"Maybe it's been a long time since I've seen such an exceptional pair of Shinigami brothers," Yamamoto Genryūsai murmured, fingers resting firmly on his cane-shaped Zanpakutō. "Yes, the thought crossed my mind... but we'll need to observe further."
"Reiatsu alone does not make a Shinigami," he continued. "It's only one piece of the whole."
Jūshirō Ukitake nodded respectfully. "I understand, Teacher."
"Tomorrow, I'll take them to receive their sealed Zanpakutō and begin teaching Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hohō, and Kidō."
Indeed, while Reiatsu was the foundation of any Shinigami, Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hohō, and Kidō collectively known as Zan-Ken-Sō-Ki were equally vital.
And among them, the Zanpakutō was the heart.
In battle between two Shinigami of similar Reiatsu, the one with the stronger Zanpakutō especially a unique or awakened one would almost always prevail.
Yamamoto's meaning was clear. If Ran En and Aizen also displayed unmatched talent in combat and possessed exceptional Zanpakutō, then they wouldn't just be promising students...
They'd be disciples worth training personally.
If not? Then the thought would pass, like a falling star brilliant for a moment, then gone.
The Next Day
Captain Ukitake arrived early at the Spiritual Arts Academy.
Whether it was Yamamoto's quiet interest in Ran En, or the historic talent blooming in this year's first class, he was taking no chances.
Standing before the top class, he spoke with gentle authority.
"As your primary instructor, allow me to formally introduce myself."
"I'm Jūshirō Ukitake. It's an honor to guide you and witness the beginning of your journey."
He scanned the classroom.
Most were of noble birth familiar faces from Seireitei's elite. Only a few, like Tōsen Kaname and Komamura Sajin, hailed from the outer districts of Rukongai.
But Ukitake's gaze eventually settled on the one sitting quietly in the back row Ran En.
"And now," Ukitake said, holding up a list, "those whose names I call, please follow me. You'll be receiving your sealed Zanpakutō."
"This blade will be with you day and night. Treasure it. Respect it. Do not take this moment lightly."
He began to read.
" Ran En Sōsuke."
"Aizen Sōsuke."
"Tōsen Kaname."
"Komamura Sajin."
...
Each name echoed across the room, summoning the students from Rukongai.
Just as expected.
Ran En observed in silence. So it's true… Nobles are gifted sealed Zanpakutō from birth, while commoners must come here to receive theirs.
"A corrupt system," he thought. "If the sealed state were made accessible to all, the number of Shinigami in Seireitei could easily double."
Aizen nodded faintly, clearly sharing the sentiment.
Suddenly, Shihouin Yoruichi stood up from her seat.
"Jūshirō, mind if we tag along? Might as well watch something interesting."
Ukitake raised a brow but smiled. "Of course. Any student who's curious may join."
He added pointedly, "But please call me Sensei, Yoruichi-san."
"Got it, Jūshirō~" she grinned mischievously.
He could only sigh. It wasn't like she needed formal schooling anyway.
She was heir to the Shihouin clan, and already had the strength to qualify as vice-captain. If not for tradition, she could skip the Academy altogether and join the Second Division.
This? This was just to add a shiny badge to her resume before taking command.
Under Ukitake's guidance, the group arrived at an ancient, Kido-sealed building.
"Open."
He pressed his hand forward, and a flash of Reiatsu burst out sharp, refined, and unmistakably powerful.
Even veterans like Urahara Kisuke were impressed.
Only Ran En and Aizen seemed unfazed, chatting softly as if they'd seen it all before.
Inside the building, two guards stepped forward with respectful salutes.
"Captain Ukitake."
"No need for formality," he replied. "I'm here to guide new students in collecting their sealed Zanpakutō."
He handed over the list.
Moments later, several sealed blades plain, undecorated, and equal in appearance were brought out.
"All sealed Zanpakutō begin the same," Ukitake explained. "They hold no shape or personality until bonded."
"Pour your spirit, beliefs, and Reiatsu into them. Only then will your unique Zanpakutō be born."
"Choose freely. The blade will respond to you."
The students moved forward, excitement in their eyes. For those like Tōsen, Komamura, and others from humble beginnings, this was their moment of ascension a step from ordinary soul to Shinigami.
But Ran En and Aizen didn't move.
Aizen leaned in and whispered, "Brother… I heard a voice."
Ran En's brows raised slightly.
"I heard it clearly," Aizen continued. "It scoffed at these sealed blades. Said it had already chosen me."
In his usual calm voice, Aizen delivered the revelation like a scholar discussing literature.
But the meaning was immense.
He had already connected with his true Zanpakutō.
Without ever holding a blade.
Ran En's thoughts spun.
So it's already begun…
Hitsugaya could hear Hyōrinmaru before wielding it. Aizen has clearly done the same. And those with apex talent like Ichigo in the future don't need to bond through a sealed state.
They are chosen.
Not made.
[Upon learning Aizen can already hear the voice of his Zanpakutō, your own Zanpakutō, unwilling to be outshone, takes the initiative to descend.]
Suddenly, a surge of Reiatsu erupted from within Ran En's body.
Like a tidal wave rising from his soul, it rushed toward his palm pure, ancient, and alive.
A presence.
A will.
A Zanpakutō, born not from forging steel, but from the depths of his very existence.