Staring at Aiyan's retreating back…
At that moment, in the eyes of every Shinigami present, Aiyan's image took on a new weight.
He was no longer just the once-in-a-millennium genius of the Shin'ō Academy. Now, he stood tall as an older brother—someone who would go against the authority of the Captain-Commander himself, someone willing to graduate early just to protect his younger brother by facing off against a Gotei 13 Captain.
This wasn't just raw talent anymore—it was character, spirit, and conviction.
In that instant, Aiyan's figure became larger than life.
Comparable even to Aizen, that famously humble and elegant genius. But Aizen was like a distant star—unreachable and refined. Aiyan, on the other hand, was grounded. He bled for his brother. He stood tall for his beliefs. That made him real.
Just like how Kyōraku Shunsui once had an older brother.
"…What a mess."
"I never thought I'd see the day when a Captain of the Gotei 13 would act like a petty thief. Hirako Shinji really made a fool of himself."
Kyōraku shook his head with a bitter smile.
Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, standing silently, finally opened his mouth.
"Shunsui, what do you think?"
Even he, the Captain-Commander who had ruled over the Gotei 13 for over a thousand years, found this situation difficult.
On one hand, there was Hirako Shinji—an established Captain, with deep connections and seniority.
On the other, the Aiyan brothers—peerless talents of the Shin'ō Academy, and a duo whose popularity in Seireitei had already surpassed expectations.
Even for Yamamoto, this was not easy to settle.
"…Let them resolve this themselves, old man."
Kyōraku answered simply.
"No matter how this duel ends, the Fifth Division will still have a Captain."
His words sounded impartial, but the intent was clear—he was already leaning toward Aiyan.
After seeing Aiyan's strength with his own eyes, Kyōraku knew he would not lose.
"…Captain Isshin, you were there too. What's your view?"
Yamamoto turned toward Shiba Isshin.
"…It's true that Captain Hirako didn't act properly," Isshin said without hesitation.
"Aiyan backed off again and again, gave him chances, and tried to avoid conflict."
"He only accepted this duel because he was forced to—because Captain Hirako left him no choice."
If Kyōraku was subtle in his support, Isshin was direct. In front of the Captain-Commander and several top-ranking captains, he made his position clear—he disapproved of Hirako's actions entirely.
"…What about you, Captain Unohana?"
Yamamoto finally turned toward the quiet figure of Unohana Retsu.
Unohana opened her eyes gently, her expression calm as ever.
"I'm the captain of the 4th Division," she said softly. "My concern is with healing and emergency response."
"My only promise is this: I'll ensure this duel sees blood, but not death."
Her words were gentle, but chilling.
"…Thank you."
Yamamoto's voice lowered.
That settled it.
If the fight wouldn't result in death, then whether Aiyan or Hirako Shinji ended up as the Fifth Division's Captain wouldn't weaken the Gotei 13.
And to be honest… Yamamoto was already dissatisfied with Hirako.
He had tried—and failed—to recruit the Aiyan brothers into his personal guard. But not only did Hirako fail to recognize their value, he even threatened and suppressed them.
"…Captain-Commander, I still have urgent matters to attend to at the squad barracks."
Shiba Isshin bowed and excused himself. He wasn't lying—Aiyan had already headed to the Fifth Division's barracks, and Isshin had promised to bring two hundred Shinigami along to support him.
He wasn't about to let Hirako twist the narrative with tricks.
And sure enough—
Back at the Fifth Division's barracks, Hirako Shinji was already clearing the area.
He ordered all officers and members to evacuate the dormitory, leaving only his lieutenant, Sarugaki Hiyori, behind.
"Idiot! What are you doing!?"
"Are you that afraid of losing to a guy who's only been a Shinigami for a month?"
"You're not even brave enough to fight him in front of your own division?"
Hiyori scowled at him.
She had been at the Kendo Hall herself when things exploded weeks ago. She had seen what happened. She had also personally investigated Aiyan's time at Shin'ō Academy.
What did she find?
Aizen was universally respected—humble, polite, noble.
Aiyan, meanwhile, was courageous and protective—he had openly challenged authority for the sake of his brother.
Compared to that, Hirako's actions… had been small and petty.
From the threat at the dojo to this underhanded evacuation—it disgusted her.
"…Afraid?"
Hirako chuckled bitterly.
"No, Hiyori. I just want him to understand the gap between us."
"The distance between a mere genius… and a real captain."
Then, without waiting for her reply, he stood up and began walking.
"…Let's go."
"The so-called 'strongest genius of the millennium' is here."
"We shouldn't keep him waiting, right? Or else he'll say we don't know how to treat our guests."
He didn't look back.
"…Tch."
Hiyori sighed and followed. What else could she do?
This was her captain—whether she liked it or not.
And just as they stepped out the doors of the Fifth Division barracks—
Aiyan arrived.
His posture was relaxed. His black Shihakushō fluttered gently with each step. His eyes were calm.
"…Forgive me."
"I've been busy, so I didn't have time to prepare a welcome ceremony."
"It's just me and the lieutenant here. Hope you don't mind?"
Hirako smiled with mocking politeness.
"Why would I mind?"
Aiyan smiled back.
His eyes swept across the empty courtyard—large, silent, and utterly void of people.
He understood immediately.
"…So this is your last little trick?"
Aiyan looked at him calmly.
"How disappointing."
"I actually wanted to let you walk away with dignity."
"…Student Aiyan, I'm afraid I don't understand what you're talking about," Hirako replied, tapping his forehead in mock confusion.
"…Oh, my bad. You're not a student anymore, are you?"
"You're officially a Shinigami now. So when you talk to a Gotei Captain, you should show some respect."
He grinned.
"…Captain Hirako."
"This will be the last time I call you that."
"After today, you'll have nothing to do with the Fifth Division."
Aiyan's voice was soft, but icy.
"…Such bold words," Hirako scoffed. "Save them until after you manage to gather 200 Shinigami to your side."
Aiyan just laughed.
"…So you really don't plan on backing out with dignity."
"Fine, then."
"If you want to lose disgracefully… I'll be happy to help."
He turned slightly, his eyes calm.
Hirako Shinji didn't realize…
That the person he was mocking was not only confident—but completely certain of his victory.
And behind that certainty, was a strategist greater than even himself—
All his schemes, all his tricks, in front of Aiyan and Aizen… were child's play.