A Request from Jian Ba

A pure white haori worn over a black shihakusho.

His jet-black hair was tied into a ponytail, with two strands hanging down like catfish whiskers, and his slightly pale face remained completely devoid of expression.

A pair of pitch-black eyes revealed an endless depth, as if he had no interest in anything in this world.

This was Kisaragi Akira's first impression of this "pixelated spirit" who had suddenly appeared in their dormitory.

Although he did not know the person before him.

He could still identify his status from the features of his attire.

On the back of the haori, the number "11" was embroidered in a bold, sweeping calligraphy.

Captain of the 11th Division, 8th Kenpachi, Azashiro Soya!

"Among the students of this year at the Spiritual Arts Academy, you and he are the two with the best potential."

The man in front of them spoke calmly, as if stating the most ordinary of facts:

"Leave the Spiritual Arts Academy as soon as possible. Staying here will only let your talents go to waste."

"If you want to become true Shinigami, go and fulfill your duty—"

"Kill all the Hollows in this world!"

Hearing this, Kisaragi Akira scratched his head, puzzled:

"But I never said I wanted to become a Shinigami..."

Although he was not quite sure why this 11th Division captain had appeared here.

But the moment he manifested, the sense of Danger Instinct he had previously sensed in the Zenteiji District surged into his heart once again.

Kisaragi Akira could conclude that the man before him had a significant connection to the massacre in the Rukongai.

Therefore.

His first impression of this 8th Kenpachi was not good.

It was even worse than when he had first met Aizen Sosuke.

Azashiro Soya paused, momentarily at a loss for how to continue.

It was his first time encountering a student who did not aim to become a Shinigami.

"What's so good about being a Shinigami?"

Kisaragi Akira curled his lip in disdain. "You have to be constrained by superiors, be responsible for subordinates, and when necessary, take orders from some incompetent, simple-minded fools."

"Unless you're giving me a captaincy, maybe then it would be acceptable."

After these words, Azashiro Soya fell silent.

So, it wasn't that he wasn't interested in being a Shinigami, but that he wasn't interested in being a common squad member.

Beside him, Aizen Sosuke's eyes shimmered with a faint light, and a subtle fluctuation of Reiatsu swirled around his body, appearing quite eerie.

The moment Azashiro Soya appeared, he had already entered a combat state.

Like Kisaragi Akira, although he did not know this guy's purpose, judging by the way he appeared, there was likely no good intention behind it.

Otherwise, a dignified Shinigami captain would not be breaking into a male dormitory at night.

However, just as he was preparing to act, a calm voice suddenly rang out.

"Put away your Reiatsu, Aizen Sosuke."

Azashiro Soya said indifferently, his back turned to him. "I admit you are very talented, but you have not yet grown to your limit."

"With your current abilities, you cannot stop me from doing anything..."

Aizen Sosuke's heart sank immediately, his brows furrowed.

This man seemed to know a great deal about him.

"So, Captain Azashiro, did you break into the male dormitory at night just to tell us about the duties of a Shinigami?"

Kisaragi Akira asked, troubled. "If that's all it is..."

"No."

Fearing that the conversation would be derailed by Kisaragi Akira again, Azashiro Soya decisively interrupted him.

"Everyone has different ideas; I have no right to interfere with the life paths of others."

"I have come to find you because I have a request."

As soon as these words were spoken, expressions of astonishment and confusion appeared on the faces of both Kisaragi Akira and Aizen Sosuke.

A dignified captain was actually asking a favor of a student?

"And, regarding this matter..."

His gaze suddenly turned icy, the temperature in the dormitory plummeted, and even the active Reishi in the air became silent.

"I hope the two of you can keep it a secret for me."

At this moment, Kisaragi Akira heard the high-pitched shriek of his Danger Instinct once again, piercing the heavens like a high note capable of destroying the entire world.

"Of course."

Kisaragi Akira answered with absolute decisiveness; between his life and breaking the law, he chose the former without a moment's hesitation.

Aizen furrowed his brows, finding the development of events increasingly incomprehensible.

Just as he prepared to say something, he saw Kisaragi Akira frantically winking at him.

After weighing his options, Aizen chose to remain silent.

Because based on his understanding of Kisaragi Akira, if there had been even the slightest possibility of resistance, this guy would have already slammed a Crow Sits on Plane right into the face of Azashiro Soya.

Such a cowardly display already spoke volumes.

"In that case, I shall take my leave."

From beginning to end, Azashiro Soya's emotions had not fluctuated in the slightest, as if he were a precision instrument.

Only when speaking with Kisaragi Akira did his expression show a faint, almost imperceptible change.

"Tomorrow at one in the morning."

Azashiro Soya threw out his final words, "I will wait for you both at the north gate of the Spiritual Arts Academy."

"Of course, Kisaragi Akira coming alone is also acceptable."

As his voice faded, the pristine white figure began to blur once more. As reishi disintegrated from his body, his Reiatsu gradually vanished from the spot.

With the departure of Azashiro Soya, the dormant reishi in the dormitory became active again.

The sudden chill in the air also slowly began to rise.

Kisaragi Akira and Aizen looked at each other, feeling their own powerlessness for the first time.

"What do you intend to do?"

Aizen was the first to break the silence, asking in a low voice.

Kisaragi Akira stretched his legs, which had gone numb from the pressure, and winced:

"What else can I do?"

"That old guy kills without blinking; if I don't go, I'll die."

"Right, I'll just go alone when the time comes."

As soon as these words were spoken, a look of confusion appeared on Aizen's face.

Kisaragi Akira grinned and said candidly, "Although I don't know exactly what he plans to make me do, if I can't pull it off, there's a high chance I won't be coming back."

"If you come along, you'll just be another soul lost to his blade."

"If that happens, neither your ideals nor mine will ever be realized."

Aizen fell silent.

A moment later, he spoke slowly: "Do you truly have no fear of death?"

"What kind of nonsense is that?"

Kisaragi Akira looked at Aizen as if he were an idiot:

"Do I look like the type who isn't afraid of dying?"

"If I had a choice, the one lying here wouldn't be me, but that old guy with the catfish-whisker hairstyle."

"Enough with the chatter."

"If I don't make it back, just remember to look after the Nikkotsu Shrine for me."

"Alright, goodnight."

"Sosuke..."

As his voice trailed off, the dormitory returned to silence.

Soon.

The rhythmic, gentle sound of breathing followed as Kisaragi Akira drifted into sleep.

Under the moonlight.

Aizen leaned against the wall, the moonlight spilling through the window onto his face, reflecting a gaze filled with deep contemplation...