Staring at Ran Yan's departing figure, the Shinigami around him felt their perception of him deepen.
He was no longer just a once-in-a-millennium genius from the Spiritual Arts Academy. He had become something more—an older brother willing to defy captain authority, to graduate early, to step forward and challenge a captain in defense of his sibling.
That figure stood tall. Heroic.
Almost… comparable to the humility and greatness of Aizen.
Aizen was revered, but distant. He was high above—like a star that could only be admired from afar.
But Ran Yan—he was real, present, human.
And still, so powerful.
Kyoraku Shunsui watched him with a complicated gaze.
Once, he too had an older brother.
"What a mess," Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni muttered gravely. "I never thought I'd see the day when a captain of Gotei 13 would stoop to becoming a petty tyrant. Hirako Shinji... has disgraced himself."
"Shunsui, what's your take on this?"
The old general asked with a deep sigh.
Shunsui responded calmly. "Let them resolve it themselves, Master Yamamoto. In the end, the Fifth Division will still have a captain."
Though it sounded neutral, Shunsui's support was clear. He had already chosen his side—and it was Ran Yan's.
"Captain Isshin," Yamamoto turned to Shiba Isshin next. "You were present. What's your judgment?"
Isshin didn't hesitate.
"Captain Hirako behaved dishonorably. Ran Yan avoided conflict, tolerated pressure, and only retaliated when there was no choice. He's in the right."
If Shunsui was subtle, Isshin was blunt. He made it obvious whose side he was on.
Yamamoto turned toward Unohana Yachirū.
"Captain Unohana?"
"I am the captain of the medical division," she answered gently. "My priority is to ensure healing and rescue. My only promise is that I'll do everything possible to make sure this duel has blood… but no corpse."
Her soft tone did not disguise the weight of her words.
Yamamoto Genryūsai fell silent for a long moment.
Blood but no corpse.
So be it.
Let the duel proceed.
As long as Gotei 13's power and structure remained intact, he would allow this matter to be settled on the battlefield.
"Captain, I'll take my leave. The infirmary calls," Isshin said with a sly smile.
He didn't mention that he also had two hundred Shinigami from the Academy preparing to march on the Fifth Division in support of Ran Yan.
He wouldn't let Hirako turn this duel into a farce by evacuating his entire team beforehand.
Meanwhile, in the Fifth Division, Hirako Shinji was indeed preparing.
He had dismissed all officers and members of his squad.
Only Vice-Captain Sarugaki Hiyori remained.
"You're seriously doing this?" Hiyori growled. "You're the captain. Are you really afraid of a kid who's only trained for a month?"
"You're not even going to fight in front of your squad? What are you scared of?"
Hiyori had been at the Zanjutsu Hall that day. She had seen Ran Yan's overwhelming power. She had also investigated the Lan brothers afterward.
The results?
Aizen—the kind and composed younger brother—was admired by the entire Spiritual Arts Academy.
Ran Yan—the fierce, protective elder brother—had challenged an entire system to protect his sibling.
And Hirako?
He had behaved like a petty villain.
Hiyori saw it. She resented it.
But Shinji ignored her disapproval.
"Scared? No," he said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I simply want him to understand the massive gap between talent and true power."
He paused.
"He's here."
Ran Yan approached the Fifth Division compound.
As he arrived, Hirako and Hiyori stepped through the doors.
"Apologies," Hirako said smoothly. "Busy day. No flowers or fanfare. It's just me and the vice-captain. Hope you don't mind."
"Not at all," Ran Yan replied with a smile. He glanced around the empty compound and instantly understood what was happening.
"Captain Hirako, is this your final trick?"
"What a disappointment."
"I came hoping to let you walk away with some dignity."
His tone was polite. But the chill in his words was sharp enough to cut stone.
Shinji's smile twisted. "Student Ran Yan—oh wait, you're a Shinigami now. In that case, mind your tone when addressing a captain of Gotei."
Ran Yan didn't flinch.
"This will be the last time I address you as Captain Hirako."
"After today, you'll have no place in the Fifth Division."
Shinji scoffed. "Come say that again—after you gather 200 Shinigami to support you."
Ran Yan chuckled.
"It seems you really don't want to be decent."
"So be it."
"If you won't leave with dignity..."
"I'll help you leave with it."