Three days later,
the largest training ground in the Soul Society.
The captains of the Gotei 13 had all gathered at the training ground,
looking on with considerable curiosity and interest as the Captain Battle began.
Normally, a captain's position was filled by recommendation or by Head Captain Yamamoto's approval.
A contest for a captain's seat like this was practically unheard of, with one occurring perhaps once every few centuries.
Of course, the Eleventh Division was the exception. Its captain was chosen entirely through combat.
"Gin,"
Aizen said to Gin Ichimaru beside him,
"are you confident?"
"Facing Nara-kun, I mean."
Gin wore an inscrutable smile.
"If it were an ordinary captain... I wouldn't have much trouble."
"But facing Nara Dan..."
His tone turned complicated.
"We've all seen how powerful he is..."
"Captain Aizen..."
Gin's meaning was clear. He was confident he was as strong as, or stronger than, most of the current captains, but he wasn't sure he could face Nara Dan, who had only just graduated.
Aizen showed no concern at all. He calmly reassured him,
"I think that if it's you, Gin, you still have a chance of winning."
"After all, you're a Shinigami with considerable talent..."
Gin was unmoved by Aizen's praise.
"That may be true."
"But I'm sure Captain Aizen wouldn't just watch me get completely trounced, would you?"
"Otherwise, it'd be rather embarrassing for you to have your own Vice-Captain lose..."
Gin was testing Aizen, indirectly asking whether he would interfere in the fight between Gin and Nara Dan.
After all, if Aizen used Illusion, it would be fairly easy to make sure Gin won the battle.
"Actually, the position of captain isn't essential to us..."
Aizen didn't answer directly, but changed the subject.
"Is it?"
"By comparison..."
"I'd much rather see you force Nara