For more than three years, Ailin had trained diligently every night, absorbing the experiences of the masters within the Zanpakuto he had forged, improving his strength across the board and overcoming the problem of needing the corresponding weapon to use abilities at their proper strength.
It could be said that compared to Ailin three years ago, Ailin three years later could, even without using a Zanpakuto, defeat his former self in a short time—not instantly, perhaps, but certainly with ease.
Within the Seireitei, the only person who could surpass Shihoin Yoruichi's current Shunpo was Yoruichi herself in the future.
Coincidentally, Ailin was the one who possessed Yoruichi's Shunpo experience from more than two hundred years later.
Yoruichi had said that Byakuya Kuchiki needed to at least surpass Ailin before he was qualified to challenge her. He really wondered what expression Yoruichi would make when Byakuya surpassed him in Shunpo and went to challenge her.
"Mm."
Byakuya Kuchiki nodded. After he had failed in his last challenge against that cat demon, she had indeed said the same thing.
"Fine, then. Since that's the case, I'll play with you for a bit, Byakuya."
Byakuya did not find anything wrong with Uncle-in-law Ailin calling their spar "playing."
Unlike that cat demon, Byakuya sincerely respected Ailin.
Six years ago, his father, Sōjun Kuchiki, had been killed by the rebellious Hibiki Hoshino. It was his uncle-in-law who had slain Hibiki Hoshino and reclaimed the Kuchiki Clan's honor.
Moreover, as far as Byakuya knew, Hibiki Hoshino had been a powerful enemy who defeated the Captain of the Ninth Division and the Captain of the Seventh Division. Since even such a powerhouse had been defeated by Uncle-in-law Ailin, it was clear that Ailin was far stronger than an ordinary captain.
"Then here I come, Uncle-in-law!"
A flash