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The announcement of Su Li's upcoming retreat rippled through the Gotei 13 like a dropped stone stirring still water. Most squads reacted first with disbelief, then a quiet awe that grew louder in murmurs and mess hall conversations.
He was already the strongest among the captains—yet still sought to ascend higher.
That hunger, bordering on obsession, startled many. But the prevailing sentiment was not ridicule—it was admiration. Su Li's unrelenting pursuit of strength stirred something buried in long-serving Shinigami whose ambitions had long dulled, their edges worn smooth by time and routine. If a genius could still chase the summit with such desperation, then what excuse did the rest of them have?
Many began placing his portrait beside their futons as a quiet vow, a daily reminder not to fall idle. For some, it was symbolic. For others, it was fuel.
In the Eleventh Division's dojo, Abarai Renji knelt in silence from dawn until noon. When he finally moved, it was with quiet fury. He trained until his palms split and bled, refusing rest, swinging his blade long into the evening.
Other captains each responded in their own way. Zaraki Kenpachi, ever blunt, submitted notice to the Head-Captain that he too would begin a retreat—then grinned and recanted moments later. "Nah. Still prefer beatin' people to thinkin'." His version of growth would always be found in combat.
Byakuya Kuchiki offered no commentary, but the silence was telling. He withdrew into the Kuchiki estate's dojo, its doors sealed tight.
Kyoraku Shunsui and Ukitake Jūshirō merely exchanged looks and lifted their sake cups beneath the shade of a cherry blossom. "We'll toast him when he returns," Shunsui murmured.
As for Kurotsuchi Mayuri, he sneered and muttered, "Ill," then disappeared into his lab. No further explanation was needed.
Yet regardless of the reactions, the shift was undeniable. A subtle fire had ignited across the Soul Society. In training grounds, in private dojos, in the quiet clatter of wooden swords and the focused hum of Kidō incantations—Yamamoto Genryūsai felt it. And it pleased him deeply.
---
Moonlight bathed the Fifth Division quarters in silver. Su Li stepped quietly down a narrow path, the weight of his retreat now imminent. One last visit remained.
At the door of the Fifth Division captain's room, he knocked softly.
"Come in," came the calm, ever-gentle voice from within.
He slid the door open. Aizen Sōsuke, seated at his desk beneath a warm lamp glow, looked up with mild surprise before offering a serene smile.
"Captain Su Li. What an unexpected honor. Please, make yourself comfortable."
"I apologize for the intrusion so late," Su Li replied, bowing with practiced grace.
"Your presence is a welcome one," Aizen answered. "It brings this humble room to life."
Su Li gave a chuckle. "Captain Aizen is too kind. I wasn't sure if I'd be welcome."
They exchanged pleasantries in circles—polite, excessive, and elegant in the way only high-ranking officers could manage. For a moment, the air was filled with nothing but warm smiles and ritualized courtesy.
Eventually, Aizen poured two cups of tea and set one before Su Li. "So, I hear you begin your retreat tomorrow. What brings you here tonight?"
"I had hoped to visit earlier, but the day was... difficult to disentangle." Su Li accepted the cup and nodded. "But I couldn't leave without seeing you."
Aizen gave an approving nod. "And how can I assist you?"
"There are two things," Su Li said, lowering his voice slightly. "The first... I'd like to request a piece of your calligraphy."
That drew a rare blink from Aizen. "Calligraphy?"
"Yes. I'd like to hang it in my dojo during training. A reminder to stay humble."
Aizen's expression softened. "What inscription would you like?"
"There are people beyond people. Mountains beyond mountains," Su Li replied.
"A profound choice." Rising gracefully, Aizen stepped to his desk, prepared the ink with practiced ease, and began to write. Su Li watched in composed silence, but the gleam in his eyes betrayed his anticipation.
Moments later, Aizen handed over a scroll, its brushwork crisp and commanding.
"Remarkable work," Su Li said with quiet awe, rolling the scroll with care.
"You honor me, Captain Su Li," Aizen replied, folding his hands modestly.
Su Li tucked the scroll away and hesitated, as if reluctant to speak again.
"There's something else—though it's difficult to explain."
"You needn't hesitate."
Looking around, Su Li lowered his voice. "Please don't tell anyone this... but I've never fully released my Zanpakutō."
Aizen's gaze sharpened, though his smile remained gentle.
"Last night, I finally felt something. I entered the inner world for the first time, though it was hazy. I didn't see the spirit clearly, but... I know my Zanpakutō is illusion-type."
He looked up, hesitant. "You've mastered Kyōka Suigetsu... I was hoping you might guide me."
Aizen gave a slow nod, eyes narrowing behind his glasses. "I admit, I'm surprised. With your strength, I assumed your Zanpakutō had already revealed itself."
Su Li gave a sheepish smile. "I thought purification would bring me closer. That's why I... did what I did in Karakura Town."
"An understandable mistake," Aizen said, voice velvety. "But communion with your Zanpakutō must come from within—not through bloodshed."
"I realize that now," Su Li said. "That's why I've come to you."
Inside, Aizen's mind turned quickly. He had not expected such a convenient opportunity, not so soon. But here Su Li stood—gift-wrapped and ignorant, an open door.
"Unfortunately, I can't teach you to speak with your Zanpakutō," Aizen said with the perfect amount of regret. "That moment must come from within. But... perhaps watching a release might inspire you."
Su Li's eyes lit up. "Really? Yes, please—I'd be honored!"
Aizen studied him a moment longer. So open. So eager. Too easy.
With a calm smile, he stood and stepped toward the sword resting behind him.
"Then prepare yourself," he said, voice dipping slightly as he drew the blade.
Kyōka Suigetsu gleamed in the light, the reflection glasslike.
With no flourish, no warning, he spoke the word:
"Kyōka Suigetsu."
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