"Ukitake-sensei, what brings you and the Headmaster here in person?"
Lan Yan smiled faintly, clearly uninterested in the so-called "explanation" they'd promised earlier. Without missing a beat, he redirected the conversation.
An explanation?
Such things aren't handed out.
In Soul Society, justice is something you take with your own hands.
No matter who orchestrated the ambush—
Even if it was one of the Four Great Noble Houses—
He and Aizen would find them.
And they would pay.
"This wasn't my idea," Ukitake replied, not hiding the truth. "The one who asked to speak with you… is Genryūsai-sensei himself."
Both brothers turned their eyes to Yamamoto Genryūsai.
Before speaking, the older man's gaze pierced through them like a sword.
Direct. Merciless.
A stare meant to strip away masks and dive deep into the soul.
"Why did you become Shinigami?"
That was his only question.
Lan Yan responded without hesitation:
"To witness the summit of the Shinigami world."
The apex of power—
Zanpakutō, Kidō, Hakuda, Hohō…
He wanted to know how far his abilities, left to grow freely, could reach.
"To step beyond the current realm," Aizen answered with equal clarity.
Now that he had abandoned his original path of hidden ambition, there was no longer a need to conceal his talent.
Yamamoto studied them in silence.
His expression betrayed nothing.
Even Ukitake couldn't guess what he was thinking.
But Lan Yan wasn't anxious.
His attention was already shifting—toward his ever-busy "abilities."
*[Your Zanpakutō is very pleased with how you annihilated enemies using it directly in battle. It has rewarded you with a new Shikai ability: Ame-no-Murakumo (Heavenly Cloud Sword)]
[Your Swordsmanship is thrilled. You opened the fight with its favorite move, Sword Pressure. Feeling flattered, it tailored a brand-new move just for you: Hundred-Pace Flying Blade.]
[Your Kidō is not amused. You used your sword and Zanpakutō but ignored him entirely. Still, being the bigger man, he forgives you this once and offers his latest spell: Bakudō #63: Sajō Sabaku. But next time—don't forget to bring him along for the show.]
Lan Yan couldn't help but grin.
So thoughtful...
A light-type Hundred-Pace Flying Blade, paired with Ame-no-Murakumo?
A perfect combo.
Throw as many blades as he wants.
Never worry about recovery.
He didn't even have to summon them back anymore.
But Kidō's sulky attitude made him chuckle.
Alright, alright.
Next time I fight, I'll let you show off too.
Just then, Yamamoto finally spoke.
"Lan Yan. Aizen."
"Return to Shinō Academy. I'll have this incident investigated."
"And for now—tell no one what happened."
Ukitake's expression flickered slightly, but he said nothing.
"Yes, sir."
"Understood, Head Captain. Ukitake-sensei."
With calm expressions, the brothers bowed respectfully and walked away, exchanging a glance that said everything they didn't.
After they vanished from spiritual perception, Ukitake broke the silence.
"Sensei, why?"
"Didn't you come here intending to take them as your disciples?"
Yamamoto closed his eyes.
"The ambush squads… each comprised of ten men, one lieutenant-level, the rest equivalent to third seats or higher. All dead. Not one left alive."
He opened his eyes again—sharp as a blade.
"And all that… by first-day students."
Ukitake inhaled sharply.
Even he had underestimated them.
"In all my years—centuries—I've never seen such potential," Yamamoto continued. "Not even you, not even Kyōraku."
Ukitake's surprise deepened.
"Then why send them back?"
"Because talent means nothing without conviction," Yamamoto replied coldly.
"If they are just strength without righteousness, I would rather leave them untrained."
"Time will reveal what they truly are."
"And if they prove themselves—then I will take them as disciples."
He was honest, for once. He spoke plainly to the student he trusted most.
Originally, he'd come to recruit them.
But after seeing the battlefield—the carnage—he'd seen something else in them.
Something familiar.
Something… dangerous.
They reminded him of himself.
The one they once called "Sword Demon"—the ruthless warlord who ruled Soul Society 2000 years ago.
And that version of himself?
He had personally extinguished it.
He couldn't allow another.
Let alone two.
He would rather mold two controllable weapons, like Kenpachi Zaraki—fierce but chained.
Rather than raise another Sword Demon.
"Sensei… you've changed."
Ukitake's voice was soft.
"You came to guide them. And now you watch them."
"Because you fear what they might become."
"They were the victims, not the threat."
Yamamoto said nothing as he walked away.
And Ukitake just stood there, quietly watching his back.
His teacher once walked tall, with wisdom and mercy.
Now he stood hunched, cautious, clinging to rules that stifled the very life of Soul Society.
Just like the Central 46.
Rules not to protect peace,
But to prevent change.
Rules like the one that forbids two identical Zanpakutō from existing…
And Yamamoto, for all his greatness,
Had begun to believe in such rules.
Author's Note:
Swordsmanship: Thoughtful king.
Kidō: Jealous but loyal.
Zanpakutō: MVP.
Next chapter: The Academy reacts.
Tension builds.
––
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