After a short while, Aiyan dispelled the dark spiral vortex and withdrew his finger from where it had touched the Adjuchas's brow.
The warped space smoothed itself out, and the distorted light that had been pulled into the darkness was restored, flowing freely once again.
Everything returned to normal—as if nothing had ever happened.
Only the Adjuchas Menos Grande was gone, completely erased from existence.
There weren't even shattered limbs left behind—no traces of spiritual particles, not even a speck of dust.
Just like matter swallowed by a black hole, crushed by an unfathomable gravity. Not only could it not be recovered, but it couldn't even leave behind a trace of its presence.
Light when the eyes are open. Darkness when they are closed.
Two sides of the same blade.
Both are ultimate forms.
This is the Zanpakutō that merges the strongest of the light element and the strongest of the dark element.
This is Aiyan's Kōfūin.
This is Aiyan's Zanpakutō Shikai.
...
"Is that an elemental Zanpakutō?"
"Looks like a dark-type…"
"The swirling darkness is terrifying. Just looking at it makes my heart feel heavy."
"That blade is no joke."
"That's the Zanpakutō of the most talented student the Shin'ō Academy has seen in over two thousand years! You think it would be ordinary?"
All the present Shinigami stared in awe.
Even though Aiyan had only shown a small glimpse of Kōfūin's dark ability, the brief exposure to that dense, oppressive darkness was enough to leave the observers shaken.
Even Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, wielder of the most powerful fire-type Zanpakutō, couldn't stay calm.
"Ryūjin Jakka... are you telling me about that blade?"
"...So even you feel threatened?"
At first, Yamamoto Genryūsai only cast a glance toward Aiyan's blade.
After all, he had seen countless Zanpakutō during his millennia of service.
Some had strange abilities.
Some were extraordinarily powerful.
A few, like his own Ryūjin Jakka, held the title of being the strongest within a certain type.
But when Ryūjin Jakka itself began to warn him, whispering its unease about Kōfūin—
His expression changed.
Shock. Caution. Even fear.
Who was Ryūjin Jakka?
It wasn't just the oldest Zanpakutō in Soul Society—it held the title of the strongest offense-type Zanpakutō, a manifestation of fire itself, blazing like the sun.
And yet, this very Zanpakutō now trembled before Kōfūin.
How could Yamamoto Genryūsai not take it seriously?
"Captain Isshin," Aiyan said casually, sheathing his Zanpakutō as he walked back. "Does this count as passing?"
Shiba Isshin stared at the sealed Zanpakutō at Aiyan's waist.
Though he didn't hear Ryūjin Jakka's warning like Yamamoto did, his instincts were sharp.
That Zanpakutō was Dangerous. Mystifying.
"The result is clear."
"Aiyan Sōsuke—"
"You've passed the graduation exam. Early graduation, approved."
As Shiba officially announced the result, a faculty member stepped forward and respectfully offered a fresh Shihakushō—the black uniform worn by the official Shinigami.
"From now on, you are a full-fledged Shinigami."
"You can wait for the First Division to assign you a position—or, you may personally submit an application to any of the Gotei 13 squads."
"…Although I know your heart likely lies elsewhere, I'll still ask."
"Would you consider joining my 10th Division?"
Shiba gave one last heartfelt invitation.
But before Aiyan could even open his mouth to reply—
A deep voice cut through the air.
"Captain Isshin, I do not approve of your invitation."
Yamamoto Genryūsai stepped forward, his voice firm and unquestionable.
The Head Captain himself had spoken.
"Aiyan Sōsuke."
"Would you consider joining my First Division, as its Lieutenant?"
In an instant, everyone present was stunned.
Graduating and immediately becoming a Lieutenant?
It had happened in Soul Society's long history… but never for someone who joined the First Division—the Head Captain's own squad.
Normally, Lieutenants served directly under their captains and held status just beneath them.
But the First Division was different.
The First Division had two Lieutenants, and even their authority rivaled some captains from other squads.
"Should you accept, I will personally train you daily," Yamamoto added, calmly dropping a bombshell.
Even the other captains were left wide-eyed.
Only Jūshirō Ukitake, who knew Yamamoto had long hoped to take a disciple, managed to stay composed.
But the others were shocked.
It wasn't just the position that was tempting.
It was the daily instruction from Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni himself—a privilege so rare that even nobles would bow their heads for it.
"Thank you for your kindness, Captain."
"…Unfortunately."
"I must decline."
Aiyan's answer struck the room like a lightning bolt.
He had refused.
Refused the Head Captain's personal invitation.
Refused the position of First Division's Lieutenant.
Refused Yamamoto's mentorship.
Shock rippled through the room once again.
"Why?" Yamamoto asked, genuinely surprised.
He had never been refused before.
Not in over a thousand years.
Was it because his power wasn't enough?
Or was the Lieutenant seat not worthy of Aiyan?
"If you'd asked me a few weeks ago, I'd have agreed without hesitation."
"But now…"
"I have a fight that I can't avoid. I hope you understand, Captain."
Aiyan's voice was calm and respectful, but also firm.
Yamamoto could see he had thought this through well in advance.
A premeditated refusal.
Hirako Shinji would serve as a convenient shield later. That was part of the plan.
Because unlike other squads, where the captain had full control, the First Division's decisions ultimately lay in Yamamoto's hands.
And Aiyan—brilliant and ruthless—understood that he needed independence, not oversight.
Yamamoto's conservative and rigid ways didn't suit him.
Aizen would be a better fit.
"...A fight?"
"An appointment?"
"What do you mean?"
Yamamoto's brows furrowed slightly.
He remembered that he had once assigned surveillance to the Aiyan brothers.
But ever since Aizen perfected his polite, unambitious persona—thanks to the trickery of Kyōka Suigetsu—Yamamoto had let his guard down.
He had even felt admiration for Aizen's humility and intellect.
A man like that… How could he ever threaten Soul Society?
...
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