"I can't even use Bankai..."
"It's no wonder His Excellency, the Captain-Commander, values him so much—and still regrets missing the chance to take him as a disciple due to momentary hesitation."
"To defeat a guard captain without even giving him the chance to use Bankai... What level of strength is that?"
Chōjirō Sasakibe looked at Hirako Shinji, who lay in a pool of blood, powerless. Then he looked at Ran Yan—calmly chatting and laughing, as if he hadn't just crushed a captain-level opponent.
This was more than just a physical defeat.
It was a twofold domination:
Shinigami versus Shinigami—Ran Yan was superior.
Zanpakutō versus Zanpakutō—Shokuyami (Candle Shadow) was beyond comparison to Sakanade.
"When I was at the Spiritual Arts Academy, I saw it clearly..."
"He's incredibly strong."
"His Zanpakutō is unlike any other, and this isn't even its final form."
Unohana Yachiryu, the First Generation Kenpachi, fixed her gaze on the sheathed Shokuyami at Ran Yan's waist.
With her deep insight, she knew even from the first time she saw Shokuyami that it was no ordinary blade.
[Your Zanpakutō is very pleased you used it to humiliate a guard captain. As a result, it has evolved the Shikai during your Bankai training and unlocked its ultimate form: "Heaven and Earth, I Alone Shine."]
After effortlessly defeating Hirako Shinji, Ran Yan received more than just awe and admiration.
Shokuyami had rewarded him.
"The ultimate pattern of the Shining Candle?"
"Even as a Shikai ability, it surpasses most Bankai in power..."
Ran Yan was impressed. With that one ability alone, he didn't need to use any other aspects of Zanjutsu, Hakuda, or even other forms of Shokuyami's power.
Just then, a broken voice sounded behind him.
"Ran... Yan!"
Hirako Shinji, barely able to lift his head, called out.
"Is there something else, Captain Hirako?"
"Oh! Sorry, you're no longer the captain of the Fifth Division. So please, don't address me by name so casually."
Ran Yan glanced over his shoulder at the bloodied and kneeling man.
"Stop with the act."
"I hate you."
"If you don't kill me today, I swear I'll kill you one day."
Hirako grinned, blood on his lips.
Ran Yan only laughed.
"What's so funny?"
Hirako Shinji was genuinely confused by his reaction.
No retaliation. No anger.
Ran Yan's eyes weren't even filled with disdain.
There was... indifference.
"Hirako Shinji."
"I've never seen you as an opponent."
"You were a guard captain. Now you're nothing more than a defeated dog."
"Whether you glare at me, curse me, or vow vengeance—it's meaningless."
"You're no longer qualified."
With that, Ran Yan turned away and walked through the barrier that Shiba Isshin had laid down with his full strength.
And yet, it parted for him like mist—an unworthy obstacle.
"I thought you'd go back and kill him."
"Glad you didn't act on impulse."
Shiba Isshin smiled, believing Ran Yan had taken his advice.
At least, it showed he still respected Isshin as a teacher—even if just a substitute for a few classes.
"Even if he's a former captain, killing him is a waste."
"Besides, he wanted to die at my hands a hundred years too soon."
Ran Yan shook his head.
Kill Hirako Shinji?
Why waste good material?
A former Fifth Division captain—how many of those could be used in experiments?
Aizen would be disappointed if Ran Yan ruined such valuable research fodder.
Over the past month, Ran Yan had seen astonishing growth:
Shokuyami was on the verge of mastering Bankai.
Reiatsu had reached twelve chariots.
Hadō and Bakudō below number 80 could now be cast without incantation—without losing power.
Zanjutsu had become an original style of its own after studying Unohana Yachiryu.
Hakuda was on par, if not stronger, than even Shihouin Yoruichi.
Shunpo was second only to her as well.
Ran Yan was a monster—but Aizen was not far behind.
Three days ago, Kyōka Suigetsu had allowed Aizen to freely enter nearly all research departments within Seireitei—including the Technology Development Bureau.
Only the Great Spirit Book Hall was still beyond reach.
With the knowledge acquired, Aizen had already begun preparations for the Hollowfication experiments.
And Hirako Shinji?
He would become the first sample.
If Ran Yan or Shokuyami could not evolve beyond Shinigami limits...
Then yes—Hōgyoku would be required.
And they had two.
To unlock that future, the contributions of a former captain like Hirako Shinji were essential.
Killing him would've been nothing short of sabotage.