Chapter 161 – Hisana
"So, Captain Ailin, did you uncover anything in the World of the Living?" Jushiro Ukitake inquired.
"No," Ailin replied, dropping Ginjo's body onto the ground. "Ginjo believes that the Shinigami who attacked him belong to Soul Society. He sees no difference between them and the Shinigami who later came to question him. He wouldn't consider it a crime to kill the second group simply because of internal power struggles within Soul Society.
In the end, he even initiated a fight with me and was defeated. However, he managed to escape with the help of his companions."
Ukitake listened intently, opening his mouth to speak before closing it again. He had a good understanding of Ailin's strength. If Ailin had truly wanted to capture Ginjo, neither his companions nor even ten more Ginjos would have stood a chance against him.
Though Ailin had brought back Ginjo's body, his soul, a potential "Soul King candidate," had escaped.
"Captain Ukitake, I'd like you to inform the 12th Division about Ginjo and request their assistance in investigating the matter," Ailin said. "If they discover any information about Ginjo, please notify me immediately. I'll bring him back to Soul Society to face the punishment he deserves."
"Understood," Ukitake nodded. "Farewell, Captain Ailin."
Ailin left the 13th Division and headed towards the Kuchiki Manor. As Ukitake had suspected, if Ailin had truly intended to capture Ginjo, Yukio's spatial abilities wouldn't have been enough for them to escape.
However, Ailin needed Ginjo and his group to draw out Aura Michibane, the "Linchpin" of the Soul King. So, he had let them go.
During the battle, Ailin had discreetly placed a spatial mark on Ginjo. As soon as Aura Michibane appeared alongside Ginjo, Ailin would sense it and could instantly travel to their location through the Senkaimon at the Kuchiki Manor, capturing the Linchpin.
Upon returning home, Ailin found Haruko asleep and decided not to disturb her. He settled down in the front yard, entering his inner world, Unlimited Blade Works, through meditation.
Standing atop the hill of swords, Ailin took a deep breath and extended his right hand.
"Trace, on."
"Analyzing the creative concept..."
This sword was the result of his "past self's" sacrifice, abandoning everything to focus solely on perfecting a single strike, all to protect his "present self."
"Establishing the basic structure..."
The blade was identical to the standard long sword used by second-year students at the Shin'ō Academy, almost indistinguishable from an Asauchi.
"Duplicating the composition materials and imitating the crafting techniques..."
As a standard weapon intended for training purposes, its strength and sharpness were inferior to an Asauchi.
"Empathizing with the growth experience, recreating the years of accumulated effort..."
During those hundred years, Ailin had refrained from using any of the abilities of Unlimited Blade Works. He had dedicated all his time to transforming all his swordsmanship into that single, ultimate strike.
"Surpassing, completing numerous processes."
"Strange, why would Byakuya be returning home during the day?" Ailin wondered.
Ever since Byakuya became the head of the Kuchiki clan and the Captain of the 6th Division, he had adhered to the strict code of conduct befitting a true "noble." If one were to ask who among the captains of the Gotei 13 was the epitome of a role model, all would undoubtedly point to Byakuya Kuchiki.
Typically, Byakuya spent his days at the 6th Division, handling his duties as captain. Even after completing his work, he wouldn't leave the division early.
While many might not appreciate Byakuya's rigid demeanor, everyone acknowledged his unwavering dedication and "perfection." No one could find fault with his conduct.
And now, this "perfect captain" was skipping work during the day?
Had Byakuya Kuchiki decided to stray from the path of righteousness?
Just as Ailin was contemplating a three-thousand-word lecture on "moral education" for Byakuya, his nephew appeared at the entrance of the front yard.
However, Ailin's planned lecture never came to fruition. Because, accompanying Byakuya was another person. A petite young woman, dressed in white, with short black hair, large, timid eyes, and a height that only reached Byakuya's armpit.
"Rukia?"
The name instantly popped into Ailin's mind upon seeing the young woman. But he quickly dismissed the thought.
No, it wasn't Rukia. At this point in time, Rukia was likely still stealing food with her friends in the Rukongai.
Therefore, this young woman must be Rukia Kuchiki's older sister, Hisana. Of course, she didn't bear the Kuchiki name yet.
"Byakuya, what's this about?" Ailin asked, though he already had an inkling.
"Uncle Ailin, this is Hisana, a friend I met in the Rukongai," Byakuya explained. "Hisana, this is my uncle. You can call him Uncle Ailin as well."
"Uncle Ailin," Hisana stepped out from behind Byakuya, stealing a shy glance at Ailin. Seeing that he didn't object, she bowed slightly. "Hisana greets Uncle Ailin."
"Hahaha, you're called Hisana, right? What a lovely young lady," Ailin responded with a smile before turning to Byakuya. "Byakuya, what are you standing there for? Go fetch a chair for Hisana..."
"Ah? Oh, right, Uncle," Byakuya said, leaving the front yard in a daze.
Ailin rolled his eyes. "Byakuya is hopeless," he thought.
"I apologize, Hisana. Please don't mind him. Normally, Byakuya is quite intelligent..."
"No, Uncle Ailin, Lord Byakuya is always very intelligent..."
"Always intelligent? Don't be silly," Ailin chuckled, waving his hand dismissively. "He doesn't even realize this isn't a suitable place to receive guests. I told him to get a chair, and he actually went to get a chair, leaving you here alone..."
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