Seireitei, 1st Division.
Ever since ordering Ailin to go subdue Kōga Hoshino, Captain Commander Yamamoto and the other eleven Captains had all gathered in the 1st Division Captain's office.
As the supreme division among the 13 Court Guard Squads, 1st Division's Captain's office commanded the highest vantage point over almost half of Seireitei. From here, the commotion at 7th Division was also within their line of sight.
Although too far to see the exact battle, as Captain-class experts, they observed the fight more through sensing the clashes of Reiatsu between both sides.
Moreover, while the specifics weren't visible, even here at 1st Division, they could feel the tremendous destructive power behind those heaven-piercing slashes and raging dragon roars.
"Vice Captain Ailin's strength probably doesn't count as weak even among us." These words came from 3rd Division Captain, Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi.
Every Captain held absolute confidence in themselves. For one to say such words showed just how much they approved of Ailin. Especially that final release of Reiatsu from Ailin, as well as that sun-like orb of terror...
Perhaps only Sōya Kenpachi, who had fused with his Zanpakuto, saw this battle most clearly among them. When Ailin last released that Zanpakuto, Sōya oddly recalled that his Division seemed to have a Seated Officer whose Zanpakuto commanded light.
What was that kid's name again? Ah yes, Maki Ichinose!
He wondered if he could reach Vice Captain Ailin's level of power when he grew up in the future.
"The victor is decided."
After the mini sun dissipated, the Captains sensed Kōga’s Reiatsu drop to an extremely dangerous level. Clearly, beneath Ailin's final move, Kōga had suffered heavy injuries and lost all ability to resist.
"Everyone, Vice Captain Ailin has successfully subdued the traitor Kōga Hoshino. Let us go to the Captain's Assembly Hall first to await Vice Captain Ailin's arrival and hold a celebratory banquet for him."
"Yes, Captain Commander!"
Led by Captain Commander Yamamoto, the Captains headed towards the meeting hall. On the way there, 6th Division Captain Ginrei Kuchiki intentionally approached 2nd Division Captain Yoruichi Shihōin.
"Captain Shihōin, may I trouble you for a moment?"
"Oh?"
Yoruichi looked curiously at Ginrei Kuchiki before realization flashed in her eyes.
"Uncle Kuchiki jests. As my senior, it is only proper for this junior to accommodate your request."
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Indeed, in terms of seniority, Ginrei Kuchiki was of the same generation as Yoruichi's father. His age differed by less than a hundred years. Compared to Yoruichi being her father's only daughter, Ginrei had a son and daughter, a rather thriving family line.
Unfortunately, while Yoruichi's father only had her, Yoruichi had risen swiftly. In less than two hundred years, she took over as 2nd Division Captain and Family Head from her father, allowing him to retire early and enjoy life.
On the other hand, neither of Ginrei's children amounted to much, forcing him to shoulder the clan and 6th Division Captain duties alone. Now, despite being contemporaries, Yoruichi's father was still a robust middle-aged man while Ginrei was already decrepit with age...
With Kōga killing Sōjun, all that remained of the Kuchiki clan's Main Family was the weak Haruko.
Seeing his Vice Captain at the Kuchiki residence previously... Ginrei's intention in seeking her out was obvious even without saying anything. Sure enough, Ginrei spoke straight to the point, asking if Yoruichi could transfer Ailin over.
"Captain Shihōin, with 3rd Seat Kōga's rebellion, my 6th Division Vice Captain is dead, causing great damage to 6th Division's strength."
"Seeing 2nd Division's abundance of talents, I wish to ask Captain Shihōin for someone to take over my 6th Division's Vice Captain position. Does Captain Shihōin have any conditions?" Ginrei's words nearly made Yoruichi lose her composure.
Were the old geezers of this generation all so shameless?
The greatest losses from Kōga's rebellion should be 7th Division as the final battlefield, and 9th Division for gathering at the entrance of the Central 46 Compound right as the rebellion started.
While it was true that 6th Division lost a Vice Captain to Kōga, who in the 13 Divisions' upper echelon didn't know how Sōjun Kuchiki got that position?
At most, Sōjun's death just meant 6th Division lost a 4th or 5th Seat. With a more capable Vice Captain, their overall strength might even rise instead of falling greatly.
But...
Thinking of the Kuchiki clan's current state with only the aged Ginrei supporting them, Yoruichi didn't expose his lies either.
"Uncle Kuchiki, I'm sure you also know 2nd Division's special characteristics. Wanting our division members to transfer still needs the Captain Commander's approval."
Indeed, for other divisions, Captains only needed to nod for members to transfer or retire. But as the covert ops division, 2nd Division handled highly classified missions, even exposing members to secrets ordinary Shinigamis would never encounter in their lifetimes.
Especially the Stealth Force and Patrol Corps, unless holding other special identities, they could only serve for life in the division until old age or death in battle.
"Don't worry, as long as you give the word, I'll talk to the Captain Commander."
Well, since he had already said so much, Yoruichi was happy to let Ailin go.
"Then if Uncle Kuchiki can persuade that person and the Captain Commander, I have no issues."
***
Boom Boom Boom Boom Boom!
With Ailin's Heaven Piercing Sword at the center, everything within 300 meters was engulfed by countless dense laser beams. In the next moment, tremendous explosions bloomed into dozens of meters tall mushroom clouds.
The invisible shockwaves razed 7th Division flat as they rippled out from the mushroom clouds.
After the ash clouds dispersed, the only spot untouched was where Ailin stood. Everywhere else had become tens of meters deep craters.
Sensing Kōga’s Reiatsu, Ailin's figure flickered as he appeared at the crater bottom.
"Cough cough, cough cough..."
"Damn..."
Where was Kōga's previous arrogance now? His entire body had dozens of penetrating wounds. His left hand and half his torso were already blown apart. His vitality was barely hovering at the limit. It seemed like he could perish at any moment. No, not seemed. He truly was about to die!
Seeing the viciousness still present in Kōga's eyes, Ailin raised the Heaven Piercing Sword in his hand. White spirit particles converged at the sword's tip, gathering into a beam that shot towards Kōga's head.
Whoosh!