"Aizen, just as you predicted some of the Four Great Noble Houses are after us."
As they walked back through the quiet streets of Seireitei, Ran En recounted the moment he provoked the black-robed squad leader into revealing clues about who sent them.
"And what do you think the Head Captain and Mr. Jushiro really came to see us for?"
Aizen showed no surprise. It was clear he had already considered this.
"Indeed," Ran En continued, narrowing his eyes. "They never once stated their real reason for coming."
He didn't believe for a moment that the assault on two freshmen Shinigami had been enough to stir Yamamoto Genryūsai himself into action. It was no rescue it was an inspection.
"It's obvious," Aizen said with a smile, "that after tonight, we're not just being watched by the Four Great Noble Houses anymore."
"Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni," Ran En said flatly.
He was sure of it.
"Initially, he may have intended to take us under his wing, as he did with Jūshirō and Kyoraku Shunsui hundreds of years ago. But something made him change his mind."
"I spent some time today in the Spiritual Arts Academy library. There's a biography of Yamamoto Genryūsai covering the two thousand years since he founded the Academy."
"Whatever he was long ago, the man he is now is a Shinigami bound by rules. Rules of his own making. Just like his Zanpakutō, which is now sealed within a cane no longer a weapon, but a symbol. Unless challenged, it remains dormant."
Aizen's voice was calm. Despite being targeted by the strongest Shinigami of the last millennium, there was no fear in his expression. Not even concern.
"In other words," Aizen continued, "Yamamoto fears that we may eventually challenge or even dismantle the very rules he's created to govern Soul Society. That's why he changed his approach. Instead of cultivating us, he'll let us grow but under constant surveillance. Or rather, under control."
"But that's not the attitude someone called 'the strongest' should have."
"The powerful should shape the rules, not be constrained by them."
His words were confident and measured, his thoughts as sharp as ever.
"It doesn't matter," Ran En replied, smiling faintly. "With or without Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni watching us, nothing will change the fact that you and I are destined to stand at the summit."
"This isn't a theory of will. It won't bend based on anyone's intentions not even the strongest Shinigami's."
"What makes a truth a truth... is that it cannot be altered by anyone's will."
In Soul Society, most would consider it an unimaginable honor to be selected as Yamamoto Genryūsai's disciple. But to Ran En, the idea wasn't even tempting.
Why?
Because he didn't need anyone to teach him.
His abilities Zanpakutō, Kidō, Kendo were all cultivating themselves. Like when he first crossed into this world: he had only swung a sword a few times, yet the Way of the Sword had already begun to take shape on its own.
The same was happening now.
He didn't even study Kidō. Just reading the encyclopedia was enough Kidō took over and trained itself.
Reaching the top was not a possibility. It was an inevitability.
Even Yamamoto's watchful eyes couldn't change that.
If he ever did make a move against him Ran En wouldn't face it alone.
He had Zanpakutō. He had Reiatsu. He had Kendo and Kidō.
And more importantly, he had a younger brother Aizen, the King of Kings.
"Of course," Aizen said, nodding slowly. "With our talents, it was only a matter of time. Even without Spiritual Arts Academy, we would've gotten there eventually. The only thing the Academy changes... is how fast."
"Actually," Ran En said with a grin, glancing at the sheathed blade at Aizen's waist, "I think this situation works out well."
"Being 'monitored' by the strongest Shinigami in a thousand years... makes it easier for us to move freely."
"Wouldn't you agree?"
Aizen followed Ran En's gaze and looked down at Kyōka Suigetsu.
For a moment, he paused then smirked knowingly.
After all, who would ever suspect someone already approved by the Head Captain?
Who would question the blade of the man he trusted?
Tsunayashiro Residence
"Useless trash!"
Tsunayashiro Tokinada's voice echoed through the grand hall.
"I gave you two full Hunting God squads what do I get in return?"
"Not only were they completely wiped out, but you couldn't even bring me a single one of the Ran En brothers?!"
A black-robed subordinate was hurled backward by a furious kick, crashing into a stone pillar. Blood poured from his head as he staggered, then dropped to his knees and crawled back inside.
"Master Tokinada, please forgive me!"
"Although Ran En had only enrolled in the Academy for a single day, his Reiatsu was already at a captain's level, and he's fully mastered Shikai. His combat ability is terrifying."
"I even designed a careful trap one that could cripple a vice-captain, even injure a captain if caught off guard. But they exceeded every expectation. They've already surpassed the vice-captain level!"
Tokinada's eyes were cold.
"Hadō #54: Haien."
A single gesture. A flash of violet fire.
The black-robed man didn't even have time to scream before his head was engulfed, disintegrated in a single instant.
"Lord Tokinada," another voice spoke from the shadows, calm and composed, "Shall I go instead?"
The man stepped forward, wearing robes trimmed with golden embroidery, a white cap on his head.
It was Yamada Seinosuke the official representative of Shin'ō Academy.
"I've already found the remnants of the assassin group you wanted."
"They're ready. Why not use the Ran En brothers as test subjects? A perfect opportunity to see if the weapons are sharp enough."
Tokinada's gaze flickered, tempted.
But then he frowned.
"No... Yamamoto and Jūshirō are already involved."
"If I make another move, I risk exposing myself. I don't intend to spend the next few centuries rotting in prison."
Even Tokinada, as arrogant and reckless as he was, understood that crossing Yamamoto Genryūsai head-on was a gamble not worth taking yet.