Gin Ichimaru at a Loss

"No... it's nothing, I just felt those people left in a bit of a hurry."

"That's true, maybe something urgent just happened."

Aizen wore a gentle smile, but a thoughtful look flickered in his eyes.

However, at this moment, Wang Xun understood.

Kenpachi Zaraki appeared a bit too early.

In the original timeline, Zaraki defeated Kiganjō and became the captain of the 11th Division after the Hollowfication Incident.

If Kenpachi Zaraki were to fight Kiganjō right now, Zaraki could become the new captain of the 11th Division.

Aizen's future plans may be affected.

After all, the nature of the Zaraki is highly uncertain.

Later, when Aizen was Muken, he had a brief conversation with Sōya Azashiro, during which he revealed the two people he was wary of in the Soul Society.

First, there was Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai.

The second is Kenpachi Zaraki.

So Aizen intervened, using Kyōka Suigetsu to eliminate the conflict.

With the Hollowfication Experiment imminent, now is not the time to send Zaraki into the Seireitei.

Wang Xun withdrew his gaze and remained silent.

He simply stared silently at the clearing that Kenpachi Zaraki had cleaved through.

There, the fragments that fell as Zaraki unleashed his Reiatsu gradually flowed into his body.

[Gained 7 High-Level Reiryoku Fragment, +700 Spiritual Might Experience]

[Spiritual Might Level Increased↑]

[Spiritual Might: Level 5 (Experience: 120/25000)]

Wang Xun felt that power flowing through his body.

Fifth-Class Spiritual Might.

His total Reiatsu finally reached the standard for a vice-captain.

Wang Xun a deep breath, raised his head, and looked in the direction where Kenpachi Zaraki had disappeared.

Those figures had already disappeared into the depths of the wasteland.

All that remained were the chaotic traces of battle and faint remnants of Reiatsu.

Wang Xun withdrew his gaze.

He recalled the new skill he had just acquired: Soul Splitting.

From today onwards, his path has taken another direction.

A direction full of unknowns and possibilities.

After Zaraki left, the area was thoroughly searched again with the assistance of the Fifth Division.

Ultimately, they also discovered some scattered, wandering voids.

The members of the 11th Division gave chase and wiped them all out.

Several days later, the surrounding area was thoroughly cleaned up by the joint team.

Until no other trace of the illusory could be found.

"That's about enough; there are no more voids in this area."

Aizen's tone was calm.

Wang Xun nodded.

"The Void Clan has been wiped out, and this area is temporarily safe. The reason for the large-scale disappearance of souls has also been found; it seems we can go back and report."

Aizen looked at the darkening sky and pondered for a moment.

Let's rest for another night. We can head back early tomorrow morning.

The following morning, the group began its return journey.

The tension and wariness they felt upon arrival have largely dissipated.

The members of the 11th Division chatted and laughed, discussing where they would go for drinks after they returned.

The members of the Fifth Division were much more relaxed, and occasionally chatted with the members of the Fourth Division.

Wang Xun walked in the middle of the group, his eyes scanning the surroundings.

The return route is the same as the way there; it will pass through that place.

That dilapidated little house.

It's unclear what choice Gin Ichimaru will make.

If he chooses not to go back with me, then he probably still wants to run to Aizen's side and secretly stab him.

Finally, when the group passed through that familiar mountain forest, Wang Xun stopped.

He walked up to Aizen.

"Lieutenant Aizen."

Aizen turned his head.

"Um?"

Wang Xun pointed to the distant mountains and forests.

"When I was gathering herbs before, I encountered a wounded spirit, and I want to go see how he is now."

Aizen's gaze followed the direction of his finger.

The forest was lush and green, gleaming in the sunlight.

After a moment, Aizen nodded.

"Go ahead," he said. "Perfect timing. We'll set up camp and rest up ahead. Once you've finished your business, remember to catch up quickly."

Wang Xun nodded.

"Thank you Lieutenant Aizen."

He turned and walked towards the woods.

The mountains and forests remained silent.

Wang Xun followed the route he remembered, and the dilapidated little house soon came into view.

He walked to the door and knocked gently.

The door opened, and a small head with silver hair peeked out.

"You've come."

Gin Ichimaru's voice was soft and calm.

Wang Xun nodded, walked into the room, and saw that Rangiku was fast asleep on the bed, but her condition was better than before.

He crouched down and placed his hand on Rangiku's forehead.

A pale green Reiatsu from the Kaidō entered her body.

A moment later, he withdrew his hand.

"She's recovering well. How is she? Has she woken up these past few days?"

He woke up a few times, but quickly fell asleep again.

"That's normal. After all, with this kind of injury, the soul needs a long time to recover and rest."

Wang Xun stood up and looked at Gin Ichimaru.

Have you thought it through? Do you want to come with me?

Gin Ichimaru remained silent for a moment.

Then, he said softly.

"Take Rangiku with you. You said she has the potential to become Soul Reaper, so you must take good care of her."

Wang Xun looked at Gin Ichimaru, not surprised by his decision.

And what about you?

Gin Ichimaru looked up at him.

Those squinting eyes revealed no emotion.

"I will go to Seireitei, but not with you."

Wang Xun looked at him.

"Why?"

Gin Ichimaru did not answer.

He simply lowered his head and looked at Rangiku.

After a long silence, he spoke softly.

I have my own path to walk.

Wang Xun remained silent for a moment.

The silver-haired boy in front of me had a youthful face, yet it exuded a calmness beyond his years.

What, you don't trust me?

Gin Ichimaru did not respond.

A Soul Reaper I'd only met once, a few kind words, and a single act of kindness that saved my life.

These are not enough to make him completely trust them.

The survival rules of Rukongai taught him never to place his hopes on others.

Moreover, if the Soul Reaper in front of him is truly a good person, then he cannot reveal what he intends to do.

Because once it's revealed, that person might investigate, might expose it, might...

die.

Gin Ichimaru did not want such a thing to happen.

He couldn't let the person who saved Rangiku become one of them.

Therefore, he cannot say.

He had to go by himself.

Go and get close to those people, and find out the truth.

Finally, revenge.

As for Rangiku...

He looked at the familiar face on the tatami mat, and in those squinting eyes, a very faint trace of lingering affection and reluctance flashed.

Letting her leave is the best option.

Let her go with this Soul Reaper to the Seireitei, receive better treatment, and live a peaceful life.

And he was going to walk that dark path.

A road of no return.

Wang Xun looked at the silent Gin Ichimaru and could sense his complex emotions.

Then, Wang Xun nodded.

"Okay, I respect your choice."

"However, if you want to take revenge on Aizen, your own abilities might not be quite enough."

"Perhaps you could consider my opinion?"

The next moment, Gin Ichimaru was stunned.

Then, his eyes widened suddenly.

He stared blankly in Wang Xun's direction, his eyes filled with panic and disbelief.

"What did you say?"