Let me think, oh, Zanka no Tachi!

This was not a fight to the death.

It was merely a test between two potential collaborators, each gauging whether the other was qualified to work together.

Of course, it was mainly Aizen doing the testing.

As for Dunn, he naturally knew Aizen well. He knew what Aizen wanted to do.

No matter how great a schemer someone was, as long as they desired something, they could be used.

Clang!

Aizen's blade struck Dunn's neck, yet it produced only a crisp metallic ring.

Aizen's sword had been stopped by the thin skin on Dunn's neck. The blade could not even leave the slightest scratch.

Even someone as deeply calculating as Aizen had a flash of shock in his eyes.

Hierro?

That was Aizen's first thought.

Could this Dunn truly be some kind of Hollow?

Hierro was an ability possessed by Hollows. Some Hollows had incredibly tough exteriors, so hard that even a Soul Reaper's blade could not cut through their hardened skin.

Of course, that did not include captain-class Soul Reapers.

But Aizen knew exactly how much force he had used just now.

Other than not using Kyōka Suigetsu's power, that strike had already been his full strength in this state.

Dunn turned his head to look at Aizen.

Through the mask on Dunn's face, Aizen could see the teasing look in his eyes.

Aizen's heart tightened, and he swiftly retreated.

"Put some strength into it. I can take it."

Dunn raised a hand to rub the spot where he had been struck, speaking with a smile.

Aizen:...

Why did that tone make him so punchable?

"If this is all you can do, then I'm sorry, but you're not qualified to cooperate with me. This time, all of you will stay here."

Hearing Dunn say that, Aizen looked at the