength!"

.

.

.