The Soul Society's Most Beautiful Zanpakuto

Aizen maintained his gentle smile, responding to Hirako's approach like a spring breeze:

"Captain Hirako, I am very grateful that you think highly of me. However, Fifth Seat Yan Si and I are close friends, and I personally admire his philosophy that 'a Shinigami's battle is a contest of spiritual pressure strength.'"

As he spoke, he naturally turned his head, his gaze falling upon Yan Si beside him, his eyes curving into two friendly arcs:

"Therefore, based on my personal wishes, I would prefer to join the Ninth Division. This way, I will also have more opportunities to interact with and learn from Fifth Seat Yan Si, and we can improve together."

He smiled at Yan Si, his tone carrying a perfectly measured inquiry: "Fifth Seat Yan Si, you won't dislike me, will you?"

Before Yan Si could speak, Hirako Shinji beside him pouted, casting a sidelong glance at Yan Si with his dead fish eyes, his tone carrying a hint of amusement:

"Oh? So, you also really hope Aizen joins the Ninth Division, Fifth Seat Yan Si? No wonder you're the one here for the graduation recruitment this time."

Yan Si's expression was as calm as still water, but he inwardly cried out in protest:

It's a miscarriage of justice! It wasn't me! I didn't! My being here is purely an accidental mishap, framed by the Captain and Lieutenant working together!

And what are you playing at, Aizen?! According to the script, shouldn't you feel that it's easier to hide and cause trouble in the Fifth Division due to Hirako's caution and probing?!

Why come to the Ninth Division? Our Captain Kensei is a straightforward, good-natured old man. He won't be wary of you like Hirako, which isn't conducive to your covert operations, big shot!

He forcefully suppressed the roar in his heart and responded in the most stable tone he could manage:

"Classmate Aizen, personally, I believe that with your excellent grades across all subjects and your well-rounded abilities, joining a division like the Fifth Division would offer you broader prospects for development."

As he spoke, he quickly shifted his gaze to Hirako Shinji, his eyelids twitching rapidly as if spasming, frantically signaling with his eyes:

Captain Hirako! Do you see? Look at my incredibly sincere eyes! I really don't want to steal him from you! This really isn't my fault!

He turned his head again, attempting to awaken Aizen, who had "strayed from the right path":

"With your talent and ambitions, Classmate Aizen, I'm sure you wouldn't want to remain in a mere officer position forever, would you?"

Aizen! What about your hundred-year plan! Where is your pride! You still want to stand above the heavens! Wake up! Hurry to the Fifth Division, a stage more suited for your abilities!

Aizen maintained his impeccable gentle smile and said:

"Whether as a regular squad member, an officer, a lieutenant, or a captain, everyone strives for the stability and prosperity of Seireitei, and there is no distinction between high or low. Fifth Seat Yan Si, aren't you also content in your officer position and doing an excellent job?"

"That's true," Hirako Shinji chimed in with a smirk, his tone half-joking, half-serious.

"Fifth Seat Yan Si's strength is indeed being underutilized as just an officer. How about you come to the Fifth Division too? I'll reserve the Lieutenant position for you, what do you say?"

Although his tone was playful, there was no trace of a smile in his slightly opened dead fish eyes.

"Hiss!" Yan Si gasped.

No, my friend! Are you two ganging up on me and setting a trap?!

What kind of sin did I commit to be targeted by both of you at the same time?!

Aizen is one thing; after all, I made money for drinks using his experiences and even plagiarized his famous quote. But Captain Hirako, what's your deal? Are you going to put me under strict surveillance too? I'm just a salted fish who wants to live a peaceful life, why are you targeting me like this?!

Yan Si took a deep breath and reiterated:

"My abilities are far from sufficient to be qualified for the position of Lieutenant."

"Whether it's the Ninth Division or the Fifth Division, high-level positions require not only combat ability but also qualities such as management and decision-making. I believe my cultivation in these areas is still far from adequate."

He tried to shift the focus back to Aizen:

"In comparison, Classmate Aizen's abilities are excellent and well-balanced, making him more suitable for training as a Lieutenant than I am. Captain Hirako, please consider him more."

However, Aizen seemed determined to "clash" with Yan Si, smiling as he picked up the conversation:

"Fifth Seat Yan Si, you are too modest. Just the exquisite control of spiritual pressure you displayed earlier, along with your profound and accessible teaching method, is enough to prove your extraordinary capabilities."

He changed the subject, bringing up another topic that gave Yan Si a headache:

"Moreover, you also possess the 'Most Beautiful Zanpakuto' that is renowned throughout the Soul Society."

His gaze was sincere, his tone carrying a perfectly measured admiration:

"A Zanpakuto is a reflection of a Shinigami's soul. To possess such a beautiful Zanpakuto, doesn't that illustrate Fifth Seat Yan Si's inner purity and nobility?"

"Tsk," Hirako Shinji's interest was piqued at the mention of this. "Speaking of which, is your Zanpakuto really as beautiful as the legends say?"

Every Shinigami possessed a Zanpakuto, which evolved from a standard Asauchi.

Asauchi were like blank slates, requiring the Shinigami to imbue them with their own soul to depict and construct them, thus becoming a unique Zanpakuto.

It could be said that the form and true name of a Zanpakuto directly reflected the essence of its wielder's soul.

Like Sarugaki Hiyori's wild "Kagatsuchi," it was a reflection of her straightforward and fiery personality.

To have completed the evolution from Asauchi to Zanpakuto and mastered Shikai during their time at the Central Spirit Arts Academy was the mark of a genius.

Yan Si's mouth twitched uncontrollably.

What's going on? How did Aizen steer the conversation to observing my Shikai?!

Speaking of which, I've only released my Shikai a handful of times. The only time I was forced to release it in public was when Lieutenant Kyunnan Shiro pushed me to my breaking point, and I used it in a moment of desperation.

Since then, for some unknown reason, the title "Soul Society's Most Beautiful Zanpakuto" spread like wildfire.

Although that Shikai was a disguised form, forcibly activated with an "erroneous" release phrase...

Yan Si looked at the two people in front of him.

Aizen's eyes flickered with "pure" curiosity, while Hirako's eyes held undisguised scrutiny.

Suddenly, an idea struck him, and he understood.

Damn it! These two old schemers are teaming up to force me to show my power!

Aizen might be driven by curiosity, or some other motive.

As for Hirako, he probably wanted to confirm just how capable this "suspected dangerous individual" really was!

When did you guys reach this unspoken agreement?! Serves you right that you'll be stuck in the same squad, killing each other for decades!

Don't drag me into this, you bastards!

Yan Si's lips twitched slightly as he attempted a final struggle:

"There will be plenty of opportunities to show my Shikai later. For now, let's focus on the matter of Classmate Aizen choosing his squad..."

However, Aizen smiled and said in a gentle tone:

"Actually, my desire to join the Ninth Division is largely because I hope to have the opportunity to admire the 'Soul Society's most beautiful Zanpakuto' up close. If I can achieve that wish here..."

"Hiss!" Yan Si gasped again.

Damn it, Aizen! You won't stop until you get what you want!

Hirako Shinji immediately chimed in from the side, arms crossed:

"The junior is making such a sincere request, it would be rather unkind of you, as a senior, not to show it, wouldn't it?"

"That's right, Yan Si," Kyōraku Shunsui also appeared from somewhere, with a lazy smile that suggested he enjoyed watching the drama unfold.

"I'm also very curious about what your Zanpakuto looks like. Just satisfy everyone's curiosity, won't you~"

Whether he was purely curious or trying to gather information, only he knew.

Yan Si looked at the "three interrogators" before him and knew he couldn't avoid this today.

He took a deep breath and slowly nodded.

"...Fine, let's see it then."

With that, he took a few steps back, putting some distance between himself and the three.

He steadily gripped the hilt at his waist with his right hand, slowly drawing his Zanpakuto and holding it horizontally at his chest.

His left hand gently lifted, resting on the cold blade.

At this moment, the entire training ground fell silent.

All the graduates, including Sarugaki Hiyori, who had just been defeated, and Yadomaru Lisa, with her calm expression, held their breath, their eyes wide, afraid of missing a single detail.

They all wanted to witness firsthand what the "Soul Society's most beautiful Zanpakuto," which had been so widely rumored, actually looked like!

Siwei Yan slowly swept his left hand across the slender blade. Simultaneously, a cold and pure spiritual pressure erupted from within him, spreading out like ripples.

He softly chanted, his voice as clear and cold as jade:

"Scatter—a painted scroll of wind and snow."

In an instant, the Zanpakuto in his hand transformed into a piece of crystalline, dazzling ice and snow dust, like a galaxy scattered by the wind.

These icy spirit particles rapidly condensed in his hand, shaping themselves into a semi-transparent folding fan made of frost and never-ending falling snow.

Countless snowflakes slowly flowed and settled on the fan's surface, refracting the sky's light and emitting a hazy, melancholic glow.

The ice crystal frame outlined an elegant curve, the entire folding fan breathtakingly beautiful, as if it had condensed all the poetic beauty of winter in the world.

At the same time, the temperature in the training ground quietly dropped, and wisps of cool breeze appeared out of nowhere, carrying tiny, crystalline snowflakes that fell silently.

Siwei Yan stood quietly in the sudden, light snowfall, holding this dreamlike ice and snow folding fan.

His black Shinigami uniform formed a stark contrast with the pale ice and snow.

His refined face, set against the backdrop of wind and snow, appeared even more ethereal and refined, like a noble young man from an ancient painting, carrying endless sorrow and beauty.

At this moment, all was silent, with only the wind and snow silently painting a poignant picture.