With the Fleet Admiral's permission and the other Vice Admirals supporting, Onigumo unleashed his strikes without restraint. His attacks grew fiercer, his aura reaching its peak.
The pressure on Aizen mounted.
"How savage," Aizen murmured with a sigh, a trace of helplessness flickering across his face. Then his expression sharpened. For once, he stopped evading and met the oncoming blades head-on.
A razor-thin slash burst forth, streaking straight for Onigumo.
Sensing the weight behind it, Onigumo's grin widened. "At last, your true strength!"
Every muscle in his body tensed. He raised all eight blades before him and swung in unison.
Everyone watching held their breath as the two attacks collided—only to see Aizen's mighty strike shatter at the first touch, dissolving like mist.
Onigumo's attack surged forward unimpeded.
"What--?" His eyes widened in alarm.
Before he could react, pain tore across his shoulder. A hidden slash ripped into him from behind, the wound running from his shoulder down to his lower back. Blood stained his cloak of justice.
"Vice Admiral, don't be fooled by appearances!"
Another Aizen appeared in his sight, circling him step by step. With each step, another duplicate remained behind until the arena was filled with "Aizens."
And not just him.
"Kizaru," "Akainu," "Aokiji"—even "Sengoku" and "Garp" took shape, hemming him in on all sides.
Though he knew they were illusions, Onigumo's heart clenched. Each phantom displayed the familiar signature of its real counterpart—magma, blinding light, shards of ice.
"Just cheap fakes. You think this will scare me?" Onigumo roared, readying his blades.
From the stands, Sengoku's voice boomed. "Enough. That will do."
"Fleet Admiral?" Onigumo looked up, unwilling.
Their eyes locked. Sengoku's gaze was stern, a silent warning: know your limits.
Today, Onigumo had forced his way into the trial. That Sengoku allowed it was already a concession. To push further would be to overstep.
Reluctantly, Onigumo withdrew his blades and left without another word.
Satisfied, Sengoku turned to Aizen. "The trial is over. Dismiss your illusions."
"Yes, Fleet Admiral." Aizen slid his sword back into its sheath with a faint smile.
Thus ended the Vice Admiral promotion test. Its purpose was to select officers truly worthy of the post—not only with achievements, but with power and unique abilities.
Aizen had proven himself.
…
Aizen Sosuke, Rear Admiral, favored pupil of Sengoku.
He had defeated other Rear Admiral candidates, then fought Vice Admiral Onigumo without falling behind, even striking him down with overwhelming advantage. Beloved by the rank-and-file and respected by his peers, he demonstrated strength and talent befitting his station.
Clearly, he was more than capable of serving as a Vice Admiral of Marine Headquarters.
…
So it was recorded by members of the World Government, complete with signatures from high-ranking marines to certify it.
After announcing Aizen's success before the crowd and exchanging formalities, Sengoku led his student back to his office.
"The World Government will receive the results shortly. Your commission will arrive soon. For now, rest. Once you officially take office, missions will await you."
Sengoku's voice was firm.
"I understand," Aizen replied with a gentle smile. Silence followed.
When the younger man failed to speak further, Sengoku glanced at Tsuru, quietly sipping tea at his side, and sighed.
"You really are too stiff. Even with your teacher, you act so formal. There's no need here."
"Yes, teacher," Aizen answered earnestly.
Knowing his disciple's nature, Sengoku didn't press him further. He waved a hand.
"Enough of that. I'm glad you've been promoted. But--" His face grew stern. "Your battle with Onigumo exposed a serious flaw. Call it a weakness."
"You rely too heavily on your Illusion Fruit. For this test, and in future battles, that's dangerous."
Having said his piece, Sengoku let the words hang. He trusted Aizen would grasp the meaning.
…
Aizen left the office moments later.
As the door closed, a sharp gleam flashed in his eyes.
Understand? Of course he understood.
In this test, he hadn't shown overwhelming raw might, leaning instead on trickery. To some, his fight seemed hollow, raising doubts about his strength as a Vice Admiral. Against stronger foes with keen Observation Haki, illusions alone would be useless.
But still--
A whisper too faint for anyone to hear drifted into the air.
"Teacher Sengoku, you know…"
"To step on an ant without killing it—such control is no easy thing."