So-Called Glory

"Oh!" Gin Ichimaru nodded lightly and said nothing more.

"Kenpachi, Fang Path has no forms. The only, and most important, thing is to possess a heart that charges forward without hesitation, a heart that would slaughter the whole world. Once you have decided someone is an enemy, the moment you draw your blade, attack without regard for life or death. Do not turn back until they are dead, and do not sheath your blade until they are dead. That is Fang Path—the path of a beast's fangs, tearing every enemy apart alive!"

"I understand, Master!"

"Gin, you are not suited to Swordsmanship, which is why I taught you the Assassination Path. To be honest, I do not know whether that was right or wrong. But Gin, the meaning of assassination lies in three key points!"

"First, one strike, one kill. You only get one chance, so never act unless you are certain. In other words, once you act, you must be absolutely confident, and show no mercy!"

"Second is concealment. For an assassin, the most important thing is concealing your emotions. Whether it is excitement, sorrow, or pain, do not let anyone see them!"

"The third is patience. When an enemy is too powerful for you to match, you must have the absolute patience to lie in wait and search for the opportunity mentioned in the first point—a chance for a one-strike kill. So patience is equally vital!"

"Yes, Master. Gin will remember!"

"Finally, Kenpachi, Gin, I hope you will firmly remember one sentence and never forget it!"

Shadow raised his head, his dark eyes solemn and heavy. "Remember it even if you die!"

"Will is our glory. It has never needed anyone else's approval. It is the pride that belongs to us alone!"

"Beasts or madmen, it does not matter! As long as your will does not fall and your heart still beats, your blade will never rust. The stronger your heart, the stronger your blade!"

"Our glory, our pride, our dignity—these are things we must protect ourselves. So there has never been any need to care how others look at us. As long as you hold to your will and stand by your heart's choice, it does not matter even if no one understands. When the truth comes to light, beat your chest and tell everyone!"

"I was not wrong. You were too stubborn and too shortsighted!"

"But the premise is that you must not hurt the people or things you wish to protect!"

As Shadow spoke, it was impossible to tell whether he was warning the two before him or speaking of his former self.

"Protect!"

"That's right! What Kenpachi wants to protect is battle and Yachiru Kusajishi. So Gin, go find it! Find the thing you wish to protect!"

"Mm!" Gin Ichimaru nodded, seeming to understand but not entirely.

"Then let me tell you one last thing. Do not be deceived by appearances. What matters is seeing your own heart clearly, holding fast to your will, and believing in the blade in your hand!"

After saying that, Shadow patted Gin Ichimaru on the head. In his eyes, Kenpachi Zaraki had been born purely for battle—simple and resolute. But Gin Ichimaru was different. Shadow was somewhat worried about the boy, yet he still had to walk his own path. The choices he made and their consequences, whether right or wrong, were his alone to bear.

Before Gin Ichimaru could speak again, Shadow turned and walked out without looking back, his face as cold as ever.

Gin Ichimaru opened his mouth, yet no words came out. Then Kenpachi Zaraki's somewhat wild voice rang out beside him.

"Hey, Gin! Then we'll be leaving too. When we meet again, make sure you fight me properly! Yachiru, let's go!"

"Got it, Kenny!" Yachiru Kusajishi appeared from somewhere and draped herself over Kenpachi Zaraki's shoulder. Turning back, she waved at Gin Ichimaru. "See you, Gin!"

Shadow walked away without looking back. Kenpachi Zaraki left with Yachiru Kusajishi as well. Gin Ichimaru stood where he was, only turning to leave after a long while.

A few days later, he met the girl he wanted to protect for the rest of his life, Rangiku Matsumoto...

"Lady Yoruichi!"

A figure darted through the forest, as agile and effortless as a fish in the sea. Moving at incredible speed, she vanished in an instant.

Soul Society, Seireitei, Second Division barracks.

Dressed in the black, backless tight uniform of the Punishment Force, her purple hair cut short at ear length, Yoruichi Shihōin looked sharp and valiant as she stepped out of the barracks. She took a deep breath of fresh air, then let out an inexplicable sigh.

"That bastard Shadow, why isn't he back yet?! I never should have let him go teach any disciples in the first place. Honestly!"

"Lady Yoruichi, Lord Shadow will return soon!"

Soi Fon behind her clearly knew what Yoruichi Shihōin was thinking. In truth, it was not just her. Who among those who knew Yoruichi Shihōin would not know?

"Who... who cares about him!"

Yoruichi Shihōin muttered, then shook her head. "All right, Soi Fon. We're going to Rukongai now!"

Since she was in a bad mood, Yoruichi Shihōin decided to head to Rukongai, find a few Hollows, and vent some frustration. It would also count as training for Soi Fon!

"Yes, Lady Yoruichi!" Soi Fon answered at once.

Soi Fon often thought that this period had been the happiest time of her life. Even when the battles were intense, she had felt the purest happiness.

But they had only been a few ordinary Hollows, large but otherwise incapable. Yet she had still encountered danger. Watching Yoruichi Shihōin effortlessly destroy them, Soi Fon suddenly began to doubt herself. Why... why am I so weak...?

"All right, let's head back!"

Yoruichi Shihōin sheathed her short blade at the small of her back, then turned to Soi Fon.

A trace of weariness flickered in her golden eyes. Yoruichi Shihōin suddenly had the feeling that once she returned, she would see that cold face she had been thinking about all along.

"I am deeply sorry!"

Yoruichi Shihōin had barely turned around and taken two steps when she heard Soi Fon's voice. Looking back, she saw Soi Fon kneeling on the ground, her face filled with guilt.

"I should be the one protecting you! Just like Lord Shadow does. But because I am not capable enough..."

"Ha!" Yoruichi Shihōin put her right hand on her hip and laughed helplessly at the sky. "Over something like that? There is no need to apologize!"

"But..." Soi Fon still hesitated.

"I said it's fine, so it's fine!" Yoruichi Shihōin said with a light laugh. "Seriously! Why are you as stubborn as that bastard Shadow?"

"Commander!!!"