Chapter 146 – The Lesson

Chapter 146 – The Lesson

Yoruichi Shihōin stood beside Kisuke Urahara, her usual smile fading.

"Don't forget, when Kirio Hikifune was promoted to the Zero Squad, that Zero Squad member who came down from the Soul Palace mentioned they had extended an invitation to Captain Ailin, which he refused."

Hearing Yoruichi's words, Hiyori Sarugaki suddenly recalled the incident.

The mohawked figure who had come to escort Captain Hikifune only spoke with Captain Unohana of the 4th Division, Captain Ailin of the 11th, and Commander-General Yamamoto.

Even Hikifune, who had just passed the Zero Squad's examination, wasn't given much attention by that punk. It was as if the other captains weren't even worth that guy's consideration.

As much as Hiyori didn't want to admit it, she knew Captain Ailin's strength far surpassed Hikifune's substantial power.

Kensei Muguruma glanced at Mashiro Kuna. Without her presence, he couldn't muster the resolve to face Ailin. But for Mashiro's sake... Even against Ailin, he wouldn't cower!

...

"Tch!"

Under everyone's watchful gaze, a Zanpakutō blade pierced through the Black Coffin's wall, then slashed horizontally.

In the next instant, a white flash glinted in their eyes as the top half of the coffin’s lid they'd pinned such high hopes on slanted downward from where the brilliance appeared.

Crackle crackle...

Before the coffin's body could fully slide to the ground, it shattered into black fragments.

Boom!

The shockwave from the destruction of the #90 Bakudō swept across the ground, kicking up a layer of debris.

The powerful gale forced Urahara and the others to raise their hands, shielding their eyes from the swirling yellow dust and grit.

"Captain Yoruichi, I know it's been a long time since we last met, but giving me such a grand welcome right after our reunion? I almost couldn't handle it," Ailin said once the dust settled, his robes spotless.

Everyone's grave expressions held tinges of fear upon seeing the unfazed Ailin.

What a terrifying man.

Bakudō above #90 were among the highest-level Kidō spells. More destructive than the Bankai releases of many captains' Zanpakutō. After all, some Zanpakutō specialized in unique abilities rather than sheer destructive force.

While they guessed the #90 Kurohitsugi likely couldn't fatally injure Ailin, to slice through it with a single sword strike was still excessively overpowered.

Keep in mind, this Bakudō utilized a post-incantation chant by the Grand Kidō Chief himself. Could even the Commander-General manage that?

Unbidden, the Shinigami present found themselves comparing Ailin to the "most powerful Shinigami in a millennium" - Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto.

In their hearts, they had already placed Ailin on par with the Commander-General.

"Who are you kidding? 'Almost couldn't handle it' after cleaving the Black Coffin in one strike?" Yoruichi scoffed.

"Heheh, that's why I said 'almost'," Ailin replied, raising his left hand in a 'mini universe' gesture.

"Captain Ailin, did you come here for a specific purpose?" Urahara stepped forward amid the tense atmosphere.

Yoruichi inwardly regretted her actions. When relocating Mashiro and the others earlier, she instinctively brought them to Urahara's underground base, forgetting it was known to Ailin and Byakuya Kuchiki besides just herself and Urahara.

Moreover, after initially mastering her Hollow powers, Mashiro could maintain Hollowfied state for twenty-four hours - astounding endurance that shocked even Urahara.

Following Mashiro were Shinji Hirako, Kensei Muguruma, Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi, Love Aikawai, Hachigen Ushōda, Lisa Yadomaru and finally Hiyori Sarugaki, each overcoming their inner Hollow to command Hollowfication.

Unfortunately, despite resolving their inner conflicts, Urahara had yet to complete the Gigai, forcing them to wait a few more days before fleeing to the Living World.

"Captain Ailin, what's the situation outside been like recently?" Hirako asked. Free from imminent Hollowfication, their priority became getting payback against Sōsuke Aizen.

"Well, apart from the 8th, 10th, 11th and 13th Division members still searching for you, the biggest hubbub in Soul Society is the captains' selections for the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 12th Divisions.

As you likely know, with only seven captains remaining in the Gotei 13, any lieutenant aspiring to promotion must be recommended by three existing captains and pass the Captain's Proficiency Test witnessed by the Commander-General.

Currently, the 2nd Division's candidate is Vice-Captain Soi Fon. However, since she hasn't achieved Bankai yet, she serves as acting captain until then, whereupon she'll officially become the 2nd Division captain.

Oh, and Yoruichi, Soi Fon's recommendation to become captain didn't come from us, but rather your father, the former 2nd Division Captain, proposed it directly to Commander Yamamoto."

"Soi Fon, huh..." A faint smile crossed Yoruichi's lips at the mention of the girl who shadowed her for so many years. "Soi Fon does deserve to lead the 2nd Division. She's essentially handled its duties for years. Father approving her is only natural. It's just a pity. If I hadn't foisted the division's affairs onto Soi Fon, her talent would have surely allowed Bankai long ago."

A tinge of regret tinged Yoruichi's words. She used to think with her shielding Soi Fon, the latter's strength mattered little.

Who could have foreseen these few days leading to herself and Urahara becoming fugitives from Central 46?

The pressure on Soi Fon would be immense in the coming days.

Yoruichi opened her mouth, as if to ask Ailin to look after the 2nd Division, but knowing Soi Fon's prickly pride, having Ailin 'assist' would only make her bristle at the perceived insult.

"For the 3rd Division captain, I recommended the vice-captain, Gin Ichimaru."

"What? Gin Ichimaru?"

Hearing this, the former captains were shocked.

Hiyori Sarugaki rushed up, jabbing a finger at Ailin. "Captain Ailin, why would you recommend that guy Gin Ichimaru as the 3rd Division captain? You know he's already defected to Aizen - that night, he attacked us alongside Aizen, leaving us in our current state! Why would you still recommend him for captain?"

As Hiyori Sarugaki accusingly pointed at him, the slight smile on Ailin's face vanished.

"Oh no..." Sensing the change in Ailin's demeanor, Yoruichi inwardly cursed.

Sure enough...

Rumble!

An immense spiritual pressure erupted from Ailin, the weight threatening to crush Hiyori Sarugaki where she stood into an abyss. That colossal force felt like shouldering a mountain, her very bones and muscles straining against its inexorable press.

Whump!

In an instant, Hiyori Sarugaki crumpled to her knees before Ailin, the surrounding ground cratering from the intense pressure.

"Captain Ailin, please show restraint!" Shinji Hirako reacted swiftly, interposing himself between the two. But standing before Ailin's overwhelming presence made Hirako understand his true menace.

Pressing his left hand on his face, white substance gathered over his left hand, which he swiftly pulled down to manifest a bone-white mask across his face.

Rumble!

Donning the Hollow mask, Shinji Hirako’s spiritual pressure shifted dramatically.

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