Shin wasn't embarrassed when his thoughts were exposed. After all, they were currently on opposing sides.
The only reason he hadn't directly attacked was because he was wary of Aizen's strength.
Aizen continued, "Could you tell me about your abilities? I'm quite curious."
"I can absorb and utilize solar energy."
Shin didn't mind revealing some false information, he himself wasn't entirely clear on it.
While Sun Breathing was indeed a breathing technique based on solar energy, Shana's ability revolved around Power of Existence.
"Solar energy? That's certainly interesting."
Aizen's tone shifted, "Then, would you mind showing me?"
In an instant, Aizen was in front of Shin and launched an attack.
Hakuda!
Although Shin's physical combat skills were not weak, he was still a step behind Aizen.
Bang!
After a brief exchange, Shin was knocked back by Aizen's elbow strike.
'As expected of Aizen. Even his Hakuda is so strong.'
Since Aizen wanted to see his abilities, Shin took the opportunity to try out the skill he had just acquired.
Great Blade of Crimson!
Crimson flames enveloped the tip of Nietono no Shana, slowly rising into the air to form a massive flaming katana.
Under the scorching heat of the crimson flames, even the air grew hot.
As he brandished Nietono no Shana, the giant flame blade moved with it. He slashed at Aizen with a single stroke.
Boom!
The flaming katana sliced through the ground, leaving trails of fire.
Aizen looked at the crimson flames, which were stronger than before, and slowly said, "It seems you were holding back in our previous battle."
"Hahaha... I just learned this." Shin spoke the truth.
However, sometimes telling the truth doesn't make people believe you.
Aizen clearly didn't believe that this was an ability Shin had just learned.
"In that case, I can't hold back either."
Saying this, Aizen drew the Zanpakuto from his waist and his Reiatsu rose sharply.
With just one slash, he cut the flaming katana in half, as easily as slicing a melon.
The next second, Aizen appeared beside Shin and delivered a seemingly ordinary slash towards him.
Facing the sudden attack, Shin strangely dodged it.
Fourth Form: Fake Rainbow!
Shin left an afterimage in place, while his true body had already moved behind Aizen.
Aizen, as a master of illusions, naturally saw through Shin's move at a glance. He immediately blocked the attack from behind with his sword.
Afterward, the two pulled apart.
Both sides were fighting cautiously, probing each other.
Aizen held his Zanpakuto vertically, pointing it at Shin.
"Shatter! Kyōka Suigetsu!"
Seeing Aizen suddenly about to activate his Zanpakuto's Shikai, Shin immediately closed his eyes.
There were several ways to counter Kyōka Suigetsu. The simplest was not to look at its Shikai. Tōsen Kaname was a good example.
When Aizen saw Shin close his eyes, he understood that he knew the true ability of his Zanpakuto.
"It seems Urahara knows quite a lot."
Aizen undoubtedly believed that Kisuke had informed Shin of this.
Shin wasn't afraid of the misunderstanding. He was happy for Kisuke to take the blame.
"I do know quite a lot from him."
Aizen then said, "Oh? Is that so? Then, do you also choose to succumb to 'that thing'?"
When mentioning the Soul King, Aizen's tone changed slightly.
"That thing? What thing?" Shin looked puzzled.
Aizen carefully observed Shin's expression, unable to detect any abnormality.
"It seems Urahara hasn't told you everything after all."
At this moment, Aizen had a different plan in mind.
"Alright, let's stop here. It seems my strength isn't enough to take you down."
Aizen smiled slightly. "We'll meet again."
With that, he used Shunpo to leave.
...
Shortly after Shin defeated Gin, the various squads of Seireitei received corresponding intel.
Vice-Captain's Office.
All the Vice-Captains of the Gotei 13, except for Yachiru, were gathered there.
"What? Captain Ichimaru was defeated by a Ryoka?"
Seeing this freshly released intel, everyone was shocked.
Rangiku, the Vice-Captain of the Tenth Division, showed a look of concern, muttering, "Gin..."
"Now, Captain Aizen of the Fifth Division has already rushed over."
Hearing that her captain had gone to the scene, Momo was somewhat worried. Without thinking further, she also hurried towards the White Road Gate.
Shin watched Aizen's sudden departure, feeling a bit strange.
Suddenly, a heart-wrenching scream echoed in his ears.
"Ah—"
A petite female Shinigami with her hair tied in a bun stared blankly at the White Road Gate.
It was Hinamori Momo, who had rushed over after hearing the news.
"Captain Aizen... Captain... Aizen..."
Looking at the dazed, unfocused girl, Shin had a bad feeling.
He recalled the scene in the original story where Aizen faked his death, it was exactly the same. Only the location had changed, and he was here now.
Shin realized he had been set up by Aizen.
He had just shifted the blame to Kisuke, and now Aizen had used him.
What goes around comes around.
Looking at Aizen, impaled on the White Road Gate—his eyes staring straight ahead, his clothes tattered, and blood streaming down the pristine white wall, Momo was heartbroken. She collapsed to her knees, tears streaming down her face.
Looking at Shin in front of her, Gin on the ground nearby, and the traces of battle around them, she roared and charged at Shin. "Was it you?!"
Facing the irrational girl, Shin blocked her attack with his sheath and then casually knocked her unconscious.
Momo was a pitiful person, manipulated by Aizen. She deeply admired Aizen but was cruelly used by him and almost killed.
Because of her, Aizen's classic quote was born—"Admiration is the furthest emotion from understanding."
At this moment, other Vice-Captains arrived one after another.
Witnessing this scene, everyone was in disbelief.
"Ho-how could this be?"
"Captain Aizen!"
Seeing the black-haired man in white knock Momo unconscious, Izuru, the Vice-Captain of the Third Division, reacted first, drawing his sword and rushing forward.
Seeing that he was about to be ganged up on, Shin had no choice but to retreat temporarily, explaining was impossible.
Wings of Crimson!
Shin quickly left the scene.
—
Aizen's death caused a huge uproar among the Shinigami.
As one of the thirteen captains of the Gotei 13, Aizen was gentle, elegant, and often guided others in their training, earning him an excellent reputation. Now, he had died at the hands of a Ryoka, which filled the Shinigami with both fear and extreme anger.
An urgent order was issued by the Central 46 and the First Division.
The execution of prisoner Kuchiki Rukia was moved up by five days. Additionally, all members of the Gotei 13 must carry their Zanpakuto at all times, increase the intensity of the search for the Ryoka, and allow Captains of each squad to fully release their Zanpakuto within Seireitei.