A thing I absolutely adore in Aizen's characterization is how he, despite lying, manipulating, exploiting weaknesses, obscuring facts and literally showing illusions, never tries to challenge/override/brainwash someone's personal beliefs. It's very subtle, but there.

He may clown soul society, but his fierce obsession with the concept of "free will" and one holding his ground is interesting. He doesn't devalue that the captains and such have beliefs/commitments/morals, but he does expose their weaknesses and challenge them.....

The captains vs. Aizen fight is obviously a battle of power, but also a battle of will/resolution. Aizen, who defies soul society as a system, out of his own choice, and despite all common sense, aiming to go as far as to kill/replace a god to bring change....

The sheer magnitude of his resolution and willpower.....you can't simply challenge it when you're following rules/laws somewhat blindly and are but a subordinate to a system you barely question. Aizen questions all...and so does Urahara Kisuke....Kisuke's will to protect the

status quo is shrouded in mystery - it seems so very personal to him, but he too, is a man who knows much and questions all, so he is already on ground level with Aizen on that kind of playing field. Whatever reason he has to maintain the status quo.....It seems overwhelming.

I feel like, it's implied that Kisuke is a selfish Atlas. He maintains, desperately even, and apparently completely consciously the way the world works, despite knowing what it entails and what sacrifices it brings. He dubs himself a potential villain, but perseveres holding the

world on his metaphorical shoulders, accepting the cost of keeping it the way it is. Is it selfish survivalism? Why is he implied to be so deeply involved? What benefit is there for him, and why is he so seemingly understanding of Aizen's part, but still vilifies him?........