After class, Aizen carried his Zanpakutō and made his way to other classrooms, just as he had done in front of Shiba Isshin and the others.
When he stated his intent, every class reacted with astonishment—quickly replaced by joy and heartfelt gratitude. Each student sat upright, their eyes full of reverence and anticipation, ready to receive the full "Kyōka Suigetsu experience."
It was a meal no one left hungry from.
In just one afternoon, while the Spiritual Arts Academy appeared unchanged on the surface, every teacher and student, without exception, had fallen under Kyōka Suigetsu's spell.
Everything they saw, heard, smelled, touched—even their Reiatsu perception—was precisely what Aizen wanted them to perceive.
"Congratulations to all the teachers and students of the Spiritual Arts Academy. Welcome to the Kyōka Suigetsu package."
Ran Yan witnessed it all.
While silently congratulating his peers and instructors, he also knew: the time was coming.
Whether it was reclaiming what was owed after last night's ambush or executing the long-laid plans he and Aizen had devised—it was all approaching.
All that remained was time to ferment the events and the opportunity for early graduation.
"Aizen... he really did it. He followed through."
"If only someone like Ran Yan or Aizen had been born into the Shiba clan... we'd never worry about reviving it."
Shiba Isshin, who hadn't yet left the Academy, also observed Aizen's every move.
Seeing this student—one who had merely taken his class—so perfectly align his actions with his words, filled Isshin with admiration.
He praised the youth while quietly sighing.
Elsewhere, Aizen's actions reached another person who had once considered taking both brothers into his own fold.
Inside the First Division captain's office, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni listened to a kneeling special forces operative from Squad One deliver their report.
A rare feeling surfaced:
Regret.
Yes.
For the first time, he regretted his decision to not bring the Ran Yan brothers into the First Division.
It had been driven by fear—of their overwhelming potential. A fear that they might become the next "Sword Demons," like Zaraki Kenpachi. That they might follow the wrong path.
Add to that the prior night's attack and the political undercurrents within the Four Noble Houses.
The convergence of these factors made Yamamoto step back from his original intention.
But now, learning of their recent actions and conversations, he began to question that choice.
"Sasakibe, do you think I made a mistake?"
The old man turned to his loyal vice-captain, Chōjirō Sasakibe.
"Captain, your concern was rooted in caution. You didn't want to unintentionally nurture future threats to Soul Society."
"But I don't believe Ran Yan or Aizen will become threats."
"They may be powerful, but power doesn't inherently lead to corruption. It can just as easily support order."
"You feared becoming an accomplice in their rise. But have you considered that you could also be a force guiding them onto the right path?"
Yamamoto remained silent.
Sasakibe continued:
"If you had taken them in, they would not only grow faster under your wing but likely with more balance. They wouldn't need to stumble and self-correct like you once did."
Yamamoto slowly nodded.
"You're saying that even without a formal master-disciple bond, I could still offer guidance as headmaster and Captain-Commander."
"Just like with Unohana Retsu."
Sasakibe smiled. "Exactly."
Yamamoto thought back to the notorious villain-turned-heroine of the Soul Society.
He had never been her teacher, but under his watch, she transformed from a feared killer to the noble healer and Kenpachi she became.
Perhaps, even now, there was time.
"Then here's the plan," Yamamoto said, eyes gleaming with renewed purpose.
"When the Ran Yan brothers graduate, if they haven't selected a division, you will extend the First Division's invitation on my behalf."
"They can replace Kuchiki Hibiki, who'll be moving to the Sixth Division soon anyway."
"Let's guide them with clarity and strength."
Sasakibe nodded deeply. "Understood."