Chapter 102 – Aizen and Gin Ichimaru
"There's nothing to be curious about," Haruko said with a smile and a shake of her head, though she knew it was Byakuya's way of showing concern for her.
"Don't worry, Byakuya, it's good news. From now on, I'll be able to meet with your uncle more often."
"Hm?" Byakuya was taken aback upon hearing Haruko's words, but then his expression brightened with joy. "Aunt, does this mean Uncle has resolved your issue?"
"Ah, your uncle said my condition won't deteriorate anymore."
"Congratulations, Aunt."
Byakuya was genuinely happy for his aunt and uncle. He then looked around, not sensing Ailin's reiatsu, and asked with puzzlement, "But Aunt, why didn't Uncle Ailin come back with you?"
"I didn't let him come back. Because your uncle said that after using his method, I won't be able to improve my skills anymore. So, I refused him for now. I want to study at the Shin'ō Academy for a few more years. If I still haven't reached the standard of a Shinigami by then, I'll use your uncle's method. After all, even for me, I really hope to become stronger."
***
Upon returning to the 11th Division, Ailin's mood had improved considerably. Although Haruko refused to accept Avalon for the time being, she was still happy to know that Ailin had successfully resolved the issue with her soul.
Moreover, Haruko even had the heart to make a bet with him. If Haruko could successfully graduate from the Shin'ō Academy and become a true Shinigami, then at that time, Ailin would have to accept her joining the 11th Division.
But if Haruko failed to become a Shinigami, she would remain in the Kuchiki Family and focus on being a good wife and mother.
This bet didn't matter much to Ailin, whether he won or lost. After all, if Haruko won, he would keep her by his side, confident that no one could harm her under his protection. If Haruko lost, it didn't matter either.
During the Thousand-Year Blood War, the main battlefield for the Wandenreich's Sternritter and the Shinigami was the Gotei 13. The nobles' residences were rarely affected. Haruko would be safe in the Kuchiki Family.
Having resolved the most significant issue for the time being, and with the number of Hollows descending upon the Soul Society decreasing significantly during this period, allowing Kiganjo and others to handle them, Ailin had some free time.
Taking advantage of this time, Ailin also created the "Sword of Promised Victory" to complement Avalon.
After all, for the power of wind, Ailin had the template of Tessaiga, and for the power of light, he had the template of the Heaven Piercing Sword.
The process of creating the "Sword of Promised Victory" was much easier than creating Avalon, but similarly, the reiatsu feedback Ailin received was also much weaker.
In terms of weapon ranks, Avalon was still superior to the "Sword of Promised Victory."
Time passed by, with Ailin creating new weapons and absorbing the combat experiences of their former wielders, and three more years went by.
***
"Captain."
Within the 11th Division, Kiganjo and Gosuke approached the captain's room and respectfully knelt before Ailin.
In the 11th Division, strength reigned supreme. It was difficult for Shinigami from other divisions to understand the 11th Division members' reverence for the strongest.
"Kiganjo, Gosuke."
"Present, Captain."
Seeing the commotion at the 11th Division's recruitment area, Gin suddenly smiled. "No need, Vice-Captain Aizen. I've already found the division I'm interested in, so I won't trouble you by joining the 5th Division."
With that, Gin took his transcript and ran towards the 11th Division's recruitment area. Although Gin wanted to join this man's ranks immediately, his current strength would not allow him to be quickly promoted.
Instead of wasting time with this man, he might as well join that great man's forces and receive his guidance.
Gin would never forget that the great man had once said that if he joined the 11th Division, he would personally train him.
One's own formidable strength was the greatest assurance for protecting cherished possessions.
Whether investigating Aizen or killing Aizen to retrieve what he had taken from Rangiku, strength was indispensable.
This vice-captain hiding in a cloak could only flee from that great man's hands years ago. Gin could still discern what was trivial and what was crucial.
"Oh? The 11th Division, huh?"
Aizen's glasses reflected a white glint as he looked at the 11th Division members.
This made Aizen recall that night three years ago. Even now, Aizen felt his hands were still tingling with phantom pain.
Ailin Kenpachi, the Captain of the 11th Division, was truly a troublesome fellow...
***
"Captain, these are the new members we recruited this year."
When Vice-Captain Kiganjo and 3rd Seat Gosuke brought the new recruits to meet their captain, Ailin was surprised to see that Gin had also joined his division.
"Greetings, Captain Ailin."
It seemed the seed he had planted years ago had finally borne fruit!
"Hm, greetings to you all."
After nodding with a smile to the new members, Ailin said, "Since you've joined the 11th Division, we're all family now. Here, you can rest assured to entrust your backs to your comrades and focus solely on fighting ahead.
Of course, if your comrades trustingly give you their backs to guard, you must be willing to stake your life to protect them. Vice-Captain Kiganjo, I'll leave the three-year training of these new members to you."
"Yes, Captain Ailin, I will not let you down."
"Good, leave that brat here, take the others away and train them properly."
"Understood, Captain Ailin."
After Kiganjo took the other new recruits away, only Gin remained in the courtyard outside the captain's room.
"Come here, kid." Ailin beckoned Gin Ichimaru over and had him sit beside him. With a smile, he said, "Although we've met before, we haven't properly introduced ourselves."
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