With the aid of Kyōka Suigetsu, Ailin's clone seamlessly assumed the role of Captain Aizen, his true identity remaining a secret within the Fifth Division.

Meanwhile, the real Ailin found himself in a rather perplexing situation.

"Haruko, I'm fine. It's just an arm, not a big deal," Ailin reassured his wife.

His left arm, now transformed into the clone impersonating Aizen, was irretrievable until the "Sōsuke Aizen" storyline had run its course. This was his agreement with the Soul King.

To maintain appearances, Ailin altered the way he wore his captain's haori, draping it over his shoulders like a cape, similar to Captain-Commander Yamamoto's style. This effectively concealed the absence of his arm from others.

However, as his wife, Haruko Kuchiki could not be deceived.

"How can you be fine when you've lost an arm?" Haruko asked, tearfully. "Ailin-kun, I finally understand... I'm nothing but a burden to you. If you hadn't given me Avalon, you wouldn't have lost your arm."

"Haruko, I haven't lost my arm," Ailin sighed, deciding to reveal a portion of the truth to ease her worries.

"I have merely gambled this left arm on the future. If all goes well, it will return within a hundred years."

Kaien Shiba had joined the Thirteenth Division, his strength and charisma earning him the position of vice-captain. If everything proceeded as expected, he would marry Miyako within a few years.

That meant, in roughly seventy years, Ichigo Kurosaki, the protagonist of the Shinigami world, would arrive in the Seireitei.

However, this future hinged on Ailin's ability to create the "Vasto Lorde" within fifty years.

If he failed, Masaki Kurosaki would never be infected by the Vasto Lorde, Isshin Shiba would not abandon his Shinigami powers, and the storyline of Bleach would crumble.

Ailin had given himself thirty years.

If he couldn't create the Vasto Lorde within that timeframe, he would consider negotiating with Aizen, allowing him to create it while Ailin maintained a non-interference agreement, similar to his arrangement with Tōsen.

But whether Aizen would accept such an offer remained uncertain.

It took Ailin a considerable amount of time to finally comfort Haruko.

However, his statement about "gambling his left arm on the future" spread through the Shinigami Women's Association.

Ordinary Shinigami couldn't fathom how Captain Ailin had lost his arm.

But the captains knew. They remembered the night when the world seemed on the brink of destruction, the night when Captain Ailin unleashed his reiatsu.

Afterward, the crisis subsided, and Captain Ailin emerged with a missing arm.

They speculated that perhaps, on that fateful night, Captain Ailin had sacrificed his left arm to prevent the world's demise.

This realization seemed to bring about a subtle change in the way the other captains regarded Ailin, a newfound respect evident in their interactions.

...

"Ah, ahhhhh..."

Before Ailin, a Shinigami clutched his throat, his body convulsing as a white substance oozed from his mouth, eyes, and nose.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

His eyes transformed into black voids, two crimson dots replacing his pupils.

With a guttural roar, the Hollowfied Shinigami lunged towards Ailin.

"Hmm?"

Ailin's eyes gleamed with interest as he observed the Hollow's movements.

He recalled Isshin Shiba's words during his battle with the Vasto Lorde – it felt less like fighting a Hollow and more like battling a Shinigami.

The Hollow before him displayed a rudimentary understanding of swordsmanship.

Could this be the initial form of the "Vasto Lorde"?

Was he truly this talented in research?

However, as Ailin glanced at the incomplete Hōgyoku in his hand, realization dawned.

The Hōgyoku's ability was to manifest the "desires" of those around it.

After defeating Aizen, Ailin had claimed this half-formed Hōgyoku as a trophy.

And naturally, as Ailin frequently carried it, the Hōgyoku had primarily absorbed his desires.

Under the influence of the Hōgyoku's power, the initial form of the Vasto Lorde had been successfully created.

Now, all that remained was to allow the Vasto Lorde to devour more Shinigami, instill within it the "combat instincts" of a Shinigami, and gradually nurture it to reach the level of a Vasto Lorde.

"Heh, what a pleasant surprise."

Ailin effortlessly dispatched the Hollowfied Shinigami, carefully collecting the Vasto Lorde's reishi before departing.

The greatest hurdle had been overcome. Now, it was time for Aizen's performance!

...

"Cough, cough..."

Within the Kuchiki Manor, Byakuya Kuchiki had been absent from the Sixth Division for an extended period.

It was the twelfth year of his marriage to Hisana Kuchiki, and her soul was nearing its end.

Hisana was so frail that even walking a few steps required Byakuya's support. Her coughs were frequent, and the white cloth covering her mouth was stained with blood.

"Hisana, how are you feeling?" Byakuya’s face was etched with worry during this period. He now understood why his uncle Ailin had chosen to leave the family.

The conflicting desires to be with his loved one while also distancing himself for her sake were agonizing.

"Byakuya-sama, I'm sorry... It seems I cannot accompany you any longer," Hisana said, offering him a weak smile.

"No, Hisana," Byakuya shook his head.

"Wait here, I'll go find Uncle Ailin."

"With Uncle Ailin here, you'll be alright."

Byakuya helped Hisana to a pavilion in the courtyard, intending to seek Ailin's assistance. However, as he turned to leave, Hisana grabbed his hand.

"There's no need, Byakuya," Hisana shook her head with a smile. "Don't trouble Uncle Ailin. If not for his help all these years, I would have perished four years ago. I am content with the extra four years I've had with you, Byakuya-sama. But please forgive my selfishness. Even with so little time remaining, I wish to have you all to myself..."

"No, Hisana, it is I who have been selfish," Byakuya embraced Hisana and closed his eyes.

Hisana's condition had deteriorated to the point where she could pass away at any moment.

Uncle Ailin had warned him of the consequences of staying with Hisana, yet he had selfishly kept her by his side. Perhaps this was his punishment.

"By the way, Byakuya-sama..."

"I..."

"Fall in love – Void Bandage."

A white bandage materialized between Byakuya and Hisana. A green light enveloped Hisana, her body rapidly healing.

However, as the green light dimmed, Hisana's condition continued to worsen.

Seeing this situation, Ailin maintained the release of Void Bandage.

"Uncle Ailin."

Seeing Ailin, Byakuya felt a surge of hope.

"Byakuya, you see Hisana's condition. Go and prepare what needs to be prepared. I will stabilize her condition and have a few words with her."

"But..."

Byakuya glanced at Hisana, suspended in mid-air and enveloped by the white bandage.

"Go, Byakuya-sama," Hisana said. "With Uncle Ailin here, I will be fine for now."

"Alright, Hisana. Wait for me."

Byakuya nodded at Hisana and left to make arrangements for her funeral.

"Uncle Ailin," Hisana greeted him. "Please forgive me. In my current state, I cannot properly show my respect."

"No need for formalities," Ailin waved his hand dismissively. "In all your years in the Kuchiki family, have you ever seen me care for such meaningless customs?"

"Haha, as Byakuya-sama's wife, my every action reflects upon him. You may not care, Uncle Ailin, but I must not disgrace Byakuya-sama by neglecting proper etiquette."

Ailin nodded slightly. Hisana was right.

Byakuya, as the head of the Kuchiki clan, was a role model for all nobles within the Seireitei, embodying the rules of nobility. Any lapse in etiquette on Hisana's part would indeed tarnish Byakuya's reputation.

"Hisana, I must admit, Byakuya is fortunate to have you as his wife. You have fulfilled your duties as the mistress of the Kuchiki family admirably."

Hisana smiled, a sense of relief washing over her. She had always sensed Ailin's subtle disapproval of her. But to receive his acknowledgment before her death eased a burden from her heart.

"By the way, Hisana," Ailin continued. "This year, a new student named Rukia enrolled in the Shin'ō Academy."

Seeing Hisana's current state, Ailin sighed and decided to share the news.

"What? Rukia?"

As expected, Hisana's expression changed drastically upon hearing the name.

"Uncle Ailin, this Rukia..."

"Yes, she bears a striking resemblance to you," Ailin confirmed.

"I intend to visit the Shin'ō Academy tomorrow and take this child named Rukia as my disciple. I will bring her to live in the Kuchiki family. What do you think?"