"Don't use being blind as an excuse. You are strong; that is my judgment."
Yoriichi's gaze was fixed on Tōsen Kaname, his eyes revealing certainty, his tone firm and unquestionable.
"I don't know why the Fifth Division transferred you out, but in the Ninth Division, your strength is enough to rank in the top ten."
It was still for the same reason: under Touhou Sekigan, every detail was clearly visible.
By observing a person's spiritual pressure intensity, blood flow rate, and muscle activity, one can roughly judge their strength.
Tōsen Kaname's spiritual pressure was not weak.
Combined with his keen five senses,
even if he couldn't see his opponent, he could sense the attack trajectory with his mind and avoid it.
This judgment, derived from hearing, was far more reliable than sight.
For example, his own Illusionary Sunbow was completely useless against Tōsen Kaname.
At this, Tōsen Kaname was silent for a few seconds, then showed a bitter smile:
"But I am indeed a blind person..."
"Are blind people necessarily weak?" Yoriichi countered, "You underestimate yourself, Kaname."
"This sparring is not just for ranking seats; it's more for considering the safety of those Rukongai residents when we go on missions in the future."
"Besides you all, the ordinary Shinigami will also participate."
"This way, there won't be situations like pearls being obscured, or virtue not matching position, leading to mission failures, or even casualties."
Yoriichi's attitude was very sincere.
Even though Tōsen Kaname was burdened with the task Aizen had given him, he couldn't help but fall silent again at this moment.
He really wanted to agree.
Because this was "justice."
Although it wasn't the justice he needed...
He wanted to overthrow the corrupt Soul Society with Aizen.
But...
During this period, if he could help others, help those Rukongai residents who shared his background, he was still willing and happy to do so...
After thinking for a moment, Tōsen Kaname finally agreed to these terms.
Although it might violate the task Aizen had given him, violating the principle of being as low-key as possible,
since Tsugikuni Yoriichi could see through him, further concealment would be useless.
It was better to act openly, which might lower his guard.
Hopefully...
Aizen's side would proceed smoothly.
Tōsen Kaname kept thinking, his thoughts surging like a tide.
After he left, the commotion caused by the seating arrangements gradually subsided with the arrival of the sparring matches.
All dissatisfaction, impulsiveness, and pride could be freely vented in these contests.
...
...
At the same time, in the Thirtieth District of East Rukongai.
A ragged blonde girl killed a hyena with her bare hands, struggling through numerous obstacles, finally entering the village.
Her hair was disheveled, like withered grass ravaged by a strong wind, and her clothes were full of holes and stains, as if she had experienced countless hardships.
She arrived at the roadside.
Suddenly, she heard a piece of news.
The villagers chatted about how the silver-haired boy who had stayed with them for a night years ago had actually become a Shinigami, which was truly unexpected.
When the girl heard the words "silver-haired boy," her mood instantly became as excited as if she had eaten a chili pepper.
Her heart pounded rapidly, as if it would leap out of her chest, and she quickly went forward to ask the villagers for details.
She learned that this incident had occurred about a year and a half ago.
"A year and a half?"
The girl frowned, then raised her eyes, "Did he say anything else?"
"That is, did he mention his companion?"
The villagers exchanged glances, a little bewildered.
However, considering that the girl might know the boy, one person spoke up in due course:
"He didn't mention anything, he just rested here for one night and left the next day, saying he was going to become a Shinigami."
"To this day, I still remember that boy's name, Gin, Ichimaru Gin."
"I didn't expect him to really become..."
At this point, the person sighed with emotion, then asked, "Who are you? Do you know him?"
The girl took a deep breath, the bloodstains on her body not hindering her eyes from shining brightly.
Her slightly curly blonde hair, though dulled by dust and having lost its original dazzling color, making her demeanor a bit subdued, her tone was still upbeat:
"Rangiku, Matsumoto Rangiku."
"Please tell me the location of the next district!"
"He's my friend, I need to find him!"
...
Fifth Division.
Inside the barracks.
Ichimaru Gin, who was currently accepting a challenge from a Shinigami, suddenly felt uneasy for some reason.
His brows furrowed slightly, and a hint of confusion flashed in his eyes.
He waved his hand to block the oncoming slash and chanted:
"Shoot to kill him, Shinsō!"
Instantly, everything in front of his Zanpakuto, Shinsō, was pierced through; the originally dagger-length Shinsō extended beyond the barracks.
Only after pushing the challenging Shinigami flying did Shinsō quickly retract, and he lightly flicked it.
Swish!
Blood splattered, Ichimaru Gin's expression was normal, still smiling.
However, what no one knew was that his heart was slightly turbulent.
His gaze penetrated the barracks and looked into the distance.
In his narrowed eyes,
an emotion called solemnity suddenly flashed.
His heart rate accelerated a few beats.
—What's going on?
—Why... is my heart uneasy?
He quickly reviewed everything he had done these past few days and found no abnormalities.
His disguise was still perfect, still the ruthless, power-focused, easy-to-control Ichimaru Gin.
—Is it Aizen?
A hint of vigilance flashed in Ichimaru Gin's eyes; he knew Aizen was an opponent not to be underestimated.
—What has he done now?
To be honest, the only one who could affect him now was Aizen.
To avoid any twists in his revenge plan, and to avenge Rangiku, he pondered for a while and decided to observe Aizen's movements in the near future.
He couldn't see through Aizen, but he knew that this man's ambition was enormous.
Sometimes, Ichimaru Gin even felt that Aizen's goal was not the so-called Shinigami Hollowfication.
Aizen simply wanted to find a challenging goal for himself.
However, it was this casual action that, in the past, had harmed many Rukongai residents.
Rangiku was one of them.
Her soul was damaged by Aizen, permanently missing a part.
For this reason, Ichimaru Gin, who had depended on Matsumoto Rangiku since childhood, chose to separate from her.
Ichimaru Gin knew this action was too heartless, but he had to do it, because staying in Rukongai would inevitably prevent his revenge.
Only by staying by this man's side would he have a chance to reclaim Rangiku's things one day and kill him.
He needed time to grow, and he also needed time to figure out Aizen's entire plan.
Hoo...
At this thought, Ichimaru Gin let out a heavy breath.
Shinsō at his waist was already sheathed; he ignored the fearful gazes of the surrounding Shinigami and slowly walked out of the barracks.
Footsteps echoed around him, and his mindset gradually became resolute.
—It's been two years, I will kill you one day, Aizen.
—Rangiku, wait for me!