After class ended, Aizen moved through the Spiritual Arts Academy as he had promisedvisiting other classrooms and presenting his Zanpakutō Shikai to everyone.
Each time he announced his intention, teachers and students alike were stunned... then thrilled.
No hesitation, no holding backAizen presented Kyōka Suigetsu to everyone. Fog spread, illusions followed, and the entire Academy fell under the spell of his Shikai.
By the end of the day, from the most seasoned instructor to the newest student, the entire Spiritual Arts Academy everyone was under the sway of Kyōka Suigetsu.
What they saw, heard, felt, and sensed with their Reiatsu was no longer real.
It was only what Aizen allowed them to perceive.
"Congratulations to all teachers and students of the Spiritual Arts Academy,"
"Welcome to the Kyōka Suigetsu experience."
Ran En observed everything from the shadows.
While quietly congratulating his fellow students and teacherswhether they knew it or nothe also felt a sense of certainty.
The time was close.
Whether it was to exact retribution from the four noble houses for the ambush, or to move forward with the original plans he and Aizen had prepared, the wheels were turning.
Now, they just needed to waitfor the right moment to graduate early, and then move.
Elsewhere on campus, Shiba Isshinwho hadn't left the Academy yetalso saw what Aizen was doing.
"He really followed through on it," Isshin muttered with admiration.
"Aizen... you meant every word you said."
"Ran En. Aizen. If either of them had been born into the Shiba family…"
"There would be no question of restoring our name."
He exhaled quietly, proud and wistful.
Meanwhile, news of Aizen's actions quickly reached another pair of eyes.
In the First Division's Captain's Office, Yamamoto Genryūsai listened in silence as members of the First Division's special forces kneeled before him and reported.
And as he listened, a rare feeling crept over him:
Regret.
Yes.
Regret over the decision he made the night beforeto abandon his plan to mentor the Ran En brothers.
He had been moved by their talent.
But at the same time, he feared them.
Feared they might become the next "Sword Demons."
Feared the consequences of empowering beings too powerful, too fast.
And when the assassination attempt occurredan event riddled with noble house implicationshis caution had tipped the scales.
But now?
After hearing of Ran En's measured restraint... and Aizen's open demonstrations of Shikai across the school... Yamamoto wavered.
For the first time, he questioned whether he had made the right call.
"Sasakibe," he asked, turning to his loyal vice-captain, "do you think I made a mistake?"
Chōjirō Sasakibe bowed respectfully before answering:
"Captain, I understand your concern. You feared nurturing two Sword Demons with your own hands."
"But I believe just the opposite."
"Not accepting them into the First Division doesn't mean they'll become threats to Soul Society."
"And bringing them in may not hasten disasterbut prevent it."
"With the right guidance, perhaps they won't become Sword Demonsjust extraordinary Shinigami who uphold the law."
Yamamoto stroked his beard in thought.
"You're suggesting... if I had brought them into my command, they'd still grow strongerbut with proper direction?"
"That the same hand that could lead them astray... might instead be the one that keeps them just?"
Sasakibe nodded.
"Exactly. Being your student is just a title. But you're still the Captain-Commander. The founder of the Academy. Whether student or soldieryour guidance still matters."
"Unohana Retsu was once feared as a demon. And yet, you helped her change course."
Yamamoto's eyes narrowed slightly, then slowly softened.
"So even if I've lost the chance to be their teacher... I haven't lost the chance to lead them."
He stood.
"Very well. When the Ran En brothers graduate, if they've chosen no division, send them an invitation from me personally"
"To join the First Division."
"Let them take the seat soon to be vacated by Kuchiki Hibiki. The Sixth will claim him eventually, as their future captain."
"Under my eye, I will train them. Teach them zanjutsu, hakuda, shunpo, and Kidō. Let them grow powerful... but never dangerous."
Sasakibe nodded with pride.
"A wise choice, Captain-Commander."
But far away, in another division...
A different kind of attention was being paid.
In the Fifth Division barracks, Hirako Shinji, captain of the Fifth, stared at two files in his hand.
One bore the name Ran En.
The other Sōsuke Aizen.
He narrowed his eyes.
"Ran En, huh. He's interesting."
"But that Aizen..."
"Something's off. Real off."
He continued to read, brow furrowing further.