"Aside from the facts, even if Ran Yan speaks frankly about the Kuchiki clan, I must admit—he's upright."
"Before the duel ended, he didn't injure me further. He didn't humiliate me."
"Ultimately, I brought it upon myself by following Grandfather's arrangement and challenging him deliberately."
Byakuya Kuchiki recalled his previous clash with Ran Yan. Though he had no regrets, he also felt a strange sense of relief.
The bitterness he'd felt before had faded.
Still, he couldn't let it go entirely.
After all, he had never lost before. More importantly, as a Kuchiki, his pride could not be undermined.
Ran Yan noticed Yoruichi's words and the subtle change in Byakuya's gaze—but he didn't respond.
What could he say?
Tag along with Yoruichi and Byakuya?
Seriously?
Go watch Kyōka Suigetsu's Shikai?
Even if he knew how to break it—and had confidence that his Zanpakutō could resist Complete Hypnosis—why go?
Why join the crowd for a front-row seat at an illusion?
"Shatter, Kyōka Suigetsu."
Aizen stepped away from his seat and walked calmly to the podium. Drawing his Zanpakutō from the sheath at his waist, he flipped it so the tip pointed downward.
Crack.
A sound like glass shattering rang out.
Suddenly, thick fog and mist began swirling around Aizen, and multiple phantom copies of him emerged. Whether one used sight or spiritual perception, it was impossible to tell which version was the real Aizen.
Clang!
As Byakuya focused, trying to figure out how to unravel Kyōka Suigetsu, he heard a metallic sound behind him.
A blade came to rest on his neck.
Feeling the cold steel touch his skin, his body instinctively tensed. His senses jolted like a startled cat, and every hair on his body stood on end.
"Pardon me, Kuchiki."
Whether deliberate or coincidental, Aizen's choice was clear.
He didn't target anyone else.
He went directly for Byakuya—the one who had clashed with Ran Yan—and gently placed his Zanpakutō at his throat.
Byakuya didn't speak, but his pupils narrowed, and a storm raged in his chest.
He had assumed only Ran Yan could challenge him in this class. Perhaps also Shihouin Yoruichi, a noble older than him.
He had never even considered Aizen.
Yet, yesterday, Ran Yan had overpowered him with nothing more than spiritual pressure and a Hadō #4: Byakurai.
And now—today—Aizen had a blade at his neck before he could react.
Why was it always him being embarrassed?
"An elder brother who's terrifyingly strong..."
"And a younger brother who's just as terrifying..."
"These brothers... are monsters. No wonder Ukitake told me to keep an eye on them."
Shiba Isshin turned his head and watched in astonishment as Aizen silently approached and neutralized Byakuya.
With captain-level Reiatsu and a Shikai like this, even most vice-captains would be defeated instantly.
"So this is Ran Yan's little brother?"
"Incredible."
"This kind of power... in battle, it's terrifying."
"No wonder they call him a once-in-a-century genius."
The crowd buzzed as they watched Byakuya get defeated without resistance.
Even though the raw force wasn't as earth-shaking as Ran Yan's 100-meter-crackling Byakurai the day before, the psychological impact was just as great.
After all, Aizen had openly disclosed his Shikai's ability.
And yet... Byakuya still couldn't avoid being misled by Kyōka Suigetsu.
"Aizen, your ability would be perfect for the Second Division."
"Why don't you and your brother both join the Second Division after graduation?"
"We have openings in covert ops, patrol command, and even the detention unit—you can pick whichever position you like."
Yoruichi glanced between Ran Yan and Aizen, clearly forming a plan in her mind.
"Ahem, Yoruichi-san, let's not forget—you're not even an officer right now."
"And this is a class, not your personal recruitment fair."
"By the way—Ran Yan, Aizen—if you're considering joining the Gotei 13, I personally think the Tenth Division is your best option. We won't treat you worse than the Second Division. Promise."
Shiba Isshin puffed up his chest as a teacher and, with a laugh, interrupted Yoruichi's offer before making one of his own.
As the Tenth Division Captain, he meant every word. His invitation was genuine.
Compared to Yoruichi's vague promise, his was grounded and official.
"It's an honor to have your recognition, Teacher Isshin."
"However, we're still students. We'll think about team placement after graduation."
"And at that time, we'll certainly give the Tenth Division priority."
Ran Yan finally raised his head, removed his hand from his forehead, and replied with a composed smile.
As for Yoruichi... he didn't even acknowledge her.
Despite being the Shihouin Clan head, she currently had no real authority. Others in the clan held more sway than she did.
"I feel the same way."
"But I still appreciate Teacher Isshin's invitation."
Aizen followed his brother's tone, smiling with poise.
After the attack the night before—and realizing the culprits were among the Four Noble Houses—the two brothers had already made their decisions.
Neither the Second Division nor the Tenth would ultimately be their choice.
They had a different future in mind.
"Still, you two should remember—there's time before graduation."
"The most important thing right now is training and growth."
Shiba Isshin nodded approvingly, even more impressed.
Talented but humble.
Powerful yet respectful.
One brother was commanding and visionary.
The other, gentle and magnanimous.
Two very different temperaments—both destined for greatness.
Whether it was due to Aizen's demonstration or Kyōka Suigetsu's hypnotic inspiration, something clicked for many of the students.
During that day's meditation practice, several students began hearing faint whispers from their Zanpakutō.
Some voices were intermittent.Others came through clearly.
Either way—it was a breakthrough.
Students like Komamura Sajin and Amakita Shushū became more focused, calmer in spirit, and more deeply attuned.