"A dead genius is not a genius."
"Only the living ones can be praised by Yamamoto Genryūsai. The dead are forgotten."
"Just like the first generation captains of the Gotei 13. Wouldn't you agree, Chief Kuchiki?"
Tsunayashiro Tokinada's voice was calm and fearless, even while invoking the name of the most powerful Shinigami in a thousand years.
Not even Yamamoto Genryūsai could stop him from acting as he pleased.
After all, even the Captain Commander served under the rule of Central 46.
And what was Central 46?
A council made up of nobles and elders. A place where people like Tokinada reigned behind the scenes.
Among nobles, who stood higher than the Tsunayashiro clan?
No one. Not even the Kuchiki.
"If they really possess fragments of the Spirit King, you know what has to be done," Kuchiki Ginrei said without acknowledging the comment about the Gotei's first generation.
"Of course. We four noble families are united in this," Tokinada replied, his tone slightly amused. "What I gain, I will share."
"For years, we have quietly worked together to eliminate Shinigami touched by the Spirit King's remnants. You know I'm committed."
"Even if word gets out, I'll take the blame. You will remain the noble and untarnished head of the Kuchiki clan. Your name will stay clean."
His words revealed a chilling truth.
This wasn't the first time they had done this.
The conversation ended there. They held each other's gaze in silence for a few moments, then Tokinada quietly disappeared, fading into the air like mist.
Ginrei stood alone in the courtyard, sipping tea.
"It's a shame."
"My daughter is already engaged to Xianghe. I've made the request. If I keep Ran En close, Shi Tan would be thrown into chaos."
"If only you were born earlier, Ran En. I would have married you into the Kuchiki family. I would have done everything in my power to protect you, even groomed you to be the next Yamamoto Genryūsai. You, and Aizen too."
His murmur was almost inaudible, fading like dust in the wind.
At the same time, elsewhere in the Soul Society.
In the office of the First Division, Yamamoto Genryūsai stood beside his lieutenant Jūshirō Ukitake, discussing the very same brothers.
"No sealed state. Created Zanpakutō independently."
"Learned Shikai in an instant."
"Mastered all Kidō under number sixty in minutes, then practiced several high-tier spells from memory."
Yamamoto Genryūsai's aged face remained steady, but his voice carried the weight of genuine awe.
"From your report, Ran En is more talented than even Shunsui."
Jūshirō Ukitake nodded.
"And Aizen, while overshadowed, is no less extraordinary."
"In terms of combat potential, he's on par with Shunsui. But Ran En's overwhelming presence keeps him hidden."
"With all due respect, Teacher, if you're considering taking on a disciple again… you might not have much time."
"Based on what I've seen, Ran En will master Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hohō, and Kidō within three months. He'll be ready to graduate."
Yamamoto Genryūsai's eyes opened slightly at that.
"So soon?"
"Maybe even sooner," Ukitake replied.
That sealed it.
"I'll go myself," the Captain Commander said.
Jūshirō Ukitake was stunned.
Even when recruiting Shunsui and himself, Yamamoto Genryūsai hadn't gone in person. They had been summoned and brought before him.
Now, he couldn't wait.
He was afraid that if he delayed even a day, these two brothers would surpass what the academy could teach and fly beyond his reach.
At the same time.
Ran En and Aizen returned to their dorms after a long day.
As first-class students, their accommodations were more like private suites than traditional dormitories.
Ran En placed a hand on the doorknob.
Click.
The door opened with a soft sound.
But before he could step inside, his eyes narrowed.
His Reiatsu sense flared.
There was something inside.
He hadn't detected anything before, but the moment the door opened, a hidden spiritual presence suddenly surfaced.
"Kidō barrier," Ran En muttered.
He understood immediately.
What appeared to be a normal dorm room had been concealed under a high-level Kidō enchantment.
Someone had laid a trap.
A moment later, the trap activated.
Waves of strange light rose up, warping the space around him. The air shimmered like heat over pavement.
In a flash, the scenery changed.
His dorm was gone.
What replaced it was a cold, shadowy void.
Ten figures stood before him.
Each cloaked head to toe in black, their faces hidden. The only visible features were their Zanpakutōs, glinting in the dim light.
Ran En's expression didn't change, but his eyes sharpened.
"Kidō Forbidden Technique."
"Spatial Transfer."
"High-tier Kidō."
None of this was within the reach of ordinary Shinigami.
Even most nobles didn't have the resources to perform a spatial Kidō of this level, let alone infiltrate the dorm of a top student.
There was only one group capable of this.
"The Four Great Houses."
Ran En's Reiatsu began to stir.
Memories of Aizen's warning echoed in his mind.
They were watching.
Waiting.
Planning.
And now, they had made their move.
"Bakudō #61: Rikujōkōrō."
"Bakudō #62: Hyappo Rankan."
"Bakudō #63: Sajō Sabaku."
"Bakudō #75: Gochūtekkan."
"Bakudō #79: Kuyō Shibari."
Incantations were being recited in the distance.
Multiple spells.
Layered sealing Kidō.
All aimed at suppressing him.
Ran En remained calm.
But his Kidō, his Kendo, his Reiatsu…
They had already started to stir.
They had no intention of being suppressed.