Gin Ichimaru's Choice

Gin Ichimaru Ichimaru's usually squinted eyes, which made it impossible to read his emotions, were wide open at this moment.

His pupils reflected a complex mix of emotions: shock, panic, and disbelief.

There was also a trace of suppressed fear.

He stared blankly at Wang Xun, as if he were seeing something unbelievable.

His lips parted slightly, but no sound came out.

After a moment, he managed to utter a single sentence.

"What... what are you saying..."

Gin Ichimaru's voice was dry and hoarse.

The survival rules of Rukongai taught him that secrets are life.

But now, the thought hidden deep in his heart has been casually shattered by a Soul Reaper he has only met twice.

The feeling was like being suddenly thrown naked into a frozen wasteland.

Cold, bewildered, nowhere to hide.

Gin Ichimaru's hand had already quietly reached for his sleeve.

There tucked there was the old dagger he had salvaged from the ruins, the only thing that gave him a sliver of peace in this place.

His fingertips touched the hilt of the knife, and the cold touch calmed him down a little.

Then, Gin Ichimaru lowered his head.

His expression was hidden beneath his hair.

Anger, inner turmoil, and a barely suppressed killing intent.

He knew that this was not the expression he should be showing right now.

Therefore, he tried his best to control himself and forced himself to calm down.

Wang Xun could see that the silver-haired boy was standing still, his whole body stiff.

Wang Xun keenly detected that faint hint of killing intent.

Wang Xun's lips curled up slightly; Gin Ichimaru's reaction was pretty much what he had guessed.

Then, Wang Xun said softly.

"You don't need to be nervous. If I wanted to harm you, I wouldn't have saved her that night, and there would be no need for me to tell you all this now."

"Besides, your murderous intent was too obvious. If I really had bad intentions, you would be dead by now."

The next moment, Gin Ichimaru felt a blur before his eyes, and a Zanpakuto against his face without him even noticing.

Gin Ichimaru was tense all over, his fingers gripping the hilt of his sword tightly, cold sweat beading on his forehead.

He couldn't see the person in front of him moving at all.

The next moment, he only saw the person in front of him sheath his Zanpakuto and make no further moves.

It seemed that her actions just now were merely a way to tease him.

However, at this moment, Gin Ichimaru's mind was in turmoil.

Having spent so long in the backward areas of Rukongai, he rarely encountered enemies so fast that he couldn't react in time.

Gin Ichimaru had assumed the person in front of him was just a skilled doctor, but he never expected him to be so strong.

The next moment, Gin Ichimaru finally calmed down and quickly thought things through.

He didn't know what Wang Xun's purpose was.

I don't know how I should respond.

Finally, Gin Ichimaru made his decision. He released the dagger from his hand and let his hands fall naturally to his sides.

What exactly do you want to do?

His voice was still low, but it was clearly much calmer now.

Wang Xun looked at him.

"I just want to tell you that, to some extent, our goals are aligned."

Gin Ichimaru was taken aback.

"You... you also want to Aizen?"

His voice was soft, tinged with uncertainty.

Wang Xun did not answer directly.

Sunlight streamed through the dilapidated windowpanes, casting dappled shadows on him.

No, but I can tell you something.

Wang Xun walked to the door and looked around at the mountains and forests outside.

"Aizen is more terrifying than you imagine. If you want to get to his side, it's not an easy path."

He didn't turn around, but his voice clearly reached Gin Ichimaru.

"If you can get close to him, it's only because he wants you to get close to him."

"What you need to do is make him think you're a pawn he can control at will."

You need to pique his curiosity and let him know that everything about you is under his control.

"Only in this way will you have even a sliver of a chance of success at the last minute."

Gin Ichimaru stood still, rapidly processing this information in his mind.

He watched Wang Xun's actions and felt a little puzzled.

What are you looking at?

"Let me see if anyone's outside."

"But... why are you telling me all this? What is your purpose?"

Gin Ichimaru's voice carried a hint of probing.

Upon hearing this, Wang Xun remained silent for a moment.

"It's not the right time to tell you yet, and there are some things I don't fully understand right now."

Gin Ichimaru's eyes darkened slightly.

Then, Gin Ichimaru raised his head.

"If that's the case, then tell me, how can I become stronger?"

Wang Xun nodded. That's a good idea.

"After that, you can go to the Seireitei, apply to the Shin'ō Academy, and eventually become Soul Reaper."

"With your talent, these are not problems at all; becoming stronger is just a natural consequence."

"If you come with me, I might give you some pointers when we get back. What do you say, think about it?"

Wang Xun looked at Gin Ichimaru, who was deep in thought.

Considering Gin Ichimaru's qualifications and his final achievements, it was actually quite good.

Now, Wang Xun is merely giving him a push forward.

In the original timeline, Gin Ichimaru joined the Gotei 13 four or five years later.

That year marked the outbreak of the Hollowfication Incident.

Wang Xun's actions at this moment may prompt Gin Ichimaru to join the Gotei 13 ahead of schedule.

I wonder what impact this will have on the future.

Wang Xun's gaze fell on Rangiku on the tatami mat.

He then walked to the tatami mat, bent down, and gently picked up Rangiku.

"As agreed, I took her with me first."

"Seireitei has the best medical facilities, so don't worry, she will get better."

"So, have you made up your mind?"

Gin Ichimaru looked at that familiar face, at her still unconscious in Wang Xun's arms.

His fingers curled slightly, but he didn't say anything.

He simply shook his head slightly.

"This is a path I can only walk myself."

"Please take good care of Rangiku for me. I'll be keeping an eye on you from now on."

Seeing Gin Ichimaru make his decision, Wang Xun sighed.

"Yeah.."

After that, Wang Xun didn't say anything more, and walked towards the door with Rangiku in his arms.

He stopped when he reached the door.

"Silver."

Wang Xun did not turn around.

There are some things I can't tell you right now.

"But you can trust me that I have no ill intentions towards you or Rangiku."

Gin Ichimaru was stunned for a moment, only to see Wang Xun open the door and walk out.

Behind him, Gin Ichimaru stood still, watching the door slowly close.

After a long while, he lowered his head, looking at the dagger in his hand, his fingers tightening slightly.

He didn't know who Wang Xun really was.

I don't know how he knows all this, and I don't know what he's trying to do.

But at least on the surface, this person showed no ill will towards him or Rangiku.

Gin Ichimaru had considered not handing Rangiku over to that person, but what good would that do Rangiku in her current state?

After all, that person did indeed help Rangiku stabilize her injuries.

Gin Ichimaru looked up at the hole in the roof.

Sunlight streamed in from the cave entrance, illuminating his face.

Outside, the sun was shining brightly.

Wang Xun, carrying Rangiku, walked down the mountain along the path he had come from.

What he said today will give Gin Ichimaru enough time to process.

Since Gin Ichimaru still chose to go his own way, Wang Xun didn't try to force him any further.

After all, they will definitely meet again at some point in the future.

Behind us, the mountains and forests remained silent.

The dilapidated little house gradually disappeared into the distance behind us.

Behind another patch of shade in the distance, a figure stood with his hands behind his back, quietly watching this scene.

Aizen's gaze lingered on the girl in Wang Xun's arms for a moment, then he glanced in the direction of the small house.

Finally, Aizen watched Wang Xun's retreating figure, his brows furrowed in thought.