"A dead genius… is not a genius."
"They only matter to Yamamoto Genryūsai while they're still alive. Once dead, they disappear like smoke."
"Just like the captains of the First Generation Gotei 13, wouldn't you say, Chief Kuchiki?"
When Tsunayashiro Tokinada mentioned Yamamoto Genryūsai, there wasn't the slightest hint of fear in his expression.
Clearly, even the so-called strongest Shinigami in a thousand years couldn't restrain him from doing what he wanted.
After all, even the Captain-Commander is under the authority of the Central 46.
But what is Central 46?
It's a body composed entirely of nobles and elders.
And in Soul Society, is there any noble family more powerful than the Tsunayashiro?
No.
Well, except maybe the Kuchiki.
"If it really is a fragment of the Spirit King... Do you know what that means?"
Kuchiki Ginrei didn't respond to the mention of the First Generation captains and instead posed a different question.
"Of course. The four great noble houses share one mind. If I get something, half of it will be yours."
"For all these years, how many times have we secretly hunted down Shinigami who held a Spirit King's fragment? This wouldn't be the first time. Why would I lie now?"
"Even if the secret gets out, I'll take the fall for it. You, the shining face of the noble Kuchiki family—unblemished and revered—will stay clean."
Tsunayashiro Tokinada narrowed his eyes. The implications of what he said were chilling.
The two didn't speak again.
They simply locked eyes.
Then, just like he arrived, Tsunayashiro Tokinada slowly vanished into the air.
"...Such a pity," Kuchiki Ginrei muttered under his breath, barely audible.
"The old man already promised his daughter to Koga."
"I already made the proposal to Koga, and it will not be taken back."
"You were simply born at the wrong time, Aiyan... If the timing had been different, I would have welcomed you into the Kuchiki clan with open arms. I would've protected you with everything I had, made you into the next Yamamoto Genryūsai. You and Aizen both."
...
Coincidentally, at that very moment.
Inside the First Division's office, Yamamoto Genryūsai and Jūshirō Ukitake were also discussing the Aiyan brothers.
"No sealed state… and he still created his Zanpakutō."
"Comprehended Shikai on the spot."
"And within ten minutes, mastered all Kidō under #60... and even used many of them."
Even with all his years of experience, Yamamoto's steady, rock-like heart wavered slightly after hearing this.
"From what you've said... this Aiyan is likely even better than Shunsui was at that age."
There was clear admiration in his tone.
"Forget just Aiyan—his younger brother Aizen is no worse than Shunsui either. But… the brilliance of Aiyan completely overshadows him."
"Teacher Yamamoto, forgive me for being blunt. If you really intend to take a disciple, I suggest doing it soon. From what I've seen today, Aiyan only needs three months, at most, to master Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hohō, and Kidō. He might graduate from the Spiritual Arts Academy ahead of schedule."
Jūshirō Ukitake offered a firm warning.
"So soon?"
Yamamoto's normally closed eyes opened slightly, surprise flashing through them.
"Perhaps even sooner."
Ukitake nodded without hesitation.
"...Then I'll go myself."
After a moment's thought, Yamamoto Genryūsai stood up from his seat, much to Ukitake's surprise.
He had originally only been considering taking Aiyan as a disciple.
But now?
Now, that thought has turned into determination.
He would go in person.
If he waited even a few more months, Aiyan might be beyond teaching altogether.
"Teacher Yamamoto, you're going in person?"
"Wouldn't it be better if I bring them to meet you?"
Jūshirō Ukitake quickly offered.
"No need."
"My bones aren't so old yet that I need help walking a few steps."
"Besides, this old man wants to see them with his own eyes."
Leaning on the crutch made by Ryūjin Jakka, Yamamoto slowly walked out of the office.
Ukitake could only watch, silently moved.
He could see clearly—his teacher truly admired the Aiyan brothers.
Even when he and Shunsui were summoned back in the day, they were brought by the First Division Shinigami.
Not like this—where Yamamoto couldn't even wait.
As though, if he didn't act now, the disciple he hoped to accept might spread wings and soar away.
...
Meanwhile, as the two captains made their way to the Academy, Aiyan and Aizen had returned to their dormitories.
As first-class students, their dorms were more like private suites than regular rooms.
Click.
Aiyan put his hand on the doorknob and gave it a slight twist. The door clicked open.
However...
Just as he was about to step in, his eyes narrowed.
A sudden pulse of Reiatsu emerged from inside.
Before the door was opened, there had been nothing. But now that it was slightly ajar, it flared up.
"Kidō Barrier."
Aiyan instantly understood.
Now that he had begun practicing Kidō, he could recognize it immediately: his dorm had been cloaked in a barrier.
It looked perfectly normal from the outside, but it had already been transformed into a trap.
At the same time, whoever was inside must have realized Aiyan was back.
Before he could act, strange lights flared around him. The space twisted, blurred—as if he was watching the world through rippling water.
In the blink of an eye, everything returned to stillness.
But what lay before Aiyan was no longer his room.
It was a dim, empty realm shrouded in shadows.
Ten figures stood in front of him, all cloaked in black, their Zanpakutō glinting in the gloom.
"Kidō Forbidden Technique."
"Spatial Transfer."
"High-level Kidō."
Aiyan's face remained calm, but his eyes flickered.
He had no personal feud with anyone capable of such Kidō in his past life.
And then, like lightning, Aizen's words from earlier flashed in his mind.
"The four nobles!"
His gaze turned cold instantly.
To break into a top-tier student's dorm, silently lay a powerful Kidō barrier, and execute a Forbidden Transfer Spell?
This wasn't something ordinary Shinigami could pull off.
Not even regular nobles.
Only the four great noble families had the power, the means—and the arrogance—to do something like this.
"Bakudō #61 – Rikujōkōrō (Six Rods Prison of Light)."
"Bakudō #62 – Hyapporankan (Hundred-Step Fence)."
"Bakudō #63 – Sajō Sabaku (Lock Binding Spell)."
"Bakudō #75 – Gochūtekkan (Quintet of Iron Pillars)."
"Bakudō #79 – Kuyō Shibari (Nine Shining Iron Clamps)."