"What?"
"Aizen."
"You want to show us your Zanpakutō's Shikai?"
...
Hearing that Aizen was going to demonstrate his Shikai, the room erupted with shock and excitement.
In particular, Komamura Sajin and Amakita Shushū looked visibly thrilled.
Even those from Rukongai knew that revealing a Shinigami's Shikai was one of the greatest secrets. If your abilities were known, it made you vulnerable to being countered.
But Aizen, without hesitation, was risking that exposure. They had only just met, barely remembered each other's names—and yet here he was, ready to unveil the full power of his Zanpakutō.
Not for gain.Not for praise.Not to trade favors.Simply to help others gain insight.
"Yes."
"My Zanpakutō is of the flowing-water type. It disrupts enemies through the chaotic reflection of mist and water, confusing them into attacking each other."
"Would you like to see my Shikai?"
Aizen smiled gently, openly revealing his Zanpakutō's ability, embodying the demeanor of a true gentleman.
Shihouin Yoruichi: "What an honest and humble gentleman."
Urahara Kisuke: "His ability and virtue are in harmony. I can't compare."
Kuchiki Byakuya: "A shame he isn't nobility. So upright and magnanimous."
Shiba Isshin: "Of everyone I've met, none are more open-hearted than Aizen."
Ran Yan: "..."
Listening to the endless praise and watching Aizen surrounded by admirers, Ran Yan quietly lowered his head, resting his forehead on one hand—just enough to obscure his eyes.
He had to.
If he didn't, Urahara Kisuke and Shiba Isshin—both seemingly casual but incredibly sharp—would surely catch the expression on his face.
The expression of an idiot.
Kyōka Suigetsu had been released... and everyone was clamoring to see it.
Wasn't this idiocy?
Seeing his younger brother begin his "performance," Ran Yan could only bow his head in defeat, not wanting to ruin the show.
"We'd love to."
"Aizen, thank you for your generosity. If you ever need me, Komamura Sajin, just ask."
"It's an honor to be classmates."
Komamura Sajin, Amakita Shushū, and others all eagerly agreed to witness Aizen's Shikai.
Even the blind Tōsen Kaname joined in.
Though he couldn't see, his Reiatsu perception allowed him to experience the changes in energy that came with Aizen's Shikai.
In fact, not just them—even Byakuya, Yoruichi, and others who had already mastered Shikai turned their attention toward him.
After all, this was the Shikai of a once-in-a-century Shinigami genius.
Who wouldn't want to see it?
Even though Aizen had already disclosed the ability—and likely hadn't revealed its full extent—it didn't diminish their excitement in the slightest.
"One glimpse of Kyōka Suigetsu, and your five senses belong to someone else!"
Ran Yan sighed.
"Ahem. Everyone, take note."
"Aizen is showing you this because he's a gentleman. You should be thankful—but more importantly, you must say nothing about what you see today. This ability must never be revealed to anyone outside this room."
Shiba Isshin coughed and issued this warning in a tone of uncharacteristic seriousness.
"Yes, Teacher Isshin."
Everyone nodded with solemn expressions and firm voices.
"Don't be so tense. We're classmates now. Future colleagues. Maybe even comrades-in-arms."
"Even if it spreads, it's fine. Don't worry."
"In fact, I plan to show my Shikai to other classes at the Spiritual Arts Academy as well."
Aizen's tone was relaxed.
"Aizen... why?"
Everyone froze.
Normally, a Shinigami who had mastered Shikai would guard their abilities with absolute secrecy. People would go so far as to silence witnesses.
But here was Aizen, practically handing out free viewings across campus.
"In most classes outside Class One, students have average talent at best. Many are from Rukongai. I'm from Rukongai too. I know how hard it is for us to become Shinigami."
"For every step forward, we work ten, a hundred, even a thousand times harder than the nobility."
"So, I want to help them. Even if seeing my Shikai isn't very useful, it might offer some insight. That's all I can do."
Aizen adjusted his brown-framed glasses and smiled faintly.
"So don't worry."
"When I graduate, if I'm able to achieve anything in Gotei 13, I want to become a Spiritual Arts Academy lecturer."
"So that every student—no matter their background—can see my Shikai."
"If it helps inspire even one more Shinigami... then what's the harm in the whole Soul Society knowing about my Shikai? It's only Shikai. It's no big deal."
Everyone was stunned.
Even Shiba Isshin and Urahara Kisuke were momentarily speechless.
Ran Yan, hearing these grand words, could already imagine the reactions of future Shinigami captains and lieutenants once they learned the true nature of Kyōka Suigetsu.
He understood now.
Why in the future, the Visored captains would hate Aizen to their core.
Why Urahara Kisuke would prepare traps, barriers, Kidō circles... all to stop him.
It was because the King had gone too far from the very beginning.
This wasn't a blade in the back.
This was nuclear war on Day One.
"Ran Yan, aren't you going to watch?" Yoruichi asked, noticing his head still bowed, eyes hidden behind his hand.
"Shikai isn't something you gain more from seeing twice. Let's leave it for those who need it."
"Aizen has another goal, apart from showing the world Kyōka Suigetsu: he wants to surpass me. I won't take advantage of that."
"A man may not always be great, but he must never be petty."
Ran Yan waved his hand and kept his eyes covered.
"Ran Yan, you and your brother are something else. Compared to most nobles, you carry yourselves with more nobility."
"If more Shinigami from noble clans were like you, the Soul Society would be a far better place," Yoruichi said softly, genuinely moved.
Though Ran Yan wasn't the saintly figure his brother was becoming, he was still upright.
No wonder the two were brothers.
Even Byakuya—once bitter over his defeat by Ran Yan—couldn't help but glance at him with newfound respect.