An Unheard-of Space-Type Zanpakuto!

At the training ground, Aizen smiled as he exchanged idle pleasantries with his classmates.

Then he sat up straight and motioned for everyone to take their seats.

"Everyone, you've all received your Asauchi, haven't you?"

"Perhaps some of you who are especially gifted have already heard the voices of your own Zanpakuto."

"My Kyōka Suigetsu is a flowing-water-type Zanpakuto. Its Shikai isn't particularly powerful, but it's just about presentable."

"I hope it can offer you some help and insight."

His words were humble and beyond reproach. The next second, he drew the Zanpakuto at his waist with practiced ease and chanted in a low voice:

"Please watch closely."

"This is my Shikai..."

"Shatter, Kyōka Suigetsu!"

In an instant, the snow-white blade suddenly scattered in the air, turning into a hazy mist that enveloped the entire classroom.

The mist looked thin and light, yet no one could see anyone else. No matter how close they were, they could only glimpse indistinct, drifting shadows.

"Amazing!"

"I knew it! A lieutenant really is on another level!"

"Wait, who's touching me? Let go, right now!"

The classroom immediately descended into chaos, with the sounds of laughter and horseplay ringing out. There wasn't the slightest sense of danger.

No one noticed... that Kyōsuke Kuchiki, sitting in a corner of the classroom, had suddenly lost much of the usual brightness in his eyes.

His face wore an expression of amazement, but his heart was utterly undisturbed.

Flowing-water type?

That sort of thing could only fool these characters from the original story.

Kyōka Suigetsu, the strongest illusion-type Zanpakuto.

Its ability, "Complete Hypnosis"—it controlled an opponent's five senses, making them utterly believe that a particular object's appearance, form, mass, feel, and even smell were exactly as its wielder wished.

As long as an opponent had seen the moment of its release once, it could completely hypnotize their five senses, their perception of spiritual power, and so on.

In the original story, it had fooled so many powerful figures throughout Soul Society for over a hundred years. It was undoubtedly one of the most terrifying Zanpakuto abilities.

Of course, even more terrifying was Aizen's unfathomable strength.

Without matching strength, Kyōka Suigetsu's hypnotic ability couldn't be brought into play at all. Using it on someone with stronger Reiatsu than the wielder consumed a great deal of power, and it couldn't take perfect effect.

Kyōka Suigetsu was the strongest illusion-type Zanpakuto only in Sōsuke Aizen's hands. Once hypnotized, a person would fall under Aizen's control and never be able to turn the tables.

Fortunately, Kyōsuke Kuchiki had come prepared.

His fingers were lightly pressed together, an inconspicuous ancient character hidden beneath his wide sleeve.

Wudang Sect, Vision-Obscuring Incense!

Its effect was simple: it deprived one of sight.

The instant Sōsuke Aizen released his Zanpakuto, he had used the Heaven Communicating Talisman Art to cast Vision-Obscuring Incense, immediately depriving himself of sight.

How could an illusion he couldn't see possibly take effect?

As the clamor around Kyōsuke Kuchiki gradually faded, Sōsuke Aizen's release command rang out again.

"Shatter, Kyōka Suigetsu."

The mist in the classroom immediately vanished, and the students who had been playing around hurried back to their seats.

Sensing the trace of Reiatsu disappear, Kyōsuke Kuchiki moved slightly.

He lifted the effect of Vision-Obscuring Incense, and his dimmed eyes brightened again.

When he looked up, his gaze met Sōsuke Aizen's.

The man seemed to have been watching him all along and immediately asked,

"Student Kuchiki, you seem to have gained some insight."

"Did something occur to you?"

"Not at all. I just thought Lieutenant Aizen's Shikai was every bit as impressive as I expected."

Kyōsuke Kuchiki quickly put on a smile, his tone utterly sincere.

"Not only can it disrupt an enemy's vision, it also has such a magnificent effect. It's simply the most beautiful and practical flowing-water-type Zanpakuto."

"Thank you for the compliment, but you're outstanding yourself, Student Kuchiki."

"You already had Captain-level Reiatsu when you enrolled, and your talent for Kidō is so exceptional. You're sure to surpass me someday."

Sōsuke Aizen smiled as well, his gaze sweeping unobtrusively over Kyōsuke Kuchiki's face.

Was it his imagination?

He had a feeling something was a little off about this guy.

Deciding to sound him out, he abruptly changed the subject.

"If possible, I'd really like you to join the Fifth Division after you graduate."

"With an outstanding Soul Reaper like you helping out, the rescue work would surely go much more smoothly."

At Aizen's words, the students grew restless before Kyōsuke Kuchiki could even speak.

One expectant gaze after another turned toward him.

"Is this how geniuses are treated? He only just enrolled and he's already received an invitation from a lieutenant."

"How nice. I want to join the Fifth Division too."

"Lieutenant Aizen is so gentle. He'd surely guide his juniors patiently."

"I wonder if I could become a Seated Officer under his guidance?"

"..."

Looking at their envious, jealous, resentful gazes, Kyōsuke Kuchiki was utterly speechless.

Join the Fifth Division?

You've got to be kidding. How could he live a leisurely salted-fish life under the nose of the biggest villain in the early part of the story?

He had to refuse!

Pretending to be delighted, Kyōsuke Kuchiki waited a few seconds before scratching his head and putting on a thoroughly convincing expression of helplessness.

"To be honest, I'd be very happy to have the chance to learn from you."

"But as a member of the Kuchiki Clan, I'll definitely join the Sixth Division after I graduate."

"In any case... thank you for thinking so highly of me!"

"I'll work even harder and become a Soul Reaper as outstanding as Lieutenant Aizen."

Kyōsuke Kuchiki smiled at Sōsuke Aizen, a trace of regret appearing in his eyes at just the right moment.

It was just acting, wasn't it?

Who wasn't an actor?

Life was a play, and it all came down to acting!

Today, they'd see who could put on the better act!

After the two stared at each other for several seconds, Aizen finally nodded.

"Of course. I was being presumptuous."

"But someone as outstanding as you will do well in any division."

"Thank you for the compliment. I don't deserve such praise."

Chapter 9: An Unheard-of Space-Type Zanpakuto!

"..."

Aizen studied the young genius before him through his glasses, feeling a wave of disappointment.

He hadn't found a single flaw.

As expected of someone from the Kuchiki Clan. One hid his thoughts behind a cold demeanor, while the other hid them behind a smile?

They really were two extremes.

His eyes flickered behind his glasses, and Sōsuke Aizen rose to his feet.

"I have something else to attend to, so I'll be leaving now."

"If you need help with anything later, just let me know."

"Things aren't busy in the division, so I'll do my best to help."

"Sorry for the trouble!"

The academy teacher hurried over and saw him out of the classroom.

Seeing this, the remaining students all rushed after him. Perhaps they had been stirred up by Kyōsuke Kuchiki's refusal of the invitation.

"Lieutenant, what do you think of me? Am I suited to join the Fifth Division?"

"I love rescue work! The Fifth Division and I are a perfect match!"

Watching the surging crowd, Kyōsuke Kuchiki couldn't help raising an eyebrow.

Good grief. If these people knew what a terrifying person was standing in front of them, wouldn't they be scared to death?

Still, it reminded him of something.

Aizen truly was a terrifying villain. His strength, cunning, and even his Zanpakuto were all first-rate.

It was no good being targeted by someone like that.

It looked like he needed to step up his training in the Heaven Communicating Talisman Art. If he could unlock Grand Luo Insight, which could see through every change in a situation, he wouldn't need to be quite so wary of Aizen.

As he was thinking, a figure behind him suddenly stood up.

It was Gin Ichimaru.

He had been so busy matching wits with Aizen that Kyōsuke Kuchiki only now realized that this guy... seemed not to have said a word since Aizen appeared.

Glancing at Gin Ichimaru's tense expression and stiff smile, he felt something stir in his heart.

"Student Ichimaru."

"...Hm? Young Master Kuchiki actually spoke to me of his own accord. What an honor."

His steps paused briefly.

The silver-haired youth looked back, his voice carrying a somewhat unsettling strain.

"Is there something you need?"

"Just curious."

Kyōsuke Kuchiki's tone was utterly leisurely.

"How does it feel to see your enemy and be unable to take revenge?"

"It must feel awful, doesn't it?"

"—!"

Gin Ichimaru's whole body jolted, and his voice caught.

"What are you talking about, Young Master Kuchiki?"

"I don't quite understand."

There was no one else in the classroom now. The silver-haired youth gave off a gloomy aura, as though he might draw his sword and slash at any moment.

But Kyōsuke Kuchiki remained as he was, his handsome, refined appearance exuding an air of unconcern.

The words he spoke, however, were like a crashing wave, smashing open the purpose Gin Ichimaru had kept hidden all this time.