Even now, he could not understand how that thing worked.
For now, what mattered most was growing stronger. If his reiatsu reached his teacher's level, Kyōka Suigetsu could control him too, and he would not be so helpless. In the end, he simply was not strong enough.
"Hogyoku, I know you can grant wishes. If you can hear my heart, make me stronger," Aizen murmured.
A faint light flowed across the Hogyoku. Whether it had understood him was impossible to tell.
Early the next morning, Aizen brought the severed head to Yamabuki Chidori's office.
"I caught the culprit. He threatened me yesterday and demanded that I take him out of Soul Society, but I spotted an opening and killed him. And this sword belongs to you, Teacher, doesn't it? I'm returning it to its rightful owner." Aizen presented Kyōten'en with both hands.
Kuchiki Kyōka's mouth fell open. Was someone really handing over credit for such a major achievement? This was ridiculous. Why hadn't the man come to him?
Yamabuki Chidori hardly knew what to say. One glance at Kyōten'en told him why this remnant of the Tsunayashiro Clan had sought out Aizen.
He had probably meant to use Kyōka Suigetsu's ability as leverage. Unfortunately for him, he had picked the wrong person.
Aizen knew a thing or two about manipulating people.
Trying that on him was like trying to teach a master swordsman how to wield a blade.
"Oh, Aizen, you didn't secretly play around with this sword, did you? It's dangerous. One careless move and it'll drain your lifespan." Yamabuki Chidori sounded as though he had asked on a whim.
Aizen stiffened, then immediately smiled. "I know how dangerous it is. Why would I touch it?"
"If I were you, I'd have taken the chance to study Silver Radiant