Emerging from Jinzen, Kensei fell into brief sleep, experiencing a rather abstract dream.
Perhaps influenced by Kūkon's recent instruction, in the dream she transformed into an icy female teacher, constantly reprimanding Kensei for insufficient training progress. Ultimately, to prevent external factors from distracting him further, she even attempted to lock him in a small dark room.
"No! Absolutely not!"
Kensei shot up from bed like a leaping carp. Though he knew it was merely a dream—but what if?
"Consider me, Kensei Kenzuru—brilliant, divinely gifted, Crown Prince of Soul Society, King of Hueco Mundo, the Three Realms' rising star! How could I indulge in carnal pleasures!"
"Such behavior—how am I any different from Old Man Yama's disappointing senior disciple Kyōraku?! A disgrace to our master!"
Kensei slapped his cheeks, resolving absolutely not to disappoint his most cherished Zanpakutō.
Yhwach, just wait until my divine skills mature—then you'll obediently become the next human puppet!
"I, Kensei Kenzuru, swear by one of Uncle Kyōraku's eyes: from today, I dedicate myself to training and will no longer be seduced by beauty!"
The moment Kensei finished, the door creaked open. A green figure flashed inside.
"Kensei~ Good morning!"
Nel's voice carried pure delight as she launched herself at Kensei, still standing heroically on his bed.
Kensei felt a soft body crashing into his embrace with perfect warmth. Nel rubbed against him, bringing waves of tingling.
Her arms encircled his neck as she hung from him like a koala.
Beneath her Arrancar outfit, her body curves pressed against him.
Kensei could clearly feel the full elasticity against his chest, her antelope-like legs firmly wrapped around his waist, her shapely bottom occasionally brushing past.
Damn! Such thunder!
Kensei felt like Liu Bei during the discussion with Cao Cao when thunder struck—his just made vow nearly destroyed by this thunder.
His abstinence attempt had ended prematurely. Clearly his Dao-heart lacked firmness; he needed more exposure to beauty to temper it.
"Hmm?" Nel noticed Kensei's strange state, tilting her head in concern. "Kensei, what's wrong? Are you injured? Want me to lick it?"
As she spoke, Nel's unconscious tonguely licked her lips. Her saliva had healing properties—she meant well.
After all, what could Nel harbor?
Kensei looked at her clear eyes, those lips so close, and reluctantly looked away. "Nothing. Just tired from last night."
"I'm going to find Sōsuke soon. Want to come, Nel?"
To prevent Nel pursuing this topic, Kensei changed the topic.
"Hmm... I'm going training with Harribel. Want to protect you someday."
Nel considered. Though she longed to stay with Kensei, she slowly shook her head. She pressed against his cheek, then departed as lightly as she'd come.
Leaving Kensei standing alone, silently contemplating life.
Was this the curse of joining Old Man Yama's discipleship? Aside from sickly Ukitake, every disciple shared this flaw!
Old Man Yama—you truly mislead your students!
Having mentally condemned Yamamoto a few times, Kensei's minimal guilt evaporated.
He straightened his slightly disheveled clothes and confidently sought Aizen.
His thoughts had wandered, recalling the Monk's commission at the Soul King's Palace: create artificial Soul Kings as contingency. Such high-tech matters were beyond him—better consult omnipotent Aizen-doraemon.
Aizen's laboratory was always quiet, save instrument sounds. Aizen stood at the console, back to the door, intently observing the forming secondary Hōgyoku.
"Aizen-doraemon! Save me!"
Kensei burst in urgently, his anxious expression practically begging to cling to Sōsuke's leg.
Hearing the familiar commotion, Aizen didn't even turn. Just a bland "Mm."
Such scenes had occurred countless times; she'd evolved from initial impatience to complete adaptation.
Truly, habit was terrible.
"Speak. What unrealistic idea needs to be realized now?"
"Official business!"
Kensei crowded beside Aizen, glacing at the faintly glowing secondary Hōgyoku. Curious though he was, official business came first.
"When I visited the Soul King's Palace, that Monk asked a favor. Ura Kidō was payment."
Aizen finally glanced sideways, signaling him to continue. Involving the Monk she distrusted merited attention.
Kensei recounted their conversation—the Soul King's prophecy, the Monk's artificial Soul King commission.
"Anyway, the Monk wants contingency." Kensei shrugged skeptically. "Can't handle this—so I came to you."
Aizen pondered briefly.
As Kensei's foremost researcher, she knew his power of deep connection to the Soul King.
After all, even the Tsunayashiro's massive Soul King fragments contributed less to the Hōgyoku than her Kensei samples.
If Kensei was the Soul King's chosen, such abilities weren't surprising.
But why had the Monk let this perfect candidate leave? Because Kensei's powers remained unactivated?
"From now on, minimize contact with Ichibē Hyōsube."
Aizen narrowed her eyes, warning Kensei seriously. She didn't want him too exposed to that Monk's gaze.
"What about his commission?"
"Artificial Soul Kings are tryable. Don't you have the Technology Development Bureau?"
Aizen's reminder sparked recognition: he still had Urahara and Kurotsuchi—his Wolong and Fengchu.
Right—he was still part of Soul Society! He'd nearly forgotten amidst his Hueco Mundo ventures!
"Why didn't you say so earlier!"
Kensei turned to leave, but Aizen caught his shoulder.
"Don't provide them your samples. Soul King fragments—common stuff—are fine."
Kensei's mouth twitched. Sōsuke had grown so arrogant she dismissed even Soul King fragments.
"Why would I provide samples to two grown men? I'm not crazy."
Irritably, he slapped away Aizen's hand and tried again—only to be caught again.
"Enough already?"
"Be careful of Urahara."
Having said this, Aizen released him and returned to her secondary Hōgyoku research.
Though she doubted anyone in Soul Society surpassed Kensei's power, Urahara's intellect was trouble.
Kensei muttered "Sōsuke's like a nagging old woman" as he left.
Alone in the laboratory, Aizen watched the secondary Hōgyoku, envisioning Kensei facing the Monk. Her brow furrowed.
Her preparations needed acceleration—to avoid unforeseen complications.