Despite Akira's dismissive tone regarding the Kuchiki clan, he had to admit—Byakuya Kuchiki conducted himself with honor.
"Before the duel concluded in his defeat, he never struck a dishonorable blow, nor did he demean me with words or actions," Akira reflected inwardly.
"Ultimately, it was my own decision to approach him, following my grandfather's advice."
Byakuya Kuchiki, too, thought back to the earlier conflict. He didn't regret his actions, but there was a certain quiet acceptance in his demeanor.
The previous discomfort and frustration had ebbed.
Still, pride demanded satisfaction.
As a noble of the Kuchiki family, he had never before tasted defeat—neither in status nor in skill.
He could not simply let it go.
"…"
Akira, noticing the shift in Byakuya's gaze as Shihōin Yoruichi spoke, said nothing.
What was there to say?
The three of them now stood side by side.
All just to witness Kyōka Suigetsu's Shikai demonstration.
Akira already knew how to break the illusion of complete hypnosis, and he was confident in using his own Zanpakutō to counter its effects.
But even so, how could he not be curious?
Watching the famed Zanpakutō of Aizen Sōsuke in action was not an opportunity to waste.
"Shatter—Kyōka Suigetsu."
Aizen stepped down from the elevated platform at the front of the training hall. With calm elegance, he drew the sleek Zanpakutō from his side and held it inverted, its tip angled to the ground.
Crack.
The sound echoed like breaking glass.
Instantly, a veil of thick mist coiled outward from Aizen.
Phantasms emerged—each one a perfect copy of him.
To the naked eye, and even to those sensing Reiatsu, it became impossible to determine which form was real.
Kyōka Suigetsu's complete hypnosis was active.
Clang—
While Byakuya Kuchiki narrowed his eyes, calculating how to analyze and counter the illusion, the cold kiss of steel touched the side of his neck.
He froze.
In a flash, a blade had emerged behind him—its edge now resting against his skin.
The sensation sent a shiver through his spine.
His posture stiffened, every nerve on edge.
It was the reaction of a seasoned warrior facing death.
The cold pressure of the blade, the overwhelming presence behind him—
"I apologize for the offense, Kuchiki," came the soft voice.
Aizen's calm tone only made the situation more suffocating.
Whether intentional or coincidental, Aizen had chosen Byakuya—who'd only recently clashed with Akira—as his demonstration target.
And now, his Zanpakutō rested at Byakuya's throat, as if to remind him how fragile pride could be.
"…"
Byakuya said nothing, but his pupils contracted.
His heart roared like a waterfall crashing down a cliff.
He had believed Akira to be the only true rival in their advanced class, apart from Shihōin Yoruichi, who was already an elite from one of the Four Noble Houses.
But now?
In front of Akira, he couldn't even withstand a basic Hadō spell like #4—Byakurai.
And in front of Aizen, he hadn't even reacted before a blade touched his neck.
No resistance. No warning. Just… helplessness.
Why is it always me?
"One brother is terrifying," he thought.
"The other is worse."
"How is anyone supposed to compete with the brothers Akira and Aizen?"
From across the training ground, Shiba Kaien turned his head completely to watch the scene.
He had seen Aizen appear behind Byakuya as if the man had turned to mist, then reform right behind him without the slightest spiritual pressure.
"Reiatsu comparable to a seated officer or even a junior Captain…" Kaien murmured.
"And this Shikai… If used in actual combat, any average lieutenant would be cut down before they realized the fight began."
"So this is Akira's younger brother…"
"Terrifying potential. That Shikai is lethal for assassination or precision strikes."
"No wonder he's labeled a once-in-a-century genius…"
The room was filled with murmurs as other advanced students processed what they saw.
Although it didn't have the overwhelming shock of Akira's Hadō #4 from yesterday—where he split the training grounds nearly a hundred meters with lightning—it sent chills down everyone's spine.
Aizen had revealed Kyōka Suigetsu's Shikai publicly.
And yet, even forewarned, Byakuya was fooled and subdued instantly.
The fear wasn't just in the ability, but in the precision of its use.
"Aizen," Yoruichi said with a glint in her eye, "with a skill like that, you'd be well suited to the Second Division."
Why don't you two brothers consider joining the Second Division together after graduating from the Shin'ō Spiritual Arts Academy?"
Yoruichi Shihōin smiled knowingly as she glanced at Akira and then at Aizen, clearly inspired by what she had just seen.
"In addition to the Onmitsukidō's Executive Militia, we also oversee the Patrol Corps, the Detention Unit, the Corps Commanders of the Stealth Force, and the general combat squads. You'd have your pick of positions."
Akira raised an eyebrow. Yoruichi's words weren't casual—they reflected her authority as the current Commander of the Onmitsukidō and heir to the Shihōin Clan, though unofficially. Despite that, her influence within the Gotei 13 was restrained since she hadn't yet formally taken a captaincy.
"Ahem, ahem. Yoruichi-san, may I remind you that you're not even formally commissioned in the Gotei 13 at the moment?"
Shiba Isshin coughed and waved dismissively as he stepped forward.
"Also, we're still in the middle of class. This isn't your personal recruitment fair."
His tone lightened as he turned toward Akira and Aizen, smile broadening.
"Anyway! Akira, Aizen—you both have remarkable potential. If you're considering joining the Gotei 13 after graduation, I personally believe Squad 10 would suit you best. You don't have to worry about treatment or advancement. We're just as capable as the Second Division, believe me."
Isshin's voice was warm, but the sincerity in his eyes was unmistakable. As the current Captain of the 10th Division, he wasn't just making idle chatter—this was a personal, official invitation. Unlike Yoruichi's casual suggestion, Isshin's offer carried real weight.
"It's our honor to be considered by Captain Isshin," Akira said with a respectful nod, brushing his hand lightly across his brow—a subtle gesture he often used when addressing authority.
"However, we're still students. It's only right that we wait until graduation before making such a decision."
His words were courteous, yet firm.
"At that time, if we do decide to join, the 10th Division will be at the top of our list."
Though Akira responded to Isshin sincerely, he deliberately ignored Yoruichi's suggestion. Despite her noble status, she lacked formal authority for now. Within the Shihōin Clan itself, power had shifted toward senior advisors, and Yoruichi was little more than a symbol until she officially stepped into her role.
"I feel the same," Aizen added calmly, standing beside his brother.
"But I want to express my gratitude to Captain Isshin for extending the invitation."
After surviving the assassination attempt the previous night—and discovering that nobles had orchestrated the attack—both brothers had privately reached a decision. Regardless of who extended an offer, they already had a different path in mind for after graduation.
"Still," Isshin said, rubbing the back of his neck, "you've got time. You're both top of your class, but there's no rush."
"What's most important right now is continuing to hone your skills and absorb what you can."
Isshin's appreciation for the brothers deepened with every exchange.
Talented but humble. Strong, yet grounded.
Akira exuded ambition cloaked in poise, bearing the air of a future commander.
Aizen, elegant and introspective, radiated clarity and calm.
Though their personalities differed, both possessed the qualities of a captain.
Isshin wasn't sure whether it was the impact of witnessing Kyōka Suigetsu's Shikai or simply the ripple effect of being in the same room as such talent, but something had shifted in the room.
During the next round of Jinzen—sword meditation—several students began to hear faint voices resonating from within their Zanpakutō.
Some were fragmented, others clearer.
But progress was undeniable.
Even those like Komamura Sajin and Tenbē Hidetake—usually stoic and focused—felt their spiritual connection deepen. Their Reiatsu grew calmer. Their inner worlds began to respond.
And all of it had begun with two brothers.
One whose strength split the earth.
The other who could kill without being seen.
And both who now sat quietly, their futures already written in quiet resolve.