The True Will

Aizen's letter lays out a chilling theory: Rukia Kuchiki's endlessly rescheduled execution was never about killing her, but about seizing the Sōkyoku, a weapon holding the might of a million blades whose seal lifts only for executions and whose power surges many times over when it consumes a Shinigami. The writer claims the plotter means to use it to obliterate all of Soul Society, and names that plotter as Tōshirō Hitsugaya. Weeping, Momo Hinamori levels her sword and finishes reciting it, then charges, insisting the words are Aizen's own last wish in his own hand.

Hitsugaya reels, protesting that Aizen would never start an unwinnable fight or push his mess onto a subordinate, and concludes the letter must be a forgery meant to set the two of them killing each other. Spotting Gin Ichimaru grinning below, he accuses him of orchestrating it and lunges, only for Hinamori to intercept him in midair, leaving him no choice but to knock her senseless. Landing beside her limp body, Hitsugaya sees her hands bloodied from gripping her hilt and, remembering his vow to kill Gin if he ever made her bleed, tears his sword free, prompting Gin to warn that he will be forced to stop him.

Aizen's letter reveals the true target of the execution scheme, the Sōkyoku, and falsely accuses Hitsugaya. Hinamori attacks Hitsugaya, who is forced to knock her out. Hitsugaya deduces the letter is a forgery and pins suspicion on Gin, setting the two captains on a collision course.

This chapter opens the sixteenth volume, NIGHT OF WIJNRUIT, within the Soul Society arc, and was adapted into Episode 47, The Avengers. It exposes the real stakes of Rukia's execution and ignites the confrontation between Hitsugaya and Gin.