Chapter 48 - The Invitation (2/2)
”Is that so? Then I have an important role for you, Lieutenant Uchiha. I've seen your power for myself. You can withstand my reiatsu and your own is easily at a Captain's level. You will be key in stopping Aizen, as you have not yet seen his zanpakuto.” Yamamoto said as he took another sip of tea before continuing to speak again.
”Perfect Hypnosis…” Itachi said to himself as he stared at his cup of tea. 'So Kyoka Suigetsu's ability affects the opponent's five senses simply by seeing it. If anything, it's very similar to how I cast genjutsu with my Sharingan. That must explain why he brought Tousen with him, as he is blind and is therefore not affected by Kyoka Suigetsu...No that can't be it. Aizen's power is strong enough that even if someone like Tousen was to oppose him, he would swiftly cut him down. The way I am now, I'm not sure if I could beat him.'
Yamamoto noticed Itachi was staring blankly at his cup and called to him to snap him out of it.
”Lieutenant Uchiha, I have a question regarding your abilities. That illusion you trapped me inside of and tortured me for a month straight. After Aizen left, I was bedridden for several days and Captain Unohana had to treat me. That was no power of your zanpakuto was it? It's those strange eyes of yours. Of the thousands of years I've lived, I have never once encountered someone with your eyes.” Yamamoto asked. Itachi could feel tension in the air as Yamamoto brought up what happened in Tsukuyomi.
”I apologize for putting you in Tsukuyomi, but it was a last ditch effort to stop someone of your power. There was no possible way for me, Captain Ukitake, and Captain Kyoraku to have fought you otherwise.” Itachi said as he bowed his head. The tension in the air lifted and Yamamoto's expression softened again.
”So that technique is called Tsukuyomi? I've never heard of such a thing. But regarding what you did to me there, I've decided to overlook it. You mentioned inside there that you could control time, space, and physical mass. I will acknowledge that if you had dėsɨrėd to, you could have killed me.” Yamamoto mentioned and Itachi remained silent.
”Lieutenant Uchiha, I'm considering making you a Captain. As you know, we have several openings since those three traitors left. Due to the wartime we are in, I have authority to bypass the requirements as we are in need of replacements. Do you have bankai? I believe I remember seeing you release your shikai with that skeletal figure.” Yamamoto asked. Itachi shook his head in response.
”I have neither shikai nor bankai. For some reason, I have been unable to imprint upon my zanpakuto. It's something that has bothered me for years now but I've always pushed it to the back of my head as I've found other ways for me to increase my strength.” Itachi replied. Yamamoto's eyes opened upon hearing this. 'This youngster is fighting at a Captain's level without having attained even a shikai?'
”Hmm that is indeed strange.” Yamamoto said as he took another sip of his tea. ”I'm sure you are aware of the zero division. In that division there is a man who forges the zanpakuto and another who names them. I'll see what I can do to relay a message to them about it. You will be our ace in defeating Aizen and we will need you to become stronger than you already are.”
”What about the new substitute shinigami, Kurosaki Ichigo? It's unlikely he has seen Aizen's zanpakuto as well and his reiatsu is at a Captain's level.” Itachi mentioned.
”How observant of you. We will need him to fight as well. But he is a last resort. This is Soul Society's problem and I do not need someone from the living world handling our issues-” Yamamoto replied but was interrupted as Lieutenant Sasakibe walked in.
”Captain Commander. I do not mean to interrupt your tea ceremony, but there is a request from Central 46. They wish to speak with you immediately.” Sasakibe said as he kneeled on the ground.
”How troublesome. Fine, I'll be there briefly. Lieutenant Uchiha, you are dismissed. Send in a buŧŧerfly if you do choose to become a Captain as I won't be in the office for a while.” Yamamoto said as he gestured for Sasakibe to clean up the tea ceremony. Itachi bowed one more time before leaving the hall.
'Become a captain…'